On Wednesday, 30 April 2025, Punjab Kings (PBKS) produced a monumental performance to defeat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by four wickets at the famed Chepauk Stadium in IPL 2025, which gave PBKS the win they required to eliminate CSK from the tournament and push the Punjab Kings up the table. PBKS moved up four places in the IPL 2025 points table and into second place after this victory. In IPL 2025, the victory drastically improved their chances of making the playoffs as we approach the final leg of the tournament. 

The match was a pulsating contest, and the Punjab Kings showed tremendous poise to execute the chase conditions when it was tense. The middle-order players contributed key input for Punjab to recover from two wickets down early to chase down the total by CSK. In the end, CSK could not defend the total they posted and exited the tournament in a valiant effort. A bit of contrast as the CSK supporters at Chepauk had to watch their team exit the tournament at home.

See Also: Top 3 reasons why Chennai Super Kings Lost to Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 Match 49

Despite the win, Punjab Kings faced a setback as their captain, Shreyas Iyer, was penalised by the BCCI for a slow over rate during the match. As this was Punjab’s first such offense in the ongoing season, only Iyer was fined, in accordance with the IPL Code of Conduct. The team will now be more cautious about maintaining the required over rate in upcoming fixtures. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of discipline and time management in the high-stakes environment of the IPL.

Shreyas Iyer fined for slow over rate

The BCCI has fined Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer Rs 12 lakh for maintaining a slow over rate during the match against Chennai Super Kings. Due to this mistake, Punjab Kings were also not allowed to keep an extra fielder outside the circle in the 19th over.

Before Shreyas Iyer’s penalty in IPL 2025, several captains faced similar fines for slow over rates during the 2024 season. Among them were Hardik Pandya of Mumbai Indians, Riyan Parag and Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals, Rajat Patidar of Royal Challengers Bangalore, Shubman Gill from Gujarat Titans, and Rishabh Pant representing Lucknow Super Giants. These instances highlight a recurring issue among teams, emphasizing the ongoing challenge of maintaining over-rate discipline in the fast-paced format of the IPL.

The MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk, Chennai) will host the Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings (CSK vs PBKS) match during the 49th match of the IPL 2025 on Wednesday evening (April 30). It will be their second meeting in the IPL 2025, while Punjab Kings won the first one by 18 runs in Mullanpur. Here, we are going through the Dream11 top three captains and vice-captains for the CSK vs PBKS match. 

IPL 2025, Match 49: CSK vs PBKS Probable XIs

The T20 Mumbai League 2025 is returning after six years with a bang. The thrilling competition will be played between May 26 and June 8 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. Promoted by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), the league is famous for providing opportunities for young cricketers to establish themselves and gain experience from stars.

Eight icon players have been signed by the MCA this year, and they have all played for India. They are among the best and most successful Mumbai cricketers. They include Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Shardul Thakur, Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, and Tushar Deshpande.

Coming back with such stalwart names, the league will inspire budding cricketers and thrill the audience, says MCA President Ajinkya Naik. He is confident that these legends are the real ambassadors of and pass on the true spirit and legacy of Mumbai cricket and will guide young talent through the tournament.

🚨 THE ICON PLAYERS OF MUMBAI T20 LEAGUE 🚨

Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Shardul Thakur, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Sarfaraz Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Prithvi Shaw. [Gaurav Gupta from TOI] pic.twitter.com/8HXRFNn8Gj

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 28, 2025

Read More: [WATCH] Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s latest interview after his century vs GT – IPL 2025

Eight Franchises, Mentorship, and Huge Player Response

 There will be eight teams in the ongoing season, two of which will be new. All the teams are North Mumbai Panthers, ARCS Andheri, Triumph Knights, Namo Bandra Blasters, Eagle Thane Strikers, Aakash Tigers, and new teams SoBo Mumbai Falcons and Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals. Each team can select one icon player to strengthen their team. The auction will take place on a date to be announced in the near future.

Besides the star players, veteran mentors such as Abhishek Nayar and Paras Mhambrey have also joined to ensure there is player development. The league has received more than 2800 registrations, which indicates the massive level of excitement among the players to be on the platform. The T20 Mumbai League 2025 will certainly be an exciting and memorable cricket carnival with the right blend of experience and young guns.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is going to resurrect the T20 Mumbai League for its 3rd season from May 26 to June 8, 2025, at Wankhede Stadium. The domestic T20 tournament that was last played in 2019 was put on hold due to the Covid pandemic and other issues but has now returned to entertain cricket fans in the metropolitan area. 

The league will start a day after the IPL 2025 final and will boast eight teams, all representing various suburbs of Mumbai. We have six teams returning from the previous iterations of the event—ARCS Andheri, Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs, Eagle Thane Strikers, Namo Bandra Blasters, North Mumbai Panthers, and Triumph Knights Mumbai North East. We will also welcome two new teams to the league - SoBo Mumbai Falcons and Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals.

Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav Creates History against LSG in IPL 2025: Know about momentous feat

The MCA has identified eight icon players to raise the visibility of the league: Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Shardul Thakur, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Sarfaraz Khan, Tushar Deshpande, and Prithvi Shaw. Every franchise has its one icon player, which adds a lot of star power and experience to their team.

The two weeks will be formatted round-robin and knockout and finish with the final on June 8. The MCA will announce the full schedule as well as live streaming details at a later date. The MCA is gearing up to make this a good event. 

T20 Mumbai League 2025: Overview 

• Board: Mumbai Cricket Association
• Season: 8
• Format: T20, Round-Robin and Knockouts
• Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• Dates: May 26 – June 8, 2025
• Matches: TBA

Teams and Captains

Teams ARCS Andheri, Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs, Eagle Thane Strikers, Namo Bandra Blasters, North Mumbai Panthers, Triumph Knights Mumbai North East, SoBo Mumbai Falcons, and Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals —are yet to be announced.

The BCCI has officially released the central contracts for the 2024–25 season, effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. These contracts are categorized into four distinct grades—A+, A, B, and C—based on a player’s consistency, performance, and overall value to the team across formats. This classification system helps identify top-tier talent and recognizes the importance of players in shaping India’s cricketing future.

Among the most significant highlights of the announcement are the shifts in player placements across the contract grades. Promotions, omissions, and surprising inclusions have sparked widespread discussions among fans and analysts. The list not only reflects current form but also hints at the selectors’ long-term vision. These changes are expected to influence team dynamics and individual player motivation moving forward into a crucial year of Indian cricket.

1. Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan Return to Central Contracts

Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan are back on the BCCI’s central contracts after missing out last year because of a lack of commitment to domestic cricket, instead having chosen to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Iyer, who is the leading run-scorer in India's Champions Trophy-winning run, has been handed a Grade B contract with ₹ 3 crore in annual retainers. With the likes of Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik firmly setting themselves up as India's wicket-keepers, Kishan has been handed a Grade C contract worth ₹ 1 crore, quite rightly, in this author's opinion. Both players will now be pleased to have been rewarded in the BCCI's contracts, and again, as demonstrated by Iyer's example, will surely be further incentivized to better balance the potential commitments of the IPL vs. IPL.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Can CSK still make Playoffs after crushing nine wickets loss to MI?

2. Rishabh Pant Promoted to Grade A

Due to Rishabh Pant’s continued success in all three formats of the game, he upgraded from a Grade B Contract to a Grade A Contract worth ₹ 5 crore in annual retainers. He now sits in category A with the likes of Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj. Pant’s aggressive batting and sharp glovework, especially after his remarkable recovery from a life-threatening car accident in 2022, have solidified his position as a key asset for India.

3. Elite Players Remain in Grade A+ 

The upper echelon remains the same, Grade A+, as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja are all still in Grade A+ at ₹7 crore a year. Bumrah is the only player in this group that plays all three formats, as Sharma, Kohli, and Jadeja are on a retirement spree following India's T20 World Cup victory in 2024. But the fact that they are retained highlights their undeniable role in Indian cricket. 

4. Introduction of New Faces in Grade C

The BCCI has included a few young talents in the central contracts, which included Dhruv Jurel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Abhishek Sharma. All of these players have impressed in their domestic circuits and the IPL, so each of them has a central contract at Grade C (₹1 crore). I view this as an important step forward for the BCCI, for all of these players have obtained their first contracts with the national board, and it shows India is investing in its players as it seeks to fill the talent pool with a healthy crop of players for the future. 

Also Read: Mumbai Indians playoff chances after CSK win: All you need to know

5. Discontinuation of Fast-Bowling Contracts and Questions on A+ Relevance:

The BCCI has withdrawn its fast bowling contracts (not just Bumrah, but Akash Deep and Umran Malik, etc.), and Akash Deep is the only player in Grade C. There should be some concern over the depth of India's fast bowling stocks. Also, there is a discussion on the relevance of the A+ itself, with three of the four (Rohit, Kohli, Jadeja) no longer playing T20I's.

These talking points highlight the BCCI’s balance between rewarding established stars, reintegrating disciplined players, and investing in emerging talent while addressing structural questions about contract categories.

The BCCI has announced its central contracts for the 2024–25 season, and they include a mix of expected names, some surprises, and a few great comeback stories. At the top, there are no changes: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja stay in the Grade A+ group. These four are still key players for India, even though Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja have stepped away from T20Is after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup.

One big name missing is R Ashwin, who retired from international cricket last year. His name being removed from the top group is the only major change there. One of the most inspiring stories this year is Rishabh Pant's return to Grade A. Just over a year ago, Pant was recovering from a serious car accident. He missed more than a year of cricket and was dropped from Grade A to Grade B.

But in IPL 2024 and after, Pant made a strong comeback. He played 10 Test matches, 1 ODI, and 10 T20Is. His return shows his strong will, good form, and the trust the team has in him. Now, he is back in Grade A, joining Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Hardik Pandya.

Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were dropped from the contracts list last year. It wasn’t just because of poor performance they were also criticized for not playing domestic cricket. Kishan skipped Ranji Trophy to play in a T20 tournament, and Iyer said he had back pain but didn’t make himself available for his state team. The BCCI was clear: if you don’t play domestic cricket when you’re free, you won’t get support.

ALSO SEE: [WATCH] What is Maverick award Rohit Sharma achieved as Mumbai Indians player during IPL 2025

But both players worked hard. Iyer had a great season. he led KKR to an IPL win, won the Ranji Trophy, Irani Cup, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with Mumbai, and did well in India’s Champions Trophy win. He is now back in Grade B with Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Kishan has also returned to Grade C after a strong season with Jharkhand.

New Beginnings for Some, Harsh Exits for Others

Seven new players have received central contracts, all in Grade C. These are Nitish Kumar Reddy, Dhruv Jurel, Abhishek Sharma, Sarfaraz Khan, Akash Deep, Varun Chakravarthy, and Harshit Rana. They have done well in domestic cricket and IPL, and this shows that India is preparing a strong bench for the future.

Not everyone got good news. Shardul Thakur, KS Bharat, Jitesh Sharma, Avesh Khan, and some others have been dropped. Some were not in good form. Others, like Avesh Khan, did well in T20Is and IPL but still lost their place. Avesh last played for India in November 2024 and has taken 27 wickets in 25 T20Is. But with many new options, he has been left out this time.

What These Contracts Mean

The BCCI has not officially announced the salary amounts, but reports say the payments are the same as last year:

• Grade A+: ₹7 crore
• Grade A: ₹5 crore
• Grade B: ₹3 crore
• Grade C: ₹1 crore

These numbers are not just about money, they show how much the team trusts a player and how important they are for the future.

ALSO SEE: Rohit Sharma: "I was not allowed inside Wankhede Stadium" – gets emotional after winning Man of the Match vs CSK

Full List of 2024–25 BCCI Central Contracts

• Grade A+: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja

• Grade A: Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya

• Grade B: Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Yashasvi Jaiswal

• Grade C: Ishan Kishan, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Mukesh Kumar, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Rajat Patidar, Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abhishek Sharma, Akash Deep, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana

New Names: Iyer, Kishan, Jurel, Sarfaraz, Abhishek, Nitish, Akash, Varun, Harshit
Out: Ashwin (retired), Thakur, Jitesh, Bharat, Avesh, Umran, Vyshak, Yash Dayal, Kaverappa
Promoted: Rishabh Pant (B to A)
Retired: R Ashwin

The BCCI has sent a clear message: If you perform well and respect domestic cricket, your place in Indian cricket is never lost. These contracts are more than just a list. They show who the board trusts and who the future stars might be.

In Match 37 of IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a dominant seven-wicket win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Mullanpur. Chasing a modest 158-run target, RCB comfortably reached 159/3 in just 18.5 overs. The victory was especially sweet for RCB as it came just 48 hours after their earlier defeat to PBKS on April 18 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where they were outplayed in a one-sided affair. This time, RCB bounced back with intent and made a strong statement.

Virat Kohli, known for his fiery passion, was at the center of the action throughout the game. From his intense energy during fielding to his animated batting display, Kohli wore his heart on his sleeve. His celebration after Nehal Wadhera’s run-out had already gone viral, but it was his post-match antics after the win, especially his cheeky sledge directed at PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer, that truly stole the limelight and had fans buzzing.

Jitesh Sharma’s six off Nehal Wadhera added spice to the moment, and Kohli’s animated celebration captured the grit and competitive spirit he’s known for. His actions reflected the fire within — a player who thrives on passion, payback, and high-stakes rivalries. With RCB’s quick turnaround and Kohli’s unapologetic show of emotion, fans were treated to a glimpse of why Virat remains one of the most captivating figures in the game. This was more than a win; it was sweet revenge served with flair.

Watch the video;

Virat kohli celebration after win against Punjab 😂 . He is sledging shreyas iyer 😭#PBKSvsRCB #RCBVSPBKS pic.twitter.com/MOqEEvTB8q

— Ashish (@Ashish_2__) April 20, 2025

RCB are now third on the points table

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a dominant performance to defeat Punjab Kings (PBKS) by seven wickets in Match 37 of IPL 2025 at Mullanpur. Chasing a target of 158, RCB reached 159/3 in 18.5 overs, powered by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 73 off 54 balls and a fiery 61 from Devdutt Padikkal. The opening pair laid a solid foundation, and RCB maintained control throughout the chase, despite a few hiccups in the middle overs.

Earlier, PBKS posted 157/6 in their 20 overs, with Prabhsimran Singh (33), Josh Inglis (29), and Marco Jansen (25*) contributing valuable runs. RCB’s bowlers, including Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, kept the opposition in check with two wickets apiece. This comprehensive win helped RCB climb to the third spot on the IPL 2025 points table, pushing PBKS down to fourth. The victory also avenged their earlier loss to PBKS at Chinnaswamy just two days prior, marking an emphatic comeback.

Yuzvendra Chahal is orchestrating a remarkable comeback in IPL 2025 after a shaky start to the season. The seasoned Indian leg-spinner has rediscovered his rhythm, claiming four wickets against Kolkata Knight Riders and following up with two crucial scalps against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). His resurgence has not only impressed fans but also played a pivotal role in Punjab Kings’ recent victories, highlighting his value and experience in high-pressure situations.

Backing Chahal throughout this journey is Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer. After the match against RCB, Iyer revealed a motivating chat with Chahal. He told the spinner to embrace his role as a match-winner and not play it safe. Iyer assured Chahal that he had the ability to bounce back and added that he remained one of the best bowlers in the IPL.

Shreyas Iyer, who led Kolkata Knight Riders to the title last season, is now making his mark with Punjab Kings. His strategic leadership, especially his ability to read opposing batters and deploy his bowlers accordingly, is earning praise from experts. Under Iyer’s captaincy, PBKS has shown renewed energy and tactical sharpness, with Chahal's resurgence standing as a prime example of his leadership’s positive influence.

Read More: What will happen if RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 match is abandoned due to rain?

Iyer is enjoying his moment Punjab Kings 

The star Indian batter emphasized his commitment to staying grounded and focused on his duties. He revealed that his decision-making relied heavily on instinct, without much premeditation, and that he aimed to prevent new batters from settling at the crease. Despite Punjab Kings showing potential this season, their inconsistency has raised concerns.

However, skipper Shreyas Iyer remains composed, noting that "variety is the spice of life" and acknowledging the team's exposure to different match situations throughout the IPL. Following a convincing win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Punjab Kings climbed to second place in the points table. The team now looks forward to continuing their momentum as they prepare to host RCB once again, this time at the Mullanpur Stadium on April 20.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has adopted an important measure to enhance its T20 Mumbai League through mandatory participation of leading Indian cricketers who combine international success with local talent. Indian cricketers Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, and Shivam Dube, along with other Mumbai-based players, need to play in the league except when selected for the England tour or injured. The MCA extended this requirement to all local Mumbai-based Indian cricketers, including Ajinkya Rahane, together with Prithvi Shaw and Shardul Thakur, to enhance tournament competition.

Each Indian player who joins the league can receive a participation fee of Rs 15 lakh apart from their auction proceeds. The association demonstrates its dedication to bringing in prestigious cricket names by offering a substantial payment to reward domestic cricket players. According to reports, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, and Shivam Dube expressed interest before the tournament started due to the rising popularity of the T20 Mumbai League among seasoned players.

The LICE has gained more prominence through its selection of Rohit Sharma as the 'Face of the League,' since he represents India in both ODI and Test formats. The league's ambassadorship under Rohit Sharma assures immense benefit to league exposure while drawing more spectators towards this tournament. The six IPL titles Rohit won prove why he serves as a powerful ambassador for this fast-growing tournament since he brings unrivaled star power and credibility.

🚨 BREAKING🚨

MCA makes it mandatory for #SuryakumarYadav, #ShreyasIyer, Shivam Dube to play in T20 Mumbai League. Rohit Sharma meanwhile, will be the ‘Face of the League’, reports @pdevendra https://t.co/Z6HKVO0FS3

— Express Sports (@IExpressSports) April 17, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025: 'Aisi situation mei main hi kyon aage aa jata hun'—Axar Patel’s funny spin on thrilling super over victory against RR

A Platform for Emerging Talent

Amid its third season, the T20 Mumbai League received masses of support through the registrations of more than 2,800 local cricketers ahead of the following edition. Running from May 26 to June 5 consecutively after the IPL, the tournament brings eight teams, including two new franchises that will participate in this edition. A player auction in May will still be an important milestone as teams look to develop their teams with a combination of seasoned and emerging athletes. 

MCA secretary Abhay Hadap is thrilled and expressed this: "The response to Season 3 has been tremendous, which shows the vibrancy of the unquenchable cricket love of Mumbaikars. We are committed to developing the players of tomorrow." With star players, a legendary ambassador, and a focus on developing the local talent, the T20 Mumbai League is positioning itself to become a staple of Mumbai's cricketing heritage while giving fans a thrill they won't forget.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) pulled off one of the most remarkable turnarounds in IPL history by defending a modest total of 111 runs against the reigning champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), at Mullanpur. Despite being bowled out in just 15.3 overs, the home side refused to back down. Their batting lineup crumbled early, with big names like Glenn Maxwell, Shreyas Iyer, and debutant Josh Inglis failing to deliver. KKR looked firmly in control, especially after a steadying partnership between Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi.

The tide turned when Yuzvendra Chahal entered the attack with KKR well placed at 62/2 and a 98%-win probability. The veteran spinner dismantled the middle order with a fiery spell, claiming four wickets in just three overs. Chahal first dismissed Rahane, who surprisingly chose not to review his decision, and then took out Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh, sparking a collapse of six wickets in just over five overs. His brilliance not only rattled the KKR camp but also reignited PBKS's fighting spirit in front of their home crowd.

While Andre Russell attempted a counterattack by smashing 16 runs off one of Chahal's overs, Marco Jansen put the final nail in the coffin by dismissing the West Indian powerhouse. The incredible effort led PBKS to the lowest successful defence in IPL history. Overcome with joy, co-owner Preity Zinta rushed onto the field and shared an emotional hug with Chahal. She later presented him with the Player of the Match award, as the team celebrated a victory that will be etched in IPL folklore for years to come.

Preity Zinta presented the POTM award to Yuzi Chahal. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/9qcvBYtHXY

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 15, 2025

Watch the video here;

When Preity Zinta hugged Chahal, somewhere Dhanshree's WiFi suddenly stopped working. Coincidence? I think not. pic.twitter.com/MnNYolIJbt

— Anita Singh (@Anitasingh4444) April 16, 2025

Also Read: 'Udta hua gaya Punjab' - Fans react as Punjab Kings bundled out for 111 against KKR in IPL 2025

We wanted to be positive: Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal credited the Punjab Kings' dramatic win to a collective team effort and a positive mindset despite defending a low total. He said their plan was to take early wickets in the powerplay, especially after noticing the pitch offering turn. Chahal mentioned he stayed confident even after a costly previous outing and focused on varying his pace to trouble batters. He emphasized the importance of attacking with fewer runs on the board and believed in his ability to take wickets. Winning such a game, he said, boosts team morale, and he was proud to earn his first Player of the Match award for PBKS.

"It is a team effort. We wanted to be positive and we felt if we get 2-3 wickets in the powerplay then it will be good. We saw their spinners turn it and it helped us. When I bowled the first ball, it turned, Shreyas asked me if I wanted a slip, we wanted to be attacking as we had less runs and the only way we could win was by taking wickets. In the last game I conceded 56 for 4 overs, but I had full confidence and backed myself and my abilities. I always have the mindset of how to get the batters out, I varied my pace and if they have to hit, they will have to make an effort. When you win such a game, the team's morale will be high. It's my first man of the match for Punjab, I'm confident if I keep backing my skills and believe in myself, then I will get success," Chahal said at the post-match interview.