Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: With UP, chance for Bhuvneshwar to prove efficiency

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign with Uttar Pradesh, beginning against Rajasthan in Mumbai on Saturday, will test whether he can regain international impact after taking just one wicket in four New Zealand matches. His domestic form offers hope, highlighted by 16 wickets at a 5.84 economy in 2023. Slower Indian pitches will demand he turn control and experience into wickets.

Jacob Bethell ruled out of Australia series after fresh knee setback

Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of England’s white-ball tour of Australia after aggravating his right knee, putting his availability for December’s Test series in South Africa in doubt. The 23-year-old will return to the UK for specialist assessment after a training setback in Perth. He has been sidelined since July, after scoring an Ashes century.

“Mr Cricket” Michael Hussey’s all-format expertise to benefit Australia

After Australia’s 2-1 Test defeat to South Africa, Cricket Australia has hired Mike Hussey to address batting problems, while Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from next month’s New Zealand Tests. Matt Renshaw alone averaged above 50 in the series. Hussey, a prolific batter and coach, will advise Australia for the Ashes, insisting players own performances.

With Hardik Pandya gone, who leads the Mumbai Indians captaincy race, Rohit Sharma or Tilak Varma?

With Hardik Pandya leaving Mumbai Indians for Punjab Kings in a swap sending Arshdeep Singh to Mumbai, Rohit Sharma appears poised to reclaim the captaincy, ahead of Tilak Varma. Rohit’s five IPL titles, popularity and leadership could restore fan confidence, while Tilak’s captaincy experience and T20 performances position him as a future option; he is India’s T20I vice-captain.

Hardik’s fresh start, Arshdeep’s rise: What the MI-PBKS trade could mean for both

Hardik Pandya’s move to Punjab Kings and Arshdeep Singh’s switch to Mumbai Indians reshape the IPL, as Hardik could revive PBKS’ hopes if he recovers from injury, while India’s leading T20I wicket-taker bolsters MI’s pace attack. Hardik is unlikely to captain, leaving Shreyas Iyer in charge. The trade pits Mumbai against Punjab’s title drought.

Hardik's Mumbai story: A hostile homecoming, redemption and an eventual goodbye

Hardik Pandya’s second Mumbai Indians stint ended in a trade to Punjab Kings, with Arshdeep Singh moving the other way, after a poor 2026 season. Criticized as MI finished ninth, Hardik’s form and captaincy drew scrutiny. Booed after replacing Rohit Sharma, he rebounded with India’s 2024 World Cup win and MI’s 2025 playoff run.

Pakistan move second Sri Lanka Test to Rawalpindi from Lahore due to smog

Pakistan’s second Test against Sri Lanka has been shifted from Lahore to Rawalpindi because worsening smog raised air-quality concerns, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced Tuesday. The match remains scheduled for November 17-21, with Rawalpindi hosting the series opener. IQAir ranks Lahore the world’s most polluted major city; smog previously forced cricket matches to move in 2020 and 2022.

Hardik Pandya gets INR 1.65 crore hike as he joins PBKS; MI land Arshdeep Singh

Mumbai Indians have traded former captain Hardik Pandya to Punjab Kings for fast bowler Arshdeep Singh in an IPL deal that raises Pandya’s fee to ₹18 crore while Arshdeep retains his. The move gives PBKS an all-rounder and strengthens MI’s pace attack, following Pandya’s injury-hit captaincy spell and Arshdeep’s 111 wickets in 96 matches for Punjab.

Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway in New Zealand Test squad to face India

New Zealand named a 14-player squad for two Tests against India, including recovering Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell. Coach Rob Walter expects an exciting summer, with his team focused on strong cricket. The series starts November 19 in Wellington and ends in Christchurch on November 27; New Zealand swept India 3-0 in 2024.

Surya rediscovers joy of cricket after the pain of India axing

Suryakumar Yadav says losing his India T20 place after captaining the side to the 2026 World Cup title was “difficult,” but fatherhood and a renewed love for cricket have helped him recover. Now Mumbai’s white-ball captain, he is targeting the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Selectors chose Shreyas Iyer amid concerns over Yadav’s age and form.

SRH's IPL 2027 retention dilemma: Cummins, Harshal and crowded bowling attack

SRH must decide whether fringe players merit retention while reshaping their bowling ahead of IPL 2027. Three trades for Natarajan, Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis target weakness that undermined their powerful batting core. Cummins’s ₹18-crore commitment and Harshal Patel’s poor returns loom large, while untested Indian prospects could provide depth; SRH finished third in 2026.

UPCA defends squad selection for T20 Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Uttar Pradesh’s 18-member Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad for the upcoming tournament has renewed questions about whether the UPT20 League shapes selection: leading pacer Abhinandan Singh, with 24 wickets, was omitted, while Arnav Baliyan was picked after scoring just 53 runs. UPCA defended the squad as merit-based despite criticism; the state’s previous title came in 2015-16.

Emerging in New Zealand: Axar Patel as the anchor spinner

India’s 2027 World Cup plans may elevate Axar Patel from Jadeja’s understudy to a containment anchor, suited to South Africa’s pace-friendly pitches. His New Zealand figures—40 runs at a 2.86 economy rate, with two wickets—support the approach, and Washington Sundar could partner him. Axar must prove his batting and breakthroughs; Kuldeep remains an attacking alternative.

I will be back: Labuschagne confident of Australia comeback after NZ snub

Marnus Labuschagne insists his Test career is not over after Australia omitted him from the New Zealand squad, and plans to rebuild with Queensland. He has gone 49 Test innings without a century, averaging 24.31 across 1,094 runs, and says selection pressure fuels mistakes. Previously, Sheffield Shield runs helped him reclaim his place after 2025 omission.

Aaryavir Sehwag fulfils promise to father, powers India into U19 Asia Cup semis

Sehwag’s 160 off 168 balls powered India to 309/7 against UAE in the Under-19 Asia Cup, the tournament’s highest total. Patient early, he accelerated with 17 fours and seven sixes, sharing 193 runs with VK Vineeth (67). After scoring 70 against Nepal, Sehwag’s knock reflected his aim to blend his father’s traits with Virat Kohli’s aggression.

Mitchell Starc rejects Usman Khawaja’s Sandpapergate claims, stands by 2021 statement

Mitchell Starc reaffirmed his 2021 account: he was unaware of Australia’s 2018 ball-tampering, despite Usman Khawaja’s autobiography claiming the Test squad knew of the plan. Starc said Khawaja’s book alerted him that sandpaper was used in Port Elizabeth. David Warner and Chadd Sayers backed Khawaja, while CA ruled out reopening its inquiry amid conflicting accounts.

Cricket Australia rules out fresh investigation into 2018 ball-tampering scandal

Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg says there is no compelling reason to reopen the 2018 ball-tampering investigation, despite Usman Khawaja’s allegations and David Warner’s endorsement. Khawaja’s book claims sandpaper was used at Port Elizabeth and more players were involved, while teammates dispute his account. Greenberg says CA accepts the outcome and wants to move on.

KKR's IPL 2027 retention puzzle: Why Green, Pathirana present bigger dilemmas

After finishing seventh for a second straight season, KKR must rebuild batting and solve new-ball concerns before retention deadline, balancing core players against costly risks. Narine, Allen, Raghuvanshi, Rinku and Varun are retention choices, while Green and injured Pathirana pose difficult calls. KKR must weigh releases, role clarity and auction funds ahead of IPL 2027.

Craig Ervine becomes the oldest Test double-centurion in 75 years

Craig Ervine became the third-oldest player to score a Test double-century, making 206 at 41 years and 82 days as Zimbabwe drew with Afghanistan in Sharjah. His innings took Zimbabwe to 523/5, ending a 32-year drought for over-40 Test double-centurions and 26-year wait for a Zimbabwean double-century. Only Eric Rowan and Jack Hobbs were older.

Like looking in a mirror: Williamson’s chat with Kohli a day before retirement

Kane Williamson says a conversation with Virat Kohli the day before his June retirement helped him decide it was time to leave international cricket, as they discussed their changing priorities. Williamson retired midway through New Zealand’s Test series against England, having scored 19,356 runs. Their careers shared captaincy, family milestones and cricket’s ‘Fab Four’ era.

India eye series, New Zealand a win to stay alive

India have won the first two ODIs in New Zealand, but Hamilton’s rain-soaked, covered pitch could give the hosts a chance to revive the series by aiding seamers. India’s senior batters need longer innings, while New Zealand’s top order must support Daryl Mitchell; both attacks have impressed, with India’s seamers thriving even without Jasprit Bumrah.

Warner backs Khawaja’s Sandpapergate bombshell as ‘100 per cent accurate’

David Warner has backed Usman Khawaja’s claim that Australia’s entire team knew of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, calling his account “100 per cent accurate” and questioning the investigation’s thoroughness. Warner urged accountability and transparency, saying his daughters’ questions prompted him to speak. Khawaja’s book revived the controversy that brought bans for Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft.

India’s coaching staff split: Kotak, Morkel to join Test squad early for NZ challenge

India will split coaching staff ahead of the two-Test series against New Zealand, sending batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and bowling coach Morne Morkel to Wellington, while Gautam Gambhir and Sairaj Bahutule remain with the ODI team. Beginning November 19, the Tests carry World Test Championship stakes, as India seek their first win since 2009.

Struggling for runs, Marnus Labuschagne dropped for New Zealand Tests

Labuschagne is out of Australia’s Test squad for New Zealand’s series beginning December 13, with selectors giving him time to regain form for Queensland. Bailey said Sheffield Shield performances could revive his chances for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and Ashes, following a 23.66 average in his last 10 Tests and 49 innings without a century.

New Zealand call in Clarke as Tickner's cover ahead of 3rd ODI against India

New Zealand have added Kristian Clarke as cover for Blair Tickner before Tuesday’s third ODI against India, while Lockie Ferguson will miss the final two games with a calf tear. Tickner must observe the ICC’s seven-day stand-down after being replaced, while Henry targets a fourth-ODI return and Jamieson stays; several players leave Wednesday for Test preparations.

Gurnoor Brar stakes claim for ODI World Cup with New Zealand show

Gurnoor Brar’s seven wickets in India’s first two New Zealand ODIs strengthen his case as a 2027 World Cup prospect, with pace, height and control proving effective. His four-wicket haul helped secure a rain-shortened four-run win in Wellington, where short balls and hard lengths dismantled New Zealand’s top order. Though conditions aided movement, Brar showed tactical discipline.

Mike Hesson to continue as Pakistan's intertim Test coach until end of WTC cycle

Pakistan white-ball coach Mike Hesson will remain interim head coach of the Test team through the current World Test Championship cycle, including next year’s series against New Zealand, the PCB says. His future and the next cycle’s Test coach will be decided after the 2027 World Cup. Hesson took charge during Pakistan’s England tour after Sarfaraz Ahmed’s dismissal, amid criticism of his influence over selection.

Rajput's fighting 107 goes in vain as Zahoor powers PAK to 3-wicket win over IND in U19 Asia Cup

Hamza Zahoor’s unbeaten century guided Pakistan U19 to a three-wicket victory over India, securing their second Asia Cup win and lifting them atop the group. Chasing 209, Pakistan slumped to 61/5 before Zahoor’s 107-run stand with Hasnain Abbas revived the innings. Earlier, Arjun Rajput’s 107 helped India post 208; Pakistan’s bowlers claimed three wickets apiece.

Jasprit Bumrah and his steely will to restart

Bumrah bowled six overs on his red-ball return against New Zealand A in Lincoln, conceding 11 runs without a wicket, as India assess his readiness for Wellington’s Test on November 19. After nearly a year away from Tests, the workload-managed fast bowler is rebuilding rhythm and seeking to improve his poor New Zealand record.

Babar Azam says Pakistan Test squad ready to fight against Sri Lanka

Babar Azam says overhauled Pakistan are ready for a fresh start against Sri Lanka in Monday’s Rawalpindi Test, after a 3-0 England defeat prompted team and coaching changes. Newcomers feature, while Azam hopes to end a 40-innings century drought. The two-Test series counts toward the World Test Championship, and Sri Lanka arrive under a new captain.