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IPL 2026 will be held between March 26 and May 31, occupying the same window it has in recent years.While the BCCI hasn’t announced the full fixtures yet, the 19th edition of the IPL will kick off roughly three weeks after the conclusion of the men’s T20 World Cup – scheduled from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka – and run for just over two months.It also means that for the second year running, the IPL will clash with the PSL, which is scheduled to be held between March 26 and May 3.Related

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The IPL teams, who announced their list of retained and released players in mid-November, are currently getting into the IPL auction on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, where 369 players have been shortlisted to go under the hammer.A total of 77 slots are available, including 31 for overseas players. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have the most vacancies, 13, followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) with ten. After trades and retentions, KKR also have the biggest purse available: INR 64.30 crore (US$7.1 million approx.). Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are next with INR 43.40 crore (US$4.8 million approx.).The IPL 2025 final was won on June 3 by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who made it their first IPL title win with a six-run win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Ahmedabad.

In spite of their improbable victory in the recent ODI series in Sri Lanka – their first on the subcontinent in 20 years – England are expected to revert to their seasoned five-day specialists when the squad for the three-Test series in Sri Lanka is unveiled at The Oval tomorrow.England emerged triumphant by three games to two in Dambulla and Colombo earlier this month, in a contest that was played out on slow low wickets and at an unusually Test-like tempo. But for several members of that squad, as well as the veteran Mark Ramprakash, disappointment is on the cards.Foremost among England’s considerations will be the wicketkeeping position. Phil Mustard took the gloves and opened the batting during the ODIs, but having failed to establish himself in five opportunities, England are expected to revert to Matt Prior, whose Test career began with a remarkable debut century against West Indies at Lord’s in May, but who sustained a broken thumb during the recent World Twenty20 in South Africa.Prior’s position came under scrutiny following a poor series with both the bat and the gloves against India last summer, but having worked their way through six wicketkeepers in the past 12 months, the selectors are expected to give Prior another opportunity to establish himself. He is a key disciple of the new coach, Peter Moores, having learnt his craft under Moores at Sussex, and was Geraint Jones’ understudy on England’s last visit to the subcontinent in 2005-06.One man who seems certain to have earned a recall on the strength of the one-dayers is the offspinning allrounder, Graeme Swann, whose first matches for England in seven-and-a-half years were an unmitigated triumph. He spun the ball prodigiously, produced vital runs down the order, and assuming he recovers from the hamstring injury he sustained ahead of the final ODI, could be a useful sidekick to Monty Panesar, who will start the series as England’s No. 1 spin option.In the absence of Andrew Flintoff, Swann’s allround credentials will doubtless boost his chances of a call-up, while Ravi Bopara is another man well-placed to step up a level, following his nerveless displays in coloured clothing this year – although he could well be put on stand-by in the development squad that is due to be stationed in India during the tour. One man who has been headed in the opposite direction is the former stalwart Andrew Strauss, who this time last year was a candidate for the captaincy.Strauss’s form slump has already led to his omission from the one-day set-up, but having secured an ECB central contract, he seems set to retain his place in a 15-man squad. The man who will miss out is likely to be Ramprakash, whose prospects of a recall at the age of 38 were being talked up last week following his stunning summer of run-scoring for Surrey. Owais Shah is the other man in the frame for the final batting slot, having made 88 and 38 in his only previous overseas Test appearance, at Mumbai in 2005-06.England’s obligation towards their centrally contracted players should also ensure recalls for Steve Harmison and Matthew Hoggard, both of whom missed large portions of the summer schedule with injuries. Harmison, with a hernia operation behind him, is hoping to prove his fitness in two first-class matches for Highveld Lions in South Africa.James Anderson, Ryan Sidebottom and Stuart Broad – all of whom excelled during the recent ODI series victory – are expected to fill the remaining fast-bowling slots, with the only other significant change being that of the captain, Michael Vaughan. Four years ago, Sri Lanka was the scene of Vaughan’s first major tour as England captain, but he was unable to emulate the feat of his predecessor, Nasser Hussain, whose 2-1 victory in the 2000-01 series was one of England’s finest of all time.Possible squad Michael Vaughan (capt), Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell, Andrew Strauss, Owais Shah, Matt Prior (wk), Ryan Sidebottom, Steve Harmison, Monty Panesar, Graeme Swann, Matthew Hoggard, James Anderson, Stuart Broad.

Ross Taylor has been ruled out of New Zealand’s tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa after undergoing minor surgery for a groin injury. Taylor suffered a blow to the groin during training a day before the third ODI in Harare and will miss the remaining two matches against Zimbabwe, as well as the following two T20Is and three ODIs against South Africa.A New Zealand Cricket release stated that with 16 players in the squad, no replacement will be required for Taylor. James Neesham took the batsman’s place in the New Zealand XI for the third ODI against Zimbabwe.

Leicestershire have been granted planning permission to install floodlights at Grace Road, a development that has been viewed as vital to the club’s survival.Floodlit evening T20 matches have become increasingly important to driving gate revenue in the domestic game and Wasim Khan, Leicestershire’s chief executive, said the decision would help the club “retain and grow our audiences”. Khan had previously addressed residents’ concerns about light pollution by warning that, without floodlights, “we might not be here in five years’ time”.The path has now been cleared, with Leicester City Council unanimously approving the proposals. Leicestershire will begin work immediately and hope to have the floodlights in place in time for their opening NatWest Blast game in May.”It is fantastic news for Leicestershire County Cricket Club that planning permission was granted at the meeting,” Khan said. “Floodlights are an important aspect of supporting our sustainability strategy and we look forward to improving the match-day experience for our supporters.”We saw an average 48% increase in attendances at Grace Road for NatWest T20 Blast matches in 2015. The installation of floodlights will help us to both retain and grow our audiences. We can start our NatWest T20 Blast games later in the evening which will give more people the opportunity to attend after work.”Leicestershire are currently one of four counties without permanent floodlights. Gloucestershire have been granted planning permission, while Somerset are expected to draw up plans as part of their ground redevelopment, which would leave Worcestershire as the only county unable to play evening games.

Allrounder Robbie Frylinck has been suspended from his franchise, Dolphins, with immediate effect, although the reason for and length of his sanction is unknown. Pete de Wet, Dolphins’ CEO, told ESPNcricinfo: “I cannot elaborate on the details except to say that this is in no way linked to the CSA investigation into match-fixing.”Frylinck last played for the franchise during the Momentum One-Day Cup at the end of October, before turning out for provincial amateur side Kwa-Zulu Natal during a break in the one-day cup. He was due to join up with Dolphins for the remainer of the one-day cup, which resumes on Friday, but will not be part of their plans for now.Frylinck has been on South Africa’s domestic scene for over 11 years, during which time he has also played as a Kolpak player for Surrey and was on the books of IPL franchise Delhi Daredevils.

Inzamam-ul-Haq, the former Pakistan captain, has been summoned as a witness by a London tribunal that will hear umpire Darrell Hair’s suit against the ICC. Hair is suing for alleged racial discrimination in the aftermath of the Oval controversy.Inzamam was the Pakistan captain in that Test, which saw his side charged with ball-tampering. The team refused to take the field in protest against that decision, following which the match was awarded to England.Hearing of the case begins on October 1 at the Central Office of London Tribunals and is expected to last two weeks.A report in the said the summons would compel Inzamam’s attendance for cross-examination. Had Inzamam been in Pakistan rather than in England – playing county cricket for Yorkshire – the tribunal would not have had the power to call him, the report said.Hair’s lawyers, Finers Stephens Innocent, wrote to Inzamam requesting his attendance, but did not receive a reply. The summons, the said, was served in the presence of Stewart Regan, the chief executive of Yorkshire CCC.Inzamam now has to decide whether to fly back to Pakistan and return to England before the hearing commences or stay in London.Hair is to be represented by Robert Griffiths QC, an MCC cricket and general committee member, and will be opposed by Michael Beloff QC.He is likely to call on fellow umpire Billy Doctrove, with whom he stood at The Oval. Also expected to appear on Hair’s behalf are John Jameson, a former assistant secretary of the MCC, and Jimmy Adams, the former West Indies captain.Hair, who remains on the ICC’s Elite panel, was restricted to officiating Associate matches in the aftermath of the Oval saga.

Yorkshire 184 for 8 (39.5 overs: White 54, Brophy 54, Murtagh 3-34) beat Middlesex 183 for 8 (40 overs: Scott 54*, Pyrah 3-22)
ScorecardYorkshire overcame a late wobble to beat Middlesex by two wickets off the penultimate ball of their Pro40 clash at Headingley.They had seemed to be coasting as they reached 158 for 3 chasing a modest 183, with the required rate at around a run a ball. James Dalrymple’s dismissal of Gerard Brophy for 49 pulled the rug from under the innings as five wickets fell for seven runs. Tim Murtagh inflicted most of the damage with three wickets but Rich Pyrah (15 not out) kept his head to see Yorkshire across the line.Middlesex also suffered from a collapse, but theirs came at the top of the order as they slid to 61 for 5 before Ben Scott anchored a recovery with an unbeaten 54. Pyrah was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 22 off his eight overs.

Lancashire will begin the first stages of redeveloping Old Trafford next January with the initial work costing the club £12 million.It will include replacing the County Suite, Tyldesley Suite and the Ladies stand – which runs from the pavilion around to the broadcast media centre – with a 1000-seat function room which will provide hospitality during international matches.There are also discussions taking place with Trafford council, Ask developers and Tesco about a regeneration of the area around Old Trafford. A decision on this won’t be made until later this year but Lancashire hope the first set of works will be complete by April 2010. The overall plan also includes installing permanent floodlights.”We knew it would take time to finalise the overall development so we thought we had better show willing to the ECB and our own club members by making the first steps,” chief executive Jim Cumbes told the . “We are talking to the bank about funding. If we realised our dreams of a new or improved hotel, and complete redevelopment of the ground, it would probably cost around £70m.”Lancashire believe redevelopment of the ground is the only way to secure its international future. They lost out on an Ashes Test in 2009 when the match was given to Cardiff and their current hosting agreement with the ECB runs out at the end of the forthcoming season.From August, Lancashire will play its home matches at outgrounds such as Blackpool and Liverpool so that work can start on laying a new outfield with state-of-the-art drainage. Considerable time has been lost at Old Trafford in recent seasons when the weather has been fine because the playing area hasn’t recovered from heavy rain.

Easterns have won Zimbabwe’s provincial Twenty20 tournament with a seven-run win over Westerns in the final on Good Friday, but concerns over standards of play over the three days hogged the limelight.Zimbabwe Cricket were using the tournament, a last-minute fixture in place of the twice-postponed Logan Cup, to prepare for South Africa’s domestic Standard Bank Pro20 contest. But the ever-tumbling domestic standards were in evidence.It gave indications that the Zimbabweans could expect pretty much the same or even worse treatment on the field against the South African franchises as they did in the MTN domestic championship, more so as their opponents in South Africa have more adept and experienced at this version. What’s more, they have already identified their Twenty20 specialists while the Zimbabweans are still searching.And neither did they find them in this tournament. No one set the competition alight, although the usual suspects, Brendan Taylor (Northerns), Hamilton Masakadza (Easterns), Tatenda Taibu (Northerns) and Stuart Matsikenyeri (Easterns) all showed good consistency with the bat and threw caution to the wind when necessary, perhaps conscious of their role as the best Zimbabwe can manage at the moment. They could ill-afford to have their best misfiring.If this was a positive, its one that quickly wipe the smile off the selectors’ faces because few from outside the pool of current national and A side players staked claims and showed Twenty20 attributes. Perhaps it’s a good thing because now the coaching staff can only concentrate on few, targeted players at Twenty20.But then, Zimbabwe Cricket has been boasting about the success of its outreach programme where new cricketers are being churned out in the new structures. Besides, Zimbabwe needs to widen its pool now more than any other time. It was generally acknowledged that the available talent wasn’t that big when Zimbabwe were doing well before the senior players left, and with not much resources now as in the past, it will be a real struggle to get things right.Without experienced bowlers, those in the tournament, particularly the seamers, tried too hard to adjust their actions for Twenty20, thus overcomplicating their bowling and not getting the balance between defence and attack. They went for aggression and in the process losing the basic line and length. The only time they looked good was when the batsmen were getting themselves in trouble. To the better bowlers, it was so easy to read the batsmen’s good shots thereby getting them to play outside their comfort zones and drying up runs.Attendances were far from encouraging, largely because few outside the inner circles knew about the tournament due to poor publicity. Only a handful stumbled upon the final day play while patronising the Keg & Maiden bar on Good Friday.The victory by Easterns, formerly Manicaland, means they become the new dominant side in Zimbabwe provincial cricket after winning the Logan Cup last year. But the province is made up almost entirely of players from Harare, drawn from the Takashinga club in particular, and cricketers based in the province hardly got a chance to play, as was the case last year. The purpose seems to be to fool people into believing these is strength outside the capital.Southerns (Masvingo) and Centrals (Midlands) do have a fair number of players originally from the provinces, but Harare players are also posted to strengthen the sides. That leaves Northerns, the former Mashonaland, and Westerns (Matabeleland), the only sides without exported players.

Australian players have dominated the English county scene in recent years, in both their number and with their figures. But the IPL, the new one-overseas player limit, and, ultimately, the rain all had their part to play in limiting Australians’ appearances and their chances to contribute to the opening round of seven first-class matches last week.Chris Rogers, however, made the most of his opportunity to give a nod to the selectors who had dumped him off the contracts list, with a second-innings ton for Derbyshire in their Division Two draw with Gloucestershire in Bristol. He had made an inauspicious 3 in the first dig as the visitors collapsed.His former Western Australian team-mate Marcus North topscored in the home side’s first innings with 87 and did not bat second time out as rain put paid to proceedings after Derbyshire’s Rogers-led rally. Only three wins were registered, the four draws all victims of the weather.Lancashire captain, the English-qualified Stuart Law, made 38 as Lancashire, last year’s runners-up, drew with the champions Surrey at The Oval. His team-mate Brad Hodge made an unbeaten 43 before the rain came. Surrey were without Matt Nicholson, who had a virus.In the second division, Western Australia’s Steve Magoffin took one wicket in each innings as Worcestershire drew with Warwickshire.