Cricket Live Line

India Women have suffered a major setback ahead of their historic one-off Test against England at Lord’s, with opener Pratika Rawal being ruled out due to a knee injury. The match, scheduled to begin on Friday at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, marks the first-ever women’s Test to be played at the venue. Rawal’s absence is a significant blow to the Indian batting lineup. The right-handed opener has been one of India’s most promising batters in recent years and was expected to play a key role at the top of the order against England. Her consistent performances across formats had made her a crucial member of the squad heading into the landmark fixture. To fill the void, the Women’s Selection Committee has named Priya Punia as Rawal’s replacement. Punia receives her maiden Test call-up after impressing with strong performances for India A and in domestic cricket. The selectors have rewarded her consistency and experience as India prepare for a challenging contest in English conditio...

West Indies have handed a maiden ODI call-up to promising youngster Lawes, rewarding his impressive performances in domestic cricket. The inclusion of the rookie highlights Cricket West Indies' commitment to building a strong squad for the future while continuing preparations for upcoming international assignments. Lawes' selection is one of the major talking points in the newly announced ODI squad, as the team management looks to inject fresh talent into the lineup. The young cricketer has earned recognition through consistent performances and is expected to bring energy and enthusiasm to the Caribbean side. The squad continues to be led by captain Shai Hope, with a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging stars. West Indies are aiming to strengthen their ODI setup as they continue their push toward major international tournaments and improved performances in the 50-over format. For Lawes, the call-up represents a significant milestone in his career and an opportunity to ...

Former India batting great and current Centre of Excellence chief VVS Laxman is likely to take charge as India's head coach for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe and the 2026 Asian Games. The move comes as regular head coach Gautam Gambhir is expected to remain with the senior squad during India's home assignments, leading the BCCI to split coaching responsibilities due to a packed international schedule. Laxman has extensive experience serving as India's stand-in coach on previous overseas tours and multi-team commitments. He famously guided India to a gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games and has overseen several successful T20I series when the main coaching staff was unavailable. With India expected to field separate squads for overlapping tournaments, Laxman's appointment would provide continuity and stability for a young side featuring emerging talent. An official announcement from the BCCI is awaited.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reinstated Babar Azam as the captain of the Pakistan Test team for the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England . The decision comes after the PCB removed Shan Masood from the leadership role following a difficult run in Test cricket. Masood led Pakistan in 16 Test matches but struggled to deliver consistent results, prompting selectors to make a leadership change ahead of two crucial overseas assignments. Babar, one of Pakistan’s most accomplished batters, now returns to the Test captaincy with the responsibility of guiding a refreshed squad through challenging series against the West Indies and England. Pakistan will first play a two-match Test series against the West Indies from July 25 to August 6, followed by a three-match Test series in England from August 19 to September 13. The PCB hopes Babar’s experience and leadership can help the team improve its performances in the ICC World Test Championship cycle. The squad includes key pla...

Zimbabwe Cricket has named a 15-player squad for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh, with left-arm fast bowler Richard Ngarava appointed captain. The leadership role marks a significant milestone in Ngarava's international career as Zimbabwe continue to build momentum following their recent success against Bangladesh. The squad features a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent. Senior players such as Sikandar Raza and Craig Ervine provide stability in the batting unit, while the pace attack will be spearheaded by Ngarava alongside Blessing Muzarabani , Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, and Ernest Masuku. Zimbabwe have also recalled opener Innocent Kaia, rewarding his strong domestic performances. The spin department includes Ryan Burl, Wessly Madhevere, and Wellington Masakadza, giving the hosts a balanced attack for home conditions. Wicketkeeping duties will be shared by Tadiwanashe Marumani and Clive Madande. The ODI series presents an important opportunity ...

New Zealand have made a late change to their squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series against the West Indies after fast bowler Ben Sears was ruled out with an ankle injury. Left-arm pacer Ben Lister has been drafted into the 16-player squad as his replacement. Sears had been dealing with ankle discomfort since New Zealand's Test against Ireland in May, with the injury worsening during the final Test against England at Trent Bridge. As a precaution, New Zealand Cricket decided to send him home for further treatment. Lister, who made his ODI debut in 2023, brings valuable international experience with four ODI appearances and six wickets to his name. He recently featured in New Zealand's ODI squad against Bangladesh and will now join the team in Guyana ahead of the opening match. The Black Caps will begin their five-match ODI series against the West Indies on July 11 , with the first three games scheduled in Guyana before the final two matches move to Barbados. Despite ...