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.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Devajit Saikia, reckoned that they won’t take any immediate action on the management post their 0-2 series defeat against South Africa, including the 408-run defeat at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. This is now their second home Test series whitewash in the last three attempts.

Devajit Saikia, during a recent interview on Times of India (TOI), expressed that there would be a soul-searching regarding their batter’s lack of skills to play spin at home. He also noted that the five-day wicket would always be ideal for the red-ball format, and the players must adapt to different conditions at various venues.

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“You have to consider vital things. One is that three seasoned cricketers — Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin — left Test cricket. New players are coming into the setup. So, at present, the Indian team is going through a transition. It will take some time before we reclaim our position as the No. 1 Test team in the world.” Saikia told in the TOI interaction.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia reveals reasons for India’s decline in red-ball cricket

Saikia also shed light on how the Blue Brigade had seen three veterans- Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin- making their retirement in close time and that shackled their balance. He also informed that if any change would need to be taken regarding the management, it would be during a particular period.

“BCCI doesn’t take knee-jerk reactions. We are going on as per our long-term plan. Winning or losing is a part of the game. We don’t make changes now and then. If any change is required, we will take a call at the end of that particular period.” Saikia addressed in the interview.

“We have to certainly do some soul-searching, and there will be some discussion on this. We will definitely visit this aspect, whether our best batters are less comfortable playing spin nowadays. A lot of touring spinners have been very successful here. Be it in the case of the New Zealand series last year (Oct-Nov 2024, India lost 0-3) or now the South Africa series, their spinners are doing the job very nicely.” The BCCI secretary informed.

Asian Paints has strengthened its footprint in Indian sports by signing a three-year partnership with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The association, announced on Tuesday, makes the paint and décor giant the official colour partner for Team India across 110 home matches. The financial details of the agreement remain undisclosed, but the deal places Asian Paints alongside prominent brands such as Campa, SBI Life and Atomberg Technologies in BCCI’s official partners category.

The collaboration spans men’s, women’s and domestic matches played in India. As part of the activation plan, Asian Paints will roll out on-ground fan engagement initiatives, including the Asian Paints Colour Cam, a special fan cam designed to spotlight the most vibrant and spirited supporters in stadiums. The partnership also promises a “colour countdown,” which will introduce trending colour palettes and home décor ideas to viewers during matches.

BCCI Hails Partnership as Brand Strengthens Its Cultural and Sporting Presence

Amit Syngle, managing director and CEO of Asian Paints, highlighted why cricket is the ideal platform for this partnership. Speaking at a press event at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, he noted that cricket’s ability to reach millions of Indian households aligns with the company’s vision of “Har Ghar”, bringing colour and creativity into every home. He added that cricket remains unmatched in fan passion and visibility, not only in India but also in neighbouring markets like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, where Asian Paints enjoys significant brand presence.

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Syngle further stated that while the brand is open to exploring other sporting formats in the future, its association with cricket will continue to be central to its long-term marketing strategy.

BCCI spokesperson Devajit Saikia welcomed the partnership, saying Asian Paints’ legacy of adding colour and emotion to daily life connects naturally with the energy of Indian cricket. Both organisations, he said, aim to deliver richer experiences to fans across the country.

The timing of the deal is notable, coming ahead of two major ICC events next year, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, where fan engagement is expected to reach new heights.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the fixtures for the upcoming Men’s ODI World Cup in U-19 cricket 2026, which will begin on January 15 and run for the next three weeks. 16 teams have been divided into groups of four in the first stage, as 41 games will be played in the event over 23 days.

Jay Shah, the ICC chairman, expressed that he was looking forward eagerly to the competition, which will see the future stars of world cricket being on display.

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“The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup has long been the cradle of greatness, a tournament that reveals not just the next generation of cricketers, but the next generation of icons. From Brian Lara and Sanath Jayasuriya to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Shubman Gill, the event has consistently shaped the future of our sport.” Shah expressed.

India to face Bangladesh in their opening Men’s U-19 ODI World Cup 2026

Harare Sports Club (Harare, Zimbabwe), Takashinga Sports Club (Harare), Queens Sports Club (Bulawayo, Zimbabwe), Namibia Cricket Ground (Windhoek, Namibia), and HP Oval (Windhoek) will host the competition.

“We are especially pleased to welcome Tanzania as they make their debut and join a truly global field of teams. I extend my warmest wishes to all participating squads as they embark on this remarkable journey, representing their countries with pride and promise."

ICC Men’s U-19 ODI World Cup 2026 schedule

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released a vital fitness update on their captain, Shubman Gill, ahead of the second Test between India and South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The Blue Brigade would head into the encounter with a 30-run defeat during the opening Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. 

Gill came into the middle with the bat during the morning session of the second day against South Africa and played a lovely sweep for a boundary before feeling the pain in his neck as the physio decided to take him off the field. He didn’t return to the middle despite their need in the second and first innings.

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“Team India captain Shubman Gill suffered a neck injury on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test against South Africa and was taken to the hospital for examination after the end of the day's play. He was kept under observation and discharged the next day.” The BCCI released the official statement.

Shubman Gill to be monitored by BCCI ahead of IND vs SA 2nd Test

Gill has been in tremendous form during their previous trip to England in the five-match series, where he marched on to celebrate four centuries and continued the solid form during the two-match home Test series against the West Indies in Ahmedabad and Delhi. BCCI revealed how they would keep monitoring their captain.

“Shubman has been responding well to the medical treatment provided and will travel to Guwahati with the team on 19th November, 2025. He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team, and a decision on his participation in the 2nd Test will be taken accordingly.” The statement informed.

Gill is very unlikely to feature in the second Test match as India could look to bring back Sai Sudharsan in the playing eleven at number three and either drop Washington Sundar at number four or inject the right-handed batter, Nitish Kumar Reddy, in the eleven, for the clash. They would need to earn a victory to complete the drawn series, having already lost four of their last six home Tests.

After India’s 30-run defeat during the opening Test of the two-match series against South Africa, having got bundled out for 93 in the fourth innings at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the discussion has centered around the surface for the second game at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, which will host its maiden red-ball clash. 

The Times of India (TOI) reported that the pitch to be used for the second fixture would be of red soil, which offers better bounce and carry for the bowlers. Before the previous home Test series against the West Indies, the team management decided to eliminate the plan to put rank-turners against the Proteas. Guwahati is the home turf of the BCCI head curator, Ashish Bhowmick.

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This will be the first Test played at this venue, as the BCCI is concerned about the venue drawing a negative reputation for producing a raging turner for their maiden Test match. The Eden Gardens surface turned a lot, making it hard for the batters to spend time in the middle as the SA spinners, led by Simon Harmer, had the last laugh.

Guwahati expected to produce turn and bounce for pacers during IND vs SA 2nd Test

For the second Test match, it will be a 30-minute early start at 9 in the morning, before the first scheduled break becomes a Tea at 11 in the morning. Post the 20-minute break and the second session of two hours, the players will head for the lunch break at 1:20 in the afternoon, while the scheduled close of play will be at 4 IST.

“The pitch here is made of red soil, which tends to offer more pace and bounce. The Indian team had made their demands clear before the home season. So, if the pitch offers turn, it will turn at pace and bounce. The curators are trying to ensure there is no substantial variable bounce.” The times of TOI are revealed.

India lost four of the last six Test matches at the Eden Gardens. If they face another defeat in Guwahati, it would be their second Test home series defeat in the last three attempts.

India’s veteran spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, has reportedly requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to grant him leave for his wedding later this month. The left-arm wrist spinner has been engaged to his childhood friend, Vanshika, in the middle of the year, which took place in a private ceremony in Lucknow, attended by some close friends and family.

The recent reports have claimed that Kuldeep had requested the BCCI to grant him leave for the function. The 30-year-old had to postpone his wedding in the year when the Indian Premier League (IPL) was pushed back from the scheduled date due to the cross-border tension between India and Pakistan.

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“Kuldeep’s wedding is planned for the last week of Nov. The team management will assess when they will need his services before granting him the exact number of leaves.” The reports have been addressed by the Times of India (TOI). The leg spinner has been in tremendous form in the last few months across formats.

Kuldeep Yadav requests BCCI to grant his leave during South Africa series for wedding ceremony

Kuldeep has overall picked up 70 wickets in 28 innings of the longest format at an average of around 21 and a strike rate of 36. In the shortest format, he has collected 88 wickets in 47 T20I innings at an average of 13.34 and a strike rate of 11.7, while in ODIs, he has picked 182 wickets in 111 innings at an average of 26.57.

During the opening Test of the Protea series at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, he picked up his first wicket of Temba Bavuma, who pressed forward to get an inside edge into the hands of the leg slip fielder. Later, Wiaan Mulder’s missed reverse sweep saw him get trapped before the stumps.

India bundled out the Proteas for 159 runs in the first innings as Jasprit Bumrah celebrated his five-wicket haul and ended with figures of 5/27 in 15 overs. Kuldeep ended with a decent figure of 2/36 in 14 overs, including one maiden at an economy rate of 2.6.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for another high-profile player auction, with reports confirming that Abu Dhabi has been chosen as the venue for the 2026 mini-auction. According to sources quoted by Sportstar and other outlets, the IPL Governing Council has finalised plans for the event, marking the league’s third straight overseas auction after Dubai in 2024 and Jeddah in 2025.

While initial discussions considered Mumbai and Bengaluru as potential hosts, Abu Dhabi’s modern infrastructure, strong logistical support, and convenient access for overseas staff made it the preferred choice. The decision also aligns well with the international calendar, particularly with many foreign coaches and analysts occupied with the Ashes series during the same period. Although there is still a possibility of the date shifting slightly, December 16 is the frontrunner, coming a month after the retention deadline of November 15.

This year’s auction carries extra significance as it follows Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historic triumph in the 2025 season, where Virat Kohli finally lifted the trophy after 18 years. With RCB breaking their title drought, the competitive intensity among the ten franchises has only grown stronger heading into 2026.

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Focus Shifts to Retentions, Trades, and Tactical Signings for 2026 Season

Unlike mega auctions, the mini-auction format places no limit on player retentions, allowing teams to keep their core groups intact while freeing up purse value for targeted additions. Most squads are expected to focus on death bowling options, middle-order finishers, and backup all-rounders, with team budgets estimated between ₹90–120 crore.

Trade discussions have already created buzz across the league. Reports suggest a potential high-profile swap between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals involving Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja, although nothing has been confirmed yet. Meanwhile, teams like Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings are sharpening their strategies, looking to reinforce key areas before finalists emerge in the auction pool.

With the trading window closing one week before the auction and the official schedule expected soon from the BCCI, the countdown has begun. Abu Dhabi’s glitzy backdrop is set to host another chapter in the IPL’s ever-expanding global footprint as teams prepare for cricket’s most competitive bidding battle.

Post the blast before Delhi’s Red Fort, India’s Test team is set to host South Africa for the opening clash of the two-match series at the Eden Gardens on November 14, with tight security measures in place. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and the Blue Brigade have requested that the Kolkata police provide security for the remainder of the series. 

The reports have revealed that a tight security regimen will be implemented for both the home and visiting camps, ensuring the safe movement of both sides for their respective practice sessions and match days. The police officials have already initiated dense security checks outside the Eden Gardens. 

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The Shubman Gill-led side and the Tamba Bavuma-led side have already arrived in Kolkata. The teams have scheduled their practice sessions in the morning on November 11, three days before the Test match. It will be the fourth Test for the Proteas at this ground, with them collecting one victory in 1996 and losing on the next two occasions in 2004 and 2010.

BCCI requests to tighten security ahead of IND vs SA 1st Test at Eden Gardens

The Kolkata Police Commissioner, Manoj Varma, is scheduled to visit Eden Gardens to review the security arrangements on November 11. Meanwhile, the security at the team hotels in the city has been increased following the blast. Additionally, a special meeting has been arranged between CAB officials and top Kolkata Police officers.

The Delhi government had also tightened up the security around the Arun Jaitley Stadium for the fourth and final day of the Ranji Trophy 2025/26 clash between Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir. In the car exploration, at least 10 people died, leaving multiple people injured.

“Security to be beefed up near Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium (renamed Arun Jaitley Stadium) on the final day of the Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir. I would be getting in touch with Delhi Police authorities and request them to deploy additional security outside the stadium premises.” The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) secretary, Ashok Sharma, expressed.

In the second India A vs South A unofficial Test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, the hosts went with most of the top national batters for the best preparation heading into the opening red-ball clash at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata from November 14. Barring Dhruv Jurel’s centuries in both innings, all the top-order batters struggled. 

The former selector of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Devang Gandhi, slammed the performance of players- Abhimanyu Easwaran and Devdutt Padikkal, as he lamented the poor back-up options for the Blue Brigade ahead of the Protea series.

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“As of now, they should give Sudharsan a longer run because he is young. But all the selectors need to spread out and cover as many domestic games as possible. There is a dry pool of backup batters in the Test format. Sudharsan hasn’t cemented his place.” Gandhi expressed during an interaction on The Times of India (TOI). 

Devang Gandhi slams India’s back-up options ahead of home Test series against South Africa

Tamil Nadu batter, Sai Sudharsan, only managed 84 runs in four innings of the series, while Easwaran bagged a pair. Gandhi believed that the southpaw would still stay at number three despite Jurel’s success, which could push the management to play as a specialist batter.

“Padikkal isn’t getting runs even for India ‘A’. Jurel has made a strong case, but there doesn’t seem to be a definite plan regarding his role. And there is no backup opener with Abhimanyu Easwaran inspiring little confidence. This domestic season and the one next year will be hard work for the selectors.” Gandhi addressed the interaction.

“At this moment, Jurel looks to have the best technique to bat at No. 3. But the team management has to be clear with its vision because No. 3 will be a big call. If Jurel is only seen as a wicketkeeping backup for Pant, then it will be a problem in the long run. It’s tough for a wicketkeeper to consistently keep wickets and bat at No. 3 in Tests.” The former BCCI selector concluded.