IPL 2027: Mini-Auction Returns To India After 3 Years, Impact Player Rule May Change

‘Missed Jaspal Sir A Lot’: Manu Bhaker Gets Emotional After Asian Games Opening Ceremony

PTI — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 20:24:20 +0530

Nagoya: Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker on Saturday said she missed her late coach Jaspal Rana during the Asian Games opening ceremony, making an already special occasion an emotional one as she carried the Indian flag alongside kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat.

"Missed Jaspal sir a lot today, he was a flagbearer at the Asian Games. It was indeed an emotional day without his presence by my side," Bhaker said after the ceremony here.

Rana, a celebrated shooter and coach, died on June 12 at the age of 49. He played a key role in Bhaker's career and guided her to two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The 24-year-old shooter had earlier recalled how Rana's influence had shaped her approach to opening ceremonies at multi-sport events. The legendary shooter-turned-coach had told once Bhaker that she could attend such ceremonies only if she was the flag-bearer, otherwise she should watch them on television, considering her competitions usually began soon after the opening ceremony.

Bhaker, who is competing in her third Asian Games, missed the opening ceremony at her first Games in 2018 as she was based in Palembang, away from the main athletes' village in Jakarta.

She later attended the 2018 Commonwealth Games ceremony and recalled Rana's advice to prioritise her competition.

That advice made Saturday's occasion particularly poignant as Bhaker herself walked out as one of India's flag-bearers at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.

Bhaker, who is the only athlete from independent India to win two medals at a single edition of the Olympics, will now turn her attention to the shooting competition, where she is scheduled to compete in the women's 10m air pistol, women's 25m pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team events.

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

‘India Is Proud Of Them’: PM Modi’s Special Message To Asian Games Contingent

Suyash Sahay — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 19:07:31 +0530

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wished India’s athletes ahead of their campaign at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, praising the commitment and hard work that has gone into their preparations. As the Games officially got underway in Japan on Saturday, he took to social media to send his message to the Indian contingent. India is represented by a 503-member contingent at the continental event, according to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

"As the Asian Games commence in Aichi-Nagoya, my best wishes to the Indian contingent. Each athlete has worked incredibly hard and shown remarkable dedication and determination. India is proud of them. May they give their best, play well and shine!"

Manu Bhaker, Pawan Sehrawat Lead India

As the Asian Games commence in Aichi-Nagoya, my best wishes to the Indian contingent. Each athlete has worked incredibly hard and shown remarkable dedication and determination. India is proud of them.

May they give their best, play well and shine! pic.twitter.com/FYokK9OTWK
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 19, 2026

India’s presence at the opening ceremony was led by Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat, who carried the national flag during the parade of nations in Nagoya.

Sehrawat was named India’s male flagbearer shortly before the ceremony after shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor had to withdraw because of a logistical issue involving his official ceremonial kit. Bhaker remained the female flagbearer.

The choice of Bhaker gives the shooting star another major platform after her historic showing at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

She won two bronze medals in Paris and became the first athlete from independent India to win two medals at a single Olympic edition.

Bhaker Eyes More Success In Nagoya

Manu Bhaker is set to compete in three shooting events at the Asian Games: the women’s 10m air pistol, women’s 25m pistol and the 10m air pistol mixed team event.

Her presence will be closely followed as India looks to build on its record performance from the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where the country collected 107 medals.

The Aichi-Nagoya Games feature competition across 43 sports and 469 medal events, with athletes from 45 nations and regions taking part.

With the opening ceremony now marking the formal start of the Games, Indian athletes will turn their attention to competition across disciplines.

The Indian contingent includes a strong mix of returning stars and debutants, with the country targeting another substantial medal haul in Nagoya.

Ex-Pakistan Selector Targets Saqlain Mushtaq With Shadab Khan Favouritism Claims

Suyash Sahay — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 17:50:24 +0530

Pakistan Cricket Controversy: A fresh selection controversy has erupted in Pakistan cricket after former selector Tauseef Ahmed made allegations of favouritism against former head coach Saqlain Mushtaq, specifically concerning the repeated backing of all-rounder Shadab Khan. Speaking on the Fawad Alam Show, Tauseef claimed that Saqlain had attempted to influence him during his time as a selector to keep Shadab, his son-in-law, in Pakistan’s squad. He also said he possessed a voice recording that he believed supported his allegation.

Tauseef Questions Continued Backing For Shadab

Another entertainment from #Pakistancricket

Tauseef Ahmed claims he has a recording of Saqlain Mushtaq allegedly trying to influence him to pick Shadab Khan 👀🍿
pic.twitter.com/CImG4Y84Hz
— Ash (@Ashsay_) September 19, 2026

Tauseef Ahmed argued that there should be a limit to how many opportunities a struggling player receives.

"He doesn't look at anyone other than Shadab, and such things they talk about, man, there is a limit. There is a limit to favouritism, who is holding their hand over you from above?"

Former Selector Claims He Has Recording

The most striking part of Tauseef’s remarks was his claim that he had retained a recording connected to the alleged attempt to influence Shadab’s selection.

According to reports on the interview, Tauseef said a call had been made regarding Shadab during his time as selector and maintained that an associated voice message or recording remained in his possession.

"Called me on the phone and even got someone else to speak to me. I didn’t answer the call. A recording was sent later"

The claims have since triggered a response from Saqlain, who challenged Tauseef to release the alleged recording.

Saqlain also disputed the way the conversation had been characterised. Neither the recording nor any independent evidence supporting either account has been made public so far.

Police Drop Alleged Assault Case Against England Star, But Fresh Investigation Continues

Suyash Sahay — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 17:05:22 +0530

Brydon Carse Assault Case: England all-rounder Brydon Carse will not face criminal charges over an alleged assault in Derby after police confirmed that their investigation has been closed. The incident, which took place in the early hours of August 23, had already created uncertainty around Carse’s international involvement. The fast bowler was filmed in handcuffs outside Molly Malones in Derby after officers responded to an incident at the venue.

He was initially arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly before being de-arrested after his details were recorded.

Police Close Case After No Complaint

Derbyshire Police also looked into a separate allegation of assault connected to the same incident.

However, the investigation has now been brought to an end after the alleged victim did not wish to make a complaint, meaning no further police action will follow.

A statement from Derbyshire Police read, as quoted by Cricinfo:

"An investigation into reports of an assault in Derby city centre has been closed. Officers attended Molly Malones in the Wardwick, Derby, in the early hours of Sunday, 23 August. A man was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and was then de-arrested after his details were taken by officers."

The closure means Carse has avoided criminal charges in relation to the alleged assault. However, the matter is not entirely finished from a cricketing perspective.

Cricket Regulator Still Investigating

The Cricket Regulator continues to examine the incident separately.

Brydon Carse was removed from England’s Test plans against Pakistan following the episode and was also left out of the squads for the subsequent white-ball series against Sri Lanka.

The 31-year-old had been playing county cricket for Durham when the incident occurred and was part of England’s wider squad for the opening Tests against Pakistan.

Carse later returned to action for Durham in the County Championship. However, he was absent from the county’s recent game against Worcestershire, with Durham listing him as unwell.

He was also missing from the celebrations and team photograph after Durham secured the County Championship Division Two title.

Manu Bhaker, Pawan Sehrawat Lead India At Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony

Suyash Sahay — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 16:22:13 +0530

India Asian Games 2026: The 2026 Asian Games have officially opened in Nagoya, Japan, with the opening ceremony taking place at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium on Saturday. The event brought together athletes and officials from across the continent as the Aichi-Nagoya Games got underway. India’s contingent was among the centrepieces of the nations’ parade, with Olympic shooting medallist Manu Bhaker and kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat leading the delegation into the stadium.

Manu Bhaker And Pawan Sehrawat Carry The Tricolour

Bhaker and Sehrawat took charge as India’s flagbearers after a late change to the original plan.

Shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor had initially been chosen alongside Bhaker, but a delay involving his official ceremonial kit meant he could not make it to the ceremony in time. Sehrawat was subsequently named his replacement.

The moment gave India two prominent figures from different sporting disciplines at the head of its contingent.

Manu Bhaker arrives at the Games as a two-time Olympic medallist, while Sehrawat was part of India’s gold-medal-winning men’s kabaddi campaign at the previous Asian Games.

India Looking To Build On 2022 Asian Games Haul

The Indian contingent enters the Aichi-Nagoya Games following its record performance at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou.

India won 107 medals at that edition, including 28 golds, making it the country’s best-ever medal tally at the Asian Games.

This time, India has assembled a large contingent across dozens of disciplines, with athletes targeting another strong showing on the continental stage.

The opening ceremony itself featured the traditional formalities associated with the start of the Games, including the parade of nations, the hoisting of the Olympic Council of Asia flag and the athletes’ oath.

The ceremony marked the official beginning of an event featuring more than 11,000 athletes from 45 nations and regions.

Indian Hockey Team Misses Opening Ceremony

One notable absence from India’s parade was the men’s hockey team. The hockey players did not attend the opening ceremony as they were scheduled to begin their campaign the following morning.

The decision was aimed at reducing travel and ensuring the players remained rested ahead of their first match.

The Asian Games will continue through October 4, with India looking to add to its record medal haul from Hangzhou.

Pat Cummins’ Toughest Indian Opponent Isn’t Kohli Or Rohit: Here’s Who He Picked

Suyash Sahay — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:59:37 +0530

Pat Cummins has faced some of India’s finest batsmen like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma during a career that has spanned multiple eras of Test cricket. Yet when asked to identify the toughest Indian opponent he came up against, the Australia captain chose a name particularly associated with patience, defence and marathon innings. During an interaction with Prime Video Sport, Cummins was asked to select the toughest opponents he had faced from different cricketing nations. From India, the Australian quick picked former Test batsman Cheteshwar Pujara.

Cummins Explains Why Pujara Was So Difficult

Pujara built much of his reputation around making bowlers work relentlessly for every wicket.

His ability to leave deliveries, absorb pressure and remain at the crease for long stretches often turned Test matches into battles of endurance.

Cummins summed up that challenge in typically vivid fashion.

"India, I'm going to say Pujara. He's really hard to get out. It's just It's like death by a thousand paper cuts. Happy to face 100 dot balls if he wanted to. He's not going to give you a chance,"

The description neatly captures what made Pujara such an awkward opponent for fast bowlers.

Rather than constantly searching for boundaries, he was prepared to wait for opportunities and force opposition attacks to stay disciplined for extended periods.

Pujara's Numbers Underline His Test Legacy

Cheteshwar Pujara ended his India career with 7,195 Test runs from 103 matches at an average of 43.60. He registered 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries during his time in the longest format.

The Test veteran also played five ODIs, but scored only 51 runs.

His biggest impact against Australia came in Test cricket, particularly during India’s successful tours.

Pujara’s ability to absorb Australia’s pace attack became one of the defining features of the contests between the two sides. He retired from international cricket on August 24, 2025.

India vs West Indies: 8 Matches, Kohli-Rohit In Action! Check Full Schedule

Suyash Sahay — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:43:28 +0530

IND vs WI Full Schedule: Cricket fans in India are set for a packed few weeks as the West Indies arrive for an eight-match white-ball tour. The Caribbean side will take on India in three ODIs and five T20Is, with the action beginning on September 27 and running until October 17. The biggest talking point from India’s ODI squad is the return of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are both set to feature in the three-match series. Shubman Gill will continue as captain, while Shreyas Iyer has been named skipper for the T20I leg.

Kohli-Rohit In Action In Three ODIs

The ODI series gets underway on September 27 at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.

The second match will be played in Guwahati on September 30 before the teams head to Mullanpur for the final ODI on October 3.

All three matches are scheduled for a 2 PM IST start.

India ODI squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnur Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Aqib Nabi Dar, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Naman Dhir.

Five T20Is To Follow ODI Series

The shortest-format leg begins in Lucknow on October 6, with the Ekana Stadium hosting the first T20I.

Ranchi will stage the second match on October 9, followed by the third in Indore on October 11.

The fourth T20I is scheduled for Hyderabad on October 14, with Bengaluru hosting the series finale on October 17.

Each match is scheduled to start at 7 PM IST.

India T20I squad: Shreyas Iyer (C), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav.

While India have already announced their squads for both formats, West Indies are yet to name their teams for the tour.

Indian Cricket Team Faces Last-Minute Jersey Trouble Before Asian Games Departure

Suyash Sahay — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:12:49 +0530

India Asian Games Jersey Row: India’s men’s cricket team has run into an unusual logistical hurdle just days before travelling to Japan for the 2026 Asian Games, with some players still waiting for correctly sized official kits. The Shreyas Iyer-led side is scheduled to depart for Japan ahead of its September 22 T20I against the hosts. While most of the kit-related problems have now been addressed, a few jerseys are still awaiting delivery. The issue has emerged because the players will need two different sets of jerseys during their stint in Japan.

Why Team India Needs Two Different Jerseys

India’s men’s team will not use the same kit throughout its Asian Games assignment. The squad will first wear its regular T20I jersey when it takes on Japan in the one-off match on September 22.

Once the Asian Games competition begins, the players will switch to the specially designed tournament jersey.

That change has contributed to the sizing complications, according to an Indian Olympic Association source quoted by PTI.

“There was a sizing issue in kits of cricketers; the majority of them have been rectified. There are a few left, and they will be delivered to the team shortly. With players needing two different jerseys there (one for bilateral and another for Asian Games), this can happen,”

Also Check || WATCH: Matt Short’s Jaw-Dropping One-Handed Catch To Dismiss Marnus Labuschagne

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and JSW Inspire, the IOA’s kit supplier, have been in communication over the issue.

Reports indicate that the bulk of the sizing concerns have already been resolved, with the remaining kits expected to reach the squad shortly.

India’s Asian Games Campaign Begins In Quarter-Finals

The kit issue comes just before India’s men’s team begins its campaign in Nagoya.

Unlike the women’s side, which has already entered the competition, the men’s tournament is scheduled to get underway later.

India has received a direct entry into the quarter-finals and will play the runner-up from Group A on September 28.

The knockout stage will then continue with the semi-finals on October 1, while the gold-medal match is scheduled for October 3.

The one-off encounter against Japan on September 22 will therefore serve as India’s first competitive outing in the country.

WATCH: Matt Short’s Jaw-Dropping One-Handed Catch To Dismiss Marnus Labuschagne

Suyash Sahay — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 14:51:32 +0530

Matt Short Catch: Australian cricketer Matt Short produced a moment of brilliance in Victoria’s season opener against Queensland in the One Day Cup, pulling off a sensational catch to remove Marnus Labuschagne. The dismissal came in dramatic fashion, with Short claiming the wicket off his very first delivery of the match. What initially looked like a risky ball from the part-time bowler turned into an unforgettable moment as he reacted instantly to pluck the return catch out of the air.

Ridiculous from Matt Short! Watch live: https://t.co/C3bkMGMNLI #OneDayCup pic.twitter.com/OendH2Dd1q
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) September 19, 2026

Short Produces Stunning Reaction Catch

Labuschagne had looked settled before his dismissal, reaching 42 from 67 deliveries as Queensland attempted to build a substantial first-innings total.

Short came into the attack and opted to toss the ball up, but the delivery ended up as a low full toss.

Labuschagne spotted the opportunity and charged down the pitch, looking to put the ball away. Instead, he struck it firmly straight back towards the bowler.

The shot appeared destined to race past Short before the Victoria all-rounder somehow got a hand to it.

Short reacted in a flash and completed a remarkable catch, leaving Labuschagne walking back after what had been a promising stay at the crease.

The Queensland skipper had faced 67 balls and scored 42 before Short’s spectacular intervention brought his innings to an abrupt end.

Queensland nevertheless managed to put together a strong total. They finished their innings on 335/7, giving Victoria a sizeable target to chase in the season opener.

Victoria Stumble In Chase

Victoria, however, found themselves in early trouble during their response.

Their chase got off to a difficult start as they slipped to 31/4 inside the opening six overs.

Short was unable to make a major contribution with the bat either. After making an impact with the ball and producing the catch of the match, he was dismissed for just eight runs.

Tom Straker claimed Short’s wicket, with Jack Clayton completing the catch.

With the match still underway, the final result remained undecided at the time of writing. But regardless of how the contest unfolds, Short’s extraordinary reaction to dismiss Labuschagne has already provided one of its most eye-catching moments.

IPL 2027: Mini-Auction Returns To India After 3 Years, Impact Player Rule May Change

Prateek Thakur — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 14:31:28 +0530

The IPL 2027 mini-auction is expected to return to India in December, with the BCCI exploring venues for the event after three consecutive overseas editions. The auction will be the final mini-auction of the 2023-27 cycle, ahead of the IPL’s landmark 20th season.

IPL 2027 Auction To Return To India

The BCCI is planning to hold the IPL 2027 auction during the second week of December 2026, although the host city has not yet been finalised by the board.

The auction was last held in India in Kochi ahead of IPL 2023, before the following three editions moved overseas to Dubai, Jeddah and Abu Dhabi.

The proposed return to India comes after franchises expressed concerns over international travel and the logistical difficulties associated with conducting the auction outside the country.

The BCCI is assessing several requirements before choosing the venue, including hotel availability, conference facilities, security arrangements and convenient flight connectivity for franchise delegations.

The board will need more than 100 hotel rooms for franchise officials, support staff and other members travelling for the auction during December.

The timing could also create logistical challenges because December coincides with the peak wedding season across several major Indian cities, making suitable venues more difficult to secure.

Final Mini-Auction Before IPL 20th Season

The December event will be the final mini-auction of the current 2023-27 cycle, with franchises expected to use it to address specific squad requirements.

Player releases and retentions before the auction will determine the purse available to each franchise and the positions teams choose to strengthen during the event.

The auction will also come ahead of the IPL’s 20th season, with the tournament preparing to mark two decades since its inaugural edition was played in 2008.

The BCCI is planning special celebrations for the IPL’s 20th anniversary in 2027, adding further significance to the upcoming season and the preparations surrounding the competition.

Impact Player Rule Still Undecided

Another major issue for IPL 2027 is the future of the Impact Player rule, which remains undecided following discussions by the IPL Governing Council.

The Governing Council is expected to hold another meeting before the BCCI takes a final decision on whether the rule will continue into the 2027 season.

Several franchises reportedly want the Impact Player provision to remain for another season, while opposition to continuing the rule has also emerged among teams.

The decision could have a direct effect on squad planning because franchises have built their recent combinations around the availability of an additional substitute player during matches.

The BCCI will therefore have to settle the Impact Player question before teams finalise their preparations for the 2027 season and the December auction.

With the auction returning to India, the Impact Player decision pending and the IPL preparing for its 20th anniversary, 2027 promises several major developments.