Fantasy sports company Dream11 recently shut down its real-money games after the central government passed the Online Gaming Bill 2025 in both houses of the parliament. They have now initiated discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that it won’t be able to continue as the lead sponsor of the Blue Brigade ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which is going to begin on September 09. 

Dream11 has a deal of INR 358 with the BCCI from 2023-26. Between them, Dream11 and My11Circle contribute nearly INR 1000 crore to the BCCI through the sponsorship of the Indian teams and the Indian Premier League (IPL). The BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, has given an update on that.

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“Looking at the current situation and keeping in mind that the bill has become an act, it would be really difficult for BCCI to continue with Dream11. So, the association with Dream11 is over, and BCCI will look for the future course of action (new sponsor).” Saikia expressed during a recent interaction.

Devajit Saikia provides update on new sponsorship ahead of Asia Cup 2025

The Dream11 firm isn’t going to face any penalty as the ongoing contract has a clause that protects the sponsor if the business faces a ban from the government. They don’t have to make any further payments to the BCCI for the remainder of the contract.

“We have always been a law-abiding company and have always conducted our business in compliance with the law. While we believe that progressive law would have been the way forward, we will respect the law and fully comply with the 'Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025.” The former title sponsor of the Indian side stated, as quoted by Sports Tak.

“The writing was always on the cards once the real money gaming was banned in the bill. That itself accounts for at least 90% of the revenue of all major players in the fantasy market.” The fantasy gaming industry shed light, as reported by the PTI. “The next interesting phase will be what My11Circle, which pays Rs 125 crore annually to BCCI for being the official fantasy partner of IPL, does?”

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shared an emotional note for India’s long-time number three Test batter, Cheteshwar Pujara, who tried to fill the huge shoes of Rahul Dravid at number three but couldn’t get the required consistency with the bat in the longest format. Pujara, who played his last red-ball clash for the nationals ide in June 2023, retired from all forms of Indian cricket.

The BCCI looked back on his famous 2018/19 BGT series against Australia down under, where Pujara’s contribution of 521 runs in four games, facing more than 1200 balls, was a huge contributor with the bat, His 56 runs in Brisbane 2021 on the next trip displayed his skills of resilience and laid foundation for their series victory.

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“Cheteshwar Pujara’s career is a shining example of perseverance and selflessness. He personified the spirit of Test cricket. His ability to grind opposition attacks and his immense powers of concentration made him the bulwark of India’s batting.” The BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, expressed on the 37-year-old.

BCCI secretary shares special message for Cheteshwar Pujara

The veteran, who made his debut in late 2010 against Australia, finished as the eighth leading run-getter of the national side in the longest format with 7195 runs at an average of 43.60, thanks to 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. His legacy will remain clear, having continuously played under pressure against classical attacks.

“He showed that it was possible to succeed at the highest level while staying true to traditional values of the game. His commitment to Indian cricket, both at the international and domestic levels, has been outstanding. We thank him for everything he has given to the game and to the country.” Saikia shed light on that emotional note.

“I would like to thank the BCCI and Saurashtra Cricket Association for the opportunity and support through my cricket career. I am equally grateful to all the teams, franchises, and counties I have been able to represent over the years.” The Rajkot-born said in the message he shared on his social media accounts. During the recent five-match away series in England, Pujara worked as an expert on multiple networks.

Just a few weeks before the start of the Asia Cup 2025, the million-dollar question is whether India will take on Pakistan in the multi-side event. The Pahalgam terror attack has strained the fragile political situation between the two countries. Post that, India Champions withdrew their clash against the Green Brigade during the recent WLC 2025. 

The two-arch rivals are scheduled to meet on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in a Group A fixture. Meanwhile, the Indian Sports Ministry has revealed that they would play Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 and all the upcoming international events.

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"India’s Policy Towards International Sporting Events. India’s approach to sports events involving Pakistan reflects its overall policy in dealing with that country. So far as bilateral sports events in each other’s country are concerned, Indian teams will not be participating in competitions in Pakistan. Nor will we permit Pakistani teams to play in India.” The Indian Sports Ministry issues a statement.  

India to play Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 as Indian Sports Ministry gives green light

Even before this update, the BCCI and PCB had already come to a mutual agreement where it was revealed that both sides would face each other in international events only in neutral venues. That’s why the Asia Cup 2025 fixture will take place in Dubai despite the Blue Brigade being the official hosts of the competition.

🚨 INDIAN GOVERNMENT DECISION ON PLAYING CRICKET WITH PAKISTAN 🚨 pic.twitter.com/vITvPZm9SR

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) August 21, 2025

“About international & multilateral events, in India or abroad, we are guided by the practices of international sports bodies and the interests of our sportspersons. It is also relevant to take into account India's emergence as a credible venue to host international sports events. Accordingly, Indian teams and individual players will take part in international events that also have teams or players from Pakistan.” The Indian Sports Ministry added.  

“Similarly, Pakistani players and teams will be able to participate in such multilateral events hosted by India. To position India as a preferred destination for hosting international sporting events, the visa process for sportspersons, team officials, technical personnel, and office-bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies shall be simplified.” It has been addressed.  

Dr Vece Paes, who was part of the Indian hockey side winning the bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics, has passed away on the morning of August 14. He was 80 years old and also the father of the Olympic bronze medal-winning tennis ace, Leander Paes. He was also suffering from the advanced stage of Parkinson’s disease and was admitted to the city hospital.

Vece played as a midfielder in the Indian hockey side before wearing several hats in a long association with the sport. Known for his special abilities in football, cricket, rugby, and serving as the president of the Indian Rugby Football Union from 1996 to 2002, the veteran was instrumental in managing the Asian Cricket Council and the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s anti-doping management.

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“My father is also my best friend. When I was growing up, dad and I would watch Brazil playing in the World Cup together.” Leander expressed during an old interview where he shared some of his fondest memories with his father from the past.

Vece Peas passes away at the age of 80 after suffering from Parkinson’s disease

During the recorded video of the news channel, Vece surprised his son after he won the mixed doubles title during the Australian Open in 2010. Back then, there were discussions of Leander retiring from sports.

“People keep asking when you’re going to retire, but already in 2009, you’ve won two Grand Slam men’s doubles titles and reached the finals of two mixed doubles events. In 2010, you had already won the Australian Open mixed doubles title. You’ve impressed us, and I’m sure you’re going to do well in tournaments like the Commonwealth Games and London Olympics.” The senior Paes addressed during an interview.

“The question I have here for you is, only you know when you’re going to retire from tennis. So when is that going to happen? Can you give us a hint? But more importantly, what are you going to do post-tennis? Is it going to be diplomacy? Then I feel sorry for all the diplomats out there, once you use your charm on them,” Vece pulled his son’s leg after Leander’s diplomatic winner’s speech. 

Recently, the clash between India and Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) had been called off by the organizers after several Indian players pulled out of the encounter on the eve of the game, due to the recent political disturbances between the two neighboring nations. Pakistan’s former captain, Shahid Afridi, was critical of the opponent’s decision as he had found former opener Salman Butt to partner him in the controversy.

The Pakistan batter has thrown a challenge to the Indian side to maintain the same stance in high-profile events like the World Cups and the ICC events in the future. Salman made these comments on the YouTube channel as he questioned what the players wanted to prove by this decision.

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‘The whole world is talking about them - what message have they sent to cricket as a whole and to the fans? What are you trying to show? What are you trying to prove? Now don't play in the World Cup...don't play against us in any ICC tournament. Make this a promise. See, we understand that everything has its place.’ Salman expressed this during a video he posted on his YouTube channel.

Salman Butt challenges India to cancel World Cup events against Pakistan  

‘But now that you are interlinking, don't play against us at any level or tournament. Not even the Olympics. Please do that. I would love to see. The stakes would be high, and I'd see how much nationalism they can show at that level.’ The former opening batter of the Green Brigade addressed in the same video.

The decision came after icons like Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, and Yusuf Pathan announced their decision to pull out of the clash against Pakistan. Even though these seemed to be personal decisions, Butt reflected that a few put pressure on and influenced the other to skip the encounter.

‘What is this mindset? I just can't understand. Who is making this decision? Those 4-5 people who decided not to play, because of them, others, who probably had the mindset to play, felt pressured. Keep this intact, because we will keep reminding them of this.’ The former captain of the Pakistan side reiterated the challenge for the Blue Brigade.

The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season was filled with unforgettable moments that captivated fans across the globe. From scintillating fireworks from the batting powerhouses to RCB clinching their maiden IPL title, the most recent IPL was infused with a lot of spice. However, a few of those moments have stood out the most and will forever remain etched in the memories of the ardent cricket fans. 

To revisit these euphoric moments, we bring you a list of the top 10 memorable moments from the 2025 IPL edition. 

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RCB end their 17-year-long drought

This moment will certainly go down as the most memorable moment in the history of the entire IPL, let alone the previous edition. On the eve of the IPL 2025 Final, it all came together for RCB. With both RCB and PBKS chasing their maiden IPL title, the former trumped PBKS in a thrilling run chase and got over the line by six runs. All the years of heartbreak, trolls, and criticism were put to an end. RCB posted a formidable score of 190 batting first, with Kohli being the leading run scorer, scoring 43 (35). PBKS' onslaught was aggressive, and at one stage it seemed that they would get through. Despite Shashank's blazing cameo of 61 (30), RCB were able to hold them back and restrict them seven runs short of their desired target to script history in Ahmedabad. 

Vaibhav Suryavanshi's record-breaking ton against GT

The 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi made an immediate impact while making his debut this season. He became the youngest player to feature in the cash-rich league. Although he had a modest outing in his debut game against LSG, scoring 34 runs off 20 balls. However, the teenager saved his best till the end and did what no expert would have expected him to do at such a tender age. During RR's clash with GT, Suryavanshi blasted it to all parts and notched up a thundering century (101 off 38 balls) against the Titans, to become not only the fastest Indian to score an IPL century, but also the second fastest of all time. That knock personified his legacy and highlighted his potential as a future cricketing star.

Abhishek Sharma's Explosive 141

Abhishek Sharma's remarkable innings of 141 runs from merely 55 balls against PBKS on April 12, 2025, is regarded as one of the most unforgettable performances in IPL history. The swashbuckling hitter set a new benchmark by becoming the highest individual scorer as an Indian player in IPL history. His breathtaking knock featured 10 sixes and 14 fours, propelling Sunrisers Hyderabad to a successful chase of 246. He joined hands with Travis Head at the top of the order and registered a robust 171-run opening stand to lay a foundation for a solid finish, completing the second-highest run chase in IPL history with nine balls to spare. This innings also became the third-highest individual score in the league's history.

Heinrich Klaasen's Blistering Century

Heinrich Klaasen's explosive innings of 105* off just 39 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 25, 2025, stands as one of the most remarkable performances in IPL history. This blistering knock not only propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to a commanding total but also etched Klaasen's name in the record books. Heinrich Klaasen showcased his incredible power-hitting prowess and reached his century in a matter of just 37 balls, becoming the joint third-fastest centurion in IPL history, matching the record held by Chris Gayle and Yusuf Pathan. His whirlwind knock included seven fours and nine sixes as SRH posted their second-highest-ever IPL total of 278/3. KKR were crushed on the back of a scintillating ton from Klaasen and lost that game by a colossal margin of 110 runs.

Priyansh Arya's Rapid 39-Ball Century

Priyansh Arya proved to be a dynamite for his side in this year's IPL edition. The young PBKS batter made headlines by scoring a 39-ball century against CSK, becoming the third-fastest Indian to achieve this feat. It was also his maiden IPL century. His aggressive style of batting was put on show as he went hard at the vulnerable CSK bowlers. He began the innings with a six off the very first ball, setting the tone for a high-octane performance. He reached his century in 39 balls, making it the joint-fourth fastest in IPL history and the fastest by an uncapped Indian player. His blistering knock included seven fours and nine sixes, propelling Punjab Kings to a formidable total of 219/6 in 20 overs, the highest at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium.

Lowest score of 111 defended

In a league that is known to show no mercy on the bowlers, PBKS did the unthinkable. Playing against KKR, PBKS' batting capitulated as they were folded for a meager 111 inside the 16th over. What should have been a stroll in the park turned out to be an absolute horror show for KKR. The bowlers came to the rescue as PBKS were able to snatch a miraculous win whilst defending this paltry score.  While doing so, PBKS set a record for defending the lowest score in the history of IPL, surpassing the previous record of 116 runs defended by CSK against Kings XI Punjab in the 2009 season.

SRH's record-breaking total against RR

SRH set a new benchmark early on in the season by posting the second-highest total in IPL history, amassing 286/6 against RR, showcasing their explosive batting lineup. The team's aggressive approach first came to light when SRH amassed 94 runs in the first six overs, marking the fifth-highest powerplay total in IPL history. Subsequently, Ishan Kishan made an explosive debut for SRH, scoring an unbeaten 106 off 47 balls, including a rapid 45-ball century. Travis Head contributed a blistering 67 off 31 balls, setting the stage with a 94-run opening partnership with Abhishek Sharma to take SRH to a towering total. This 286-6 against RR stands as the second-highest in IPL history, just one run shy of their own record of 287/3 set in 2024.

RCB's fan frenzy in Ahmedabad

The IPL 2025 final witnessed an electrifying atmosphere as RCB fans flocked in numbers to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, chanting "RCB" and "Kohli Kohli," creating a home-game feel despite being away. RCB's massive fanbase made Ahmedabad feel like home away from home. Fans had waited long enough for RCB to reach this stage, and much to their joy, RCB defied all odds by conquering the top summit and clinching their maiden IPL title, something which had evaded them for 18 years. 

RCB's dominant performance against KKR

In the season opener, RCB commenced their campaign in a thumping fashion as they overshadowed KKR's total of 174/8 in just 16.2 overs, with Virat Kohli leading the charge with an unbeaten 59-run knock. This win also set the wheels in motion for something very monumental for the franchise. Phil Salt led the chase with an aggressive 56 runs off 31 balls, and Kohli steered RCB home by staying unbeaten till the end with a fifty-plus score. Patidar also played a useful hand with the bat, scoring 34 off 16. RCB achieved the target with 22 balls to spare, showcasing their strong batting lineup and marking a strong start for them in the 2025 IPL season.

MS Dhoni's lightning stumping

MS Dhoni once again demonstrated his remarkable wicketkeeping abilities during the IPL 2025 match held on March 23, 2025, between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI). In the 11th over of MI's innings, CSK's spinner Noor Ahmad delivered a googly that outsmarted MI captain Suryakumar Yadav. As Yadav attempted an inside-out shot over the covers, he left his crease, and Dhoni, exhibiting lightning-fast reflexes, removed the bails in a mere 0.12 seconds, thereby dismissing Yadav for 29 runs off 26 balls. At 43, MS Dhoni proved age is just a number with a lightning-fast stumping that left fans and commentators in awe, highlighting his impeccable reflexes and sharp cricketing acumen.

The BCCI is set to announce the new central contract list in the near future, with a number of changes expected. Shreyas Iyer will be set to regain after his fine performances, while R Ashwin will be axed after his international retirement.

Will Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja Be Demoted

Fans are debating if Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja will be moved from their Grade A+ deals as they have retired from T20Is. Nevertheless, the news is that all three will still maintain their place in the higher order, as they continue to be important players in Tests and ODIs, especially for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Virat and Jadeja will likely be in India's team for the upcoming Test series against England, with Rohit's availability still doubtful. He is said to have decided to go out of the tour, but there is no official word as yet.

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Axar Patel's Promotion Certain

Axar Patel is likely to be elevated to a Grade A contract since he has continued to play consistently across all three formats. His timely contributions, like a match-winning 47-run support in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, have further cemented his case.

Ishan Kishan's Contract Status in Doubt

While Iyer is set to return to the contract list, Ishan Kishan’s status remains unclear. Both players were previously dropped for skipping domestic cricket. It remains to be seen if the board reinstates Kishan this time.

Final Decision Soon

Selectors, the central contracts to discuss the squad for the England tour.The last word on Rohit Sharma's position and leadership adjustments is also imminent. While Jasprit Bumrah's fitness remains an issue, the team administration is yet to pinpoint a obvious candidate for the captaincy job.

Wait for the official announcement from BCCI including chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, are going to meet on March 29 in Guwahati.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released the central contracts for the Indian women's cricket team for the 2024-25 season. The majority of the players from the last contracts have been retained with some alterations in Grade B and Grade C.

Grade A:

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, and all-rounder Deepti Sharma are still in Grade A. They are the backbone of the team.

Grade B:

Renuka Singh Thakur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, and Shafali Verma were given their Grade B contracts once again. Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad has lost her place from this grade.

Grade C:

A number of young players have received their maiden central contracts. Shreyanka Patil, Titas Sadhu, Arundhati Reddy, Amanjot Kaur, and Uma Chetry have been added to Grade C. They are joined by Yastika Bhatia, Radha Yadav, Sneh Rana, and Pooja Vastrakar in the group. Players such as Meghna Singh, Devika Vaidya, Sabbineni Meghana, Anjali Sarvani, and Harleen Deol have been left out of the contracts this time.

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Contract Salaries

Grade A: ₹50 lakh
Grade B:₹30 lakh
Grade C: ₹10 lakh

Future Matches

The Indian women's side will next be in action in a tri-series against Sri Lanka and South Africa in April as part of preparations for the home ODI World Cup later this year. India, though with a strong team, is still looking for its first global trophy.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) plays a significant role in international cricket, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has to consider the rules and their effect on the game. Before the beginning of the IPL 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly reintroduced the rule, which can affect future international cricket matches. 

IPL and T20 cricket is known as batters paradise. Although we have seen many T20 matches, including IPL games, where bowlers dominated the entire game, the batting dominance is still natural for this shorter cricket format. We are experiencing similar stories in the other white-ball format, one-day cricket. Also, in the day-night cricket matches, especially before the peak summer season, dew plays a very important role as the bowlers can't control the game as time progresses.

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IPL 2025: 2 balls in the second innings of a match 

While the ICC is working hard to make white-ball cricket better for the bowlers naturally, the IPL has taken steps to do so. In the IPL 2025, we are likely to see two balls in the second innings of an IPL match. The second ball will come into play after the 11th over of the second innings. According to the Cricbuzz report, this decision has been taken by the BCCI and the Indian Premier League (IPL) management, and it was explained on Thursday (March 20) during a meeting of the captains and managers at Cricket Centre in Mumbai.

The dew factors play crucial roles in the IPL, especially in the first half of the season. Unlike the present ODI format, where we see both innings start with two new balls on either side of the pitch, T20 matches have started with one new ball in each innings and continue with the same ball till the end of the innings. 

However, in the IPL 2025, the first innings will be played with a single ball, while the second innings will be played with two balls, and the second ball will come into effect after the 11th over of the second innings. IPL believes that it will nullify any toss advantage, especially the effect of dew. 

Here are some key facts about the new IPL 2025 rule of using two new balls in the second innings of a match

• It will be used in the 2nd innings.
• It will come into play after the 11th over.
• Umpires will determine whether the ball needs to be changed.
• It will be decided on the presence of dew.
• This rule is unlikely to be used in the afternoon matches.

IPL 2025: Usage of saliva on the ball returns

On the other hand, the BCCI has reportedly reintroduced the usage of saliva on the ball from IPL 2025. Saliva plays an important role in setting up reverse swing by making one side of the ball shinier, which is more effective in the ODI format and Test cricket. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saliva usage on the ball was banned, while the players can only use sweat on the ball. Recently, the Indian pacer Mohammed Shami talked about bringing back the saliva-using rule on the ball in international cricket, and he has gotten some good support from the experts.

For the very first time in IPL 2025 history, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has stated that the opening ceremony will be held at all 13 grounds where the tournament is to be conducted. It's a huge change from the past when the opening ceremony used to be arranged at a single ground, normally in a larger city such as Mumbai or Chennai.

IPL, which has already become accustomed to starry and action-filled matches, has also become one with glitzy starry opening ceremonies, with live performances by the crème de la crème of the biggest stars of Bollywood and music legends. The format change in 2025 ensures that such excitement and fervor of ceremonies reach fans in cities across the country.

Every one of the 13 stadiums will receive an opening ceremony themed on the location, incorporating concerts, light displays, and celebratory activities to greet the tournament into town. In addition to constructing exciting atmospheres within cities, it would also construct supporter participation, making the IPL 2025 a far more inclusive and participative sport for India's millions of supporters.

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This will enhance the experience of the fans even more, as the opening ceremony thrill would be available in many cities and therefore the fans would feel more connected to the tournament. Apart from performances, the opening ceremonies will also include speeches of prominent individuals in the cricket world like the owners of the IPL teams, cricketers, and BCCI officials.

The choice to stage all the venues has also been viewed as an attempt to give the IPL a boost of excitement, with the league aiming to touch hearts. By moving the tournament to the people, the BCCI believes it can make the nation feel that it is celebrating in one voice and, in the process, showcase the various cultures and the passion for the sport in various parts of the nation.

IPL 2025 will be a thrilling season with not only blistering cricketing action but also a dash of glamour and spice. The spectators can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience at every venue, making this year's IPL even more special.