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Sydney Thunder Playing XI vs Brisbane Heat- BBL 2025-26, Match 9
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Sydney Thunder Playing XI vs Brisbane Heat- BBL 2025-26, Match 9


Sydney Thunder will take on the Brisbane Heat in the ninth match of the Big Bash League. This article provides details about the Sydney Thunder’s Playing 11 vs Brisbane Heat for the ninth match of the tournament.

Sydney Thunder Playing XI vs Brisbane Heat- BBL 2025-26, Match 9:

Openers: Sam Konstas, David Warner (c)

Sydney Thunder would aim to register their first win in the ongoing season of the Big Bash League when they take on the Brisbane Heat at the Manuka Oval in Canberra

The David Warner-led side lost their first match against the Hobart Hurricanes, which was followed by another loss against the Sydney Sixers.

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The Thunder were outplayed in both matches as they gave 10-15 runs more than what was a manageable total against the Hurricanes and were as many runs short of a challenging score while batting first against the Sixers.

That is the reason why the team from Sydney is in desperate need of a win, as it is not any one department that they have lacked in.

For them to increase their chances of winning, Thunder would hope for the opening pair of David Warner and Sam Konstas to get the team off to a good start by playing in an attacking manner in the powerplay, which wasn’t the case in the last match.

Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Matthew Gilkes, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (wk), Shadab Khan, Daniel Sams

If the openers are able to fulfil their job, it will make things easy for the team’s middle order, which comprises Matthew Gilkes, Cameron Bancroft, and Sam Billings, as they will be able to build on the platform laid by them.

Having said that, merely getting the team off to a good start won’t guarantee a good performance with the bat, and the above-mentioned names will have to mix aggression with caution.

The reason is the pitch, which is expected to have something in it for the bowler as well, and shot-making won’t be as easy as it is on some of the grounds in this part of the world.

The batters will have to give the first few overs to the bowlers and can then make up for it by taking them on at the backend of the innings while batting first or while chasing.

Bowlers: Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew, Tanveer Sangha, Reece Topley

As far as Thunder’s bowling is concerned, the team has got a plethora of bowlers who have a rich vein of experience when it comes to bowling in T20 cricket.

The bowling attack includes experienced bowlers like Chris Green, Reece Topley, Shadab Khan, and Daniel Sams.

They will be supported by the likes of Nathan McAndrew and Tanveer Sangha, who are also capable of making timely contributions by picking wickets at crucial moments in the game

All things said, the bowlers will have to bring their A game to the fore against a batting lineup that is coming into the game on the back of a record run chase.



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Afghanistan announce new IPL-style tournament to compete with PSL
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Afghanistan announce new IPL-style tournament to compete with PSL


The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Sunday, December 21, announced the launch of a new franchise T20 tournament, the Afghanistan Premier League. Notably, the upcoming league will feature five city-based teams, bringing together top Afghanistan players along with overseas cricketers and emerging local talent.

The cricket board had annopinced a T20 league back in 2018, but it lasted only one season. That edition attracted several big international stars, including Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum, and Shahid Afridi. Payment problems and questions over the league’s management and credibility led the board to discontinue.

Afghanistan Cricket Board Announces Launch of New Franchise T20 Tournament

The Afghanistan Cricket Board is preparing to relaunch its franchise-based T20 league with a new start. The first season is expected to take place in October 2026, with the UAE likely to host the tournament.

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The league is also planning to hold its player draft around June or July 2026. This time, the ACB aims to build the competition on a stronger base by combining Afghanistan’s top national players with overseas stars and young local talent.

“The inaugural season will feature five city-based franchises, bringing together Afghanistan’s leading national players alongside prominent overseas professionals and emerging local talent,” the ACB said in a press release.

The league was last played in October 2018, with matches played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Balkh Legends emerged as champions after beating Kabul Zwanan by four wickets in the final. Star spinner Rashid Khan finished as the Player of the Tournament.

Meaningful Step Forward in Our Cricketing Journey – ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf

ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf said that the Afghanistan Premier League would strengthen the country’s cricket future. He stated that the league will give Afghan players more opportunities to grow, inspire young cricketers, and help Afghanistan showcase its talent to a global audience.

“The Afghanistan Premier League represents a meaningful step forward in our cricketing journey,” Mirwais Ashraf said at the launch in Dubai on Saturday.

“It creates new opportunities for our players, inspires the next generation, and allows Afghanistan cricket to be showcased on a global platform. We see the APL as an important contributor to the growth and unity of the game, both domestically and internationally.”

Organisers Will Move Into the Next Phase – ACB

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has teamed up with Cricket Venture to manage and develop the new Afghanistan Premier League. With the partnership in place, the focus will move to setting up franchise identities, securing sponsors, and planning the player draft or auction.

“Following the launch, organisers will move into the next phase, which includes finalising franchise identities, confirming commercial partners, and progressing the player auction or draft process,” the release said.

Alongside this new league, Afghanistan will continue to run its domestic T20 competition, the Shpageeza Cricket League, which takes place every year in the July-August window with five local teams.

Also read: Ben Stokes triggers outrage with abysmal ‘coin-toss’ reply after England’s Ashes defeat



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Brendon McCullum, Ben Stokes’ sacking process initiated after Ashes 2025-26 defeat
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Brendon McCullum, Ben Stokes’ sacking process initiated after Ashes 2025-26 defeat


England legend Geoffrey Boycott has lashed out at the head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes after Australia won its fifth straight Ashes urn on Sunday (December 21) in Adelaide. Australia crushed England by 82 runs in the third Test at the Adelaide Oval to take a 3-0 lead in the ongoing five-match Test series.

Earlier, in the first two tests, Ben Stokes and his team could not even survive for more than three days, and now their heavy loss in Adelaide has reignited debate over their ultra-aggressive Bazball style introduced by Brendon McCullum and the skipper himself.

Geoffrey Boycott says Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes must change or resign

After Australia sealed the Ashes 2025-26, the Bazball approach is now being blamed for their downfall. In the beginning, Bazball felt like a breath of fresh air in Test cricket. England played fearless cricket, players backed their instincts, and the results were also impressive.

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Read Also: Inside BCCI selection meeting: What India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad tells us

But the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 has shown the cracks. England kept attacking even when the match situation clearly demanded patience, control, and smarter decisions, and now Geoffrey Boycott has launched a brutal attack on the leadership group for promoting such a mindset.

The well-known broadcaster believes that England has confused confidence with overconfidence. Boycott has pointed out that the Test team is so committed to playing one way that they have stopped reading the game properly, and that stubborn approach has hurt them badly Down Under.

Lot of credit should go to Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes: Geoffrey Boycott

He openly blamed McCullum and Stokes for another Ashes loss for England and strongly demanded they stay away from Bazball if they want to survive in the Test cricket.

Boycott wrote in his column for The Telegraph: “A lot of credit should go to Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes for what they have done for our cricket, but it is obvious that Bazball has run its race. Hubris has taken over from common sense, and that cannot be allowed to carry on.”

He added, “Stokes and McCullum are like men digging a hole to nowhere. If what you are doing isn’t working, then stop digging. Change is absolutely necessary to step up to the next level.”

Read Also: “Teri maa ki…”: Ayush Mhatre brutally abuses Pakistanis as all 11 players gang up for nasty send-off

Geoffrey Boycott questions Ben Stokes’ captaincy, warns England against blind aggression

The former England batter also raised questions about Ben Stokes as captain. He admitted that the star all-rounder is an important player for the team, but he is not above accountability. Boycott called for Stokes to adjust his own attacking instincts for the team’s balance.

Boycott has openly demanded the sacking of Stokes and McCullum if the captain and coach are not ready to move away from that aggressive approach, as it will only lead to their further downfall in the longest format of the game.

He signed off by saying, “You do not want to lose him, but if he doesn’t see that a change of attitude is needed, then you have to find a new captain.”

The rest of the two Ashes Tests will be played at Melbourne and Sydney on December 26 and January 4, respectively, and the England side must be keen on saving their pride Down Under.



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Brisbane Heat Playing XI vs Sydney Thunder- BBL 2025-26, Match 9
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Brisbane Heat Playing XI vs Sydney Thunder- BBL 2025-26, Match 9


Sydney Thunder will be up against the Brisbane Heat in the ninth match of the Big Bash League. This article provides details about the Brisbane Heat’s Playing 11 vs Sydney Thunder for the ninth match of the tournament.

Brisbane Heat Playing XI vs Sydney Thunder- BBL 2025-26, Match 9:

Openers: Colin Munro, Jack Wildermuth

Brisbane Heat, the team that chased record-breaking 258 runs in the last match against the Perth Scorchers, would look to carry the same batting form when they take on the Sydney Thunder in the next fixture.

The former BBL champions would want to register their second win of the tournament, having played two, lost one, and won one game so far

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To accomplish the above mentioned goal, the team would bank on its openers to get the Heat off to a good start and lay aplatform for the incoming batters to capatalize on, which wasn’t the case in the last match

Colin Munro, who was dismissed without scoring ina high pressure chase against the Scorchers, would look to make up for it by playing a match-winning knock against the Thunder.

Munro’s opening partner, Jack Wildermuth, on the other hand, would want to keep up the good work that he did by scoring a century in the last match when he takes the field against the Heat.

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

If we talk about how the middle order of the Heat fared in the last match, it didn’t have much to do as Matthew Renshaw, who was involved in a match-winning partnership with Wildermuth, also scored a hundred.

The team management would bank on Renshaw to come good once again against the Brisbane Heat, who are in search of their first win.

Other batters like Nathan McSweeney, Max Bryant, and Hugh Weibgen would also be entrusted to flex their muscles if they get a chance to bat in the next match.

The batting lineup of the Heat would be confident of putting on yet another strong performance with the bat, as the batters have shown good form in the two matches that the team has played so far.

Bowlers: Xavier Bartlett, Shaheen Afridi, Liam Haskett, Matthew Kuhnemann

Unlike the batting, Brisbane Heat’s bowling has been a cause of concern for them as the bowlers have conceeded over 200 runs in both games, which they would be aware of and would look to deliver an improved performance.

The bowling attack, which comprises the likes of Xavier Bartlett, Shaheen Afridi, Liam Haskett, and Matthew Kuhnemann, would back itself to have a good outing against a batting lineup that struggled to get going in the last match.

Despite the Thunder batters being out of form, the bowlers cannot afford to be complacent while bowling to the likes of David Warner and Sam Konstas, both of whom have the ability to take the game away from the opposition.

That is the reason why it will have to be a team effort from the Heat bowlers, so as to restrict the opposition batters from scoring freely.



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India U19’s humiliating loss in U19 Asia Cup 2025 Final leaves coach Sunil Joshi in tears
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India U19’s humiliating loss in U19 Asia Cup 2025 Final leaves coach Sunil Joshi in tears


Pakistan U19 produced a masterclass performance to crush India U19 by a massive 191 runs in the final and clinch the U19 Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai on Sunday (December 21). This is Pakistan’s second U19 Asia Cup title and their first since 2013, when they jointly won the cup with India.

The U19 Asia Cup 2025 final was dominated by Pakistan U19 from the very start against India U19. Sameer Minhas was the star of their title triumph in Dubai. After being asked to bat first by India U19, Pakistan set a huge target of 347/8 in 50 overs, thanks to Minhas’ sensational knock of 172 runs off just 113 balls.

Sameer Minhas’ 172 powers Pakistan to second U19 Asia Cup title

He raced to his century in only 71 balls and created history by registering the highest individual score ever in an U19 Asia Cup final. Ahmed Hussain was also impressive, hitting an excellent 56 and adding 137 runs with Minhas to help Pakistan post a formidable total on the board.

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Read Also: Vaibhav Suryavanshi involved in ugly fight with Ali Raza after failure in India vs Pakistan U19 Asia Cup final

Chasing the target, India U19 had a terrible star, as they lost five wickets inside the first 10 overs, including captain Ayush Mhatre and batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The top-order collapse put India on the back foot, and the rest of the batting lineup couldn’t handle the pressure.

Sarfaraz Ahmed behind India’s disaster!!

Deepesh Devendran showed great courage by playing a blistering knock of 36 runs off 16 balls, but they had already lost the match much before. India was eventually bowled out for just 156 runs, handing Pakistan a commanding 191-run victory in the summit clash in Dubai.

The U19 Asia Cup 2025 final brought back the memories of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final, where Pakistan had suffered heavy defeat in the group stages against India but came back strongly to win the final in England.

Interestingly, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Pakistan’s Champions Trophy-winning captain, is now mentoring this U19 side, making this victory more special for them.

What Sameer Minhas Said After Final?

After the match, Sameer Minhas was named both the Player of the Match for his incredible 172 in the final and Player of the Tournament for being the leading run scorer with 471 runs in just five games.

Read Also: “Teri maa ki…”: Ayush Mhatre brutally abuses Pakistanis as all 11 players gang up for nasty send-off

Minhas said after winning the awards, “It was a good innings by me; I only had in mind to score runs for the team. There was no such pressure for me; I only wanted to play my natural game and did so. We wanted to bat first because it was like a batting track. Very memorable for me.”

Sunil Joshi left heartbroken after India U19 suffers embarrassing defeat in U19 Asia Cup 2025 Final

On the other hand, India’s ultra-aggressive approach backfired in the big match. The top-order’s risky shots and the inability to build partnerships under pressure led to the team’s collapse. It was the second-largest defeat by runs in an U19 Asia Cup final.

The heartbreak was visible in the Indian camp, with the coach and support staff deeply affected by the heavy defeat. A picture is making rounds on social media, where India U19 head coach Sunil Joshi was seen in tears following the heartbreaking end of their campaign in the UAE.





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Who Will Win Match 9? BBL 2025-26
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Who Will Win Match 9? BBL 2025-26


Sydney Thunder will be up against the Brisbane Heat in the ninth match of the Big Bash League. This article will provide you with SYT vs BRH Match Prediction, Toss Prediction, Score Prediction, Best Batter Prediction, and Best Bowler Prediction for the ninth match.

SYT vs BRH Match Prediction: Who Will Win Match 9? BBL 2025-26:

Match Details

Match: Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat Match 9

Date: December 22, 2025

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Time: 1:45 PM IST

Venue: Manuka Oval, Canberra

Live streaming: Jio Hotstar

Live broadcast: Star Sports Network

SYT vs BRH Match Prediction—Head-to-Head Record

Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat have met each other in 22 matches in the history of the Big Bash League, and it is the Brisbane Heat that has the upper hand.

The former BBL champions have got the better of the Sydney Thunder on 14 occasions, while the Thunder have come out on the right side of the result in seven games.

Heat also led the last five matches played between the two teams, with four wins as compared to Thunder’s one.

Total Matches Played: 22

SYT won: 7

BRH Won: 14

No Result: 01

Pitch Report & Conditions

The surface at the Manuka Oval for the game between the Sydney Thunder and the Brisbane Heat is expected to be good for a game of T20 cricket, with something in it for both batters and bowlers.

MLR vs HBH Weather Report

There is no chance of rain during the match. The temperature is expected to be a high of 27 degrees and a low of 11 degrees.

SYT vs BRH Match Prediction- Probable XIs

Sydney Thunder Playing 11:

Sam Konstas, David Warner (c), Matthew Gilkes, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (wk), Shadab Khan, Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew, Tanveer Sangha, Reece Topley

Brisbane Heat Playing 11:

Colin Munro, Jack Wildermuth, Nathan McSweeney (c), Matt Renshaw, Max Bryant, Hugh Weibgen, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Xavier Bartlett, Shaheen Afridi, Liam Haskett, Matthew Kuhnemann

Form and Fitness

There are no form and fitness concerns in the SYT vs BRH match.

Score Prediction

170-180 is the score that the team batting first should look to post on the board in the Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat game, as anything less than that will be hard to defend in the second innings.

Players to Perform Prediction

SYT– David Warner, Matthew Gilkes, Sam Billings, Daniel Sams, Reece Topley

BHR– Jack Wildermuth, Matt Renshaw, Max Bryant, Xavier Bartlett, Shaheen Afridi

Best Batsman Prediction

Who will score the most runs for SYT in the match: David Warner or Matthew Gilkes

Who will score the most runs for BRH in the match: Jack Wildermuth or Matt Renshaw

Best Bowler Prediction

Who will pick the most wickets for SYT in the match: Daniel Sams or Reece Topley

Who will pick the most wickets for BRH in the match: Xavier Bartlett or Shaheen Afridi

Conclusion: Who will win the match?

Brisbane Heat will start the match as the favourite, given what they did in the last game, and are expected to win the match.



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Pakistan crush India to win U19 Asia Cup 2025, end 13-year title drought
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Pakistan crush India to win U19 Asia Cup 2025, end 13-year title drought



Pakistan ended a 13-year wait for the U19 Asia Cup 2025 title in emphatic fashion, thrashing India by 191 runs in a one-sided final at the ICC Academy on Sunday, December 21. The victory delivered Pakistan only their second U19 Asia Cup crown and their first outright triumph since 2012, when they shared the trophy with India.

Sameer Minhas’ record-breaking century sets the tone for Pakistan

The final belonged to opener Sameer Minhas, who produced a sensational 172 off 113 balls, peppered with 17 fours and 9 sixes. It was Minhas’ second century of the tournament and one of the highest individual scores in U19 Asia Cup history.

After a watchful opening phase, Minhas shifted gears decisively, dismantling India’s bowling – particularly the spinners – with clean hitting and smart placement. His innings provided the foundation for a total that quickly moved beyond India’s reach.

Minhas found valuable support from Ahmed Hussain and skipper Farhan Yousaf, as Pakistan’s top order steadily increased the tempo through the middle overs and finished strongly at the death.

Pakistan’s batting approach was measured early before turning ruthless. Once settled, the batters targeted match-ups aggressively, ensuring India never regained control. The ability to rotate strike and then launch boundaries at will kept the scoreboard racing, leaving India facing a daunting chase from the outset.

India crumble in steep chase

Chasing 348, India never found momentum. Early wickets inside the powerplay exposed the middle order, and any hopes of a recovery were dashed by regular breakthroughs. Despite brief resistance, none of India’s batters converted starts into substantial scores against Pakistan’s disciplined pace-and-spin combination.

The contrast with the group stage was stark. India, led by Ayush Mhatre, had earlier beaten Pakistan by 90 runs, but the final told a different story as Pakistan’s bowlers exploited pressure and conditions to perfection.

Pakistan’s bowlers backed up the batters with accuracy and intensity, squeezing India for runs and forcing errors. The fielding effort complemented the bowling, turning half-chances into wickets and accelerating India’s collapse to 156 all out.

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

The result handed Pakistan their first outright U19 Asia Cup title since 2012, sparking celebrations among fans and the team’s support staff, including head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed. Minhas was named Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament, finishing as the competition’s leading run-scorer and delivering the defining innings of the final.

Also READ: Key reasons why Shubman Gill was dropped from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad at the last moment





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BBL|15: Chris Jordan, Nikhil Chaudhary run riot as Melbourne Renegades crumble
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BBL|15: Chris Jordan, Nikhil Chaudhary run riot as Melbourne Renegades crumble



Hobart Hurricanes delivered a masterclass in clinical T20 cricket, securing a comprehensive seven-wicket win over Melbourne Renegades in the eighth match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26. A stellar four-wicket haul by Chris Jordan followed by a blistering batting display from Nikhil Chaudhary and Ben McDermott ensured the Hurricanes chased down their target with more than six overs to spare.

Chris Jordan’s bowling masterclass stifles Renegades

After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, the Hurricanes’ pace attack immediately put the Renegades on the back foot. Riley Meredith set the tone early, dismissing Josh Brown for an 8-ball duck. While Tim Seifert (34) and Mohammad Rizwan (32) attempted to stabilize the innings with a 62-run partnership, the momentum shifted once the Hurricanes’ spinners entered the fray.

The middle order collapsed under pressure as Rishad Hossain and Rehan Ahmed picked up crucial wickets, including the dangerous Jake Fraser-McGurk. However, it was Chris Jordan who emerged as the wrecker-in-chief. Jordan dismantled the lower order, finishing with remarkable figures of 4/19. His ability to execute yorkers and slower balls left the Renegades reeling at 145-9 after their allotted 20 overs. Nathan Ellis supported well with 2/43, ensuring no late-inning fireworks from the Melbourne tail.

Nikhil Chaudhary’s explosive cameo sets the tone

The Hurricanes’ chase started with a minor hiccup as Mitchell Owen fell to Jason Behrendorff on the very first ball of the innings. Despite the early setback, the Hurricanes did not retreat. Nikhil Chaudhary walked to the crease and completely hijacked the game’s tempo.

Chaudhary played a sensational knock of 79 off just 38 deliveries, boasting a massive strike rate of 207.89. His innings was peppered with seven boundaries and four towering sixes, effectively killing the contest during the powerplay and the middle overs. By the time he was caught off the bowling of Gurinder Sandhu, the Hurricanes were already sitting comfortably at 131-3, needing less than 20 runs for victory.

Ben McDermott and Tim David seal the deal for Hobart

While Chaudhary provided the fireworks, Ben McDermott played the perfect anchor-turned-aggressor role. McDermott remained unbeaten on 49 from 33 balls, hitting four boundaries and two sixes. His composure ensured that the Renegades’ bowling attack, led by Adam Zampa and Will Sutherland, never had a chance to build sustained pressure.

Also READ: England captain Ben Stokes opens up on another Ashes series defeat in Australia

The chase was wrapped up in just 13.5 overs when Tim David joined McDermott to apply the finishing touches. The Hurricanes finished at 149-3, recording a run rate of 10.77 – a testament to their aggressive approach.

This victory provides a significant boost to the Hurricanes’ net run rate, making them a formidable force early in the season. For Renegades, the lack of a substantial total despite having wickets in hand during the middle overs will be a point of concern for captain Will Sutherland.

Also READ: BBL|15 – Josh Philippe and Babar Azam guide Sydney Sixers to 47-run win over Sydney Thunder

 





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



The IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi has been rocked by a bizarre controversy involving former India legend Ravichandran Ashwin and his long-time franchise, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Following his retirement from the IPL in August 2025, Ashwin has transitioned into a popular digital analyst, but his recent ‘perfect’ predictions have landed him in hot water with a section of the CSK faithful.

The off-spinner correctly forecasted that the Super Kings would break the bank for uncapped Indian domestic stars Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer, a prediction that came true just minutes later when CSK secured both for a staggering 14.2 crore each. This uncanny accuracy led to viral accusations that Ashwin had “leaked” the franchise’s confidential scouting targets, potentially allowing rival teams to drive up the prices. Amidst a flurry of memes and angry tweets, Ashwin finally broke his silence on December 18, 2025, using his trademark wit to dismiss the claims and defend his analytical prowess in a high-stakes digital era.

Former off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin denies leaking CSK’s IPL 2026 auction plans

The primary catalyst for the backlash was the record-breaking nature of CSK’s acquisitions. By spending a combined 28.4 crore on two uncapped players, CSK effectively set a new benchmark for domestic valuations, but many fans felt the “heads-up” from Ashwin’s social media gave teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders the leverage to inflate the bids.

Ashwin, however, found the idea that billion-dollar franchises base their strategies on his tweets inherently hilarious. Addressing a fan on X who asked how happy he was after “leaking all the picks,” Ashwin retorted with laughing emojis: “How are you guys able to believe these lies? The ‘Orange Army’ (SRH) had Muralitharan, Vettori, analysts, and scouts sitting at the table and yet showed faith in my tweets? Use some logic!” His response showcased a critical reality of modern IPL auctions, every team now employs rigorous scouting networks that identify the same “hidden gems,” making it inevitable that top-tier domestic performers like Kartik and Prashant would trigger massive bidding wars regardless of social media chatter.

Also READ: Rishabh Pant to captain Delhi as Virat Kohli makes historic Vijay Hazare Trophy return; squad announced for first two games

CSK’s evolution: From Dad’s army to a youth-driven future

Beyond the Ashwin drama, the 2026 auction signaled a historic shift in the Chennai Super Kings’ DNA, moving away from their traditional reliance on veteran experience toward a high-risk, high-reward youth policy. Head coach Stephen Fleming clarified that the scouting for Kartik, a 19-year-old Rajasthan keeper-batter, and Prashant, a versatile Uttar Pradesh all-rounder, had been ongoing for over a year.

Fleming stated, “We’ve been watching Kartik for some time; he was with us last year as a net bowler. These weren’t ‘leaks’ or impulsive buys; they were targeted replacements for the core we lost after the Ravindra Jadeja trade.” While Ashwin’s retirement has left a void in the locker room, his role as a public “explorer of the game” continues to bridge the gap between fans and the technical side of the sport. Despite missing out on targets like Cameron Green, who went to KKR for a record 25.2 crore, CSK management remains confident that their 28 crore investment in youth will provide the long-term stability needed to reclaim the trophy in the post-Dhoni era.

Also READ: Mumbai announces squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy; Rohit Sharma makes historic return





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IND-W vs SL-W 2025, T20I series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, USA, Canada and Sri Lanka
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IND-W vs SL-W 2025, T20I series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, USA, Canada and Sri Lanka



India Women and Sri Lanka Women are set to kick off their T20I series at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, with both sides eager to begin on a winning note. After a strong year across formats, India Women, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will look to fine-tune their combinations ahead of a packed 2025 season.

The hosts boast a formidable top order featuring Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Jemimah Rodrigues, capable of setting the pace early. With seasoned all-rounders Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana providing solidity in the middle, India’s balance looks impressive. Behind the stumps, Richa Ghosh adds firepower, while Renuka Singh Thakur will spearhead the bowling attack with her sharp new-ball bursts.

Sri Lanka Women, captained by the experienced Chamari Athapaththu, will rely heavily on her all-round brilliance to challenge the hosts. The visitors have shown steady improvement in recent months, with Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari forming the backbone of their batting lineup. Inoka Ranaweera’s spin prowess remains crucial, especially against India’s aggressive batters. With both teams’ combining youth and experience, the series opener promises competitive cricket and plenty of individual talent on display as fans await an exciting contest under the lights in Visakhapatnam.

Sri Lanka Women tour of India 2025, T20I series fixtures

Match Venue Date Time (GMT) Time (IST)
1st T20I ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam Dec 21, 2025 13:30 GMT 7:00 PM IST
2nd T20I ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam Dec 23, 2025 13:30 GMT 7:00 PM IST
3rd T20I Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram Dec 26, 2025 13:30 GMT 7:00 PM IST
4th T20I Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram Dec 28, 2025 13:30 GMT 7:00 PM IST
5th T20I Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram Dec 30, 2025 13:30 GMT 7:00 PM IST

Also READ: Shafali Verma reveals Team India’s next big goal after their World Cup triumph

Squads:

India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Harleen Deol, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Richa Ghosh (wk), G Kamalini (wk), Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma.

Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika De Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wk), Malsha Shehani, Inoka Ranaweera, Shashini Gimhani, Nimesha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Rashmika Sewwandi, Malki Madara.

Broadcast and Live streaming details:

Also READ: Smriti Mandhana’s remarks on ‘feeling low’ returns after her wedding setback with Palash Muchhal

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



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