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The SA20 league finds itself entering unfamiliar territory as it overlaps with the international Test calendar, creating fresh challenges for franchises, players, and national selectors alike. With several South African and overseas cricketers committed to Test duties, teams are being forced to rethink combinations and manage workloads in a tournament traditionally driven by full-strength squads. For the first time, SA20 matches are being played alongside high-profile Test series, placing players at a crossroads between national responsibility and franchise commitments. Cricket South Africa (CSA) has reiterated that Test cricket remains the priority, meaning franchises may have to cope without key names during crucial phases of the competition. This scenario has opened doors for emerging domestic talent, who now have a valuable opportunity to perform on a global stage. Young players stepping in for Test-bound stars could define the future of South African cricket, making SA20 a genuine...

Australia’s captain Pat Cummins will not play in the final two matches of the 2025–26 Ashes series against England as team management opts to manage his fitness after a recent back injury. With Australia already securing a 3–0 lead and retaining the famous Ashes urn, Cummins will not feature at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (Boxing Day Test) or the Sydney Cricket Ground, as part of a workload-management plan to protect his long-term fitness ahead of future tournaments, including the upcoming T20 World Cup. Cummins had returned from a lower back issue to lead Australia in the third Test in Adelaide, where he took six wickets in an 82-run win that sealed the series for the hosts. However, with the series outcome already decided, Head Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that resting Cummins was a strategic decision aimed at reducing the risk of further injury. Alongside Cummins, veteran spinner Nathan Lyon has also been ruled out, after tearing his right hamstring on the final day of the A...

New Zealand women’s cricket has suffered a significant setback as senior batter Suzie Bates has been ruled out of action for the next three months following an injury. The experienced opener, one of the most influential figures in women’s international cricket, sustained the injury during recent competitive action, forcing her to step away from both domestic and international commitments. Bates’ absence will be keenly felt by the White Ferns, especially with a packed calendar ahead that includes bilateral series and key preparation matches. Known for her consistency at the top of the order and her calm leadership on the field, Bates has been a pillar of New Zealand’s batting lineup for over a decade. Her injury not only weakens the team’s batting depth but also removes a vital source of experience in high-pressure situations. Medical assessments have confirmed that Bates will require an extended rehabilitation period of approximately three months. Team management has emphasized that ...

India’s Under-19 cricket team will aim to continue its strong dominance when it faces arch-rivals Pakistan in the U-19 Asia Cup Final , setting the stage for a high-voltage clash between two of the strongest youth sides in Asia. With both teams showcasing exceptional talent throughout the tournament, the final promises intense competition, skill, and pressure. India enter the final with confidence after delivering consistent performances in both the group stage and the knockout rounds. The young Indian side has impressed with its balanced combination of disciplined bowling, solid top-order batting, and sharp fielding. Their ability to handle pressure situations has been a standout feature, reflecting the depth and quality of India’s youth cricket structure. Pakistan, meanwhile, have shown resilience and fighting spirit on their road to the final. Known for producing naturally gifted fast bowlers and fearless batters, Pakistan’s U-19 team has displayed match-winning potential througho...

West Indies openers made a flying start after Devon Conway’s superb double century laid the foundation for a dominant batting display. West Indies’ openers produced an aggressive and confident batting display after Devon Conway’s magnificent double century put their side firmly in control of the match. Conway’s marathon knock laid the perfect foundation, allowing the Caribbean openers to play with freedom and authority in the subsequent innings. Conway’s double hundred was a masterclass in patience and precision, as he dominated the bowlers across sessions and built a commanding total. His innings not only exhausted the opposition attack but also shifted momentum decisively in his team’s favour. Responding to the huge score, the West Indies openers came out firing, showing positive intent from the very first over. They capitalised on loose deliveries, finding boundaries regularly and keeping the run rate healthy. Their attacking approach ensured early pressure on the bowling side, sign...

Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has confirmed that his wedding plans in early April 2026 will significantly limit his participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season . The IPL 2026 is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 31 , and Inglis has stated he won’t be fully available due to the schedule clash with his personal commitments. Inglis, who was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for ₹8.6 crore at the recent mini-auction, acknowledged that he won’t be available for the entire season because of his wedding. Despite this, his impressive performances — including strong batting displays in his first IPL season — kept franchises interested in him even with limited availability. His previous IPL franchise, Punjab Kings (PBKS) , publicly criticised the timing of his announcement, calling it “unprofessional” because of how close it came to key IPL roster decisions. PBKS co-owner Ness Wadia said the late notice — coming just 45 minutes before the reten...

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has appointed former India fielding coach R. Sridhar as the national men’s team’s fielding coach until the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup . The move comes as part of Sri Lanka’s focused preparations for the global tournament, where sharp fielding is expected to play a decisive role. Sridhar, widely regarded as one of the best fielding coaches in modern cricket, brings a wealth of international experience to the Sri Lankan setup. He previously served as India’s fielding coach from 2014 to 2021 , a period during which the Indian team established itself as one of the strongest fielding sides in world cricket across formats. Sri Lanka Cricket officials stated that Sridhar’s appointment is aimed at raising athletic standards, improving catching efficiency, and enhancing overall field awareness , especially in pressure situations typical of T20 cricket. His tenure will cover Sri Lanka’s upcoming international assignments and culminate with the T20 World Cup. The 54-year-old...