With the countdown to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 gathering pace, former England spinner Monty Panesar has shared his early predictions for the tournament’s semifinalists, sparking debate among fans and experts alike. Speaking in an exclusive interaction with KADAK, Panesar named four heavyweight teams he believes are best placed to reach the business end of the competition, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Monty Panesar shares his prediction for the top 4 teams of T20 World Cup 2026

According to Panesar, the semifinal lineup at the 2026 T20 World Cup will feature India, Australia, England, and South Africa. The former England international believes these four sides possess the right balance of experience, firepower, and tactical clarity needed to succeed in subcontinental conditions.

“I think South Africa, Australia, India, and England,” Panesar said.

“England defeats big teams; that is their strength. I don’t think New Zealand is that strong right now. South Africa is strong. India will be strong. Australia is also strong. England as well,” added Panesar.

The reasoning behind Panesar’s selections

Panesar’s backing of India is rooted in their familiarity with home conditions and the depth of talent available across formats. With a strong pool of batters, all-rounders, and varied bowling options, India are expected to be formidable on pitches they know well.

Australia, meanwhile, continue to thrive in ICC tournaments regardless of conditions. Panesar highlighted their mental toughness and ability to raise their game on the big stage, traits that have helped them dominate global events in recent years.

England’s inclusion reflects Panesar’s admiration for their fearless brand of white-ball cricket. Known for taking the game on against top opposition, England’s aggressive approach and tactical flexibility make them a dangerous knockout-stage opponent.

South Africa complete the quartet, with Panesar pointing to their current balance and growing belief in ICC events. Once labelled as perennial underachievers, the Proteas have recently shown greater composure in pressure situations, making them serious contenders.

Also READ: Shubman Gill dropped, Ishan Kishan & Rinku Singh return as India unveil squad for T20 World Cup 2026

New Zealand omission sparks debate

Perhaps the most talking point from Panesar’s predictions is the omission of New Zealand. Despite their reputation as tournament specialists, Panesar feels the Black Caps lack the same level of strength and momentum as his chosen four heading into 2026.

With nearly a year to go before the tournament begins, team combinations, form, and injuries could still alter the landscape. However, Panesar’s early call has added intrigue to the build-up, setting the stage for intense debate as the road to the T20 World Cup 2026 continues.

Also READ: Shubman Gill vs Sanju Samson T20I stats ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

The annual Australian Cricket Awards represent the absolute pinnacle of individual achievement in the nation’s sporting landscape, serving as a prestigious bridge between the game’s storied past and its modern-day heroes.

Cultural significance of Allan Border Medal and Belinda Clark Award

Since its inception in 2000, the event has been a night of immense cultural significance, where the ‘Allan Border Medal’ and the ‘Belinda Clark Award’ are bestowed upon the most outstanding male and female players as voted by their own peers, the media, and umpires.

It is traditionally a black-tie gala that captures the imagination of the public, celebrating legends like Ricky Ponting, Ellyse Perry and Steve Smith on a stage that rivals the AFL’s Brownlow Medal or the NRL’s Dally M. This ceremony has always been more than just a prize-giving; it is a rare moment where the entire cricket community gathers to honor the resilience, skill, and leadership required to wear the Baggy Green. However, the future of this grand tradition is now facing a significant turning point. Now, as per reports from Code Sports and Fox Cricket, the 2026 awards are set to undergo an unprecedented transformation that has left fans and former players deeply concerned.

Also READ: Not Glenn Maxwell! Cooper Connolly reveals his true idol who played for Punjab Kings in the IPL

Will the Australian Cricket Awards 2026 face cancellation? Here’s the latest insight

As per the reports, the primary reason behind the dramatic shift in the awards’ format is an increasingly congested international cricket calendar that has left Cricket Australia (CA) with no viable window to host an in-person event. According to the Code Sports and Fox Cricket report, the governing body found it ‘impossible’ to find a date in early 2026 where both the men’s and women’s squads would be physically present in Australia. This summer, the schedule is particularly brutal; the Australian men are slated for a crucial T20 series in Pakistan throughout late January, which serves as the final preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026 held in Sri Lanka and India.

Simultaneously, the top female stars will be abroad competing in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India, while the men prepare for the subsequent IPL season. This fragmentation of the national teams across the globe means the traditional February slot, the gap between the Test summer and overseas tours, no longer exists.

CA has reportedly decided that rather than hosting a half-empty room, the Allan Border Medal 2026 and Belinda Clark Award will be presented in a completely virtual or hybrid format. This marks a massive departure from the 25-year history of the event, signaling that the demands of the modern T20 era are now directly impacting the sport’s most cherished traditions. For many, this logistical surrender will be a bitter pill to swallow, as it removes the one night where the stars of both the men’s and women’s games could stand together on home soil.

Also READ: 3 players who can replace Pat Cummins in the Australian playing XI for Melbourne Boxing Day Test vs England | Ashes 2025-26

India National Cricket Team modern-day batting great, Virat Kohli, would not be playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, according to a latest report in The Times of India.

M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is the home of Virat Kohli’s Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise – the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – and it has been denied permission to host the Vijay Hazare Trophy matches.

M Chinnaswamy Stadium will not host Vijay Hazare Trophy matches

An unfortunate incident happened near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium earlier in the year after the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won their first Indian Premier League (IPL) championship.

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During the title triumph celebrations, fans gathered in large numbers outside the stadium and there was no proper crowd management, which led to a deadly stampede that took the lives of many fans.

Since that incident happened, the Karnataka government has kept all the international and domestic cricket matches away from the venue due to security reasons.

However, recently it was reported that the iconic stadium will host the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 matches of Team Delhi.

Virat Kohli’s Chinnaswamy comeback has been officially cancelled

However, according to a latest report, Chinnaswamy will have to wait longer before hosting the matches as Delhi’s match against Andhra has been shifted to a new venue.

Kohli won’t be seen in action at Chinnaswamy because the Bengaluru city police have refused to give permission to stage the Vijay Hazare Trophy matches.

On Monday night, Virat Kohli landed in Bengaluru for the Vijay Hazare Trophy matches, and he is now likely to play the games at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), which was kept as a backup venue.

Notably, an inspection was conducted at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru by a committee comprising the Bengaluru city police commissioner and officials from the public works department, fire and emergency services, and the health department, and they submitted their report to Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) commissioner Maheshwar Rao, who heads the panel.

The committee found out that the M Chinnaswamy Stadium was unfit to host the matches, and the city police commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, in an official statement, said:

“The committee inspected the stadium and concluded that there are no proper facilities to conduct matches. A decision on allowing matches will be made only after the required work is completed. For now, KSCA’s request to conduct matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium has been rejected.”

Virat Kohli’s presence charges up the Delhi squad

Virat Kohli will be playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy after a very long time, and his presence will act as a morale booster for the Delhi team. However, fans won’t be able to see Virat Kohli in action as the matches will be played behind closed doors, at the CoE.

Meanwhile, Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh said that Kohli is absolutely charged up to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and he is looking to win matches for the team.

“Virat Kohli is charged up, he is ready to rock. He is playing tomorrow.” said Sarandeep Singh, as quotes by RevSportz.

“All the senior players, all the players who are playing at the highest level are coming back to play for their respective states,” said Sarandeep. “It’s very good for the youngsters also, who can learn a lot of things and it would be a serious boost to their confidence. It’s a great gesture from those players who said that with no international matches happening, they would be playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy. It’s a very nice thing happening for domestic cricket.”

“When a player like Virat enters the dressing room, things are totally changed. Youngsters look up to him. He is their idol. Everyone wants to be like him — how he is training, how he is doing his workouts, everything… There are a lot of things to learn from the senior players. He is here to win matches.”

Also Read: Virat Kohli’s Chinnaswamy return for VHT turns sour as Karnataka govt imposes ban

Team India ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill is set to play for Punjab in the remainder of the 2025-26 domestic season. After missing out on the T20 World Cup 2026 squad, Gill has been included in the squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy and is also expected to feature for his state side in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26.

With no immediate T20I commitments, Gill will focus on longer formats at the state level. Several players, such as Abhishek Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, Prabhsimran Singh, Anmolpreet Singh, Naman Dhir, Ramandeep Singh, and Harpreet Brar, are included in Punjab’s squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

However, Punjab are yet to confirm who will lead the team in the tournament. The delay in announcing the captain has caught the attention of fans, especially with Gill being one of the senior figures in the squad.

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Shubman Gill Set to Play Two Vijay Hazare Trophy Matches

According to a Times of India report, Shubman Gill will play two List A matches for Punjab in January. He is expected to play against Sikkim and Goa in Jaipur.

After completing his domestic commitments, Gill will return to international cricket. He is scheduled to join the Indian ODI squad for the three-match series against New Zealand, which begins in Vadodara and ends in Indore later in January.

“Shubman will be playing the two games in January – on 3rd and 6th – before joining the team for the ODI series versus New Zealand. He also wants to play the remaining rounds of Ranji Trophy for Punjab,” A PCA official told TimesofIndia.com.

Shubman Gill Set to Return to Red-Ball Domestic Cricket After New Zealand ODIs

Shubman Gill is expected to return to red-ball domestic cricket after India’s ODI series against New Zealand. Punjab will play two Ranji Trophy matches later in January, and Gill has already informed the state association that he is available and keen to play.

Punjab will face Saurashtra in Rajkot, followed by a home game against Karnataka in Mullanpur. The team is currently in sixth position with 11 points from five games, with only one win so far, but the remaining matches still offer a chance to qualify for the quarterfinals.

If Punjab manage to make the knockout stage, Gill could continue playing Ranji Trophy cricket into February. His involvement would be important as the team looks to revive its campaign and push for a spot in the later stages of the tournament.

Shubman Gill Left Out of India’s 15-Member Squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Shubman Gill has been left out of India’s 15-member squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, following a run of inconsistent performances in the shortest format.

Gill made his T20I debut in 2023 against Sri Lanka and returned to the setup during the Asia Cup 2025. However, he struggled to make a strong case after his comeback. In the Asia Cup, he scored 127 runs from 7 matches at an average of 21.16 and a strike rate of 151.19.

Gill managed 132 runs in the five-match T20I series against Australia at an average of 44 and a strike rate of 136.08. In the most recent T20I series against South Africa, he scored only 32 runs from 3 matches at an average of 10.66 and a strike rate of 103.22.

Also read: “I have a bulletproof car”: Rashid Khan reveals harsh reality of life in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan

On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, several major cricket news stories took the internet by storm, and in this article, we will have a look at some of the top stories and updates of the day.

From Australia announcing their squad for the fourth Ashes Test to the venue for Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy match being shifted – a lot happened on the day, but some other major news stories also kept the fans talking about the game.

Ravindra Jadeja’s Vijay Hazare Trophy participation confirmed

The veteran Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has made it very clear to the BCCI selection committee that he wants to feature in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.

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Hence, to make his case strong for the selection and prove that he is fully dedicated, Ravindra Jadeja is all set to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Saurashtra.

According to a report in Times of India, the spin-bowling all-rounder is likely to feature in two fixtures on January 6 and January 8 against Services and Gujarat, respectively, in Alur.

“Yes, he has confirmed to play these two games on January 6 and January 8. This is the plan for now,” a senior SCA official told TOI.

England Cricket Team U19 World Cup Squad Announced

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the England Lions squad for the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Somerset Wicketkeeper-batter Thomas Rew has been named captain of the side, while Farhan Ahmed will be his deputy.

Squad: Thomas Rew (c), Farhan Ahmed, Ralphie Albert, Ben Dawkins, Caleb Falconer, Ali Farooq, Alex French, Alex Green, Luke Hands, Manny Lumsden, Ben Mayes, James Minto, Isaac Mohammed, Joe Moores, Sebastian Morgan.

Sunil Gavaskar Secures Personality Rights Protection

India National Cricket Team batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has become the first Indian sportsperson to secure personality rights protection. He has received court-backed protection for his personality and publicity rights.

Senior Advocate Gopal Jain appeared for the batting legend, briefed by Krida Legal, comprising Managing Partner Vidushpat Singhania and his team.

The Delhi High Court has issued a strict order to everyone using Sunil Gavaskar’s name and image to remove all such posts, videos, and related content from social media and e-commerce platforms within 72 hours.

If the individuals don’t follow the order of the court, the platforms themselves will be required to take down the infringing content. Also, the court took notice of the misleading content shared online and stated that sharing posts that can’t harm an individual’s public image can’t be permitted.

Sanjay Manjrekar Launches Attack On Shubman Gill

Former India National Cricket Team batsman Sanjay Manjrekar has launched an attack on the star batter Shubman Gill after his axing from the Indian T20I team.

Shubman Gill was recently dropped from India’s T20I squad despite being the vice-captain, and Axar Patel was named as Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Gill’s axing came on the back of his horrible run in T20I cricket since his return to the format. Meanwhile, Sanjay Manjrekar took an indirect dig at Gill in a social media post discussing his exclusion. He stated:

“He hasn’t got a single 50 in 20 innings. A stat often cited to suggest loss of form. T20s are & will always be about strike rates. The last thing you want is an out-of-form batter playing cautiously when he comes close to 50. This will lose you the game.”

He hasn’t got a single 50 in 20 inngs. A stat often cited to suggest loss of form. T20s is & will always be about strike rates.
The last thing you want is an out of form batter playing cautiously when he comes close to 50. This will lose you the game.

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) December 23, 2025

Also Read: Shubman Gill’s domestic cricket grind begins after T20 World Cup snub; next move revealed

Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner Rashid Khan is one of the most recognisable faces in modern cricket. From dominating T20 leagues across the globe to being the heartbeat of Afghanistan’s rise on the international stage, Rashid’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. However, away from packed stadiums and franchise celebrations, the life he leads back home comes with serious challenges—so much so that the world’s premier T20 spinner is forced to travel in a bulletproof car for his own safety.

Rashid Khan reveals why he travels in a bulletproof car in Afghanistan

The startling detail emerged during a candid conversation with former England captain Kevin Pietersen. What began as a casual discussion about fame and daily life quickly turned serious when Pietersen asked whether Rashid could freely walk the streets of Kabul. Rashid’s blunt reply—’No’—immediately set the tone. The revelation that followed left Pietersen visibly shocked.

“I can’t walk in the street in Afghanistan. I have a bulletproof car,” Rashid explained.

When Pietersen asked why such extreme measures were necessary, the spinner calmly responded, “It’s for safety. You don’t want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It’s normal in Afghanistan. Everyone has it.”

Also READ: KL Rahul, Prasidh Krishna bolster Karnataka squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy defense

Safety over status in an unstable environment

For Rashid, the bulletproof vehicle is not a symbol of luxury, excess, or celebrity privilege. Instead, it is a basic necessity shaped by the ongoing security concerns in Afghanistan. Despite recent improvements in certain areas, instability remains a constant backdrop in the country, particularly for high-profile public figures.

As one of Afghanistan’s most famous athletes, Rashid’s visibility makes him vulnerable. Large crowds, spontaneous public gatherings, and unpredictable security situations mean that even routine travel can pose risks. In such an environment, additional protection becomes essential rather than optional.

Also READ: Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma headline Punjab’s 18-man squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy

The Delhi Capitals (DC) have long been the embodiment of consistency in the Women’s Premier League, yet the ultimate prize has remained tantalizingly out of reach. After securing three consecutive runner-up finishes, the franchise entered the 2026 cycle with a bold vision to reshape its identity and finally bridge the gap between excellence and championship glory. This strategic shift began with the tough decision to move on from a legendary leadership era of Meg Lanning , prioritizing a core that resonates more deeply with the local fan base.

Delhi Capitals officially named World Cup winner as their new captain for the 2026 WPL season

In a landmark announcement on Tuesday, DC officially named India star Jemimah Rodrigues as their new captain for the 2026 season. The 25-year-old takes over from Australian icon Lanning, who led the side to three finals but was released ahead of the mega auction as the franchise sought an Indian face for the top job.

Jemimah, who was DC’s first-ever signing in the inaugural WPL auction, has scored 507 runs in 27 matches at a strike rate of 139.66 and has been a cornerstone of the team’s locker room culture. Her appointment follows a “dream year” in international cricket, headlined by her historic unbeaten 127 in the 2025 ODI World Cup semi-final against Australia. The franchise on December 14, orchestrated an emotional reveal during a fake “fan meet,” where Jemimah was surprised with videos of her family and childhood coach before being presented with her customized captaincy jersey.

“It is an absolute honour to be named captain of the Delhi Capitals, and I am deeply grateful to the owners and the support staff for placing their faith in me to lead this team. It has truly been a dream year for me and my family, winning the World Cup and now being entrusted with this wonderful opportunity at a franchise that has held a very special place in my heart since the very first season of the WPL. We are gonna win this year. That’s the change I want to bring. Credit to Meg, too, for the way she has led the team over the last three years and the culture she has set for the team. She has inspired me and I have to owe that credit to her. I have learned so much over the last three years and shared some of my best moments here, and I can’t wait to finally cross that line that has eluded us.” Jemimah was quoted as saying Delhi Capitals official website.

Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal on the leadership shift

Delhi co-owner Parth Jindal clarified that the decision to appoint Jemimah was driven by a clear organizational philosophy to empower Indian leadership. Despite the presence of high-profile overseas stars like Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp, Jindal emphasized that the franchise wanted a leader who could foster a deep connection with the domestic players and the Indian supporters.

During the mega auction, DC remained disciplined in their strategy, building a squad designed to support a young Indian captain while adding tactical depth through signings like Sneh Rana and Chinelle Henry. Jindal noted that Jemimah’s “magical” performances on the world stage, combined with her years of service as Lanning’s deputy, made her the undeniable choice to lead the next cycle. The management believes that her boundless energy and newfound maturity as a World Cup winner are the exact ingredients needed to turn their streak of finals into a trophy.

“Jemimah has been with us since Day one, and there was never any doubt that she would one day captain the team. Beyond her on-field heroics, her infectious smile and boundless energy have made her a much-loved presence in the dressing room, and I am confident she will lead the squad exceptionally well. We are very clear that we would like to have an Indian as the captain. Laura (Wolvaardt) will add a lot of leadership into the dressing room, but we are clear that we want to go with an Indian captain. Her magical innings against Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final was truly inspiring, and we are immensely proud to have her represent Delhi Capitals and now lead the team. I wish her the very best as she starts this new chapter, and I am certain she will excel in this role and help us cross the line after three consecutive finals.” Jindal said.

Also READ: What if India legend Jhulan Goswami was part of WPL auction?

Delhi Capitals’ WPL 2026 blueprint

The new-look Delhi Capitals squad for 2026 has been meticulously crafted to complement Jemimah’s aggressive but calculated style of play. While Lanning has moved on to the UP Warriorz, DC successfully retained their ‘spine,’ consisting of Shafali Verma, Marizanne Kapp and Annabel Sutherland, each at ₹2.2 crore. The WPL 2026 auction addition of Laura Wolvaardt for ₹1.10 crore is viewed as one of the best value picks of the season, providing a stable opening partner for Shafali. By bringing in domestic veterans like Sneh Rana, DC have ensured that Jemimah has an experienced ‘leadership group’ to consult on the field. The squad now features more than six viable bowling options and a batting order that runs deep, addressing the explosiveness that the management felt was lacking in previous seasons. With a core that has already experienced the pressure of three finals and the confidence of a World Cup victory, the 2026 Capitals appear more balanced than ever before.

Also READ: What if India legend Mithali Raj was part of the WPL auction?

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

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have entered a golden era of tactical precision, with their last two auction cycles being hailed as masterclasses in squad building. After finally breaking their title drought and entering the 2026 season as defending champions, the franchise continued its momentum with a highly successful mini-auction in Abu Dhabi.

By retaining a powerhouse core and making surgical additions, the management has silenced critics who once questioned their auction strategy. This year’s proceedings were no different, as they navigated a limited purse to secure high-value targets that complement their existing championship structure. Now, in the aftermath of the event, veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on the results, identifying one specific RCB signing that he considers to be an absolute steal of the tournament.

Ravichandran Ashwin hails RCB’s IPL 2026 auction buy as an ‘absolute steal’

According to Ashwin, the acquisition of New Zealand speedster Jacob Duffy for a base price of ₹2 crore is nothing short of a “absolute steal.” Ashwin pointed out that 2025 has been a transformative year for the 31-year-old pacer, who has recently ascended to the top echelons of global rankings.

Duffy’s form reached its zenith during the recent Test series against the West Indies, where he claimed a staggering nine-wicket haul in the final match at Mount Maunganui to secure the Player of the Series award. His performances have been so dominant that he recently broke Sir Richard Hadlee’s 40-year-old record for the most international wickets taken by a New Zealander in a single calendar year, finishing 2025 with 81 scalps. Ashwin noted that Duffy is currently ‘operating at peak efficiency,’ making him a dangerous addition to an already formidable RCB bowling attack.

“What a cricketer Jacob Duffy is turning out to be. 2025 has been his coming-of-age year. 23 wickets at 15.43, 40.3 Strike rate, and MOS in the tests against Windies. He’s also the current #2-ranked T20I bowler, with a sensational 2025 in T20s with 57 wickets at 18.9, 7.89 economy, and an elite 53.1% dot ball rate. At 31, he’s operating at peak efficiency. Absolute steal by RCB to pick him up at a base price of 2C. Sensational coup.” Ashwin wrote on X.

What a cricketer Jacob Duffy is turning out to be. 2025 has been his coming of age year.

23 wickets at 15.43, 40.3 Strike rate and MOS in the tests against Windies.

He’s also the current #2 ranked T20I bowler, with a sensational 2025 in T20s with 57 wickets at 18.9, 7.89… pic.twitter.com/Oda9LxdqxX

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 22, 2025

Also READ: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 full schedule: Which Delhi and Mumbai games will they be part of?

RCB’s tactical versatility by strengthening the championship defense ahead of IPL 2026 edition

Beyond the statistical brilliance, the signing of Duffy provides RCB with immense tactical flexibility as they attempt to defend their IPL crown. Ashwin highlighted that Duffy is not just a backup option but a legitimate frontline starter who can challenge for a spot in the playing XI alongside his compatriot Josh Hazlewood. In 2025 alone, Duffy claimed 35 wickets in 21 T20Is at a remarkable average of 15.08, proving his mettle in the shortest format on the international stage.

Duffy’s ability to maintain an elite dot-ball rate while taking wickets makes him a perfect fit for the high-scoring environment of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The RCB management, led by Mo Bobat and Andy Flower, appears to have prioritized injury cover and squad depth, ensuring that the team remains competitive even if key overseas players like Josh Hazlewood or Nuwan Thushara face availability issues.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin faces accusations of revealing CSK’s IPL 2026 auction plans; breaks his silence

The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 kicks off on December 24 as India’s premier domestic List A competition featuring 38 teams divided into elite and plate divisions. This edition gains massive attention with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma making rare comebacks after over a decade marking their return to domestic white-ball cricket. Karnataka enter as defending champions while centrally-contracted players face BCCI mandates to participate in at least two matches boosting the tournament’s prestige.​

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: Tournament format and star players

Organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) the tournament runs until January 18 2026 across venues in Ahmedabad Bengaluru Alur Jaipur and Rajkot. The elite category includes 32 teams split into four groups of eight where each plays a round-robin with top two per group advancing to quarterfinals followed by semifinals and final; the plate group has six teams with its winner promoted next season.​ All matches start at 9:00 AM IST (3:30 AM GMT) under a points system awarding four for wins two for no results and zero for losses factoring net run rate for ties.​

Star attractions headline the squads with Kohli representing Delhi in Group D after his last appearance in 2010 targeting his 16000th List A run against Andhra Pradesh. Rohit too joins Mumbai in Group C for openers versus Sikkim and Uttarakhand in Jaipur fulfilling BCCI’s participation rule.​

Rishabh Pant will also play for Delhi alongside Kohli aiming to revive white-ball form post his August 2024 international hiatus while Shubman Gill captains Punjab in Group C with Arshdeep Singh and Abhishek Sharma. Suryakumar Yadav features for Mumbai KL Rahul bolsters Karnataka and young talents like 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi vice-captains Bihar in plate.​

Selectors eye pacers such as Gurjapneet Singh (Tamil Nadu) Gurnoor Brar (Punjab) Yudhvir Singh (J&K) Anuj Thakral (Haryana) and emerging allrounders amid no major fast-bowling breakthroughs recently.​

Elite Group Teams

Plate: Nagaland, Bihar, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.​

Also READ: KL Rahul, Prasidh Krishna bolster Karnataka squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy defense

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: December 24 and 26 Schedule

The Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite 2025-26 features 119 List A matches from December 24, 2025, to January 18, 2026, across multiple venues in India. All games start at 9:00 AM IST (3:30 AM GMT). Below is the schedule matchdays December 24 and 26.​

December 24 Matches

December 26 Matches

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: Broadcast and Live streaming details

Live telecast airs select matches on Star Sports Network with streaming on JioHotstar app & website and WB Suite. This star-infused edition spotlights India’s white-ball depth ahead of international commitments blending experience with youth in high-stakes 50-over battles.

Also WATCH: Virat Kohli elevates training intensity ahead of his historic Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 return

India Women produced a clinical performance in all departments to register a dominant seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Women in the second T20I at Visakhapatnam. After winning the toss and opting to field, India dictated terms right from the powerplay. Sri Lanka struggled to build momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals. The Indian bowlers combined discipline with sharp fielding to keep the visitors under pressure. In response, India’s batters made light work of the chase with aggressive intent. The result pushed India to a 2–0 lead in the five-match series, underlining their control.

India’s disciplined bowling effort restricts Sri Lanka to 128/9

Sri Lanka never truly recovered after losing Vishmi Gunaratne in the very first over, setting the tone for a difficult innings. Captain Chamari Athapaththu provided brief resistance with a brisk 31 off 24 balls, striking three fours and two sixes, but her dismissal stalled the momentum. Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama attempted to rebuild, with Harshitha top-scoring with a composed 33, yet the scoring rate remained under check. India’s bowling unit operated with clarity, particularly through the middle overs, where Sneh Rana delivered a superb spell of 1/11 to choke the run flow.

Shree Charani supported well, claiming two important wickets and maintaining pressure. Vaishnavi Sharma enjoyed a memorable outing, picking up her maiden international wicket and finishing with two scalps despite being targeted. Sharp run-outs and alert fielding further dented Sri Lanka’s innings, as they lost their last five wickets for just 24 runs. The visitors eventually limped to 128/9, a total that felt well below par on a batting-friendly surface.

Also WATCH: IND-W vs SL-W: Vaishnavi Sharma removes Nilakshika Silva to bags her maiden international wicket during 2nd T20I

Shafali Verma blitz powers India to comfortable chase in 2nd T20I

India’s reply was headlined by a breathtaking display of fearless batting from Shafali Verma, who dismantled the Sri Lankan bowling attack with an unbeaten 69 off just 34 balls. Even after Smriti Mandhana fell early, Shafali ensured there was no slowdown, attacking from the outset and capitalizing on anything loose.

Her partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues effectively ended the contest inside the first half of the innings, as the duo raced to 87 in just 7.4 overs. Jemimah played the perfect supporting role, scoring a fluent 26 off 15 deliveries with crisp strokeplay. Shafali reached her fifty in just 27 balls, striking 11 boundaries and maintaining relentless pressure. Harmanpreet Kaur added stability before departing late, with the result already sealed. India cruised to the target in just 11.5 overs, finishing with 49 balls to spare and asserting their dominance. The emphatic chase reflected the gulf between the sides and reinforced India’s authority in the series.

Here’s how fans reacted: 

Shafali – 69* (34).
Jemimah – 26 (15).

INDIA BEAT SRI LANKA IN THE 2ND T20I AND LEADING THE SERIES 2-0. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/cCrGxvO5QK

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 23, 2025

Second ODI, second win at home – and Shafali Verma lit up the chase with fearless flair. Turns out, #Vizag isn’t just scenic… it’s a winning habit . Congrats #TeamIndia!@BCCIWomen pic.twitter.com/hMpk1J66Iy

— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) December 23, 2025

Shafali Verma, the X factor. She’s gained a lot of confidence from final’s performance.

Big T20I World Cup coming in June. 💪

— Bhawana (@cricbhawana) December 23, 2025

#INDvSL

78m six. Hello, Shafali Verma. 👌🏽 pic.twitter.com/At2thn7h4X

— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) December 23, 2025

Shafali Verma continuing her sublime run of form

50 off just 27 balls with 9 boundaries #INDvSL

— Mohit Shah (@mohit_shah17) December 23, 2025

Shafali is showing the temperament of that final in today’s match.. I love when she does that..i hope you continue this way 🔥

— Archer (@poserarcher) December 23, 2025

FINALLY, Vaishnavi has her maiden international wicket and the very fielder who denied this moment for her two days ago, comes good today!

Some scripts write themselves! Must be a slight weight lifted for Charani too. #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/iq5lx3C94v

— Lavanya 🎙️🎥👩🏻‍💻 (@lav_narayanan) December 23, 2025

Shafali Verma is our lady version of Sehwag. She takes the attack to the opposition, a complete gamechanger, fearless.

We can proudly say she is our go to trumpcard in crunch situation as she has proved it in the mega event as well. Keep firing girl🔥 pic.twitter.com/TFEPcjM14y

— Akshat (@Akshatgoel1408) December 23, 2025

Shafali Verma is breathing the fire. 😍🌟 27-ball fifty in a 129-run chase!

Unreal power. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/mGGNyF1Bs3

— Pratika’s Poetry (@RRoyal_Reaper) December 23, 2025

Dominating victory for Team India in the 2nd #INDvSL T20I 🔥#ShafaliVerma #IndianCricket pic.twitter.com/n0yJtwkgnN

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) December 23, 2025

Also READ: IND-W vs SL-W, 2nd T20I: Here’s why Deepti Sharma is not playing today’s match

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