Cricket is set to return to the Olympic Games after 128 years, and the United Kingdom may enter with a single team under the name of Great Britain. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Scotland have started talks to form a combined team for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The boards get on well and are cooperating to compile a Team GB cricket team, Cricket Scotland Chief Executive Trudy Lindblade says. The reason behind this is that the British Olympic Association (BOA) needs a British team that represents the country in the Olympics as one entity. The 2028 Olympics will include men’s and women’s T20 cricket tournaments. Only six teams will take part in each event, and each team will be allowed to select 15 players. The qualification process has not been confirmed yet by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) or the International Cricket Council (ICC).

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England and Scotland Working Together

England is currently ranked second in the world in men’s T20 cricket and third in the women’s rankings. Scotland, however, is outside the top ten in both formats. Forming a single Great Britain team could give both countries a better chance to qualify and compete under the limited six-team rule. In most Olympic sports, athletes from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland compete together as Great Britain. Football has been an exception, but even there, the BOA hopes to bring a Team GB men’s football team to the 2028 Olympics.

Cricket was last played at the Olympics in 1900 in Paris. Back then, a team from Great Britain beat France in the only match of the tournament. In 2028, the cricket matches will be held at a temporary venue in Pomona, California. The idea of a Great Britain cricket team is gaining strong support. Talks between the ECB and Cricket Scotland are ongoing, and both sides are hopeful. If everything goes well, cricket fans could see a united British team on the Olympic stage for the first time in over a century.

English cricket is likely to undergo captaincy changes in both shorter formats, with swashbuckling batsman Harry Brook the most probable new T20I skipper. Captain of England’s ODI team, though, could either be Brook or the one with lots of experience, Ben Stokes.

Brook to Replace in T20Is

Harry Brook is reportedly England's pick to be the new T20I captain. The 25-year-old is one of the names on the lips of English cricket fans due to his aggressive batting style and his skills displayed when the situation calls. England goes into the T20 World Cup with the appointment of Brook, which obviously means that they are looking to play with more intent and without fear.

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As it is, Brook has been playing a frontline role in England's T20 team and has made an impact in the world through his various domestic and franchise performances. Awards and recognition have also been coming his way for his excellence in leadership, and because of that, he has been named as the next captain to Jos Buttler if he leaves his place eventually.

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ODI Captaincy: Brook vs Stokes

While it may seem that Brook has got the T20I captaincy already, ODI captaincy is a different story. Ben Stokes is not out of the picture of becoming the ODI captain of England; he currently serves his national team in Test formats and is still determined to lead it as a senior and recognised player in his upcoming games in the World Cup and the Ashes series.

🚨 BROOK & STOKES AS CAPTAINS. 🚨

- Harry Brook set to become England's T20i captain.

- Brook or Ben Stokes could become England's ODI captain. (Telegraph). pic.twitter.com/EB8hzoo4zG

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 3, 2025

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The choice of Ben Stokes as England ODI captain would still be sensible considering that he led his country to a historic World Cup victory in 2019 and contributed to the other important successes of the team in different formats. On the other hand, Stokes recently declared his retirement from ODIs, which implies doubts about him as the long-term captain. If a long-term leader is essential, Brook would be the perfect choice, ensuring that the 50-over match continues under new dynamics among players.

England’s Leadership Transition

England is in a dilemma with the future of Buttler as the limited-overs captain being unclear and Eoin Morgan still highly revered for his leadership. If they now hand the baton to Brook to lead the limited-overs format for both white-ball and red-ball, this will be where it all begins, but handing Stokes the ODI reins would provide stability and experience.

As England’s cricket board deliberates, all eyes will be on the official announcement that could shape the team’s white-ball future for years to come.

The Indian cricket team will begin its England tour with a warm-up match against India A. The match will be played on June 13 at Beckenham, which is a ground under Kent County Cricket Club. There were intentions to telecast the match, but the decision was reversed, and it will now be played behind closed doors.

Practice Matches Before the Test Series

Before the five-match Test series, India A will also tour England and will have two four-day matches against England Lions. The first of these will be between May 30 and June 2 at Canterbury, and the second from June 6 to 9 at Northamptonshire Cricket County Club.

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Indian Cricket Team Travel plans and Preparations

After IPL 2025 is over, Indian players will get two weeks of rest and then go to England during the second week of June. There may be a few players going earlier based on their time table. Beckenham ground, located in southeastern London, is good and being used for practice before the Test series.

Issues related to selection and captaincy

The England series squad is expected to be announced in May, when the IPL will be at its peak. A part of the controversy is whether Rohit Sharma will continue to be the captain, subject mostly to how he performs during the IPL to assist the selectors in making their decision.

England vs India Test Series Schedule

This will be India's only practice game before the first Test at Headingley. As there are no practice games against local county teams, the intra-squad match will become the only preparation for the team.

Former England skipper Charlotte Edwards has been appointed as England Women's cricket team head coach, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Tuesday (April 1). Edwards, who represented England in more than 300 games and was captain of the team for a decade, succeeds Jon Lewis after England's embarrassing 16-0 Ashes whitewash against Australia earlier this year.

A Return to the Three Lions

"I am thrilled to be back as part of the England Women's cricket team leadership, and I am not looking forward to taking this team forward and pushing us to success," Edwards said. "It means the world to me to have the three lions on my chest again. Being captain of England was my life for 10 years, and I will always be passionate about this team and our heritage. We have such a great bunch of players, and I am looking forward to working with them and developing them as individuals and as a team."

Her immediate challenge will be two home series against West Indies and India, followed by the ICC Women’s World Cup in India later this year and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at home in 2026. She will also be responsible for restoring team morale after England’s recent poor performances, including their unexpected group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in the UAE last October.

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A Decorated Career On and Off the Field

Through her 20-year career on the field, Edwards was a two-time World Cup and five-time Ashes series winner. Since retiring in 2017, she has lived a life of tremendous success as a coach. She took Mumbai Indians to two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles in three seasons and took Southern Vipers to five titles, two of which were in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, England's domestic T20 competition named for her.

Her coaching record also features taking Southern Brave to three Women's Hundred finals, claiming victory in 2023, and taking Sydney Sixers to the final of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) for 2022-23. Edwards will now leave her position with the Sixers and Hampshire Women.

ECB Supports a "Proven Winner"

ECB deputy CEO and England Women's cricket managing director Clare Connor welcomed Edwards' appointment: "She has the experience, passion, and expertise to take this team to success. The results she has achieved as a head coach in various environments since retiring as one of the greatest-ever England players is a relentless and high standard."

Connor also recognized Edwards's extensive understanding of the game at home and abroad and stressed the need to create a competitive but also supportive atmosphere for the national team.

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Transition in Leadership and Challenges Ahead

Edwards' appointment comes as England changes leadership, with Heather Knight retiring as captain. The ECB has not yet announced her replacement, although vice-captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is the favorite to take over.

On Wednesday, Edwards and Connor will speak to the media at Lord's to set out their vision for England Women's cricket. With the growing professionalization of the women's game and the recent struggles of England, Edwards is likely to introduce more stringent fitness and performance requirements to restore the team's competitive swagger.

As England prepares for a key stage in women's cricket, including the possibility of the sport being added to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Edwards' appointment promises a new dawn. The ECB will expect that her record as a player and coach is replicated internationally.

Joe Root has confirmed he is not in the running to become England’s next white-ball captain following Jos Buttler’s resignation after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The 34-year-old batter, who led England’s Test team from 2017 to 2022, stated that his time as captain is over.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Root said, “I think that ship has sailed. I’ve done my time as a captain in an England shirt. I’m sure whoever gets the opportunity will be extremely proud and do a brilliant job.”

While Root never captained England in limited-overs formats, he returned to the ODI side this year and finished as one of the top performers in the Champions Trophy. He was England’s leading batter in the tournament, finishing as the fourth-highest run-scorer overall, and nearly took his team over the line in their final match against Afghanistan with a gritty century.

Despite his personal success, England endured a disappointing campaign, failing to reach the semifinals. Jos Buttler stepped down as captain shortly before their final group game against South Africa. Since then, England has yet to announce a new leader for the ODI side.

Among the contenders, vice-captain Harry Brook is currently seen as the front-runner. However, managing director Rob Key has hinted that Ben Stokes could be considered for the white-ball captaincy, potentially uniting both red and white-ball leadership under one figure. Brendon McCullum has not ruled out the option of having separate captains for ODIs and T20Is.

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Root acknowledged England’s recent struggles but remains confident in the squad’s potential. “We didn’t play anywhere near what we’re capable of. But there’s so much talent and so much more to come. This is a good opportunity to reset and move forward as a group.”

Despite not being a regular in England’s T20I squad since 2019, Root's form in franchise cricket has drawn attention. He impressed in this year’s SA20 tournament with the Paarl Royals, scoring 279 runs at an average of 55.80 and a strike rate of 140.20.

Looking ahead, Root turned his focus to the upcoming Test summer, starting with a five-match series against India at home from June 20. The series will kick off the new cycle of the World Test Championship.

“India coming over means there’s no hiding place. It’s a long series, and we’ll need to deliver match-winning performances consistently,” Root said.

With Root stepping aside from the leadership conversation, England’s white-ball future now rests on the next generation to take the team forward.

Karun Nair may be returning to the India A team for the tour to England since he was last part of the Indian set-up in 2018. Coming back to the fold would represent a remarkable step for him considering he has not played international cricket since 2018.

The 33-year old sprinter is remembered for the phenomenal 303 not out he scored against England during a Test in Channai in 2016. During the 2023-24 season Nair scored more than 600 runs achieving multiple 100’s that highlighted his form while competing in the Ranji Trophy and cemented his claim for a return into the Indian setup.

While hoping to secure a spot in the Indian National Team the England tour will also test his technique and discipline. In addition, considering the current state of the Indian team his performance could help him earn a spot in the senior team and would be very favorable for him.

🚨 KARUN NAIR FOR ENGLAND TOUR 🚨

- Karun Nair likely to be included in the India A team for the England tour. [PTI] pic.twitter.com/9ryPIwnj1f

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 27, 2025

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There is hope from fans that this tour will help Nair resurrect his career which has seen him go through troubled waters of competition, consistency and emerging victorious with a triple century. Nair makes for a compelling story especially with a strong performance in England coupled with Indias packed Test calendar along with many young players looking to solidify their claim. 

A tour of Nair is an awesome avenue for him to exhibit his worth to add a supplementary chapter to his inspiring cricketing. The devoted crowd will not leave any stone unturned, as they will be eyeing not only his performance but also will be eager to know if he is creating an argument in favor of him being back to the national squad.

IPL 2025 season is just under way for hours to go, there have been several changes in this season some players have left the team and some have reunited with the team. Same as happened to Csk where their old player Sam Curran has joined the team after the season of 2023,his significant role as all rounder to the team gave an added benifit to the team. 

Sam Curran as all rounder gave some match winning performances where the partnership between him and Dhoni was yet remembered, Csk has back then invested in lots of all rounders like Flintoff, Dwayne Bravo, Moeen Ali and Sam Curran it gives an ellite advantage to the to play an extra batter and bowler to the team. It will as good for Sam Curran to have a good Ipl season with Chennai as he is also away from his national team to get into it. 

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Sam Curran Ommission From The Team

Sam Curran has been out from the England team since last November despite being good in the t20s and ODI he was been sidelined from the team his contribution to the triumph of the 2022 T20 World Cup for England, even though there was some criticism for the cricket board too for neglecting him. Even though his omission in the Champions Trophy was too in speculation. For England Sam has played some exceptional innings around these years. 

Earlier Sam Curran was bought by Csk in 2023 for 18.5 crores, he was the most expensive player at that time. Sam Curran all all-around performance helped ask to clinch their fifth trophy. His great finish against the Punjab Kings in league stages and sometimes valuable in the bowling department where sometimes he used some tough lines and got important wickets too. 

Sam Curran Back To Csk Team

Sam Curran is bought by the Csk team once again after the season of 2023. Sam is excited to be back with Csk as he thinks that his valuable contribution to the team will be the gateway to the England team he has too expressed his thoughts My main aim is probably just to get back into the (England white-ball) side. With England, I guess I've never really found that perfect role. In the Champions Trophy and the series in India (at the start of 2025), there was no hiding that they stacked the batting in terms of playing a lot of batters and those extra quicks.

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I feel like if I get my role right with England, I'll get back into it, who knows what will happen now? The cliche of (needing) runs and wickets is no debate; I've got to keep doing that. I feel in a good space. I was gutted when it happened, but I'm still pretty young and feel like I have matured when it comes to handling the bad stuff.

Being a bit more experienced and reading situations better, I hope I can get back into the team. There is only one way (to do that), hopefully, I can have a really good IPL and see where we are in the summer. If he gets clicked in IPL it will route to the national team, The IPL season begins tomorrow and Csk will be playing their first match against Mumbai on 23 March in Chepauk Stadium. 

India won the Champions Trophy 2025 with a collective team effort. On their Champions Trophy triumph there were mixed views around the world. India and New Zealand played the final starting with New Zealand winning the toss and elected to bat first. New Zealand had a good opening partnership of 70 which was broken by Chakravarthy, New Zealand were trapped by Indian spin but Darryl Mitchell and Bracewell half century commanded a respectable total of 251 runs. 

It could be a tricky chase because in the previous league match same thing happened where India batted first and were restricted to 249 but indian spinners pulled out the game from New Zealand kudos to Varun Chakravarthy whose fifer saved India that day. So it was estimated that it would also be a tuff chase to posses because New Zealand too had the same fire power. 

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India pulled it over.

India's chase was a sweet story where Rohit Sharma and Subhman Gill gave a 100-run partnership but once they got out, things began to spice up with Kohli's early wicket, the game began to open but Iyer and Rahul continued the chase Iyer departed to well made 48 with Axar controlling the wicket flow by the n India were near to the target but soon Axar lose his wicket with Pandya and Rahul cruising near victory. 

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With Jadeja finishing things off with a four, India won the Champions Trophy for the third time most by any team and won the trophy after 12 years of wait which they missed in 2017. Rohit Sharma was the soul of the chase after their victory cricket fertility congratulated those who were criticising them few for Dubai's advantage. 

Micheal Vaughan Change of words After The Win

Ace cricketer Micheal Vaughan was one of them who criticised India for seeking the advantage of being in a single venue and troubling other teams to travel. This sparked controversy and a few of ex cricketers also stated this. This issue started when India refused to travel to Pakistan who were the hosts of the Champions Trophy stating security reasons. And played all their matches in Dubai. Now after India's win Micheal Vaughan's words have been changed. 

Micheal Vaughan states that Lets be honest India are, the best team in the white ball cricket by a decent margin. Throughly deserved to, win... T20 holders/Champions Trophy holders. .. Now down to rest to try and catch up. Its no hiding that India made their full effort and earned the trophy. Micheal Vaughan change of words has been in the centre of trolls. 

IPL is on its way and teams are gearing up for their upcoming matches and venues. Mumbai Team had a good auction this year, But there have been certain injury concerns earlier Allah Ghazanfar was ruled out due to injury and replaced by Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Now there is another blow for Mumbai Indians where their pacer Reece Topely may be ruled out due to Groin's injury while playing in BPL for Sylhet Strikers and withdraw from the tournament early. 

Soon he flew to England for immediate treatment  for the cure,but the latest reports have suggested he still on recovery process which is suspected that he may be unavailable for Mumbai Indians for the upcomimg IPL season of 2025. Mumbai bought Reece Topley at the price of 75 lakhs . The major concern for Topley is he lacks match fitness due to injuries. 

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Major Injury Concerns For Topley

Reece Topley is a good fast bowler who bowls left arm fast bowling and has a tendency to swing the ball both ways and the depth he creates in his bowling adds pressure on batsmam thats why he is considered as good asset. But though he posses so much talent but due to injuries he is always been sidelined. He has not played much for England too in past match England toured West Indies where he injured his ankle and went to the dugout. 

He was at such an anger that he blasted a chair where 15 per cent of match fees were fined.  Last year too he didn't play much competitive cricket he was gearing up for the PSL season where he was playing for Multan Sultan but didn't get NOC from the England and Wales Board. The same thing happened in IPL too where he was bought by RCB but didn't take part in it. Though his injury was minor as he caught up with a niggle only board didn't want to take the risk as the T20 world cup too was nearing and they were the current champions at that time. 

What Would Be Mumbai's Next Move

Reece Topley would be considered as major factor for their home games as Wankade Stadium is quite far away from sea so the air travels frequently and it helps the bowlers the most and being a left armer is an huge advantage as mentioned earlier he can swing the ball both ways which can turn out to huge advantage. 

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For Mumbai Topley was a absolute steal who came into a consderable budget , but Mumbai would have researched about him fully because mostly he is injury proned.  Now as he is not available Mumbai line up looks thin and Bumrah too has to recover yet, so there is a huge gap they have to fill. 

Jos Butler had a pretty bad season in Champions Trophy where they have lost all of their matches which is considered as serious downfall of England Cricket team. They had this type of rough patch earlier too. But the patch to be consider again is definitely to be addressed, what is the thing or the trick which England really lacking. They have the best asset in the line up but yet having they are lacking something. 

 Butler has been the good captain for England but whether he is far good enough to take on tuff decision or a tricky waver it is definitely question to ask. Though at initial he was a way different captain which is been compared today. 

Butler Initial Stages And Captaincy Mark

Butler started his cricket from his early childhood days and the keen interest persuaded him to attract towards it. Soon he was into his divisions and became integral part of England team. Where he debuted around 2011 against India and been a key member to the team as a middle order wicket keeper batsman. Though England continously attracted to bad phase despite having good performances. 

Then England reframed their playing structure into aggressive module with Eoin Morgan as captain which really benifited them with 2019 ODI World Cup. After Morgan exit Butler was the front runner for captaincy and  he was named England's white ball captain. 

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The World Cup Triumph

 After attaining captaincy Butler just gave his good performance with bat and through his captaincy skills. The next big assignment for England team was to win the T20 world Cup in 2022. Butler and his co were ready for this hefty challenge to take. 

 They outclassed the tournament with the great spirit, though the league face had some ups and downs though England manage to reach the finals which was to be played against Pakistan which was in red hot form at that time. Though England managed to beat them were and became champions. 

The Painful Downfall Of Butler

After having a great tournament in 2022 after it was just slopping down for Jos Butler. After that it was just pure drought Butler form was to dipping, losing series at continous level, Early exit of ODI defending champions. It was like they were losing the spark. Sometime it cleary depicted that Butler couldn't use his context whether to move with aggressive pace or to do different with his creativity.

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Buttler led the England team in 39 One Day International matches, securing 18 wins and suffering 20 losses. With a win percentage of 46.15%. In T20Is, Buttler had a slightly good record, leading England into 51 matches, with 26 wins and 22 losses, with a win percentage of 50.98%. 

In every aspect of the game they used to be aggressive time worked and sometimes it drastically fell. Soon it was an early exit in the 2024 T20 World Cup. If one gets affected automatically it affects the other same thing happened to Butler once the captaincy tickled the batting performance too detorited. Now in 2025, they had lost the first game against Australia though scoring above 350 plus still lost the match. Against Afghanistan 8 runs lost and today too they got beaten by South Africa. This resulted in Butler's resignation as captain of England after the Champions Trophy.