Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya Named In India Squad For Multi-Nation Tournament

IPL 2027: BCCI Calls Special Meeting With All Franchise Owners

Shivam Sharma — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 14:08:48 +0530

Preparations for IPL 2027 are gathering momentum, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) planning a special meeting involving all franchise owners ahead of the upcoming season. The meeting, scheduled for October 15 in Mumbai, will bring together franchise owners, team CEOs, broadcasters and representatives of the state cricket associations hosting IPL matches.

Discussions will focus on preparations for the next edition, along with issues related to the previous season. With IPL set to celebrate its 20th season in 2027, BCCI is also expected to explore plans to make the landmark edition a grand occasion.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia Shares Details

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the meeting in a conversation with Cricbuzz. He said the board had invited franchise owners, broadcasters and representatives of the host state associations to discuss plans for the upcoming season.

"We have called all the franchise owners. Broadcasters and hosting state associations will also be included in the meeting. We will discuss about the upcoming season. We have not decided the venue yet. We are exploring some options. A decision will be taken soon," Saikia told Cricbuzz.

Although the meeting is scheduled to take place in Mumbai, the exact venue has not yet been finalised. The board is reportedly considering different options before making an announcement.

IPL 2027: Plans For A Grand 20th Season

The upcoming edition will mark two decades of the Indian Premier League, giving the BCCI an additional reason to plan a memorable season. The board had indicated during a meeting last month that the league's 20-year milestone would be celebrated on a grand scale.

The October 15 meeting is expected to cover several operational matters, including arrangements involving the host associations. State cricket associations play a key role in organising matches, particularly in managing stadium facilities and other logistical requirements.

The discussions will help the board and other stakeholders strengthen preparations before the focus shifts to the next stages of IPL planning.

Retention And Potential Player Transfers In Focus

Franchise planning is also expected to gather pace as teams prepare for IPL 2027. Retention decisions and possible player movements could become major talking points in the coming weeks, although no official decisions on specific transfers have been confirmed.

Hardik Pandya has featured in speculation linking him with a possible move to Chennai Super Kings, but there has been no official confirmation of such a transfer. Discussions have also emerged around the futures of other prominent players, including Suryakumar Yadav and Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Abhishek Sharma. These remain unconfirmed reports rather than completed deals.

Delhi Capitals have also undergone significant changes ahead of the next season, with Rishabh Pant returning to the franchise and Sourav Ganguly taking over as head coach, according to the information available.

With BCCI bringing franchise owners, broadcasters and host associations together, the October 15 meeting is expected to provide an important platform for discussing the organisational and planning priorities for IPL 2027.

RCB Player Begins New Innings In Life, First Wedding Photo With Wife Out

Shivam Sharma — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 10:10:40 +0530

England all-rounder Liam Livingstone, who previously represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Indian Premier League, has married his longtime girlfriend, Olivia. The cricketer shared several pictures from their wedding celebrations on Instagram through a collaborative post, drawing congratulatory messages from fans and fellow players.

RCB wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma was among those who congratulated the newlyweds in the comments section.

Livingstone revealed that the ceremony took place on October 3, 2026, in Deià, Mallorca, Spain. However, the celebrations did not go according to plan, as severe weather forced the couple to make last-minute changes to their arrangements.

'The People Are What Matter'

Reflecting on the occasion, Livingstone explained that an unexpected storm disrupted their wedding plans and forced them to move the ceremony to another location at short notice. Despite the challenges, he described the day as the best of his life.

Liam Livingstone has got married with Olivia. ♥️ - Many congratulations to both of them! https://t.co/Wvr7ookYOQ
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) October 5, 2025

The England cricketer also shared a heartfelt message about what the experience taught him, saying that details such as flowers, decorations, the venue and the weather were far less important than the people celebrating with them.

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He added that he had never felt so much love gathered in one room. The October 3 celebration was the second part of the couple's wedding festivities.

Liam Livingstone's IPL Journey With RCB

RCB signed Livingstone for the 2025 IPL season, but his campaign with the Bengaluru franchise was relatively modest. He scored 112 runs across eight innings in 10 matches, registering one half-century, and picked up two wickets.

Also Read | Chennai Super Kings Hit By Another Change Ahead Of IPL 2027, Coach Departs

In IPL 2026, Livingstone turned out for Sunrisers Hyderabad. His contribution with the bat was limited to 15 runs across two innings.

Chennai Super Kings Hit By Another Change Ahead Of IPL 2027, Coach Departs

Shivam Sharma — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 08:59:13 +0530

Chennai Super Kings have hit the reset button ahead of IPL 2027. Just a few days ago, former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan was appointed as CSK's new head coach. Following this, reports emerged suggesting significant changes to the coaching staff, and the process has now begun. CSK has decided to part ways with batting coach Michael Hussey, bringing his tenure to an end.

Michael Hussey Parts Ways with CSK

Various reports regarding changes at CSK ahead of IPL 2027 have surfaced. According to a Cricbuzz report, Chennai Super Kings management has decided to part ways with Michael Hussey before the upcoming season. Hussey played for CSK for years before joining the team as a batting coach in 2018, a role he has held ever since.

Stephen Fleming's tenure with Chennai Super Kings concluded after IPL 2026, and Zaheer Khan was appointed as the new head coach in his place. Reports indicated that CSK had given Zaheer the freedom to assemble his own coaching staff, which is likely the reason for the end of Michael Hussey's tenure; Zaheer may bring in his own batting coach.

New Bowling Coach Also On Board

In addition to Zaheer Khan, Mohit Sharma has also joined CSK. Chennai Super Kings have replaced bowling coach Eric Simmons with former Indian fast bowler Mohit Sharma. According to reports, the future of CSK's fielding coach, James Foster, is also uncertain, and he too could be parting ways with the franchise.

Will Hussey Join England's Coaching Staff?

Michael Hussey and Stephen Fleming share a very good relationship. After parting ways with CSK, Stephen Fleming became the head coach of the England Test team. Subsequently, reports emerged that Fleming wanted Michael Hussey to become England's new batting coach. Hussey's departure from CSK, following Fleming's exit, suggests that he might join the England Test team's coaching staff.

It is worth noting that he previously worked with England as a consultant during the 2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, contributing to the team's title victory. Now, he could potentially rejoin the England team.

This Ex-India Star Was Offered To Replace Virat Kohli As RCB Captain In IPL 2019

Suyash Sahay — Fri, 9 Oct 2026 14:36:58 +0530

Virat Kohli RCB Captaincy: Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel has revealed that Royal Challengers Bengaluru approached him about a potential captaincy role ahead of IPL 2019. The disclosure came during a conversation with former India batsman Aakash Chopra on his YouTube channel, where Patel opened up about an episode he had never publicly discussed before. He explained that he was asked to prepare for a possible leadership change, but the plan never materialised.

Parthiv Patel Opens Up About RCB Captaincy Offer

During the interaction, Chopra asked Patel directly whether he had been offered the RCB captaincy, who confirmed that the possibility had been discussed

"I have never talked about this, but Moeen Ali mentioned it in an interview. The fact is that I was told, ‘Be ready; we are thinking about this for next year.’"

The former wicketkeeper then revealed that the people who initially discussed the role with him were no longer part of the setup when the next season arrived.

"But the next year, the two people who offered it to me were replaced, new coaches came in, and I didn't get to play a single match that entire season,"

Moeen Ali Had Previously Discussed The Plan

Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali had earlier spoken about Patel being considered for the captaincy during an interview with Sports Tak.

"In the final year when Gary Kirsten was there, after the first year, I believe Parthiv was in line to become captain. He had a brilliant cricketing brain,"

"That was the talk at the time. I don't know what happened or why it didn't materialise, but I'm sure he was seriously considered for the role,"

Patel's interview has now offered a first-hand account of how close he may have come to leading RCB, adding a previously undisclosed chapter to the franchise's IPL history.

Virat Kohli has represented RCB since the IPL's inaugural season in 2008 and captained the side from 2013 to 2021.

Although he eventually stepped down, the franchise continued to build around its long-standing association with the former India captain.

Faf du Plessis took over the leadership role, while Rajat Patidar captained RCB to their maiden IPL championship in 2025. The Bengaluru franchise then successfully defended its title in 2026.

Kieron Pollard To Super Kings! Mumbai Indians Legend's Big Move

Suyash Sahay — Thu, 8 Oct 2026 16:34:16 +0530

Kieron Pollard is set for a fresh chapter in the SA20 after Joburg Super Kings secured the experienced West Indies all-rounder for the 2027 season. The 39-year-old has been acquired for 1.5 million Rand, approximately Rs 8.7 million. Pollard previously represented MI Cape Town in the competition, but will now switch franchises as the Super Kings look to add his experience and power to their squad. The move extends Pollard’s remarkable career in franchise cricket, with the veteran continuing to feature across T20 leagues despite stepping away from international cricket in April 2022.

Pollard Gets Another SA20 Opportunity

Pollard has already spent time in the SA20, making 12 appearances in the tournament.

He has accumulated 207 runs from 11 innings at an average of 29.57, while his strike rate of 171.07 highlights his ability to change games quickly.

His best score in the competition is an unbeaten 33. With the ball, Pollard has contributed four wickets in eight innings, including best figures of 2/22.

The Super Kings will expect the veteran to provide more than just runs and wickets.

His experience in pressure situations and extensive knowledge of franchise cricket could make him an important figure within the squad.

T20 Career Spanning Two Decades

Pollard’s longevity in the shortest format remains remarkable.

Since making his T20 debut in 2006, he has played the format for 20 consecutive years and has now featured in 754 matches.

Across 671 batting innings, he has amassed 14,999 runs at 31.71, striking at 150.92. His record includes two centuries and 71 fifties, with a highest score of 104.

Pollard has also remained a significant contributor with the ball. From 436 bowling innings, he has collected 341 wickets at 25.36, with best figures of 4/15 and an economy rate of 8.27. He has eight four-wicket hauls.

Although his IPL career is over following his long association with Mumbai Indians, Pollard continues to extend his T20 legacy elsewhere.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Back In India Team, Sanjay Manjrekar Questions Late Selection

Suyash Sahay — Thu, 8 Oct 2026 15:43:48 +0530

Sanjay Manjrekar believes Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s comeback to India’s T20I squad could have arrived several months earlier. The veteran seamer has finally returned to the national setup for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, ending a prolonged absence from international cricket. Bhuvi’s recall follows two impressive IPL campaigns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with his latest season particularly catching Manjrekar’s attention.

Manjrekar Wanted Bhuvneshwar Back Immediately

The former India batsman felt the pacer had done enough during IPL 2026 to earn an immediate call-up.

Speaking in a video posted on Instagram, Manjrekar explained why an outstanding IPL campaign should carry significant weight when selectors assess bowlers.

"If any bowler has a great IPL, I believe he should be picked straightaway into the Indian team."

"That's purely because having a great season with the ball in the IPL in Indian conditions, where everything is in so much in favor of the batters, proves that any bowler who does well looks like a great achievement,"

Manjrekar added that Bhuvneshwar’s numbers and consistency during the 2026 season made his eventual selection feel overdue.

"His selection is a really good one. In fact, I thought he would get picked straightaway after the last IPL, purely because he was so good with economy and wicket-taking, while being consistent right through. He was a game-changer with the ball."

Bhuvneshwar’s India Numbers Still Stand Out

The 36-year-old has remained a proven performer in the shortest format despite his lengthy international absence.

His ability to combine control with regular breakthroughs has been a defining feature of his T20 career.

For India, Bhuvneshwar has claimed 90 wickets across 87 T20Is. He averages 23.10 with the ball and boasts an economy rate of 6.96.

His return now gives India another experienced pace option ahead of the New Zealand series, while Manjrekar’s comments underline how strongly he viewed the bowler’s recent IPL performances.

'Shami Should Be Picked': Ex-India Star's Big Call After Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Return

Suyash Sahay — Thu, 8 Oct 2026 14:37:24 +0530

Mohammed Shami’s continued absence from India’s plans has raised eyebrows, and former batsman Wasim Jaffer believes the veteran pacer should still be part of the national setup. This comes after Bhuvneshwar Kumar has ended a lengthy wait for an international recall. The experienced seamer has been picked for India’s upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, with the first match scheduled for October 22. Bhuvi last represented India in 2022.

Jaffer Wants Shami Back In India’s Plans

While Bhuvneshwar Kumar has received his opportunity, Shami remains outside the national setup despite producing encouraging performances on the domestic circuit.

Jaffer, speaking on his YouTube channel, said India should reconsider that decision, especially with the veteran’s experience and quality still available.

"Shami should be picked, especially in the Test team. I don't know about the ODI team because we have tried many players like Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna, and Nitish Reddy there, but I don't think the management still has that confidence."

Jaffer also sees Shami as an important option in the ODI setup ahead of the next World Cup.

"According to me, Shami should be in the ODI team, given that the World Cup is also very near. When you have that quality, you should play him. My first choice would be Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj, and I will think about rebuilding after the World Cup,"

‘Keep Age Aside’ For Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Wasim Jaffer also questioned why Bhuvi was overlooked for so long despite consistently delivering for Uttar Pradesh and in the IPL.

"He has always done well in the IPL and for Uttar Pradesh. So, what was the reason he was not getting picked? We should keep age aside."

He stressed that India's next generation should not come at the cost of experience.

"We have young players, but we should not neglect those who are doing well because you ultimately need experience when there is pressure. You cannot play with an entirely young team. You need to have that mixture of experience and youth."

After several seasons away from the national side, strong performances in domestic cricket and two IPL title-winning campaigns helped put Bhuvneshwar Kumar back in contention.

Sourav Ganguly Returns To IPL, Takes Charge As Head Coach

Shivam Sharma — Tue, 6 Oct 2026 13:54:47 +0530

Sourav Ganguly, one of India's most celebrated cricket captains, is set to embark on a new chapter in the Indian Premier League after being appointed head coach of Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2027 season. This will be Ganguly's first stint as the head coach of an IPL franchise.

Ganguly is no stranger to the Delhi Capitals setup. He previously served as the team's Director of Cricket and was also part of the coaching staff during Ricky Ponting's tenure as head coach. He now returns to the franchise after the departure of the coaching team led by Hemang Badani.

The former India captain also recently took up his first coaching assignment with Pretoria Capitals in the SA20. His vast experience extends beyond coaching, having previously served as BCCI President and held the top position at the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).

Delhi Capitals announced the appointment through a video shared on social media, declaring that 'Dadagiri' will be back in charge from IPL 2027 onwards. In the video, Ganguly made it clear that he is ready to move beyond watching from the sidelines and wants to be right in the middle of the action as the franchise's head coach.

"You think there comes a time when you've done enough, seen enough, achieved enough, when you can step back, watch from the sidelines, guide, believe, and for a while, that's enough. At least, that's what I thought. But every now and then, something reminds you why you started. For me, this team did. Delhi has been waiting for its time. It's time now for Delhi. Tiger is back," Ganguly can be heard saying in the video.

Dilli, it's time for Dadagiri 🐅 Sourav Ganguly, Head Coach of the Tigers 🔥 https://t.co/EMTPQ9TB64
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) October 6, 2026

Ganguly's familiarity with the Delhi Capitals squad, combined with his aggressive leadership style and tactical understanding, could bring a fresh approach to the franchise. DC will hope his arrival can finally help them end their long wait for an IPL title, having never won the competition since its inception in 2008.

IPL 2027 season will also mark the return of Delhi's local star Rishabh Pant, who is set to rejoin the franchise after spending the previous couple of seasons with Lucknow Super Giants.

With the new coaching staff now in place, Ganguly's first major task will be to work on the retention strategy and identify potential targets ahead of the upcoming IPL auction.

Delhi Capitals Star Leaves Team, Joins Gujarat Ahead Of IPL 2027

ABP Live Sports — Tue, 6 Oct 2026 12:30:56 +0530

Hard-hitting batter Ashutosh Sharma has made a switch in domestic cricket, leaving Railways to join the Gujarat squad ahead of the upcoming season. The Delhi Capitals batter has made the move just days before the start of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy, which gets underway on October 11.

However, Ashutosh may not necessarily feature in Gujarat's Ranji Trophy campaign and could instead be available primarily for the state's white-ball teams.

The move has also coincided with a change in Gujarat's coaching setup. Former India support staff member Monty Desai has taken charge as the team's new head coach, replacing Ramesh Powar. Powar, meanwhile, is reportedly in the running for a role on the selection panel for India's men's junior teams.

Ashutosh, who hails from Madhya Pradesh, began his List-A and T20 career with his home state before moving to Railways. He had previously explained that limited opportunities with Madhya Pradesh influenced his decision to make the switch.

Also Read | End Of An Era: Harmanpreet Kaur Relinquishes India Captaincy Across All Formats

The 28-year-old was recently part of the English domestic season, featuring for his county side in the One-Day Cup. However, his campaign did not produce the desired results, with his best score in seven innings being just 16 runs.

Ashutosh Sharma's Career

Ashutosh has established himself as an explosive lower-middle-order batter and finisher, particularly in T20 cricket. He has represented both Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in the IPL.

In first-class cricket, he has played eight matches and scored 370 runs, with a strike rate of 105.11. His List-A record includes 518 runs from 28 matches.

Also Read | Bhuvneshwar Kumar Returns To Team India, Set To Play Match On This Day

T20 cricket remains his strongest format. Ashutosh has scored 1,277 runs in 62 T20 matches at an impressive strike rate of 176.13, highlighting his reputation as an aggressive batter capable of changing the course of a game quickly.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya Named In India Squad For Multi-Nation Tournament

Suyash Sahay — Mon, 5 Oct 2026 14:11:10 +0530

Hong Kong Sixes India Squad: India will be represented by an IPL-heavy squad at the 2026 Hong Kong Sixes, with several familiar names from the T20 circuit set to feature in the six-a-side competition. Bhuvneshwar Kumar leads a group that also includes Krunal Pandya, Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi and T. Natarajan. The combination gives India plenty of experience across batting, bowling and all-round roles in a format where matches can change direction within a handful of deliveries.

Experienced IPL Names Head To Hong Kong

The presence of Bhuvneshwar and Natarajan gives the squad two proven pace options, while the batting group brings a wealth of T20 experience.

Shashank, Tewatia, Rana and Tripathi are all capable of taking the aggressive route from the beginning.

Krunal could be particularly important given his ability to contribute in multiple departments. In a competition with only six players on the field, versatility can make a significant difference.

Why The Sixes Format Demands Instant Impact

The tournament leaves little room for conventional T20 settling-in periods. With just six players taking the field, every member of the squad is likely to have a major role, while batsmen are expected to attack almost immediately.

That makes power-hitting, adaptable all-rounders and bowlers capable of controlling the scoring rate particularly valuable.

India’s blend of experience and T20 specialists appears suited to those demands.

The 2026 Hong Kong Sixes will take place from October 30 to November 1 at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground. India will be looking to go further this time after their campaign ended early last year.

Pakistan will enter the tournament as defending champions after defeating Kuwait in the final last season. The victory also secured Pakistan’s sixth Hong Kong Sixes title, setting another benchmark for this competition.