Premier Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc has been cleared of his recent shoulder and elbow concerns and is set to travel to India on Friday, boosting Delhi Capitals ahead of their upcoming IPL 2026 fixture. The left-arm pacer is targeting a return to competitive action in DC’s match against Rajasthan Royals on May 1 in Jaipur. The 36-year-old has been out of action since late January following a heavy workload during the The Ashes, where he delivered a standout performance, claiming 31 wickets at an average of 19.93 and earning Player of the Series honors. He bowled over 150 overs across five Tests before featuring in five matches for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League. Starc’s injury originated during a BBL match against Perth Scorchers, where he landed awkwardly on his left shoulder and elbow while attempting a catch. Although he initially took time off in February, lingering soreness upon his return to bowling delayed his IPL arrival, leading to speculation about his absence. Starc later addressed the situation publicly, expressing frustration over what he described as “heavily misinformed opinions.” Encouragingly, Starc has recently completed a week of pain-free bowling sessions in Sydney and is expected to undergo a gradual acclimatization process once he arrives in India. If his recovery continues smoothly, he should be available not only for the May 1 game but for the remainder of the IPL season. Meanwhile, Australia captain Pat Cummins is also on track to make his IPL 2026 debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad, with a potential return slated for Saturday—coincidentally also against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur. Cummins has been sidelined since December due to a lumbar stress injury, having played just one Test since July 2025. The return of Starc, Cummins, and fellow pacer Josh Hazlewood marks a significant boost for Australia, with Cricket Australia carefully managing the trio’s workload ahead of a demanding international schedule. Australia is set to play up to 21 Tests between August 2026 and August 2027, followed by the ODI World Cup later that year.

Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu delivered a standout all-round performance to help her side level the ODI series against Bangladesh Women's Cricket Team with a four-wicket win in Rajshahi on Wednesday. After missing the opening match due to a finger injury, Athapaththu made an emphatic return, claiming three crucial wickets to restrict Bangladesh to a modest total of 165 in 45.5 overs. She struck first by dismissing Sharmin Sultana via an lbw decision that sparked visible disagreement from the batter. In her next over, she removed Sobhana Mostary, who was caught at square leg. Athapaththu’s third wicket came in the 31st over when Ritu Moni mistimed a cover drive, only for Nilakshika Silva to complete a sharp catch at mid-off. Earlier, Bangladesh suffered an early setback when Sharmin Akhter was dismissed for a duck by Malki Madara. Captain Nigar Sultana was the lone bright spot for the hosts, scoring a patient 58 off 101 balls, including four boundaries. However, she lacked support from the rest of the batting lineup and was eventually dismissed by Nimesha Meepage in the 41st over. Sri Lanka’s bowling attack was well-rounded, with Madara, Meepage, and Inoka Ranaweera claiming two wickets each, while Kavisha Dilhari chipped in with one. In response, Sri Lanka’s chase was anchored by Athapaththu, who scored a brisk 40 off 39 deliveries, including eight boundaries. Her innings ended in the 17th over when she was dismissed by left-arm spinner Nahida Akhter. The dismissal led to a brief on-field moment, as Nahida gave Athapaththu a send-off, prompting a prolonged stare from the Sri Lankan captain before she walked off. The chase was then stabilized by a crucial 79-run partnership between Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hansima Karunaratne for the fourth wicket. Samarawickrama scored 50 off 76 balls, while Karunaratne contributed 40 off 64 deliveries, both hitting multiple boundaries to guide Sri Lanka close to the target. Nahida Akhter continued to impress with the ball, dismissing both set batters and later removing Kaushini Nuthyangana to finish with a four-wicket haul. Sultana Khatun and Ritu Moni picked up one wicket each, but their efforts were not enough to prevent Sri Lanka from reaching the target. With the series now level, the decider of the three-match ODI series is set to be played in Rajshahi on April 25.

A West Indies Championship fixture between Trinidad and Tobago and Leeward Islands was abandoned as a draw on Tuesday after concerns over a dangerous playing surface at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. The decision was taken early on the third morning after a serious on-field incident involving Leeward Islands seamer Jeremiah Louis. He was struck on the helmet by a sharply rising delivery from Trinidad and Tobago fast bowler Jayden Seales. The blow left Louis on the ground before he was stretchered off and taken to hospital. Officials later confirmed he was in stable condition. Umpires Leslie Reifer and Zahid Bassarath made the call to abandon the match after consulting with match referee Johnathan Blades, citing concerns that the pitch could not be safely repaired without compromising fairness. The game had already seen 27 wickets fall in just 147 overs, highlighting the difficult and unpredictable conditions. At the time of abandonment, Leeward Islands held a 96-run lead with three wickets remaining in their second innings. Leeward Islands coach Wilden Cornwall described the incident as “devastating” and expressed concern for Louis’ well-being. He also criticized the pitch preparation, suggesting it was not suited for a four-day match and had behaved inconsistently from the outset. Seales had been the standout performer in the match, claiming seven wickets in the second innings after taking three in the first. Earlier on the third morning, he had also struck Rahkeem Cornwall and dismissed Jahmar Hamilton with deliveries that exhibited alarming bounce. Trinidad and Tobago coach Rayad Emrit voiced frustration at the delayed decision, arguing that the pitch’s inconsistent bounce had been evident from day one and should have prompted earlier action. In an official statement, Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed that the pitch was deemed unsafe to continue play and that both teams would be awarded points based on the match situation at abandonment. The governing body also reiterated its commitment to player safety, adding that no further matches are scheduled at the venue until the Championship final in May. CWI stated that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure a safe and competitive surface for upcoming fixtures. The incident has once again raised concerns over pitch preparation standards, particularly in a shortened domestic season already under scrutiny following financial challenges faced by the board.

A tactical call by Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel has come under scrutiny after the team’s defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League. Despite boasting one of the tournament’s strongest spin duos in Axar and Kuldeep Yadav, the pair bowled just four overs combined during the match. Former Australia captain Aaron Finch voiced his frustration on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out show, questioning the decision-making. He pointed out that part-time spinner Nitish Rana was given a full four-over quota instead, calling the move puzzling given the experience and pedigree of DC’s frontline spinners. Rana, who had only occasionally bowled in his IPL career, was introduced early to counter left-handers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head. DC appeared to prefer bowlers who could take pace off and turn the ball away from the left-handers. However, the move backfired as Abhishek went on to score an unbeaten 135. Finch acknowledged the tactical challenge but criticized Axar’s reluctance to take responsibility. He argued that as captain, a senior player, and an established international bowler, Axar should have backed himself, even against unfavorable matchups. “He’s a double World Cup winner and one of India’s core bowlers. If he’s not willing to step up under pressure, that raises questions,” Finch said, adding that Axar’s defensive style could still have been effective against an aggressive batter like Abhishek. Interestingly, Axar had a strong record against Abhishek prior to the game, dismissing him twice in just eight deliveries in previous IPL encounters. Finch highlighted that even defensive bowling, executed well, could have created opportunities. After the match, Axar attributed the loss to poor execution of plans, stating that results suffer when execution falters. Finch, however, pushed back on that explanation, suggesting that leadership also involves taking ownership in crucial moments rather than avoiding risk. Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis offered a more balanced perspective. He noted that criticism might have been harsher had Axar bowled and conceded heavily. Still, he questioned the decision to rely on Rana over more experienced options, especially given Axar’s versatility and ability to adapt angles and lengths against left-handers. Du Plessis also partially defended the limited use of Kuldeep, suggesting he may not have been at his best on the night. However, he maintained that Axar remained a strong option who could have influenced the game. The debate highlights the fine margins in T20 cricket, where tactical calls are often judged heavily in hindsight—especially when they involve underutilizing proven match-winners.

Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season after sustaining a left hamstring injury, dealing a significant setback to Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The 18-year-old batter picked up the injury during CSK’s clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 18. According to a statement released by the franchise, Mhatre is expected to undergo a rehabilitation period of six to twelve weeks. The team has yet to announce a replacement. Mhatre was batting fluently after coming in as an Impact Player, replacing Gurjapneet Singh early in CSK’s chase of 195. He had raced to 30 off just 12 balls when he pulled up sharply while completing a second run on a call from captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Clearly in discomfort, he received on-field treatment from the team physiotherapist before briefly continuing. However, his movement remained restricted, and he was dismissed soon after. Speaking after the match, CSK batting coach Mike Hussey expressed concern over the youngster’s injury. “It looks pretty bad, unfortunately. He’s been in really nice touch for us and will be a big loss,” Hussey said. Mhatre has been one of CSK’s standout performers this season, leading the team’s run charts with 201 runs in six innings at an impressive strike rate of 177.87. His absence leaves a gap in the top order, with Urvil Patel a potential replacement at No. 3. The injury adds to a growing list of concerns for CSK this season. Veteran wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni has yet to feature due to a calf strain, while fast bowler Nathan Ellis has already been ruled out with a hamstring issue. His replacement, Spencer Johnson, is also recovering from injury and has not joined the squad. Additionally, pacer Khaleel Ahmed was recently sidelined with a right quadricep injury. It has been a challenging campaign so far for the five-time champions, who currently sit eighth on the points table with just two wins from six matches.

Veteran cricketers Peter Siddle and Samit Patel have been ruled out of this summer’s T20 Blast after taking part in an unsanctioned veterans’ tournament in Goa earlier this year. The decision follows regulations set by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), which state that players are ineligible for county cricket if they have participated in “disapproved cricket” within 12 months prior to the start of the season. Both players featured in the World Legends Pro T20 League in January and February, a competition not sanctioned by the Board of Control for Cricket in India and therefore deemed “disapproved.” Siddle, 41, had been signed as an overseas player by Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club for the upcoming Blast campaign. However, the club confirmed on Tuesday that his contract has been terminated, citing “personal circumstances.” Director of cricket Mick Newell expressed disappointment at the development, adding that the club will now seek a replacement. Nottinghamshire had already bolstered their squad with the signings of Benny Howell and George Munsey. There are also concerns over the availability of their other overseas recruit, George Linde, who has joined Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League as a replacement player. Linde could miss the early stages of the Blast if his IPL side progresses to the playoffs. Meanwhile, Patel — also 41 — has effectively ended his hopes of playing in this year’s competition. The all-rounder, who left Derbyshire County Cricket Club after last season, confirmed that he has accepted the ECB’s ruling while searching for a new county contract. Patel holds a unique record in the competition, having featured in every edition of the T20 Blast since its inception in 2003, alongside Ravi Bopara. However, neither player will appear this season, with Bopara having recently retired from county cricket to focus on coaching and media commitments. The ruling underscores the ECB’s strict stance on participation in unsanctioned leagues, even as veteran players increasingly explore opportunities in global exhibition tournaments.

Punjab Kings’ rising star Cooper Connolly credited teammate Priyansh Arya for their growing on-field chemistry, saying the duo constantly learn from each other’s batting approaches during IPL 2026. Connolly has emerged as one of the standout performers for Punjab Kings this season. His latest contribution — an explosive 87 off 46 balls against Lucknow Super Giants — played a key role in the team posting the highest total of the tournament so far. However, it was Arya who stole the spotlight with a blistering 93 off just 37 deliveries, as the pair stitched together a remarkable 182-run partnership in only 80 balls. Speaking after the match, Connolly emphasized the importance of individual strengths while highlighting how he and Arya exchange ideas to improve. He noted that each batter has their own style and success comes from understanding and trusting it, adding that their discussions help them pick up “little things out of each other’s books” to grow collectively. Connolly’s consistency has been a defining feature of his debut IPL season. With 223 runs so far, he has outscored teammates like Prabhsimran Singh, Arya, and skipper Shreyas Iyer. His performances include a match-winning 72* on debut, which earned him the Player of the Match award in PBKS’ opening game. Unlike the aggressive “power-hitting” trend dominating T20 cricket, Connolly has stayed committed to his natural game. He reiterated that while there is a time for acceleration, long-term success depends on recognizing one’s strengths and building around them. He also acknowledged that bowlers constantly target weaknesses, making adaptability and awareness crucial for improvement. Connolly’s rapid rise has also been shaped by the influence of head coach Ricky Ponting, who backed him for a role at PBKS. Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis highlighted Ponting’s impact, noting that working with an experienced mentor early in a player’s career can significantly accelerate development. PBKS’ strong performances this season have reignited talk about a cultural shift within the franchise, with Ponting and Iyer credited for fostering a positive and focused environment. Connolly echoed this sentiment, praising Iyer’s leadership style and the team’s emphasis on staying present and continuously improving. Currently sitting at the top of the points table, Punjab Kings appear to be reaping the rewards of a cohesive unit where players are encouraged to express themselves freely while striving toward the common goal of winning the IPL.

Sharmin Akhter starred with a brilliant 86 as Bangladesh secured a historic three-wicket win over Sri Lanka women's national cricket team in the first Women’s ODI, registering their maiden victory against the island side. The match, held in Rajshahi, also marked the venue’s debut as an international host. Chasing 206, Bangladesh appeared in full control before a dramatic late collapse nearly derailed their effort. With just seven runs needed, they lost four wickets for a single run, triggered by Sharmin’s dismissal in the 45th over. The right-hander was stumped for 86 off 127 balls, an innings studded with 13 boundaries and her highest score against Sri Lanka. Sharmin had earlier anchored the chase through crucial partnerships, including a 78-run stand with Shorna Akter for the fourth wicket. However, Sri Lanka clawed back through offspinner Dewmi Vihanga, who struck twice in the 46th over, dismissing Shorna (35) and Ritu Moni in quick succession. Another setback followed when Rabeya Khan fell cheaply, leaving Bangladesh at 200 for 7. Lower-order batters Nahida Akter and Sultana Khatun then held their nerve to guide the hosts home. Sri Lanka faltered in the closing moments, with Malki Madara conceding a wide and a costly misfield that allowed the winning runs. Earlier, Bangladesh’s chase had a shaky start, losing Sharmin Sultana for a duck in the opening over. Debutant Juairiya Ferdous also fell cheaply, while captain Nigar Sultana departed with the score at 34 for 3. Sharmin then rebuilt the innings alongside Sobhana Mostary, adding 87 runs for the fourth wicket. Mostary contributed 41 before being forced to retire hurt due to severe cramps. Sri Lanka, batting first, made a strong start through stand-in captain Hasini Perera and Imesha Dulani, who put on 68 for the opening stand. Ritu Moni broke the partnership and went on to remove Harshitha Samarawickrama soon after. Dulani scored a fluent 54, while Hansima Karunaratne added another 54 as the pair stitched together a 52-run stand. However, Sri Lanka lost momentum in the latter stages, with wickets falling in clusters. Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Ritu Moni (3 for 36) and Nahida Akter (two wickets), ensured Sri Lanka were restricted to a manageable total. Despite the late jitters, Bangladesh held on to seal a landmark win, underlining their growing stature in women’s cricket.

Australia’s wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis is set to join Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of their clash with Mumbai Indians on May 4, providing a timely boost to the struggling side in the latter half of the IPL 2026 season. Inglis, who missed the first phase of the tournament due to personal commitments, tied the knot on April 18 and is expected to arrive in India after a short break. His delayed availability had been anticipated by LSG, who secured his services for INR 8.6 crore at the auction despite knowing he would miss several early matches. The Australian had an impressive IPL 2025 campaign with Punjab Kings, scoring 278 runs at a striking rate of 162.57. However, he was released ahead of the 2026 auction, opening the door for LSG to bring him into their setup. If available from May 4, Inglis could feature in LSG’s final six league matches, potentially prompting a reshuffle in their overseas combination. Currently, the team has relied on players like Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, and Nicholas Pooran, occasionally opting against fielding a fourth overseas player. South African all-rounder George Linde has featured in two of their last three matches. Pooran’s dip in form has been a concern for LSG, with the West Indies batter managing just 51 runs across six innings at a strike rate of 80. Inglis’ arrival could offer a much-needed boost to their batting lineup. Meanwhile, LSG have also faced setbacks in their bowling department. South African pacer Anrich Nortje exited the squad last week under unclear circumstances. He had featured in only one game this season, against Delhi Capitals on April 1, where he returned figures of 0 for 39 in four overs. Currently sitting eighth on the points table with just two wins from six matches, LSG will be eager to turn their campaign around. Their next fixture is against Rajasthan Royals on April 22 in Lucknow, as they look to build momentum before Inglis joins the squad.

Veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has heaped praise on Shreyas Iyer, calling the Punjab Kings captain a player “in the zone” and on a clear path from being good to potentially great. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show, Ashwin highlighted Iyer’s commanding presence at the crease and the consistency he has displayed across the last two IPL seasons. Iyer’s recent form in Indian Premier League 2026 has been particularly impressive, with scores of 50, 69* and 66 in his last three innings, striking at nearly 188. Ashwin emphasized that Iyer’s impact goes beyond numbers. According to him, the batter’s body language and composure reflect a player operating at peak confidence. “When he marks guard, it feels like he’s in a different zone altogether,” Ashwin noted, describing it as a phase where everything — preparation, mindset, and execution — aligns perfectly. A key factor behind Iyer’s evolution, Ashwin said, is his willingness to address weaknesses. Long criticized for his struggles against short-pitched bowling, Iyer has actively worked to counter that narrative. Ashwin pointed to moments such as Iyer confidently taking on top pacers like Jasprit Bumrah, including pulling him for six, as evidence of his growth mindset. “He’s not shying away from challenges. That willingness to improve is what defines the journey from good to great,” Ashwin explained. Iyer’s batting form has also translated into leadership success. Under his captaincy, Punjab Kings reached the IPL final in 2025 and have continued their strong run in 2026, sitting at the top of the table with four wins from five matches. Ashwin credited Iyer for fostering a relaxed and open team environment, where communication flows freely between players and leadership. “He’s created a brotherhood within the team,” Ashwin said. “That comfort allows players to express themselves and deliver.” Ashwin also weighed in on the ongoing debate about Iyer’s place in India’s T20I setup. Despite India’s recent success without him, including multiple global titles, Ashwin believes Iyer deserves inclusion purely on merit. “If he doesn’t get picked, it’s not his loss — it’s ours,” Ashwin stated. “You pick the best 15 players first and then figure out combinations.” He further underlined the depth of Indian cricket, referencing talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, but insisted that Iyer’s current form makes him impossible to ignore. With his batting flourishing and leadership maturing, Iyer appears to be entering a defining phase of his career — one that could soon cement his place among India’s elite in the shortest format.

Sunrisers Hyderabad pulled off a stunning turnaround to defend a modest total of 194 against Chennai Super Kings, thanks to a disciplined and collective bowling effort led by Eshan Malinga and Nitish Kumar Reddy. At one stage, CSK appeared firmly in control of the chase, needing just 84 runs from 60 balls with seven wickets in hand. However, Hyderabad’s relatively inexperienced bowling unit flipped the script in dramatic fashion. Eshan Malinga (3/29) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (2/31), supported by Shivang Kumar and Sakib Hussain, ensured that CSK’s chase unraveled under pressure. Each of the four bowlers maintained an economy rate of eight or less while contributing crucial wickets. Earlier in the match, Hyderabad’s innings was powered by explosive half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen. Abhishek raced to a 15-ball fifty, accelerating after initially being contained, while Klaasen added a composed 59 off 33 balls, continuing his strong form this season. Despite a strong platform in the powerplay, CSK’s bowlers staged a recovery through Jamie Overton, Anshul Kamboj, and Gurjapneet Singh, restricting SRH from reaching what once looked like a 230-plus total. Overton, in particular, impressed with his middle-overs spell, dismissing Abhishek Sharma with a sharp rising delivery shortly after the batter had been dropped. In response, CSK began aggressively, with young Ayush Mhatre leading the charge. The 18-year-old struck at a blistering rate, helping CSK to 62 for 1 in just over four overs. However, his momentum was halted by a leg injury sustained while attempting a quick run, a moment that proved pivotal in shifting the game’s momentum. Following Mhatre’s departure, CSK’s innings lost direction. The middle order struggled to maintain the required scoring rate as Hyderabad’s bowlers tightened their grip. Malinga’s ability to execute yorkers and exploit reverse swing proved decisive, removing key batters including Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matt Short, and Sarfaraz Khan. Shivang Kumar and Sakib Hussain delivered crucial breakthroughs, including the dismissals of Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube, effectively ending CSK’s hopes of a comeback. Despite outscoring SRH in the powerplay, CSK faltered in the middle and death overs, ultimately falling short in what would have been their first successful 190-plus chase in eight years. The result highlights Hyderabad’s growing depth in bowling and exposes lingering concerns in CSK’s finishing ability, an issue that continues to trouble them this season. Result: Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Chennai Super Kings by a narrow margin while defending 194.

Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a revamped Test squad for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, appointing former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach and including four uncapped players for the two-match series. The squad, to be led by Shan Masood, features fresh faces Abdullah Fazal, Azan Awais, Ghazi Ghori and Amad Butt, all of whom have impressed in domestic cricket. The changes come after Pakistan’s previous Test assignment against South Africa national cricket team at home, with five players—Abdullah Shafique, Asif Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam and Rohail Nazir—being dropped. New Faces Rewarded for Domestic Performances Abdullah Fazal earned selection after finishing as the leading run-scorer in the recent President’s Trophy, amassing 622 runs in seven matches at an average of 51.83, including two centuries. Wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori also impressed with 531 runs at 48.27, while Azan Awais has been a consistent performer over the last two domestic seasons, scoring 2,673 runs at an average of 48.6 with ten centuries. Fast-bowling allrounder Amad Butt secured his place after a strong season, claiming 32 wickets at 19.21 and contributing useful runs. His standout performance included a match-winning spell in a low-scoring domestic contest earlier this year. Sarfaraz Begins Coaching Tenure This marks Sarfaraz Ahmed’s first assignment as head coach of the senior national side. The former skipper, who famously led Pakistan to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, recently guided the Under-19 team to an Asia Cup title and worked with Pakistan Shaheens. He will be supported by former teammates Asad Shafiq as batting coach and Umar Gul as bowling coach, forming a new-look backroom staff. Abbas Returns, Core Remains Intact Experienced seamer Mohammad Abbas returns to the Test squad after missing recent series, having been in action in county cricket. He joins a pace attack that includes Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali and Khurram Shahzad. The batting unit retains its experienced core, featuring Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha and Imam-ul-Haq. Spin duties will be handled by Noman Ali and Sajid Khan. Series Details The two-Test series against Bangladesh national cricket team will begin in Dhaka on May 8, followed by the second Test in Sylhet from May 16. The tour forms part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. With a blend of youth and experience, Pakistan will look to start strongly under new leadership as they continue their red-ball campaign.