IPL franchises continue to struggle with injuries, domestic and foreign. The PSL could suffer because of safety and security concerns. We’ll soon have a new RCB owner. KKR’s top buy under pressure? And Sunil Gavaskar has been bashed for ‘vile’ comments.
No Hazlewood or Cummins in IPL?
Josh Hazlewood is expected to miss at least the first three matches for RCB in IPL 2026. Until Cricket Australia grants him the clearance, Hazlewood won’t travel to India. Pat Cummins, SRH captain, stands in the same boat. If he can’t come to India, Ishan Kishan is expected to be named interim captain.
KKR’s U-turn on injury replacement
KKR expects fast bowler Harshit Rana to feature in IPL 2026. Although he’s expected to miss a big chunk, he could join them at the back end. It was previously reported that KKR held a trial to pick a replacement for Harshit, and Simarjeet Singh emerged as their best option.
PSL 2026 under pullout threat
After the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated on March 16, the PSL is under an Australian pullout threat. The Australian government had already issued an advisory earlier this month and may advise players and coaches to reconsider traveling to Pakistan. Meanwhile, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is trying to assure Cricket Australia about the safety of personnel and provide an exit plan.
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2-way battle for RCB owners
The RCB sale is now down to two interested parties: EQT and a consortium led by Ranjan Pai, including Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. and Temasek. Avram Glazer’s Lancer Capital, co-owner of Manchester United, pulled out without even making a bid after getting shortlisted. The deadline for the sale is March 31.
Gavaskar’s double standards
Former English professional cricketer Azeem Rafiq has criticised Sunil Gavaskar for his comments on Sunrisers Leeds owner Kavya Maran. Gavaskar had stated that the franchise will have blood on their hands the next time an Indian citizen dies because of Pakistan. Rafiq questioned why Gavaskar didn’t protest when India played Pakistan in the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup, and why was he commenting on those matches.
Green vs journalist
In a bizarre incident, Cameron Green had a standoff with a journalist after he was asked about his performance in the Ashes and T20 World Cup. Green’s behaviour forced Western Australia’s coach, assistant coach Beau Casson, to apologise to the journalist. One has to wonder how he’ll handle the pressure in IPL 2026 for KKR.
Cricket
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