The recent terror attack in Pahalgam has left the entire nation in grief, deeply affecting every Indian. Citizens across the country have been expressing their outrage and sorrow over the tragic loss of lives. Among them, former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has also paid tribute to the victims. He extended his condolences and expressed solidarity with the affected families, echoing the collective pain and anger felt throughout the country in the wake of such a horrifying act of terrorism.

In addition to expressing his grief, Sourav Ganguly strongly voiced his opinion on India’s diplomatic stance with Pakistan. He advocated for a complete severing of ties with the neighboring country, stressing that acts of terror cannot be taken lightly or normalized as yearly occurrences. Ganguly’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment among many Indians who believe stronger actions should be taken to ensure national security and send a clear message against terrorism. Citing this, the former India skipper told ANI that he fully supported breaking ties with Pakistan, stating that strict action was necessary. He emphasized that it was no joke for such incidents to occur every year and added that terrorism could not be tolerated.

"100 per cent, this (breaking ties with Pakistan) should be done. Strict action is necessary. It is no joke that such things happen every year. Terrorism cannot be tolerated,” Ganguly told ANI.

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#PahalgamTerroristAttack | Kolkata, West Bengal: Former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly says, "100 per cent, this (breaking ties with Pakistan) should be done. Strict action is necessary. It is no joke that such things happen every year. Terrorism cannot be tolerated." pic.twitter.com/J4v4HX3TZJ

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2025

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India and Pakistan have not played each other since 2013

It has been nearly a decade since India last played a bilateral series with Pakistan in 2013, and since then, the two cricketing arch-rivals have only played each other at ICC events. Political ramifications and security threats have halted any bilateral commitments, and earlier this year, during the Champions Trophy, India decided not to berth in Pakistan, and all scheduled matches were played in Dubai via a neutral venue. 

India and Pakistan participated and played against each other once during the Champions Trophy, with India winning that match. Global interest began and peaked in the good old days when India and Pakistan used to play against each other. India and Pakistan met once during the Champions Trophy, however, they were able to demonstrate the action and intensity of their rivalry happy which became a normal ICC event match, without a bilateral series. And cricket fans across the world all continue to share an imagination on whether the bilateral series will resume forever.

The gruesome terrorist attack in Pahalgam has shocked everyone in the country. Rajeev Shukla, the vice president the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already stated that Team India will not entertain any bilateral series with Pakistan. Further media reports have suggested that the Board can take further steps to avoid any match against Pakistan.

According to a media report, BCCI wrote the International Cricket Council (ICC) not to put the Indian cricket team in the same group as Pakistan in their future events. The update came as a media report, yet to be announced by the board or by the Council officially. 

The 2008 Mumbai terror attack was considered to be a major setback for relations between the two countries, India and Pakistan. After the incident, Team India never traveled to Pakistan. Even in ICC events, both teams faced each other in neutral venues.

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Both sides played the series way back in 2012-2013 when Pakistan toured India to play a limited-overs cricket series. India last played against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, where Sri Lanka won the trophy by defeating India. 

Know what BCCI vice president has said

BCCI even refused to send team India to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as the Pakistan Cricket Board was the host nation of the team. Later, ICC converted the multiple-nation tournament into a hybrid model. Instead of playing on Pakistani soil, Team India played their matches in Dubai. 

BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla said in a statement, "We are with the victims, and we condemn it. Whatever our government says, we will do. We don’t play with Pakistan in a bilateral series because of the government’s stance. And we will not play with Pakistan bilaterally going forward. But when it comes to the ICC event, we play due to ICC engagement. ICC is also aware of what is happening; they will do it."

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.

India captain Rohit Sharma has claimed one more outstanding milestone in his distinguished career, a stand in honor of his name at the legendary Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) confirmed this decision at its Annual General Meeting on April 15, 2025, paying tribute to Rohit's significant contribution to Mumbai and Indian cricket over the years.

Rohit, who has played almost two decades for Mumbai in domestic cricket and took India to two big ICC titles in the past year, spoke about his feelings after the announcement. "It's a dream-like feeling to have a stand on my name, and I will always be thankful," Rohit said. "You never know how long you will play, but to receive these honours is something I could never dream of."

The Rohit stand will be placed at Divecha Pavilion, Level 3 of the Wankhede Stadium. It goes in the exclusive list of cricketing heroes Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Dilip Vengsarkar, who also have stands at the same venue named after them. Notably, Rohit becomes only the second active Indian cricketer after Virat Kohli, who has a stand in his name at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi to receive this rare tribute.

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Honouring Mumbai’s cricketing greats

MCA also chose to dedicate stands to the late Ajit Wadekar and ex-MCA and BCCI President Sharad Pawar. Ajit Wadekar's name will adorn Grand Stand Level 4, while Pawar will be remembered with Grand Stand Level 3.

Rohit Sharma on getting a stand named after him in the Wankhede Stadium 🔥

pic.twitter.com/3vM2S2tR4K

— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) April 18, 2025

This distinction is on the heels of Rohit's successful captaincy in 2024 and 2025, when he led India to a T20 World Cup victory after 11 years and then followed it with a Champions Trophy victory in February 2025. Even though he drew criticism following a lean period in Tests, Rohit has still excelled in white-ball cricket and proved his mettle all over again.

With the next IPL match against Chennai Super Kings on April 20 at the same venue, the fans will now be supporting their hometown hero in front of the newly-named Rohit Sharma Stand a moment surely to be remembered in Mumbai cricket history.

In a significant step toward preparing for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, Jay Shah, the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), recently visited South Africa to inspect key venues for the tournament. The World Cup event scheduled for October and November 2027 will have South Africa and Zimbabwe as joint hosts together with Namibia in what represents South Africa's and Zimbabwe's second World Cup collaboration since 2003 and Namibia's first hosting of the tournament. The ICC demonstrates its dedication to creating premium tournament spaces for the 14-team competition because Shah toured facilities for the upcoming 2027 World Cup.

Lions Cricket South Africa extended a warm welcome to both Shah and Cricket South Africa (CSA) Vice President Dr. Mohammed Moosajee when they visited the legendary DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on April 16, 2025. The stadium tour concluded with a fantastic lunch demonstration of the venue's capability to execute major competitions. The 2003 World Cup final occurred at Wanderers Stadium, which now has a 30,000-person capacity and serves as one among eight South African stadium choices. The eight confirmed South African venues for the tournament encompass Kingsmead in Durban and Newlands in Cape Town and also include SuperSport Park in Centurion as well as St. George’s Park in Gqeberha and Boland Park in Paarl and Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein and Buffalo Park in East London.

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The venues were strategically selected by CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki according to hotel availability and airport accessibility criteria. The qualification process for Namibia stands separate from automatic qualification for South Africa and Zimbabwe, which includes hosting rights. South African officials work closely with ICC President Shashank Manohar to supervise tournament preparations because they need to maintain international standards throughout the infrastructure development and event operations and fan attendance convenience.

Venue Preparations and Regional Impact

The 2027 ODI World Cup will bring out Southern Africa’s traditional cricket culture while sharing its welcoming traditions with the world. The ICC evaluates three major South African cities with their selected venues to satisfy their specifications for facilities for players, media personnel, and spectators. Wanderers Stadium is receiving upgrades to qualify as a prime location for hosting important matches, which could include the final of the tournament, because of its cultural importance combined with contemporary features.

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The co-host partnership between South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will stimulate cricket development throughout the region beyond South African borders. Matches during the upcoming tournament will be divided between the cities of Harare and Bulawayo in Zimbabwe, while Namibia receives a minor role, which signals progress of its developing cricket community. The World Cup’s planned development includes South African matches as the ICC works to build a unified tournament that advances cricket throughout these three countries, as demonstrated by Shah’s tour.

Kane Williamson is not playing in the IPL this year, but the New Zealand veteran still has a sharp eye on the future of cricket. During a recent chat on the Bombay Sport Exchange show by the Times of India, he was asked a pretty simple question: who are the next big stars of world cricket?

And as always, Kane gave a calm, thoughtful answer. He named five young players who, in his opinion, could define the next era of international cricket once the likes of himself, Kohli, Smith, and Root move on.

Here’s the list he gave, and it’s a solid mix of flair, form, and future potential:

• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Shubman Gill
• Rachin Ravindra
• Harry Brook
• Cameron Green

Let’s take a look at why each name was cut.

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Yashasvi Jaiswal – The Breakout Star from India

Yashasvi’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular. At just 22, he’s already racked up nearly 1,800 runs in Test cricket at an average above 50, and he’s done it with flair. His aggressive strokeplay and fearless attitude make him a perfect fit for modern-day cricket, but it’s his calm under pressure that truly sets him apart. He’s also part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad and looks like someone who’s just getting started. ODI debut? Still pending. But it’s only a matter of time.

Shubman Gill – The Future Captain in the Making

Shubman Gill carries the aura of a future Indian captain, mature, composed, and incredibly consistent. With a classical technique and an eye for big runs, he’s already proven himself across formats. Nearly 2,800 runs in ODIs at an average close to 60, five Test centuries, and a cool head in high-pressure situations make him one of the most complete young batters in the game today. Whether it’s the IPL or a tense Test match overseas, Gill rarely looks out of place.

Rachin Ravindra – New Zealand’s Next Big All-Rounder

A true all-format asset, Rachin Ravindra has quietly become a key figure in New Zealand’s plans. He’s already notched up over 1,000 Test runs, including a mammoth 240, and can bowl handy left-arm spin. What makes Rachin special is his adaptability. he can bat anywhere in the order, adjust to any format, and still find ways to make an impact. Kane Williamson sees in him a mirror of the dependable Kiwi spirit.

Harry Brook – England’s Bazball Poster Boy

Harry Brook is redefining what aggressive Test batting looks like. Just 24 Tests in and he’s already closing in on 2,300 runs at an outrageous average close to 60. Eight centuries. A top score of 317. And he’s just been handed England’s white-ball captaincy. Brook is bold, fearless, and thrives under pressure, a perfect match for England’s high-octane approach under the Bazball banner. If there’s one player who looks like he could rewrite Test cricket's norms, it’s Brook.

Cameron Green – Australia’s Powerhouse in Progress

Cameron Green’s numbers may not scream superstar just yet, but the potential is unmistakable. He’s an old-school Test all-rounder with modern-day power over 1,300 runs in Tests, a top score of 174 not out, and the ability to crank it up with the ball. Injuries have slowed him down a bit, but when fully fit, Green is one of the most impactful players Australia has. Think of him as the long-term engine room of Aussie cricket.

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Still In the Game, Just Off the Field

Even though Kane went unsold in the last IPL auction, he’s stayed involved with the league through commentary and mentoring. He spent time at a local academy in Mumbai recently, sharing his experience with young players. When asked which shot he’d love to borrow from another batter, he smiled and picked Virat Kohli’s wristy leg-side flick. A classy choice, and a nice nod to a fellow great.

Williamson will be joining the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League later this month. After that, he’s expected back in New Zealand colours for a T20I tri-series in July featuring Zimbabwe and South Africa. Kane’s picks for the next Fab Five show he’s been watching closely and thinking ahead. These five have already made their mark, but with someone like Williamson backing them, the spotlight is only going to get brighter.

Cricket is making a dramatic Olympic comeback after 128 years, with the legendary Fairgrounds in Pomona, Southern California, named as the Olympic venue for the sport at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The Fairplex, a large 500-acre site famous for staging the LA County Fair, will be converted into a bespoke building for the Olympic cricket tournament.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) received the decision with both hands. ICC Chair Jay Shah described the action as a "step forward" towards readying cricket for a return to the Olympics, citing it as an unprecedented opportunity to expand the sport into fresh markets with the popular T20 pace. Cricket and baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash are one of five sports to be recognized for inclusion at LA28.

Men's and Women's T20s to Have Six Teams Each

Both the men's and women's cricket competitions at LA28 will be in the form of T20s, with six teams for each. The IOC has approved a total of 90 slots per gender for players, so each country can have a complete 15-player team. The actual schedule will be released nearer the event, which takes place from July 14 to July 30, 2028.

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This will be cricket's first Olympic appearance since Paris 1900, when a single Great Britain vs. France match was held, now regarded as an unofficial Test. Since the late nineteenth century, cricket has appeared in multi-sport regional events such as the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, but LA28 will bestow upon it the long-awaited international Olympic stage.

The news follows increasing expectations and backing from officials, athletes, and fans alike. As matches are set to be held within a temporary stadium at Fairplex, the LA28 organizers have vowed to provide an elite experience for fans and competitors alike, taking advantage of the venue's storied past and the international stature of Los Angeles. As the clock ticks down to 2028, cricket's return to the Olympic fold marks not only a moment of historic return but an opportunity to engage a fresh generation of supporters on the world's greatest sporting stage.

As the spotlight remains on the Indian Premier League (IPL), the International Cricket Council (ICC) is actively working behind the scenes to restructure international cricket. A significant focus is on revamping the One Day International (ODI) format, which has faced growing criticism for being too favorable to batters. The ICC is now considering changes that could restore some balance between bat and ball—news that could come as a relief to bowlers around the world, including Indian pacer Mohammed Shami.

The current ODI rule, introduced in October 2011, mandates the use of two new balls—one from each end—for the entire 50-over innings. While this was initially intended to maintain the ball's hardness and visibility, it has unintentionally made life difficult for bowlers. Reverse swing, a crucial weapon for pacers in the latter stages of an innings, has almost disappeared. At the same time, spinners have struggled to extract any help, especially on flat, batting-friendly pitches.

Recognizing this imbalance, several cricketers, including Shami, have urged the ICC to reconsider the rule. Their request is to create conditions that once again allow for reverse swing and give bowlers a fair chance, particularly during the middle and death overs. If implemented, the proposed changes could revive the art of reverse swing and bring more excitement and competitiveness back into the ODI format.

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Sourav Ganguly-led committee brings crucial rule change recommendation for ODI cricket 

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has been re-appointed as the chairman of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee. Joining him on the panel are notable names from the cricketing world, including Hamid Hassan, Desmond Haynes, Temba Bavuma, VVS Laxman—who has also been re-appointed—and Jonathan Trott. The committee represents a diverse mix of cricketing experience across different eras and regions.

Under Ganguly's leadership, the newly formed committee has reportedly submitted several key recommendations to the ICC. Among them is a significant proposal to change an existing rule in One Day Internationals (ODIs), aiming to bring more balance between bat and ball and enhance the competitiveness of the format.

One ball can be used from 35th over

While each innings of the ODI innings now starts with two new balls, it will continue according to the new men's cricket committee, but with some tweaks. At the end of the 34th over, while each ball will be 17 overs older, the bowling side can choose which one of the two balls can be used for the last 16 overs of the innings. The other ball will be kept as the reserve ball in case it is needed.

After this recommendation, each cricket board is expected to bring the feedback by the end of this month. The ICC Annual General Meeting will be organised in July. If the boards give positive signals on this recommendation, it can be formalised in the playing conditions during the ICC AGM. ICC's board approval not required for this, as it is about the playing-condition change.

The high-scoring trend in IPL 2025 has brought increased attention to bat size regulations, with umpires regularly inspecting bats used by players like Hardik Pandya and Phil Salt. These checks go beyond routine officiating—they are essential to maintaining fairness in the game. As bat technology continues to evolve, ensuring players follow the prescribed size and weight guidelines helps prevent an unfair advantage, especially in a format as explosive as T20 cricket.

To uphold the spirit of the game and ensure a level playing field, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) enforces strict bat regulations. Regular inspections serve as a deterrent against rule violations and reinforce the importance of balance between bat and ball. With bats growing in power and innovation, these checks are a necessary part of keeping the game's competitive edge intact and preserving the integrity of cricket.

Balancing Bat and Ball

Recent T20 matches have witnessed exceptionally high scoring, highlighted by Sunrisers Hyderabad’s explosive 245-run chase in just 18.3 overs. The evolution of modern bats—with thicker edges and enlarged sweet spots—has made it easier for batters to clear boundaries effortlessly. However, this shift has created an imbalance, reducing the impact of bowlers in the game. To ensure fair play, bat size inspections are regularly conducted, preventing players from gaining undue advantages through oversized equipment.

The surge in runs has sparked mixed reactions across social media. While many fans enjoy the entertaining high-scoring games, others express concern over the diminishing role of bowlers. To address this, the BCCI adheres to the bat size regulations set by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), aiming to preserve equilibrium between batting and bowling. These measures are crucial to ensuring that the T20 format remains competitive and doesn’t overly favor one aspect of the game.

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BCCI’s Rulebook

The standards for batting equipment are rooted in Law 5 of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) regulations, which have also been adopted by the International Cricket Council (ICC). According to these guidelines, a cricket bat must not exceed 67mm in depth, 108mm in width, 38 inches in length, or 40mm in edge thickness.

In IPL 2025, Clause 5.7 of the rulebook mandates that umpires use metal bat gauges to inspect equipment—typically done as batters enter the field or during substitutions. This rule is strictly enforced. A recent inspection of Hardik Pandya’s bat during a Delhi Capitals match highlighted the consequences of non-compliance. The BCCI has maintained a firm stance against violations, regularly pulling out bats that don’t meet the standards and penalizing teams accordingly to uphold fairness and integrity in the game.

Random and Rigorous Checks

Bat inspections have become increasingly random and frequent, adding another layer of vigilance to the game. The fourth umpire now conducts bat checks not just before matches, but also during practice sessions, between innings, or after team changes. These surprise inspections make it harder for players to bypass the rules. Since players often use 4–5 different bats in a single game, relying solely on pre-match checks isn't sufficient to ensure compliance. The growing scrutiny has also sparked widespread discussion and attention on social media platforms.

Penalties for Violations

Using illegal or oversized bats can result in serious disciplinary action under the IPL's Code of Conduct. Players found violating the bat regulations may first receive warning letters, followed by suspension or even a one-year ban, depending on the severity of the offense. A notable example of strict enforcement occurred during the Essex County Championship, where the team was docked a point for using a non-compliant bat. The BCCI maintains that every player is fully accountable for adhering to the rules, regardless of whether the violation was intentional or due to ignorance.

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Why Now?

The BCCI enforces the ICC’s 2017 bat regulations more strictly than ever, especially as rising scores and advancements in bat technology continue to favor batters. These bat inspections are crucial for maintaining fairness in a format increasingly dominated by batting, especially amid heightened scrutiny and recent cases of non-compliance.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has once again been re-appointed as the chairperson of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee, reaffirming his continued influence in the cricketing world. The announcement came from the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday.

Ganguly, who first took on the role in 2021, replaced another Indian legend, Anil Kumble, after he served the maximum tenure allowed. Known for his bold and transformative leadership during his stint as India’s captain from 2000 to 2005, Ganguly has carried that same sharp cricketing mind into his post-playing career, including his term as BCCI President.

Laxman and Other Legends Join the Panel

Joining Ganguly on the committee is his longtime teammate and fellow Indian batting icon VVS Laxman, who has also been reappointed. The rest of the panel brings together a truly global mix of cricketing experience:

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• Desmond Haynes – West Indies batting legend
• Temba Bavuma – South Africa’s current Test and ODI captain
• Hamid Hassan – Former Afghan fast bowler
• Jonathan Trott – Former England batter and current Afghanistan head coach

Together, the committee will advise on key aspects of the men’s game, including playing conditions, rules, player behavior, and technological advancements in the sport.

Catherine Campbell to Head ICC Women’s Cricket Committee

In a parallel announcement, the ICC named Catherine Campbell, former New Zealand off-spinner, as the chairperson of the Women’s Cricket Committee. This move comes at a time when women’s cricket is rapidly expanding and gaining global attention.

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Supporting Campbell on the panel are:

• Avril Fahey – Former Australian cricketer
• Pholetsi Moseki – CEO of Cricket South Africa (CSA)

The committee will be essential in determining the future of women's cricket through developing, structuring, and professionalizing the sport.

These new appointments reflect the ICC's vision for balancing tradition and modernization so that both the men's and women's games can move forward with robust leadership and diverse opinions.