In what promises to be a nostalgic and electrifying curtain-raiser to the new IPL season, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are gearing up for a grand reunion event titled Roar ’26 at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 22. Known for their deep connection with fans and a legacy built on consistency, CSK are taking things up a notch this year by bringing together legends and current stars under one roof.

‘OG Super Kings’ to reunite for grand fan engagement

The event is scheduled from 4 pm to 9 pm IST and is being billed as much more than just a fan meet. It’s a celebration of CSK’s journey, a tribute to its loyal Yellow Army, and a rare opportunity to see different generations of players share the same stage again. From iconic match-winners to present-day heroes, the evening will blend cricket, entertainment and pure emotion.

One of the biggest highlights of the event will be a unique exhibition contest featuring the “OG Super Kings” squad against the current CSK lineup. Fans can expect high-energy moments as legends like Matthew Hayden, Dwayne Bravo, Suresh Raina, Muttiah Muralitharan, Murali Vijay and Subramaniam Badrinath return to Chepauk, a ground where they created countless unforgettable memories.

Interestingly, what adds an extra layer of intrigue is the fact that several of these legends are currently associated with rival franchises. Bravo is mentoring Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Hayden has taken up a role with Gujarat Titans (GT), while Muttiah Muralitharan is part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) setup. Despite these professional commitments, CSK have reportedly coordinated with franchises to ensure their participation, underlining the emotional pull of the franchise.

While early buzz hinted at a major announcement during the event, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has played down such speculation. “It is just a pre-launch for the season and an exercise in fan engagement. There is nothing more to read into it,” he clarified, while also revealing that nearly 19-20 former players are expected to be part of the celebration.

However, not every familiar face will be present. Veteran off-spinner R Ashwin, who started his IPL career with CSK, is likely to miss the event due to prior commitments.

Also READ: Sanjay Bangar picks the ideal batting order of CSK for IPL 2026

Star power, music and fan experience to define Roar ’26

Beyond cricket, Roar ’26 is shaping up to be a full-blown entertainment spectacle. Adding a cultural and musical dimension to the evening, Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman will deliver a special live performance, ensuring the atmosphere at Chepauk reaches a whole new level.

CSK have described the event in grand terms, emphasizing its immersive nature and emotional appeal. “The evening will witness the legendary Oscar award-winning music director AR Rahman delivering a special live performance, turning Chepauk into a pulsating arena of music and lights, filling it with celebration and immersive fan experiences, creating memories that last a lifetime,” read an official CSK statement.

With such a lineup, fans can expect a seamless blend of cricket nostalgia and world-class entertainment, making it one of the most unique pre-season events in IPL history.

Tickets for the event went live on March 15 and are available through multiple official platforms, including the CSK app, the franchises official website and District. The franchise has also issued a clear warning to fans, urging them to avoid unauthorized sellers and unofficial platforms to prevent any inconvenience.

Meanwhile, preparations for the IPL season are already in full swing. By the time the event takes place, new signings like Sanju Samson and Sarfaraz Khan have joined the CSK camp in Chennai. Samson’s arrival, in particular, has sparked conversations about the team’s future leadership, with MS Dhoni expected to play a mentoring role as the franchise plans ahead.

CSK will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign with an away match against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30, before returning home to face Punjab Kings on April 3. With only the initial set of fixtures announced so far due to upcoming elections, anticipation around the season continues to build.

Also READ: Mohit Sharma reveals his all-time CSK playing XI ahead of IPL 2026

The dust has finally settled on the T20 World Cup 2026, and while the fireworks over the Narendra Modi Stadium have faded, the cricketing world is still buzzing about India’s clinical path to the trophy. It wasn’t just a victory of talent; it was a victory of intent. For many, the turning point wasn’t a specific wicket or a final-over six, but a high-stakes personnel shift initiated by Head Coach Gautam Gambhir and Captain Suryakumar Yadav.

Following a bruising defeat to South Africa in the Super 8 stage, the Indian camp faced a crossroads. The response was a tactical gamble that shifted the tournament’s momentum: the decision to include Sanju Samson back to the top of the order. The result was a historic blitz that saw Samson amass 321 runs in just five matches, maintaining a strike rate near 200 and walking away with the ‘Player of the Tournament’ accolades.

Ricky Ponting credits Gautam Gambhir’s bold strategy for India’s shift in T20 World Cup 2026

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, a man who knows a thing or two about World Cup-winning strategies, was quick to identify this move as the catalyst for India’s dominance. Speaking on the ICC Review, Ponting highlighted the psychological weight of such a decision. Moving an established name like Ishan Kishan down the order to make room for Samson wasn’t just a change in the batting lineup; it was a statement of belief.

“It was actually a big call to make. As a player, all you really need is the backing of the captain and coaching staff. Sometimes, just a pat on the back or someone saying, ‘We believe in you,’ is all a player needs to hear,” Ponting noted.

This “arm around the shoulder” philosophy clearly resonated with Samson. After being reinstated, the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter turned the tournament into his personal highlight reel, hammering unbeaten scores of 97*, 89, and 89. His performances in the do-or-die Super 8 clash against the West Indies and the semi-final against England were masterclasses in modern T20 power-hitting, proving that Gambhir’s intuition was backed by a deep understanding of player psychology.

Also READ: ICC T20I Rankings: Abhishek Sharma holds No.1 spot, Sanju Samson surges after T20 World Cup 2026 heroics

India defining a new era of T20 dominance

India’s triumph in 2026 has reignited the debate regarding where this specific squad ranks in the pantheon of great cricket teams. With a blend of fearless youth and calculated aggression, the Men in Blue peaked exactly when the stakes were highest. Ponting went as far as to suggest that this current iteration might be the most formidable T20I side the game has ever seen.

The statistics certainly support the “G.O.A.T.” argument. Beyond just the 2026 trophy, India’s white-ball consistency over the last half-decade has been staggering. By integrating specialized roles like Samson’s aggressive opening or Suryakumar’s 360-degree finishing, Gambhir has moved away from the conservative safety-first approach that often hampered India in previous knockout stages.

As the celebrations continue, the 2026 campaign will be remembered as the moment Gambhir’s process met Suryakumar’s flair. By trusting Samson to lead from the front, they didn’t just win a trophy; they redefined the blueprint for Indian T20 cricket.

Also READ: Sanjay Bangar picks the ideal batting order of CSK for IPL 2026

Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant has been out of touch in the last two seasons of the IPL. Despite being the highest signing of the IPL, the LSG captain has been out of favour within the Indian white-ball setup.

Rishabh Pant shocked all with his stunning rise in the IPL, as he was bought for a massive worth of INR 27 crores by the Lucknow Super Giants, making it the highest ever bid in the history of franchise cricket. He captained Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, but did not have a successful season in the IPL.

Having played in all 14 games for the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2025, he has amassed 269 runs at an average of less than 25; however, he scored a consolation hundred in the final game of the tournament. The 28-year-old has not been part of India’s white-ball setup since 2024.

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They are seeing him only as a red-ball player- ex-CSK batter exposes Rishabh Pant

Former CSK batter Subramaniam Badrinath believes that star wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant has gone out of favour within the Indian white-ball setup. He has also called out that this season will be crucial for him to make a turnaround.

Speaking about the same, Rishabh Pant, on his YouTube channel, highlighted Pant’s poor run in the white-ball format and his absence from the Indian team.

“There will be a lot of focus on Rishabh Pant. Let’s not forget, he was the most expensive player in the auction two years back. So there will be massive expectations on him. It is clear that he has gone out of favor within the Indian white-ball setup. They are seeing him only as a red-ball player,” said Subramaniam Badrinath on Rishabh Pant.

The upcoming IPL season is huge for Pant- Subramaniam Badrinath

The former CSK star felt that the upcoming IPL 2026 season would be massive for the Southpaw, as the 28-year-old would be lining up to make a return to the white-ball setup for India. He was part of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Indian squad.

“If he has to create headlines in white-ball cricket, the upcoming IPL season is huge for Pant. Captaincy has seemingly diminished his free-flowing batting,” Badrinath feels captaincy has taken away the flamboyant batting style from Pant.

“He has not been very consistent in the last two IPL seasons. He hasn’t delivered much in white-ball cricket. Except for that one century at the end, he didn’t do anything last season. It was just a face-saving hundred,” he added.

They aren’t a great side- Badrinath exposes LSG ahead of IPL 2026

While LSG struggled in their last IPL season with just 6 wins in 14 games and finished seventh in the points table, Badrinath has not given them many chances to better their results in the upcoming season as well.

“They aren’t a great side. More than them performing well, they have a chance only if other teams mess it up. But they have great overseas batters and a decent bowling lineup as well,” said Badrinath (via the aforementioned source).

He has acknowledged the promising overseas batting strength in their side, which includes batters like Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis, and Nicholas Pooran, who have also been in great touch.

ALSO READ: Rinku snubbed as KKR officially announce captain for IPL 2026

The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is just weeks away. The first 20 matches of the tournament have been scheduled due to the Assembly Elections in India. Delhi Capitals (DC) have already started their camp for the IPL, and slowly, the players are joining the franchise for the training sessions ahead of the toughest T20 league.

Delhi Capitals started well last season won five of their first six matches under captain Axar Patel. Despite their good start, they eventually failed to qualify for the playoffs due to a collapse in the second part of the campaign, losing five out of the eight games in the second half.

KL Rahul’s batting position in doubt?

DC had been a side that went on to do a musical chair in their batting order, which was one of the reasons for their collapse in the latter half of the tournament. Ahead of the new season, former DC coach Mohammad Kaif has dropped his batting order for KL Rahul.

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KL Rahul has been a batter who has been experimented with the most in all positions, which brings its own challenges, and has performed well. However, Kaif believes that the stylish batter should open the innings for the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2026.

I think he will open- Mohammad Kaif on KL Rahul

“I think he will open, and he should open only. He has a fabulous record as an opener. If we talk about the last three or four years, his graph, when it comes to strike rate, has gone up a lot. I feel they shouldn’t get confused,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

“The problem is that they ask KL Rahul to bat at No. 4 or do the finishing role. He should go and play his game, and as an opener. They have David Miller and Tristan Stubbs as well this time.”

“You open, and back your shots and game. A massive change was seen in his batting last year. He improved his game in the power play, and he alone won a few matches,” Kaif observed.

DC this time has a lot of options with opener as they bought Ben Duckett, Pathum Nissanka, and have the option of KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, and Karun Nair as well. With five openers, they need to sort them down quickly to have their best XI from the very start.

Delhi Capitals have strong middle order

Kaif also lauded Miller’s buy by Delhi for the upcoming season, he said it will further add balance. This time, DC has a strong middle order in terms of David Miller, Abhishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel, and Ashutosh Sharma.

Kaif further said, “The biggest thing is David Miller. He will bat at No. 5 or No. 6 on that Delhi pitch, and he is in great form. So they have done two things. They have filled their squad with a lot of openers and brought in Miller.”

“Spinners were their strength from earlier, and they have a few fast bowlers as well. It’s looking like a more balanced team compared to last year.”

Also Read: “It happens sometimes”: Suryakumar Yadav reveals on-field exchange with Daryl Mitchell in T20 World Cup final

Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mahela Jayawardene, in his recent speech, declared that Rohit Sharma, who was used mostly as an impact player last season, might be seen a bit more on the field this time around.

India’s most veteran T20I batter, Rohit Sharma, no longer plays in that blue jersey with the tricolor on it; however, he still represents his IPL franchise, the Mumbai Indians. Rohit was one of MI’s highest run-getters last season and helped them advance to the second Qualifier.

However, Rohit was mainly seen as an Impact player in the last season. The Mumbai Indians bought Rohit in the batting innings to open alongside Ryan Rickelton. The Indian veteran was seen mainly off the ground, as Hardik Pandya has been captaining the side for the last two seasons.

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I want to keep him on the field as much as I can- Mahela Jayawardene said of Rohit Sharma’s role in 2026

MI fans did not take Hardik Pandya’s appointment as the captain of the side, replacing Rohit Sharma, in a very good manner. The Wankhede crowd booed their own team’s skipper on several occasions after Hardik moved back to MI in 2024.

However, Pandya kept his cool and showed some stunning resilience as a cricketer and led MI to the Qualifiers in his second season as captain. This marked the Mumbai Indians’ first-ever playoff qualification after 2020.

Rohit Sharma Will be seen on the field and not as an impact player. pic.twitter.com/LLAFD9SMyQ

— MI Fans Army™ (@MIFansArmy) March 17, 2026

In a chat show with MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene, he was asked if Rohit Sharma, the former MI skipper, would be seen in the playing XI this time around rather than being brought in only as an Impact player.

The head coach jokingly remarked, “But he is still playing.”

He then continued, “I think definitely, the way we managed him last season, he had a few fitness concerns as well, and we needed to manage that. The thing is, he is still making a huge impact on the team, whether he is on the field or not. But this year, definitely, I want to keep him on the field as much as I can.”

Most of our guys are all-rounders, and the captains need that option – Mahela Jayawardene

The MI head coach also pointed out that most of their players are cricketers who play as all-rounders and have a role to play with the ball as well. The captain needed his options during that innings, and it was Rohit Sharma who volunteered to be used as an Impact player under such circumstances.

“But we are rotating that impact player based on the fact that the other players need to be on the field all the time. Because if you look at that, most of our players are all-rounders who do bowl, and the captain needs those options on the field, something that I have to look at and discuss.

“Now Tilak is bowling as well, so he put his hand up, and I cannot take him out. Now, the two guys who are not bowling are Rohit and Surya. Are you okay with Surya missing out on the XI and coming in as an Impact player?” The coach turned the tide towards the fans.

However, he assured that he would look to do the best, and the rest is to see what actually happens in the season.

MI’s possible Playing 12 for IPL 2026

The Mumbai Indians probably have the finest pack of Indian superstars of any other team in the IPL. They have Rohit Sharma leading the pack, alongside skipper Hardik Pandya. The Indian T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav, the ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, and the youngster Tilak Varma are all in the same squad.

However, now they have too many overseas stars who clash in their roles. They have two of South Africa’s in-form wicket-keeper batters in Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton. They also picked Sherfane Rutherford, another in-form batter from the West Indies to strengthen their lower-order batting.

ALSO READ: Former CSK batter hints at end of Rishabh Pant’s white-ball career

Former RCB skipper Faf du Plessis, who would not be part of IPL 2026, went on to pick the four overseas players for RCB’s playing XI in 2026. He sidelined the likes of English youngster Jacob Bethell, who was seen in some sublime touch during the T20 World Cup earlier this month.

RCB will not have much dilemma on their overseas spots. Except for the selection of the opening pair, where they will have to pick between last season’s star Phil Salt and in-form batter Jacob Bethell. Salt has lacked form severely for England in the ICC T20 World Cup.

Faf du Plessis picks Phil Salt over England’s WC hero Jacob Bethell

Former South African batter Faf du Plessis advised RCB to stick to their overseas combination of English opener Phil Salt, Romario Shepherd, Tim David, and Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood. They were all part of the playing XI in the previous season in 2024.

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“I will go with Salt because of the combination they had last year with Virat and Salt. Salt’s that explosive 50 runs off 20 balls, trying to get as many as he can. So, I would think they would go with him.”

“Bethell, what he did the other night was an incredible knock in that World Cup semifinal. I would have Salt, Hazlewood, David, and Shepherd as the overseas options in the playing XI,” du Plessis told ESPN Cricinfo.

However, he ignored the likes of Jacob Bethell, the English batting all-rounder who was the leading run-scorer for England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. He also sidelined the bowling options like Nuwan Thushara and Jacob Duffy.

Former RCB captain backs Josh Hazlewood to return for IPL 2026

Though the former RCB skipper noted that Josh Hazlewood will be a crucial part of the RCB playing XI, he also considered his fitness to be a huge concern for RCB. According to recent reports, his availability is already under uncertainty, as he is currently recovering from multiple setbacks.

“I don’t think Hazlewood will play every game for them. He was being talked about for the World Cup at one stage. So, you would imagine six months later, his body will be in a much better place,” said du Plessis, noting that he will not play all games for RCB.

“When he was there, even when I was playing, we would have effective bowling attacks, and when you take him out, he leaves such a massive hole because he gets you wickets in the powerplay, he comes back, and he is excellent in the death. I think a lot of the team’s success goes hand in hand with Hazlewood’s availability,” Faf du Plessis added.

Faf credited Krunal Pandya for RCB’s maiden IPL triumph

South African batting legend Faf du Plessis, who led RCB during three seasons from IPL 2022 onwards, bemoaned not having an ideal finger spinner during his stint with the franchise. He credited the RCB management for having picked the all-rounder spinner, Krunal Pandya.

“For a long time, Chinnaswamy has been a very difficult home ground. In all the years that I was there, you couldn’t try to plan for what you think are home conditions. It’s so different all the time, and it is so batting friendly.

“The only difference that I have picked up is that you need a quality finger spinner, which I wish we had in our time. I remember us trying to trade a left-arm spinner; there are only about three or four in the IPL that are tested and proven,” du Plessis added.

RCB, however, had Yuzvendra Chahal, the most successful spinner in the IPL over several seasons, yet they could not manage to win the title. RCB, on the other hand, will kickstart their campaign against SRH on the 28th of March in IPL 2026.

ALSO READ: “Had a few minor fitness concerns”: MI head coach drops major update on Rohit Sharma’s participation in IPL 2026

Cameron Green will be seen at the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 for a new franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The Australia all-rounder was first picked by the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL and later was traded to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He played crucial roles in both franchises, scoring 707 runs in two seasons.

Cam Green was picked by KKR in the auction last year in December for an astronomical price of INR 25.20 crore. He was the highest-paid player in the auction and also the highest-paid overseas player in the history of the IPL. He surpassed the records of Pat Cummins INR 20.25 crore and Mitchell Starc’s 24.75 crore.

Cameron Green highest paid player

Cameron Green’s form was not good during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. He failed to register a single fifty in the competition and was questioned about his form ahead of IPL. However, right ahead of the toughest T20 league, the all-rounder came back in form as he struck a hundred in the Sheffield Shield clash between Western Australia and New South Wales.

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Cameron Green interacted with a journalist after day 3 of the encounter. However, he initially rejected the interview request, but later on, while speaking, there was a controversy between the journalist and the cricketer after being asked about his hundred, and then the poor form he carried during the T20 World Cup.

It’s obviously a great feeling- Cam Green

“Yeah, it’s obviously a great feeling. We’ve had a really good start the first three days, so hopefully we can get a win tomorrow. I’m not answering that question. Next question.” Cameron Green told The Age.

As the reporter tried to end the interview, Cameron Green was furious with his questions and hit back. The interview turned ugly, and the conversation even forced the Western Australia assistant coach, Beau Casson, to offer an apology after Green left the premises on a frustrated note.

The KKR star concluded, “Waste of time. Why are you out to get me?” Cameron Green has been one of the most talked cricketer ahead of the auction last year. He failed to deliver for Australia in the slow and turning pitches in Sri Lanka, and that led to numerous criticisms for the cricketer.

Can Cam Green shine for KKR?

In four matches at the T20 World Cup, Cameron Green scored 24 runs in four games for the Aussies with a poor average of 8. As a result, Australia failed to qualify for the next round. However, with both completely different conditions to play on, Green loves batting in India.

Green did not play in the IPL 2025 season due to a serious back injury that required surgery. He would be a crucial player for KKR up the order alongside the likes of Finn Allen and Ajinkya Rahane.

He has been picked as a like for like replacement of Andre Russell, who retired after being released by KKR. The Knights would want him to use up the order as the best season he had was back in 2023 was batting at No.3 and opening the innings for the Mumbai Indians.

Also Read: EX-CSK opener snubs T20 World Cup hero, picks shocking overseas names for RCB

Rajasthan Royals, the first-ever champions of the IPL, have been awaiting their second title in the IPL for all these seasons. Under a new skipper, the Royals and their youngest player, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, have declared themselves the champions of IPL 2026.

The Rajasthan Royals have managed to win only one IPL, which was back in 2008, the inaugural season of the IPL. Ever since then, they have played in just one of the other IPL finals, in 2022, when the Sanju Samson-led side was defeated by the Gujarat Titans.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the youngster, was included in the Rajasthan Royals playing XI last time. He went on to be the youngest ever cricketer, aged 13, who was part of the RR playing XI in the IPL. He then went on to be the youngest centurion in the IPL.

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi declares Rajasthan Royals as the champions of IPL 2026

Ahead of the start of IPL 2026, the Rajasthan Royals management and their youngest cricketer, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, have declared themselves champions of the upcoming season of the IPL.

In a promotional video ahead of the IPL 2026, the Royals team showed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi imitating Ranveer Singh’s famous scene from the Bollywood movie Dhurandhar, where he writes down his targets in a secret diary.

Sooryavanshi has been seen striking off his accomplished targets, like an IPL century and the U19 World Cup, while he writes the next target as the IPL trophy. Suryavanshi’s form has been sublime across all formats of white-ball cricket.

𝐕𝐚𝐢𝐛𝐡𝐚𝐯 𝐒𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐏𝐋 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 🔥💗 pic.twitter.com/Eh2ofR9N3L

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) March 16, 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s dream debut in IPL 2025

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi did not get his chance in the first half of the tournament for the Rajasthan Royals. The Rahul Dravid-led side wonderfully scouted the young cricketer from Bihar as a supreme talent who will shape the future of the Rajasthan Royals and Indian cricket.

Sooryavanshi played 7 games for the Royals and amassed 252 runs for them with a strike rate of over 200. He averaged 36 in the tournament and scored a century in his debut season. As a 13-year-old cricketer, he is the youngest to have scored a hundred.

He scored a half-century and a century, which also became the second-fastest century in the IPL off just 35-balls against the Gujarat Titans.

Sooryavanshi’s terrific run for India in the U19 Asia Cup and World Cup

The 14-year-old cricketer became the youngest cricketer to feature in the ICC U19 World Cup, as he was part of the 2026 ICC Men’s U19 World Cup. The opening batter from India scored 439 runs across 7 innings for India at an average of 62.71.

What made him different from others was the sublime strike rate of 169.50. He finished as the second-highest run-getter in the tournament and led India to another U19 World Cup triumph.

His record-breaking innings came in the final, when he scored 175 runs off just 80 balls in the final of the competition. He also broke the record for most sixes in the single edition of the Under-19 World Cup.

ALSO READ: EX-CSK opener snubs T20 World Cup hero, picks shocking overseas names for RCB

Within a day after the BCB asked Bangladesh‘s Sports Ministry to shut down the investigation into Bangladesh’s exit from the ICC T20 World Cup, the Sports and Youth Minister announced that another parallel investigation committee would be formed to investigate the issue impartially before any conclusion is reached.

Bangladesh made a sudden boycott of the ICC T20 World Cup, which seemed to be the most impractical decision taken by the BCB in modern times. They dared to threaten the ICC for reasons and concerns that were nothing more than tantrums of the board, as they held a grudge against the hosting nation, India.

The ICC made several attempts to resolve the issue between the two nations, but the BCB remained stubborn. Ultimately, their demands were not met, and Bangladesh boycotted the ICC tournament, though it seemed that the players were willing to play the tournament. Scotland replaced them in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

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I will form an inquiry committee- Bangladesh minister alerts BCB over T20 World Cup fiasco

After the national board had asked the Bangladesh Sports Ministry to shut down the investigations related to the boycott of the ICC T20 World Cup, their state minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, has considered placing another investigation, this time through an impartial investigation committee, to verify whether the boycott was a result of diplomatic failure.

This would have shaken the stance of higher officials in the BCB, which might also include the BCB chairman, Aminul Islam Bulbul, who had played a major role in the boycott, as he had cited security concerns in India and demanded an unfair swap of venues just at the doorstep of a World Cup event.

Aminul Haque exposed the irregularities in the BCB elections

Alongside reviewing their diplomatic efficiency, the formation of this body also concerns the several complaints received from different stakeholders regarding irregularities in the previous BCB election.

“At this point, I would like to mention that during the previous government’s tenure, there was direct interference in the cricket board elections from the government’s side—something you are all aware of. I myself spoke about this several times back then,” he pointed out.

“But after we assumed responsibility, various complaints came in from stakeholders involved in cricket—from clubs and from district levels. Taking these into consideration, we formed an inquiry committee, and I am currently awaiting its report,” Aminul said.

He further continued, stating that several directives were issued to the inquiry committee through the NSC, and they have also been instructed to speak with every concerned authority, which includes the election commission and the current BCB president as well.

Bangladesh aims to resolve issues with the ICC ahead of the 2027 WC

Ahead of the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, Bangladesh are aiming to resolve its issues with India as well as the Jay Shah-led ICC. They had made several vile accusations at the ICC after their snub from the T20 World Cup and had accused them of being biased.

The questionable election process needs to be assessed by an impartial investigation, as per the report. Hence, the Sports Minister claimed that the committee has been working on this and he has been awaiting their report.

“I will review it, consult with the members of the inquiry committee, and also speak directly with the ICC before taking any further steps,” he added, implying that Bangladesh are now looking to sort their terms with the BCB.

ALSO READ: Cameron Green loses cool at journalist ahead of IPL 2026

New Zealand delivered a commanding performance in the second T20I against South Africa at Seddon Park, Hamilton, registering a comprehensive 68-run victory. The standout performer of the match was Devon Conway, whose composed and impactful innings laid the foundation for the hosts’ imposing total of 175/6 in 20 overs.

After South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first, New Zealand’s innings began steadily but lacked early acceleration. Wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham scored 11 runs before falling to Keshav Maharaj. Tim Robinson struggled to find rhythm and departed cheaply, leaving the hosts in a slightly cautious position during the powerplay.

However, Conway held firm at one end, displaying remarkable control and shot selection. His 60 off 49 deliveries included five fours and two sixes, striking at an impressive rate of over 122. His ability to rotate strike and build partnerships proved crucial in stabilizing the innings.

Nick Kelly injected some momentum with a quickfire 21 off just 12 balls, while skipper Mitchell Santner added a valuable 20 runs. Though wickets fell at regular intervals, Conway’s presence ensured that New Zealand maintained a steady run rate throughout the innings.

The late flourish came from Josh Clarkson, whose explosive unbeaten 26 off just 9 balls lifted the total significantly. Cole McConchie also played a handy unbeaten knock of 18, helping New Zealand finish strongly at 175/6 – an above-par total on the Hamilton surface.

South African bowlers show promise but lack consistency

South Africa’s bowling attack showed glimpses of control but struggled to maintain consistency, especially in the death overs. Wiaan Mulder and Ottneil Baartman were among the more economical bowlers, each picking up crucial wickets to keep the scoring in check during the middle overs.

Mulder’s disciplined spell yielded two wickets for 14 runs in his two overs, including the key dismissal of Conway. Baartman also impressed with figures of 1/31, applying pressure at key moments. George Linde and Gerald Coetzee chipped in with a wicket each, but their relatively higher economy rates allowed New Zealand to rebuild and accelerate.

Keshav Maharaj, leading the side, had a difficult outing with the ball, conceding 45 runs in his three overs despite taking one wicket. The lack of breakthroughs during critical partnerships allowed New Zealand to post a challenging total.

Despite restricting the hosts early, South Africa failed to capitalize fully, especially as Clarkson’s late assault added crucial runs that ultimately made a significant difference.

New Zealand bowlers dominate as South Africa collapse

Chasing 176 for victory, South Africa’s batting lineup faltered under pressure from a disciplined and aggressive New Zealand bowling attack. The visitors were bowled out for just 107 in 15.3 overs, falling well short of the target.

Outstanding bowling performance from New Zealand to win the 2nd T20I 👏

– The series is now level 1-1#cricket #NZvSA #T20I #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/DtQ9KZYHgD

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 17, 2026

The innings started on a shaky note, with both Wiaan Mulder and Connor Esterhuizen dismissed early, leaving South Africa struggling at 29/2. Tony de Zorzi’s early departure compounded their troubles, as the top order failed to build any meaningful partnerships.

Rubin Hermann provided a brief spark with a quick 19 off 12 balls, but his dismissal triggered a middle-order collapse. Jason Smith and Dian Forrester were unable to anchor the innings, while George Linde’s aggressive 33 off 12 balls came too late to change the course of the match.

New Zealand’s bowlers were relentless. Lockie Ferguson led the charge with an outstanding spell, picking up three wickets and maintaining tight control. Ben Sears matched his impact with three wickets of his own, dismantling the lower order efficiently.

Captain Mitchell Santner also played a key role, claiming two wickets and applying pressure through the middle overs. Cole McConchie and James Neesham contributed with a wicket each, ensuring there was no respite for the South African batters.

For his gritty knock at the top, Devon Conway was adjudged Player of the Match.

A composed 60 (49) to set up a winning total for the Blackcaps 🌟#cricket #NZvSA #devonconway #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/mTKPkcLy2K

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 17, 2026