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Gill and GT search for a more assertive identity
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Gill and GT search for a more assertive identity

Gujarat Titans enter the 2026 season emphasizing continuity and stability under captain Shubman Gill. The squad saw few major changes at the auction, adding Jason Holder for all-round balance and Tom Banton as a backup. Gill is looking to redefine his T20 identity after being left out of India's World Cup squad. While the top order featuring Sudharsan and Buttler is consistent, GT has historically struggled with powerplay aggression. Statistically, their middle order (positions 4-7) has been the least productive in the league over the last two years. The bowling attack remains led by Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, and Rashid Khan, with added depth from Luke Wood. Matthew Hayden joins the coaching staff to help shift the team toward a more attacking mindset. Young wicketkeeper Kumar Kushagra is the player to watch after a prolific domestic run.

March 23, 2026•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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PSL 2026 to be played behind closed doors, in only two venues
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PSL 2026 to be played behind closed doors, in only two venues

The 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be played without crowds and restricted to two venues. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the changes due to regional conflict and government directives to limit public movement. Matches will take place only in Lahore and Karachi, scrapping the original six-city schedule. The opening ceremony has also been cancelled, and all sold tickets will be refunded within 72 hours. Naqvi apologized to fans in cities like Peshawar who will now miss out on hosting matches. The PCB will absorb the financial impact of lost gate revenue to protect the interests of the franchises. Despite player pullouts and security advisories, the board decided not to postpone the tournament due to a lack of available windows. The season begins on March 26 with Lahore Qalandars facing Hyderabad Kingsmen.

March 23, 2026•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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NZ20 set to be backed as New Zealand's preferred domestic T20 competition
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NZ20 set to be backed as New Zealand's preferred domestic T20 competition

New Zealand Cricket has given preliminary approval for NZ20, a new franchise-based domestic T20 competition. This league is set to replace the Super Smash, moving away from the traditional local association-based structure. The board chose a standalone NZ20 model over potential integration with Australia's Big Bash League. The focus will be on commercial growth, regional representation, and supporting the women's domestic game. Board chair Diana Puketapu-Lyndon stated the time is right to revitalize the 21-year-old T20 structure. The announcement was followed by the resignation of board director Dion Nash, who cited misalignment with the new direction. NZC will now work on licensing terms and seeking final support from its members. The shift mirrors successful global franchise models aimed at increasing fan engagement and talent visibility.

March 23, 2026•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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Raina, Hayden announced as first inductees in CSK's Hall of Fame
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Raina, Hayden announced as first inductees in CSK's Hall of Fame

Chennai Super Kings have launched their official Hall of Fame, with Suresh Raina and Matthew Hayden as the first inductees. The announcement took place at a fan event in Chepauk featuring several former franchise stars. Raina is CSK's all-time leading run-scorer, accumulating 5,529 runs between 2008 and 2021. He was instrumental in four IPL title wins and two Champions League T20 victories during his career. Matthew Hayden represented the franchise during the first three seasons of the IPL. Despite retiring from international cricket in early 2009, Hayden won the Orange Cap later that year. He was also a key figure in CSK clinching their maiden IPL trophy in 2010. The Hall of Fame honors the lasting impact these players had on the franchise's identity. This initiative serves as a tribute to the legends who shaped CSK's early dominance.

March 23, 2026•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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Kiwis clinch women's series, men go to a decider
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Kiwis clinch women's series, men go to a decider

New Zealand's women's team clinched their T20I series against South Africa after a six-wicket victory in Wellington. Sophie Devine led the chase with a 64-run knock, while Jess Kerr took a career-best 3/16 with the ball. South Africa's women have struggled with fielding, dropping four catches in the decisive match. In the men's series, South Africa forced a decider by defeating New Zealand by 19 runs to level the series at 2-2. Connor Esterhuizen's maiden half-century and Gerald Coetzee's three wickets were the highlights for the Proteas. The South African men's squad is largely experimental, featuring several new players following the recent World Cup. Conversely, the full-strength South African women's team is facing form concerns just 83 days before the World Cup. Both men's and women's teams will play a final match on Wednesday at Hagley Oval.

March 23, 2026•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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Unburdened by their past, stronger and sharper PBKS eye the elusive prize
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Unburdened by their past, stronger and sharper PBKS eye the elusive prize

Punjab Kings enter the 2026 IPL season aiming to build on their 2025 final appearance. Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting, the team has successfully shed its reputation for being self-destructive. PBKS focused on minor squad additions during the auction, primarily strengthening their spin reserves with Cooper Connolly, Praveen Dubey, and Vishal Nishad. The batting remains anchored by the explosive opening pair of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, though their recent domestic form is a concern. Shreyas Iyer remains the centerpiece, having scored over 600 runs last season with a high strike rate. The squad boasts significant depth with all-rounders like Marco Jansen and Marcus Stoinis. Lockie Ferguson will miss early games, but the team's pace depth remains solid. Their season starts against Gujarat Titans at the New Chandigarh Stadium.

March 23, 2026•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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Clinical South Africa make it 2-2
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Clinical South Africa make it 2-2

South Africa leveled the T20I series against New Zealand 2-2 with a 19-run win in the fourth match at Wellington. Connor Esterhuizen was the star for the visitors, smashing 57 runs off 36 balls to help post 164/5. New Zealand's chase was derailed by Gerald Coetzee, who claimed three wickets, and debutant spinner Prenelan Subrayen, who took 2/13. Despite a fast start from Tim Robinson, the Kiwis lost momentum as wickets fell regularly in the middle overs. Keshav Maharaj also played a crucial role, removing Cole McConchie and Nick Kelly in a single over. The New Zealand tail was eventually dismissed for 145 in the 19th over. Earlier, Kyle Jamieson had given the hosts a great start with a wicket-maiden. South Africa's disciplined performance ensures the series remains alive heading into the final match in Christchurch.

March 23, 2026•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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KKR pick Saurabh Dubey as Akash Deep replacement
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KKR pick Saurabh Dubey as Akash Deep replacement

Kolkata Knight Riders have signed Vidarbha pacer Saurabh Dubey to replace the injured Akash Deep for the 2026 IPL. Dubey, a 28-year-old left-arm bowler, was previously with SRH but has yet to make his IPL debut. He joined the KKR camp in Kolkata after going unsold in the December mini-auction. KKR is still searching for a replacement for Harshit Rana, though finding a suitable Indian alternative is proving difficult. Meanwhile, the BCCI has informed teams that the full tournament schedule will be delayed by a few days. The delay is caused by the need to coordinate with state election dates in West Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu. So far, only the fixtures for the first 20 games through April 12 have been confirmed. The 2026 season is scheduled to begin on March 28.

March 23, 2026•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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Hardik Pandya's IPL 2026 wishlist: A sixth title, and the extension of legacy
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Hardik Pandya's IPL 2026 wishlist: A sixth title, and the extension of legacy

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has set his sights on securing a sixth IPL title for the franchise in 2026. Speaking at a fan event, Pandya emphasized his desire to leave a legacy of passion, hard work, and fearless cricket. He fondly recalled being discovered by MI scouts in Baroda and credited the team’s system for his growth. Pandya hopes the Wankhede Stadium crowd will replicate the intense atmosphere of the recent T20 World Cup semifinal. Batting coach Kieron Pollard praised the bravery and 'youthful exuberance' of the current squad. MI's scouting system, famous for finding stars like Jasprit Bumrah, continues to hunt for untapped talent. Pandya currently holds five personal IPL titles, having won four with MI and one with Gujarat Titans. The team aims to maintain its reputation for playing a fearless brand of cricket.

March 23, 2026•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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'Bangladesh cricketers won't play PSL if there are security concerns'
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'Bangladesh cricketers won't play PSL if there are security concerns'

Bangladesh's sports minister Aminul Haque has warned that national players will not participate in the PSL if security risks are identified. This follows the PCB's decision to move PSL 2026 matches behind closed doors due to regional conflict. Six Bangladeshi players, including Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam, have received NOCs but their travel remains uncertain. The BCB must consult with the government and national security agencies before final clearance is given. Haque also addressed the ban on IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh, stating he will review the policy after the Eid holidays. He emphasized that sports should not be politicized and hopes for friendly relations with India. The IPL was previously banned by the interim government citing safety concerns during the World Cup. The government is currently waiting for official status updates on the PSL from the BCB.

March 23, 2026•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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