IPL 2025 Retention Policy: BCCI Considers Retired Players as “Uncapped”

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction is fast approaching, and the anticipation surrounding the retention policy is palpable. The Board of Control for Cricket India (BCCI) has yet to announce the official guidelines, leaving franchises and fans eagerly awaiting details.

One of the key questions is the number of retentions allowed per franchise. In previous seasons, teams were permitted to retain a maximum of three players, but there are speculations that this number could be increased to four or even five. This would give franchises greater flexibility in building their squads.

Another crucial aspect is the maximum number of overseas players that can be retained. Currently, teams are allowed to retain a maximum of two overseas stars. However, there are suggestions that this limit could be raised to three or four, allowing franchises to bolster their international contingent.

The BCCI was expected to unveil the retention policy by the end of August, but it is now likely to be delayed further. Cricbuzz reports that franchises may be given until November 15 to finalize their picks.

One of the most talked-about topics regarding the retention policy is the potential reintroduction of a rule that would allow retired players to be classified as “uncapped.” This means they could be retained at a lower price.

Earlier in the IPL, international players who had retired for five years were eligible for the “uncapped” category. However, this rule was abolished after IPL 2021. Reports suggest that the BCCI is considering bringing it back, which would benefit Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and their iconic captain, MS Dhoni.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanath has denied reports that the franchise requested the BCCI to reinstate the “uncapped” rule for Dhoni. However, the latest reports indicate that the BCCI itself is contemplating such a move.

The reintroduction of the “uncapped” category would not only benefit Dhoni and CSK but also the league as a whole. It would allow franchises to retain experienced players at a lower cost, creating a more balanced and competitive environment.

Bumrah Sparks Social Media War Over Fitness Claims

Bumrah Sparks Social Media War Over Fitness Claims

The Indian cricket team has long been divided over the question of who is the fittest player in the squad. While Ravindra Jadeja has been praised by experts worldwide, Virat Kohli has consistently impressed over the years and remains a fan favorite. However, India’s fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s recent answer to this question has sparked a heated debate on social media.

When asked to name the fittest cricketer in India, Bumrah acknowledged that Kohli is the expected choice but boldly put forward his own name. He explained that he always tries to promote fast bowlers in such situations.

Bumrah’s response has ignited a fierce war of words among fans. Some have criticized him for arrogance, pointing to his injury history and lack of success in major ICC tournaments. Others have defended Bumrah, praising his confidence and determination to stand up for himself.

Meanwhile, India’s fast bowler Akash Deep has heaped praise on Bumrah, describing him as “uniquely crafted by God.” Deep, who recently made his Test debut, admitted that it is difficult to emulate Bumrah’s actions due to their complexity.

Deep also revealed that he draws inspiration from various bowlers, including Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, but emphasized that he does not focus on following any one bowler too closely.

The debate over Bumrah’s fitness claims has highlighted the importance of physical conditioning in modern cricket. Fast bowlers, in particular, face immense physical demands, and their ability to maintain peak fitness is crucial for their success.

Dhruv Jurel Recalls Joe Root's Sledging in Ranchi Test

Dhruv Jurel Recalls Joe Root’s Sledging in Ranchi Test

Dhruv Jurel, the rising star of Team India, recently shared his experience of facing sledging from England’s Joe Root during the Ranchi Test earlier this year. Jurel, who made his Test debut in the series, recalled the incident that occurred when he was batting cautiously on 30 not out.

“I couldn’t sleep that night,” Jurel said. “I was thinking about how I could get my half-century, but I ended up getting around 36 before they took the new ball.”

The next morning, Jurel faced James Anderson, who immediately began sledging him. “He was all aggressive and was continuously sledging,” Jurel said. “I didn’t understand half of those words because of the British accent.”

To Jurel’s surprise, his former Rajasthan Royals teammate, Joe Root, also joined in the mind games. “I asked him, ‘Why are you sledging me?'” Jurel said. “He replied, ‘We are all playing for our country now.'”

Despite the sledging, Jurel remained focused and went on to score 90 runs in the first innings, followed by a crucial 39 not out in the second. His contributions helped India beat England by five wickets, with Jurel earning the man of the match award.

Jurel’s performance in the Ranchi Test showcased his resilience and determination. Despite the pressure of making his Test debut and facing sledging from experienced opponents, he remained composed and played a key role in India’s victory.

The 24-year-old has since been named in India’s 16-man squad for the upcoming 1st Test against Bangladesh. His inclusion is a testament to his talent and the potential he holds for the future of Indian cricket.

Kerala Blasters Aim for Strong Start in ISL Opener Against Punjab FC

Kerala Blasters Aim for Strong Start in ISL Opener Against Punjab FC

Kerala Blasters, despite losing their top scorer from last season, Dimitrios Diamantakos, have been in impressive form in the pre-season and the Durand Cup. Their Moroccan forward, Noah Sadaoui, won the Golden Boot award in the Durand Cup, and the team is hoping that he and Spaniard Jesus Jimenez will continue their fine form in the upcoming ISL season opener against Punjab FC.

“We have been pretty solid so we are absolutely ready but the games in the ISL will tell us where we stand. It will be a hard game but hopefully we can beat them,” said head coach Mikael Stahre.

Punjab FC, who beat Blasters 3-1 in Kochi in their debut ISL year last season, and drew 1-1 in the recent Durand Cup, are also confident of a good performance.

“We have a new coaching staff, new foreign and Indian players and that is the biggest difference from last season,” said Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis. “This season we will try to better the performance from last year and qualify for the playoffs.”

Shane Warne: The King of Spin Who Redefined Cricket

Shane Warne: The King of Spin Who Redefined Cricket

Shane Warne, the legendary Australian leg-spinner, was more than just a cricketer; he was an artist who transformed the cricket field into his canvas. His journey to becoming the most feared and respected spin bowler of all time began in a Melbourne suburb, where a young Warne first discovered his unique talent for making the cricket ball dance.

In the early 1990s, fast bowlers dominated the cricket world, and spin was considered a dying art. However, Warne was about to change that perception. With his distinctive blond hair and an air of confidence, he made his Test debut for Australia in 1992. While his initial performances were unremarkable, Warne was just getting started.

The turning point came in the 1993 Ashes series against England. At Old Trafford, Warne bowled a delivery that would become known as the “Ball of the Century.” It was his first ball in an Ashes Test, and it pitched outside the leg stump. England’s Mike Gatting watched it carefully, expecting it to turn slightly. But the ball spun fiercely, defying all expectations, and clipped the top of the off stump. Gatting was left in disbelief, and so was the cricketing world. Warne had announced his arrival in spectacular fashion.

From that moment, the legend of the “King of Spin” began to grow. Warne possessed an uncanny ability to outthink batsmen. He could spin the ball prodigiously on any surface, making it drift, dip, and turn in ways that left even the best players baffled. His mastery of the leg break, the googly, and the flipper turned him into a weapon in the Australian arsenal.

Warne didn’t just rely on his skill; he played mind games with batsmen, setting them up over a series of deliveries before delivering the knockout punch. His showmanship added to his aura—he was a performer who thrived on the big stage, relishing the tension of the moment.

By the end of his career, Warne had taken over 700 Test wickets, a record for a spin bowler. But it wasn’t just the numbers that made him the King of Spin; it was the magic he brought to the game. Shane Warne redefined spin bowling, making it an art form that captivated millions and solidifying his place as cricket’s greatest spinner.

Manchester United Ease Pressure on Ten Hag with 3-0 Win at Southampton

Manchester United Ease Pressure on Ten Hag with 3-0 Win at Southampton

Manchester United’s beleaguered manager Erik ten Hag breathed a sigh of relief as his team secured a much-needed 3-0 victory over Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium. The win, United’s second of the season, eased the pressure on Ten Hag, who had come under intense scrutiny following back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Liverpool.

The match started with Southampton dominating possession and creating several early chances. However, United goalkeeper Andre Onana proved to be a formidable barrier, saving a penalty from Cameron Archer in the 15th minute. This crucial save proved to be a turning point in the game, as United seized the momentum and took control of the match.

Just two minutes after Onana’s heroics, Matthijs de Ligt opened the scoring for United. The Dutch defender, who had endured a difficult week with the Netherlands national team, rose above the Southampton defense to head home a Bruno Fernandes cross. Marcus Rashford doubled United’s lead in the 41st minute with a curling strike from outside the box, ending his six-month goal drought.

Southampton’s woes deepened in the second half when captain Jack Stephens was sent off for a reckless challenge on Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentine winger then added insult to injury by scoring United’s third goal in stoppage time, sealing the victory for the visitors.

The win lifted United to eighth in the Premier League standings, while Southampton remained without a point after four games. Ten Hag’s team will now face Leicester City at home on Thursday, while Southampton will travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

Leclerc Grabs Azerbaijan Pole, Verstappen Struggles Continue

Leclerc Grabs Azerbaijan Pole, Verstappen Struggles Continue

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has once again proven his dominance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, securing pole position for the fourth consecutive year. The Monegasque driver, fresh off his victory at Monza, will be joined on the front row by McLaren’s rising star, Oscar Piastri.

However, reigning world champion Max Verstappen’s recent struggles continued as the Red Bull driver could only manage sixth place on the grid. Verstappen, who has not won a race in six attempts, will be eager to break his losing streak in Baku.

Lando Norris, Verstappen’s closest rival in the championship standings, suffered a major setback by being eliminated in the first qualifying session. The McLaren driver will start from a lowly 17th position, making his task of closing the 62-point gap to Verstappen an even more daunting one.

Leclerc’s Ferrari teammate, Carlos Sainz, will start alongside Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull on the second row. George Russell, in the Mercedes, will occupy the third row alongside Verstappen.

Norris acknowledged the challenges he faces from the back of the grid, especially on the narrow streets of Baku, where overtaking is notoriously difficult. “I’m not expecting a lot from 17th, but we will put in a good plan tonight and do our best,” said the Briton.

With Leclerc in pole position and Verstappen starting further down the grid, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises to be an intriguing battle for supremacy. The narrow and unpredictable nature of the Baku City Circuit could lead to unexpected twists and turns, making it a race that is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Joseph's Frustration Boils Over in CPL Clash, Hetmyer Responds with Six

Joseph’s Frustration Boils Over in CPL Clash, Hetmyer Responds with Six

Alzarri Joseph’s Frustration Boils Over in Intense CPL Clash

In a thrilling Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 encounter between the Saint Lucia Kings and the Guyana Amazon Warriors, tempers flared as Alzarri Joseph’s frustration reached boiling point.

With Guyana closing in on victory, Joseph bowled to Shimron Hetmyer in the ninth over. Hetmyer backed away and punched the ball straight back to the bowler. In a moment of visible frustration, Joseph grabbed the ball and angrily hurled it down towards the batter’s end, followed by a sharp stare at Hetmyer.

The intensity of the moment was palpable as Guyana needed less than 10 runs to secure victory. However, Hetmyer had the perfect response. On the very next ball, he stepped back and unleashed a monstrous six over long-on, almost sealing the game in style for the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

The powerful shot not only brought the chasing side to the brink of ending the match but also served as the perfect answer to Joseph’s earlier outburst. In the very next over, the Warriors won by six wickets, chasing down Saint Lucia’s modest total of 101 in just 10 overs. Hetmyer remained unbeaten with eight off three balls.

The brief but fiery exchange highlighted the competitive spirit of the CPL and left fans talking about the intense clash between bowler and batter. Joseph’s frustration was understandable, given the pressure he was under, but Hetmyer’s response was a testament to his skill and composure under pressure.

Indian Tennis Prodigy Tavish Pahwa Captures Maiden ITF Junior Title

Indian Tennis Prodigy Tavish Pahwa Captures Maiden ITF Junior Title

Tavish Pahwa Triumphs in Colombo, Secures Maiden ITF Junior Title

Colombo, September 14, 2024: Indian tennis prodigy Tavish Pahwa etched his name in the annals of junior tennis history by capturing his maiden ITF junior title in Colombo on Saturday. The 14-year-old sensation displayed remarkable consistency and determination throughout the tournament, not dropping a single set en route to the championship.

Pahwa’s journey to the title began with a dominant 6-4, 7-6(5) victory over second seed Luke Koh of Singapore in the semifinals. In the final, he faced Roman Kulpin of Russia, a formidable opponent who had also impressed in the tournament. However, Pahwa’s unwavering focus and aggressive play proved too much for Kulpin, as he secured a convincing 6-2, 6-3 victory.

Pahwa’s triumph marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning tennis career. Having started playing ITF juniors in March 2023, he has quickly established himself as a rising star in the sport. His exceptional ball control, powerful groundstrokes, and unwavering mental fortitude have earned him widespread recognition.

In addition to Pahwa’s singles success, India also celebrated a doubles victory in Colombo. Vraj Gohil, partnering with Miguel Iglupas of the Philippines, overcame Venkat Batlanki and Juliusz Stanczyk in a thrilling three-set encounter, 3-6, 6-4, [10-4].

The ITF junior tournament in Colombo provided a valuable platform for young tennis players to showcase their skills and gain international experience. Pahwa’s victory is a testament to the growing strength of Indian tennis and the bright future that lies ahead for the sport in the country.

Tilak Varma's Century and Avesh Khan's Viral Celebration Light Up Duleep Trophy

Tilak Varma’s Century and Avesh Khan’s Viral Celebration Light Up Duleep Trophy

Tilak Varma, a rising star in Indian cricket, has made a resounding statement with a magnificent century in the ongoing Duleep Trophy match between India A and India D. His unbeaten 111 off 193 balls has not only strengthened his case for a place in the Indian team but has also sparked a viral celebration from his teammate, Avesh Khan.

Varma’s innings was a testament to his composure and skill. He paced his innings perfectly, reaching his hundred with a calm and collected late cut to the third man region. His knock was laced with nine boundaries, showcasing his ability to find the gaps and rotate the strike.

The celebration of his century was equally memorable. As Varma acknowledged the cheers from the crowd, Khan, who was watching from the stands, erupted in a series of hilarious dance moves. The moment was captured on camera and has since gone viral on social media.

Varma’s century was part of a dominant performance by India A. Pratham Singh also scored an impressive 122, helping India A declare their second innings at 380 for three. This gave them an overall lead of 487, putting India D in a precarious position.

India D’s chase got off to a shaky start as they lost Atharva Taide early on. However, Ricky Bhui and Yash Dubey steadied the ship, ensuring that their side would enter the final day without further damage.

Varma’s performance has reignited hopes that he can become India’s next all-format player. His ability to score runs consistently and his calm demeanor under pressure make him a valuable asset to any team.

As the Duleep Trophy enters its final stages, all eyes will be on Varma and India A as they look to secure victory and cement their place as one of the top teams in the competition.

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