June 17 promises to be a packed day for Indian cricket across formats and levels. While Rohit Sharma and Team India gear up for the second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow, the spotlight will also be on Dambulla, where India A take on Afghanistan A with teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi still making headlines following his heated altercation with Sri Lanka A players. Meanwhile, India Women will look to build on their commanding win over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, powered by Deepti Sharma’s record-breaking five-wicket haul. Away from the field, Ashok Sharma is in the news with a late India A call-up, while England prepare for life without Ben Stokes as Joe Root returns to the captaincy for the second Test against New Zealand.
After-effects of IND A fight
Sri Lanka Cricket has decided to discipline several Sri Lanka A players following the heated scenes that marred their tri-series clash against India A in Dambulla. The controversy erupted after the match ended in a Super Over, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Vishen Halambage involved in a physical confrontation after a day filled with verbal exchanges. Halambage is expected to face the strongest action, while Niroshan Dickwella has already been fined for a separate breach reported by the match officials. The SLC reportedly took a dim view of the behaviour shown by its players, especially against a visiting side. Meanwhile, the BCCI has opted not to punish Sooryavanshi or India A captain Tilak Varma, choosing instead to keep the focus on the remainder of the tournament. Read more here.
Rohit Sharma injury update
Rohit Sharma may have cleared the fitness hurdle, but questions around his form stay. The veteran opener managed just 16 runs in the series opener against Afghanistan before a mix-up with Shubman Gill led to his dismissal. While there were no visible signs of discomfort during training in Lucknow or in the match itself, Rohit has looked short of rhythm since returning from injury. During India’s practice session ahead of the second ODI, he was repeatedly tested by the pacers with short-pitched bowling and didn’t appear entirely at ease. Despite the scrutiny, the Indian team management remains behind him, with spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule stressing that Rohit’s experience, leadership and presence in the dressing room remain invaluable, especially as India continue to build towards the 2027 World Cup. Read more here.
No IPL in BBL
Cricket Australia has delayed plans to privatise the BBL and WBBL, meaning no franchise sales or rebranding will take place before the 2026-27 season. The decision follows discussions with state associations, with Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades set to continue unchanged for at least another year. While privatisation remains on the agenda, CA must first sort out governance, player agreements and funding structures. The move also delays any potential investment from IPL owners, who have shown interest in expanding their footprint across global T20 leagues. Read more here.
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Ashok Sharma gets India A callup
Ashok Sharma’s rise continues, with the Gujarat Titans (GT) pacer earning a late call-up to the India A squad for the ongoing tri-series in Sri Lanka. The 23-year-old has replaced injured fast bowler Yudhvir Singh, who has been sidelined with a shoulder issue and will undergo rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. Ashok’s selection comes on the back of an impressive IPL 2026 campaign and a strong domestic record, where his pace regularly touched 150 kmph. He is expected to join the squad in Dambulla ahead of India A’s final league match against Afghanistan A. Read more here.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi needs to be….
The ugly scenes involving Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sri Lanka A all-rounder Vishen Halambage in Dambulla have started debate about on-field behaviour in age-group cricket. The 15-year-old Indian batter reportedly reacted after being subjected to repeated sledging during the match, with tensions eventually boiling over following India A’s Super Over defeat. While Sooryavanshi’s physical response was ugly, India spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said that the youngster is usually composed and will learn from the incident. He also called for players from both sides to be educated on maintaining discipline on the field. Sri Lanka A’s senior players have reportedly apologised to Sooryavanshi, while the BCCI has decided against taking any action. Read more here.
Joe Root ready to captain England
Joe Root never imagined he would captain England again, but circumstances have pulled him back into the role. With Ben Stokes unavailable amid an ongoing ECB investigation into an off-field altercation and Gus Atkinson also sidelined, England have turned to their former skipper rather than vice-captain Harry Brook. Root, who stepped down in 2022 after a difficult spell that saw England win just one of their final 17 Tests under his leadership, has accepted the responsibility on a temporary basis. The 34-year-old insisted he is only focused on the upcoming Test against New Zealand and not thinking beyond it. Read more here.
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Rohit Sharma under scanner as India mull Kuldeep Yadav selection for IND vs AFG 2nd ODI
