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Showing posts from July, 2026

Ashutosh Sharma Signs with Hampshire for 2026 One-Day Cup

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Indian batting all-rounder Ashutosh Sharma has signed for Hampshire for the 2026 One-Day Cup, with the tournament set to begin on July 21. The 27-year-old, who represents Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), will strengthen Hampshire’s squad as the county aims to improve on last season’s runner-up finish in the competition. Ashutosh has earned a reputation as a powerful finisher in domestic and franchise cricket. He holds the record for the fastest T20 half-century by an Indian batter, reaching the milestone in just 11 balls. Welcoming the signing, Hampshire Director of Cricket Giles White expressed confidence that the Indian all-rounder would make a valuable contribution. “We’re really pleased to sign Ashutosh for the One-Day Cup. He is a player of great potential and has done well for Delhi Capitals in the IPL recently, so he knows what it’s like to perform at a high standard. We look forward to welcoming him into the group and seeing what he can do in a Hampshire shirt...

Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of third ODI with knee injury

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India have suffered a major setback ahead of the series-deciding third ODI against England, as star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out with a knee injury. Captain Shubman Gill confirmed at the toss that Bumrah was unavailable due to a knee issue, forcing India to make changes to their playing XI. Reports indicate that Bumrah experienced reactive swelling in his left knee and was not fit enough to take the field for the crucial match at Lord's. His absence is a significant blow to India's bowling attack, given his ability to deliver breakthroughs in key moments. With the ODI series level at 1-1, India will now rely on the likes of Arshdeep Singh and the rest of the pace unit to fill the void left by their premier fast bowler.

BCCI Confirms Rohit Sharma Will Continue in ODIs, Rules Out Lord’s Farewell

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has firmly dismissed rumors suggesting that the third ODI against England at Lord's will be Rohit Sharma's final international appearance. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia clarified that there has been no discussion regarding Rohit's retirement and reiterated that the veteran opener remains an important part of India's ODI plans. Speculation about Rohit's future intensified following reports claiming that selectors were looking beyond the 39-year-old for the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, the BCCI has rejected such claims, emphasizing that no official decision has been made regarding the former Indian captain's international career. Despite recent debates surrounding his form and future, Rohit continues to enjoy the support of the team management and cricket board. The experienced batter remains one of India's most accomplished ODI players and is expected to continue contributing to the national side. 

Ronchi to Leave New Zealand Coaching Role After India Series

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New Zealand batting coach Luke Ronchi will step down from his role with the BLACKCAPS after the upcoming home series against India later this year. Ronchi is set to take over as head coach of the Melbourne Renegades in Australia's Big Bash League (BBL). The former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter has been a key member of the coaching staff since becoming the full-time batting coach in 2020. During his tenure, New Zealand achieved several notable successes, including winning the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021, securing a historic 3-0 Test series sweep over India in 2024, and recording impressive series victories against both India and England. Ronchi expressed gratitude for his time with the national team, describing the opportunity to work with the BLACKCAPS as a dream come true. He will remain with the squad through the India series, which runs from October 22 to December 1, before beginning his new coaching challenge in Australia. New Zealand Cricket will now be...

Jonathan Trott Joins Ireland as Consultant Amid England Coaching Links

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Former England batter Jonathan Trott has joined Ireland’s men’s cricket team in a short-term consultancy role ahead of their upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. Trott will work with the Irish squad for 14 days and assist the team during the opening matches of the five-game ODI series. The appointment comes at a time when Trott is being linked with England’s vacant Test head coach position. Following recent changes in England’s coaching setup, the former Afghanistan head coach is reportedly among the candidates being considered for the prestigious role. Ireland Cricket believes Trott’s experience, particularly his successful coaching stint with Afghanistan, will be valuable as the team prepares for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2027. His knowledge of Afghanistan’s strengths and strategies is expected to provide Ireland with a competitive edge in the upcoming series. Trott enjoyed a distinguished international career with England, scoring 13 international centuries and p...

Fit-again Brydon Carse Added to England Squad for India ODI Series

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England have strengthened their squad for the ongoing ODI series against India with the return of pace bowler Brydon Carse , who has recovered from injury and is now fully fit for international cricket. The Durham fast bowler rejoins the national setup after successfully completing his rehabilitation and proving his fitness in recent domestic matches. Carse's return comes as a timely boost for England's pace attack, providing captain and team management with an additional seam-bowling option against a strong Indian batting lineup. Known for his ability to generate pace, movement, and bounce, the 30-year-old has become an important part of England's white-ball plans in recent years. Having impressed in previous international appearances, Carse will be eager to make an impact and cement his place in England's ODI squad ahead of upcoming major tournaments. His inclusion adds depth and experience to the bowling unit as England look to challenge India in the remainder of t...

Fleming Steps Down as CSK Head Coach After 18 Glorious Years

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In a major development for the Chennai Super Kings franchise, Stephen Fleming has stepped down as CSK's head coach, bringing an end to one of the most successful coach-franchise partnerships in IPL history. The decision was reached mutually between Fleming and the CSK management after 18 years of association with the team. Fleming joined Chennai Super Kings as a player during the inaugural IPL season in 2008 before taking over as head coach in 2009. Under his leadership, CSK became one of the most dominant and consistent teams in the tournament, winning five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies. The former New Zealand captain played a key role in building CSK's culture of stability, teamwork, and success. His partnership with MS Dhoni helped shape an era that made Chennai one of the most admired franchises in world cricket. While CSK now enters a new chapter, Fleming leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will be remembered by fans for years to come. Reports sugg...

McCullum Steps Down as England Test Coach, Continues in White-Ball Role

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Brendon McCullum has stepped down as England's Test head coach, bringing an end to the celebrated "Bazball" era that transformed the team's approach to red-ball cricket. However, the former New Zealand captain will continue to lead England's white-ball teams in ODI and T20I cricket. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the decision following a challenging period for the Test side, which included disappointing results and the recent retirement of former Test captain Ben Stokes. Despite his departure from the Test setup, McCullum remains highly valued for his work with England's limited-overs teams, where he has overseen strong performances and maintained England's competitiveness on the global stage. McCullum took charge of England's Test team in 2022 and quickly revolutionized their playing style with an aggressive, fearless brand of cricket that became known worldwide as "Bazball." Under his leadership, England recorded severa...

Mustafizur Rahman Ruled Out for Four Weeks Due to Hamstring and Knee Injuries

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Bangladesh pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman has been ruled out for at least four weeks after suffering a hamstring injury and a knee problem during the ODI series against Zimbabwe. The left-arm seamer sustained a Grade 1 muscle tear in his right hamstring while bowling in the opening ODI, and medical scans also revealed a minor degenerative issue in his right knee. According to the Bangladesh team management, Mustafizur experienced discomfort during the match and underwent further assessment, which confirmed the injuries. The rehabilitation process is expected to take a minimum of four weeks, forcing him to miss the remainder of the Zimbabwe tour. The injury setback could also impact Mustafizur's participation in upcoming franchise commitments, including the start of The Hundred 2026 season in England. The experienced pacer was set to become one of Bangladesh's key overseas representatives in the tournament, but his availability now remains uncertain. Mustafizur's absence is a...

Injured Pratika Rawal Ruled Out of Lord’s Test Against England

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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...

Rookie Lawes Included in West Indies ODI Squad for Upcoming Series

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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 ...

VVS Laxman Likely to Coach India for Zimbabwe T20Is and Asian Games

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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.

Babar Azam Reappointed Pakistan Test Captain for West Indies and England Tours

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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...

Richard Ngarava Named Zimbabwe Captain for Bangladesh ODI Series

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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 ...

Lister Replaces Injured Sears for ODI Series in the West Indies

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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 ...

Courtney Walsh Appointed Zimbabwe Bowling Coach

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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...

Fisher Set for ODI Debut as New Zealand Begin 2027 World Cup Preparations

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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...