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Alastair Cook set to replace Brendon McCullum as England head coach? Batting legend breaks silence
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Alastair Cook set to replace Brendon McCullum as England head coach? Batting legend breaks silence


Legendary batter Sir Alastair Cook has publicly addressed rumors of him succeeding Brendon McCullum as England’s Test head coach after another Ashes loss to Australia.

Recently, former England captain Michael Atherton suggested that Cook could be a strong candidate to replace Brendon McCullum as head coach in the future. The idea quickly drew attention, forcing Cook to address the speculation publicly.

Alastair Cook Breaks Silence on England Head Coach Rumors to Replace Brendon McCullum

The legendary batter made it clear that no formal approach has been made. However, Cook did not shut the door on the idea completely, saying he would like to be involved with the England team and try to make a positive difference to English cricket at some point in his life.

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Read Also: Harry Brook Mocks Australia’s Historic No-Spinner Gamble At SCG

Alastair Cook was quoted as saying by TNT Sports: “The only thing I will say about it is the article needed to be 800 words, and Mike Atherton had done 600 and used the final 200 and threw something in. Look, at some stage in my life, would I like to be involved in the England cricket team? I think I would like to try and make a difference.”

Ashes Nightmare in Australia Pushes McCullum Closer to the Exit Door

Brendon McCullum is already under immense pressure, and he is highly likely to be sacked after the conclusion of the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 in Australia. Ben Stokes and Co. suffered embarrassing defeats in the first three tests to lose the Urn to the Kangaroos yet again.

With England not winning the Ashes since 2015, tough calls are on the cards. Brendon McCullum has been in charge of England’s Test team since Chris Silverwood stepped down in 2022.

While the side has played an exciting brand of cricket under his leadership, England has yet to reach the ICC World Test Championship final during his time as head coach and has now lost another Ashes series to Australia.

Bazball’s failure to bring trophies has put both Stokes and McCullum under immense pressure. However, they stressed to continue with their roles, but there have been huge calls for the coach’s sacking, as he is not changing his ultra-aggressive approach despite poor results.

Read Also: Sunil Gavaskar destroys England over poor Ashes 2025-26 show: “Their bats have only edges or holes”

However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has kept tight lips on the growing demands of sacking Brendon McCullum as Test head coach.

Cook Addresses the Speculation

The 41-year-old legend confirmed that the ECB has not contacted him about any coaching role so far. Cook said that he really respects Brendon McCullum and others who are already in charge and just waiting to see how things unfold in the future, hinting he is ready to take up the role if he is offered.

The Englishman signed off by saying, “I don’t know whether that is the next bit or whatever. At the moment, there are people in jobs and all that kind of stuff. And there has been zero contact. Zero in it. Let’s just see.”

Cook’s Unmatched Credentials and Potential Vision

Despite not having formal coaching experience, Alastair Cook’s credentials are unparalleled in Test cricket. As England’s all-time leading run-scorer with 12,472 runs in 161 Tests and a respected former captain, he symbolizes the red-ball pedigree and mental fortitude the role demands.

Cook also enjoyed a decent record as England captain, taking the side to 24 wins in a record 59 Test matches and becoming their joint-second most successful Test captain. He also captained England to 36 wins in ODI cricket out of 69 matches.



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“Ruturaj Gaikwad could’ve been selected in the squad in place of…”
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“Ruturaj Gaikwad could’ve been selected in the squad in place of…”


Former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh has raised questions over the 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting on January 11. Ramesh questioned why Ruturaj Gaikwad was left out of the squad and also criticized the decision to include Nitish Kumar Reddy.

On Saturday, January 3, the Board of Control for Cricket in India announced the squad for the home ODI series. Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 105 runs off 83 balls while batting at No. 4 against South Africa in Raipur. Nitish Kumar has limited ODI experience, scoring 27 runs in just two matches and taking no wickets.

Ruturaj Gaikwad Could’ve Been Selected in the Squad – Sadagoppan Ramesh

Speaking in a video uploaded on his official Instagram account, Sadagoppan Ramesh stated that Ruturaj Gaikwad deserved a place in the squad. He added that it is not certain whether Nitish Kumar Reddy will contribute with the bat or the ball or even make the playing XI.

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“He could’ve been selected in the squad in place of someone like Nitish Kumar Reddy. Why is a fifth seam-bowling option required? Whether or not Reddy will bat or bowl is unclear. When it’s not even clear whether he will feature in the eleven, someone like Gaikwad should’ve been there in the squad,” Ramesh stated.

India Doesn’t Need a Fifth Seam-Bowling Option – Sadagoppan Ramesh

Ramesh stated that Gaikwad should have been picked regardless of Shreyas Iyer’s fitness. He said that India did not need an extra seam-bowling option for a home series. The former batter added that Gaikwad would have been a reliable option if Iyer failed a fitness test.

“India doesn’t need a fifth seam-bowling option in the original squad for a home series. Even if there is an injury in the squad, someone can be called up soon as it is a home series. What they may have thought is if Shreyas Iyer doesn’t clear the fitness test, Ruturaj Gaikwad can slot into the playing eleven. Even if Iyer is fit and plays all three matches, I feel Gaikwad was a must in the squad,” Ramesh added.

India have picked Shreyas Iyer in the squad, but his place depends on passing a fitness test. He is expected to turn out for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on January 6.

Selectors Rewarded Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad should… – Sadagoppan Ramesh

Sadagoppan Ramesh stated that the selectors rewarded Yashasvi Jaiswal despite Shubman Gill returning to the side. Ramesh added that Gaikwad deserved similar backing, given his strong performances for India while batting out of position.

“A friend called me discussed how well Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel are performing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy but failed to make it to the Indian squad. But Ruturaj Gaikwad has missed out despite sensational performances for India. Bad luck for that guy. He should have at least been in the squad, given he scored a ton in the previous series. The way selectors rewarded Yashasvi Jaiswal, Gaikwad should have been too.”

“Okay, he scored a hundred by batting out of position and the selectors asked him to vacate the spot since the original candidate returned. Now if he goes out of form in domestic cricket and the selectors use that to keep him out of the side, it doesn’t seem justified.”

The ODI series against New Zealand will start in Vadodara on January 11. Following the ODI series, the teams will play a five-match T20I series. India will go into the contest with confidence after winning their recent series against South Africa 2-1.

Also read: Ruturaj Gaikwad turns Rohit Sharma in Vijay Hazare Trophy to reclaim ODI spot after axing



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Brisbane Heat Playing XI vs Sydney Sixers- BBL 2025-26, Match 24
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Brisbane Heat Playing XI vs Sydney Sixers- BBL 2025-26, Match 24


Sydney Sixers will face the Brisbane Heat in the twenty-fourth match of the Big Bash League. This article provides details about the Brisbane Heat’s Playing 11 vs Sydney Sixers for the upcoming match.

Brisbane Heat Playing XI vs Sydney Sixers- BBL 2025-26, Match 24:

Openers: Colin Munro, Jack Wildermuth

Brisbane Heat would look to replicate the same performance that the team delivered in the last game against the Melbourne Stars to end their winning run in the ongoing season and consolidate their position in the top five by doing so.

The Nathan McSweeney-led side got over the line in the final over of the match courtesy of a timely knock by Max Bryant and Xavier Batlett, who took the team to safety after the Heat underwent a collapse in the middle overs after a good start.

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The team management would hope for the batters to avoid the mistakes they made in the last game and get the job done if they get off to a start.

The onus will be on the opening pair of Colin Munro and Jack Wildermur to lay a platform for the incoming batters to capitalize on as they did against the Stars.

Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Nathan McSweeney (c), Matthew Renshaw, Max Bryant, Hugh Weibgen, Jimmy Peirson (wk)

If we talk about the performance of Brisbane Heat’s middle order in the last match, it failed to make the most of the good work done by McSweeney and Renshaw, and would want to make up for it in this particular match.

Hugh Weibgen was dismissed quickly after the dismissal of two set batters, and it took a special effort from Max Bryant to get the team over the line.

Bryant was supported by Jimmy Peirson and Xavier Bartlett, who scored 14 runs off 8 balls and 21 runs off nine balls, respectively, which helped the team clinch an unlikely win.

The captain would want the middle-order batters to take more responsibility and avoid a collapse in the next match against an in-form bowling lineup of the Sixers.

Bowlers: Xavier Bartlett, Thomas Balkin, Matthew Kuhnemann, Ollie Peterson

As far as the Brisbane Heat’s bowling attack is concerned, it comprises names like Xavier Bartlett, who is one of the most experienced bowler in the bowling attack, which also has Thomas Balkin, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Ollie Peterson.

The captain. would bank on each of the team’s bowlers to have a good outing and restrict the batting lineup of the Sixers, which possesses in-form batters like the opening duo of Babar Azam and Daniel Hughes.

Brisbane Heat is expected to comprise three fast bowlers and one spin bowling option for this particular game, along with having the all-round abilities of Jack Wildermuth and part-time spin of Matt Renshaw to complete the bowling attack of the former winners.

All things said, it has to be a complete bowling effort from every bowler in the Brisbane Heat bowling lineup in order to keep the Sydney Sixers batters in check.



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What happens if Bangladesh withdraw from T20 World Cup 2026? All possible scenarios explained
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What happens if Bangladesh withdraw from T20 World Cup 2026? All possible scenarios explained


A growing standoff between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) over venue security concerns in India has escalated the situation into a real threat of Bangladesh withdrawing from the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

What Happens if Bangladesh Withdraws from the T20 World Cup 2026? All Scenarios & ICC Rules Explained

The relations between India and Bangladesh have been turning sour due to attacks on Hindu minorities in the country. This led the BCCI to order Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to drop from the squad for the upcoming IPL 2026. And this call was taken as an insult by Bangladesh.

Following the Mustafizur Rahman episode and the safety concerns raised at the government level, Bangladesh has decided against travelling to India for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and has instead pushed for its matches to be played in Sri Lanka, the joint host of the mega event.

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Read Also: Bangladesh officially announce T20 World Cup 2026 boycott, refuse to travel to India over security fears

Currently, Bangladesh is slotted in Group C alongside West Indies, England, Italy, and Nepal. Three of those group matches are set for Eden Gardens in Kolkata, while the remaining game is scheduled at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

Bangladesh’s refusal to play in India has put the ICC under heavy pressure to find a solution that does not disrupt the entire event. However, the ICC has three possible ways to handle the situation, but the timing of the decision will play a huge role in what becomes realistic.

Scenario 1: The ICC’s Middle Ground

The best possible solution is that the ICC agree to Bangladesh’s demand and shift their group matches to Sri Lanka while keeping the rest of the tournament exactly as planned.

This would protect the 20-team format, and they would not need to make major venue adjustments. However, it can create a logistical nightmare for fans, broadcasters, and the schedules of other teams.

Scenario 2: Forfeits & A Broken Group

The second scenario comes into play if the ICC refuses to move the games and Bangladesh still chooses not to travel to India for the tournament. In that case, the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 could continue with Bangladesh’s matches “awarded” to their opponents.

According to the rules, West Indies, England, Italy, and Nepal would be named the winners and awarded the points even without playing, while Bangladesh’s campaign would be declared dead.

Scenario 2: The Sporting Nightmare

The third and most extreme outcome would be a complete withdrawal by Bangladesh. This move would leave the ICC in a difficult position, as the governing body would have to either find a replacement at short notice or allow the tournament to move forward with forfeited fixtures.

Replacing a team would maintain a competitive balance, but it becomes more complicated as the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is now just weeks away. If a replacement is needed, the process is far from straightforward, and it would be a headache for the governing body.

Read Also: BCB revokes Mustafizur Rahman’s NOC, rules pacer out of IPL FOREVER

T20 World Cup Shake-Up Looms as ICC Has No Ready Replacement

There is no fixed backup team for the T20 World Cup. If Bangladesh pulls out, the ICC will choose a replacement on its own, looking at recent form, how teams qualified, how quickly they can travel, and whether they can fit into the schedule smoothly.

Scotland are one of the strongest Associate sides, and they have even replaced a World Cup team in the past. In 2009, Scotland stepped in after Zimbabwe withdrew. But the 2026 qualification results make the decision more complicated.

In the Europe Regional Final, the Netherlands and Italy qualified, and Jersey finished above Scotland. If the ICC follows qualification results strictly instead of reputation, Jersey could be picked. Other teams egions could also be considered, but the ICC is likely to prefer a team that can join the tournament without causing travel or scheduling problems.



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Sydney Sixers Playing XI vs Brisbane Heat- BBL 2025-26, Match 24
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Sydney Sixers Playing XI vs Brisbane Heat- BBL 2025-26, Match 24


Sydney Sixers will be up against the Brisbane Heat in the twenty-fourth match of the Big Bash League. This article provides details about the Sydney Sixers’ Playing 11 vs Brisbane Heat for the twenty-fourth match of the tournament.

Sydney Sixers Playing XI vs Brisbane Heat- BBL 2025-26, Match 24

Openers: Babar Azam, Daniel Hughes

Sydney Sixers would be satisfied with their performance in the last game against the Melbourne Renegades and would want to put on a similar effort in the upcoming game against the Brisbane Heat to register their third win of the season.

The Moises Henriques-led side clicked in all three departments of the game and delivered what can be termed as a near-perfect performance.

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The win was set up by the bowlers, who restricted the opposition to a chaseable total, with the openers doing the rest by getting the team off to a good start.

Both Babar Azam and Daniel Hughes played their part in the opening partnership, with the former scoring an unbeaten half-century and the latter playing a quick-fire innings of 30 runs.

The opening duo will be entrusted to do more of the same against the Brisbane Heat and make things easy for the middle order batters by providing a platform for them to make the most of and keep the pressure on the opposition bowlers.

Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Josh Philippe (wk), Moises Henriques (c), Jordan Silk, Jack Edwards

As far as the middle order of the Sydney Sixers is concerned, it comprises names like Josh Philippe, captain Moises Henriques, Jordan Silk, and Jack Edwards

Each of the above-mentioned batters have the ability to turn the game in their team’s favour courtesy of a match-winning performance and would hope to deliver one in the match that the team is scheduled to play next against the Brisbane Heat.

All eyes will be on the captain of the team, Moises Henriques, to lead from the front and come up with a strong performance.

Henriques would hope to get good support from experienced batters like Jordon Silk and Josh Philippe.

If the batting lineup of the Sixers is able to play to their full potential, the opposition bowlers will have their task cut out and will find it difficult to restrict the flow of runs.

Bowlers: Ben Dwarshuis, Joel Davies, Ben Manenti, Sean Abbott, Hayden Kerr

If we talk about the bowling attack of the Sydney Sixers for the upcoming match, it is expected to feature experienced names like Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, and Hayden Kerr.

The trio will be banked upon to pick wickets at regular intervals and make things easy for the bowlers against a batting lineup that would be high on confidence following a hard-fought win in the previous match.

The above-mentioned names will be assisted by Joel Davies and Ben Manenti, who will also look to put on a strong performance.

Every bowler in the lineup of the Sixers will have to put their hand up at different points in the game in order to increase the team’s chances of winning.



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ILT20 Final, Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates: Broadcast and Live Streaming details – When and watch in India, USA, UK and other countries
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ILT20 Final, Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates: Broadcast and Live Streaming details – When and watch in India, USA, UK and other countries



The stage is set for an exciting finale as Desert Vipers face MI Emirates in the ILT20 2025-26 final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, January 4.

For the Desert Vipers, the occasion represents a golden opportunity to clinch their maiden ILT20 title after a dominant campaign. MI Emirates, meanwhile, are chasing their second championship, relying on big-match pedigree and late-season momentum to spoil the Vipers’ party.

Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates: Head-to-Head Record in ILT20

The rivalry between the two finalists has been evenly contested, but Desert Vipers hold a slender advantage. In nine previous meetings, the Vipers lead MI Emirates 5-4, including a commanding 45-run victory in Qualifier 1 on December 30.

That match was defined by a sensational unbeaten 120 from Andries Gous, which dismantled the MI Emirates bowling attack and underlined the Vipers’ batting depth. However, MI Emirates quickly responded to that setback by demolishing Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Qualifier 2, led by a vintage all-round performance from Kieron Pollard.

Desert Vipers: Consistency, Balance and a shot at history

Under the leadership of Sam Curran, Desert Vipers have been the most consistent side of the season. They finished the league stage at the top of the table with eight wins from ten matches, securing direct qualification to Qualifier 1 and valuable rest ahead of the final.

The Vipers’’batting has been spearheaded by Phil Salt, who leads the team’s run charts with 255 runs. His aggressive starts have frequently set the tone for commanding totals. In the bowling department, Ajay Kumar has been the standout performer, claiming 16 wickets and consistently striking in the middle overs. The pace attack has been further strengthened by the presence of Naseem Shah, whose raw speed and movement make him a constant threat.

Despite their impressive run, memories of last season’s final defeat still linger.

MI Emirates: Kieron Pollard’s experience fuels title push

MI Emirates arrive at the final with a very different journey behind them. Their season began unevenly, managing just two wins from their first five matches. However, the side found rhythm at the perfect time, stringing together five consecutive victories to storm into the playoffs.

Captain Pollard has once again proven his value as a leader in crunch situations. Known for his success across leagues worldwide, Pollard believes experience in high-pressure matches could be decisive. “We’ve lost players but rallied; understanding what wins matters,” he stated after their Qualifier 2 triumph.

MI Emirates’ strength lies in their ability to absorb setbacks and respond with authority. While they stumbled against the Vipers in Qualifier 1, their emphatic rebound showcased the depth and resilience that make them dangerous opponents in a final.

Squads

Desert Vipers: Fakhar Zaman, Andries Gous (wk), Max Holden, Jason Roy, Sam Curran(c), Hasan Nawaz, Dan Lawrence, Sanjay Pahal, David Payne, Usman Tariq, Khuzaima Tanveer, Matiullah Khan, Tom Bruce, Zafar Gohar, Naseem Shah, Qais Ahmad, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Vriitya Aravind, Faisal Khan, Bilal Tahir, Tawanda Muyeye

MI Emirates: Muhammad Waseem, Andre Fletcher, Tom Banton (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Kieron Pollard (c), Romario Shepherd, Allah Ghazanfar, Arab Gul Momand, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Zahoor Khan, Usman Khan Shinwari, Nosthush Kenjige, Tajinder Dhillon, Dan Mousley, Kadeem Alleyne, Chris Woakes, Sunny Patel, Ackeem Auguste, Naveen-ul-Haq, Jordan Thompson, Mohamed Shafeeq, Zain Ul Abidin

Also WATCH: Jason Holder’s shocking no ball in the Eliminator frustrates Andre Russell and Michael Pepper in ILT20 2025-26

Broadcast and Live Streaming details

  • India: Z Network (&Pictures SD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Action, Zee Thirai – SD, Zee Cinemalu and on OTT platform Zee 5)
  • North America:  Sling TV – Willow TV (sign up here)
  • Afghanistan: Ariana
  • Bangladesh: T Sports
  • Caribbean: Rush Sports
  • Pakistan: PTV Sports, Geo Super (TV); Tamasha, Myco, Tapmad (Digital)
  • MENA: Cricbuzz on STARZPLAY and Etisalat
  • Sri Lanka: Dialog
  • UK: Sky Sports
  • Rest of the world: ILT20 Official (YouTube), Sports Central

Also WATCH: Shimron Hetmyer pulls off a stunning grab to dismiss Nicholas Pooran in ILT20 2025-26



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Alastair Cook opens up on possibility of becoming England’s next head coach
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Alastair Cook opens up on possibility of becoming England’s next head coach



Former England captain Alastair Cook has addressed growing speculation surrounding his potential involvement with the England Test team as a future head coach. With Brendon McCullum currently in charge, recent media discussions have linked Cook as a possible long-term successor. While the former opener confirmed that no formal approach has been made, he admitted that contributing to England cricket in a meaningful role is something he would welcome in the future.

Michael Atherton column puts Alastair Cook’s name in spotlight

The debate gained momentum after former England skipper Michael Atherton suggested in a newspaper column that Cook would be an ideal candidate to eventually take over the head coach role. McCullum was appointed in 2022 following the exit of Chris Silverwood, bringing with him a bold and attacking philosophy that has reshaped England’s Test cricket approach.

Despite notable series victories and a revived style of play, England are yet to qualify for an ICC World Test Championship final under McCullum’s leadership, which has occasionally prompted discussions around the team’s long-term future.

Cook opens up on the possibility of becoming England’s next coach

Speaking on TNT Sports, Cook initially brushed off the suggestion in his typically understated manner. The former England opener joked that Atherton may simply have been looking to fill space in his article.

“The only thing I will say about it is the article needed to be 800 words and Mike Atherton had done 600 and used the final 200 and threw something in,” Cook said with a laugh.

His response reflected the humility that defined much of his playing career, during which he became England’s highest Test run-scorer and one of the most reliable openers in the modern game.

While Cook downplayed the immediate speculation, he did not rule out the possibility of returning to the England setup in a non-playing capacity. The former captain admitted that influencing the national side at some stage of his life is an ambition he holds.

“Look, at some stage in my life, would I like to be involved in the England cricket team? I think I would like to try and make a difference,” Cook added.

Also WATCH: Ashes 2025-26: Australia and England players unite to give Guard of Honour to Bondi terror attack victims at SCG

Cook was also keen to clarify that there has been no communication from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) regarding any coaching role. He stressed that the current management team remains firmly in place and that any talk of succession is purely speculative.

“At the moment there are people in jobs and all that kind of stuff. And there has been zero contact. Zero in it. Let’s just see,” he concluded.

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Joe Root and Harry Brook steady England on rain-hit Day 1 of Sydney Test



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From emerging player to WPL 2026 winner: Deepti Sharma shares bold predictions for the Women’s Premier League
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From emerging player to WPL 2026 winner: Deepti Sharma shares bold predictions for the Women’s Premier League



The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is right around the corner, and the excitement is building as the five franchises prepare for another high-octane season. Ahead of the much-anticipated tournament, Star Sports conducted an exclusive interview with India’s premier all-rounder, Deepti Sharma. During the conversation, Deepti shared her insights on the upcoming matches, potential breakout stars, and her personal expectations. Fans are eagerly waiting to see if this edition can top the previous seasons in terms of intensity and talent. Deepti’s responses have already sparked significant discussion regarding the favorites for the opening clash and the overall title.

Deepti Sharma’s WPL 2026 predictions: From emerging player to winner

  • When asked about the player with the calmest mind and smartest shot selection during crunch moments, Deepti displayed her trademark confidence, stating that ‘it can be anyone including she herself or Sophie Ecclestone’ while humble enough to mention herself or her teammate Sophie Ecclestone as prime candidates for that role.
  • Moving to the future of the league, she identified Kranti Gaud as the emerging player of the tournament, noting that her rhythm has been exceptional following a solid performance last season.
  • For the power-hitting department, Deepti predicted that Phoebe Litchfield would be the highest six-hitter this season, highlighting the Australian’s explosive potential.
  • Regarding the winner of high-profile WPL 2026 opening clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), she chose to remain neutral, calling both teams champions and stating that the win will simply go to whoever plays better on the day.
  • Deepti also expressed her patriotic hope for an Indian player to bag the Orange Cap, saying she would be “very happy” if any Indian across the five teams achieved the feat.
  • Finally, when discussing the winner of WPL 2026 edition, she firmly backed her own team, the UP Warriorz, expressing a strong desire for them to “cross the barrier” and lift the trophy for the first time since they have yet to reach a final.

Also READ: BCCI announces complete schedule for WPL 2026; Royal Challengers Bengaluru will battle Mumbai Indians in the opener

Performance of UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League so far

The UP Warriorz have been a team of “close calls” throughout the WPL’s history. In the inaugural 2023 season, they showed great promise by reaching the Eliminator but were ultimately knocked out by Mumbai Indians. The 2024 and 2025 seasons saw them fighting hard, with Deepti Sharma emerging as their most consistent performer; notably, she was the leading run-scorer for the team and the league’s 4th highest overall in 2024, earning the “Player of the Tournament” award.

Following the departure of Alyssa Healy, the management made a significant captaincy decision by officially naming Deepti Sharma as the full-time captain for the 2026 edition. Having previously led the side in Healy’s absence, Deepti’s deep understanding of the squad and her current “rhythm” as the world’s top-ranked all-rounder make her the natural choice to lead the Warriorz. With a revamped squad featuring stars like Sophie Ecclestone and emerging talent Kranti Gaud, the team is heavily betting on Deepti’s leadership to finally secure their maiden WPL title.

Also READ: Lauren Bell reacts after becoming the most expensive buy for RCB in WPL 2026 Auction

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.



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IPL 2026: 3 players PBKS can sign to replace Lockie Ferguson if he misses out
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IPL 2026: 3 players PBKS can sign to replace Lockie Ferguson if he misses out


In a major blow for both New Zealand and the Punjab Kings (PBKS), express pacer Lockie Ferguson is likely to miss a significant chunk of the 2026 cricket calendar. After sustaining a serious calf injury during his ILT20 stint with the Desert Vipers in late December 2025, Ferguson is now a major doubt for the T20 World Cup 2026 in February and the subsequent IPL 2026 season.

PBKS, who showed immense faith in the Black Caps speedster by retaining him for INR 2 crore, now face a tactical dilemma. With the IPL 2026 season fast approaching, Ricky Ponting and the PBKS management must look for a replacement who can replicate Ferguson’s wicket-taking threat.

3 players PBKS can sign to replace Lockie Ferguson if he misses out

1) Riley Meredith (Australia)

If PBKS are looking for a like-for-like replacement in terms of sheer pace, Riley Meredith stands out as the most obvious candidate. The Australian quick regularly clocks speeds north of 145 kmph and thrives on pitches offering bounce and carry—conditions that suit the PCA Stadium in Mullanpur perfectly.

Why he fits: Meredith’s raw pace and ability to hit hard lengths make him a genuine wicket-taking option in the middle overs. On his day, he can dismantle batting line-ups with short, hostile spells.

The PBKS factor: Meredith has previously represented Punjab Kings and is already familiar with the franchise environment. Working under fellow Australian Ricky Ponting could help him iron out consistency issues that have plagued him in the past. Additionally, PBKS already boast Australian pacers Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis, which could ease Meredith’s transition back into the setup.

2) Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan)

One of the most improved T20 bowlers in world cricket over the last two years, Fazalhaq Farooqi offers a different—but equally effective—skill set compared to Ferguson. Rather than raw pace, the Afghan left-armer relies on swing, accuracy, and clever variations.

Why he fits: Farooqi is a specialist with the new ball, capable of swinging it both ways at pace, and has significantly upgraded his death-over skills. He finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, underlining his ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage.

The PBKS factor: Farooqi has prior ties with the franchise, having worked as a net bowler for Punjab in 2020. His inclusion would add crucial left-arm variety, forming a potent combination alongside Arshdeep Singh and giving PBKS greater flexibility across different phases of the innings.

Also READ: IPL 2026: 3 players Punjab Kings can sign to replace Shreyas Iyer if he misses out

3) Gerald Coetzee (South Africa)

Gerald Coetzee would be a dream replacement for PBKS. Nicknamed the ‘Karate Kid’ of South African cricket, Coetzee brings raw aggression, high pace, and an infectious competitive energy that lifts the entire bowling unit.

Why he fits: Coetzee is not just a strike bowler—he’s also a handy lower-order batter, adding valuable depth to the PBKS lineup. His attacking lengths and willingness to take the game on suit Indian conditions, particularly on surfaces with extra bounce.

The PBKS factor: PBKS have often lacked an intimidatory fast bowler who can unsettle opposition batters. Coetzee’s fearless, heart-on-sleeve approach aligns perfectly with the franchise’s ‘Sher-e-Punjab’ identity and could make him an instant fan favourite.

Also READ: IPL 2026: 3 players KKR can sign to replace Mustafizur Rahman if he misses out



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No Mohmmad Rizwan as Pakistan unveils provisional squad for the T20 World Cup 2026
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No Mohmmad Rizwan as Pakistan unveils provisional squad for the T20 World Cup 2026



The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dropped a seismic bombshell just weeks out from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, unveiling a provisional 15-man squad that signals a complete ideological overhaul of the national team. In a move that will dominate headlines across the cricketing world, senior wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has been omitted from the squad entirely. Salman Ali Agha has been named captain of the unit which has superstars like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi.

Mohammad Rizwan left out from Pakistan’s squad for T20 World Cup 2026

For years, Rizwan has been the bedrock of Pakistan’s T20 lineup. His partnership at the top with Babar defined an era—prolific in runs, but often criticized for its sedate pace in the powerplay. Rizwan’s exclusion is a clear statement that the team management is moving away from the “anchor” philosophy that has often left Pakistan 20-30 runs short of par totals. The selectors have opted for raw aggression up top, with Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan likely to partner Fakhar Zaman, and have handed the wicketkeeping gloves to the explosive Usman Khan.

Salman Agha to lead the Men in Green

Agha will be leading the side in the global showpiece event. He has been a reliable, unsung performer in the middle order and a handy off-spinner, but few saw him as the next national skipper. His appointment suggests a desire for a “neutral” leader, moving away from the high-profile captaincy merry-go-round involving Babar and Afridi over the last two years. The management will hope Agha’s calm demeanor can unite a dressing room full of superstars during a high-pressure tournament.

Core group remains same

Despite the revolutionary changes at the top and in leadership, the core engine room of the team remains intact. Babar retains his place, likely shifting permanently to the No. 3 spot to anchor the innings after the aggressive openers have (hopefully) fired. His recent BBL form has been solid, securing his spot despite the philosophical shift.

Crucially for Pakistan’s chances, the terrifying pace trio is reunited and reportedly fit. Shaheen, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf are all included. On subcontinent pitches that might offer some early swing or reverse later on, this attack remains one of the most potent in world cricket. They are backed up by promising seamer Salman Ali Mirza.

Also READ: Babar Azam left out as Pakistan name T20I squad for Sri Lanka series

Shadab Khan also returns to the squad following a frustrating period of injury. If fully fit, his all-round ability is vital to team balance. He is joined by mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed, who provides control. Usman Tariq, whose unique bowling action could prove to be Pakistan’s X-factor on turning tracks. The all-round spin duties will be shared by veteran Mohammad Nawaz and the seam-bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf.

It is crucial to note that this is a provisional squad. Under ICC regulations, teams have until January 31, 2026, to make final changes without needing technical committee approval.

Pakistan’s provisional squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Salman Ali Agha (c), Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Mirza, Abrar Ahmed & Usman Tariq.

Also READ: Bangladesh name squad for T20 World Cup 2026; no place for Jaker Ali



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