BCB Shake-Up: Aminul Islam Bulbul Sacked As President, Tamim Iqbal Takes Charge

Bowlers need to take responsibility: MI captain Hardik after loss to RR

PTI — Wed, 8 Apr 2026 01:15:03 +0530

Guwahati, Apr 7 (PTI): Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya said the bowlers need to take responsibility after his side lost to Rajasthan Royals by 27 runs in their rain-curtailed Indian Premier League match here on Tuesday.

Pandya opted to bowl after the start of the match was delayed by more than two hours due to persistent rain. Mumbai bowlers conceded 150 runs.

"We did not execute the deliveries we were supposed to (in powerplay). They (RR openers) played well. Bowlers need to take responsibility. As a bowling group, we were not up to the mark," Pandya said at the post-match presentation.

"I would not put this game on the batting. Definitely the bowling unit which had to take responsibility. It is always about bowling those good balls. If we would have executed, we would have been in the game." Man of the Match Yashasvi Jaiswal (77 not out off 32 balls) and teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (39 off 14 balls) put on 80 runs for the opening wicket in just five overs to set up Rajasthan Royal's win.

"They (RR openers) also played tremendously. Their openers threw us off our game and we were playing catch-up." On Sooryavanshi, Pandya said, "Quite fascinating to see a 17 or 16-year-old boy (15-year-old) play that way. Amazing to see the way he bats, the fearlessness he has. Wish him good luck for the future." On their next game, Pandya said, "Just learn from the mistakes. Morning will come tomorrow, sun will rise, prepare well for the next game." Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag said the Jaiswal-Sooryavanshi combination is the number one opening pair in the tournament.

"Number one. They have got age on their side. Vaibhav is incredible. It is not one-way slogging. Jaiswal has been doing it for 3-4 years now. The skill they have plus their maturity - they are the best going around.

"We have a strong and young core. Hopefully we can keep on performing like this." On his side's new ball bowlers, he said, "Jofra's messaging is to go out and bowl as fast as they can. Someone (like him and Burger) who bowls more than 140-145 and has control is crazy." Jaiswal said he kept on giving positive messages to Sooryavanshi when they were together in the middle.

"The way he () Sooryavanshihas been playing is tremendous. I also get motivated (looking at him). We have these discussions on how can we go and I keep giving him positive messages - to play freely. He is amazing and understands the game well and is capable of doing stuff himself." Talking about the duo's ultra aggressive batting, he said, "I had something in my mind because it was only a three-over powerplay, so was thinking who I could take on. DC (Deepak Chahar) bhai was bowling, so I thought I could take him (on).

"Then Bumrah bhai was going to bowl, so I was thinking Vaibhav can take him and then I can take (on) someone else." On playing all formats, Jaiswal said, "Trying my best every single time. Making sure I develop different shots and what shots to use on which wicket. Helps when I prepare well.

"I am just trying to understand the situation and thinking what I can do for the team. If I know this is required, and these shots are required, I will go for it." PTI PDS PDS AH AH

(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

Jaiswal, Sooryavanshi fireworks sink MI in rain-hit clash

PTI — Wed, 8 Apr 2026 00:45:05 +0530

Guwahati, Apr 7 (PTI): Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi turned a rain-curtailed IPL match into a fireworks show as Rajasthan Royals registered a commanding 27-run win over Mumbai Indians here on Tuesday.

Rajasthan amassed an imposing 150 for 3 in 11 overs, riding on Jaiswal's unbeaten 32-ball 77 and Sooryavanshi's explosive 39 after being sent in to bat.

The opening pair laid the foundation with a rapid 80-run stand, peppering the boundary with a flurry of strokes, including nine sixes between them.

Jaiswal anchored the innings with authority, blending elegance with brute force as he struck 10 fours and four sixes, dictating terms from the outset.

Their bowlers then delivered a disciplined effort to restrict Mumbai Indians to 123 for 9.

Under pressure to go over 13 runs an over, Mumbai's chase never really took off. Their top order crumbled. Ryan Rickelton (8), Rohit Sharma (5) and Suryakumar Yadav (6) fell cheaply, leaving MI reeling at 23 for 3 inside the first three overs.

Tilak Varma (14) and skipper Hardik Pandya (9) attempted to rebuild with a few boundaries, but Rajasthan's bowlers maintained tight lines and struck at regular intervals to control the match.

There was a brief lapse in the field, with a couple of misfields and dropped chances, which Sherfane Rutherford capitalised to make a brisk 25 off eight balls.

However, Rajasthan quickly regained control, with Sandeep Sharma lunging forward to complete a stunning low catch to get rid of Rutherford.

Earlier, with the contest reduced to 11 overs a side, Jaiswal came out with clear intent, dismantling Deepak Chahar in the very first over to collect 22 runs with a series of audacious strokes, which included a crisp four through midwicket, a towering six, and three more boundaries that set the tone for the onslaught.

Teen sensation Sooryavanshi matched his senior partner stroke for stroke, showing remarkable composure as he took on Jasprit Bumrah (0/32 in 3 overs), dispatching him for a six before following it up with another towering hit over deep square leg.

Jaiswal welcomed Trent Boult (0/22 in 1) by dispatching him for three sixes, as the duo made full use of the powerplay, racing to 59 in just 3.2 overs in a start that resembled a highlight reel.

While Hardik Pandya (0/17 in 2) managed to slip in a tidy four-run over, the Royals' openers continued to punish anything loose from the MI pacers.

Shardul Thakur bore the brunt next, conceding two sixes and a four to the rampaging Sooryavanshi before having the last laugh, with Tilak Varma pulling off a sharp catch at deep extra cover to end the youngster's explosive cameo.

Mumbai Indians clawed back briefly through Allah Ghazanfar (2/21), who trapped Dhruv Jurel (2) leg-before and later had Riyan Parag (20) caught at long-on.

But Jaiswal remained unfazed, continuing to dominate the bowling effortlessly. He brought up a scintillating half-century off just 23 balls with a stylish cut through point. He ended the innings with another hit to the boundary to take the Royals to the 150-run mark. PTI APA APA AH AH

(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

RR vs MI Highlights: Jaiswal-Sooryavanshi Storm Seals Rain-Hit IPL 2026 Clash For Rajasthan

Suyash Sahay — Wed, 8 Apr 2026 00:28:57 +0530

RR vs MI IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals (RR) faced Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Stadium in Guwahati in an IPL 2026 match whose start was significantly delayed due to rain. Eventually being reduced to 11 overs-a-side, Riyan Parag's Rajasthan were asked to bat first by Hardik Pandya's Mumbai. What followed was carnage by opening batsmen Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who propelled their team to a total that the opposition would be unable to chase, sealing 2 crucial points that have sent RR top of the table.

Jaiswal-Sooryavanshi Smash MI

Stepping in to bat for RR, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi came out all guns blazing, smashing 22 runs in the first over itself. In the following over, delivered by Jasprit Bumrah, the 15-year old struck two sixes.

Yashasvi Jaiswal too joined the party, smashing boundaries for fun all around the ground.

They combined for a partnership of 80 runs as Sooryavanshi fell on 39 off 14, having hit five sixes and a solitary four.

Jaiswal would continue going hard, even as a few wickets fell around him, finishing the innings on the score of 77 off 32 deliveries, leaving Rajasthan at 150/3 runs in 11 overs.

Riyan Parag had partnered him close to the finish, hitting two sixes and a four in his 10-ball 20-run outing.

Mumbai Falter In Chase

When it came to the chase, MI never really got going. They lost their first wicket, Ryan Rickelton, at the score of 10 runs.

Rohit Sharma fell on 5, Suryakumar Yadav on 6, and Tilak Varma on 14. Even the captain, Hardik Pandya, only managed to score 9 runs.

At the end of 5 overs, half of the side was back in the dugout, with just 46 runs on the board.

RR's bowling unit kept things tight, and never let Mumbai settle in as the required run-rate kept on climbing with each passing delivery. There were some fireworks by Naman Dhir and Sherfane Rutherford, but that wouldn't be enough.

The match ended with MI standing at 123/9, 27 runs short of RR's score, their second defeat in three IPL 2026 matches.

Samreen Kaur's Career Highs: Punjabi Actress Rumoured To Be Dating Arshdeep Singh

ABP Live Sports — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 22:58:26 +0530

Samreen Kaur-Arshdeep Singh Rumor Saga: A seemingly simple social media post by Arshdeep Singh has turned into a talking point across platforms, with fans attempting to uncover the identity of a woman featured in a mysterious image. The two-time T20 World Cup-winning pacer shared a Snapchat post that showed him holding someone’s hand, but without revealing any faces, instantly fuelling curiosity and speculation. The lack of visual clarity did little to hold back the internet. Instead, it encouraged fans to examine every detail of the image, searching for clues, which led to speculations around Samreen Kaur possibly being the mystery woman.

Samreen Kaur Career Highlights

Samreen Kaur has been steadily building her presence in the Indian entertainment industry. Hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, she first caught public attention as a finalist in Femina Miss India 2018. Since then, she has diversified her portfolio across films and music videos.

She has appeared in the Punjabi film Sardaarji 2, along with Hindi projects such as 83, a film based on India’s historic 1983 World Cup triumph, and Nail Polish.

In addition to films, Kaur has featured in several music videos, including Botal Free, Yaara Tere Warga, Baawla, Damn Serious, and Ishq, between 2020 and 2024.

Reason Behind The Speculation

As the image began circulating widely, social media users quickly started forming theories. While there was no direct confirmation, online chatter intensified as users compared visible elements in the image with Kaur's public photos.

A key point of discussion was a tattoo spotted on the woman’s hand. Many users suggested that the design appeared similar to one associated with Samreen Kaur, which further strengthened speculation. As more fans joined the conversation, the theory gained momentum and spread rapidly across platforms.

Despite the growing buzz, neither Arshdeep Singh nor Samreen Kaur has issued any statement addressing the speculation. The entire narrative remains driven by fan theories and online discussions, with no official confirmation from either side.

Dhruv Sheoran Takes Early Control With Stunning 67 At Andhra Open 2026

ABP Live Sports — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 21:41:32 +0530

Dhruv Sheoran Leads Andhra Open: India’s professional golf circuit witnessed an impressive start at the Andhra Open 2026, with Dhruv Sheoran delivering a standout opening round to take control of the leaderboard. The INR 1 crore event, being played at the East Point Golf Club, saw Sheoran card a four-under 67 to move into the top spot after day one. The 31-year-old produced a composed and attacking display, highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 12th. A massive 372-yard drive followed by a precise gap wedge left him with a simple two-foot putt, which he converted with ease.

Earlier in the round, Sheoran had built momentum with three successive birdies from the first to the third hole, setting the tone for his strong finish.

Reflecting on his performance, Sheoran said,

“The round was good. I kept giving myself chances and got momentum after the eagle on the 12th. I did drop a couple of shots late, but overall, I’m happy with how I played. The course sits in a valley, so the slopes and grain make the greens tricky to read, but I stayed patient and stuck to my process.”

Chasing Pack Stays Within Reach

Close behind Sheoran are fellow Bengaluru-based professionals Chikkarangappa S. and Khalin Joshi, both of whom posted three-under 68 to share second place.

Joshi, a former Asian Tour winner, expressed satisfaction with his start, stating,

“I played really well today. The greens are tricky to read and not easy to hole putts, but I kept the ball in play and made some good birdies. I dropped a few shots with a couple of three-putts, but overall, I’m satisfied with the start and looking forward to the next three days.”

Meanwhile, Angad Cheema, who won at this venue in 2024, sits tied fourth after returning a 69. Order of Merit leader Saptak Talwar is placed tied 10th with a one-under 70.

Hole-In-One Highlights Opening Day

One of the most memorable moments of the day came from Nepal’s Subash Tamang, who registered a hole-in-one on the 144-yard par-3 11th. Tamang finished the round at one-under 70, joining Talwar in tied 10th position.

The tournament, supported by the Professional Golf Tour of India and its partners including DP World, continues to showcase top golfing talent. Notably, the course has been slightly modified, with the par-5 seventh converted into a 477-yard par-4, reducing the total par to 71.

With several rounds still to play, the Andhra Open 2026 promises an intense battle as players look to climb the leaderboard.

Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 Squad: Who Earns The Most?

Suyash Sahay — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 20:59:49 +0530

RR IPL 2026 Highest Paid Players: The Rajasthan Royals lifted the IPL trophy in its inaugural season, but the title has eluded them ever since. Despite that, the franchise has consistently assembled a strong mix of proven performers and emerging talent. This season is no different, with the squad featuring key names such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The Royals have also made an impressive start to IPL 2026, registering back-to-back victories. With their latest fixture delayed due to rain, there’s a pause in the on-field action. In the meantime, here’s a look at the highest-paid players in the RR squad this season.

RR IPL 2026: Highest Paid Player

Opening batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal is RR's highest paid player. He has spent a couple seasons with the franchsie, and currently is on a Rs 18 crore contract, which is the same as Jasprit Bumrah at Mumbai Indians (MI).

Next up is veteran cricketer Ravindra Jadeja, who was traded in from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the IPL 2026 season. He is on a Rs 14 crore contract with the franchise.

It is worth noting that Dhruv Jurel, as well as Riyan Parag, the captain, are also on Rs 14 crore contracts with RR this season.

IPL 2026: RR Highest Paid Overseas Player

As far as overseas players are concerned, England fast bowler, Jofra Archer is paid the most, thanks to his Rs 12.50 crore contract. He is a key figure in the side, and is given the responsibility of delivering crucial overs.

After him in the order is West Indies' Shimron Hetmyer, with a Rs 11 crore contract.

Notably, Sam Curran, who was traded in alongside Jadeja in exchange for Sanju Samson, has a Rs 2.40 crore contract. However, he is yet to appear in a game this season.

Also Check: Mumbai Indians IPL 2026 Squad: Top 5 Highest Earning Players

Mumbai Indians IPL 2026 Squad: Top 5 Highest Earning Players

Suyash Sahay — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 19:45:38 +0530

MI Top Paid Players: Mumbai Indians (MI) are the joint-most successful IPL team, having won five titles so far. They boast a solid core of experienced Indian cricketers, who are, naturally, among their top earning stars. The franchise had a positive start to this season, beating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to win their first opener since 2012, but then went on to lose against Delhi Capitals (DC). Their clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) has been delayed due to rain, and as we wait for the action to commence, let's take a look at MI's top 5 highest paid players in IPL 2026.

IPL 2026: MI Top 5 Highest Paid Players

5) Trent Boult

New Zealand fast-bowler Trent Boult has a Rs 12.50 crore contract with the Mumbai Indians. He was a key figure in the franchise's last IPL-winning season, and still contributes immensely with his lethal deliveries.

4) Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, the longest-serving and most succesful captain in MI's history is up next. He is being paid Rs 16.30 crore this season per his contract.

Despite his age and retirement from T20Is, he remains a undisputed in the side's top-order. He enjoyed a fantastic start to the season, smashing 78 off 38 deliveries in a massive 200+ run-chase against KKR.

3) Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav has a Rs 16.35 crore contract with him. India's T20 captain has spent several seasons with the franchise, even winning a title, and is their third highest-paid player this year.

He was handed the captaincy in the absence of Hardik Pandya against DC, and while Mumbai would lose that match, Surya impressed with a knock of 51 off 36 deliveries.

2) Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya, current captain of the Mumbai Indians, also has a Rs 16.35 crore contract in IPL 2026. Apart from his leadership, he contributes significantly with both, the bat and ball, and has been a key figure for the franchise for many years now.

1) Jasprit Bumrah

MI's highest-paid star is none other than Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, whose match-turning spells and ability to control the innings make him indispensable.

He is currently on a Rs 18 crore contract with the franchise.

RR vs MI IPL 2026: Toss Result, Complete Playing XIs, & Key Match Updates

Suyash Sahay — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 18:46:24 +0530

RR vs MI IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals (RR), led by Riyan Parag, are set to take on Mumbai Indians (MI), captained by Hardik Pandya, at the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Stadium in Guwahati. The former is riding positive momentum heading into the clash while the latter is coming off a defeat. Rajasthan has also won a match at this venue before this season, which would give them further confidence. Their players are in form, and look geared up to take on Mumbai's potent bowling attack.

RR vs MI IPL 2026: Toss Updates

The toss for the RR vs MI IPL 2026 match has finally taken place after a prolonged rain-induced delay. MI's captain, Hardik Pandya, has won it and elected to bowl first.

The weather forecast for Guwahati had already indicated significant rain threat for this match. Bad weather had also impacted yesterday's match between KKR and PBKS, eventually resulting in it being called-off.

The match has now been reduced to 11 overs-a-side and is scheduled to start at 10:10 PM IST.

Here's the playing XI:

RR - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma

MI - Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, AM Ghazanfar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah

RR vs MI IPL Rivalry

The rivalry between RR and MI has been one of the most closely contested battles in the history of the IPL. Ahead of today's encounter, the two sides have met 31 times, reflecting long-standing and competitive dynamics.

Mumbai Indians hold a slender advantage in the head-to-head record, having secured 16 victories. Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, are not far behind with 14 wins, while one match between the two teams ended without a result.

The narrow margin between the two sides highlights just how evenly matched they have been over the years. As for more recent meetings, Mumbai have won three of the last five against Rajasthan.

Today's match is set to take place at the ACA Stadium, a venue where Rajasthan Royals registered a dominating win over CSK earlier this season, and with all that in play, this fixture promises plenty of excitement as both sides look to strengthen their position in the tournament.

BCB Shake-Up: Aminul Islam Bulbul Sacked As President, Tamim Iqbal Takes Charge

PTI — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 17:44:57 +0530

Dhaka: Days after Bangladesh Cricket Board reached out to BCCI requesting the revival of bilateral ties, former skipper and current president of BCB Aminul Islam Bulbul was on Tuesday removed by the country's National Sports Council (NSC), which formed an ad-hoc committee to run the day-to-day affairs till fresh elections are held.

According to sources in the BCB, Bulbul was removed primarily due to the fiasco during the T20 World Cup where erstwhile interim government advisor Asif Nazrul literally held the former skipper hostage and didn't allow the national team to visit India for the global event.

Anti-India hardliner Nazrul's stand was to shift Bangladesh's games from Kolkata and Mumbai to Sri Lanka as a mark of protest for removal of Mustafizur Rahaman from the IPL.

During the whole issue, Bulbul was a mere bystander and over the past few days, six directors of the BCB resigned because of him.

Former Bangladesh skipper and country's greatest opener Tamim Iqbal has been named as head of the 11-member ad-hoc committee, whose duty would be to hold the cricket board's election in the next 90 days.

According to NSC Director Aminul Ehsan, the decision to dissolve the current BCB board and put forth an ad-hoc committee has been intimated to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

While the ICC charter doesn't allow government or external interference in board matters, it is unlikely that the global body will ban the Bangladesh board as a timeline to hold the elections has already been announced by the NSC.

The 11 member ad-hoc committee comprise Tamim Iqbal (president), Athar Ali Khan, Rashna Imam, Mirza Yasir Abbas, Syed Ibrahim Ahmed, Minhazul Abedin Nannu, Ishrafil Khusroo, Tanzim Choudhury, Salman Ispahani, Rafiqul Islam, Fahim Sinha.

(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.)