The ongoing Ashes series took on a sombre tone after a tragic terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, prompting heartfelt messages from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Cricket Australia (CA) and leading figures from both teams. The incident, which Australian authorities described as a targeted terrorist attack, has cast a shadow over preparations for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide.

At least 15 people lost their lives and dozens were injured after two gunmen opened fire on a crowd gathered to mark the first night of Hanukkah. Police confirmed the situation was later neutralised, with one of the attackers among the dead. The tragedy has deeply affected the cricketing community, with players, officials and broadcasters expressing shock and grief.

Ahead of the make-or-break third Test, England’s tour was already under scrutiny following on-field struggles and heightened media attention. Tensions spilled over on Saturday when England’s security personnel were involved in an altercation with local media in Brisbane and Adelaide. Channel 7 released footage showing a security guard pushing a camera operator during routine filming in a public space, despite media adhering to Cricket Australia’s travel protocols. The broadcaster said it was taking the matter seriously, stressing staff safety.

We stand together. pic.twitter.com/Tp1EziHNlW

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 14, 2025

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CA and ECB lead tributes after Bondi Beach tragedy

As the focus shifted from cricket to compassion, CA and ECB issued a joint statement condemning the Bondi Beach attack. “Everybody at Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board is horrified by the tragic events,” the statement read, extending condolences to the victims, their families and the Jewish community.

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon, speaking ahead of the Adelaide Test, echoed those sentiments, saying the team’s “thoughts and prayers” were with everyone affected. Former England captain Michael Vaughan, who was in Bondi during the incident, also paid tribute to emergency services and civilians who showed bravery.

With Australia leading the Ashes 2-0, the third Test will begin under a cloud of grief, with tributes expected in Adelaide as cricket pauses to reflect on a tragedy that extends far beyond the boundary.

While Australia have a scheduled plan to host Pakistan for a T20I series before the beginning of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Cricket Australia (CA) is rethinking the tour and is looking for safety first before taking a final decision on the tour, which is expected to be played in January 2026. 

Islamabad blast shook Pakistan once again

About a month ago, when Sri Lanka were on a busy tour in Pakistan, a suicide bombing in Islamabad shook the world once again, significantly the Lankan team. That incident killed at least 12 people and injured at least 25 people. It was the time of the ODI series, which was held before the T20I tri-series between the hosts Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.

Some Sri Lankan players were considering returning home soon after that incident, where the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had to intervene strongly to avoid any series cancellation. 

Although the ODI series and later T20I tri-series ended successfully, the security was very tight. Even a later video revealed how security was so tight during the Sri Lankan team's travel to the hotel from the practice session, which seemed like top-tier security. Rawalpindi hosted the ODI series and the T20I tri-series. 

As the Islamabad blast happened, Cricket Australia (CA) is monitoring the present situation. Australia have a plan to tour Pakistan for a T20I series in January 2026, and later they will tour again in Pakistan for a three-match ODI series in March 2026, after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. 

While India and Sri Lanka will jointly host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 from February 7 and March 8, 2026, the T20I series will be an important preparation for both Pakistan and Australia. 

Watch: Aakash Chopra makes fun of Sahibzada Farhan's recently released documentary during IND vs SA 1st T20I

Cricket Australia sent delegation to assess Lahore situation

Although the final official fixture is yet to be published, Lahore is likely to host the upcoming T20I series against Australia. The CA has sent a delegation to assess the present situation in Lahore. It seems like the final decision on the Australia tour of Pakistan can be taken after the delegation report, which has an independent security advisor, a representative from the Australian Cricketers’ Association, and officials from the Australian High Commission.

The delegation will reportedly visit Gaddafi Stadium and the LCCA Ground, along with the team hotel and commute routes.

Just weeks after predicting a record year with the Ashes 2025/26 buzz, Cricket Australia (CA) is set to face a multi-million dollar drain after the rapid-fire two-day Ashes opener at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The combination of some terrific fast bowling, Travis Head’s special knock, and Bazball’s horrible approach led to the first blockbuster game ending late in the evening of the second day.

A record 101514 attended the Test match with 51531 turning for the opening day, followed by 49983 for the second, to surpass the record set of 96463 in Perth last year when India grabbed the victory in four days. Day three for Ashes 2025/26 was sold out as the CA chief executive joked about worrying the game would not last into the third day.

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“It's difficult for several different groups. Our broadcasters first of all. Certainly, us, on ticket sales, and our partners and sponsors. There's a big economic impact on this series.” Greenberg expressed to the SEN Radio while addressing the financial impact of the early finish.

Cricket Australia to lose million dollars post two-day Ashes 2025/26 opener finish

Foxtel reckoned that their broadcast on the opening day was the most-watched first day of a first history test. At the annual general meeting last month, CA announced a loss of $11.3 million and took some criticism from Cricket Victoria for the financial numbers.

“In a normal scheduling, you'd have the white-ball cricket as part of that [Test] tour, but that's being played in this financial year. We're in a position where it's a significant uplift, an over-$20 million improvement. If they were in the same financial year, you would have seen a different position.” Mike Baird, the CA chair, said after their meeting in October.

Both teams will now have nearly two weeks’ break heading into the second clash of the series at the Gabba in Brisbane. It will be a day-night contest starting on December 04 as Pat Cummins is expected to return to lead the home side.

The Australian summer is here, and that means one thing, cricket season is back! As fans gear up for months of thrilling matches and big hits, the Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) have introduced an exciting new twist for the upcoming 2025–26 season. Cricket Australia has unveiled a fan-first innovation designed to make spectators feel even more connected to the game, the ‘Westpac Keep the Ball’ rule.

Under this brand-new rule, any ball that goes into the crowd during the first over of an innings can be kept by the fan who catches or collects it. Whether it’s a powerful six or a bouncing boundary, the lucky spectator gets to take home the ball as a souvenir. Once the opening over concludes, a fresh ball will be introduced for the second over, regardless of what happens in the first.

This creative move, inspired by Major League Baseball (MLB) traditions where fans keep foul balls and home runs, aims to make the Big Bash experience more exciting and personal. Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, Alistair Dobson, said the initiative reflects the league’s fan-driven approach. “Player connection drives the Big Bash Leagues, and this initiative demonstrates our commitment to delivering fan-focused innovation,” Dobson said.

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Fans Can Now Keep Balls Hit Into the Stands During the First Over of Each Innings in BBL and WBBL 2025–26

The ‘Keep the Ball’ initiative is being introduced in collaboration with Westpac, Cricket Australia’s new banking partner. Each innings will begin with a Westpac-branded Kookaburra ball, adding a collectible touch for fans lucky enough to catch one. Umpires will have spare balls ready to ensure the game continues smoothly.

The move has already sparked enthusiasm on social media, with fans praising the idea for adding energy and excitement to the start of every match. Many believe it will encourage more families and young fans to visit stadiums and enjoy the live cricket atmosphere.

With the Weber WBBL season 11 and BBL 2025–26 just days away, this fun new rule promises to make every opening over unforgettable, blending entertainment, fan engagement, and cricket tradition in true Big Bash style.

In a significant development, Australia's genius opener Travis Head is said to be missing the last two T20Is against India to prepare for the forthcoming Ashes series. The decision comes as part of Cricket Australia’s strategy to prioritize red-ball cricket ahead of the marquee Test series against England. Head’s withdrawal would follow that of Josh Hazlewood, who has already opted out of the 4th and 5th T20Is.

According to a report by CodeSports, the Ashes is less than a month away, and Australian players are keen to begin early preparations. England’s tour of Australia for the five-match Test series starts on November 21, and several senior players have started adjusting their workloads accordingly. With Head unavailable, Matthew Short is expected to move up the order and open alongside captain Mitchell Marsh in the remaining T20Is.

Head’s current form might have also influenced the decision, as the left-hander has managed only 93 runs in four innings across formats on the ongoing tour of India. In contrast, Short has been in impressive touch, scoring 112 runs in three ODI innings, though he was dismissed for a golden duck in the first T20I.

Cricket Australia Focus Shifts to Ashes Preparations

Cricket Australia is concentrating on the Ashes with both players and staff structuring their timing around the focal event. Head’s decision is similar to Hazlewood’s previous decision in signalling that the team wants to prioritize Test match readiness. Coach Andrew McDonald had also left the camp after the first ODI to begin Ashes planning, holding discussions with Steve Smith and Pat Cummins.

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England too appears to be taking a similar approach, with Jofra Archer being rested from the first ODI against New Zealand as part of workload management. Both teams are now looking to balance T20 commitments with red-ball preparation as the prestigious Ashes series draws closer.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the two former captains of the Indian cricket team, thanked the Sydney and Australian crowd after their last international innings down under. The former celebrated a fine knock of unbeaten 121 runs while Kohli remained undefeated on 74 runs to complete the chase by nine wickets with 12 overs to spare. 

Ravichandran Ashwin, after finishing since international cricket and taking IPL retirement, signed for the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL). The Cricket Australia chief, Todd Greenberg, revealed that India’s biggest stars would continue to get wooed to join and feature in the Big Bash League.

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“I think in the short to medium term, it is realistic. We’re going to keep the dialogue open. Ravi (Ravichandran) Ashwin's coming is a really important moment for the BBL, and it will highlight the strength of bringing Indian players into the league. What that manifests over time, I think, is to be seen.” Greenberg expressed.

CA chief sheds light on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s future in BBL

Ashwin’s presence would increase the popularity of the Big Bash this year, and if somehow Kohli and Rohit join one of the franchises, then it would take the league to another level in the market.

“Some of that will depend on whether we take private capital into the BBL, which is an open conversation for us at the moment. But I think you’re going to see an enormous explosion of interest around the Thunder this year on the back of Ravi Ashwin playing. There’s one thing the best leagues have all over the world in every sport – they have access to the best players, and the BBL should be no different from that.” He continued.

“The noise emanating from the heaving SCG reached fever pitch during the evening as Rohit and Kohli, along with their fanatical supporters, turned a supposed dead rubber into a victory parade for two demi-gods playing what was almost certainly their final international games in Australia. It was a reminder of the unmatched favor the Indian diaspora has for the sport.” Cricket Australia chief concluded.

Cricket Australia has significantly upgraded the live match-day experience by expanding its Cricket Radio feature within the official CA Live app. This new initiative, powered by NRMA Insurance, will provide real-time, uninterrupted audio commentary directly to fans’ phones for major competitions, including the ongoing Australia-India men’s white-ball series, the Ashes, WBBL, and BBL.

In a major move for accessibility, the app will now offer a dedicated Hindi-language commentary feed for attendees at the men’s white-ball matches against India. Delivered by JioStar and its popular broadcasters, this feature allows fans to enjoy the action in their preferred language by simply using headphones and selecting the feed in the app’s Match Centre.

Although it may seem like this live in-stadium commentary is new for Australian fans, English cricket venues have been doing this for a while! But rather than access via an app, spectators there use a small ear-radio device to get live commentary and critical moments of the game while watching the action in front of them.

CA Live App Enhances Accessibility and Fan Engagement

Alex Lavelle, Executive General Manager, Digital, Marketing and Communications at Cricket Australia, highlighted the innovation’s role in making the sport more inclusive. “It’s part of our commitment to making cricket more accessible and inclusive for all Australians and now we’re proud to offer audio commentary, including Hindi for the first time on the Cricket Australia Live App,” Alex said.

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He added, “This innovation ensures fans can feel closer to the action and enjoy a richer live experience. Fans can access no delay cricket radio via the CA Live App for the men’s white ball series, The Ashes, BBL and WBBL.” For fans outside the stadium, live English commentary remains available nationwide through broadcast partners SEN, ABC, and Triple M. To access the in-stadium Cricket Radio, users need to download the CA Live App, enable location services, and log in with a free Cricket Plus account.

The New South Wales all-rounder, Jack Edwards, has been called for his first international series, while Glenn Maxwell and Ben Dwarhuis are fit to return for the last few games of the five-match T20I series against India, with the young quick pacer, Mahil Beardman, also called up for the T20Is. Cricket Australia confirmed the host of changes for two white-ball squads. 

Marnus Labuschagne has been released from Australia's ODI squad ahead of the final game in Sydney. Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abnott will miss the back-end of the T20I series as the latter will leave the third T20I in Hobart while recovering from a split webbing in his hand.

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Matthew Kuhnemann was recalled to the squad for the third game in Sydney alongside Edwards. Josh Philippe has been added to the T20I squad as the back-up option of Alex Carey, with Josh Inglis yet to return to full fitness from his calf strain.

Glenn Maxwell returns for Australia’s T20I series against India

Maxwell will return for the last three T20Is after being ruled out of the first two games and the New Zealand trip due to fracturing his wrist. Dwarshuis has been named for the fourth and fifth clashes in Queensland. It’s a surprise call-up for the 20-year-old Bradman for the last three T20Is.

Edwards’ call-up to the 50-over squad has come on the back of some fabulous performances for the Australia A side on their recent tour of India. He made 88 in the second four-day game in Lucknow and took 4/56 and smashed 89 off 75 in the second and third 50-over games in Kanpur, respectively.

His addition to the squad provides the national side a chance to trial an all-rounder-heavy line-up in the dead rubber in Sydney. This would present a chance for the management to rest either one or both of Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc for the third game.

Australia’s T20I squad vs India

Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott (first three matches only), Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman (last three matches only), Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis (last two matches only), Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood (first two matches only), Glenn Maxwell (last three matches only), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (wk), Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

In a promising development for Australian cricket fans, multiple top T20 players from Pakistan will be available to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued the long awaited No Objection Certificates (NOCs). The development comes just weeks before the BBL is set to begin on December 14, ending a long period of uncertainty that had pushed franchises and fans alike to the edge of their seats.

The suspension of NOCs in September after Pakistan lost a tight Asia Cup 2025 final against India, had left stars like Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Brisbane Heat), Mohammad Rizwan (Melbourne Renegades), Haris Rauf, and Shadab Khan in limbo. With players barred from playing in overseas leagues, they had little option but to play domestic competitions like the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, leaving BBL franchises scrambling to modify their plans.

Following thorough negotiations, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi guaranteed CA that NOCs would not be denied any players that met the basic fitness requirements and could make them available for their national teams. Players will now be allowed to play in up to two leagues overseas in a given year, provided they are not needed for over five-match cricket in the coming series with England and New Zealand. Todd Greenberg, the CEO of CA, welcomed this new order, stating, “The flair of Pakistani cricket brings excitement and quality to our league, both on and off the field.”

BBL Poised for a Star-Studded Season as Pakistani Players Suiting Up 

Franchises have already been getting ready to take advantage of these stars. The Brisbane Heat created a dedicated section for fans called the “Shaheen zone,” and the Melbourne Stars have had special ledges setup for Rauf. On the field, Babar will be in a position to anchor the middle order for the Sydney Sixers; Afridi’s raw pace is sure to trouble opposing batters, and Rizwan’s glove work will be important for the Renegades. Analysts are even indicating that attendance and viewership may increase by up to 20% simply because of the star power these international players bring.

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Although cricket fans in Pakistan have had a mixed reaction- happy for the players' financial gain, but frustrated with the uncertainty of the board attitude - this is a reminder of the fine line between domestic needs and international exposure to the 'game'. With the final BBL drafts fast approaching, the approval of Pakistan's best T20 players is not only exciting but also exciting for spectators; we anticipate an exciting series of games, sold out arenas, and magnificent moments to witness in Australia.

Highlights Include:

Players Approved: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan

BBL Impact: More engagement with fans, multiple players receiving substantial contracts

PCB Position: Approvals were based on performance of the national team

CA Position: "Thrilled- Pak flair adds to our product" -Todd Greenberg

Cricket Australia has officially announced that public ticket allocations for the upcoming T20I between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) have been completely sold out. The match, scheduled for Friday, October 31, has achieved this milestone more than three weeks before the game, highlighting the massive excitement among fans. This adds to what is shaping up to be one of Australia’s biggest cricket summers, with public allocations for all 12 days of the Ashes series also fully booked.

The AFL member tickets went on sale today, followed by MCC member tickets being available from tomorrow. This increased demand is an indication of the immense hype surrounding the India-Australia rivalry. Overall, ticket sales for the Men’s ODI and T20I series have crossed an impressive 175,000, with only about 30,000 tickets still available across the remaining eight matches of the tour.

Public tickets for matches at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Manuka Oval have already been exhausted, while the Adelaide ODI and the Gabba T20I are also nearing full capacity. Both venues have fewer than 5,000 public tickets left each, according to Cricket Australia.

CA CEO Todd Greenberg on Fan Enthusiasm

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg expressed delight over the overwhelming fan response. He said, “The huge crowd anticipated for the Melbourne T20I is another strong indicator of the incredible interest in this series. We’re thrilled to see fans embracing the Australia vs India contest with such passion, and we look forward to delivering a world-class experience both on and off the field.”

Greenberg further added, “To have over 175,000 tickets sold with 13 days until the first ODI in Perth is a phenomenal result. It speaks volumes about the strength of the rivalry and the enthusiasm of fans across the country.”

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Australia vs India 2025: Full Schedule