The BCCI is set to announce the new central contract list in the near future, with a number of changes expected. Shreyas Iyer will be set to regain after his fine performances, while R Ashwin will be axed after his international retirement.

Will Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja Be Demoted

Fans are debating if Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja will be moved from their Grade A+ deals as they have retired from T20Is. Nevertheless, the news is that all three will still maintain their place in the higher order, as they continue to be important players in Tests and ODIs, especially for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Virat and Jadeja will likely be in India's team for the upcoming Test series against England, with Rohit's availability still doubtful. He is said to have decided to go out of the tour, but there is no official word as yet.

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Axar Patel's Promotion Certain

Axar Patel is likely to be elevated to a Grade A contract since he has continued to play consistently across all three formats. His timely contributions, like a match-winning 47-run support in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, have further cemented his case.

Ishan Kishan's Contract Status in Doubt

While Iyer is set to return to the contract list, Ishan Kishan’s status remains unclear. Both players were previously dropped for skipping domestic cricket. It remains to be seen if the board reinstates Kishan this time.

Final Decision Soon

Selectors, the central contracts to discuss the squad for the England tour.The last word on Rohit Sharma's position and leadership adjustments is also imminent. While Jasprit Bumrah's fitness remains an issue, the team administration is yet to pinpoint a obvious candidate for the captaincy job.

Wait for the official announcement from BCCI including chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, are going to meet on March 29 in Guwahati.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released the central contracts for the Indian women's cricket team for the 2024-25 season. The majority of the players from the last contracts have been retained with some alterations in Grade B and Grade C.

Grade A:

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, and all-rounder Deepti Sharma are still in Grade A. They are the backbone of the team.

Grade B:

Renuka Singh Thakur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, and Shafali Verma were given their Grade B contracts once again. Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad has lost her place from this grade.

Grade C:

A number of young players have received their maiden central contracts. Shreyanka Patil, Titas Sadhu, Arundhati Reddy, Amanjot Kaur, and Uma Chetry have been added to Grade C. They are joined by Yastika Bhatia, Radha Yadav, Sneh Rana, and Pooja Vastrakar in the group. Players such as Meghna Singh, Devika Vaidya, Sabbineni Meghana, Anjali Sarvani, and Harleen Deol have been left out of the contracts this time.

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Contract Salaries

Grade A: ₹50 lakh
Grade B:₹30 lakh
Grade C: ₹10 lakh

Future Matches

The Indian women's side will next be in action in a tri-series against Sri Lanka and South Africa in April as part of preparations for the home ODI World Cup later this year. India, though with a strong team, is still looking for its first global trophy.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) plays a significant role in international cricket, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has to consider the rules and their effect on the game. Before the beginning of the IPL 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly reintroduced the rule, which can affect future international cricket matches. 

IPL and T20 cricket is known as batters paradise. Although we have seen many T20 matches, including IPL games, where bowlers dominated the entire game, the batting dominance is still natural for this shorter cricket format. We are experiencing similar stories in the other white-ball format, one-day cricket. Also, in the day-night cricket matches, especially before the peak summer season, dew plays a very important role as the bowlers can't control the game as time progresses.

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IPL 2025: 2 balls in the second innings of a match 

While the ICC is working hard to make white-ball cricket better for the bowlers naturally, the IPL has taken steps to do so. In the IPL 2025, we are likely to see two balls in the second innings of an IPL match. The second ball will come into play after the 11th over of the second innings. According to the Cricbuzz report, this decision has been taken by the BCCI and the Indian Premier League (IPL) management, and it was explained on Thursday (March 20) during a meeting of the captains and managers at Cricket Centre in Mumbai.

The dew factors play crucial roles in the IPL, especially in the first half of the season. Unlike the present ODI format, where we see both innings start with two new balls on either side of the pitch, T20 matches have started with one new ball in each innings and continue with the same ball till the end of the innings. 

However, in the IPL 2025, the first innings will be played with a single ball, while the second innings will be played with two balls, and the second ball will come into effect after the 11th over of the second innings. IPL believes that it will nullify any toss advantage, especially the effect of dew. 

Here are some key facts about the new IPL 2025 rule of using two new balls in the second innings of a match

• It will be used in the 2nd innings.
• It will come into play after the 11th over.
• Umpires will determine whether the ball needs to be changed.
• It will be decided on the presence of dew.
• This rule is unlikely to be used in the afternoon matches.

IPL 2025: Usage of saliva on the ball returns

On the other hand, the BCCI has reportedly reintroduced the usage of saliva on the ball from IPL 2025. Saliva plays an important role in setting up reverse swing by making one side of the ball shinier, which is more effective in the ODI format and Test cricket. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saliva usage on the ball was banned, while the players can only use sweat on the ball. Recently, the Indian pacer Mohammed Shami talked about bringing back the saliva-using rule on the ball in international cricket, and he has gotten some good support from the experts.

For the very first time in IPL 2025 history, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has stated that the opening ceremony will be held at all 13 grounds where the tournament is to be conducted. It's a huge change from the past when the opening ceremony used to be arranged at a single ground, normally in a larger city such as Mumbai or Chennai.

IPL, which has already become accustomed to starry and action-filled matches, has also become one with glitzy starry opening ceremonies, with live performances by the crème de la crème of the biggest stars of Bollywood and music legends. The format change in 2025 ensures that such excitement and fervor of ceremonies reach fans in cities across the country.

Every one of the 13 stadiums will receive an opening ceremony themed on the location, incorporating concerts, light displays, and celebratory activities to greet the tournament into town. In addition to constructing exciting atmospheres within cities, it would also construct supporter participation, making the IPL 2025 a far more inclusive and participative sport for India's millions of supporters.

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This will enhance the experience of the fans even more, as the opening ceremony thrill would be available in many cities and therefore the fans would feel more connected to the tournament. Apart from performances, the opening ceremonies will also include speeches of prominent individuals in the cricket world like the owners of the IPL teams, cricketers, and BCCI officials.

The choice to stage all the venues has also been viewed as an attempt to give the IPL a boost of excitement, with the league aiming to touch hearts. By moving the tournament to the people, the BCCI believes it can make the nation feel that it is celebrating in one voice and, in the process, showcase the various cultures and the passion for the sport in various parts of the nation.

IPL 2025 will be a thrilling season with not only blistering cricketing action but also a dash of glamour and spice. The spectators can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience at every venue, making this year's IPL even more special.

Andy Roberts, a former West Indies cricketer, has come down heavily on the International Cricket Council (ICC), stating that India has an excessive hold on the governing body.

In a statement reported by Mid-Day, Roberts opined, "To me, the ICC is the Indian Cricket Board. India calls the shots. If tomorrow, India decides, 'listen, there shouldn't be any no-balls and wides,' take my word, the ICC will somehow try to oblige India."

His remarks indicate that the ICC plays favorites with India in decision-making, which can impact the equity of the game.

This is coming in the wake of the cricket fraternity gearing up to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will take place in Pakistan. The competition has already evoked controversies with issues surrounding security, fixtures, and participation from teams.

Robert's comments have set the air abuzz for cricket enthusiasts with some agreeing India wields undue influence as the sport's most financially powerful governing body, whereas others think that the ICC remains an impartial sports body.

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"It's Not Fair, It's Not Cricket"

Speaking of his annoyance, Roberts added, "Something's got to give India can't get everything. The ICC must say no to India sometimes. How can a team not travel during a tournament? It is not fair, it's not cricket."

He also alleged that India has too much control over the ICC, making a joke that if India ever requested no wides or no-balls in cricket, the ICC would somehow make it possible.

India's Response

Indian captain Rohit Sharma and ex-cricketer Gautam Gambhir during the tournament denied allegations of favoritism, saying that India did not get any special treatment.

But Roberts and most other authorities do not think that cricket must be dominated by a single country. He cautioned that the sport may lose its competitive balance if favoritism keeps on going.

The BCCI has rejected the Cricket Association of Bengal's (CAB) request to postpone their two home matches due to the threat of Cyclone Dana threat. The CAB requested to postpone one game each of the Ranji Trophy in Kolkata and the Under-23 Col CK Nayudu Trophy in Kalyani.

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The Senior Bengal side will take on Kerala in the third round of the Ranji Trophy at Jadavpur University Campus 2nd Ground. BCCI has kept a longer gap between the matches this season which gave hope to CAB getting the request approved. After the Bengal vs. Kerala match ends on October 29, Bengal will have nearly a week off before their next game against Karnataka, which starts on November 6 in Bengaluru. Same for Kerala as they will return home to face Uttar Pradesh in the fourth round at Thumba.

The Bengal Under-23 side will take on the Railways Under-23 side from 27 to 30 October at Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani where the Bengal versus Bihar Ranji Trophy game was completely washed out due to constant rain. Their next fixture is scheduled from 8 November to 11 against Vidarbha in Nagpur which is also a one-week gap.

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The Bengal side will miss the services of Abhimanyu Easwaran, Abhishek Porel, and Mukesh Kumar for the next couple of rounds in the Ranji Trophy as they have been picked for India A side for the Australia Tour. India A are scheduled to play Australia A in two four-day matches in Mackay from October 31 to November 3 and in Melbourne from November 7 to 10. They will then play the India squad in a warm-up match in Perth from November 15 to 17 before the first Test against Australia begins on November 22.

Abhimanyu, 29, has been part of India's Test squad previously - in Bangladesh in 2022 - and he has been in superb form this domestic season, scoring two hundreds in the Duleep Trophy, and another century in the Irani Trophy. Even Pacer Mukesh Kumar looked in fine form as he picked 6 wickets in their Ranji Trophy game against Uttar Pradesh. He picked up 5fer as well in Irani Trophy against Mumbai.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has given a big boost to Indian athletes preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics by donating Rs 8.5 crore (about $1.03 million) to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

This money will help the Indian team in their campaign at the Paris Olympics, starting on July 26.

Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary shared this news on his ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) account. He said he’s proud that the BCCI is supporting the amazing athletes representing India at this prestigious event. The BCCI’s funds will help the IOA with their preparations and logistics for the Olympics.

“I am proud to announce that the @BCCI will be supporting our incredible athletes representing #India at the 2024 Paris Olympics. We are providing INR 8.5 Crores to the IOA for the campaign. To our entire contingent, we wish you the very best. Make India proud! Jai Hind!” he wrote on x

India plans to send 117 athletes to compete in various sports at the Paris Games. Along with them, 140 support staff will also go, making the total team size 257 members.

The BCCI’s financial help will strengthen the efforts of Indian athletes and support staff as they aim for excellence on the world stage. Jay Shah also wished the entire Indian team good luck, encouraging them to make the nation proud.

This financial support shows the BCCI’s commitment to promoting and supporting Indian athletes in various sports.

Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has confirmed that Rohit Sharma will lead the Indian national team in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle from 2023 to 2025

and also in the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for 2025. In a video message Jay Shah shared recently, “I am confident that under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, we will win the WTC Final and the Champions Trophy.”

Jay Shah’s confidence in Rohit’s leadership

Rohit Sharma secured his first International Cricket Council (ICC) trophy as captain when he led the Men in Blue to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024, co-hosted by the United States of America (USA) and West Indies.

Rohit Sharma’s path to captaincy

Rohit took over as captain of the Indian team in late 2021, following Virat Kohli’s decision to step down from leadership. Initially facing mixed results, including losses in the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup in 2022, the team rebounded the following year to win the Asia Cup.

India had a remarkable journey in the 2023 ODI World Cup, winning 10 consecutive matches before narrowly losing to Australia in the final in Ahmedabad.

In T20 matches, Rohit successfully led India to victory in the World Cup, making them the first team in the tournament’s history to claim the title without losing a single game. In Test cricket, Rohit has guided India to series victories against Australia and England on home soil.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has proposed a series of changes to domestic cricket, one of the most significant changes being the elimination of the toss in the CK Nayudu Trophy competition.

Reasons Behind the Proposal

The proposal to eliminate the toss stems from the need to address concerns raised by state team captains regarding scheduling and fairness in domestic competitions. By allowing the visiting team to choose whether to bat or bowl first, the BCCI aims to create a level playing field and enhance the competitive nature of matches.

Elimination of the Toss

Under the proposed changes, the toss will no longer determine the course of play in CK Nayudu Trophy matches. Instead, the visiting team will have the prerogative to decide, thereby shifting the balance of power and introducing an element of strategy right from the outset.

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“The toss will be eliminated for the CK Nayudu Trophy matches. Instead, the visiting team will have the right to choose whether to bat or bowl first, ” Jay Shah said and also suggested a new points system for the under-23 red ball competition. “The CK Nayudu Trophy will implement a new points system aimed at promoting balanced performances. This includes awarding points for batting and bowling performances in the first innings, in addition to points for the first innings lead or outright win.”

New Points System

In addition to eliminating the toss, the BCCI has proposed a new points system for the CK Nayudu Trophy to promote balanced performances. This includes awarding points for batting and bowling performances in the first innings and points for achieving the first-innings lead or outright victory.

The BCCI secretary said it could even consider implementing the CK Nayudu points system for the Ranji Trophy. “A review will be conducted at the end of the season to assess the effectiveness of the new points system, with a decision on whether to implement it in the Ranji Trophy for the following season, ” the note said.

Potential Implementation in Ranji Trophy

The success of the new points system in the CK Nayudu Trophy could pave the way for its implementation in the prestigious Ranji Trophy competition. A review will be conducted at the end of the season to assess its effectiveness, with a decision on adoption for the Ranji Trophy in subsequent seasons.

Addressing Players’ Concerns

The BCCI has also taken steps to address concerns raised by domestic captains regarding scheduling and recovery time between matches. Longer gaps between games will allow players sufficient time for rest and recovery, ensuring peak performance throughout the season.

Changes in the Domestic Season Schedule

The proposed changes in the schedule of domestic competitions will see the Duleep Trophy kick off the season, followed by the Irani Cup and then the Ranji Trophy. The season will conclude with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, providing a comprehensive calendar of events for domestic cricketers.

“Following this, the Irani Cup and then the Ranji Trophy will commence with the first five league matches, followed by the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and concluding with the remaining two league matches of the Ranji Trophy and knockout stages, ” the note further added.