Cricket Live Line

England fast bowler Kate Cross has announced that she will retire from professional cricket at the end of the 2026 season, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable career spanning more than two decades. The 34-year-old has been one of England's most dependable seamers, earning 102 international caps across all formats and claiming 140 wickets for her country. Cross made her senior debut for Lancashire at just 13 years of age and went on to become a key figure for both club and country. Her career highlights include helping England retain the Women's Ashes in Australia in 2014, reaching 100 ODI wickets for England, and surpassing 400 career wickets across professional cricket. In her retirement statement, Cross expressed gratitude to her family, teammates, coaches, and supporters, describing her journey from junior cricket to representing England as beyond her childhood dreams. She will continue playing for Lancashire until the end of the current season before stepping away fro...

England all-rounder Sam Curran has been ruled out of the remainder of the English summer after suffering a groin injury that requires surgery. Surrey confirmed that the 28-year-old will undergo an operation, ending his hopes of returning to England's Test side during the ongoing home season. The injury comes as a major setback for Curran, who was being considered as a potential all-round option for England following Ben Stokes' retirement from international cricket. Selectors had highlighted Curran's ability to bring balance to the squad, but recurring fitness concerns and workload-related niggles have now forced him to the sidelines. Curran recently featured in The Hundred and had also represented England in the ODI series against India. Notably, the same groin issue had earlier forced him to withdraw from IPL 2026, indicating that the injury has been troubling him for several months. With surgery scheduled and recovery ahead, England will now have to look elsewhere for a...

Former India spinner and ex-women's selection committee chairperson Neetu David has been appointed as the Head of Scouting for UP Warriorz ahead of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2027 season. The franchise has brought in one of India's most respected cricket minds to strengthen its talent identification program and build a stronger squad for the upcoming campaign. Neetu David joins the UP Warriorz support staff led by head coach Abhishek Nayar and will focus on discovering emerging domestic talent across the country. Her vast experience as both an international cricketer and a selector is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the franchise's future recruitment strategy. Widely regarded as one of India's finest left-arm spinners, David represented India in 10 Tests and 97 ODIs between 1995 and 2008, claiming 182 international wickets. She also holds the record for one of the best bowling performances in Women's Test cricket, with figures of 8/53 against th...

Pakistan have suffered a major setback ahead of the opening Test against England, with captain Babar Azam ruled out due to a right-hand injury. The star batter sustained the injury during a warm-up match in Beckenham and has not recovered in time for the series opener at Headingley. Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed that Salman Ali Agha will take charge of the side for the first Test. While Agha has previously captained Pakistan in limited-overs cricket, this will be his first assignment as Test captain. Babar's absence is a significant blow for Pakistan, considering his experience and importance in the batting lineup. The team management remains hopeful that the injury will heal in time for the second Test of the three-match series. Medical staff continue to monitor his condition closely. The England-Pakistan Test series begins at Headingley, Leeds, with both teams entering a new chapter under their respective leadership groups. Pakistan will now look to Salman Ali Agha...

England Women have appointed Charlie Dean as captain for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Ireland, scheduled for September. Dean, who previously led the side during the ODI series against New Zealand when Nat Sciver-Brunt was sidelined through injury, has once again been entrusted with leadership responsibilities. Regular captain Nat Sciver-Brunt will miss the series as she continues to manage her fitness and recovery. Senior players including Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell, and Amy Jones have also been left out, allowing England to test emerging talent ahead of future 50-over assignments. The 15-member squad includes uncapped players Grace Potts and Kira Chathli , while Charis Pavely is in line for a potential ODI debut. Head coach Charlotte Edwards described the series as an important opportunity for players to showcase their skills in the 50-over format following England's impressive run to the Women's T20 World Cup final. England will face I...

Manchester Super Giants created history by winning their first-ever Men's Hundred championship after defeating Trent Rockets by five wickets in a thrilling final at Lord's. The victory marked a significant milestone for the franchise, which had previously finished as runners-up on multiple occasions before finally securing the coveted trophy. Chasing a target of 159, New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert produced a match-winning knock of 72 runs from just 38 balls. His explosive innings, featuring seven sixes and a rapid half-century, put the Super Giants firmly in control of the chase. Captain Jos Buttler also contributed valuable runs before Liam Dawson sealed the memorable victory with a towering six in the closing moments of the match. Earlier, Trent Rockets posted a competitive total thanks to useful contributions from Aneurin Donald, Lewis Gregory, and Mitchell Santner. However, Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad played a crucial role for Manchester Super Giants, claimi...

Cricket fans hoping for an early India-Pakistan clash at the 2026 Asian Games will have to wait until the medal stages. The tournament draw has placed the two arch-rivals on opposite sides of the bracket, meaning they cannot face each other before the semifinals or medal matches. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have all received direct entry into the knockout stage based on their ICC rankings, avoiding the preliminary round. As a result, an India-Pakistan showdown can only occur when medals are at stake, adding even greater significance to a potential encounter. The cricket competition at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will be played in the T20 format, with India entering the event as the defending champion. If both teams continue their winning run through the knockout rounds, fans could witness one of cricket's biggest rivalries in a gold-medal final or another medal-deciding match. A potential India-Pakistan clash for a medal would undoubtedly be one of the most antic...

Australia have confirmed experienced pacer Josh Hazlewood in their playing XI for the opening Test, leaving Scott Boland out of the side despite his impressive performances in recent matches. The team management opted for Hazlewood's experience and proven record in international cricket as Australia look to make a strong start in the Test series. Hazlewood's accuracy, bounce, and ability to trouble batters with the new ball were key factors behind the selection decision. Scott Boland, who has consistently delivered whenever given an opportunity, was unlucky to miss out. The fast bowler has built a reputation for producing crucial breakthroughs and maintaining tight lines, making the selection call a difficult one for the Australian selectors. With Australia's pace attack now featuring Hazlewood alongside their other frontline quicks, fans will be eager to see how the bowling unit performs in the first Test. Meanwhile, Boland remains a valuable backup option and could stil...

Sharjah Warriorz have appointed experienced South African coach Adrian Birrell as their new head coach ahead of the fifth season of the International League T20 (ILT20). Birrell, 65, brings extensive coaching experience to the franchise and is widely recognised for his successful stint with Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20. Under his leadership, the franchise won three SA20 titles. The veteran coach previously served as Ireland's head coach from 2002 to 2007, a period that included one of the most memorable moments in Irish cricket history — the team's qualification for the Super Eight stage of the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies. He later joined the South African national setup as assistant coach, a role he held from 2013 to 2017. Birrell subsequently moved into franchise cricket, where he continued to build a strong reputation for developing successful teams. "I am delighted to be joining the Sharjah Warriorz ahead of the upcoming ILT20 season. I am excited to work w...

India have named Sarfaraz Khan as the replacement for Sai Sudharsan in the squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Sudharsan has been ruled out after suffering a right toe stress reaction and is currently undergoing rehabilitation under the supervision of the BCCI medical team. The left-hander has shown positive recovery signs, but selectors decided not to risk him for the series. Sarfaraz, who has consistently impressed in domestic cricket and previous Test appearances, now gets another opportunity to strengthen his place in India's red-ball setup. The move adds experience to India's middle order ahead of a challenging tour where spin-friendly conditions are expected to play a major role. The two-match Test series against Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin on August 15 in Galle, with India looking to start their World Test Championship campaign on a positive note.

Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has stepped down from his role as England Lions head coach , bringing an end to a successful period of guiding England's emerging cricket talent. Flintoff played a key role in developing young players and preparing them for the transition to international cricket through the Lions setup. His leadership and experience helped nurture several promising cricketers, making him a respected figure within England's development pathway. While Flintoff leaves the coaching role, his contribution to English cricket's next generation is expected to have a lasting impact. England Cricket will now begin the search for a successor as the Lions continue their mission of producing future stars for the national team.

India captain Shubman Gill missed Day 1 of India’s three-day warm-up match against the Sri Lanka Cricket XI after suffering an impact injury to his right ring finger during a training session in Colombo. As a precautionary measure, the team management decided not to risk their skipper, with KL Rahul leading the side on the opening day. The injury has raised concerns ahead of India’s upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, although early reports suggest the decision was largely precautionary. The BCCI is expected to monitor Gill’s recovery closely before making a call on his participation in the remaining warm-up days and the first Test.

Ireland's hopes of securing direct qualification for the 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup suffered a major setback after the first ODI against Afghanistan at Bready was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain. The washout officially ended Ireland's chances of earning an automatic World Cup berth through the ICC ODI rankings pathway. Ireland needed a flawless 5-0 series sweep over Afghanistan and favorable results elsewhere to climb into the automatic qualification spots before the rankings cut-off. However, the abandoned match made that scenario impossible, confirming that Ireland will now have to take the longer route through the 2027 ODI World Cup Qualifier tournament. The 10-team Qualifier, scheduled to be played from February 22 to March 23, 2027, will determine the remaining places for the World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Ireland will be among the teams competing for a spot in cricket's biggest 50-over event.

Former India pace legend Zaheer Khan has expanded his footprint in franchise cricket by joining the Lanka Premier League’s Jaffna franchise as a co-owner.  Following the acquisition of the team by Stockholm-based sports ownership group Anchor Sports AB, the franchise has been rebranded as Anchor Jaffna Kings . Zaheer will work alongside Anchor Sports owner Nagendra Siddoutam as the ownership group looks to strengthen its presence in global cricket. The Jaffna franchise is one of the most successful teams in LPL history, and Zaheer’s vast experience as a former Indian fast bowler is expected to add significant value both on and off the field. His involvement marks another major step in the growing trend of former cricketers taking leadership and ownership roles in franchise leagues around the world. Speaking on the development, the franchise highlighted a new chapter under its revamped ownership structure. With Zaheer Khan joining the management team, fans will be eager to see how A...

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially appointed former South African first-class cricketer and coach Michael Smith as the batting coach of the Pakistan men's cricket team on a two-year contract. Smith will work with both the red-ball and white-ball squads, aiming to strengthen Pakistan's batting performances across all formats. A highly respected Level 4-qualified coach, Smith brings extensive coaching experience from domestic and franchise cricket. He has previously worked with PSL franchises including Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, and Multan Sultans, giving him valuable insight into Pakistan cricket. His appointment comes at a crucial time as Pakistan look to address recurring batting inconsistencies and improve their performances in international cricket. Smith is expected to join the squad ahead of the upcoming Test series against England, where his expertise will be put to the test immediately. The PCB hopes Smith's experience and modern coaching methods ...

India has appointed Subhadeep Ghosh as the new fielding coach of the senior men’s cricket team, replacing T.  Dilip ahead of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. The experienced coach and former Assam and Railways cricketer brings a wealth of domestic and international coaching experience to the national setup. Ghosh, 57, has previously worked with the India Women’s team and has been involved in various coaching roles across domestic cricket. His first assignment with the senior men’s side will be the two-match Test series in Sri Lanka later this month. The appointment is part of India’s support-staff reshuffle under head coach Gautam Gambhir, with the BCCI looking to strengthen the team’s fielding standards ahead of a busy international calendar.

England have appointed former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming as the new head coach of the men's Test team, while Joe Root has been reappointed as full-time Test captain, marking a dramatic leadership reshuffle ahead of a crucial phase in English cricket. Fleming, 53, has signed a four-year contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), keeping him in charge until September 2030. The appointment comes shortly after he ended his successful 18-year association with Chennai Super Kings, where he guided the franchise to five Indian Premier League titles. A familiar figure in English cricket, Fleming previously represented Middlesex, Yorkshire, and Nottinghamshire during his playing career, leading Nottinghamshire to the County Championship title in 2005. He also coached Southern Brave in the Hundred and shares a close working relationship with England white-ball coach Brendon McCullum. However, Fleming will not take charge immediately. Marcus Trescothick will serve as ...

Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable career that spanned over a decade. Known for his calm demeanor, technical excellence, and leadership qualities, Rahane leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered by cricket fans around the world. Rahane represented India across all formats and played several match-winning knocks throughout his international career. He was widely respected for his ability to perform in challenging overseas conditions and for leading India to memorable victories, including the historic Test series triumph in Australia. His composure under pressure and commitment to the team made him one of India's most dependable cricketers. The announcement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. Tributes have poured in from the cricketing fraternity, with many praising Rahane's professionalism, humility, and contribution to the sport. Mumbai Cricket Associati...

India women’s opener Pratika Rawal has signed with Warwickshire Bears for the remainder of the 2026 season and is set to feature in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup . The 25-year-old batter will join the squad ahead of their upcoming fixtures and is expected to be available for selection from August 19. Rawal, one of India’s fastest-rising batting stars, has been recovering from an injury that ruled her out of the recent Test match against England at Lord’s. Her move to county cricket marks an important step in her development, providing valuable experience in English conditions. Expressing her excitement, Rawal said she is delighted to join Warwickshire and is looking forward to testing herself in England while contributing to the team’s push for a strong finish in the competition. Warwickshire head coach Alistair Maiden praised the signing, calling it a major boost for the squad as they aim for a place in the knockout stages. The signing highlights Rawal’s growing reputation in world cri...

Warwickshire have been dealt a major setback after captain Sam Hain was ruled out of the remainder of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup due to a knee injury sustained during the team's opening match against Northamptonshire . Hain, who was appointed captain of Warwickshire's 50-over side earlier this month, suffered the injury while fielding after scoring an impressive 80 runs in the tournament opener. The Bears lost the match, and subsequent scans confirmed the extent of the injury. In a statement, Warwickshire said Hain will be sidelined until at least mid-August but declined to provide a definitive timeline for his return. The 29-year-old batter has built a reputation as one of the most consistent performers in List A cricket, boasting a remarkable career average of 58.18 . Hain earned two One-Day International caps for England in late 2023 but has featured sparingly in domestic 50-over cricket in recent years due to commitments in The Hundred . Despite going unsold in M...