ircrehab.com – News Features & Broad Perspectives

The Delhi High Court dismissed a PIL questioning the BCCI's right to call its players the 'Indian cricket team'. Judges deemed the plea a 'sheer wastage' of judicial time, emphasising that the team unequivocally represents India in international sports, regardless of the BCCI's private status. The court found no violation of emblem or flag laws.

Shubman Gill, a 26-year-old cricketer, is now India's ODI captain. He also leads in Tests and is vice-captain in T20Is. This comes with a demanding schedule and significant brand endorsements. Gill faces a challenging path ahead, balancing team dynamics and his own performance. Experts express concerns about potential burnout due to the intense workload and rapid rise.

Rishabh Pant is nearing a comeback to competitive cricket, with a potential Ranji Trophy return in late October. The BCCI medical team will assess his recovery this week, with clearance possible by October 10. Pant has expressed his desire to play for Delhi, subject to fitness and BCCI approval, aiming for matches from October 25.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla clarified the food poisoning incident affecting four Australia A cricketers in Kanpur, hospitalizing Henry Thornton. Shukla attributed the illness to an external infection, dismissing hotel food as the cause, while also citing logistical challenges.

India maintained their perfect Women's World Cup record, defeating Pakistan by 88 runs to extend their dominance to 12-0. The intense rivalry spilled onto the field with skipped handshakes, heated exchanges, and a controversial run-out. Deepti Sharma, involved in a clash with Sidra Amin, was ironically named best fielder. India now faces South Africa and Australia next.

India's cricketing heroes returned to rapturous fan celebrations after their unbeaten T20 Asia Cup 2025 triumph, including multiple victories over archrivals Pakistan. Coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav were greeted by ecstatic supporters. The victorious squad now shifts focus to a two-match Test series against West Indies, starting October 2, aiming to extend their winning streak.

Shashi Tharoor questioned Sanju Samson's batting position after India won the 2025 Asia Cup. He asked why Shubman Gill opened instead of Samson. Both players had modest performances in the tournament. Tharoor suggested restoring Samson to opener and placing Gill at number three. Samson contributed to stabilizing the innings during the final match.

India celebrated their Asia Cup 2025 victory over Pakistan but refused to accept the trophy from ACC president Mohsin Naqvi, an interim Pakistani minister. This decision stemmed from strained diplomatic relations following a terrorist attack. The BCCI plans to lodge a strong protest against Naqvi's actions at an upcoming ICC conference.

The BCCI has mandated that Under-19 and Under-16 players must play at least one First-Class match to be eligible for the IPL from the 2026 season. This policy, finalized on September 28, aims to strengthen domestic cricket by ensuring young talents develop technical skills and mental resilience in longer formats.

The BCCI has rolled out a landmark incentive scheme, financially rewarding domestic cricketers for playing more matches, with a potential bonus of Rs 1 crore for 14 first-class games. This aims to boost domestic cricket's competitiveness and commitment. Mithun Manhas was elected as the 37th BCCI president, succeeding Roger Binny.

The Mumbai Cricket Association recently honoured ICC chairman Jay Shah for his extraordinary contributions to cricket. His decade-long leadership significantly strengthened domestic structures, enhanced the IPL, and notably reformed women's cricket. Shah's initiatives led to increased prize money and recognition, setting the stage for the record-breaking ICC Women's World Cup 2025.

Yashasvi Jaiswal shared a glimpse of his time at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence with Rishabh Pant and Akash Deep, even as he was named in India's Test squad against the West Indies. Jasprit Bumrah was named in the squad, while Devdutt Padikkal replaced Karun Nair.

Pakistan bowler Haris Rauf received a 30 percent match fee fine. This was for his aggressive behavior during the Asia Cup match against India. Teammate Sahibzada Farhan got a formal warning for his controversial celebration. India captain Suryakumar Yadav also faced a 30 percent fine. The ICC concluded disciplinary hearings on Friday. Rauf's gestures mocking Indian fans were deemed unacceptable.

Tensions surrounding the Asia Cup have escalated as the PCB and BCCI formally engaged the ICC over player conduct. The PCB complained about Suryakumar Yadav's remarks dedicating India's win to victims of the Pahalgam attack, alleging political undertones. The BCCI retaliated, filing a complaint against Pakistan's Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan for provocative gestures.

Shreyas Iyer has opted for a six-month break from red-ball cricket due to persistent back issues, a decision communicated to the BCCI following recent surgery and discomfort. Despite this, he will captain India A in the upcoming three one-day matches against Australia A. Rajat Patidar will lead the Rest of India squad in the Irani Cup.

The BCCI has lodged a formal complaint with the ICC against Pakistani cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan, citing provocative gestures during the Asia Cup Super 4s match. Farhan's gun-firing celebration after his half-century and Rauf's airplane downing gestures, seemingly mocking India's military actions, are at the center of the complaint.

Mithun Manhas, the former Delhi captain, is the leading candidate for BCCI president after discussions in New Delhi. The nomination deadline is Sunday, with elections on September 28. Raghuram Bhat of KSCA is expected to secure a position in the apex council, while Arun Dhumal is likely to remain as IPL chairman. Final decisions are anticipated after further discussions.

The BCCI has announced the India A squads for the upcoming three-match one-day series against Australia A in Kanpur. Rajat Patidar will lead in the first match, while Tilak Varma will captain the subsequent games. The squads feature young talents from domestic cricket and the IPL, with Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana joining for the final two matches.

On the eve of India's Asia Cup clash with Pakistan, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, who hails from the Netherlands, discovered how India vs Pakistan begins long before the first ball, and why cricket is never just about cricket.

Ending a 16-match toss drought, India chose to field and decimated UAE for 57 runs, with Kuldeep Yadav claiming four wickets. A bizarre incident involving Junaid Siddique led to Suryakumar Yadav withdrawing an appeal in a sporting gesture. Despite the reprieve, Siddique was soon dismissed, and India's dominant bowling display secured a comprehensive victory.