The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has selected ex-Indian cricketer Hrishikesh Kanitkar to be the head coach of the India A side for their soon-to-be-conducted shadow tour of England, scheduled from May 30, 2025. The tour is an important component of preparations for India's senior team's five-match Test series against England from June 20. Kanitkar, who represented India in a few Tests and ODIs, had a fruitful domestic career, scoring more than 8,000 runs, and now carries that expertise to an important developmental role.

Kanitkar’s coaching experience includes the IPL coaching of the Kochi Tuskers Kerala along with his current domestic side of Maharashtra. Kanitkar, who is described as being calm and possessing a good tactical mind, has significantly contributed to pushing young talent in all formats. His new role with India A comes at a crucial moment, as India needs to rebuild the Test side after the recent retirements of players from the format, such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The IPL 2025 season is slated to return on May 17 and end on June 3, so the player focus will transition from white ball to red ball cricket very quickly.

India A team, with Abhimanyu Easwaran as captain, boasts such exciting names as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, and Shardul Thakur, with Shubman Gill and B. Sai Sudharsan joining from the second match. The tour itinerary includes two four-day games against the England Lions, a mid-tour intra-squad match, and a game against the senior Indian team. All these games are meant to test fringe players' preparedness and condition for the eagerly awaited Test series.

Also Read: India A squad announced for shadow tour against England Lions

A New Chapter for India A Squad 

Kanitkar's appointment heralds a new direction for India A in a transition period. His skill in counseling young players through hostile conditions will be crucial as the side learns to cope with English wickets and match pressure.

With his guidance and experience, India A's shadow tour can be the defining piece of work in shaping India's red-ball future in the build-up to the WTC 2025–27 cycle.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, made the announcement of Mike Hesson being appointed as the white-ball head coach of the Pakistan men's cricket team from May 26, a day following the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 season. Hesson, who has coached the Black Caps to the 2015 World Cup final, has also been associated with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) of the IPL, among other franchises. His success with Islamabad United, the defending champions of the PSL, recently made him a strong candidate after the PCB reviewed many applications in light of the team's tour of New Zealand in April.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi did believe Hesson was a sound appointment based on his record of developing competitive teams. Hesson replaces interim coach Aqib Javed, who stepped down after the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where Pakistan bowed out in the group stage. Javed has switched to Director of High Performance as a complement to Hesson's appointment, with the PCB seeking to reinvigorate its white-ball cricket prior to a jam-packed international calendar, which will feature a home ODI series and the 2026 T20 World Cup.

A New Era for Pakistan's White-Ball Cricket

Hesson's appointment has been welcomed widely on social media, where supporters and commentators view it as a big win for the PCB, as he possesses tactical brains and an understanding of Pakistani cricket via the PSL. His first task will probably be a T20I series against Bangladesh, commencing in late May, with games in Lahore and Faisalabad.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced the appointment of Mike Hesson as the white-ball head coach of the Pakistan mens cricket team effective from May 26, a day after the culmination of the PSL 2025 season.https://t.co/a0K9k4OQqi

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) May 13, 2025

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The PCB is optimistic that Hesson's strategic experience will help rectify Pakistan's recent woes in limited-overs cricket, such as a disastrous Champions Trophy outing and only one victory in nine white-ball games on their New Zealand tour this year. With a new eye, Hesson wants to create a competitive team, paving the way for a revolutionary era in Pakistan's white-ball cricket.

The head coach of the Indian cricket team and former MP, Gautam Gambhir, received a chilling death threat involving two emails on April 22 with the subject line, “I KILL YOU.” The two emailed threats originated from a group taking the name of “ISIS Kashmir” just days after 26 people died in the Pahalgam terror attack. With the public already on edge from the terrorist act, the people asking questions about the safety of a high-profile public figure in their own right are taking it to another level. 

Gambhir has never been one to shy away from his opinions against terrorism and in support of national security and quickly alerted the authorities. Gambhir filed a formal complaint with the Delhi Police, who quickly registered an FIR and began investigating. Gambhir is not new to these same types of intimidation, as the attacks accompanied him during his political career. However, in light of the current threat assessment and the direct nature of that threat, all the scrutiny attached to his position as one of India's most scrutinized athletes has created heightened concern. 

We have been informed about an alleged threat mail received on an email ID associated with Gautam Gambhir. The matter is being investigated," said DCP (Central) M. Harsha Vardhan.Delhi Police are currently attempting to identify the email's origin. Gambhir's current details have been reviewed and have reportedly been examined and increased. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) could also take part in the investigation, indicating the seriousness of the threat. Gambhir continues to maintain his public commitments but has demanded full protection for himself and his family.

See Also: ' You're sheltering and nurturing terrorists'—Former' Pakistan cricketer blames PM Shehbaz Sharif after Pahalgam attack

Rising Threats to Public Figures in India

Make no mistake, this is not the only case. We are seeing a growing threat to public figures, particularly those aligned with stronger nationalist or anti-terror views, who have increasingly become tertiary targets- and soft targets at that—for extremist groups. The threat matrix has evolved, particularly as the digital realm has been weaponized for intimidation without borders. Public figures and those in the public eye, be they journalists, politicians, social/entertainment figures, or sports and celebrity icons, are increasingly more targeted.

It is now time for the government to change to a proactive way of security. At the end of the day, reactive and passive protection is increasingly inadequate as the threats multiply and become more complex. We need an overhaul of how to specifically do digital surveillance, threat detection, and personal security for those in the public domain. Gambhir has delivered a flare-a cry for help that requires immediate structural change.

Finally, this episode illuminates that fame and service come at a significant personal price during volatile times. As India confronts insecurities internally and externally, it is crisis engagement at every level of society to protect the ambassadors of courage and national pride who openly take risks in terms of their lives-not only to create art but also through dialogue and messaging. The disquieting truth is greatly distasteful, and the time is now to proactively protect these individuals in conflict and danger.

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.

Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik feels that the present Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir is under pressure in his early days due to recent negative results. Karthik talked about how the head coach can settle the situation. 

Gautam Gambhir, the former national teammate of Dinesh Karthik, has taken the coaching challenge of the Indian team after their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 trophy win under the coaching of Rahul Dravid. 

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It's never easy to fill those shoes: Dinesh Karthik on coach Rahul Dravid replacement

Although the Gambhir-coaching Indian team won the home Test series against Bangladesh comfortably by 2-0 after a successful T20I series whitewash (3-0) and losing an ODI series in the Sri Lanka tour (2-0), they faced a historic whitewash defeat in the home Test against New Zealand (by 3-0) and also lost the five-match Test series Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia by 3-1. The team selections and batters’ performances in the recent Test series have been criticised heavily.

Recently, Dinesh Karthik talked about Gambhir’s coaching. He told Cricbuzz, "The Bangladesh series was a success, and I think post that, things have gone downhill for him in Tests."

While the early situation is very tough for Gambhir and Team India, Karthik believes that the former Indian opener needs some time, as it was never easy to replace the successful coach Rahul Dravid. 

Karthik said, "You've got to give Gambhir some slack. He has come in at a very tough time post the successful regime of Rahul Dravid. It's never easy to fill those shoes.” 

Karthik also pointed out that while coach Gambhir had a rough start in the ODI and Test formats, the ODI format was too small, as India played only three ODIs in 2024. Meanwhile, under his coaching, Team India impressed in the T20I format, both against the hosts Sri Lanka and the visitors Bangladesh. Karthik praises Gambhir for guiding the youngsters in the shorter format.

The pressure is mounting

Talking about Gambhir’s impact as the coach, Karthik feels that the correlation between the coach's vision and the players' mindset is important to build up a strong team. While Karthik also understands the limited opportunities for a coach during a match, he needs to work in the proper manner to make the dressing room positive. 

Karthik finished with, "The pressure is mounting. All he can do is give them freedom, give them the security they want in the dressing room, and try to keep a very nice and safe even sort of place there. But when the player walks out, he has to find a way to counter his demons and the opposition's questions."

In a significant development for Indian cricket, Gautam Gambhir has been officially announced as the new head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team. The former opening batter will take over from Rahul Dravid, who concluded his tenure on a high note by securing the T20 World Cup trophy. Gambhir’s appointment follows a thorough selection process and extensive negotiations, setting the stage for a new chapter in Indian cricket. Jay Shah posted on twitter about this biggest news.

Gambhir’s IPL journey: From player to mentor

Gautam Gambhir’s transition from a decorated player to a respected mentor has been marked by notable achievements in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Known for his aggressive batting and sharp cricketing acumen, Gambhir played a pivotal role in transforming the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) into IPL champions. His leadership skills were further showcased during his stint as the mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants, before he returned to KKR to guide them to another title.

As a player, Gautam Gambhir was known for his resilience and ability to perform under pressure. He played crucial innings in India’s victories in both the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. His match-winning 75 runs in the 2007 T20 World Cup final and a vital 97 runs in the 2011 ODI World Cup final are still celebrated moments in Indian cricket history.

Stepping into Dravid’s shoes

Taking over from Rahul Dravid is no small feat. Dravid’s tenure was marked by a disciplined approach and a focus on nurturing young talent, culminating in India’s T20 World Cup victory. Gambhir is expected to bring his unique style and strategic mindset to the role, building on Dravid’s legacy while injecting fresh energy into the team. His experience and success in the IPL have prepared him for this national-level assignment, where he will now face the challenge of maintaining and enhancing India’s standing in world cricket.

Delays in announcement: The salary negotiations

The announcement of Gambhir’s appointment was delayed primarily due to salary negotiations. According to sources, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Gambhir were in the “final stages of salary negotiations.” The BCCI had stated that the head coach’s remuneration would be “negotiable and will be commensurate with experience.” Gambhir, expected to draw a higher salary than his predecessor, Rahul Dravid, whose yearly remuneration was around ₹12 crore, required detailed discussions to finalize his package. Once the terms were agreed upon, the BCCI moved swiftly to make the official announcement.

Future plans and responsibilities

Gambhir’s immediate responsibilities will include preparing the Indian team for the upcoming white-ball series in Sri Lanka, as confirmed by BCCI secretary Jay Shah. Additionally, the selection of the support staff will be a critical task. The BCCI has indicated that Gambhir will have significant input in this process, allowing him to assemble a team that aligns with his vision and strategy.

See Also: KKR to ‘offer’ a new job to Rahul Dravid? Find out – Cricket Winner

With the tenures of batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip having ended post the T20 World Cup, the new head coach will be instrumental in selecting a new support team. There is speculation that Gambhir, given his expertise as a successful opener, might opt for different configurations in the coaching staff, potentially forgoing a dedicated batting coach.

Former India batter Gautam Gambhir is on top of the BCCI’s wishlist take up the position of India men’s head coach after Rahul Dravid’s term ends at the conclusion of the 2024 T20 World Cup in June.

Gambhir’s Cricketing Career Highlights 

Gambhir’s cricketing prowess is well-documented, as a key player in India’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2007 and the ODI World Cup victory in 2011. He was a tenacious opener known for his gritty performances and ability to rise to the occasion in critical matches.

See Also: Warm-up fixtures announced for T20 WC 2024; Check dates and venues

Transition to Mentorship and Coaching Roles

After hanging up his boots, Gambhir smoothly transitioned into mentorship and coaching. He first took up a role with the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2022 and 2023, where his strategic insights helped the team qualify for the playoffs in both seasons.

In 2024, he moved to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he had a successful stint as captain. His return to KKR as a mentor has seen the team finish the league stage at the top of the points table.

Despite lacking formal coaching experience at the international level, Gambhir has been a mentor at two IPL franchises, the Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders. His strategic input and leadership have been instrumental in the success of these teams. 

BCCI’s Wishlist and Approach

The BCCI’s search for a head coach is meticulous. They seek a candidate who has a rich, cricketing background, strong leadership qualities, and strategic insight.

The deadline for applying for the head coach position is May 27, just a day after the IPL final. This tight timeline underscores the urgency with which the BCCI is moving forward. The selected candidate will serve a term starting from July 2024 and concluding in December 2027, a span that covers several critical international tournaments and series.

Current Head coach Rahul Dravid’s decision to step down after the 2024 T20 World Cup surprised many. He communicated his decision to the BCCI, opting not to seek another tenure.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up to release an advertisement for a new coach, confirmed by Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary.

Coaching Staff Selection Process

Shah revealed that the advertisement for the new coach would soon be published, signalling the commencement of the selection process. Additionally, he mentioned that decisions regarding other coaching staff, including batting, bowling, and fielding coaches, will be made in consultation with the new head coach.

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“Rahul’s tenure is only up to June. So if he wants to apply, he is free to do so,” the BCCI secretary said.

Possibility of a Foreign Coach

Addressing speculation about the new coach’s nationality, Shah stated that the BCCI is open to the possibility of hiring a foreign coach. However, he emphasized that the final decision rests with the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), highlighting the global nature of the selection process.

“We cannot determine whether the new coach will be Indian or foreign. It will be up to the CAC, and we are a global body,” the BCCI official said.

Duration of Coach’s Tenure

Shah confirmed that the new coach will be appointed for a long term, with an initial tenure of three years. This indicates the BCCI’s intention to provide stability and continuity in the coaching setup, ensuring a conducive environment for the team’s development.

“That decision will also be made by the CAC. There are many all-format players, like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant, among others. Moreover, there is no precedent for such a situation in India.”

Continuation of Impact Player Rule in IPL

Regarding the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Shah remained non-committal on its continuation. He stressed the importance of consulting with captains, coaches, franchises, and broadcasters before making a decision, underscoring the collaborative nature of the process.

“Impact player was a test case. Two new Indian players are getting a chance in the IPL,” he stressed when it was pointed out that the rule might not favor all-rounders. “We will discuss with the stakeholders – franchises and broadcasters – before deciding on the continuation of the Impact Player. It’s not permanent, but no one has provided feedback against the rule,” he said.

Contradicting recent claims, Shah stated that there had been no discussions on reviving the Champions League Twenty20 tournament. He reiterated the need for clarity and transparency in such matters, emphasizing the importance of official statements from the BCCI.

Shah left everyone guessing whether he will be taking up the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairmanship in November, as is being widely speculated, but did disclose that discussions will be held regarding the possibility of holding the World Test Championship (WTC) final outside of England.

“We have spoken to the ICC about it. They will consider changing the venue,” Shah said.