Australia’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign has been thrown into crisis following the withdrawal of Mitchell Starc, further compounding the absence of several senior players. With Pat Cummins (ankle), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh (back), and Marcus Stoinis (retirement) all ruled out, the squad has undergone significant changes, raising concerns about its ability to compete at the highest level.

With Starc stepping away for personal reasons, Australia is set to enter an ICC event without its legendary fast-bowling trio for the first time in over a decade. The reshuffled squad now places added responsibility on untested quicks Spencer Johnson, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, and Ben Dwarshuis, under the leadership of Steve Smith, who has been named captain in Cummins’ absence.

Major reshuffle in Australia’s squad

Starc’s decision comes after his grueling workload in the recent Test series against India and Sri Lanka, where he was the only frontline pacer to play all seven matches. His withdrawal has led to an inexperienced pace attack, with selectors turning to Johnson, Ellis, Abbott, and Dwarshuis—none of whom have played a major ICC tournament before.

The absence of Marsh and Stoinis has further disrupted the team’s balance, leaving Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Hardie to shoulder the all-rounder responsibilities. Adam Zampa and Tanveer Sangha will lead the spin attack, with Maxwell’s off-spin expected to play a crucial role in Pakistan and UAE conditions.

Leadership shift as Smith takes charge

With Cummins ruled out, Smith returns to lead the side, having previously captained Australia to a 2-0 Test series win over Sri Lanka. However, his squad lacks the experience and firepower that has made Australia a dominant force in ICC events over the years.

Despite the setbacks, the team still boasts a strong batting core, featuring Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, and Alex Carey, while Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short add depth at the top of the order.

Uncertainty looms over Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign

Australia now faces a daunting challenge as they prepare for the tournament with a heavily depleted squad. With five key players missing, concerns have been raised over the team’s ability to match up against top-ranked sides. The opening clash will serve as the first major test of how this revamped squad can adapt to the conditions and handle the pressure of an ICC tournament.

Sri Lanka have named a strong squad for their upcoming two-match ODI series against Australia, set to be played in Colombo on February 12 and 14. This series comes on the heels of their 2-0 Test series loss in the Warne-Muralidaran Trophy.

Charith Asalanka will continue as the white-ball captain, with Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Kusal Mendis returning to the ODI setup following their performances in the Test series.

Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay makes his comeback to the ODI squad after impressing in the Test series, where he took three wickets and scored a half-century in his lone appearance at Galle. Nuwanidu Fernando, the young off-spinner, also returns to the 50-over format.

Sri Lanka squad for Australia ODIs:
Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Mohamed Shiraz, Eshan Malinga.

The series will serve as crucial preparation for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, as Sri Lanka look to bounce back from their recent Test series defeat and fine-tune their squad for the global event.

The Big Cricket League (BCL) 2024-25 concluded in spectacular fashion as Irfan Pathan’s Mumbai Marines claimed their maiden title on December 22. In an electrifying final, the Marines defeated Suresh Raina’s Southern Spartans by seven wickets, capping off the league’s thrilling inaugural season.

IRFAN PATHAN 🤝 ROHIT SHARMA…!!!!

– Irfan Pathan walking with Trophy during the Celebration like Rohit Sharma after winning the Big Cricket League. pic.twitter.com/YPHJ3G07F4

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 23, 2024

Marines’ captain Irfan Pathan played a pivotal role in securing the win and celebrated the triumph with an iconic walk towards his team, a gesture reminiscent of Rohit Sharma’s celebration after India’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory against South Africa.

The Southern Spartans set a competitive target, but the Mumbai Marines, led by Pathan’s brilliant leadership and all-round performance, chased it down convincingly. Fans were delighted to witness the intense showdown between two cricketing greats, Pathan and Raina, who showcased their enduring skills on the grand stage.

The inaugural season of the BCL has been a massive success, providing fans with thrilling cricketing action and unforgettable moments. Pathan’s stylish celebration added a fitting conclusion to the season, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next edition.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a Special General Meeting (SGM) to be held on January 12, 2025, at its headquarters in Mumbai. The primary agenda of the meeting is to elect new office-bearers for the posts of secretary and treasurer following recent resignations.

Background of the vacancies:

• Jay Shah: The former secretary stepped down to assume the role of Independent Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Per ICC rules, the Chairperson cannot maintain formal ties with any member association.
• Ashish Shelar: The former treasurer resigned after being included in the new Maharashtra government, as BCCI’s constitution prohibits ministers from holding office-bearer roles.

In the interim, Devajit Saikia has been appointed as secretary under the powers granted to BCCI President Roger Binny. However, no such arrangement has been made for the treasurer position.

Election process and timeline:

AK Joti, the Electoral Officer for BCCI, has outlined the election process as follows:

• December 21: Call for members to file applications nominating their representatives.
• December 27: Deadline for filing nominations.
• December 28: Release of the draft electoral roll.
• December 29-30: Submission of objections to names in the draft roll.
• January 2: Examination of objections and release of the final electoral roll.
• January 3-4: Window for filing nomination applications.
• January 6: Scrutiny of applications and announcement of valid candidates.
• January 7: Deadline for withdrawal of nominations and final list announcement.
• January 12: Elections and declaration of results.

The BCCI constitution mandates the timely filling of vacancies, ensuring smooth transitions in leadership roles. The outcome of these elections will be closely watched as they mark a significant change in the cricketing administration landscape.

Actor Varun Dhawan recently opened up about an emotional moment involving cricketer Virat Kohli during India’s loss at the Nottingham Test. In a conversation on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, Varun shared a story revealed to him by Anushka Sharma, Kohli’s wife and his co-star from Sui Dhaaga.

Anushka recalled finding Virat in tears after the Test match, blaming himself for the defeat despite being the highest scorer that day. “She said she didn’t attend that game. When she came back, she found Virat in the room, crying and blaming himself for the loss,” Varun shared.

Varun also spoke about Anushka’s genuine personality and her evolved perspective on life. Describing her as a “real person,” he noted her ability to make an impact on everyone she meets. The duo spent time discussing various topics during their film shoot, with Varun appreciating her honesty and spiritual depth.

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma tied the knot in 2017 and are now parents to two children, daughter Vamika and son Akaay. The couple continues to balance their professional and personal lives while supporting each other through highs and lows.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to appoint a new treasurer following Ashish Shelar’s resignation. Shelar stepped down after being appointed as a minister in the Maharashtra Cabinet, a role that disqualifies him from holding a position in the BCCI as per its constitution.

Why Ashish Shelar resigned

On Sunday, December 15, Ashish Shelar announced his resignation, citing his new political responsibilities. As per the BCCI constitution, holding a ministerial or government position automatically disqualifies an individual from serving as an office-bearer. Shelar, a key figure in Indian cricket administration, assumed the treasurer’s role in September 2022 and has been closely associated with Jay Shah, the former BCCI secretary and current ICC Independent Chairman.

Eligibility criteria for BCCI treasurer

The new treasurer must fulfill the following criteria as per Article 4.5 of the BCCI constitution:

1. Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen.
2. Age: Should be below 70 years.
3. Financial Status: Must not be declared insolvent.
4. Mental Health: Should not be of unsound mind.
5. Ministerial or Government Role: Cannot hold a ministerial position or serve as a government employee.
6. Term Limits: Must not have served as a BCCI office-bearer for a cumulative period exceeding nine years.
7. Criminal Record: Should not have been convicted of a criminal offense and sentenced to imprisonment.

Recent developments

Shelar’s resignation marks the second exit of a BCCI office-bearer in recent weeks. His departure opens a critical position in Indian cricket’s apex body, and the board is expected to initiate the selection process for a qualified replacement soon.

Devajit Saikia is a former first-class cricketer and the current Acting Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He was appointed to this role after Jay Shah was elevated to the position of ICC Chairman. Saikia is a lawyer by profession and currently serves as the BCCI Joint Secretary.

Born in Assam, Saikia is also known for his involvement in cricket as a wicketkeeper-batter. He played in the Ranji Trophy for the Assam cricket team, featuring in four matches. In addition to his cricketing background, Saikia is also the Advocate General of Assam, underlining his professional expertise outside the cricketing world.

Saikia’s appointment as the acting secretary of BCCI comes in a stop-gap arrangement, as per BCCI’s constitutional rules, until a permanent secretary is appointed. He was entrusted with this responsibility by BCCI President Roger Binny, who referred to clause 7(1)(d) of the BCCI constitution in the letter of appointment.

Saikia’s leadership in the role of Acting Secretary will be closely watched as he manages the operations of the board until a permanent replacement for Shah is found.

Following Jay Shah’s appointment as the ICC Chairman on December 1, 2024, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has now appointed an acting secretary. Former first-class cricketer and current BCCI joint secretary, Devajit Saikia, has been named the acting secretary by BCCI president Roger Binny. Saikia will hold the role until a permanent secretary is appointed.

Saikia, who hails from Assam, has been serving as the BCCI joint secretary and brings with him a wealth of experience. A lawyer by profession, he also played in the Ranji Trophy as a wicketkeeper-batter for the Assam cricket team, appearing in four matches. His appointment as acting secretary comes in a stop-gap arrangement, as per the constitutional powers vested in the BCCI president.

In a letter to Saikia, Binny referred to clause 7(1)(d) of the BCCI constitution, which allows the president to delegate secretarial duties in case of a vacancy or indisposition. “In the event of a vacancy or indisposition, the president shall delegate the functions to another office bearer until the vacancy is filled or the indisposition ends,” Binny wrote. He further expressed confidence in Saikia’s ability to manage the responsibilities with skill and dedication.

As of now, Saikia will carry out the duties of the secretary until the position is officially filled according to BCCI rules and regulations.

John Turner, the 23-year-old pace bowler, finally made his debut for England this week in Antigua after over a year of being part of England’s extended squads. “I’ve seen a few things on Twitter asking if I actually exist,” Turner joked, acknowledging the long wait since his first call-up. His first wicket, dismissed by a catch at backward point, came just days after his debut, marking a moment he described as unforgettable.

Turner has been a part of England’s “pace project,” a program focused on developing young, fast bowlers for future international competition. After being spotted during his debut for Hampshire, Turner quickly caught the selectors’ attention, and was rewarded with a 12-month development contract to nurture his raw talent. Despite feeling “very raw” and acknowledging the need to keep learning, Turner said, “It’s really exciting to try and put my name in the hat for a spot on the Test team, or the T20 team.”

His journey has been a whirlwind. Handed his England cap by Jofra Archer, Turner’s debut saw him regularly beat batters without immediate reward, though he dismissed both Brandon King and Evin Lewis in his second appearance. His speed, which has reached the high 80s in The Hundred, has dipped on this tour, something Turner is keen to regain, knowing it’s “one of [his] biggest attributes.”

Turner’s path hasn’t been typical. He recently completed a degree in economics and finance from Exeter University, often balancing exams with cricket. During The Hundred, he famously finished a match, drove through the night for a morning exam, and returned to the team for the next match. “I’ll probably end up doing a master’s to add to my CV,” he shared, though he’s currently focused on his cricket career.

Turner’s selection has sparked mixed feelings, given he leapfrogged more experienced county players. Reflecting on this, he said, “You see guys grinding away and not getting the opportunities, and you feel for them.” But he aims to justify the faith shown in him, hoping to make a unique impact with his bowling.

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has expressed concern that Gary Kirsten’s sudden resignation as head coach of Pakistan’s ODI and T20I teams could hurt the country’s prospects of attracting high-profile international coaches in the future. Kirsten, who took up the role just six months ago, stepped down on the eve of Pakistan’s white-ball tour of Australia, leaving without coaching the team in a single ODI.

Raja pointed out that this public fallout, along with past instances of coaching instability, could deter renowned coaches from considering Pakistan as a coaching destination. Kirsten’s departure is a significant setback, especially given his reputation as the coach behind India’s 2011 World Cup victory. Raja explained that Pakistan’s coaching roles require clarity and stability to avoid further incidents like this.

The PCB’s recent decision to strip coaching staff of selection powers seems to have contributed to the rift, particularly between Kirsten, Test coach Jason Gillespie, and the PCB. ESPNcricinfo reported that Gillespie, who will step into the head coach role for the Australian tour, is also dissatisfied with these sudden changes. A third selection committee in three months was recently formed, with an unusual inclusion of umpire Aleem Dar, further complicating the situation.

Raja emphasized the importance of giving the head coach autonomy over team decisions, a power he feels is essential to hold coaches accountable. He also highlighted that Mohammad Rizwan, taking over as captain from Babar Azam, needs control over his team’s lineup to lead effectively, rather than relying on selections made by the committee.

Reflecting on Pakistan’s recent win over England, Raja called for calm and stability in Pakistan cricket as they head into an intense international calendar. He believes that consistency in leadership and decision-making will help Pakistan navigate this challenging period effectively.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly contemplating a significant leadership change for the Indian women’s cricket team following their disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup in the UAE. Harmanpreet Kaur, who has captained the team since 2016, may be replaced as the team failed to progress beyond the group stages, marking one of their poorest performances in recent years.

BCCI to Discuss Captaincy Transition

Sources suggest that the BCCI is planning to meet with the selection committee and head coach Amol Muzumdar to discuss Harmanpreet Kaur’s future as captain. This meeting is expected to take place before the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, beginning on October 24, is finalized.

While Harmanpreet has been a key player for the team, her leadership is now under review, particularly after India’s failure to advance in the World Cup. Harmanpreet first took over the captaincy in 2016, leading the team through several ICC tournaments, but they have struggled to secure a major title under her leadership.

Performance Issues in the T20 World Cup

Despite entering the T20 World Cup with a strong squad, India’s campaign was derailed after an opening match loss to New Zealand. A subsequent defeat to Australia sealed their fate, leaving the team with only two wins from four matches. Although Harmanpreet performed well with the bat, the team’s inconsistency, particularly in the batting lineup, was a recurring issue throughout the tournament.

India had undergone extensive preparations for the tournament, including early arrival in the UAE to acclimatize to the conditions. However, familiar issues such as batting collapses and an inability to handle pressure once again surfaced, leading to their early exit.

Future of Harmanpreet’s Leadership

While Harmanpreet is expected to remain an important member of the Indian squad, her role as captain is now uncertain. “The BCCI will certainly discuss whether to have a new captain on board going ahead,” said a source within the Indian board. The decision on whether to appoint a new captain is expected soon, with an eye on the upcoming 50-over World Cup to be hosted by India.

Possible Changes in Support Staff

In addition to the captaincy change, there is speculation that some support staff contracts may not be renewed after the World Cup. The Indian board has provided the team with all requested resources, but there is a growing belief within the BCCI that a new approach may be needed to elevate Indian women’s cricket to the next level.

As the team looks ahead to future tournaments, the BCCI’s decision regarding Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership will be closely watched, and whether the team embarks on a new chapter with a different captain at the helm remains to be seen.