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.

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.

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.

The Zimbabwe vs India T20I series kicks off on July 6, 2024, at Harare Sports Club. Our Zimbabwe vs India prediction favors the visitors, but Zimbabwe’s home advantage could make for a thrilling contest.

India’s New T20I Era Begins

With veterans retiring, India’s T20I squad sees a fresh lineup:

• Captain: Shubman Gill
• Key players: Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, Tushar Deshpande

This series offers emerging talents a chance to cement their spots before the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Zimbabwe’s Experienced Side

Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza, boasts seasoned players:

• Tadiwanashe Marumani
• Milton Shumba
• Innocent Kaia
• Wessley Madhevere

Despite a recent series loss to Bangladesh, Zimbabwe aims to rebound against India.

Pitch and Weather Forecast

• Venue: Harare Sports Club
• Pitch: Batting-friendly, may favor spin later
• Weather: Clear, 23°C, low humidity

Zimbabwe vs India 1st T20I: Match Winner Prediction

Our Zimbabwe vs India prediction leans towards an Indian victory, considering their squad depth. However, Zimbabwe’s home advantage could lead to a closely fought match.

Who will win between Zim vs India?

Google’s win probability suggests India 88%, Zimbabwe 12% before begining of the match.

Dream11 Prediction for Zimbabwe vs India

• Wicketkeepers: Dhruv Jurel, Clive Madande
• Batters: Shubman Gill (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Innocent Kaia, Sikandar Raza
• All-rounders: Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Luke Jongwe
• Bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara, Avesh Khan (vc)

Watch the Zimbabwe vs India 1st T20I live on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV.

Disclaimer: This Zimbabwe vs India 1st T20I prediction is based on current information, team form, and expert analysis. However, cricket is unpredictable, and actual match outcomes may differ. This prediction should be used for informational purposes only and not for betting or gambling. Always exercise caution and responsible judgment when considering predictions.

Dream11 team suggestions are speculative and do not guarantee success. Player performance can vary, and last-minute changes may occur. Users should conduct their own research and comply with applicable laws before participating in fantasy sports.

Cricket fans in India eagerly await the upcoming five-match T20I series between Zimbabwe and India, set to commence on July 6, 2024 at the Harare Sports Club. The series marks the beginning of a new era in Indian T20I cricket, with several senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja announcing their retirement from the format. Shubman Gill will lead a young Indian side featuring promising talents from the IPL, including Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag and Tushar Deshpande.

Zimbabwe vs India Live Streaming and Telecast Details

For fans in India, the Zimbabwe vs India T20 2024 series will be available for live streaming on the Sony LIV app and website. The matches will also be telecast live on the following Sony Sports Network channels:

• Sony Sports Ten 5
• Sony Sports Ten 5 HD
• Sony Sports Ten 3
• Sony Sports Ten 3 HD
• Sony Sports Ten 4
• Sony Sports Ten 4 HD

The series will be a crucial one for both teams, as they look to build their squads for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2025. Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza, will be eager to put up a strong performance at home, while India will aim to unearth new talent and establish a strong bench strength.

Zimbabwe vs India full match schedule – read here

With the live streaming on Sony LIV and the live telecast on the Sony Sports Network, fans in India can catch all the action from the Zimbabwe vs India T20 2024 series. The series promises to be an exciting one, with both teams looking to make their mark in the shortest format of the game.

The Indian cricket team, led by Shubman Gill, will embark on a five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe starting July 6, 2024 in Harare. The series will be played entirely at the Harare Sports Club, with all matches starting at 4:30 PM IST.

The schedule for the Zimbabwe vs India T20I series is as follows:

Zimbabwe vs India 1st T20I

• July 6, Saturday, 4:30 PM IST

Zimbabwe vs India 2nd T20I

• July 7, Sunday, 4:30 PM IST

Zimbabwe vs India 3rd T20I

• July 10, Wednesday, 4:30 PM IST

Zimbabwe vs India 4th T20I

• July 13, Saturday, 4:30 PM IST

Zimbabwe vs India 5th T20I

• July 14, Sunday, 4:30 PM IST

The series will mark the beginning of a new era in Indian T20I cricket, with several senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja announcing their retirement from the format. Gill will lead a young Indian side featuring promising talents from the IPL, including Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag and Tushar Deshpande.The series will be crucial for Zimbabwe as well, as they look to make the most of the opportunity to face a strong Indian side at home.

Indian Squad for the series against Zimbabwe

• Shubman Gill (captain)
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Ruturaj Gaikwad
• Abhishek Sharma
• Rinku Singh
• Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper)
• Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper)
• Riyan Parag
• Washington Sundar
• Ravi Bishnoi
• Avesh Khan
• Khaleel Ahmed
• Mukesh Kumar
• Tushar Deshpande
• Shivam Dube
• Sai Sudarshan
• Jitesh Sharma (wicket-keeper)
• Harshit Rana

Zimbabwe Squad for the series against India

• Sikandar Raza (captain)
• Faraz Akram
• Brian Bennett
• Johnathan Campbell
• Tendai Chatara
• Luke Jongwe
• Innocent Kaia
• Clive Madande (wicket-keeper)
• Tadiwanashe Marumani
• Wellington Masakadza
• Blessing Muzarabani
• Dion Myers
• Antum Naqvi
• Richard Ngarava
• Milton Shumba

The matches will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network in India, with live streaming available on the SonyLIV app and website.