Pakistan Legend Hits Out At PSL, Points To Vaibhav Sooryavanshi As Ideal Example

WATCH: Rohit Sharma’s Epic One-Word Response To IPL Transfer Buzz

Suyash Sahay — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 20:37:58 +0530

Rohit Sharma has seemingly put an end to the latest speculation surrounding his future in the Indian Premier League, with a one-word response going viral on social media. The former Mumbai Indians captain featured in another promotional video for his show, Family Full House, where a playful exchange about his IPL allegiance quickly grabbed attention. During the interaction, Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Abhishek Nayar attempted to stir up the long-running chatter about Rohit potentially switching IPL franchises.

The conversation began with a reference to Chennai Super Kings before teasing him with a joke related to KKR.

"Gold or purple apko zyada suit karta hai"

Nayar saab we know what you want to say here😭 pic.twitter.com/JM1NmkEC1d
— Shikha (@Shikha_003) September 18, 2026

Abhishek Nayar Teases Rohit Over IPL Switch

The exchange took a playful turn when Nayar pointed towards Rohit’s yellow outfit and began chanting "CSK".

Rohit immediately pushed back against the idea that the colour of his clothing had anything to do with his IPL future.

The discussion then shifted to whether Rohit could potentially be seen in the colours of another franchise. With Nayar himself part of the KKR setup, the next suggestion appeared to carry a clear hint towards the Kolkata-based side.

Abhishek Nayar said, "Gold aur purple aapko zyada suit karta hai (gold and purple suits you more)"

The audience then started chanting "Mumbai," and Rohit responded with a brief but emphatic message.

Rohit Sharma Says ‘Forever!’

Rohit Sharma ended the exchange with a single word that immediately caught the attention of fans, "Forever."

The response was enough to send social media into a frenzy, with fans interpreting it as a strong indication of his continued connection with Mumbai Indians.

The 'Hitman' has been one of the defining figures in MI's IPL history. He joined the franchise in 2011 and went on to lead the side to multiple IPL titles during his captaincy.

Although Hardik Pandya took over as captain ahead of the 2024 season, Rohit has remained an important part of the Mumbai Indians setup.

BCCI AGM: Dhumal, Majumdar Retain IPL Posts; Umpires Get Pay Hike

IANS — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 18:44:22 +0530

Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday re-elected Arun Singh Dhumal and M Khairul Jamal Majumdar to the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council during its 95th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the board headquarters here on Friday.

With no other candidates filing nominations for the two seats, Dhumal, seeking another term as IPL chairman, and Majumdar, representing the Indian Cricketers’ Association (ICA), faced a clear run to get formally re-elected.

With BCCI electoral officer A.K. Joti confirming the final list of valid nominations following scrutiny, it paved the way for the duo's seamless re-election to maintain administrative stability in the franchise T20 league's decision-making body.

In another key decision, the general body unanimously approved a revised payment structure and grade reclassification for domestic umpires and match referees, alongside passing core financial and administrative resolutions.

The board formally adopted its audited statement of accounts for the 2025-26 financial year and approved the annual budget for 2026-27, while appointing auditors for the upcoming fiscal cycle.

With significant milestones on the horizon, the general body resolved to mark the 20th edition of the IPL in 2027 with grand celebrations. The board will also kick off preparations for its centenary in 2028.

In a statement, the BCCI said the centenary events will run for a full year, starting in December 2027 and stretching through 2028 to celebrate a landmark chapter in the country's cricketing journey.

On the policy front, a new Internal Committee was constituted under the BCCI’s Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Policy. The board also said it has updated and officially adopted its Age Verification Policy.

Additionally, the general body held discussions with state units to streamline support for differently-abled cricketers, focusing on upgrading facilities and providing targeted resources to aid their development.

BCCI President Mithun Manhas, Vice-President Rajeev Shukla, Board Secretary Devajit Saikia, along with Sourav Ganguly, Saurabh Tiwary, Jaydev Shah, Rohan Jaitley, and Abhishek Dalmiya, were among the key figures present at the headquarters for the AGM.

The meeting saw wide participation from representatives across state associations, including former India captain and ex-BCCI President Ganguly representing the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and former India fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad attending on behalf of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).

(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.)

Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar Left Out Again, Ex-India Star Fears End Is Near For Veteran Duo

Suyash Sahay — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:24:27 +0530

Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were both absent from India’s squads for the upcoming West Indies series, raising fresh questions about their international futures. Shami last played for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final, while Bhuvneshwar has been out of the national setup since 2021. Despite Bhuvneshwar’s impressive IPL 2026 campaign and Shami’s continued domestic performances, neither veteran found a place in the latest selections. Former India batter Aakash Chopra believes their omissions could be significant.

Time Up For Bhuvi, Shami?

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra pointed to the growing number of younger options entering India’s limited-overs setup.

"I think the writing is on the wall when you look at things from Shami and Bhuvi's perspective."

"With so many teams, so much overlap, so many new players getting opportunities, Auqib Nabi being named in the ODI team, Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav coming into the T20I setup, and neither Bhuvi nor Shami being there, I think it tells us something."

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"This is probably something we need to accept, make peace with, and keep moving on. That's what I think."

Shami’s last international appearance, as stated, came in the Champions Trophy final in 2025.

Since then, the experienced pacer has remained outside India’s international squads while continuing to perform at the domestic level.

Bhuvneshwar’s IPL Revival Not Enough?

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s case is particularly notable given his IPL 2025 and 2026 campaigns.

Playing for eventual back-to-back champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the veteran pacer picked up 17 and 28 wickets, respectively.

His performances led to renewed discussion about a possible India comeback, but the latest squads do not include him.

Bhuvneshwar last played international cricket in 2021, meaning his wait for another India appearance has now stretched several years. Despite his IPL resurgence, the selectors have continued to look towards newer options.

How Much Does Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Charge For One-Day Brand Promotion? You'll Be Surprised

Shivam Sharma — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 16:29:27 +0530

The popularity of 15-year-old Indian batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has continued to rise rapidly. His performances with the bat have attracted significant attention, and he is increasingly being regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in Indian cricket.

His growing profile has also boosted his appeal to brands. According to a recent report, the teenager's fee for a single day of promotional work has increased significantly following his breakthrough in the IPL and subsequent entry into international cricket.

Vaibhav Reportedly Charges ₹2 Crore A Day

A report published by the Hindustan Times claimed that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi commands around ₹2 crore for one day of brand-related work.

The reported fee is said to cover a range of promotional activities, including advertising campaigns, photoshoots, social media promotions and public appearances.

However, there is no official confirmation from Vaibhav or his representatives regarding the exact amount he charges brands.

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His Brand Value Rose After IPL Breakthrough

Vaibhav's reported commercial value was considerably lower before his IPL breakthrough. According to the report, brands such as Complan and Red Bull had previously signed deals with him worth approximately ₹1 crore.

His profile grew considerably after his IPL stint and subsequent selection for the Indian team, leading to increased interest from advertisers and brands.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's International Career

Vaibhav made his international debut in July and has so far featured in six T20I matches for India.

He has batted in all six games, accumulating 193 runs at an average of 32.16 and an impressive strike rate of 189.21. The young batter has already registered two half-centuries, with his highest score standing at 81.

With his international career still in its early stages, Vaibhav's growing performances on the field are also contributing to his rapidly increasing profile off it

IPL 2027 Auction Venue Update Out: Check Where IPL Auction Is Expected To Happen

Shivam Sharma — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:22:47 +0530

IPL auction could make its return to Indian soil in 2027. After being hosted outside the country for the last three years, the IPL 2027 mini-auction is likely to be held in India, with the matter reportedly discussed during the IPL Governing Council meeting on Tuesday, September 15.

The last IPL auction to take place in India was held in 2023 in Kochi. Since then, the event has travelled overseas, with auctions hosted in Abu Dhabi, Jeddah and Dubai.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, BCCI is considering bringing the auction back to India for the 2027 season. However, the IPL 2028 mega auction could potentially be staged overseas again.

IPL 2027 Auction To Be Held In India

Although BCCI is reportedly leaning towards India as the host country for the 2027 mini-auction, the final venue is yet to be decided.

The availability of suitable accommodation for franchise officials and their respective delegations is expected to play a major role in determining the location. The auction is generally conducted over two days, meaning the BCCI would need to arrange accommodation for a large number of people, with reports suggesting a requirement of around 100 rooms.

The October-December period also coincides with India's busy wedding season, which could make five-star hotel availability an important consideration. BCCI is therefore expected to assess hotel availability before finalising both the date and venue.

Why Is Auction Returning To India?

Franchises have reportedly expressed a preference for holding the auction in India, citing the logistical difficulties associated with travelling abroad with large delegations.

The possibility of bringing the event back to India had also reportedly been considered ahead of the previous auction in Abu Dhabi. With franchise officials keen to avoid some of the logistical challenges involved in overseas events, the BCCI is now looking at an Indian venue for the 2027 auction.

No Decision Yet On Impact Player Rule

The IPL Governing Council meeting also discussed the much-debated Impact Player rule, but no final decision has reportedly been taken.

The issue could be discussed again at a meeting expected to take place within the next month. While several franchises have reportedly opposed the rule, there is also a possibility that it could remain in place for another season or longer.

Indian stars including Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma have previously expressed their opposition to the Impact Player rule.

'I Dated Rohit Sharma': IPL's 'Lucky Mascot' Makes Big Claim, Reveals Relationship Details

Shivam Sharma — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:26:59 +0530

English actress and singer Sofia Hayat has once again found herself in the spotlight after making claims about her alleged relationship with Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma. Sofia, who has appeared on television and was also a contestant on Salman Khan-hosted Bigg Boss 7, was associated with the Indian Premier League for several years and famously referred to herself as IPL's "lucky mascot."

Her latest comments came during an appearance on the Straight Talk Queer Wisdom podcast, where she spoke about her experiences during her IPL days, her rise to fame in India and her alleged relationship with Rohit Sharma.

Sofia Hayat's Claims About Rohit Sharma

Speaking about her time around the IPL, Sofia admitted that she had little knowledge of cricket when she first became involved with the tournament. According to her, her manager encouraged her to enter the cricket space, and she acknowledged that she made several claims about herself during that period that were not true.

Sofia also alleged that she had lied about her age, which she said helped her build an image as a youth icon and gain popularity in India.

During the podcast, she made a personal claim about Rohit Sharma, saying that she had dated the Indian batter. She also made an intimate comment about their alleged relationship.

This is not the first occasion on which Sofia has spoken publicly about dating Rohit. She had made similar claims in an interview several years ago and had also spoken about plans to document the relationship in a book.

According to Sofia, the two began dating in 2012 and their relationship lasted for around a year.

WATCH VIDEO

I was Rohits first. Someone needs to teach men how to be sensual in bed. It is not a sprint. Watch this and other secrets of my sex life on my new show, Straight Talk Queer Wisdom. Link in bio. #rohitsharma pic.twitter.com/cR7TOUvrZb
— Sofia Hayat (@sofiahayat) September 14, 2026

Why Did Sofia Hayat Say They Broke Up?

Sofia also discussed what she claimed was the reason behind their alleged split. She said she was upset after Rohit referred to her as a "fan" while speaking to the media.

Sofia claimed that the remark offended her and eventually led her to block the cricketer on social media. Rohit Sharma, however, has never publicly confirmed Sofia Hayat's claims about their alleged relationship.

Rohit Sharma's Family Life

Rohit Sharma is married to Ritika Sajdeh, who has also been associated with his professional management. The couple tied the knot in 2015. They welcomed their daughter, Samaira, in 2018, followed by the birth of their son in 2024.

Meanwhile, Rohit is also set to make a television appearance beyond his cricket career. His reality show, Family Full House with Rohit Sharma, is scheduled to premiere on Sony TV this week.

'My Last World Cup': RCB Star Reveals The Moment He Knew His India Career Changed

Suyash Sahay — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 16:05:41 +0530

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has revealed that he had already come to terms with the possibility that his India World Cup journey was over shortly after the team’s painful semi-final defeat to England in Adelaide at the 2022 edition. The veteran seamer, who has not played international cricket since that tournament, said his experience of how selection teams operate after major setbacks made him believe India would begin looking towards the next generation.

T20 World Cup Disappointment

Speaking to Jatin Sapru on his YouTube channel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar recalled the moment he returned to his room after the loss and shared his thoughts with his wife Nupur.

"In Adelaide it happened. I came to my room and told my wife. I told this from my experience. In the dressing room, everyone was disappointed."

He explained that discussions had taken place before the squad left, but once he was back in his room, he had already formed an opinion about what would happen next.

"There were a few briefs before we left, but when I came back to my room I told Nupur (his wife) this was my last World Cup. Because what I have seen from my experience, when you lose a tournament like this selectors want to look ahead, and that is fair,"

India had posted 168 runs in that fixture and England went on to win without losing a single batsman.

Bhuvi’s last T20I appearance for India came against New Zealand in November 2022 in a match that ended in a tie.

He bowled four overs, conceding 35 runs and took no wickets.

Stellar IPL Seasons Reignite India Comeback Talk

Despite his long absence from international cricket, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has continued to make a strong impact in the IPL.

He took 17 wickets during RCB's title-winning 2025 campaign and followed it with an even better 2026 season, claiming 28 wickets at an average of 17.89.

His tally left him just one wicket short of the Purple Cap, while his performances across RCB’s back-to-back championship campaigns have once again placed his name in conversations surrounding an India comeback.

The pacer himself believes another opportunity would be welcome, although he insists that chasing selection is not what motivates him.

"I'm not playing to prove anything, but I'd be happy to play for India again."

The contrast is striking. Four years ago, Bhuvneshwar believed the door had closed after Adelaide.

Today, his IPL performances have reopened the debate around whether the experienced pacer could have one more India chapter left.

Sanjiv Goenka Breaks Silence On Rishabh Pant IPL Trade, Reveals Surprising Bond

Suyash Sahay — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 17:46:19 +0530

Rishabh Pant LSG To DC Trade: Rishabh Pant may have left Lucknow Super Giants, but Sanjiv Goenka has made it clear that the move did not end his relationship with the star wicketkeeper-batsman. Pant was traded back to Delhi Capitals for Rs 15 crore, bringing an end to his two-season spell with LSG. In return, Kuldeep Yadav moved to Lucknow for Rs 13.5 crore. The trade naturally brought attention to the equation between Pant and Goenka, particularly after the batsman had joined LSG as the most expensive player in IPL history.

However, the franchise owner has now suggested that their bond extends beyond the split.

LSG Owner Reveals What He Told Pant Before DC Return

Appearing on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast, Sanjiv Goenka spoke about his final conversation with Pant before the wicketkeeper-batsman returned to Delhi.

"Our last conversation wasn't just about the trade. We have continued to speak even after that,"

The LSG owner also revealed that the two are still on friendly terms despite Pant no longer being part of the franchise.

"Good luck to him and best wishes. We plan to have dinner one of these days."

Goenka’s comments paint a very different picture from the intense speculation that often surrounds major IPL trades.

Rather than suggesting a complete break, his remarks indicate that the relationship between the two remains intact even though their professional association has changed.

Pant's LSG Chapter Ends After Two Difficult Seasons

Rishabh Pant arrived at LSG with enormous expectations after being bought for a record Rs 27 crore at the 2025 mega auction.

The deal made him the most expensive player in IPL history at the time, and he was subsequently appointed captain after replacing KL Rahul.

The results, however, did not match the scale of the investment. LSG failed to reach the playoffs in both 2025 and 2026, and Pant eventually stepped down as captain at his own request.

His two seasons with the franchise were also marked by considerable scrutiny, with the batsman frequently finding himself in the headlines for reasons beyond his performances.

Pant will now begin another chapter with Delhi Capitals, the franchise where he established himself as one of the IPL’s leading players before moving to Lucknow.

'He's Going To Explode': Dale Steyn Backs This India Star To Surpass Kohli & Tendulkar

Suyash Sahay — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 17:00:15 +0530

Dale Steyn On Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Dale Steyn has made a stunning prediction about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, backing the teenage India batsman to eventually achieve more in his career than two of Indian cricket’s biggest icons, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. The former South Africa fast bowler, who also has great experience of playing in the IPL, has been closely following Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise. The youngster has quickly moved from being an exciting prospect to one of the most talked-about names in Indian cricket.

Steyn believes the 15-year-old possesses something special and has already shown qualities that separate him from most players his age.

Steyn Hails Sooryavanshi As 'Boy Wonder'

Speaking to NDTV during a media interaction facilitated by SA20 ahead of its fifth season, Steyn was lavish in his praise for the young batsman.

"Sooryavanshi is a different gravy, man! He's better than most international players right now. He is a boy wonder, somebody who is a treasure for Indian cricket,"

Steyn’s comments underline just how quickly Sooryavanshi’s reputation has grown.

The youngster enjoyed a standout IPL 2026 campaign, scoring 776 runs and finishing the season with the Orange Cap.

His performances earned him a place in India’s T20I squad for the tours of Ireland and England, further accelerating his transition to international cricket.

'Bigger Than Both Of Them Put Together'?

Dale Steyn went even further when comparing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s potential with the careers of Tendulkar and Kohli.

"You think of guys like Sachin, Virat, and this kid is going to explode. He's going to be bigger than both of them put together at the end of his career. So, I would caution how you manage him and look after him because with great responsibility comes great reward."

"But there's a big threat there that you could lose him at some point if you don't look after him well enough,"

The former pace ace's comments come with a warning as much as they do praise.

Steyn believes Sooryavanshi’s talent could take him to extraordinary heights, but he also feels India must carefully manage his development as he takes on greater responsibility.

Sooryavanshi’s rise has already been remarkable. After making a major impact in the IPL, he is now being fast-tracked into India’s international setup at a remarkably young age.

The teenager will now enter a crucial phase of his career, with greater expectations likely to follow every performance.

Pakistan Legend Hits Out At PSL, Points To Vaibhav Sooryavanshi As Ideal Example

Suyash Sahay — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 16:44:25 +0530

Wasim Akram On Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Wasim Akram has used the rapid rise of India’s teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to highlight what he believes is a major weakness in Pakistan’s domestic cricket system. The Pakistan great drew a sharp comparison between the Indian Premier League and the Pakistan Super League while discussing the development of batting talent. Sooryavanshi, despite being only 15, has already attracted enormous attention after making an impact in the IPL and subsequently earning an India debut.

Akram believes Pakistan need to produce a similarly eye-catching batting prospect through their own domestic structure.

Akram Questions PSL’s Batting Legacy

Speaking during an interview with YouTuber Furqan Bhatti, Akram challenged the PSL’s record of developing top-class batters since the competition began.

"It has been 10 years since the PSL started, but has a single batter been produced by the PSL? Yes we have produced a few bowlers but tell me have we produced any noteworthy batting talent. "

The former Pakistan fast bowler argued that while the league has helped bring promising bowlers through, its impact on batting development has been far less impressive.

His criticism comes at a difficult time for Pakistan cricket, with the national side continuing to search for consistency and depth across formats.

For Akram, the emergence of young batting talent is a key part of solving that larger problem.

Sooryavanshi Held Up As Example

Akram pointed to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as an example of the kind of player Pakistan should be developing.

"I think when we produce a batting talent like the 14-year old, then we will see improvement coming through,"

Sooryavanshi has quickly become one of the most discussed youngsters in world cricket.

His performances in back-to-back IPL seasons propelled him into the spotlight before he became the youngest player to make an international debut for India against England.

Sooryavanshi’s rapid emergence has provided a timely example of how a teenage batter can break through and reach the international stage.

Wasim Akram now wants Pakistan to create similar opportunities for the next generation.