VVS Laxman, who took over as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in December 2021, has revealed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) spends significantly on developing the next generation of cricketers. Under his leadership, the NCA has seen several initiatives aimed at enhancing India’s bench strength and ensuring a steady pipeline of talented players for both the men’s and women’s teams.

India’s Cricketing Talent and BCCI’s Development Strategy

India is known for its abundance of cricketing talent. Players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sanju Samson, who are considered among the world’s best, did not play in the recent T20 World Cup but remained part of the squad. The BCCI’s focus on nurturing and developing talent is not just limited to the current international stars; it extends to all levels of cricket across the country. The aim is to groom players for future success over the next decade, across both men’s and women’s cricket.

Speaking about the long-term vision, Laxman stated, “I can say with a lot of confidence that in the next 10 years, we’ll have many players who will make our country proud…The whole idea is to monitor them and groom them so that they realize their potential.”

BCCI’s Investment in Infrastructure and Support Systems

The recent inauguration of the new NCA facility stands as a testament to the BCCI’s heavy investment in infrastructure. Spanning 45 acres, the new NCA has three grounds, 86 pitches, a SubAir system, and a state-of-the-art Sports Science & Medicine (SSM) block. This investment also covers hiring multiple coaches, doctors, and physios across India to ensure player development and health.

According to Laxman, the BCCI’s financial commitment is significant but not often discussed publicly. “BCCI is spending a lot of money… It’s a significant amount. And that’s why our cricket is very healthy because the BCCI is investing in developing the bench strength, not only of cricketers but the entire support system, which will take Indian cricket forward.”

Ensuring Player Wellbeing and Future Growth

Injuries have plagued top Indian cricketers, such as Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Rishabh Pant in recent years. The BCCI has shouldered the cost of medical expenses and also provided access to mental health support during their rehabilitation. The board’s focus on holistic support ensures players receive comprehensive care beyond just physical treatment.

Furthermore, the BCCI organizes hundreds of matches every year across various levels of cricket. They also financially support junior players and announced a substantial payment of Rs 7.5 lakh per match for IPL 2025 players. As the richest cricket board globally, the BCCI’s efforts aim to keep the players—the heart of the sport—satisfied and ready for the future.

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) CEO, Satish Menon, has commended the BCCI for implementing the flexible retention rules ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Following the recent IPL Governing Council (GC) meeting, the new policies have provided franchises with options like retaining a maximum of six players, using Right to Match (RTM) cards, and adhering to salary caps for overseas players. Menon appreciated the rules, stating that they have been designed with the franchises’ needs in mind.

“BCCI Has Given Preference to All Franchises,” Says PBKS CEO
In an interview with Star Sports, Menon expressed satisfaction with the retention options. “It’s great. BCCI has given all franchises options. If a franchise wants to retain six players, they can. There is also RTM, so if a franchise wants to release a player and then reclaim them from the auction, they can do that as well. BCCI has given preference to all franchises,” he said.

Since joining as PBKS CEO in 2017, Menon has overseen many changes within the franchise. He emphasized that the flexibility in retention rules will allow teams to strategically plan their squads for the upcoming seasons. Franchises are allowed to retain up to six players but can also opt to retain fewer players and gain additional RTM cards.

PBKS Likely Retentions for IPL 2025
The potential retentions for PBKS are Shashank Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, and Kagiso Rabada. The new retention rules allow for flexibility in deciding which core players to secure before entering the auction.

Retention and RTM Rules Explained
Franchises can retain up to six players, and the retention values are as follows:

• Retained Player 1: INR 18 crores
• Retained Player 2: INR 14 crores
• Retained Player 3: INR 11 crores
• Retained Player 4: INR 18 crores
• Retained Player 5: INR 14 crores
• Uncapped Player: INR 4 crores

The number of RTM cards available to each franchise will be calculated as 6 minus the number of retentions. For instance, a team that retains four players will have two RTM cards for the auction. This structure allows franchises to balance their budgets while planning for strong team line-ups.

The new rules have given franchises the ability to make tactical decisions and retain their key players, all while staying within the budget constraints set by the BCCI for the IPL 2025 season.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially inaugurated its new ‘Centre of Excellence’ in Bengaluru, a world-class facility designed to nurture the current and future generations of cricketers. India cricket legend VVS Laxman, who was present at the unveiling on September 28, expressed his admiration, stating, “I have been to some of the best academies in the world. I have not seen this kind of facility. The beneficiaries will be not only the future generation of cricketers but also the current generation.”

A World-Class Facility with Comprehensive Facilities
Built over 40 acres with over one lakh square feet of state-of-the-art infrastructure, the Centre is the brainchild of Jay Shah, BCCI Secretary, who initiated the project 16 months ago. It features three grounds and a total of 86 pitches, catering to both training and match conditions. The main ground, Ground A, has an 85-yard boundary and 13 red soil pitches, equipped with floodlights and broadcasting facilities for televised matches. Grounds B and C serve as practice areas, with 75-yard boundaries and 20 pitches of varying soil types from Karnataka and Odisha.

“This is a dream come true for all players,” said Laxman, who has represented India in 134 Tests and 86 ODIs. “It is a very important moment for Indian cricket.”

Advanced Training and Practice Facilities
The Centre includes 45 outdoor net pitches grouped into nine clusters, featuring soil types from across India and concrete pitches for varied practice conditions. A dedicated fielding practice area and six outdoor running tracks (natural grass and Mondo synthetic surfaces) enhance training versatility. A sophisticated indoor practice facility offers eight premium turf pitches sourced from the UK and Australia.

Jay Shah spoke of the significance of the Centre, highlighting its aim to elevate Indian cricket and sports science. “This facility reflects our unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of cricketers. It is not just a hub for cricket but also for advancing sports science for athletes across disciplines,” said Shah.

Sports Science and Medicine Block
The Centre also boasts a Sports Science & Medicine (SSM) Block, which includes a 16,000 square-foot gym, physiotherapy rehab gym, and a sports science lab. Recovery amenities like a jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath, underwater pool spa, and cold showers provide comprehensive support for athletes. Additional facilities include a 25×12-meter swimming pool, an 80-seater meeting room for strategy sessions, and spaces for coaches, all supported by audio-visual setups for presentations and fitness classes.

With its cutting-edge design and comprehensive facilities, the Centre of Excellence is expected to play a crucial role in preparing Indian cricketers for both domestic and international challenges, setting a new standard for sports training in India.

The IPL Governing Council (GC) meeting in Bengaluru faced an unexpected delay due to a bomb threat received on September 28. Originally scheduled for 11:30 AM, the meeting was pushed back by 7 hours as a precaution. The threat was reported at the Taj West End Hotel via email, prompting immediate action by the authorities. Upon inspection, no dangerous items were found on the premises. Although the IPL GC was to take place at the Four Seasons Hotel, about 6 kilometers away, the meeting was delayed as a safety measure.

The IPL GC consists of six members, including IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, and Treasurer Ashish Shelar, who were expected to attend. The BCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) is also set to take place on September 29 at the Four Seasons, with other key figures in Indian cricket expected to be present.

IPL GC Agenda

The main topics on the agenda for the IPL GC are the 2025 retention rules and details of the mega auction. It is likely that teams will be permitted to retain at least 5 or possibly 6 players, but the use of Right to Match (RTM) cards remains uncertain. Reports are mixed on whether RTMs will be part of the process.

The venue and timing for the mega auction are also up for discussion. The auction is expected to take place between mid-to-end of November, likely outside India, with Dubai, Doha, and Saudi Arabia being considered as potential locations.

BCCI AGM Points

The BCCI AGM has 18 agenda points, with discussions including appointing a new representative to the ICC. Jay Shah has held this role in the past, but with his move to become ICC Chairman in December, a new representative may be appointed. Since the AGM is happening in the hometown of BCCI President Roger Binny, he could take on this role.

One notable absence from the agenda is the discussion on Jay Shah’s replacement as BCCI Secretary.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the much-anticipated retention rules for IPL 2025 today. After discussions with franchise owners in July, the final decision on the number of retentions had been delayed. However, instead of waiting for the BCCI AGM on September 29, the announcement is likely to be made during the BCCI Apex Council meeting today.

The retention rules could allow each team to retain up to five players, including three Indian and two overseas players. This format (3+2) aims to provide a balance between local and international talent. Additionally, the Right to Match (RTM) cards, which allow teams to buy back their players, are expected to return after being absent since the 2022 auction.

There is still some uncertainty regarding the inclusion of uncapped players in the retention pool. However, it’s possible that teams may be allowed to retain two uncapped players as part of their squad.

The IPL 2025 Auction is scheduled for November or December, and this announcement will provide clarity on how teams can plan for the upcoming season. Fans and franchises alike are eagerly awaiting more details on the retention rules, which will play a key role in shaping team strategies.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will hold its Apex Council Meeting on September 25, where Jay Shah’s replacement as BCCI secretary is not on the agenda. Jay Shah, who was recently elected as the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman, will assume the new role on December 1, 2024. However, he will continue as BCCI secretary for another two months.

Though the BCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) is set for September 29 in Bengaluru, where the board could have elected a new secretary, the matter will be postponed. The BCCI plans to call a Special General Meeting (SGM) in November or December to elect Shah’s successor after he officially transitions to his ICC role.

Agenda for the Apex Council Meeting:

1. Byju’s Payment Issue: BCCI will address its ongoing dispute with ed-tech firm Byju’s over non-payment of dues for jersey sponsorship. Despite signing a $55-million deal in 2019, Byju’s failed to make payments after September 2022, leading the BCCI to take legal action. Although a settlement was reached in July, the Supreme Court later issued a stay on the agreement.
2. National Cricket Academy (NCA): The meeting will also include discussions on plans for a new National Cricket Academy, aiming to enhance India’s cricket infrastructure.
3. Renovation of BCCI Headquarters: Another topic of discussion will be the renovation of the BCCI’s headquarters in Mumbai.

BCCI vs Byju’s

The BCCI’s legal battle with Byju’s over unpaid dues remains unresolved. After Byju’s failed to meet the terms of its $55-million sponsorship agreement, the BCCI took the matter to the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLT). A settlement was agreed upon, with the BCCI expecting ₹158 crore by August 8. However, a stay order from the Supreme Court, prompted by Byju’s US lender GLAS Trust Co LLC, has delayed the payment.

As Jay Shah prepares to assume the ICC chairman role, the BCCI faces significant decisions in the coming months, with the next secretary election likely to take place closer to December.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has confirmed that his decision to retire from T20 internationals is final, dismissing any possibility of a return to the format. After leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, Rohit announced that the match against South Africa would be his last in the T20 format.

Speaking on JioCinema, Rohit addressed the growing trend of cricketers reversing their retirement decisions. “Retirement has become a joke these days in world cricket. Players announce retirement but then return to play. It hasn’t happened in India, but I’ve noticed it in other countries,” he said.

Rohit, however, made it clear that his decision to step away from T20Is is firm. “My decision is final, and I am very clear. It was the perfect time to say goodbye to the format I loved. I started my T20 journey with the 2007 World Cup win and now, ending it with another T20 World Cup victory feels like the right time to move on,” he added.

Rohit’s announcement came shortly after teammate Virat Kohli also revealed that he had played his last T20I. Both players are leaving the format on a high, having fulfilled their dreams of lifting the T20 World Cup for India.

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for a packed schedule as they prepare to take on some of the top cricketing nations in the coming months. With major ICC tournaments like the Champions Trophy 2025 and the World Test Championship (WTC) final on the horizon, India is set for a crucial season in both Test and white-ball formats.

India will kick off their journey with a home series against Bangladesh, featuring 2 Test matches and 3 T20Is from September to October. Following this, New Zealand will visit India for 3 Test matches in October-November. The busy Test season continues with a 4-match T20I series against South Africa during their tour of India.

India will also face Australia in the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy. These matches will be vital as the team builds momentum for the WTC final and prepares for the Champions Trophy 2025, hosted in Pakistan.

With plenty of challenges ahead, India will aim to stay sharp and focused as they strive for success in both Test cricket and upcoming ICC tournaments.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to use the VJD method instead of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method for rain-affected matches in domestic tournaments. This change is notably seen in the Maharaja Trophy 2024.

What is the VJD Method?

• Introduction: The VJD method, named after its creator V. Jayadevan, is a mathematical formula developed in India. It is used to set target scores in rain-affected one-day and T20 matches.
• Comparison to DLS: Unlike the DLS method, the VJD method is simpler and easier to understand. It was applied in the recent match between Mysore Warriors and Shivamogga Lions.

How Does the VJD Method Work?

• Key Variables: The method considers several factors, including:
  • Run rate at the time of interruption
  • Number of overs played
  • Number of wickets lost
  • Resources available to the second-batting team, including overs left and wickets held
• Advantages:
  • Simplicity: The VJD method is less complex compared to the DLS method.
  • Fairness: It aims to provide a more equitable target score in rain-affected matches.

Team India is set for an action-packed period leading up to the IPL 2025. After a well-deserved break, the Men in Blue will resume their cricketing commitments with a series of home and international fixtures.

Upcoming Fixtures

Test Series Against Bangladesh

• 1st Test: September 19, Chennai
• 2nd Test: September 27, Kanpur

T20 Series Against Bangladesh

• 1st T20I: October 6, Dharamshala
• 2nd T20I: October 9, New Delhi
• 3rd T20I: October 12, Hyderabad

Test Series Against New Zealand

• 1st Test: October 16, Bengaluru
• 2nd Test: November 1, Pune

T20 Series in South Africa

• 1st T20I: November 8, Durban
• 2nd T20I: November 13, Gayaberkha
• 3rd T20I: November 15, Centurion
• 4th T20I: November 18, Johannesburg

Border-Gavaskar Trophy Against Australia

• 1st Test: November 22, Perth
• 2nd Test: December 6, Adelaide
• 3rd Test: December 14, Brisbane
• 4th Test: December 26, Melbourne
• 5th Test: January 3, Sydney

Champions Trophy 2025 and IPL 2025

Before the IPL 2025 kicks off, Team India will participate in the Champions Trophy. Following their return from Australia, India will also play a white-ball series against England.

White-Ball Series Against England

• T20Is:
  • January 22, Chennai
  • January 25, Kolkata
  • January 28, Rajkot
  • January 31, Pune
  • February 2, Mumbai
• ODIs:
  • February 6, Nagpur
  • February 9, Cuttack
  • February 12, Ahmedabad

This schedule promises a busy and exciting period for Team India as they navigate through a mix of home and international cricket before heading into the IPL 2025.