The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), guardians of the laws of cricket, clarified on Monday that the controversial run-out during the Bangladesh vs Pakistan ODI match was correctly given out under the Laws of Cricket.“Under Laws, there is little that either umpire could have done differently. The non-striker was clearly out of his ground when the wicket was broken, and the ball was in play. That is out,” MCC said in a statement. The MCC statement further read, “It is also worth pointing out that the non-striker had left his ground when the ball was in play and had just started to attempt to regain his ground when he collided with Mehidy. Furthermore, no batter should attempt to pick the ball up without the consent of the fielding side, and had he done so, he would have been at risk of an Obstructing the field dismissal. In retrospect, he would have been better using that time to attempt to regain his ground.“Pakistan batter Salman Ali Agha was involved in a rare and controversial dismissal during the second ODI against Bangladesh played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka last week.The incident occurred in the 39th over of Pakistan’s innings when the visitors were building a strong partnership. Agha and Mohammad Rizwan were on the crease and had added 109 runs for the fourth wicket after Pakistan lost three early wickets.On the fourth delivery of the over, bowled by Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rizwan played a gentle push down the ground. The ball rolled towards Agha, who was standing outside his crease at the non-striker’s end after backing up.As the ball made contact with his pads, Agha bent down and tried to pick it up. Miraz quickly collected the ball and broke the stumps with Agha still outside the crease, appealing for a run-out.The on-field umpire upheld the appeal and referred the decision upstairs. The third umpire also ruled in Bangladesh’s favour, confirming Agha’s dismissal.The decision left Agha visibly frustrated as he walked back to the pavilion. Visuals showed the Pakistan batter expressing his displeasure after the dismissal.On the suggestions that the ball should have been declared dead, MCC clarified, “There have been some suggestions that the ball should have been treated as Dead. That is not viable under the Laws; the ball does not become dead when players collide – if it did, that would incentivise players to seek out collisions when the situation was advantageous. There was no question of a serious injury, so there could be no call of Dead ball for that. It could not have been clear to the umpire that all the players ceased to consider the ball to be in play, since Mehidy clearly believed it was live, even if Agha did not. And it cannot have been finally settled in the hands of the bowler or wicket-keeper, since it was on the ground.”

Devon Conway of New Zealand (Getty Images)

Devon Conway struck a composed half-century before a clinical bowling display powered New Zealand to a dominant 68-run win over South Africa in the second T20I at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on Tuesday, levelling the five-match series 1-1.After being sent in to bat, New Zealand posted a competitive 175/6, anchored by Conway’s 60 off 49 balls. The left-hander, who had a quiet T20 World Cup campaign, made the most of his opportunity with a controlled knock featuring five fours and two sixes. “It’s been a very quiet couple of months… it’s nice to come back and contribute,” Conway said after the match.Scorecard: New Zealand vs South Africa, 2nd T20INew Zealand got off to a brisk start, reaching 43 without loss in the powerplay, with Conway and Tom Latham setting the tone. However, the hosts found it difficult to accelerate in the middle overs as the pitch slowed down and became two-paced. Contributions from Nick Kelly (21) and Mitchell Santner (20) kept the scoreboard ticking, before a late flourish from Josh Clarkson, who smashed 26 off just nine balls, lifted the total.South Africa struggle in chaseIn response, South Africa never got going and were bowled out for just 107 in 15.3 overs. The chase unraveled early at 31/3, and despite a brief counter from George Linde, who top-scored with a quickfire 33, the visitors collapsed under sustained pressure.Pace duo Ben Sears (3/14) and Lockie Ferguson (3/16) were outstanding, exploiting the variable bounce and pace on offer. All 10 South African wickets fell to catches, underlining the effectiveness of New Zealand’s disciplined bowling.South Africa captain Keshav Maharaj admitted his side misread the conditions. “We thought the dew would play a factor, but the wicket got worse. New Zealand bowled really well and stifled us early,” he said.The result comes after South Africa’s seven-wicket win in the series opener and keeps the contest finely poised. With both sides fielding relatively inexperienced squads following the T20 World Cup, the series has offered opportunities for emerging players to step up.The third T20I will be played in Auckland on Friday.

Despite featuring in the Top 10 highest run-getters in IPL history, these legendary players have never won the orange cap even after 18 editions of the tournament.

IPL Trophy. (BCCI/IPL Photo)

Despite featuring in the Top 10 highest run-getters in IPL history, these legendary players have never won the orange cap even after 18 editions of the tournament.

IPL Trophy. (BCCI/IPL Photo)

Despite featuring in the Top 10 highest run-getters in IPL history, these legendary players have never won the orange cap even after 18 editions of the tournament.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 approaches its blockbuster start of the 19th edition on March 28, the tournament once again promises high-octane cricket, massive runs, and individual brilliance. In an era dominated by batting, where the highest run scorer of season leads to the prestigious Orange Cap, there is a shocking fact that some of the IPL’s greatest run-scorers have never claimed the award.Despite featuring in the Top 10 highest run-getters in IPL history, these legendary players have never won the orange cap even after 18 editions of the tournament.

1. Rohit Sharma: One of the biggest names in IPL history, Rohit Sharma is also one of the most successful captains, leading Mumbai Indians to five titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020). Known for his elegant batting, Rohit ranks 2nd in the top run-scorers in IPL history with 7,046 runs in 272 matches. Rohit Sharma’s best IPL season with the bat was arguably 2013, where he scored 538 runs to lead the Mumbai Indians (MI) to their maiden title. Despite his impact, he has never won an Orange Cap. 2. Shikhar Dhawan: Sitting 3rd on the all-time run charts, Dhawan has amassed 6769 runs in 222 matches. He came close to winning the Orange Cap in 2020 and 2021, where he was among the top contenders but narrowly missed out. Representing teams Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings, Dhawan has delivered several memorable performances but never topped a season.3. Suresh Raina: Suresh Raina Often called ‘Mr. IPL’ was the backbone of Chennai Super Kings’ batting lineup. He scored 5,528 runs in 205 matches Sitting on 5th on the all-time run charts. His best season came in 2013 (548 runs), but even then, he fell short of the Orange Cap an astonishing fact given his dominance during IPL’s early years.4. AB de Villiers: One of the most destructive batters in IPL history, AB de Villiers thrilled fans with his innovative stroke play. He ended his IPL career with 5,162 runs in 184 matches currently sitting on 8th position, with his best season coming in 2016 (687 runs, 3rd place). Batting mostly in the middle order often reduced his chances of accumulating the highest seasonal tally, keeping the Orange Cap just out of reach.5. Ajinkya Rahane: Ajinkya Rahane currently at 9th position in all time run getters has been a dependable opener in the IPL, scoring 5,032 runs in 183 matches. His standout season came in 2012 (560 runs for Rajasthan Royals), yet he never finished as the top run-scorer in any edition. Despite his classical style and consistency, the Orange Cap has eluded him.

Honourable Mention: MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni, one of the most iconic players in IPL history, has also never won the Orange Cap. The Chennai Super Kings legend has led his team to five titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023) and scored 5,439 runs in 278 matches. Known more for his finishing role than accumulating big seasonal tallies, Dhoni’s best seasons 2018 (455 runs) and 2019 (416 runs) still weren’t enough to secure the award mainly because his role as a finisher limited his opportunities to score big runs across the season.

Top 10 highest ‘run scorers’ in IPL history

Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma of India lift the T20 World Cup trophy. (Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: India captain Suryakumar Yadav has offered a fascinating insight into what set apart the country’s back-to-back T20 World Cup-winning squads, describing the 2024 side as driven by “experienced enthusiasm” and the 2026 unit as fuelled by the “fiery passion of youth.”Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Suryakumar explained that while both teams were equally skilled, the difference lay in their mindset. “There was just an ‘unnis bees ka farak’. Woh experience wala josh tha, idhar ekdum khoon garam tha ladkon ka,” he said in a PTI interview, highlighting how the earlier team leaned on experience, while the latest group thrived on youthful intensity.The 2024 triumph, achieved under Rohit Sharma, featured stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, whose experience helped India end a long ICC title drought. In contrast, the 2026 squad saw a younger core step up after the senior trio’s retirement from the format.

2024 vs 2026 – Experience vs Youth“In 2024, we had a lot of experience and clearly defined roles. There are good players now as well, but that team had immense experience,” Suryakumar noted, downplaying any direct comparison in terms of superiority between the two sides.Leading a relatively young group in 2026 also meant managing expectations, especially with the tournament being held at home. Suryakumar revealed he had to prepare his players mentally for the magnitude of the occasion. “All the guys are 25 to 27 years old. It was important to tell them what it feels like to win a World Cup in India, with 50,000 or even a lakh people cheering,” he said.Despite the relative inexperience, the captain felt the team’s hunger made the difference. “Skill-wise, there’s only a slight difference in T20 cricket, but this time there was more enthusiasm,” he added.Reflecting on his own journey from a key player in 2024 to captain in 2026, Suryakumar admitted the emotions were heightened. “The goal was the same, but the emotion in 2026 was more because we were playing in India. Winning it in Ahmedabad made it even more special,” he said.

Koneru Humpy, Divya Deshmukh, and R Praggnanandhaa with sister R Vaishali (Photos by Andrei Anosov and Michal Walusza/FIDE)

NEW DELHI: Even as Koneru Humpy’s potential withdrawal from the Candidates tournament in Cyprus over the Iran war raised concerns, India’s next-gen trio of Divya Deshmukh, R Vaishali and R Praggnanandhaa are set to compete in the prestigious tournament later this month.Concerns of a wider pullout have been put to rest, as TimesofIndia.com can confirm that all three are proceeding with their preparations despite the geopolitical tensions in the region.

Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Divya, 20, qualified for Women’s Candidates by clinching the FIDE Women’s World Cup in 2025 in Batumi, defeating Koneru Humpy in a thrilling tiebreak to become the first Indian woman to win the title. The victory also earned her the GM title as she became the fourth female Grandmaster from India. Will Divya Deshmukh, Vaishali, and Praggnanandhaa also skip?Despite the whispers of withdrawal, a source close to Deshmukh told TimesofIndia.com: “As of now, we have decided that Divya will go and play. As these things develop, we will monitor the situation and decide afterwards. But at this moment, she will play.”It is also understood that Deshmukh’s camp is busy planning her travel and stay. Similarly, R Vaishali and R Praggnanandhaa are proceeding with their plans to participate in the Candidates.“Have they told publicly that they are not playing? Since Koneru Humpy is potentially not playing, it doesn’t mean that Pragg and Vaishali are not playing. It means only Koneru Humpy is not playing,” RB Ramesh, long-time mentor to both Vaishali and Praggnanandhaa, told this website.“My position is not to judge anyone’s decision. Everyone is free to make their own decision, and that should be respected. If Humpy’s position is not to play, it is fine.”Koneru Humpy unsure of ParticipationOn Monday, Indian Grandmaster (GM) Humpy had revealed she could potentially skip the Candidates tournament, starting March 28. In an interview with the Hindustan Times, she had said, “It just does not make any sense. It is dangerous to travel anywhere near West Asia at this point when there is so much tension and uncertainty. The war started around a fortnight ago, it is still ongoing, and the tournament is less than two weeks away.”A drone strike on a British air base in Cyprus on March 1 also raised worries about security. With European warships and Turkish fighter jets guarding the island, questions have emerged about whether Cyprus is the right place to host such an important chess event.“Our plans haven’t changed. We are in the final stages of preparing the Candidates’ Tournament. Of course, we are monitoring the situation. Cyprus isn’t too far from, let us say, the war zone or conflict zone, but at the same time, it’s not involved in any way and isn’t in a state of war,” Emil Sutovsky, CEO of FIDE, told ChessBase India.“There is no emergency or anything like that. Of course, about 10 days ago, there was some worrying news, but since then, the situation has appeared quite calm.”The road to Candidates 2026 for Praggnanandhaa-Vishali While Praggnanandhaa qualified for the open section of the Candidates after winning the 2025 FIDE Circuit, his elder sister Vaishali secured her spot by winning the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss last year.After a disastrous run at the Chennai Grand Masters Challengers, where she suffered seven straight losses and managed just two draws, Vaishali nearly pulled out of Grand Swiss.“It might sound funny, but after Chennai, I decided not to play Grand Swiss,” the 24-year-old told ChessBase later in an interview. “I felt so bad. Losing seven games in a row was hard to recover from.”Encouraged by coach RB Ramesh, mentor Karthikeyan Murali, and her brother Praggnanandhaa, she eventually competed in Samarkand, where she defended her Women’s Grand Swiss title to qualify.Reigning world champion D Gukesh recently admitted he would like to have an all-Indian showdown at the World Championship later this year. “Personally, I would like to face Pragg. It would be an Indian clash, and it would be great for the Indian fans,” Gukesh recently told ChessBase India.With the Candidates being the only gateway to the World Championship, skipping the event is a risk these young stars appear unwilling to take.

Varun Chakravarthy and Sanju Samson. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

India’s recent awards ceremony celebrating its cricketing heroes turned into a viral moment after Varun Chakravarthy made a light-hearted yet striking comment involving Sanju Samson.Walking the red carpet alongside Samson, Chakravarthy said: ‘There is meme going on social media, if there is a Mallu in the World Cup team, we never lose the World Cup’.

The remark quickly went viral on social media, especially in the backdrop of India’s dominant triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where Samson played a pivotal role.

Sanju Samson’s dream World Cup campaign

Samson was one of the standout performers of the tournament and was eventually named Player of the Tournament for his exceptional contributions. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 321 runs in just five innings, averaging over 80 with a staggering strike rate close to 200, making him one of the most destructive batters in the competition.His performances in crucial matches defined India’s title-winning run:97 not out vs West Indies (Super 8) – a match-winning knock under pressure89 vs England (Semi-final) – a dominant innings in a knockout clash89 vs New Zealand (Final) – a blazing start that set up India’s title winIn fact, Samson scored 275 runs in the knockout stages alone, showcasing his ability to deliver when it mattered the most. Samson’s journey in the tournament was nothing short of remarkable. He wasn’t even a guaranteed starter at the beginning but made the most of his opportunities, eventually becoming India’s match-winner in high-pressure games.

Varun Chakravarthy’s World Cup campaign

Varun Chakravarthy had a mixed yet impactful campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, playing a key role in India’s title-winning run. The mystery spinner emerged as one of the leading wicket-takers of the tournament, finishing with 14 wickets, showcasing his ability to break crucial partnerships in the middle overs. His standout performance came against the Netherlands, where he delivered a brilliant spell to seal a win for India. However, his campaign also saw moments of inconsistency, including an expensive outing in the semi-final against England. Despite that, Chakravarthy’s wicket-taking ability and control in key phases made him an important contributor to India’s historic third T20 World Cup triumph.After a successful ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, Sanju Samson is set to begin a new chapter with Chennai Super Kings following his trade, while Varun Chakravarthy returns to Kolkata Knight Riders for the Indian Premier League 2026 season, aiming to carry his form into the tournament.