Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli’s Post-Retirement Plan Revealed: India Veteran’s Big Prediction

Major IPL Decision In September! BCCI Sets Date For Crucial Election

Suyash Sahay — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 09:46:00 +0530

BCCI Meeting: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing for its annual general meeting in Mumbai on September 18, with several important administrative decisions expected to come under discussion. Among the key items on the agenda are elections for two IPL Governing Council positions, including the post of IPL chairman, along with the appointment of the board's representatives to the International Cricket Council (ICC). The possible inclusion of Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a BCCI associate member is another issue expected to attract attention.

IPL Chairman Election Among Key Decisions

BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia has informed the board's full members about the election process for two IPL Governing Council positions.

Arun Singh Dhumal is the current IPL chairman, and the upcoming election could determine who occupies the position going forward.

Member associations have been asked to submit details of their representatives for inclusion in the electoral roll by August 31.

The voter list is scheduled to be published on September 1, while candidates will be able to submit their nominations on September 10 between 11am and 4pm. The final list of candidates will be released the following day, ahead of the September 18 vote.

The AGM will also deal with the appointment of a BCCI ombudsman and ethics officer. The selection of the board's delegate or representative to the ICC is also expected to feature in the proceedings.

Andaman & Nicobar Cricket Association Could Get BCCI Recognition

Another potentially significant development concerns cricket administration in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The BCCI is expected to consider a proposal to grant the region associate team status. Member associations have already received a notice regarding the proposal, with the final decision set to be taken after discussion at the AGM.

Recognition would not automatically mean an immediate entry into India's domestic competitions.

However, establishing a separate cricket association could provide a major boost to the region's cricketing infrastructure and help create a more structured pathway for local players.

The BCCI currently has 38 full members. Meanwhile, discussions around expanding domestic opportunities are also gaining momentum elsewhere, with calls for Uttar Pradesh to have three separate Ranji Trophy teams.

Although the board has yet to take a decision on that proposal, the growing demand highlights the broader push to create more opportunities for players in India's increasingly large cricketing ecosystem.

Only 3 IPL Players Have 1,000+ Runs & 150+ Wickets, Just One Is Indian!

Suyash Sahay — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:37:39 +0530

IPL Records: The Indian Premier League has produced some of the world's finest specialist batters and bowlers, but combining elite performances in both departments over a long career is a far greater challenge. Only three cricketers in IPL history have crossed the remarkable benchmarks of 1,000 runs and 150 wickets. The exclusive group features India's Ravindra Jadeja and West Indies stars Sunil Narine and Dwayne Bravo.

Ravindra Jadeja: India’s Only Member Of The Elite Club

Jadeja stands alone among Indian players to have reached this rare IPL double.

The veteran all-rounder has accumulated more than 3,500 runs in the competition while also claiming 180 wickets.

Also Check || WATCH: Sehwag’s Son Aaryavir Plays Father’s Iconic Shot In Identical Fashion

His longevity has allowed him to make an impact in virtually every aspect of the game.

With the bat, Jadeja has often been used as a finisher capable of accelerating the scoring rate late in an innings.

His left-arm spin has also made him a dependable option during the middle overs, where he can both restrict scoring and provide important breakthroughs.

His ability to contribute consistently with both bat and ball has made him one of the most valuable all-rounders in IPL history.

Sunil Narine: Mystery Spinner Turned Power-Hitter

Narine initially made his IPL reputation through his unusual variations and miserly spin bowling.

Over time, however, his batting evolved into another major weapon.

The Kolkata Knight Riders star has scored more than 1,800 runs and taken over 200 wickets in the tournament.

Narine's willingness to open the batting has added another dimension to his game.

He has regularly been used aggressively during the powerplay while continuing to shoulder responsibility with the ball in key phases.

Dwayne Bravo: Death-Bowling Specialist And Lower-Order Threat

Bravo also earned his place in the exclusive club through years of consistent contributions.

The former Chennai Super Kings star finished his IPL career with more than 1,500 runs and over 180 wickets.

His slower balls and variations made him particularly effective during the death overs, while his ability to strike boundaries down the order added further value.

For CSK, Bravo became an important contributor during several successful campaigns.

Hardik Pandya To Leave Mumbai Indians? Cryptic Post Sparks IPL 2027 Buzz

Shivam Sharma — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:32:42 +0530

A fresh social media upload by Mumbai Indians featuring star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has sparked widespread debate among fans regarding his future with the franchise ahead of the IPL 2027 auction and retention window.

What Triggered Online Frenzy?

On Wednesday, the five-time IPL champions shared a series of pictures on their official social media handles showing Pandya in MI training gear. The post immediately split the fanbase online:

Retention Signal: One section of fans viewed the official post as a clear statement that the management is backing Pandya to stay and lead the side into the 2027 season.

Trade Speculation: Another group interpreted the sudden focus as a farewell tribute, feeding ongoing rumors that a trade deal could be in the works prior to the next auction cycle.

Memo: Make it 𝑯𝑷 𝒄𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒅 🥶💙 pic.twitter.com/eabVkzk6s1
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) August 19, 2026

Strategic Backdrop for IPL 2027

With BCCI planning to start the 2027 season earlier on March 10, franchises are evaluating roster overhauls. Reports surrounding a potential move for Pandya stem from MI's inconsistent runs across recent campaigns, though neither the franchise nor Pandya has officially commented on trade discussions.

Hardik Pandya's Franchise (MI) Timeline

2015–2021 - Key All-Rounder: Won four IPL trophies during MI's golden era.

2022–2023 - GT Captain: Led Gujarat Titans to the title in their debut year and a final in 2023.

2024–2026 - MI Captain: Re-acquired by MI via trade ahead of 2024. Campaign ended with mixed results, finishing bottom in 2024, reaching Qualifier 2 in 2025, and placing 9th in 2026.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has made a strong appeal while weighing in on IPL player transfers and trades.

"...there's some speculation in the media about the possible switching of players from one franchise to another. There's, of course, still some time before that window closes. However, while the transfer of a player from one franchise to another is in the public domain, when a trade takes place, the numbers are known only to the two franchises, the player and the BCCI," Sunil Gavaskar wrote in Mid-Day.

"In such a situation, the other franchises don't know whether the salary cap that every franchise has for its squad was maintained or breached. That's why it's important for full transparency that the numbers are also made public."

IPL 2027 Revised Start Date, Expected Schedule Window And Match Count

Shivam Sharma — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:34:41 +0530

As the Indian Premier League approaches its historic 20th season in 2027, BCCI is actively discussing major adjustments to the tournament window to combat extreme summer weather and pre-monsoon rains.

Proposed Start Date & Tournament Window

While the initial ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP) outlined a window from March 14 to May 30, 2027, top BCCI officials - including Secretary Devajit Saikia - have revealed plans to advance the season by roughly two weeks.

Target Start Date: March 10, 2027

Target Final Date: May 15, 2027

Reason for Shift: Moving the final out of late May avoids the extreme heatwaves in Northern/Western India and circumvents early monsoon showers that often disrupt playoff fixtures in mid-to-late May.

Total Matches 74 Matches (70 League Stage + 4 Playoff Matches)

Total Teams: 10 Franchises

Will Number of Matches Increase to 84 or 94?

Although initial media rights agreements for the 2023-2027 cycle left room to expand the league stage to 84 or 94 matches, BCCI has confirmed the 2027 season will stick to 74 matches.

Tight international bilateral windows and the need to protect player workload - especially with national boards aligning international schedules - make expanding beyond a 60-day window impractical at this stage.

RCB wins back to back titles in IPL 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cemented their modern T20 dominance by clinching the IPL 2026 championship, defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the grand final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

With this victory, RCB became only the third team in Indian Premier League history - alongside Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians - to defend their title back-to-back.

Under Rajat Patidar's leadership, RCB followed up their long-awaited 2025 trophy with total supremacy in 2026.

Batting first in the grand final, Gujarat Titans struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Royal Challengers Bengaluru bowling attack, finishing at 155/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Rasikh Salam spearheaded the effort with impressive figures of 3/27, while veteran pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood applied relentless pressure throughout the innings. Washington Sundar provided the sole major resistance for Gujarat, anchoring their total with a hard-fought, unbeaten half-century (50*).

In reply, RCB made quick work of the 156-run target, reaching 161/5 in just 18 overs to comfortably defend their championship title. Superstar batter Virat Kohli delivered a masterpiece on the big stage, anchoring the chase with a blistering, unbeaten 75 off just 42 deliveries. Kohli capped off the dominant performance in iconic style, launching a six to seal back-to-back IPL titles for Bengaluru.

Nine IPL Teams, One Cricketer: Can You Guess The Player?

Shivam Sharma — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 10:05:34 +0530

IPL has witnessed several cricketers switch franchises over the years, but Australian opener Aaron Finch holds a unique distinction. He has represented nine different teams in the tournament, more than any other player in IPL history.

Aaron Finch's IPL journey across 9 teams

Aaron Finch's IPL career began with Rajasthan Royals in 2010. He moved to Delhi Daredevils, now Delhi Capitals, for 2011 and 2012 seasons.

His journey across franchises continued in the following years. Finch joined Pune Warriors India in 2013 before moving to Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2014. In 2015, he became a Mumbai Indians player, although his stint with the franchise was affected by limited opportunities and injuries.

The Australian then joined Gujarat Lions in 2016 and remained with the franchise for the 2017 season. He moved to Kings XI Punjab, now Punjab Kings, in 2018 but did not feature in the IPL in 2019.

In 2020, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) signed Finch. Two years later, he joined Kolkata Knight Riders as a replacement for Alex Hales during the 2022 season.

That move completed Finch's remarkable journey across nine IPL franchises and made him the first player to represent nine different teams in the competition. His nine teams were Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils, Pune Warriors India, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kings XI Punjab, RCB and KKR.

Aaron Finch played 92 IPL matches and accumulated 2,091 runs, including a best score of 88. Pune Warriors India and Gujarat Lions, two of the franchises he represented, are no longer part of the IPL.

Finch's impressive T20 and international record

Beyond IPL, Finch enjoyed an outstanding career in T20 cricket. He has scored 11,458 runs in 387 T20 matches at a strike rate of 138.16, with eight centuries and 77 fifties.

For Australia, Finch featured in five Tests, 146 ODIs and 103 T20Is. He scored 5,406 runs in ODIs and 3,120 runs in T20Is.

Known for his aggressive approach, Finch also holds a remarkable T20 record. He smashed 172 runs against Zimbabwe in 2018, an innings that remains one of the highest individual scores in T20 international cricket.

KKR Wants To Buy The Hundred Franchise, But Only If ECB Meets This Demand

Prateek Thakur — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 18:02:51 +0530

The Kolkata Knight Riders ownership group could make another move into English cricket, but only if The Hundred expands beyond its current eight-team structure. The group reportedly explored buying a stake in one of the existing franchises during the latest ownership sale but eventually walked away from the process.

KKR Had Explored A Hundred Franchise

The KKR ownership group reportedly showed interest when the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) put stakes in the eight Hundred franchises up for sale.

However, the group eventually decided against pursuing Trent Rockets. According to a BBC report, KKR officials felt the franchise was slightly overvalued.

Trent Rockets were eventually bought by Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly and British businessman Jonathan Goldstein for just under £40 million.

KKR's interest, however, has reportedly not disappeared completely. The group could return to The Hundred if the competition expands beyond its current eight-team structure.

ECB Discusses 10-Team Hundred

The ECB has been considering the possibility of expanding The Hundred from eight teams to 10 in a future edition.

Durham has been mentioned as a potential location for one of the new franchises, while Bristol and Taunton are among the possible options for an additional team in the south-west of England.

There will reportedly be no change to the current eight-team structure during the present cycle, with 2029 emerging as a potential year for a 10-team Hundred.

An expansion would also bring more fixtures and potentially increase broadcast revenue, giving the ECB an opportunity to explore improved television deals when the next rights cycle begins.

KKR Could Add Another Knight Riders Franchise

An expansion would give KKR the opportunity to enter the competition by acquiring a new franchise rather than paying a premium for an existing team.

The group already owns Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL and has built a wider global cricket portfolio.

Its other teams include Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20 and Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket.

A Hundred franchise would further expand the Knight Riders brand into the English market and give the ownership group a presence across another major franchise competition.

The Hundred 2026 Ends With New Champions

The Hundred's 2026 season concluded with Manchester Super Giants winning their maiden men's title.

The Manchester-based franchise defeated Trent Rockets by five wickets in the men's final at Lord's on August 16.

The women's competition also produced a first-time champion, with Trent Rockets beating Sunrisers Leeds by eight wickets at Lord's.

The latest season marked a major change for The Hundred, with several franchises undergoing ownership changes and being rebranded following investments from groups associated with IPL franchises.

KKR could now be waiting for the next major opportunity, with expansion potentially providing the route for the Knight Riders Group to enter the competition.

Hardik Pandya-CSK Trade Gains Support, Shivam Dube-To-MI Move Suggested

Prateek Thakur — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 16:24:12 +0530

Hardik Pandya's future in the Indian Premier League has become a major talking point in the off-season, with reports linking the India all-rounder with a move away from Mumbai Indians. Former India chief selector Kris Srikkanth has now weighed in on the speculation, suggesting Chennai Super Kings could even consider sending Shivam Dube to MI in a deal for Pandya.

Srikkanth Wants CSK To Trade Dube For Pandya

Pandya has reportedly emerged as a target for CSK, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals following another difficult season with Mumbai Indians.

The all-rounder returned to MI ahead of the 2024 season and took over as captain, replacing Rohit Sharma. However, the franchise has struggled during his stint as skipper, missing the playoffs twice and finishing outside the top half of the table.

Discussing Pandya's situation on his YouTube channel Cheeky Cheeka, Srikkanth said CSK should be willing to part with Dube if it gives them a chance to acquire Pandya.

“If I were CSK, I'll happily send Shivam Dube to MI. I'll almost invite MI and plead with them to take Dube if I were CSK. But I doubt if MI will accept this trade as it'll be a fantastic move only for CSK.”

Srikkanth also questioned whether MI would agree to a deal that could strengthen one of their major rivals.

“Hardik will have unbelievable public support with CSK, unlike MI. But will MI do this and allow CSK to become stronger than them?”

Why Srikkanth Sees Pandya As A Perfect CSK Fit

Srikkanth believes Pandya could address several gaps in the CSK squad, particularly with his ability to contribute in multiple departments.

He highlighted Pandya's value as a middle-order batter and fast-bowling all-rounder, while also pointing to his leadership experience.

“Hardik will be a fantastic fit for CSK. He is the only all-in-one package that covers a middle-order batter, pacer and captain. He's among the only genuine all-rounders at the world level.”

Srikkanth also highlighted Pandya's role in successful campaigns for both Mumbai Indians and India, arguing that his experience could add considerable value to CSK.

He suggested a potential CSK top five featuring Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis and Pandya could give the franchise significant batting depth.

Srikkanth Rules Out Hardik's Gujarat Titans Return

Srikkanth also discussed the possibility of Pandya returning to Gujarat Titans, the franchise he captained in the first two IPL seasons before moving back to Mumbai Indians.

According to the former selector, a return to GT could be difficult because Shubman Gill is now the team's captain.

Srikkanth believes Pandya would also want a leadership role wherever he moves next, making a return to Gujarat complicated.

For now, Pandya's next IPL destination remains uncertain. With CSK, KKR and DC reportedly among the teams interested, his future could become one of the biggest talking points when the trade window gathers momentum.

WATCH: Arshdeep Singh’s Savage Reply To Paparazzi During Airport Exit With Samreen Kaur

ABP Live Sports — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 08:20:13 +0530

Arshdeep Singh Samreen Kaur Spotted At Airport: Indian cricketer Arshdeep Singh found himself at the centre of a light-hearted paparazzi moment after being spotted at an airport with his girlfriend Samreen Kaur. The Punjab Kings pacer was seen making his way out of the airport alongside Kaur when photographers waiting outside approached the couple. Arshdeep briefly stopped as the paparazzi asked him to pose for pictures before continuing to walk.

The interaction soon turned amusing when the photographers continued requesting more photos.

Look at Arshdeep Singh and his girlfriend Samreen Kaur in a fun mood, walking hand in hand at Mumbai airport.

Arshdeep Singh was seen having fun with the paps and said, “Aa jaayegi bhai, do-do lakh ke phone hain, nikal jaayegi photo.” 😂 pic.twitter.com/rrnYEYzpGF
— Sonu (@Cricket_live247) August 15, 2026

Arshdeep responded with a witty remark, suggesting that the cameras being used were more than capable of capturing pictures even while he was on the move.

Arshdeep’s Funny Response To Paparazzi

As the requests for photographs continued, Arshdeep quipped:

"Aa jaayegi bhai, do-do lakh ke phone hain, nikal jaayegi photo (Those are two-lakh-rupee phones, you'll get your photo),"

The comment was another glimpse of Arshdeep’s relaxed side away from the cricket field.

Rather than stopping for an extended interaction, the fast bowler continued making his way out after briefly acknowledging the photographers.

Arshdeep has established himself as one of India's prominent left-arm pace options and has also been a key figure for PBKS in the IPL. Away from the pitch, however, this airport interaction showed a more informal side of the cricketer.

Arshdeep Spotted With Samreen Kaur

As mentioned, Arshdeep Singh was accompanied by actress and model Samreen Kaur.

Arshdeep and Samreen's relationship first sparked rumours after a cryptic Snapchat post showed the cricketer holding a mystery person’s hand. Fans soon noticed that the tattoo on the hand appeared similar to the latter’s.

The speculation grew during IPL 2026, when Samreen was spotted at PBKS matches and was also seen with Arshdeep during his travels.

Arshdeep eventually put the rumours to rest by making their relationship official on Instagram in July. Sharing a picture with Samreen, he captioned the post, "my person."

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli’s Post-Retirement Plan Revealed: India Veteran’s Big Prediction

Prateek Thakur — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 13:46:21 +0530

Ravichandran Ashwin has offered an insight into what the future could hold for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma once their international careers eventually come to an end. While both players remain active in ODI cricket, Ashwin believes neither is likely to rush into coaching, with Rohit potentially returning to Mumbai Indians in a different role and Kohli more likely to take time away from the game.

Ashwin Sees Different Futures For Kohli And Rohit

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said he does not expect either Kohli or Rohit to immediately take up coaching after retirement.

He suggested that both have spent years carrying major responsibilities and could initially prefer to step away from cricket rather than move straight into another demanding role.

“I don’t think Virat will be ready to become a coach immediately.”

ALSO READ | Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma Break The Internet With Patriotic I-Day Messages

Ashwin added that Rohit could eventually have a role with Mumbai Indians, while he was less certain about what Kohli might choose.

“Maybe Rohit Sharma could come into the Mumbai Indians in some capacity. I don’t know about Virat, honestly. Virat will probably want to take a break, in my opinion.”

Ashwin Wants Mumbai Indians To Keep Rohit

Ashwin believes Mumbai Indians should look to retain Rohit Sharma's experience within their setup even after his playing career ends.

Rohit has enjoyed enormous success with the franchise, leading Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles. Ashwin argued that a player with that level of leadership experience and tactical understanding could become a valuable asset to the franchise.

However, he does not necessarily see Rohit stepping straight into the head coach's position.

“If tomorrow Rohit decides ‘I won’t play,’ Mumbai Indians should immediately absorb him.”

ALSO READ | IPL Teams Celebrate India’s 80th Independence Day With Special Messages

Ashwin pointed to Rohit's five IPL titles and his success as India's captain as reasons why the franchise should find a role for him.

“A captain who won five titles and led India to a World Cup, you won’t find such people.”

The former India spinner suggested Rohit could instead take a break before deciding what he wants to do next.

“If he doesn’t want to be head coach because it’s a labour-intensive role, but after a one-two year break, he’ll be ready to take up a role.”

Ashwin compared that possible path with Rahul Dravid, who took time away before returning to cricket in a coaching capacity.

“Like Rahul bhai took a break and then came back to work.”

Ashwin also believes Mumbai Indians would be unlikely to let go of someone with Rohit's cricketing knowledge.

“Knowing the Mumbai Indians, they won’t let go of a player with Rohit Sharma’s thinking capacity.”

Kohli Could Take A Different Route

Ashwin was far less certain about Kohli's post-retirement plans.

Kohli has already stepped away from Test and T20I cricket and now features only in ODIs for India. With the next ODI World Cup still ahead, the former India captain remains focused on the format.

Ashwin believes Kohli may choose to completely disconnect from the game for a period rather than immediately move into coaching or management.

That would mark a different path from Rohit, who could eventually return to Mumbai Indians in a role that makes use of his experience and tactical understanding.

For now, both players remain focused on their ODI careers. Any coaching or franchise role remains a possibility for the future rather than an immediate plan.