The Supreme Court of India has taken a jibe at cricket administrators with no sports background, remarking that cricket associations should ideally be run only by former players and not the people ‘who don’t even know how to hold or handle a bat.’ Hearing the challenge to the Bombay High Court order staying the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) elections, a bench made it clear. 

The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, made it clear it was in no mood to rescue cricket bodies from their own googlies. The court has also declined to interfere with the High Court’s stay on January 06, which was halted amid allegations of favoritism. The charges have become quite a regularity in the Indian cricket administration, as the toss.

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“From 1986 to 2023, you had 164 members, and from 2023 onwards, you made a bumper draw?” The CJI asked, which sounded less impressed than a selector watching padded averages. The particular aspect raising the bench’s eyebrows was the MCA’s sudden love for expansion.

Supreme Court makes new rule for cricket associations 

The legal battle began after the former cricketer, Kedar Jadhav, who was part of India’s 2019 ODI World Cup campaign and multiple teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), approached the Bombay High Court, alleging that the MCA voter list had been rigged with 401 new members, who are mostly linked with business and political interests.

“This is one country where outstanding cricketers are there. Those who have retired were the best in line. Who are you bringing? Those who do not even know the game do not even know how to handle a bat. Cricket is because of cricketers. Hockey is because of hockey players. At least this much respect should be given.” The CJI expressed that it was added that the line stole the show.

The Supreme Court sent the matter back to the High Court, asking it to hear the case, and it perhaps reminded that game’s powerbrokers to know the rules of the game, which they feel should start by knowing the game itself.

After completing their five-match T20I series with a 4-1 series victory at home against New Zealand, the Indian team, after a couple of days’ of break, has flown to Mumbai ahead of their T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up clash against South Africa on February 04 at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai before their opening game against the United States of America (USA) on February 07 at the Wankhede Stadium.

Post that opening game, the blue brigade will fly to the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi for the second fixture against Namibia, which was scheduled to be followed by the fixture against Pakistan on February 15, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. But the Pakistan government hasn’t given the green light for that particular contest to go forward. 

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“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026; however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India.” The Pakistan government made the post on X (formerly known as Twitter).

India to continue practice session ahead of clash vs Pakistan in T20 WC 2026

As per the current reports, India will fly to Sri Lanka as per their current schedule ahead of the clash against Pakistan, while their players will also hit the nets along with their captain, interacting with the media on the contest. They are yet to lose a T20I series since winning the previous World Cup under Rohit Sharma.

Men's T20 World Cup 2026 | India will travel to Sri Lanka on 15th February and follow ICC protocol. They will practice as per schedule, do a press conference and reach the stadium according to time and wait for the match referee to call off the match: BCCI Sources

— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2026

The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, spoke about that decision of the Pakistan side after the ICC boycotted the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) due to the latter’s refusal to travel to India for security reasons, which saw them being replaced by Scotland.

“You can't say for one country [India] they can do whatever they want, and for the others to have to do the complete opposite. That's why we've taken this stand and made clear that Bangladesh has had an injustice done to it. They should play in the World Cup; they are a major stakeholder in cricket.” Naqvi added in a previous statement.

The former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Inderjit Singh Bindra, played a major role, along with the late Jagmohan Dalmiya, in India hosting the World Cup in 1987, which was the first time the tournament took place outside England. Bindra passed away at the age of 84, as he was the BCCI president from 1993 to 1996.

IS Bindra was also the president of the Punjab Cricket Association for over three decades and served as the principal advisor of the International Cricket Council (ICC). He was instrumental in getting the international stadium at Mohali named after him as the Punjab Cricket Association president, which was a post he held from 1974 to 2014.

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“I had met Mr. Bindra in Patiala, where he was posted at that time. The first impression was of him being dedicated to his work, as well as his ability to plan cricketing activities in Patiala and in Punjab. When he came up with the idea of having an international stadium at Mohali, he regularly visited many banks to seek loans,” retired captain of PCA office bearers, Sushil Kapoor, expressed.

Know former PCA president IS Bindra who died aged 84

Bindra had become the BCCI president in 1993 and held it till 1997. Along with Dalmiya, he got some sponsorship to help them conduct the marquee event in the subcontinent. Kapoor recalls one of the moments during Bindra’s tenure when he stayed the whole night to host the India-Pakistan ODI game after incredible rain.

“When we came to the stadium, we got to know that Mr. Bindra stayed the whole night at the stadium, ensuring that the ground staff, as well as other staff, made sure that the match would happen. Such was his dedication. Over the years, international teams as well as captains would praise the hospitality of PCA Stadium.” Kapoor shed light.

The former Indian team manager and senior BCCI official reckoned that when England and Australia raised concerns over security after the India-Pakistan tensions in the political department, it was Bindra who advised Pakistan’s military director to visit India to break the deadlock. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Inderjit Singh (IS) Bindra?

IS Bindra was a former BCCI president and one of India’s most influential cricket administrators who helped host the 1987 World Cup.

What was IS Bindra’s contribution to Indian cricket?

He co-led India’s first World Cup hosting in 1987, modernized cricket administration, and built strong infrastructure like the Mohali stadium.

What positions did IS Bindra hold?

Bindra served as BCCI president (1993–1996), PCA president (1974–2014), and advisor to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

How did IS Bindra help develop the PCA Stadium in Mohali?

He envisioned and built the Mohali stadium, securing funds and personally overseeing its construction to international standards.

When did IS Bindra pass away?

IS Bindra passed away at 84, and the cricket world is paying tribute to his lasting impact on Indian cricket.

The former Board of Control for Cricket in India president Inderjit Singh Bindra, who is known as I.S. Bindra, died in New Delhi on Sunday after suffering from a long-term illness. He reached the age of 84 at the time of his death. His death ends an important period in Indian cricket administration which he established through his visionary leadership and daring choices and his enduring contributions.

The administrator who helped take Indian cricket global

Bindra held the position of BCCI president from 1993 until 1996 while also serving as the Punjab Cricket Association president from 1978 until 2014. His leadership transformed Punjab into a major center for cricket stadium development throughout India. The PCA Stadium in Mohali was dedicated to I.S. Bindra through a name change that occurred in 2015 because of his outstanding achievements.

International Cricket Council chairman Jay Shah confirmed the news and paid tribute on social media. The statement expressed deepest condolences for Mr. I S Bindra who served as BCCI president and dedicated his life to Indian cricket administration. Shah wrote that his legacy will inspire future generations. Om Shanti.

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Bindra together with Jagmohan Dalmiya who served as BCCI president succeeded in bringing the 1987 ODI World Cup to India which became the first international tournament to take place outside England. The decision established a new path which enabled the sport in India to achieve its first ever period of successful commercial expansion.

Deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. I S Bindra, former BCCI president and a stalwart of Indian cricket administration. May his legacy inspire future generations. Om Shanti 🙏

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) January 25, 2026

The legal move that changed Indian cricket forever

The Supreme Court of India became the target of Bindra's most important action when he filed a lawsuit against Doordarshan's exclusive rights to broadcast cricket matches. The landmark verdict that followed allowed global broadcasters like ESPN and TWI to enter the Indian market which established cricket as a billion-dollar industry.

Despite facing several scandals during his professional life Bindra maintained his reputation as a visionary leader who made significant administrative decisions. His son and daughter survive him while he created a legacy that continues to shape modern Indian cricket.

The vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rajeev Shukla, has revisited his conversation with Sachin Tendulkar, as it revealed that the former Indian captain and the batter of the side believed a young Virat Kohli possessed the ability to one day challenge and surpass the towering batting records with the bat. 

Shukla witnessed both Virat Kohli and Tendulkar during his time as the BCCI administrator. He recalled trying to persuade the batting records of the legends from one to another, so he could continue for another year and complete 25 years in international cricket.

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“What he has done as a cricketer is very difficult. There are no comparisons. And if he wanted, he could have played for another year or two. I told him to at least complete 25 years and play for another year. He said, ‘No. Raju bhai, I feel that I should leave now.’ He was very honest. ‘The day I feel that I cannot give 100 per cent to the game, I will give it up. I will walk away.’ That is what he did.” Shukla expressed.

Sachin Tendulkar predicts Virat Kohli to break his ODI records

Tendulkar finished his career with 18426 runs in 452 innings of the 50-over format at an average of 44.83 and a strike rate of 86.23, thanks to 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 200 runs against South Africa in Gwalior.

“He called me up and said that he was going to announce his retirement. I told him not to do it and to wait for a year. He said, ‘No, I think I will quit,’ and he gave it up.” Shukla explained in the same interaction.

Meanwhile, Kohli, who is likely to feature in his fifth ODI World Cup in 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, has already crossed Tendulkar’s record of most ODI centuries, as he has notched up 14797 runs in 299 innings at an average of 58.71 and a strike rate of 93/82, shouldering on 54 centuries and 77 fifties at the best score of 183 runs against Pakistan.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is going to make a huge announcement about the central contracts system, which will change the grading and rewarding mechanism of India’s best players. Sources from India Today and ANI report that the selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar has put forth the suggestion to abolish the elite Grade A+ category from the current retainership structure of four tiers.

Should the proposal be sanctioned by the BCCI’s apex council, the contracts will be categorized into three grades - A, B and C - instead of the current A+, A, B and C system. One of the most remarkable repercussions of this alteration would probably be the degradation of batting legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are anticipated to be next year placed in Grade B for the 2025-26 season.

The decision was not totally unexpected. Grade A+ has usually been given to those players who participate in at least two international formats regularly. Both Kohli and Rohit hung up their boots in Test cricket during IPL 2025 and are now playing only in ODIs, thus it is hard to argue for their placement in the top fictional even under the old paradigm.

Jadeja and Gill Still in Focus as the Pay Structure Remains Unclear

At present, the annual retainer for Grade A+ is Rs 7 crore; while for A, B and C it is Rs 5 crore, Rs 3 crore and Rs 1 crore, respectively. Besides, the central contracts also provide the players with extra privileges such as round-the-clock access to the Centre of Excellence, medical treatment, and rehabilitation.

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The A+ category's future is uncertain but still the revision of the monetary slabs is unclear. Reports indicate that the selection committee wants to align the contracts not only with the past and the reputation but with the current workload, formats played, and long-term planning to a greater extent.

One of the most interesting topics is the future of Ravindra Jadeja, who is still active in Test cricket and in case the category survives in any form, he could still get a place in the top tier. On the other hand, Shubman Gill, who has recently been given leadership roles in both Tests and ODIs, is considered a strong candidate for promotion to the highest grade.

The apex council is scheduled to discuss the proposal in its next meeting. Until then, the future structure of Indian cricket's contract hierarchy remains a hot topic.

The former captain and the explosive batter of the Indian cricket team, Virat Kohli, is finally set to return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) in the 2025-26 season, marking his comeback to the premier domestic 50-over competition of this country after nearly one and a half decades. He has already stepped away from the T20Is and Test cricket, which means his only focus will now be on One Day International games.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made it mandatory for the national players to feature in the domestic games if they are not participating in an international assignment at that time. In that same way, Kohli and Rishabh Pant headlined Delhi’s 20-member squad, which has been picked to play the first two games against Andhra and Gujarat in Bengaluru.

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The last time Kohli played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy was back in 2010. Across his previous stints with Delhi, he has played 17 games and gathered 910 runs at an average of over 65, thanks to three half-centuries and four centuries at the best score of 124.

Virat Kohli one run away from this List-A record 

Kohli stands on the verge of another significant milestone as he is just one run short of becoming only the second Indian player, after Sachin Tendulkar, to reach 16000 runs in List A cricket. So far, he has scored 15,999 runs from 342 listed games at an average of over 57 with the help of 57 centuries and 84 half-centuries.

The Vijay Hazare Trophy will also serve valuable match practice for the right-handed bat heading into the upcoming three-match home ODI series against New Zealand beginning on January 11. It will also be his last international appearance before a huge six-month break from international cricket before the away England series in July.

Kohli has been in tremendous touch in the last four clashes as he celebrated two centuries in Ranchi and Raipur, besides two unbeaten half-centuries in Vizag and Sydney against Australia and South Africa. He hopes to carry the same form and momentum for Delhi in the two games of the VHT. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to take a long-awaited revision for their domestic match fees for the women’s cricketers in the next scheduled Apex Council meeting on December 22. The meeting, which will be held virtually, comes after the Blue Brigade’s triumphant ODI World Cup 2025 campaign and growing calls for the financial support of the players in the domestic events.

While there is parity of the payment at the international level, significant gaps continue to exist in the domestic structure. The BCCI has decided to address the issue formally as women’s cricket is gaining momentum. It has now become a key agenda item to be formally issued in the meeting.

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Another major point of discussion will be the annual central contracts for the men’s team. Attention has been put on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom have already retired from the T20I and Test formats of the game and are only focused on the ODI format. Their workload may also adjust their contract category.

BCCI to review Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s A-contract

In contrast, the all-format players such as the captain of ODI and Test formats, Shubman Gill, the premier all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja, and the top-class pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, are only anticipated to feature in the A+ bracket, which reflects on the central roles across the formats of the BCCI.

The Indian board has also evaluated the proposal to revise the match fees for umpires and match referees within the domestic circuit. An update is also expected to be discussed for the board’s digital properties, fan-engagement platforms, and website upgrades. This will also be the first Apex Council AGM meeting since the change of administration of the board.

Mithun Manhas, who took over as the new president of the BCCI in September, will be present in the meeting along with Raghuram Bhatt, who assumed the charge as treasurer. Devajit Saikia and Prabhtej Bhatia were appointed the secretary and joint-secretary, respectively.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially unveiled Team India’s jersey for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup during the innings break of the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur on Wednesday. The launch took place moments after the hosts posted a commanding 358/5, powered by brilliant centuries from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Virat Kohli.

India, who will co-host the tournament with Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8 next year, showcased a refreshed design for the upcoming global event. The new kit retains the traditional deep blue base but features vibrant orange panels along the sides. In a notable design shift, the tricolour, earlier placed across the shoulders, has been moved to the collar. Vertical blue stripes add texture to the front, giving the jersey a modern, dynamic look.

Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma unveil India’s new T20 World Cup 2026 jersey in Raipur

Rohit Sharma and Tilak Varma were present at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium to unveil the jersey. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and Adidas officials handed over the new kit to the duo on stage. Rohit, the brand ambassador for the 2026 edition and India’s T20 World Cup-winning captain in 2024, spoke emotionally about the journey.

Team India's jersey unveiled for the T20 World Cup 2026. 👕🇮🇳

📸: JioHotstar/X#oneturfnews #teamindia #t20worldcup #rohitsharma #cricket pic.twitter.com/ugInlaofgg

— OneTurf News (@oneturf_news) December 3, 2025

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“It took us more than 15 years to win the T20 World Cup trophy after 2007. Now the World Cup will happen in India, and my wishes are always with the team. I’m sure everyone will be behind them,” Rohit said. Having retired from the T20 format, he attended the ceremony in his ambassadorial role.

India have been placed in Group A for the tournament alongside Pakistan, the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia. The hosts will begin their campaign on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium against the USA.

The ceremonial launch added to an electric day in Raipur, where India’s batters dominated South Africa. Kohli scored a composed 102 while Gaikwad struck his maiden ODI hundred with a fluent 105. Their 195-run stand set the tone for India’s imposing total, with KL Rahul providing a powerful finish. With the new jersey revealed and the countdown underway, anticipation continues to build ahead of the home World Cup.

The Junior Cricket Committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the U-19 squad for the Indian side for the upcoming ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup 2025, which will take place in Dubai from December 12. They handed the leadership duty to Ayush Mhatre, who has already become a household name, having featured for the Chennai Super Kings. 

The event serves as a crucial platform for displaying the next generation for the side against some of the talented players of Asia’s youth team. The upcoming Indian star, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, will aim to continue his dominance with the bat at the opening position. He has also been retained by the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026.

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Mhatre, the 18-year-old, has been excellent with the bat in the Lis A format. The right-handed batter has recorded 458 runs in seven innings at an average of 65.42 and a strike rate of 135.50 with the help of two centuries and one fifty at the best score of 181.

Ayush Mhatre to lead India in Men’s U-19 Asia Cup 2025

Meanwhile, Suryavanshi has struggled in the List-A format with only 132 runs in six innings at an average of 22 and a strike rate of 110, with the best score 71, which was his one and only half-century.

Group A- India, Pakistan, Qualifier 1, and Qualifier 3

Group B- Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Qualifier 2

India’s U-19 Squad for Asia Cup 2025: 

Ayush Mhatre (C), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra (vc), Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), Yuvraj Gohil, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Naman Pushpak, D. Deepesh, Henil Patel, Kishan Kumar Singh (subject to fitness), Udhav Mohan, Aaron George.

Stand-by players- Rahul Kumar, Hemchudeshan J, B.K. Kishore, Aditya Rawat.