India vs New Zealand: Full Schedule Announced For 40-Day, 12-Match Mega Tour

Kochi Tuskers IPL Row: Lalit Modi Drops Bombshell, Claims Shashi Tharoor Threatened Him With Government Raids

Shivam Sharma — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 10:01:28 +0530

In a series of explosive revelations regarding the tumultuous 2010 Kochi Tuskers Indian Premier League (IPL) controversy, former IPL Chairman Lalit Modi has alleged that Congress MP Shashi Tharoor directly threatened him with government raids. Modi claimed the threat was made to stop him from investigating the suspicious equity structure involving Tharoor's late wife, Sunanda Pushkar.

Speaking in an interview with ANI, Modi recalled that the conflict erupted during a late-night franchise meeting in Bengaluru. The Kochi consortium had won the expansion team bid for a staggering $350 million, but Modi grew highly suspicious of their financial framework.

Also Read | Watch: RCB Player's 'Cigar' Celebration Goes Viral; Here's What Really Happened

According to Modi, a massive 25% free equity stake - along with 15% of the team's future revenue - was being allocated to Sunanda Pushkar despite her contributing zero capital to the franchise. When Modi demanded to know her identity and refused to sign the official franchise agreement until all shadow shareholders were made public, the situation escalated rapidly.

Alleged Threat From Foreign Minister

Lalit Modi alleged that he subsequently received an aggressive phone call from Tharoor, who was serving as India’s Minister of State for External Affairs at the time:

"I get a call from Shashi Tharoor on the phone. He says, 'Lalit, don't ask about Sunanda Pushkar. She is a good friend of mine.' I asked why, and he said, 'If you do, I'll have you raided in the morning.' I said, 'Screw you. Who the hell do you think you are? You may be the Foreign Minister of India, but don't you dare ever tell me this.' I slammed the phone and said I would not sign."

#WATCH | On the 2010 IPL Kochi scandal, IPL founder and first chairman Lalit Modi says, "Sonia Gandhi was backing Shashi Tharoor. I got calls from Ahmed Patel and Pranab Mukherjee in those days. You had that p@** Rajeev Shukla coming up to me and say 'Chalo Ahmed Patel aa raha… pic.twitter.com/eYX8zIXu4h
— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2026

Signed Under Duress Amid UPA Pressure

Modi further claimed that his resistance triggered a massive political backlash. He alleged that the entire machinery of the then-ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government ganged up against him, stating that Tharoor enjoyed high-level political backing from Sonia Gandhi. Modi noted that he received numerous calls from top Congress leaders of the era, including Ahmed Patel, Pranab Mukherjee, and Rajiv Shukla, all pressuring him to comply.

Despite his pleas to delay the signing until morning, then-BCCI President Shashank Manohar allegedly demanded he execute the contract immediately. Modi stated that he eventually signed the paperwork under immense duress, explicitly noting on the official document that he was being forced to do so by the board's president.

The controversial Kochi franchise was eventually terminated by the BCCI in 2011 after playing just a single IPL season. The fallout from the April 2010 equity scandal had previously forced Shashi Tharoor to resign from his ministerial post.

ABP Live F1 Pit Stop: Charles Leclerc Signs Major Multi-Year Contract Extension With Ferrari

Shivam Sharma — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 08:53:12 +0530

Scuderia Ferrari HP has secured its long-term future on the grid by announcing a multi-year contract extension with Charles Leclerc. The landmark renewal ensures that the 28-year-old Monegasque star will remain anchored to the Maranello-based outfit for "the coming seasons".

The announcement arrived just ahead of Leclerc’s highly anticipated home race at the Monaco Grand Prix. It underscores the absolute faith both parties hold in each other to break the team's ongoing title drought and return the World Championship to Italy.

A Decade-Long Bond and Historic Legacy

Leclerc’s relationship with the iconic Italian manufacturer is one of the deepest on the grid, stretching back to 2016 when he first joined the Ferrari Driver Academy. After a dominant Formula 2 title run in 2017 and a stellar F1 debut with Sauber in 2018, he was promoted to a full-time Ferrari race seat in 2019.

Also Read | Watch: RCB Player's 'Cigar' Celebration Goes Viral; Here's What Really Happened

Since then, Leclerc has carved his name directly into the Scuderia's history books.

With 155 race starts, he has made more appearances for Ferrari than any driver in history not named Michael Schumacher. He ranks second all-time for pole positions secured for the team, sitting just behind Schumacher. Leclerc has amassed eight Grand Prix victories, highlighted by iconic emotional wins on home turf in Monaco and in front of the Tifosi at Monza.

"More Than Just a Team"

Reflecting on his decision to sign the long-term renewal, Leclerc expressed a deep, emotional connection to the squad that dates back to his childhood dreams: "I couldn’t be happier to continue this journey with Scuderia Ferrari HP. It has always been so much more than just a team to me. It’s the team I’ve loved and dreamt of being part of since I was a child, and after all these years it has become a second family. Together we’ve shared incredible moments and some tougher ones, but I believe in this team more than ever. I'm deeply grateful that we will keep pushing side by side toward our shared goal of bringing the World Championship back to Maranello."

For Team Principal Fred Vasseur, keeping Leclerc locked into a multi-year deal alongside incoming veteran Lewis Hamilton provides Ferrari with an incredibly formidable, high-caliber driver lineup for the future grid. Vasseur noted that extending the partnership felt entirely organic for the team's trajectory:

"Charles has been part of the Ferrari family for many years now and this renewal feels like something very natural for us. Over these seasons we have seen him grow, to become not only one of the strongest drivers in Formula One, but also a person who is completely at one with the team and everything Ferrari represents."

With the contract drama officially settled, Leclerc - who currently sits third in the 2026 Drivers' Championship standings - can shift his complete focus toward optimizing performance around the low-speed corners of Monte Carlo.

Watch: RCB Player's 'Cigar' Celebration Goes Viral; Here's What Really Happened

Shivam Sharma — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 08:14:27 +0530

Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Tim David has once again found himself at the center of social media buzz following the conclusion of IPL 2026. The Australian star, who was involved in a couple of controversies during the season, is now making headlines because of a viral video that appears to show him smoking a cigar on the field.

During the IPL campaign, David grabbed attention on multiple occasions. He was criticized for allegedly showing a middle-finger gesture from the dugout during a match and was also involved in an incident where he appeared frustrated with an umpiring decision. Now, a fresh video circulating online has sparked another debate among cricket fans.

WATCH VIDEO

Tim David smoking cigar after Final victory🧐,Is this real or Ai ?

If this is real , This could also be a reason for the ban.#Timdavid #rcbfinal pic.twitter.com/4Bp3RLVq30
— Infinite Infos (@infiniteInfos) June 3, 2026

What Is Truth Behind Viral Video?

The clip has spread rapidly across social media platforms, with users divided over its authenticity. While some believe the footage is genuine, others have claimed it may have been created or altered using artificial intelligence.

Also Read | Suryakumar Yadav Loses Captaincy: Here's What Led To The Big Call

Although there has been no official confirmation regarding the video's authenticity, a photograph shared after RCB's title-winning campaign has added fuel to the speculation. In the image, posted by teammate Phil Salt on Instagram, Tim David can be seen holding what appears to be a cigar during the team's celebrations.

As a result, some fans have argued that the viral video could be real. However, there is currently no verified evidence confirming that the footage is authentic, and no official statement has been issued on the matter.

Tim David's IPL 2026 Performance

Despite the off-field discussions, David enjoyed a productive season with the bat for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Playing the finisher's role, he scored 305 runs in 15 innings across 16 matches, averaging 33.88 while maintaining an impressive strike rate of 188.27. He also registered one half-century during the campaign.

Looking at his overall IPL career, David has featured in 66 matches and scored 1,151 runs in 59 innings. He averages 32.88 and boasts a strike rate of 177.07, underlining his reputation as one of the league's most destructive middle-order hitters. His highest IPL score remains an unbeaten 70, and he has recorded two half-centuries so far.

Suryakumar Yadav Loses Captaincy: Here's What Led To The Big Call

Shivam Sharma — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 07:54:25 +0530

With IPL 2026 now over, Indian cricket is witnessing major changes, and one of the biggest developments concerns Suryakumar Yadav. Despite leading India to a T20 World Cup title during his tenure as captain, Suryakumar has reportedly been removed from the leadership role. His prolonged struggle for runs, coupled with a disappointing IPL campaign, has also raised questions about his place in India's T20 setup.

According to reports, BCCI has decided to move in a new direction ahead of the upcoming white-ball tours of Ireland and England later this month. A new captain is expected to be appointed as the management begins planning for the future.

Why Was the Decision Taken?

A senior BCCI official revealed that the selection committee, team management, and head coach Gautam Gambhir held extensive discussions regarding the team's leadership. After reviewing the team's long-term plans, the management reportedly concluded that it was time to look beyond Suryakumar as captain.

Also Read | Watch: Virat Kohli's Golden Advice For Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Says 'Ek Bihari...'

Speaking to The Indian Express, the official said that while Suryakumar successfully led India to a T20 World Cup triumph, concerns over his recent form and future role influenced the decision. The report further claimed that he may no longer be part of the selectors' plans going forward and will be informed of the decision soon.

Form Becomes a Major Concern

Following India's T20 World Cup victory under Rohit Sharma in 2024, the veteran opener retired from the format, paving the way for Suryakumar to take over the captaincy. However, since assuming the role, the Mumbai batter has struggled to consistently deliver with the bat.

Also Read | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Now A Subject Of IIM Indore Research - Here's Why

His performances have come under scrutiny over the last two years, and IPL 2026 did little to ease those concerns. Although he ended the season with a half-century against Rajasthan Royals, Suryakumar largely failed to make a significant impact throughout the tournament.

India's Busy T20 Calendar Ahead

India's T20 team is set for a packed schedule in the coming weeks. The Men in Blue will first travel to Ireland for a two-match T20I series before taking on England in a five-match T20I contest. With a new captain likely to take charge, the upcoming tours could mark the beginning of a fresh chapter for India's shortest-format side.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Now A Subject Of IIM Indore Research - Here's Why

Shivam Sharma — Wed, 3 Jun 2026 17:42:43 +0530

Just weeks after the conclusion of IPL 2026, Rajasthan Royals sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is making headlines for reasons beyond cricket. The 15-year-old batting prodigy, who took the tournament by storm with his record-breaking performances, has now become the subject of a research study by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore.

Titled "Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Mindset and Management," the study aims to understand the qualities that enabled a teenager from a humble background to excel on one of the world's biggest sporting stages. Rather than focusing solely on his batting skills, researchers are keen to explore the mental resilience, discipline, and decision-making abilities that fueled his remarkable rise.

IPL Season That Sparked Academic Interest

Vaibhav emerged as the standout performer of IPL 2026, scoring more than 700 runs in 17 matches and finishing as the tournament's leading run-scorer. He also smashed an unprecedented 72 sixes during the season, the highest ever recorded in a single IPL campaign.

With a strike rate exceeding 200 and consistent performances throughout the tournament, the teenager left bowlers searching for answers. His ability to handle pressure and deliver match-winning knocks at such a young age caught the attention not only of cricket fans but also of management experts.

From Bihar to Biggest Stage

Vaibhav's journey makes his success story even more compelling. Hailing from Samastipur in Bihar, he grew up in a farming family with limited resources and no cricketing background. He honed his skills on local grounds before being spotted by Rajasthan Royals scouts, who secured him for ₹1.10 crore.

According to IIM Indore researchers, his story mirrors that of a successful startup—someone who rose from modest beginnings without significant institutional support and established himself among the best through determination, adaptability, and self-belief.

What Will IIM Indore Study?

Led by Professor Chandan Parsai, the research will focus on three major areas:

Decision-making under pressure

Recovering from setbacks and failures

Continuous self-improvement and learning

Researchers want to understand how Vaibhav maintains composure in high-pressure situations, responds to poor performances, and stays focused despite the fame and attention that come with IPL success.

A Scientific "Mindset Scan"

The study will involve detailed interviews with Vaibhav, his family, childhood coaches, Rajasthan Royals support staff, and sports psychologists. Researchers will also analyze match footage to examine his behavior and decision-making during crucial moments.

By studying his reactions under pressure, body language, shot selection, and recovery from mistakes, the team hopes to build a comprehensive picture of the mindset behind his success.

Discipline Behind the Success

Reports suggest that Vaibhav follows a highly structured routine. His day begins early with yoga and meditation, followed by long training sessions. He maintains a strict diet and reportedly stays away from social media distractions, allowing him to focus entirely on cricket and recovery.

For IIM Indore, these habits offer valuable lessons in self-management, discipline, and long-term goal-setting.

Why This Matters Beyond Cricket

The case study will eventually be used in IIM Indore's courses on leadership, strategy, and organizational behavior. Researchers believe Vaibhav's journey offers important lessons for aspiring business leaders, demonstrating how resilience, adaptability, and consistent improvement can drive success in any field.

According to Professor Parsai, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi represents the kind of resilient mindset that future leaders and professionals will need to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.

Watch: Virat Kohli's Golden Advice For Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Says 'Ek Bihari...'

Shivam Sharma — Wed, 3 Jun 2026 16:31:43 +0530

The 2026 Indian Premier League season concluded with Royal Challengers Bengaluru securing their second consecutive title, but the defining narrative of the tournament belonged to a 15-year-old sensation. Following the tournament final, an elegant passing-of-the-baton moment went viral online when batting legend Virat Kohli shared an extended, warm interaction with Rajasthan Royals' breakout opener, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

With the youngster claiming the prestigious Orange Cap after an unprecedented campaign, Kohli offered crucial words of wisdom to guide the teenage prodigy through his transition from domestic revelation to global superstar.

Also Read | Once An IPL Crorepati, Now A Bank Employee - Guess Who?

Moments after the post-match presentation, Kohli was seen embracing the youngster and offering him clear guidance.

"Yaha se upar jaana hai. Jo hua hai vo achi mehnat ki wajah se, belief ki wajah se hua hai. Abhi kaun kya bol raha hai, kaise bol raha hai (nahi sunna hai). Ek Bihari sab pe bhari, phir khatam game."

Watch Video

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 🤝 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 🫶💪

The best piece of advice the 15-year old Vaibhav Suryavanshi could get! And who better than Virat Kohli to help fuel his fire in the right direction.… pic.twitter.com/MUqCRBo0la
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 3, 2026

As the youngest-ever player to secure an Orange Cap, Sooryavanshi is bound to face an overnight deluge of media hype, corporate endorsements, and immense public scrutiny. Drawing from nearly two decades of experiencing intense media spotlights, the former India captain strictly advised the teenager to protect his headspace:

"There is going to be a massive amount of noise around you from here on out - praise, expectations, and criticism. The key to longevity is to ignore all of it. Keep your head down, trust your process, and continue working on your game just the way you have been."

A Generation-Defining Campaign

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi completely revolutionized T20 batting parameters during IPL 2026, finishing the summer with 776 runs at a staggering strike rate of 237.30. He shattered the all-time tournament record by hammering 72 sixes, displaying a level of fearlessness that Kohli himself admitted forced veteran anchors across the league to evolve.

Virat Kohli's high praise was echoed by former teammate AB de Villiers, who revealed that Kohli privately told him, "AB, this kid (Vaibhav) is special. The boy can play," as the 15-year-old walked up to collect his trophy. With endorsements from both Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, Sooryavanshi's path forward is clear, provided he heeds the advice to stay grounded.

Big Twist Before IND vs AFG Test! India Squad Likely To See Major Change

Shivam Sharma — Wed, 3 Jun 2026 15:18:48 +0530

Team India could be forced into a late change ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan, with fast bowler Mohammed Siraj's availability still uncertain. According to reports, the team management is expected to take a final call on Siraj's workload within the next 48 hours. If he is rested, Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi is emerging as the frontrunner to join the squad.

A report in The Times of India states that the Indian team's medical staff is closely monitoring Mohammed Siraj's condition. Although the pacer has already reached Chandigarh with the squad, his participation in the Test will depend on fitness and workload assessments scheduled over the next couple of days.

Also Read | Once An IPL Crorepati, Now A Bank Employee - Guess Who?

Siraj is coming off a demanding IPL 2026 season with the Gujarat Titans, having featured in every match, including the final on May 31. In the title clash at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, Gujarat suffered a five-wicket defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Given his heavy workload, discussions have been held regarding the possibility of resting him for the Afghanistan Test.

However, selectors are reportedly hesitant to field an inexperienced pace attack, which is why no final decision has been made so far. If Siraj is eventually rested, young pacer Gurjoorat Brar is likely to make his Test debut, while Auqib Nabi could be drafted into the squad as cover.

Nabi has been one of the standout performers in domestic cricket, playing a key role in Jammu and Kashmir's Ranji Trophy-winning campaign by claiming 60 wickets. He is already training with the Indian team as one of six net bowlers assisting preparations for the Test match.

Apart from Nabi, fast bowlers Gurjapneet Singh and Prince Yadav, along with spinners Saransh Jain, Zeeshan Ansari, and Shivang Kumar, have also been included in the net-bowling group.

The one-off Test between India and Afghanistan will be played at the New Punjab Cricket Association International Stadium in New Chandigarh. Following the red-ball encounter, the two teams will compete in a three-match ODI series, with matches scheduled in Dharamshala, Lucknow, and Chennai.

Ex-BCCI President Sourav Ganguly's Security Cover Lowered To Y Category

Shivam Sharma — Wed, 3 Jun 2026 13:25:24 +0530

The security cover of former Indian cricket captain and ex-BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has been downgraded by the West Bengal government following a routine periodic review, NDTV reported. Ganguly, who previously held top-tier Z-category protection, will now receive Y-category security.

Under the revised security arrangement, the veteran cricketer will be assigned a specialized security escort of three police personnel, a reduction from the larger contingent that accompanied him under the Z-category protocol.

Also Read | Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma Are Back! IND vs NZ ODI Schedule Announced

The decision was finalized after a comprehensive threat assessment evaluation conducted by the state security committee. While his mobile security detail has been scaled down, his private residence in Kolkata's Behala neighborhood will continue to receive dedicated surveillance and police monitoring to ensure overall safety.

VIP security protection in India

In India, VIP security protection is classified into different tiers - primarily X, Y, Y-plus, Z, and Z-plus - based on a comprehensive threat assessment evaluated by intelligence agencies. The primary differences between Z and Y category security lie in the personnel strength, vehicle deployment, and tactical capability.

Z-Category Security

Z-category is a high-level security cover reserved for individuals facing significant threat perceptions.

Personnel: It typically features a security detail of around 22 personnel.

Composition: This force includes commandos from the National Security Guard (NSG) or specialized paramilitary forces (like the CRPF or CISF), alongside local police escorts.

Logistics: It includes a dedicated escort vehicle and a mobile security team accompanying the VIP during transit.

Y-Category Security

Y-category is a scaled-down protection tier for moderate threat levels.

Personnel: It comprises a much smaller contingent, usually totaling around 8 to 11 personnel.

Composition: The deployment relies heavily on armed police officers and state intelligence personnel rather than elite commandos.

Logistics: It does not usually include an extensive convoy of escort vehicles; instead, protection is divided between a couple of personal security officers (PSOs) for mobile transit and rotational guards stationed at the individual's private residence.

India vs New Zealand: Full Schedule Announced For 40-Day, 12-Match Mega Tour

Shivam Sharma — Wed, 3 Jun 2026 12:51:02 +0530

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has unveiled its international home schedule for the 2026-27 season, with India's tour emerging as the marquee attraction. Scheduled from October 22 to December 1, 2026, the tour will feature 12 matches across formats - five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Tests - making it the biggest bilateral series ever hosted by New Zealand against a visiting team.

The Indian men's team will spend 40 days in New Zealand, playing matches across five major cities. The tour is being described as one of the most significant inbound cricket events in New Zealand's history, with strong backing from the New Zealand government.

Also Read | Once An IPL Crorepati, Now A Bank Employee - Guess Who?

India's tour will begin with a five-match T20I series. The opening two matches will be played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 22 and 24. The teams will then travel to Wellington for the third T20I on October 27, Auckland for the fourth on October 30, and Hamilton for the fifth and final match on November 1.

IND vs NZ T20I Series (October 22 - November 1)

1st T20I: October 22

2nd T20I: October 24

3rd T20I: October 27

4th T20I: October 30

5th T20I: November 1

The action will then shift to the ODI format. Auckland will host the first ODI on November 4, followed by Wellington on November 7 and Hamilton on November 10. The final two ODIs are scheduled at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15.

IND vs ZN ODI Series (November 4 - November 15)

1st ODI: November 4

2nd ODI: November 7

3rd ODI: November 10

4th ODI: November 13

5th ODI: November 15

The tour will conclude with a two-Test series. The first Test will be played at Wellington's Basin Reserve from November 19 to 23, while the second Test will take place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.

IND vs NZ Test Series (November 19 - December 1)

1st Test: November 19 to November 23

2nd Test: November 27 to December 1

IND vs NZ's notable encounters include the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final, the 2021 World Test Championship final, the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final, the 2024 Champions Trophy final, and the recent T20 World Cup final.

The two sides also met in a white-ball series in India earlier this year, adding further intrigue to what promises to be a highly anticipated tour.