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.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a legal notice to South African cricketer Corbin Bosch after he withdrew from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to play for the Mumbai Indians as an additional player in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The schedules of the PSL and IPL are overlapping for the first time, causing unexpected conflicts regarding player availability.

Bosch's PSL Commitment and IPL Move

Bosch was picked up by Peshawar Zalmi in the Diamond category of the PSL 2025 Players Draft, which took place in Lahore on January 13. But just a few days ago, he was named in the Mumbai Indians squad as an injury replacement for Lizaad Williams.

Responding to this, the PCB sent a legal notice to Bosch by his agent, requesting him to clarify his PSL withdrawal. The board has also outlined what would happen in case of his contract breach and is awaiting a response within a fixed timeframe.

ALSO SEE: MS Dhoni Talks About His Most Controversial IPL Moment: That Was a Big Mistake

PSL and IPL Clash for the First Time

Ever since its inception in 2016, the PSL has been played during February-March. But because of Pakistan's international games and Champions Trophy 2025, the tournament was forced to be realigned in April-May, clashing with the IPL for the very first time.

Due to this shift in scheduling, many foreign players who remained unsold in the IPL auction signed up with PSL franchises later on. Bosch was among them, but his decision to quit the league at the last minute has now created a controversy.

What's Next?

Bosch's reaction to the legal notice will be pivotal in deciding the PCB's course of action. His case could also serve as a precedent for future conflicts between leagues, since both tournaments battle for the best international players.

The question that this situation brings to mind is this: Should players respect their PSL contracts, or should they be allowed to change leagues if a better option presents itself?

The Indian Premier League will have a new tradition from the 2025 season. The champions of the previous season will have a golden badge on their jerseys, which will represent their status as winners of the last season.

In the 𝟯-𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗱 (𝗞)𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗦𝗸𝘆 lies the greatest championship story from the city of joy ⭐️⭐️⭐️

🚨 2025 NEW JERSEY LAUNCHED: Buy it from 👉 https://t.co/BJP0u8H2x9 pic.twitter.com/aEbfYjh429

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 3, 2025

Kolkata Knight Riders, being the winners of the IPL in 2024, will be the first to wear this unique badge in the league. This action gives more prestige to the title and provides the champions with a visible badge of distinction on the pitch.

🚨 THE GOLDEN BADGE IN IPL 🚨

- Defending Champions of IPL will be wearing Golden Badge on the Jersey from IPL 2025.

KKR will become the first team to wear in the league 🏆🥇 pic.twitter.com/Xb1vjZhvfI

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 3, 2025

The addition of the golden badge introduces a new aspect to the league, and the championship win becomes even more meaningful. It also provides an incentive for teams to retain their title, as they will get to wear the badge in the next season.

ALSO SEE: ICC Champions Trophy: History, Winners & Memorable Moments

This is akin to traditions observed in global football and other top leagues, where defending champions have a special symbol on their jerseys. The golden badge will not only honor previous success but also remind the team of its heritage.

With Kolkata Knight Riders making their debut with this badge in IPL 2025, it will be interesting to observe how this new tradition goes in the future. More excitement is in store for fans as teams fight not only for the trophy but also for the honor of sporting the golden badge.

The much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Mega Auction is around the corner, promising thrilling moments for cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Scheduled across two action-packed days, the event will see top international and domestic players going under the hammer, with franchises preparing to bid big for their desired stars. Here's everything you need to know about this year's mega event.

When and where will IPL 2025 mega auction take place?

The IPL 2025 Mega Auction is set to take place on November 24 and 25 at the Abady Al-Johar Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This marks a significant milestone as the auction is being held outside India for the first time.

The auction will commence at 11:00 AM IST on both days, giving fans ample time to witness their favorite teams strategize and spend wisely on cricket’s finest talent.

Players in the spotlight

A total of 574 players are up for grabs in the auction pool, comprising:

• 366 Indian players
• 208 overseas players
• 3 players from associate nations

Notable names released by franchises ahead of the auction include former captains Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer. These players are expected to spark intense bidding wars, with franchises eyeing experienced wicketkeeper-batters and explosive performers.

Promising players like Ishan Kishan are also likely to attract significant attention, making the wicketkeeper category a hotly contested one this year.

See Also: Morne Morkel provides key update on injured Shubman Gill

Auction highlights

• Mallika Sagar will continue as the official auctioneer for the event.
• All ten franchises collectively have a purse of ₹641.5 crores to fill 204 slots, of which 70 are reserved for overseas players.
• The list includes 318 uncapped Indian and 12 uncapped overseas players.

Where to watch IPL 2025 auction live?

Fans can catch all the action live on TV or through online streaming platforms.

• TV Broadcast: The IPL 2025 Mega Auction will be aired live on the Star Sports Network in India.
• Online Streaming: For viewers on the go, the auction will be streamed live on the JioCinema app and website.

What to expect?

With big names and young talent up for grabs, this year’s mega auction is set to be a spectacle of strategy, bidding wars, and surprises. As franchises aim to strike the perfect balance between experience and fresh talent, the stakes are higher than ever.

Cricket fans worldwide can gear up for two days of nonstop excitement as the IPL 2025 Mega Auction unfolds. Who will fetch the highest bid? Which team will secure the dream lineup? The answers lie just a few days away!

The Indian Premier League has been a lucrative sporting tournament and an initiator who redefined how cricket is seen as a sport. With the mantra of where talent meets opportunity, the game will be paving its way to its eighteenth edition. As it implies, this leads them to go for the highly anticipated Mega Auction. With all the ten participating franchises retaining just a few of their influential campaigners, it is evident that all the teams are up for a significant restructuring and spend all their bucks on acquiring talent in the long run. 

As per some numbers, the Mega Auction will see a colossal INR 641.5 Crores going under the hammer across all the teams. That said, here's a brief summation of all the ten teams' expected strategies and probable top three players that could align with their goals from the forthcoming IPL 2025 Mega Auction.

·   Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings, one of the most successful IPL teams, has achieved some expected retention but has left some spaces to be filled, which can be done from the Mega Auction. Chennai Super Kings have decided to keep a mix of young and veteran players. With only one Right-to-Match card (RTM) option, their auction flexibility is restricted, implying that they may prioritise focused enhancements over a complete revamp. The key to the yellow arsenal is balancing experience and new talent. They require batting solidity, greater depth in spin, death-over pacers choices, and a future wicketkeeper batter option.

Top players to be in target for CSK: Ravichandran Ashwin, Rishabh Pant, Devon Conway

·   Delhi Capitals

The Delhi Capitals have kept a smaller core, focusing on rising players like Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav while releasing big stars like Rishabh Pant and David Warner. With a sizable leftover budget and two RTM choices, they are well-positioned for an aggressive auction strategy, with the opportunity to make significant acquisitions of uncapped and capped talent. They've lost some considerable pace options, so they're looking to rebuild here with a combination of experience and youthful potential. Overall, the Capitals' biggest priorities include finding a new captain and improving their speed.

Top players to be in target for DC: Sam Curran, Shreyas Iyer, Harshal Patel

·   Gujarat Titans

The Titans have established a balanced squad around talents Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill while parting ways with experienced players such as Mohammed Shami. With a single RTM option, they maintain some auction flexibility while concentrating on recruiting experienced players to supplement their youthful core. Regarding retentions and releases, the 2022 champions would need a trustworthy batter, a sturdy wicketkeeper, and a notable pacer, all of which would help them build a balanced squad.

Top players to be in target for GT: Liam Livingstone, Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult

·   Kolkata Knight Riders

The reigning champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, have decided to keep their core of all-rounders and spinners, including senior players Sunil Narine and Andre Russell. Still, they do not have any RTM alternatives, which limits their flexibility. With a limited remaining purse, their auction focus may be on value enhancements rather than high-cost acquisitions. With the captain's chair unfilled, they require a middle-order anchor who can both lead and a consistent pacemaker. They may be able to re-purchase their former campaigners, but they must give their best because these players are in hot demand following their spectacular success.

Top players to be in target for KKR: Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Quinton de Kock

·   Lucknow Super Giants

Lucknow Super Giants have kept a varied roster that includes vital players like Nicholas Pooran and Ravi Bishnoi but have dropped major stars like KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock. With one RTM option and a significant budget, they may prioritise acquiring a marquee player in the auction to build around their retained core with diverse choices. LSG requires consistency and versatility in their bowling. A middle-order rock would help them prevent collapses, especially given the unpredictable circumstances of their home venue, Ekana Stadium.

Top players to be in target for LSG: Ishan Kishan, Gerald Coetzee, Glenn Philips

·   Mumbai Indians

The Mumbai Indians' core stays intact, with Bumrah, Rohit, Hardik, and Suryakumar providing the backbone. Tilak Varma, with his strong form, closes up the retention list. MI's priority will be to recruit high-impact players to replace their veteran guard. The spinner and a reliable all-rounder will be crucial. With just one RTM available, intelligent decision-making is essential. MI's spin department needs to perform better, and they want a quality spinner to take wickets and dominate the middle overs. They need to fill the Pollard-sized hole in their lineup, ideally, someone who can complete innings quickly and contribute with overs.

Top players to be in target for MI: Yuzvendra Chahal, Akash Madhwal, Nehal Wadhera

·   Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings will be the franchise with the highest purse available as they have retained just two of their promising domestic players, Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh. With a colossal INR 110.5 Crores, four RTMs and the expertise of Ricky Ponting, the team will be up for a complete restructuring across all the departments, where we can expect to see a new and robust Punjab Kings side after a long run of unsuccessful seasons.

Top players to be in target for PBKS: Arshdeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Jake Fraser-McGurk

·   Rajasthan Royals

With a restricted budget, the Royals seek tactical additions, particularly an opener. Balance is what RR need. They have a strong batting core but must strengthen their bowling unit, particularly in the spin and finishing phases. Still, their purse situation is very tricky, especially after making some unexpected moves regarding releases and retentions, making them one of the teams to watch out for in the upcoming season.

Top players to be in target for RR: Maheesh Theekshana, Umran Malik, T Natarajan

·   Royal Challenger Bengaluru

Royal Challengers Bengaluru retains three key players, including Kohli and burgeoning talents Patidar and Dayal, but will enter the auction with a massive budget of INR 83 crores. RCB lacks a top-tier spinner, and with spin becoming increasingly crucial in the T20 game, they need to find someone who can change matches. Furthermore, the team requires a firm wicketkeeping batter to strengthen the batting lineup. Not to mention the demand for a noteworthy quickie in their armoury.

Top players to be in target for RCB: KL Rahul, Will Jacks, Washington Sundar

·   Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad's objective is to keep critical players with international experience while balancing their alternatives for the auction. Their spin problems have cost them dearly. A powerful, specialised spinner would aid SRH in the middle overs rather than relying solely on part-timers. Two highly aggressive openers require someone to anchor in the event of early wickets. It's about finding a trustworthy man who can keep things stable.

Top players to be in target for SRH: Nitish Rana, Marco Jansen, Adam Zampa

See Also: IPL 2025 mega auction: Marquee players' names revealed

Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant is arguably the in-demand name in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. He clarified that his departure from Delhi Capitals was not due to any disagreement with the franchise regarding his retention fee. Pant responded after Sunil Gavaskar suggested that he might have left the franchise due to a dispute over his retention fee. However, Pant confirmed this wasn't true.

Star Sports shared a video ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, Sunil Gavaskar said that sometimes players may leave their franchises to understand their true value in auction. As Pant's case isn't the same, Gavaskar expects that the wicketkeeper batter will be targeted by Delhi once again in the Auction.

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Sunil Gavaskar talks about Pant returning to Delhi Capitals

"Delhi would certainly want Rishabh Pant back in the squad. Sometimes when a player is to be retained, there is talk between the player and franchise about the fees that is expected. As you can see, some of the players who have been retained by the franchise, they've gone for more than what the No. 1 retention fee would've been. Maybe there was some disagreement over there (fees). "My feeling is Delhi would definitely want Pant back because they need a captain as well. If Rishabh Pant is not in their squad then they have to look for a new captain,".

The curious case of Rishabh Pant & Delhi! 🧐

🗣 Hear it from #SunilGavaskar as he talks about the possibility of @RishabhPant17 returning to the Delhi Capitals!

📺 Watch #IPLAuction 👉 NOV 24th & 25th, 2:30 PM onwards on Star Sports Network & JioCinema! pic.twitter.com/ugrlilKj96

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 19, 2024

Reacting to the video, Pant said his departure from the franchise wasn't about money.

"My retention wasn't about the money for sure that I can say," Rishabh Pant said in his reply to the post on X, formerly Twitter.

Rishabh Pant is expected to have all 10 franchised bidding for him. But as per the purse, he will likely join Punjab Kings, Lucknow Supergiants, or Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Even his return to DC via RTM can be ruled out.

With the IPL 2025 mega-auction approaching, speculation is rife regarding the retention of top players by Mumbai Indians (MI). While contrasting reports have emerged about whether MI will retain ex-skipper Rohit Sharma, a new report suggests that MI plans to retain their key players, including Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav. With the deadline for IPL retentions looming, Mumbai Indians are strategizing on how to build a formidable team while managing their purse effectively.

Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya set for MI retention

Amid the swirling rumors surrounding Rohit Sharma's future with Mumbai Indians, a new report from Sportstar claims that MI will retain their former captain. Earlier speculation suggested a rift between Rohit and MI following his removal as skipper in 2024, with Hardik Pandya taking over the reins. However, the report confirms that Rohit Sharma, along with Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav, will remain with the franchise.

This decision comes despite Hardik Pandya's poor performance as captain last season, where he struggled to lead the team to the playoffs. Nevertheless, MI views both Rohit and Hardik as essential to their future plans. Their retention will significantly impact MI’s auction purse, as retaining players in different categories comes with a steep cost, but these players are considered the franchise's core strength.

Impact on MI's IPL 2025 strategy

Rohit Sharma’s retention will likely play a major role in shaping MI's IPL 2025 auction strategy. Retaining key players means a substantial portion of MI's auction budget will be allocated, with the first and fourth players retained receiving ₹18 crore each, the second and fifth players getting ₹14 crore, and the third retention receiving ₹11 crore.

While Rohit’s IPL 2024 performance was decent, scoring 417 runs at a strike rate of 150, the bigger question remains who will lead MI in the upcoming season. Despite rumors linking Rohit with a move to Lucknow Super Giants and internal disputes with the previous MI coach, new head coach Mahela Jayawardene has reportedly convinced Rohit to stay with MI.

Mumbai’s Top Retention
Not Hardik Not Bumrah
Rohit Sharma it is #RohitSharma𓃵

— रोहित जुगलान Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) October 22, 2024

See Also: Hero of 2022 Pakistan tour recalled by England for third Test

Meanwhile, the retention deadline is set for October 31, giving MI a limited window to finalize their squad for next season. The franchise is aiming to improve team morale and performance, with retention decisions being key to their preparations for IPL 2025.

As Mumbai Indians gear up for IPL 2025, the retention of top players like Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah will significantly shape their strategy for the mega-auction. Despite some uncertainties and challenges last season, MI is committed to retaining their core players and building a strong squad for the future. The upcoming retention decisions will have a lasting impact on the team’s prospects in the next IPL season.

The former Indian wicketkeeper batter Parthiv Patel is set to join the Gujarat Titans as their batting mentor for their upcoming IPL 2025 season.

According to a report by Times of India (TOI),"Sources reveal that Parthiv Patel will join the support staff led by Indian Head Coach Ashish Nehra".

Parthiv Patel will take the role from South Africa International and ODI World Cup Winning Coach, Gary Kirsten as he left the Titans to take the white-ball head Coach duties of the Pakistan Team. Parthiv represented Gujarat during his Domestic career and led them to win their maiden Ranji Trophy title against Mumbai in the 2016-17 season.

See Also:- Hero of 2022 Pakistan tour recalled by England for third Test

The 39-year-old represented the National Team in all three formats and he is also the youngest wicketkeeper to represent the country when he made his debut in 2002.

Parthiv Patel and his IPL Career

Wicketkeeper batter has represented various teams in the IPL. He played for Chennai Super Kings from 2008 to 2010. Then he represented the currently defunct Kochi Tuskers Kerala. He then made the switch to the Deccan Chargers in 2012, followed by the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2012. He played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2014 and then joined Mumbai Indians from 2015 to 2017. His final stint in IPL was with Royal Challengers Bengaluru again from 2018 to 2020.

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In December 2020, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket and joined the Mumbai Indians in a scouting role. He is also a commentator in IPL along with international matches as well.

Gujarat Titans will look to make a strong comeback after a disappointing 2024 season as they failed to make it to playoffs for the first time since their debut season. They finished at eighth position in points table last season.

The much-anticipated announcement regarding the Indian Premier League (IPL) retention rules is expected shortly as the Governing Council (GC) prepares to meet today. The decision on the new retention rules could be made within the next 24 hours, if not today, as the GC convenes to discuss key issues surrounding the 2024 IPL season.

IPL GC meeting called for retention and auction plans

According to reports, the IPL Governing Council meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 28, at 11:30 AM at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bengaluru. Interestingly, the decision to call for this meeting came last minute, with notices being sent to the members only on Friday evening. While the outcome of this meeting is eagerly awaited, there is speculation that the retention decision, an important policy matter, may also be discussed in the all-important general body meeting on Sunday.

Apart from finalizing the retention rules, the GC is expected to make crucial decisions regarding the date and venue for the upcoming mega-auction. Current information suggests the auction will be held at the end of November, with the Gulf region, particularly Saudi Arabia, being a potential venue. Riyadh has shown interest in hosting the event, and if approved by the GC, it could be the first auction held in the city.

Number of retentions and RTM speculation

There is significant speculation regarding the number of retentions allowed for each team. Reports indicate that the number could range between two to eight players. However, it is believed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may settle on a more balanced figure of five or six players, including the Right to Match (RTM) option.

In late July, the BCCI held a meeting with IPL team owners to discuss retention-related matters and gather feedback. This feedback is expected to play a role in shaping the final retention policy, which is crucial for teams as they prepare their rosters ahead of the auction.

See Also: Kamindu sets new milestone, equaling Bradman’s record

With the IPL Governing Council meeting set to take place, fans and teams alike are eagerly awaiting the retention announcement. While final decisions may be made within hours, the retention rules and mega-auction details will have a significant impact on how teams build their squads for the 2024 season. All eyes are on the IPL GC and the decisions that will shape the future of the league.

Former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has concluded his illustrious journey with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a franchise with which he won four IPL titles. Bravo will now transition to a mentorship role at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from the 2025 season, marking the next chapter in his cricketing career.

Bravo bids farewell to CSK, joins KKR as mentor

Dwayne Bravo, who turns 41 in October, has officially joined KKR as a mentor for IPL 2025, replacing Gautam Gambhir, who recently took over as India’s head coach. This change follows Gambhir’s leadership in helping KKR secure their third IPL title. Bravo’s move was confirmed soon after his retirement from all forms of cricket, including T20 leagues, which he announced a day prior to his appointment.

The move comes after Bravo’s meeting with KKR CEO Venky Mysore during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), where they finalized a long-term agreement. In addition to his role with KKR, Bravo will oversee all Knight Riders franchises in other T20 leagues, including Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL), Los Angeles Knight Riders (MLC), and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ILT20).

Venky Mysore expressed his excitement about Bravo’s arrival: “DJ Bravo joining us is an exciting development. His relentless drive to win, along with his vast experience and deep knowledge, will greatly benefit our franchise and players.”

Bravo’s transition from player to coach

Dwayne Bravo, who was part of CSK’s iconic squad, enjoyed a successful stint with the franchise after joining them in 2011. He retired from playing in the IPL after the 2022 season but stayed with CSK, transitioning to their bowling coach for the 2023 season. His impact was immediate, as CSK clinched their fifth IPL title that year, defeating defending champions Gujarat Titans.

Bravo has an illustrious T20 career, being the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history and the only player to win the Purple Cap twice. His experience in the game, especially as a death bowler, made him a crucial player and, later, an astute tactician.

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“I’ve been part of Trinbago Knight Riders for the last 10 years in CPL. Having played for and against the Knight Riders in various leagues, I have a lot of respect for how they operate,” said Bravo. “This is the perfect platform for me as I transition from playing to mentoring and coaching the next generation of players.”

Bravo’s coaching journey has been on a steady rise, with him recently serving as a consultant coach for Afghanistan during the 2024 T20 World Cup, where the team made history by reaching the semi-finals. With this next step at KKR, Bravo aims to share his expertise and guide players across the Knight Riders’ T20 franchises globally.