Shreyas Iyer has finally brought his consistent form with the bat as he scored his second consecutive first-class century in domestic cricket, which shined in a double century. 

Although Shreyas Iyer led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to win the IPL 2024 title, which was the third IPL trophy success for the team, Iyer is now under pressure for his inconsistent form. After scoring 351 runs in 14 innings in the IPL 2024, Iyer struggled in the ODI series in Sri Lanka, where the right-handed batter scored only 38 runs in three innings. 

During the Duleep Trophy, Iyer failed to reach the double-digit scores in the first innings chances and scored 54, 41, and 50 runs in the second innings opportunities. 

In the first two first-class games for Mumbai this season, the right-handed batter scored 95 runs in four innings, including 57 runs against Rest of India in the Irani Cup. Iyer's inconsistent batting form forced KKR to release him from the squad before the mage auction. 

Shreyas Iyer scored 233 runs

After scoring 142 runs against Maharastra in his previous Ranji Trophy match, Iyer was absent against Tripura due to his shoulder injury. Returning to the team, Iyer now scored 233 runs off 228 balls against Odisha with the help of 24 fours and nine sixes. 

Iyer had a 354-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Siddesh Lad, who scored 169 not out off 337 balls with 17 fours. Their batting powered Mumbai to score 602/4 before captain Ajinkya Rahane declared the innings. Rahane disappointed the innings with a golden duck. 

Apart from Lad and Iyer, the KKR cricketer Angkrish Raghuvanshi also shined against Odisha, as the opener scored 92 runs in 124 balls with 13 fours and three sixes. 

In reply, Odisha scored 146/5 at the stumps of the second day. They are trailing by 456 runs. 

Iyer played two Tests during England tour of India this year

Apart from 62 ODIs, Iyer has played 51 T20Is and 14 Tests for India. His last T20I was in December 2023 during the Bengaluru T20I against Australia. 

Iyer played his last Test in February during the home five-match Test series against England. Iyer featured in the first two Tests of the series, where he scored 13, 35, 29, and 27 runs, respectively. 

Ajinkya Rahane’s Mumbai team made history on Saturday by clinching the Irani Cup for the first time in 27 years, defeating the Rest of India (RoI) side at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. This monumental victory marks Mumbai’s 15th Irani Cup title, the most by any Ranji Trophy team, further cementing their legacy as one of India's premier cricket teams.

Sarfaraz Khan shines with unbeaten double century

After being sent in to bat on Day 1, Mumbai made a commanding start by posting a formidable total of 537, thanks to Sarfaraz Khan’s blistering unbeaten knock of 222, his fourth First-Class double hundred. Sarfaraz’s innings was the cornerstone of Mumbai’s batting effort, while captain Ajinkya Rahane also contributed with a solid 97. The partnership laid the foundation for Mumbai’s dominance in the match.

𝐌𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐢 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 #𝐈𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 👏 👏

Mohit Avasthi gets his 50. Tanush Kotian remains unbeaten on 114. The players shake hands 🤝

The match ends in a draw & Mumbai win the trophy by virtue of taking first-innings lead 🙌#IraniCup | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/0GTKkAdU6m

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) October 5, 2024

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Kotian’s heroics and Easwaran’s fightback

In response, Rest of India managed to score 416, with Abhimanyu Easwaran leading the fight with a brilliant 191. However, Mumbai's bowlers worked cohesively to secure a crucial 121-run first-innings lead, a margin that would prove to be the turning point. Mumbai’s second innings saw a shaky start with early dismissals, but Tanush Kotian’s heroic unbeaten 114 and Mohit Avasthi’s 51 not out stabilized the innings. The duo's unbroken 158-run partnership took the game beyond RoI’s reach.

With the match heading toward a draw, the teams shook hands when Mumbai reached 329 for 8, handing them victory based on their first-innings lead.

Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has announced the 16-member Mumbai squad for the Irani Cup 2024/25 on Tuesday (September 24). The former Indian Test vice-captain has been selected as the captain of the Mumbai team. 

Like most of the previous years, the reigning Ranji Trophy champions will start the first-class cricket season with the Irani Cup, where they will face the Rest of India. Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow will host this match from October 1. Last season, Mumbai extended their most Ranji Trophy titles record by winning it 42nd time. 

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Mumbai previously won the Irani Cup in 1997/98

It will be the first time for Mumbai to compete in the Irani Cup since 2016/17. The last time they played the Irani Cup was in the 2015/16 season, where they lost by four wickets. 

The Rest of India have won the Irani Cup for record times, 30 times. They have won all the last three Irani Cups. Meanwhile, out of participating 29 times, Mumbai have recorded 14 Irani Cup successes, the second most successful team in the Irani Cup history. 

The last time Mumbai won the Irani Cup was in the 1997/98 season. Under the leadership of Sanjay Manjrekar, Mumbai won that match by 53 runs. 

Ajinkya Rahane will lead Mumbai in the Irani Cup 

Former Indian Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane, who led the Indian team in 11 international matches (six Tests, three ODIs, and two T20Is), will lead the Mumbai team in the upcoming Irani Cup. 

Prithvi Shaw, Musheer Khan, Shreyas Iyer, and Shardul Thakur have been named in the 16-member Mumbai squad. 

The Irani Cup 2024/25 will start on the last scheduled day of the Kanpur Test. So, the players in the Indian team squad are unable to participate in the Irani Cup. However, if Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube are released from the Indian Test team, they can join the Mumbai team for the Irani Cup.  

According to the latest BCCI report, Sarfaraz Khan has been released from the Indian squad to be available for Mumbai in the Irani Cup.            

Meanwhile, the MCA also announced the 25-member probable Mumbai squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024/25. 

Mumbai squad for the Irani Cup 2024/25

Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Prithvi Shaw, Ayush Mhatre, Musheer Khan, Shreyas Iyer, Siddhessh Lad, Suryansh Shedge, Hardik Tamore (WK), Sidhaant Addhatrao (WK), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Himanshu Singh, Shardul Thakur, Mohit Avasthi, Mohd. Juned Khan, Royston Dias

Probable Mumbai squad for the Ranji Trophy 2024/25

Ajinkya Rahane, Prithvi Shaw, Ayush Mhatre, Musheer Khan, Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Siddhessh Lad, Suryansh Shedge, Hardik Tamore (WK), Sidhaant Addhatrao (WK), Shardul Thakur, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Himanshu Singh, Mohit Avasthi, Mohd. Juned Khan, Royston Dias, Harsh Tanna, Prasad Pawar (wk), Shashank Attarde, Karsh Kothari, Atharva Ankolekar, Jay Bista, Saksham Jha

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly shifted the venue of the Irani Cup 2024/25. The reigning Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai will face the Rest of India in the upcoming Irani Cup match, starting on October 1.

Previously, the BCCI had scheduled the Irani Cup 2024/25 in Mumbai. However, according to the latest ESPNcricinfo report, the BCCI has decided to shift the upcoming Irani Cup match venue due to reducing any weather disruptions, as Mumbai is going through an extensive monsoon.  

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Lucknow will host the Irani Cup 2024/25 

Lucknow will host the Irani Cup 2024/25 match, starting on October 1. It will be the first time Lucknow will host the Irani Cup match.

Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) secretary Arvind Kumar Srivastava told ESPNcricinfo, "This year's Irani Cup match will be held in Lucknow, and we are excited to host it."

Just like the previous years, the Irani Cup 2024/25 will run with only one game between the reigning Ranji Trophy champions and the Rest of India. 

Mumbai won the Ranji Trophy 2023/24 after beating Vidarbha by 169 runs in the final of the competition. 

While Irani Cup 2024/25 will begin on October 1, it will be the last day of the last game of the two-match Test series between India and Bangladesh in Kanpur. So, the Indian Test squad members for the Kanpur Test can’t participate in the Irani Cup. 

Rest of India won last three Irani Cups, Mumbai last won in 1997/98

The 30-time Irani Cup champions Rest of India have won all the last three Irani Cups (2019/20, 2022/23, and 2023/24; 2020/21 and 2021/22 Irani Cup tournaments were cancelled due to COVID-19). 

The 14-time Irani Cup champions Mumbai last played an Irani Cup match in the 2015/16 season, when they lost against the Rest of India by four wickets. Last time they won an Irani Cup was in the 1997/98 season, when they won by 54 runs.

In the high-octane arena of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where cricket not only captivates millions but also moves massive sums of money, the threat of corruption looms large. The Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plays a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of the game. So far, in IPL 2024, their vigilance has been tested with incidents in Mumbai and Jaipur, highlighting the constant battle against corrupt elements.

Recent Incidents and Immediate Action

The ACU’s proactive approach was clearly demonstrated during two IPL matches involving the Rajasthan Royals. The first incident occurred during a home game against the Delhi Capitals on March 28 in Jaipur, where two individuals were apprehended from a corporate box and handed over to local police. Days later, a similar scenario unfolded in Mumbai during the MI-RR game on April 1. Suspects were escorted out of the MCA President’s Box at the Wankhede Stadium and handed over to the authorities.

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Detailed Examination of Incidents

In Jaipur, the swift action by the ACU led to the lodging of FIRs against the suspects. The intervention highlighted the unit’s readiness to combat corruption with stringent measures.

Conversely, the Mumbai case took an unexpected turn when the two individuals were released after investigations revealed a possible case of mistaken identity, underscoring the complexities faced in real-time surveillance and action.

According to a Marine Drive Police Station officer, the two individuals were let go since “nothing untoward was found on their electronic devices”.

Operational Tactics of the ACU

The ACU leverages advanced technology and close collaborations with local law enforcement to monitor activities around the matches. By scrutinizing CCTV and live TV footage, they aim to intercept corrupt practices even before they manifest fully.

These incidents cast a spotlight on the vital importance of maintaining vigilance to preserve the spirit and integrity of cricket. While the ACU’s actions reassure players and stakeholders, they also remind fans of the ongoing vigilance required to protect the sport they love.

Challenges in Upholding Integrity

Identifying genuine threats from false alarms presents a significant challenge. The ACU’s tasks are compounded by the need to act swiftly yet judiciously to avoid tarnishing reputations based on incorrect information.

The BCCI official, on condition of anonymity, stressed that the ACU, with the support of the BCCI machinery, is “doing its best to keep corrupt elements away from the IPL.”

Following the historic 42^nd Ranji Trophy win, the Mumbai Cricket Association decided to double the match fees of its players from next season. A recommendation from the state association to match the fees of BCCI from the domestic circuit has been approved by the MCA apex council meeting.

MCA to double the money

Reportedly, the Mumbai Cricket Association will be paying INR 1.2 lakh a day to its most experienced players. The BCCI at present pays INR 60,000 per day to a player who has played more than 40 Ranji games, INR 50,000 to those who have played between 21 and 40 games and INR 40,000 for those who’ve played up to 20 games. The reserve players get INR 30,000, INR 25,000 and INR 20,000 in the respective categories as well. Now, a senior Mumbai player will be paid INR 6 lakh from a 5-day Ranji game (knockout matches) and up to INR 50 lakh from a season once the team reaches final.

“The MCA proudly announces a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting the Ranji Trophy and fostering the growth of red-ball cricket in the Mumbai Cricket jurisdiction,” the MCA said after an Apex Council meeting where the initiative was proposed by association president Amol Kale.

Secretary explains the reason behind the decision

On the other hand, the MCA Secretary Ajinkya Naik said, “The initiative received unanimous support from the Apex Council, reflecting the collective dedication of MCA’s leadership to the advancement of cricket at all levels. It is a testament to the progressive vision of our President and his deep-seated belief in the importance of red-ball cricket as a fundamental aspect of player development.”

The MCA’s continued commitment to keep the enthusiasm for red-ball cricket alive is evident in their action. Last month they matched the prize money of INR 5 crore for the Ranji Trophy winning team as well. “We felt that the player should earn more, especially those who play Ranji Trophy cricket. For us red ball cricket matters the most as the Ranji Trophy holds a special place for everyone in Mumbai,” Kale said.

Mumbai Clinches 42nd Ranji Trophy Title, Ending Eight-Year Drought.Mumbai’s triumph over Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy final marked a significant milestone, with the former securing their 42nd title after an eight-year wait.

Key Players Shine: Mumbai’s Dominance in the 42nd Ranji Trophy Victory

In a riveting match, Mumbai’s batting prowess, led by Shardul Thakur’s 75 and Musheer’s remarkable 136, set the tone. Yash Thakur and Dubey from Vidarbha fought back with 3 wickets each but couldn’t contain Mumbai’s total of 224 and 418 in the first and second innings respectively.

Vidarbha, despite resilient efforts from Wadkar and Nair, faltered against Mumbai’s bowling attack, succumbing to 105 and 368 in their innings. Notably, Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande played pivotal roles, with Kotian taking 4 wickets and Deshpande contributing significantly to break Vidarbha’s resistance.

The match saw a poignant moment as veteran Dhawal Kulkarni, in his final game for Mumbai, secured victory with a crucial wicket. With Rahane and the crowd rallying behind him, Kulkarni bid farewell as a domestic stalwart, leaving the Mumbai attack in the capable hands of Deshpande and Mohit Avasthi.

Despite Avasthi’s absence due to injury, Mumbai’s victory was a testament to their collective effort and resilience, ensuring their legacy in the Ranji Trophy remains untarnished.

Despite Shreyas Iyer’s absence from the field for the second consecutive day due to a back complaint, Mumbai continued to assert their domestic supremacy unabated.

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Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma, graced the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday (12th March) for the finale of the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2023-24, where Mumbai and Vidarbha locked horns in the summit clash. Fresh off leading Team India in the England series, Rohit Sharma exemplified his commitment to the Ranji Trophy by forgoing rest and attending the final, bolstering the spirits of players from both sides.

In recent times, Rohit Sharma, alongside the team management and the BCCI, has been fervently advocating for the significance of red-ball cricket. This commitment was underscored by BCCI secretary Jay Shah’s introduction of incentive schemes to prioritize red-ball cricket over T20 leagues and white-ball formats.

Seen in Mumbai’s dressing room, Rohit Sharma engrossed himself in the game, accompanied by pacer Dhawal Kulkarni, meticulously observing and taking notes. His presence at the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 final swiftly circulated on the internet.

A Glimpse into the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 Final

Turning to the final showdown, Mumbai asserted dominance, emerging as favorites after posting a modest 224 in the first innings, with Shardul Thakur’s resilient 75 standing out. Mumbai’s bowlers shone brightly, restricting Vidarbha to a mere 105 runs, securing a substantial lead.

In the second innings, Mumbai showcased their prowess with the bat, led by Musheer Khan’s scintillating century, complemented by crucial contributions from Shreyas Iyer (95) and Ajinkya Rahane (73), propelling their lead to over 470 runs.

The emphasis on domestic cricket in Indian cricket gained traction following the recent incidents involving Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, who skipped the Ranji Trophy upon the team’s request, resulting in the termination of their national contracts by the BCCI.

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Rohit Sharma reiterated the importance of hunger for Test cricket, affirming that opportunities would be extended solely to players displaying such hunger. He emphasized the futility of selecting players lacking the requisite drive, stating, “We will give opportunities to only those who are hungry.”

The BCCI has unequivocally communicated to all players that unless engaged in national assignments, participation in domestic cricket for their respective state teams is imperative.

Prithvi Shaw, the Indian batsman, found himself unable to leave the desired mark in the ongoing final of the Ranji Trophy 2023-24. The high-stakes clash between Mumbai and Vidarbha unfolded at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Despite the anticipation surrounding Shaw’s performance, he fell short of expectations on this crucial stage.

Mumbai appeared to hold the upper hand in the Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha. Following their innings where they set a target of 224 runs, Mumbai swiftly dismissed the opposition for a mere 105 runs. This commanding performance secured them a substantial lead of over 100 runs in the first innings, providing a strong foundation for the remainder of the match.

Shaw’s Disappointment: Vidarbha’s Revival in Ranji Final

However, the second innings took an unexpected turn. While Mumbai was expected to capitalize on their advantage and play aggressively, Vidarbha’s bowlers emerged as a formidable force. Particularly with the new ball, they troubled Mumbai’s batters, making scoring difficult and putting Mumbai’s hopes of a dominant performance in jeopardy.

Prithvi Shaw’s innings, in particular, faced a premature end due to the brilliance of Vidarbha’s Yash Thakur. Thakur delivered a sensational ball clocking 133.4kph, which skillfully seamed in and shattered Shaw’s defenses. Shaw’s dismissal, after managing just 11 runs off 18 balls, came as a significant blow to Mumbai, leaving them in a precarious position early in their innings.

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Despite Shaw’s earlier promise showcased in the first innings, where he scored a respectable 46 runs off 63 balls, his impact ultimately proved limited. Though he displayed flashes of brilliance with elegant strokes, Shaw failed to deliver the substantial contribution his team needed in such a crucial match.

Further exacerbating Mumbai’s woes, Harsh Dubey contributed to Vidarbha’s dominance by dismissing Bhupen Lalwani. This left Mumbai reeling at 34/2, putting immense pressure on the remaining batters, especially skipper Ajinkya Rahane and Musheer Khan, who now shoulder the responsibility of steering their team to a formidable total among a challenging situation.

A life-size statue of the living legend Sachin Tendulkar is set to be installed at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. It will be a gesture by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to pay homage to the local boy who went on to conquer the world with his batting skills.

“It will be the first statue in Wankhede Stadium, we will decide where it will be placed,” Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Amol Kale told The Indian Express.

“He (Tendulkar) is a Bharat Ratna and everyone knows what he has done for cricket. As he turns 50, it will be a small token of appreciation from the MCA. I spoke to him three weeks ago and his consent was received,” Kale said.

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Sachin Tendulkar statue to be unveiled on April 23

Although it is still to clear in which are of the iconic Wankhede Stadium, where Tendulkar played his last international match, will be placed; the officials have targeted April 23 as the day for the statue to be unveiled. April 23 will mark Tendulkar’s 50th birthday.

The batting maestro, incidentally, already has a stand named after him at the Wankhede. Apart from him, the MCA had honoured the former India captain Sunil Gavaskar with a corporate box and batting ace Dilip Vengsarkar with a stand. However, Former India great C K Nayudu is among the few Indian cricketers to have a life-size statue in the country.

Tendulkar recorded most hundreds (100) and runs (34,357) in his illustrious career.