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England have received a major boost ahead of the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand, with captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson returning to the squad for the match at Trent Bridge starting on June 25. Both players were unavailable for the second Test but have now been reinstated following the conclusion of an ECB disciplinary review. Stokes will resume his role as captain after Joe Root led England in the second Test. England suffered a heavy 253-run defeat at The Oval, allowing New Zealand to level the three-match series at 1-1 and set up a winner-takes-all finale in Nottingham. The return of Stokes adds balance and leadership to the side, while Atkinson strengthens England's pace attack with his ability to strike at crucial moments. Both players received written warnings after breaching team conduct guidelines but were cleared to return after the investigation found no grounds for further sanctions. With the Crowe–Thorpe Trophy now on the line, Englan...

ICC Chairman Jay Shah and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia met with officials from Sri Lanka Cricket in Colombo as part of ongoing discussions aimed at strengthening cricketing relations and reviewing key developments in the sport across the region. The high-level meeting highlighted collaboration between the ICC, BCCI, and Sri Lanka Cricket on matters related to governance, tournament planning, and the future growth of cricket. The visit comes at an important time for Sri Lankan cricket, with administrative and structural matters drawing international attention. Discussions reportedly focused on maintaining stability, promoting transparency in cricket administration, and ensuring the continued development of the game at both grassroots and elite levels. The meeting underlines the strong cricketing ties between India and Sri Lanka and reflects the commitment of both boards to work together for the advancement of the sport in the region. Fans can expect continued cooperation on future...

India have received a timely boost ahead of the third and final ODI against Afghanistan, with fast bowler Harshit Rana returning to the national squad after successfully completing his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Rana has joined the team in Chennai and is now available for selection for the series finale. The 24-year-old had been sidelined with a knee injury that forced him to miss the 2026 T20 World Cup and IPL season. His return adds extra pace and depth to India's bowling attack as the hosts look to complete a clean sweep against Afghanistan after already securing the ODI series 2-0. With upcoming tours of Ireland and England on the horizon, Rana's comeback offers him an important opportunity to regain match fitness and push for a regular place in India's white-ball plans. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is seriously considering starting future Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons earlier in the calendar year to reduce the impact of extreme summer temperatures and late-season rain on players, officials, and spectators. Reports suggest the tournament could begin around mid-March instead of late March, allowing it to conclude by mid-May before the harshest weather conditions arrive. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia revealed that growing concerns over intense heat, humidity, and weather disruptions have prompted discussions about adjusting the IPL window. Several venues experienced challenging conditions during IPL 2026, with high temperatures affecting player performance and fan comfort. The proposed change is not linked to an immediate increase in the number of matches. Instead, the primary goal is to provide safer and more comfortable playing conditions while reducing the risk of rain interruptions later in the season. Saikia indicated tha...

New Zealand Cricket has welcomed back star opener Devon Conway to its central contracts list for the 2026-27 season, marking a significant boost for the Black Caps ahead of a busy international calendar. After spending the past two years on a casual playing agreement while participating in franchise leagues worldwide, Conway has committed to being available for all New Zealand fixtures during the upcoming contract cycle. The 20-player contract list also sees the return of Blair Tickner , while Adithya Ashok and Muhammad Abbas miss out. Conway's comeback is particularly important as New Zealand prepares for an intensive period of Test cricket following the retirement of Kane Williamson from international cricket. With over 6,000 international runs and extensive experience across all formats, Conway's return strengthens New Zealand's batting depth and provides stability at the top of the order as the team enters a new era. 

India A have drafted in fast bowler Ashok Sharma as a replacement for Yudhvir Singh, who has been ruled out of the ongoing tri-series in Sri Lanka due to a shoulder injury. The change was confirmed by the BCCI ahead of India A's crucial fixtures in the tournament. Ashok earned the call-up after impressing with his raw pace during IPL 2026, where he consistently troubled batters and even clocked speeds above 154 kph. The Gujarat Titans pacer now gets a valuable opportunity to showcase his talent on the international pathway stage with India A. Meanwhile, Yudhvir reported discomfort in his right shoulder during training and bowling sessions, prompting medical staff to rule him out of the remainder of the series. India A, led by Tilak Varma, will hope Ashok's arrival strengthens their pace attack as they look to bounce back in the competition.