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WPL 2026 likely in Mumbai and Baroda from Jan 7 to Feb 3
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WPL 2026 likely in Mumbai and Baroda from Jan 7 to Feb 3

The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 is tentatively scheduled to be held from January 7 to February 3, with Mumbai and Baroda as the likely host cities. The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai is expected to host the season's launch and first leg, while the Kotambi Stadium in Baroda will likely stage the second half, including the final, potentially starting around January 16. The BCCI has not yet formally informed franchise owners, but these venues are being discussed, with official notification expected during the WPL auction on November 27. The January window is chosen to avoid clashes with the men's T20 World Cup and other international leagues, aiming to establish a permanent slot for the WPL. Mumbai Indians are the defending champions.

November 18, 2025•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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Ireland brace for Dhaka's spin challenge
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Ireland brace for Dhaka's spin challenge

Ireland head coach Heinrich Malan acknowledged the significant spin threat in Dhaka as his team prepares for the second Test against Bangladesh, starting November 19. Trailing 0-1 in the series, Ireland aims to square it despite the traditionally low and slow, spin-friendly wickets at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. While there are expectations of some pace and bounce, Malan anticipates the hosts will play to their strengths by utilizing spin. He stressed the importance of adapting the playing XI and improving consistency in Test cricket, particularly after a more aggressive batting approach in their second innings of the first Test. Malan also lauded Bangladesh's Mushfiqur Rahim, who is set to play his 100th Test, for his exceptional dedication.

November 18, 2025•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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Mitchell ruled out of second ODI, Nicholls called in as cover
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Mitchell ruled out of second ODI, Nicholls called in as cover

New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell will miss the second One-Day International against West Indies in Napier due to thigh discomfort. He experienced the discomfort while scoring his seventh ODI century in New Zealand's seven-run victory over West Indies at Hagley Oval and did not return to the field for the second innings. Mitchell will undergo scans on his left groin in Christchurch to assess the extent of the injury and determine his availability for the remainder of the series. As cover, Henry Nicholls has been recalled to the squad; he will join the team in Napier. Nicholls' last ODI appearance was in April, and he's been in top form in the domestic Ford Trophy, scoring back-to-back centuries.

November 18, 2025•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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"I'm ready" - How Smriti Mandhana reinvented herself
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"I'm ready" - How Smriti Mandhana reinvented herself

Following India's early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup, Smriti Mandhana underwent a significant personal and professional transformation, driven by her goal to win the World Cup on home soil. She hired Srikanth Varma Madapalli, a strength & conditioning coach, embracing a rigorous, high-intensity training regime that included building her own state-of-the-art training facility in Sangli. Mandhana's dedication to fitness, strict nutrition, and relentless training, including barefoot sand-running and specialized strength workouts, led to a remarkable improvement in her game. This reinvention saw her develop new powerful shots, significantly increase her boundary percentage, and become India's fastest ODI centurion. Her outstanding performance, including 434 runs in the home World Cup, was pivotal in ending India's trophy drought. Mandhana's unwavering commitment to improvement continues even amidst her imminent wedding.

November 18, 2025•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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KSCA elections pushed to December 30 amid legal confusion
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KSCA elections pushed to December 30 amid legal confusion

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) elections, originally scheduled for November 30, have been deferred to December 30. Electoral officer Dr. B. Basavaraju postponed the process due to an active court injunction and a lack of clarity from the association's Managing Committee regarding pending issues. Presidential candidate Venkatesh Prasad expressed his shock and disappointment at the abrupt deferment, stressing the importance of these elections for the revival of cricket at Chinnaswamy Stadium. Vinay Mruthyunjaya, contesting for secretary, blamed the Managing Committee for the delay and lack of cooperation. While KSCA CEO Shubhendu Ghosh cited a now-set-aside interim court order as the cause, long-time member A.V. Shashidara clarified that his civil suit challenged an "illegal" rule interpretation, not seeking a stay on elections, and criticized KSCA for postponing despite a High Court directive to proceed.

November 18, 2025•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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Sangakkara returns as Rajasthan Royals' head coach
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Sangakkara returns as Rajasthan Royals' head coach

Kumar Sangakkara has been reappointed as the Head Coach of Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026, while concurrently continuing in his role as Director of Cricket. Sangakkara previously served as head coach from 2021 to 2024, leading the franchise to the 2022 final and the 2024 playoffs, before Rahul Dravid took over for IPL 2025. Manoj Badale, Lead Owner of Rajasthan Royals, stated that Sangakkara's familiarity with the squad, leadership qualities, and deep understanding of the team's culture were key factors in his return, emphasizing his clarity and cricketing intelligence. In other coaching staff changes, Vikram Rathore has been elevated to Lead Assistant Coach, Shane Bond will remain the Bowling Coach, and Trevor Penney and Sid Lahiri return as Assistant Coach and Performance Coach, respectively.

November 18, 2025•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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Pakistan outclass Sri Lanka again to complete 3-0 sweep
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Pakistan outclass Sri Lanka again to complete 3-0 sweep

Pakistan completed a dominant 3-0 series sweep against Sri Lanka by securing a six-wicket victory in the third ODI. Chasing a target of 212, Pakistan reached it comfortably with 5.2 overs remaining. Fakhar Zaman provided a strong start with a fluent 55, while an unbeaten 61 from Mohammad Rizwan and 42* from Hussain Talat guided the hosts over the line. Earlier, an all-round bowling effort, led by Mohammad Wasim Jr's three wickets, restricted Sri Lanka to a below-par 211 in 45.2 overs, despite good starts from six of their top seven batters. Jeffrey Vandersay's three wickets for Sri Lanka briefly threatened Pakistan's chase, but Rizwan and Talat built a match-winning partnership to seal the series whitewash.

November 18, 2025•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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Tamim Iqbal opts out of BPL
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Tamim Iqbal opts out of BPL

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has opted out of the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) season, requesting the board to remove his name from the player's auction scheduled for November 23. This marks the first time since the BPL's inception in 2012 that Tamim, a highly successful batter and leader who guided Fortune Barishal to consecutive titles, will not participate. His decision stems partly from health concerns, as he has been away from professional cricket since suffering a heart attack in March 2025 and is prioritizing his recovery. Additionally, Fortune Barishal's withdrawal from the tournament due to limited preparation time contributed to his choice. Tamim had also previously expressed interest in cricket administration but withdrew from BCB elections citing alleged government interference.

November 18, 2025•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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Ranji Highlights: Karnataka, Mumbai take control
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Ranji Highlights: Karnataka, Mumbai take control

Day 2 of the Ranji Trophy saw Karnataka and Mumbai establish dominance in their respective matches. Ravichandran Smaran's unbeaten 227, his third double century this year, powered Karnataka to declare at 547/8 against Chandigarh, who were 72/4 in reply with Shreyas Gopal taking three wickets. Siddhesh Lad (170) and Akash Anand (107) led Mumbai to a commanding 630/5 declared against Puducherry, reducing them to 43/4 with Shardul Thakur claiming three wickets. Elsewhere, Abhishek Reddy's 103* anchored Andhra's reply against Jharkhand. Centuries from Amandeep Khare and Mayank Verma enabled Chhattisgarh to declare at 585/6. Rajasthan posted a massive 570/7 declared with four centurions. Saurashtra also declared at 585/7 thanks to Prerak Mankad's 155 and Sammar Gajjar's 116. Anil Parida's 118 helped Odisha gain the upper hand against Nagaland. Amit Shukla's eight-wicket haul put Services in control against Haryana. Vidarbha took a narrow lead against Baroda, and Gujarat secured a first-innings lead against Uttarakhand.

November 18, 2025•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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Mitchell ruled out of West Indies ODIs
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Mitchell ruled out of West Indies ODIs

New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell has been ruled out of the ongoing ODI series against West Indies due to a minor groin tear. He sustained the injury while scoring his seventh ODI century in New Zealand's seven-run win in the first ODI at Hagley Oval. Henry Nicholls, initially a replacement for the second ODI, will continue in the squad. Mitchell is expected to undergo two weeks of rehabilitation but is anticipated to recover in time for the three-Test series against West Indies, commencing December 2. Head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over Mitchell's absence, acknowledging his form, but was optimistic about his timely return for the Tests, while welcoming Nicholls back into the side.

November 18, 2025•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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