In the aftermath of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that took the lives of over two dozen tourists, former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly sent a strong message to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to discontinue any and all cricketing relations with Pakistan. Known for his candid opinions, Ganguly did not mince words. “India should break all cricketing ties with Pakistan. Strict action is necessary. Terrorism cannot be tolerated,” he said, as he engaged with public sentiment.

The BCCI is firm with its position that there will not be a bilateral game with Pakistan, home or neutral, unless the Indian government expressly approves it. This action is consistent with national policy and displays India's growing displeasure with repeated incidents of cross-border terrorism with minimal consequences for Pakistan. 

Ganguly's call, issued in 2023, bears similar admonitions he made in 2019, after the Pulwama attack, wherein he expressed that sport cannot take priority over national mourning. "You do not play cricket with a country that supports terrorism. You are sending the wrong message." Thus, this latest statement merely is reaffirming that there is continuity and consistency coming from the former skipper: cricket does not coexist peacefully with terrorism.

Watch the video here

Sourav Ganguly on India & Pakistan's Cricketing relationship. (ANI).

- He said "India should break all cricketing ties with Pakistan. Strict action is necessary. Terrorism cannot be tolerated". pic.twitter.com/8psUjCQEi4

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) April 26, 2025

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National Security Over Sporting Spirit

The BCCI has made it clear that meeting Pakistan outside of the ICC tournaments and the Asian Cricket Council tournaments is a no-go without the explicit clearance from the government. No surprises here. National interest trumps cricketing interest. Sourav Ganguly’s declaration strikes a chord with the many former cricketers and fans who believe that boundaries on the field start with boundaries off the field first. 

There is consensus that India must stay away from Pakistan diplomatically and in sport until Pakistan acts truly against terrorism. In a country that is united by cricket and transcends boundaries, Ganguly's comment is a reminder that loved sports must come second to the lives of innocent people. The Indian cricketing icon's message is clear as the nation mourns the loss from the Pahalgam tragedy: enough is enough!

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.

Watch the video;

#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.

Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly has officially stepped down from hosting the popular show Dadagiri on Zee Bangla. In his recent interview to News18 Bangla, he informed that from now on he will be heard in a different avatar with Star Jalsha as Sourav allegedly signed a Rs 125 crore four-year contract with them. According to the report, he will also be hosting Bigg Boss Bangla, another new quiz program on the channel, soon. 

The erstwhile Indian cricket captain was keen about the new assignment and announced, "I am very happy to be with Star Jalsha. We are beginning a new journey together with an emphasis on storytelling through engaging non-fiction programs."

He further stated, "I have always been a firm believer in the potential of relating to people outside of cricket. This partnership will enable me to do that by offering fresh formats and real-world stories that will entertain and inspire."

Sourav Ganguly accepts new roles off and on camera: From Bigg Boss Bangla to ICC cricket committee

While talking about the power of television, Sourav Ganguly told Indiatimes, “I’ve always believed in the power of connecting with people beyond the cricket field, and this collaboration allows me to do just that — by exploring fresh formats and real stories that inspire and entertain.” Bigg Boss Bangla is slated for a primetime launch in July next year and production will commence in a few months. Sourav was also featured in an advertisement clip for OTT show Khakee: The Bengal Chapter. He had been featured as a policeman in the clip for Netflix show, where Saswata Chatterjee, Ritwik Bhowmik, Aadil Zafar Khan, Pooja Chopra, Aakanksha Singh, Mimoh Chakraborty, and Shraddha Das starred.

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For the unknown, cricketer Saurav Ganguly was recently re-appointed as chairperson of the ICC men's cricket committee, and VVS Laxman has also been re-elected among the panelists.

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.

Gujarat Titans have won their third game by beating the mighty SRH team in their own backyard. Gujarat Titans captain Subhman Gill won the toss and elected to field first on the covered black soil pitch. SRH who are on the verge of loss expected to gain momentum at their home ground. But it was the total opposite of what they thought of SRH with their strong batting lineup tending to lose wickets at the regular intervals.
SRH mainly known for their aggressive batting side, felt completely shattered against Mohammad Siraj. SRH despite quite a good start lost the plot at regular intervals. There was no bigger partnership, in the end, it was captain Pat Cummins who blew some boundaries and six, he scored 22 runs out of 9 balls which helped SRH to cross the 150 mark. But Gujarat Titans planned their chase. 

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Gujarat Titans With Their Third Win In The League
Gujarat restricted mighty SRH within 153 runs and to win their historic game they needed to chase 154 runs within 20 overs, but Gujarat Titans lost their two for middle batsman Sai Sudharshan and Jos Butler who were the heroes of the last game. Though Captain Gill and Washington Sundar retaliated in the innings, that too Sundar was taking some risks to clear the boundary which benefitted GT a lot. Both ensured a secure partnership and were heading towards victory. 

Washington Sundar was added for this game, though he wasn't able to get the ball in hand but gave a huge impact with the bat, when Jos Butler's wicket was down ultimately the pressure built up for GT. Washington Sundar had other plans he counter-attacked the SRH bowlers with boundaries and sixes which just shifted the momentum to the GT side. Both Gill and Washington Sundar played brilliantly, but against the run of play, Washington Sundar was caught out, and the remaining procedures were taken care of by Rutherford and Gill. 
Sourav Ganguly Impressed With Ashish Nehra's Coaching Style
Gujarat Titans was formed in 2021 and the franchise roped Ashish Nehra as their head coach the very next year Gujarat Titans won their first IPL title and even coach Ashish Nehra was praised for his coaching technique. Dada goes on to say that There is a lot of cricket brain in their team set-up and their approach .. Ashish Nehra has really shown his qualities as head coach.. tremendous game sense. 

Like the way Gujarat has gone about their job in IPL since the first season . There is lot of cricket brain in their team set up and their approach .. Ashish Nehra has really shown his qualities as head coach.. tremendous game sense .. @IPL

— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) April 6, 2025

Subhman Gill as captain is improving a lot, getting the tosses right, use of bowlers, field placements and today the tactics of playing Washington Sundar and bringing him up the order. Ashish Nehra too deserves applause for guiding the team in the right way and ensuring everything goes right. 

IPL has seen a number of high-profile, controversial send-offs of its well-known players, ones that led to major debates. Memorable moments consist of Harbhajan Singh slapping down Sreesanth, MS Dhoni getting into a shouting match, and Virat Kohli yelling at the crowd....

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5 of the most controversial send-offs in IPL history

Virat Kohli vs. Gautam Gambhir (2013 & 2023)

• Incident: Kohli and Gambhir had heated exchanges on the field, showcasing the competitive spirit and tensions between players.
• Impact: These confrontations emphasized the fierce rivalries in the league.

MS Dhoni's Pitch Invasion (2019)

• Incident: Dhoni’s on-field tantrum punctuated the unwelcoming atmosphere, where managers and owners were expecting a star player to storm onto the pitch to accost the referees over a bad call in a match.
• Impact: His actions ignited national conversations about player empowerment and respect for officials.

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 Harbhajan Singh vs. Sreesanth (2008)

• Incident: After a match, Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth, leading to a significant suspension for Harbhajan.
• Impact: This incident highlighted the intense emotions in the IPL and raised questions about player conduct.

Kieron Pollard vs. Mitchell Starc (2014)

• Incident: During an IPL 2014 clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, tensions escalated when Pollard backed away mid-delivery, but Starc still bowled the ball aggressively toward him, prompting Pollard to almost throw his bat in retaliation.
• Impact: This altercation, one of the most heated in IPL history, sparked major debates on sportsmanship and the limits of aggression in the game.

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Sourav Ganguly vs. Shane Warne (2008)

• Incident: During an IPL 2008 match between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, Ganguly questioned a catch taken by Graeme Smith, prompting the umpire to refer it. With inconclusive replays, Ganguly was given the benefit of the doubt, leading to Warne openly criticizing him in the post-match press conference.

• Impact: This controversy ignited debates on the spirit of the game, with Ganguly and Warne exchanging heated words, showcasing their long-standing rivalry even in the IPL.

Throughout the years, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been the site of many struggles for the biggest names in this sport, causing some of them to struggle with higher strike rates on particular venues, highlighting the difference in pitch conditions all over India.

Virat Kohli’s Struggles at Chepauk

Although he is one of the most dangerous run-scorers of the IPL till now, Bangalore Royal Challengers and Indian favorite Virat Kohli had a restrained run due to Chepauk. His career strike rate of 110.40 at this ground is the lowest among the majority of the people with at least 400 runs. The slowness and the turn of the ball offered by the track at Chepauk, which is basically a spin-friendly track, is the main reason for batsmen to struggle to make their shots. Consequently, they have to change the way they hit the ball. The other one is S. Badrinath, who has played many shots, but his strike rate of 116.80 is the lowest of all.

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Eden Gardens – The Nightmares of the Greats

The Eden Gardens in Kolkata have been a slippery road to walk on for some of the biggest names who have ever arrived there. Some big names like Manoj Tiwary, Jacques Kallis, and Sourav Ganguly have encountered hurdles in reaching higher strike rates at the venue

Manoj Tiwary – 111.71
Jacques Kallis – 112.25
Sourav Ganguly – 119.01

Ajinkya Rahane, known for his classical style, has a strike rate of 114.95 at MCA, Pune.

Made public recently, it seems unlikely that these kinds of numbers will grow in the future. These numbers are clear enough to indicate the difficulty that the greatest of batsmen face when they have to adjust themselves to the venue in IPL. It happens because there are not just one but two main types of challenges. To start things off, some grounds in the IPL are offering support to the bowlers. It is essential to know how to adapt to the conditions if you want to be successful in the IPL.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly had a narrow escape after his car collided in an accident on Thursday night while he was traveling to Burdwan to attend an event. The mishap occurred in the rural belt of Hooghly on the Durgapur Expressway.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly escapes unhurt in Durgapur Expressway car accident

Read more👉: https://t.co/R7OFaCq7IF pic.twitter.com/E5j4rAfwPe

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) February 21, 2025

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It is reported that two cars in his convoy were slightly damaged, and Ganguly himself escaped unscathed and went ahead with his planned program. The individuals who were traveling in the convoy also escaped unharmed according to the reports.
What occurred?
According to News 18, Ganguly was riding in a Range Rover, which was at a normal speed. The truck came from behind and hit the vehicle, making the driver press the brakes. This made the vehicles in the convoy crash into one another.
The former captain had to wait for ten minutes in view of the unexpected situation, after which he proceeded to the University of Burdwan. At the university, Ganguly mingled with students and dignitaries, where he also discussed the future of Indian cricket and narrated incidents from his storied career.

There's a major issue when India and Pakistan play cricket against each other. Everyone gets extremely happy and is very eager to see what'll happen because they don't play each other that much just in major championships called ICC and ACC. And every time they do, all the fans everywhere think it's incredible to see. They made a new movie on Netflix that makes people remember how great this rivalry is.

India and Pakistan Cricket Rivalry: Fierce Battles and Lasting Friendships

The famous players such as Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, and Shoaib Akhtar ,there's even a part where Ganguly notes the time both countries played, but called it the Friendship Series, which is kind of amusing, because, be that as it might, they were really trying utterly hard or difficult to win not simply be friends.  Ganguly makes a joke about how it was called Friendship but jokes, Oh really, with Shoaib bowling inordinately speedily balls at me, it didn't seem like we were friends. And it's as if he's saying, discursively hinted, how they were all just trying to win hard. But then Shoaib says nice things back about Ganguly on the X (Twitter), praise is situational currency in today's world.

Dada @SGanguly99 you're awesome. Indian cricket is incomplete without you. pic.twitter.com/tRtb58EGp2

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) January 29, 2025

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Akhtar says Ganguly is exceptionally wonderful and Indian cricket isn't the same without him. It shows they really respect each other even though they were rivals. Even though they work really hard to win against each other in the games, and there are some very near and thrilling endings, sometimes they do good deeds also.

Clearly showing that the game isn't the only important thing. For abject reason, they can still be peers. Like this one time, Virat Kohli gave his bat to Mohammad Amir, or when they hug after playing really tough games. It tells us that cricket can make people be friends even if they are from different places. The world stops to watch whenever India and Pakistan play each other, and they are going to do it again in Dubai on February 23. It's going to be a really cool Match, It's not only just about winning or losing, it's also about the two teams that have been rivals for so many years. They play very strongly but they also respect each other. Everyone can't wait to see what happens in the game, it's very thrilling.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 edition kickstarts from February 19. The 9th edition of the tournament will be played in Pakistan and UAE (only for India matches). The top eight teams that qualified for the Champions Trophy from the 2023 World Cup will grind it hard to win the title.

With over eight editions being played, the tournament has seen it all amidst the clashes between the best versus best sides. One such element would be veteran batting campaigners who have shown their impact by scoring some pivotal and large count of runs. That said, here are the top five batters with the most runs across the ICC Champions Trophy timeline.