IPL 2025 to Stick with 74 Matches Amid Player Workload Concerns
The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will remain at 74 matches. The same number will be seen as in the last three seasons, despite the IPL having planned for one more game on its initial schedule for next year. According to reports, the IPL had outlined a growing schedule in its media rights tender for the 2023-27 cycle. This was said to project the next two seasons with 84 matches each in 2025 and 2026, then increase to 94 by 2027. Player Load Identified However, the IPL authorities have barred expansion in 2025 as they say that player load for Indians needs to be managed. This relates particularly to the WTC final where India will participate on June 11 at Lord’s, wherein players will need sufficient rest and preparation. BCCI on the Player’s Well-being Confirming recently, the outgoing BCCI secretary Jay Shah said that though the contract allows for up to 84 matches, the board is prioritizing player well-being. He also brought to notice the fact that the discretion to organize the IPL with either 74 or 84 matches each season lies with the BCCI. For 2025, they have opted for the conservative number. Media Rights and Special Package The BCCI sold the media rights of the IPL for 48,390.5 crores in 2022, for a sum approximating USD 6.2 billion, packaged in four categories including one, for instance, which contained high-profile matches such as playoff games. With an increase in the total number of games in the IPL, the number of matches in that special package rose and it included 18 with the total number of games amounting to 74. Had the IPL had been expanded to 84 matches, that special package would have increased to 20 games. IPL Tentative Schedule 2025 It’s not yet officially confirmed, however IPL 2025 probably will take place from mid-March to late May. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Yash Dayal’s Maiden Test Match Call-Up After 5 Sixes Nightmare
Imagine being the guy whose name resonates with school buses, not in cheers, but rather in taunts. Such was life for nearly a year for Yash Dayal after Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) Rinku Singh smashed him for five consecutive sixes in an IPL 2023 game where Dayal was representing the Gujrat Titans (GT). His quiet neighborhood in Allahabad had a new anthem overnight: “Rinkuuuuu Singh, Rinkuuu Singh, five sixes, five sixes!” His father, Chanderpal Dayal, too, stopped going outdoors, lest he became the subject of lots of fun and ridicule. His mother, Radha, stopped eating altogether, trying to understand why her son wasn’t saying a word. Family Power-Up Mode Activated! While most would’ve crumbled, Yash Dayal’s family went full “motivational speaker” on him. His father cited Stuart Broad, who bounced back after being smashed for six sixes by Yuvraj Singh and explained to Yash that he soon is going to represent India. Yash Dayal went into overdrive-changing from “the guy who got hit for five sixes” to “the guy taking wickets for fun.“ RCB to the Rescue Released by the Gujarat Titans, Yash Dayal found a new home in Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as IPL 2024 came around. Boy, did he deliver! With 15 wickets in 14 matches, Dayal wasn’t the punchline anymore; he was one of the main guys who took RCB into the playoffs and showed them that he was made of sterner stuff. Redemption Arc: Duleep Trophy Edition The ultimate revenge of Yash Dayal was not some viral social media post but a spell of fire in the Duleep Trophy 2024, in which he knocked over Mayank Agarwal and Riyan Parag in a jiffy. The selectors could no longer look the other way-the call-up came for the India Test squad for the Bangladesh series beginning on September 19, 2024. From Taunts to Triumph It has been a fairytale-like ride from five-sixes humiliation to Test cricket glory for Yash’s family. A chance to make his test match debut, Yash Dayal’s story is about how the best comebacks always happen after the toughest blows-or, in this case, five massive sixes. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
How An Ordinary Mumbai Boy Became A Household Name In Cricket
A young boy from Mumbai dreaming of playing cricket at the highest level spending countless hours on the bustling maidans of the city. That boy is Rohit Sharma and today he’s not just a cricketer but a legend in the making. From The Grassroots Rohit’s journey began in the narrow lanes of Borivali, where he first picked up a bat. As a child he was mesmerized by the game and with every swing, he inched closer to his dream. His raw talent was soon spotted by the Dronacharya Awardee, Mr. Dinesh Lad, who converted Rohit from a raw material to a finished product. Listen From Rohit’s Dronacharya Rohit quickly rose through the ranks, making his debut for Indian Cricket Team in 2007. However it wasn’t an easy ride. Early in his career, consistency eluded him and there were whispers about his potential being unfulfilled. Rohit earned his initial IPL contract at the Deccan Chargers in the inaugural season of the league and then shifted to the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2011 season. Since then Rohit has been the face of Mumbai Indians with his spectacular performances. Shifting To The Top Gear Everything changed in 2013 when Rohit was asked to open the innings in ODIs. It was as if a switch flipped. The world witnessed a different Rohit Sharma—one who could single-handedly change the course of a game. His elegant yet powerful stroke play earned him the nickname “Hitman” and a label that stuck after he smashed multiple double centuries, a record that stands unmatched. Rohit’s Family: A First Priority Beyond the cricket field, Rohit’s life is just as remarkable. He married Ritika Sajdeh in 2015, his close confidante and manager. Their bond is often highlighted in the media, especially their adorable daughter, Samaira, who was born in 2018. Rohit Sharma’s journey from the dusty maidans of Mumbai is a story of perseverance, raw talent and an unyielding love for the game. His rise to becoming one of the most feared openers in cricket didn’t happen overnight—it was the result of years of dedication and an unwavering belief in his abilities. Whether he’s smashing centuries at Wankhede or leading India to victory, Rohit embodies the spirit of a true sportsman. His story isn’t just about records and titles, it’s about inspiring millions to chase their dreams no matter where they start. The Sportz Planet Desk,Nitya Sutrave
Gabbar Calls Time On His Cricketing Career
Shikhar Dhawan, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, announced his retirement from international cricket after a glorious 14-year stint. The 38-year-old left-handed opening batsman took to social media on Saturday morning, 24th August, 2024 to share the news, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by cricket fans worldwide. Retirement Announcement “It’s important to turn the page to move forward in life and that’s why I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket,” Dhawan said in a video posted on his social media accounts. “I am leaving with peace in my heart that I played so long for India. I’ve told myself don’t feel sad that you won’t play for India anymore, but feel happy that you played for the country.“ Dhawan’s Final Appearance Dhawan last played competitive cricket in April 2024, turning out as the captain for Punjab Kings in the IPL. Across his international career, he compiled 24 centuries from 269 matches—17 in ODIs and seven in Tests—cementing his status as a modern-day great of the limited-overs format. Dhawan – A Modern Day Great Known for his consistency in ODIs, Dhawan retires as one of only eight players in the format’s history to score more than 5000 runs at an average of plus 40 with a strike rate above 90. Among Indians, he shared the feat with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Dhawan had last represented India in the ODI series against Bangladesh in December 2022. Dhawan’s Test Debut While Dhawan made his mark across all formats, it was his ODI performances that really set him apart. His journey to international stardom began with a sensational Test debut against Australia in Mohali in 2013, where he smashed an 85-ball century—the fastest by a Test debutant—and went on to score 187 runs in a match-winning effort. The Real ‘GABBAR’ Of The Champions Trophy Dhawan’s most prolific year came in 2013 when he scored 1162 runs in ODIs at an average of 50.52 and a strike rate of 97.89. The crowning moment of that year was his outstanding performance in the Champions Trophy, where he scored 363 runs in five innings with two hundreds, which piloted India to victory. This was the start of a potent opening partnership with Rohit Sharma, which, for now, is the fourth-best in ODI history and second-best for India, sitting only behind the legendary opening pair of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly. Key Contributions Over the next couple of years, Dhawan continued to excel in multi-team tournaments, topping the charts as India’s highest run-scorer in the 2014 Asia Cup, World Cup 2015, Champions Trophy 2017, and Asia Cup 2018. Thereby, pressure handling developed into his key asset in an India ODI setup. Injury Setback During the 2019 World Cup Dhawan’s ODI career was put on the brakes in 2019 when he got injured on the thumb during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 in England just after scoring a century against Australia at The Oval. Despite the setback, Dhawan’s contributions were recognized as he was entrusted with captaincy duties for India’s second string sides in the latter half of his career. Gabbar Belting It In The IPL Dhawan has had some success in IPL teams like Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings. Currently, he is the second-highest run-scorer in IPL history, just a run behind Virat Kohli, with 6769 runs from 221 innings, at a strike rate of 127.14. Dhawan’s Domestic Dominance But apart from his international and IPL exploits, Dhawan has also been an important domestic cricketer. He was a part of Delhi’s Ranji Trophy-winning team in the 2007-08 season, while at the Under-19 World Cup in 2004 he was the top run-scorer for India. Farewell to a Legend As Dhawan retires from international cricket, he leaves behind a legacy of being one of India’s greatest ODI players. What he has accomplished as a player and as a leader is for eternity, and the fans will always remember his fearless batting and trademark celebrations. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IPL 2025: Key Takeaways From IPL Franchises And BCCI Meeting
It was a crunch sitting at Wankhede Stadium where owners of IPL franchises sat on Wednesday, 31st July, 2024 to discuss the future of player retention and the highly debated mega auction system. It soon changed into a heated debate regarding the relevance and sustainability of the mega auction, and a huge divide among franchises became evident. Key Figures Raise Their Concerns It was inside a meeting on the fourth floor of the BCCI headquarters that some of the biggest names in the IPL ownership circle lambasted the mega auction. Shah Rukh Khan, owner of Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Kavya Maran were the most vocal against the mega auction, asking for it to be scrapped. Both teams were finalists in the IPL 2024 and hence, the owners argued that the present structure disrupts the continuity of a team, which is a precondition for brand building and the retention of fans’ interest. Tensions Flare Between KKR and PBKS Owners When it came to the process of retention, Shah Rukh Khan, as usual, got highly involved with KKR; an eyewitness said that Shah Rukh Khan was embroiled in a hot debate with Ness Wadia, Punjab Kings co-owner. It would go on to informed discussions, but Wadia later denied any personal vendetta and said all stakeholders’ interests needed to be taken into consideration. “I have known Shah Rukh for over 25 years. There is no animosity here,” said Wadia while outlining a solution fair for all franchises. SRH Supports KKR’s Stance Supporting the stance of KKR, Kavya Maran from SRH opined that smaller auctions perhaps was the way ahead considering the stress it was to have a balanced side with the existing system in place. Using Abhishek Sharma as an example, whose journey to consistency took years, she spoke of a developing story of times and investment required in young talent. Delhi Capitals Opposes To this end, on the other side of this argument, Parth Jindal of Delhi Capitals responded to this by supporting the mega auction. He said, “having a mega auction makes it fair and keeps us competitive“. He further said he did not like the view to have the Impact Player rule continued as it hampers the development of allrounders in Indian cricket. Others on the franchisee level present for the meeting were Kiran Kumar Grandhi of Delhi Capitals, Sanjiv Goenka of Lucknow Super Giants, Rupa Gurunath of Chennai Super Kings, Manoj Badale of Rajasthan Royals and Prathmesh Mishra of Royal Challengers Bangalore. Some, such as Ambanis of Mumbai Indians, used video conferencing. BCCI Responds and the Future Steps Finally, after the deliberations, the BCCI released a statement admitting to the various views expressed by the franchise owners. The Board said that the inputs regarding player regulations and commercial matters, including central merchandising and licensing, would be taken up by the IPL Governing Council and reconsidered. Still Awaiting the Final Verdict As the cricketing world has to now wait and watch for the final decision of the BCCI, the mega auction further does go on to underline the complexities of balancing competition with the business interests for the diverse stakeholders associated with the IPL. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Is Sanju Samson Caught Between Opportunities and Expectations?
Another opportunity, same old result. That’s how someone can probably describe Sanju Samson’s cricketing stint so far in the Indian jersey. Sanju Samson’s journey in T20I internationals has become a tale of missed opportunities and mounting pressure. Despite the fervent support from his fans and his long-standing presence in the Indian cricket circuit, Samson’s recent performances have left much to be desired. The stark reality of his recent innings—a golden duck followed by another zero in just four balls—has only intensified the debate about his place in the squad. A Decade In Indian Cricket Having been part of the Indian Cricket Team for nearly a decade, one would expect Samson to have made a more significant impact. Unfortunately, the numbers haven’t been kind to him. His struggle to secure a consistent spot in the playing XI is evident, with limited chances to prove his mettle. While he was benched throughout the T20 World Cup, the team’s success with Rishabh Pant in the XI did little to alleviate the mounting pressure on Samson. Misfiring With The Bat In the latest T20I series against Sri Lanka, Samson’s appearances have been underwhelming. He was dismissed for a duck in his second T20I and failed to make an impression in his subsequent opportunity. These setbacks have not only been disappointing for his fans but also challenging for Samson, who faces an uphill battle to secure his place in the team. Contrasting Fortunes In IPL Interestingly, Samson’s fortunes appear to be more favorable in the IPL. Leading the Rajasthan Royals, he consistently shows his skills and leadership. His performances in the IPL often shine brightly, a stark contrast to his T20I struggles. This disparity raises questions about the reasons behind his inconsistent performances when playing for the Indian Cricket Team. Despite his talent and occasional brilliance, Samson has struggled to replicate his IPL success in international matches. His one memorable knock—a century against South Africa in Paarl earlier this year—seems like a distant memory amidst his recent flops. For a player of his caliber, such inconsistencies are a cause for concern. Fierce Competition The competition for a place in the Indian Cricket Team is fierce, with players like Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan, and Jitesh Sharma all vying for the wicketkeeper position. In such a competitive environment, Samson’s challenges are not only with his performance but also with the pressure of competing against top-notch talent. Despite the challenges, Samson remains a cricketer who thrives in a supportive and relaxed environment. His ability to perform well when given a clear role and freedom to express himself has been evident in his IPL outings. However, replicating that form in international cricket remains a challenge. As Samson continues to navigate his career, the hope is that he will be granted the opportunity to showcase his true potential. With the right backing and a longer run in the team, there’s still a chance for him to rise to the occasion and solidify his place in the Indian cricketing lineup. For now, he remains a cricketer caught between the expectations of his fans and the harsh realities of international cricket. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IPL 2025: Here’s What Franchises Proposed Ahead Of 2025 Auction
In a series of feedback sessions with the Indian Premier League (IPL) officials, franchises have suggested several substantial changes to the player retention process, aiming to ensure more stability and strategic depth in team compositions. The next steps will be discussed in an upcoming meeting between IPL officials and franchise representatives, which will take place on 31st of July, 2024. Here are a couple of key suggestions from the franchises. 1. Mega Auction Cycle Change Franchises are advocating for the IPL mega auction to be held once every five years instead of the current three-year cycle. According to a senior franchise official, this change would offer multiple benefits, including the opportunity for teams to build continuity by developing young, especially uncapped Indian players. The longer cycle would incentivize franchises to continue investing in their grassroots academies without the immediate threat of losing nurtured talent to rival teams. 2. Retention and RTM Options Teams have proposed the ability to retain between four and six players, coupled with eight Right-to-Match (RTM) options. One of the franchise CEOs suggested allowing teams to retain one marquee player, such as the captain, with the rest being retained through RTMs, thus letting the market determine player prices and reducing potential dissatisfaction among retained players regarding their monetary value. 3. Salary Renegotiations Another proposal involves allowing franchises to renegotiate player salaries between mega auctions. This would help teams retain their core players and reach better terms with players originally acquired at lower prices. The process would be transparent, with new contracts declared to the IPL, however would be controlled by the franchise without players having the option to be released. Historical Context and Current Challenges Historically, the IPL has conducted mega auctions in four-year cycles twice in the last decade. The first was in 2018, following the 2014 auction and the return of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals from suspension. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the 2021 mega auction to be deferred by a year, leading to an extension of player contracts. Currently, franchises face challenges with players, particularly those who were uncapped and bought at low prices but have since become maga contributors or international players. These players might prefer re-entering the auction to secure higher contracts, which could be seen as unfair by the franchises that initially identified and developed them. Varied Responses to RTM-Only Proposal One of the franchises has proposed using only RTM options without any direct retentions, providing eight RTM options per team. The idea has received mixed reactions. Some franchises believe it promotes a level playing field, while others fear it could disrupt their auction strategy as rivals might drive up player prices. Focus on Fan Engagement Several franchises stretched on the importance of creating a loyal fan base. With frequent squad overhauls every three years, maintaining fan loyalty becomes challenging. Franchises argue that longer retention periods would help build stronger connections with fans, fostering a sense of loyalty and engagement. IPL officials and franchise representatives are expected to discuss these suggestions in detail in the forthcoming meeting. Other topics likely to be on the agenda include the Impact Player rule, which has received mixed feedback, the purse for the IPL 2025 auction and potential changes to the salary cap deduction for retained players. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IPL Franchise Owners Consider Investment In ECB’s The Hundred Amid Concerns Over Minority Stake
As the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) launches the fourth season of The Hundred, discussions around the privatization of the tournament’s eight franchises have intensified. The ECB’s plan involves selling a 49% stake in each team to private investors, while the remaining 51% will be retained by the existing ‘hosts’ – seven counties and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) for London Spirit. Reservations About Minority Stake This proposal has drawn interest from owners of several Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. However, many express reservations about the minority stake being offered, fearing it could lead to a lack of control over the franchises. Concerns Highlighted by IPL Franchise Official The concerns were highlighted by an official from an IPL-winning franchise, who preferred to remain anonymous. “In all other franchise investments, we are 100% owners. Here, it’s going to be a joint venture. There’s valuation, ownership, and operational matters to consider – these issues come to the fore immediately,” the official said. ECB Acknowledges Investor Concerns Vikram Banerjee, the ECB’s Head of Business Operations, acknowledged these concerns. During his trip to India for IPL 2024, he met with various franchise owners to discuss the proposed model. “For a number of them, it’s around things like brand, control of cricket operations, and majority stakes from an equity perspective,” Banerjee explained. “We understand where they are at and have built that into the process.“ MCC and Surrey’s Stance on Stake Divestment Among the eight franchises, the MCC has stated it will consider selling part or all of its 51% stake, pending approval from its members. In contrast, Surrey, the owners of the Oval Invincibles, have declared no intention to divest any of their stake. Possibility of 100% Ownership Richard Gould, the ECB’s Chief Executive, did not rule out the possibility of investors acquiring a 100% stake, provided they meet various criteria. “There’s certainly the opportunity for people to have, potentially, 100% ownership,” Gould stated. “It depends on the capabilities they bring in terms of finance and operational delivery.“ Importance of Chemistry in Joint Ventures Venky Mysore, CEO of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), emphasized the importance of chemistry between investors and existing stakeholders. “Ultimately in any joint venture, it boils down to the chemistry recipe,” Mysore said. “The existing shareholder group has existed for 100-plus years, and suddenly, you have a new investor coming in. Can you work together? Because this is for the long run.“ Open Approach to Minority Stake A couple of IPL franchise owners, however are more open to starting with a minority stake. A CEO from another IPL team mentioned that a 49% stake would be a good starting point, with the option to increase their investment gradually. “The key question is how much that 49% constitutes of the overall value. If that number is too huge and I’m not sure of the returns, I’d rather take a small share to begin with, with the option to increase my stake over time.“ Balancing Control and Investment Value The ECB has clarified that the highest bid will not necessarily win. They seek partners keen on supporting the growth of the game at all levels, beyond just financial contributions. As the formal bidding process approaches, starting mid-September, the future of The Hundred and its appeal to IPL franchise owners hinges on balancing control, investment value, and operational harmony. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IPL 2025: Rahul Dravid To Potentially Join Rajasthan Royals As Head Coach
Former Indian Cricket Team head coach Rahul Dravid, might soon make a comeback to the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the head coach of Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2025 season. Sources revealed that the discussions are ongoing between Dravid and the franchise and fans could expect an official announcement soon. DRAVID’S CONNECTION WITH RR The 51-year-old, who recently led the Indian Cricket Team to victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, has a deep connection with Rajasthan Royals. He previously captained the Royals and played a crucial role in taking them to the final of the Champions League T20 in 2013. Even after retiring, Dravid stayed involved, mentoring the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2014 and IPL 2015 before moving on to coach various levels of Indian cricket. As a coach he has been very supportive towards his players and captains bot at the Royals and at the Indian Cricket Team. “Talks are going on between Dravid and RR and an announcement in this regard is round the corner,” a source familiar with the talks revealed. JOURNEY WITH THE INDIAN CRICKET TEAM Dravid’s coaching journey with the Indian Cricket Team reached its pinnacle with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup victory in June this year. His strategic approach towards the players and guidance helped Rohit Sharma and his Indian Cricket Team to secure their second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title. It was a moment of immense pride for Dravid, who had faced a setback in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final against Australia. A ROYAL HOMECOMING ON THE CARDS Having also served as the head coach after succeeding Ravi Shastri in 2021 and as chairman of the National Cricket Academy, Dravid’s potential return to the IPL with the Rajasthan Royals hints at a promising new chapter. The Rajasthan Royals is renowned for nurturing young talent and Dravid’s vast experience and knowledge could be a massive boost for the Royals. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IPL 2025: KL Rahul To Potentially Move From RCB To LSG
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) gears up for its mega auction ahead of the 2025 season, the rumor mill is abuzz with speculations that could reshape the landscape of the tournament. One of the most intriguing whispers making the rounds is the potential move of KL Rahul from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Rahul’s Stint with LSG: A Rocky Ride KL Rahul’s journey with LSG has been marked by ups and downs. Despite his talent and leadership qualities, his tenure with the franchise has not been as smooth as expected. Reports of a strained relationship with the franchise owner had surfaced after a heated post-match discussion between the two went viral during IPL 2024 after KL Rahul and his LSG were put to the sword by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). This tension, coupled with the team’s inconsistent performance, has led to speculation that Rahul might be seeking a fresh start. The RCB Connection: A Homecoming for Rahul? The prospect of KL Rahul returning to RCB has created a buzz among fans and analysts. Rahul, who has a strong connection with Bangalore, having played for the franchise earlier in his career, is seen as a perfect fit for RCB’s ambitions. His familiarity with the Chinnaswamy Stadium and the local fan base adds an emotional element to this potential move. Leadership at RCB: A New Era? If the move materializes, Rahul is likely to take over the captaincy from Faf du Plessis. While Du Plessis has led RCB to the playoffs two out of three times, his advancing age (40) might be a factor for the team management to consider a change in leadership. Rahul, with his experience of leading both LSG and Punjab Kings (PBKS), brings a wealth of knowledge and tactical acumen to the table. Rahul’s Impact: A Power Move for RCB For RCB, acquiring KL Rahul would be a powerful move. His ability to anchor the innings while also accelerating the scoring rate makes him a valuable asset. Most importantly, Rahul’s leadership could provide the stability and strategic vision needed for RCB to finally secure their maiden IPL trophy. The IPL never ceases to surprise and the upcoming season promises to be no different. Whether KL Rahul dons the RCB jersey once again remains to be seen, but one thing is certain, the IPL 2025 season is shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle, with major potential player movements the buzz is on. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye