Cricket Live Line

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 ...

Zimbabwe Cricket has appointed legendary West Indies fast bowler Courtney Walsh as the bowling coach of the senior men's national team. The move comes after Walsh's successful stint as Zimbabwe's bowling consultant during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where the team impressed by reaching the Super Eights stage. Walsh, one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history and the first player to claim 500 Test wickets, brings a wealth of experience to the role. His appointment reflects Zimbabwe Cricket's commitment to strengthening its coaching setup and developing a more competitive bowling attack across all formats. Having already worked closely with the Zimbabwe squad as a consultant, Walsh is familiar with the players and the team's long-term goals. His expertise is expected to play a key role in nurturing young fast bowlers while improving the overall consistency and effectiveness of Zimbabwe's bowling unit. Zimbabwe's coaching staff has largely be...

Fast bowler Matthew Fisher is in line to make his One-Day International (ODI) debut after being named in New Zealand's squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series against the West Indies, starting on July 11 . The series marks the beginning of New Zealand's preparations for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup , with selectors aiming to identify the best combinations for the tournament in southern Africa. Regular ODI captain Mitchell Santner returns to lead the side after missing the Bangladesh series due to IPL commitments. He replaces Tom Latham , who captained a second-string New Zealand team in a 2-1 series defeat in Bangladesh earlier this year. Several first-choice players have also returned to the squad, including Daryl Mitchell , Mark Chapman , Michael Bracewell , and pace bowler Jacob Duffy , who missed the recent Test series in England while on paternity leave. Wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay is back as Latham's deputy after Devon Conway was granted leave following the b...