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Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) beat defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by nine runs via DLS method in IPL 2026 match on Thursday (May 7) in Lucknow. Batting first, LSG scored 209/3 in 19 overs after rain reduced the overs. For Lucknow, Mitchell Marsh scored 56-ball 111 while Nicholas Pooran and Rishabh Pant played cameos of 38 and 32, respectively. Chasing the revised target of 213, RCB gave it all but eventually fell short by nine runs, scoring 203/6 in 19 overs. This was LSG's third win in the season and first after six consecutive losses as they sit last on the points table with six points from three wins and seven losses in 10 matches. For RCB, it was fourth loss in 10 matches as they sit third on the table with 12 points from six wins.<h2>RCB give it a go but fall short</h2>Chasing 2013, RCB lost openers Jacob Bethell and Virat Kohli in the first eight balls with just nine runs on the board. Devdutt Padikkal and skipper Rajat Patidar then added 95 runs for the third wicket to bring RCB back in chase. Three quick wickets including Padikkal (34), Patidar (61) and Jitesh Sharma (1) in nine balls between overs 11 and 12 again left RCB hanging by a thread. Tim David (40 off 17), Krunal Pandya (28 off 16), and Romario Shepherd (23 off 15) tried their best but RCB could manage only 203/6 in 19 overs.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shocking-ticket-scandal-at-ksca-behind-moving-ipl-2026-final-from-bengaluru-to-ahmedabad-bcci-secretary-devajit-saikia-10000-complimentary-passes-1778162471182">Shocking ticket scandal behind moving IPL final from Bengaluru: BCCI Secretary</a><h2>LSG batters make merry</h2>LSG batters have not been able to produce performance noteworthy of appreciation barring a couple games. Against RCB, however, the top order was on song with Mitchell Marsh leading the charge. The Aussie T20I skipper first added 95 runs with opening partner Arshin Kulkarni (17) and then 70 runs for the second wicket with Nicholas Pooran (38) before being dismissed on a handsome 111 off 56 balls. Skipper Pant's 10-ball 32 cameo ensure that LSG finish past 200 and so they did at 209/3 in 19 overs.

LSG beat RCB by nine runs via DLS method in rain-affected IPL 2026 match to snap their six-game losing streak. Chasing 213, RCB tried hard but managed 203/6 against LSG's 209/3.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) beat defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by nine runs via DLS method in IPL 2026 match on Thursday (May 7) in Lucknow. Batting first, LSG scored 209/3 in 19 overs after rain reduced the overs. For Lucknow, Mitchell Marsh scored 56-ball 111 while Nicholas Pooran and Rishabh Pant played cameos of 38 and 32, respectively. Chasing the revised target of 213, RCB gave it all but eventually fell short by nine runs, scoring 203/6 in 19 overs. This was LSG's third win in the season and first after six consecutive losses as they sit last on the points table with six points from three wins and seven losses in 10 matches. For RCB, it was fourth loss in 10 matches as they sit third on the table with 12 points from six wins. RCB give it a go but fall short Chasing 2013, RCB lost openers Jacob Bethell and Virat Kohli in the first eight balls with just nine runs on the board. Devdutt Padikkal and skipper Rajat Patidar then added 95 runs for the third wicket to bring RCB back in chase. Three quick wickets including Padikkal (34), Patidar (61) and Jitesh Sharma (1) in nine balls between overs 11 and 12 again left RCB hanging by a thread. Tim David (40 off 17), Krunal Pandya (28 off 16), and Romario Shepherd (23 off 15) tried their best but RCB could manage only 203/6 in 19 overs. Also Read - Shocking ticket scandal behind moving IPL final from Bengaluru: BCCI Secretary LSG batters make merry LSG batters have not been able to produce performance noteworthy of appreciation barring a couple games. Against RCB, however, the top order was on song with Mitchell Marsh leading the charge. The Aussie T20I skipper first added 95 runs with opening partner Arshin Kulkarni (17) and then 70 runs for the second wicket with Nicholas Pooran (38) before being dismissed on a handsome 111 off 56 balls. Skipper Pant's 10-ball 32 cameo ensure that LSG finish past 200 and so they did at 209/3 in 19 overs.

LSG beat RCB by nine runs via DLS method in rain-affected IPL 2026 match to snap their six-game losing streak. Chasing 213, RCB tried hard but managed 203/6 against LSG's 209/3.

Who won yesterday's IPL 2026 match between Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru? Check result

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia explained the real reason behind moving the IPL 2026 final from Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy to Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium in a last-minute move. The BCCI and IPL announced the playoff schedule for this season on Wednesday (May 6), with three venues hosting four matches. While Ahmedabad will now host the season finale, Dharamsala and New Chandigarh will host pending playoff games. A ticketing scandal at the Karnataka Cricket Association (KSCA), however, has led to Bengaluru losing its hosting right, Saikia revealed on Thursday (May 7).&nbsp;Saikia said the KSCA had sought a large number of complimentary tickets beyond the allowed quota, which is just 15 per cent of the total stadium capacity. &nbsp; &nbsp;"As per IPL protocol, we are required to provide only 15 per cent of the total seating capacity as complimentary tickets to the host association. This constitutes the standard protocol; all host state associations receive a 15 per cent allocation of their total capacity in the form of complimentary tickets," Saikia said in a chat with ANI.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-yuzvendra-chahal-vaping-video-on-flight-punjab-kings-spinner-under-threat-for-potential-punishment-bcci-strict-actions-riyan-parag-vape-1778153431397">WATCH: Yuzvendra Chahal caught vaping on flight; PBKS spinner under threat for potential punishment</a> &nbsp;Saikia added that BCCI received reports from a reliable source that KSCA has been regularly seeking way more complimentary passes during the league games as well, and upon confronting the state board, the BCCI was left stunned by their reply. &nbsp; &nbsp;“However, we received information from various sources indicating that during the hosting of IPL league matches, the Karnataka State Association was claiming a significantly higher number of complimentary tickets, far exceeding the stipulated 15 per cent,” Saikia said.&nbsp; &nbsp;“Consequently, we sent them an email requesting precise details regarding this matter. We were shocked when we received a response via email from the Karnataka State Cricket Association on May 2nd; in that email, they stated that, over and above the 15 per cent complimentary ticket quota, they would require an additional, substantial allocation of tickets for their members, affiliated clubs, and various others,” Saikia said.<h3>The most surprising fact!</h3>The most surprising thing about KSCA’s reply was how they requested tickets for their local Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of the Legislative Council. Not only this, the KSCA admits seeking complimentary passes, as many as 700, for members of the Karnataka government, demanding close to 10,000 additional tickets. &nbsp;“Most surprisingly, they also requested tickets for their local Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of the Legislative Council. And also to the government of Karnataka, 700 complimentary tickets. Thus, over and above the 15 per cent allocation, they were demanding approximately 10,000 additional tickets,” he added. &nbsp;Meanwhile, on the points table, RCB sits in the third place, with six wins from nine contested matches. SRH (14) and PBKS (13) are ahead of them.&nbsp;

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia reveals the real reason Bengaluru lost the IPL 2026 final to Ahmedabad. Discover the details behind the KSCA ticketing scandal, the demand for 10,000 extra complimentary passes, and the updated playoff schedule for Dharamsala and New Chandigarh.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia explained the real reason behind moving the IPL 2026 final from Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy to Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium in a last-minute move. The BCCI and IPL announced the playoff schedule for this season on Wednesday (May 6), with three venues hosting four matches. While Ahmedabad will now host the season finale, Dharamsala and New Chandigarh will host pending playoff games. A ticketing scandal at the Karnataka Cricket Association (KSCA), however, has led to Bengaluru losing its hosting right, Saikia revealed on Thursday (May 7). Saikia said the KSCA had sought a large number of complimentary tickets beyond the allowed quota, which is just 15 per cent of the total stadium capacity. "As per IPL protocol, we are required to provide only 15 per cent of the total seating capacity as complimentary tickets to the host association. This constitutes the standard protocol; all host state associations receive a 15 per cent allocation of their total capacity in the form of complimentary tickets," Saikia said in a chat with ANI. Also read | WATCH: Yuzvendra Chahal caught vaping on flight; PBKS spinner under threat for potential punishment Saikia added that BCCI received reports from a reliable source that KSCA has been regularly seeking way more complimentary passes during the league games as well, and upon confronting the state board, the BCCI was left stunned by their reply. “However, we received information from various sources indicating that during the hosting of IPL league matches, the Karnataka State Association was claiming a significantly higher number of complimentary tickets, far exceeding the stipulated 15 per cent,” Saikia said. “Consequently, we sent them an email requesting precise details regarding this matter. We were shocked when we received a response via email from the Karnataka State Cricket Association on May 2nd; in that email, they stated that, over and above the 15 per cent complimentary ticket quota, they would require an additional, substantial allocation of tickets for their members, affiliated clubs, and various others,” Saikia said. The most surprising fact! The most surprising thing about KSCA’s reply was how they requested tickets for their local Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of the Legislative Council. Not only this, the KSCA admits seeking complimentary passes, as many as 700, for members of the Karnataka government, demanding close to 10,000 additional tickets. “Most surprisingly, they also requested tickets for their local Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of the Legislative Council. And also to the government of Karnataka, 700 complimentary tickets. Thus, over and above the 15 per cent allocation, they were demanding approximately 10,000 additional tickets,” he added. Meanwhile, on the points table, RCB sits in the third place, with six wins from nine contested matches. SRH (14) and PBKS (13) are ahead of them.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia reveals the real reason Bengaluru lost the IPL 2026 final to Ahmedabad. Discover the details behind the KSCA ticketing scandal, the demand for 10,000 extra complimentary passes, and the updated playoff schedule for Dharamsala and New Chandigarh.

Shocking ticket scandal behind moving IPL 2026 final from Bengaluru: BCCI Secretary

Former Australian all-rounder and Ashes participant, Marcus North, is set to replace Luke Wright as England’s new national men’s selector. The Durham director of cricket is said to be leading the race following final interviews for the role.&nbsp;A Telegraph report has suggested that North will vacate his position with Durham, which he has held since 2018, after a distinguished playing career. Having represented Australia 24 times between 2009 and 2011, featuring across two Ashes series, North will become the first non-Englishman charged with selecting England teams. He will replace former England all-rounder Wright, who stepped down from his position for personal reasons following an (1-4) Ashes drubbing.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pak-vs-aus-2026-travis-head-starc-hazlewood-cummins-unlikely-for-pakistan-odis-amid-ipl-2026-playoff-final-schedule-clash-dates-1778144247516">IPL over Country? Travis Head, Aussie pace trio unlikely for Pakistan ODIs amid schedule clash</a> &nbsp;Per the report, North beat former England quicks, Darren Gough and Steven Finn, two Ashes winners, for the role.&nbsp;<h3>Advantage North!</h3>The Australian all-rounder is also said to be close to current English Test captain Ben Stokes, who will make his first appearance for Durham in two years against Worcestershire later this week. North had also previously worked with Stokes during his years as Director of Cricket at Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, his time with The Hundred franchise, now renamed as SunRisers Leeds, included appointing Harry Brook as skipper and former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff as the coach. Brook has since taken over white-ball captaincy from Jos Buttler, while Flintoff continues in his role as England Lions head coach.&nbsp;<h3>North’s new roles and responsibilities</h3>Barring the usual administrative roles he will need to fit into quickly, North’s significant responsibilities would include picking England’s squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand at home and blending better with the duo of Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum at home. &nbsp;England will announce the Test squad in the third week of May, with the first training session scheduled in Loughborough on May 25. &nbsp;England will host the Kiwis for three Tests, starting June 4 at Lord’s in London.&nbsp;

Marcus North is set to become England’s first non-English national selector, replacing Luke Wright. Discover how the former Australian all-rounder’s ties with Ben Stokes and Durham secured him the role ahead of the 2026 home summer against New Zealand.

Former Australian all-rounder and Ashes participant, Marcus North, is set to replace Luke Wright as England’s new national men’s selector. The Durham director of cricket is said to be leading the race following final interviews for the role. A Telegraph report has suggested that North will vacate his position with Durham, which he has held since 2018, after a distinguished playing career. Having represented Australia 24 times between 2009 and 2011, featuring across two Ashes series, North will become the first non-Englishman charged with selecting England teams. He will replace former England all-rounder Wright, who stepped down from his position for personal reasons following an (1-4) Ashes drubbing. Also read | IPL over Country? Travis Head, Aussie pace trio unlikely for Pakistan ODIs amid schedule clash Per the report, North beat former England quicks, Darren Gough and Steven Finn, two Ashes winners, for the role. Advantage North! The Australian all-rounder is also said to be close to current English Test captain Ben Stokes, who will make his first appearance for Durham in two years against Worcestershire later this week. North had also previously worked with Stokes during his years as Director of Cricket at Northern Superchargers in The Hundred. Meanwhile, his time with The Hundred franchise, now renamed as SunRisers Leeds, included appointing Harry Brook as skipper and former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff as the coach. Brook has since taken over white-ball captaincy from Jos Buttler, while Flintoff continues in his role as England Lions head coach. North’s new roles and responsibilities Barring the usual administrative roles he will need to fit into quickly, North’s significant responsibilities would include picking England’s squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand at home and blending better with the duo of Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum at home. England will announce the Test squad in the third week of May, with the first training session scheduled in Loughborough on May 25. England will host the Kiwis for three Tests, starting June 4 at Lord’s in London.

Marcus North is set to become England’s first non-English national selector, replacing Luke Wright. Discover how the former Australian all-rounder’s ties with Ben Stokes and Durham secured him the role ahead of the 2026 home summer against New Zealand.

Ashes rival Marcus North set to replace Luke Wright as England’s national selector

Former Australian opener David Warner has pleaded guilty to a drink-driving offence, his defence lawyer Bobby Hill said to reporters. The star opener, who participated in the just-concluded PSL 2026, will face a ‘middle-range’ drink-driving charge, the court documents show, after allegedly being more than twice the legal limit in Sydney, Australia. Warner is accused of driving a van and stopping short of a random testing site before being breath-tested, arrested and taken to a police station.&nbsp;"I can indicate that David will be accepting responsibility for drink-driving," defence lawyer Bobby Hill told reporters outside court, according to public broadcaster ABC. "So many of us make those poor decisions. I think what's important is accepting and being accountable for those poor decisions," he said.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-australia-offers-aus-12-million-dollars-to-keep-pat-cummins-committed-to-international-cricket-ipl-2026-srh-franchise-t20-leagues-1778146563170">CA offers AUS$12M to keep Pat Cummins committed to international cricket – Report</a>&nbsp;Warner's lawyer argued that the case showed the risk people take when trying to assess whether they have drunk too much.&nbsp;"It doesn't matter if you're a tradesman, a doctor or one of the best opening batsmen in the world, that danger exists for every one of us."Former international opener Warner, who captains Sydney Thunder in the domestic Big Bash League, did not appear in court and has not entered a plea, local media said.&nbsp;Court documents showed the next hearing was set for June 24.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the charges levelled against him have also put his BBL captaincy under a dark cloud, with Cricket NSW chief executive Lee Germon saying that it is concerning and would be taken seriously. &nbsp;"The allegations are, of course, concerning, and we take them very seriously", Lee Germon said after Warner’s arrest. "At Cricket NSW, we are strong advocates for safe driving, not drink-driving."&nbsp;Warner was arrested while being on an Easter trip home midway through PSL 2026, where he captained Karachi Kings, averaging over 51 with the bat. His last appearance, however, came against the Quetta Gladiators, where he scored an unbeaten 89 in Lahore, helping Karachi win by nine wickets. In PSL 2026, he scored 256 runs in seven outings, with three fifties to his name.&nbsp;&nbsp;(With inputs from AFP)

Warner will accept responsibility for a mid-range drink-driving charge in Sydney, his lawyer Bobby Hill confirmed. Facing potential loss of his Sydney Thunder captaincy, Warner's case has been adjourned to June 24. Read the full details on the Easter Sunday incident.

Former Australian opener David Warner has pleaded guilty to a drink-driving offence, his defence lawyer Bobby Hill said to reporters. The star opener, who participated in the just-concluded PSL 2026, will face a ‘middle-range’ drink-driving charge, the court documents show, after allegedly being more than twice the legal limit in Sydney, Australia. Warner is accused of driving a van and stopping short of a random testing site before being breath-tested, arrested and taken to a police station. "I can indicate that David will be accepting responsibility for drink-driving," defence lawyer Bobby Hill told reporters outside court, according to public broadcaster ABC. "So many of us make those poor decisions. I think what's important is accepting and being accountable for those poor decisions," he said. Also read | CA offers AUS$12M to keep Pat Cummins committed to international cricket – Report Warner's lawyer argued that the case showed the risk people take when trying to assess whether they have drunk too much. "It doesn't matter if you're a tradesman, a doctor or one of the best opening batsmen in the world, that danger exists for every one of us." Former international opener Warner, who captains Sydney Thunder in the domestic Big Bash League, did not appear in court and has not entered a plea, local media said. Court documents showed the next hearing was set for June 24. Meanwhile, the charges levelled against him have also put his BBL captaincy under a dark cloud, with Cricket NSW chief executive Lee Germon saying that it is concerning and would be taken seriously. "The allegations are, of course, concerning, and we take them very seriously", Lee Germon said after Warner’s arrest. "At Cricket NSW, we are strong advocates for safe driving, not drink-driving." Warner was arrested while being on an Easter trip home midway through PSL 2026, where he captained Karachi Kings, averaging over 51 with the bat. His last appearance, however, came against the Quetta Gladiators, where he scored an unbeaten 89 in Lahore, helping Karachi win by nine wickets. In PSL 2026, he scored 256 runs in seven outings, with three fifties to his name. (With inputs from AFP)

Warner will accept responsibility for a mid-range drink-driving charge in Sydney, his lawyer Bobby Hill confirmed. Facing potential loss of his Sydney Thunder captaincy, Warner's case has been adjourned to June 24. Read the full details on the Easter Sunday incident.

David Warner accepts drink-driving offence, to face middle-range charge: Lawyer

A fresh controversy has sparked online debate after Punjab Kings spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was caught vaping on a flight (while travelling with the squad) during a now-revised viral vlog, a clip of which has gone viral on social media. Just days after Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag faced action over a similar incident inside the team dressing room (during the away IPL 2026 game) against Punjab, Chahal has made headlines for the wrong reasons, potentially facing stern action from the BCCI. The Indian Cricket Board earlier warned teams and players of strict actions for breaching IPL’s protocols.&nbsp;During the Punjab Kings' flight to Hyderabad for their recently concluded league game, which the visitors lost, PBKS seamer Arshdeep Singh uploaded a travel video on his YouTube channel featuring several of his team players.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-was-amanpreet-gill-kohli-yuvraj-react-to-former-india-u-19-pacer-death-at-age-36-1778143173217">'Shocked and saddened': Kohli, Yuvraj react to former India U-19 and Punjab player Amanpreet Gill's death</a> &nbsp;Known for posting humorous behind-the-scenes videos on the platform, it's leaked snippets have sent the internet into a frenzy. &nbsp;In the vlog, Chahal was seated by the window with Shashank Singh. Although the originally uploaded video did include Chahal’s footage of vaping on the flight, it was missing in the revised version uploaded later. However, the fans were quick to take note of it and post a similar clip on social media, triggering widespread reactions across the internet, given India’s strict regulations on vaping and e-cigarettes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chahal Vaping Video -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Chahal is an embarrassment. Vaping in a flight? I don&#39;t know how nobody pointed fingers at him when Riyan Parag was character assassinated all over social media. Should be banned from flying <a href="https://t.co/zJvpEUbz5X">pic.twitter.com/zJvpEUbz5X</a>&mdash; Moin (@MoInsiders) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoInsiders/status/2052293414432219254?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Pattern of Behavioural Concerns?</h2>It is not the first time that now-overlooked leading white-ball spinner Chahal made headlines for smoking. Earlier during the tournament, a clip of Chahal smoking inside a luxury car was all over social media. Although the video's authenticity remains questionable, its extensive coverage made it a talking point.&nbsp; &nbsp;In that video, Chahal was on record taking a puff and then throwing the cigarette butt onto the road. &nbsp;WATCH -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 Meet Yuzvendra Chahal, caught smoking a cigarette and carelessly throwing it onto the road. All that money and still no class, no civic sense. Disgusting <a href="https://t.co/joHVrkbGPL">pic.twitter.com/joHVrkbGPL</a>&mdash; Wickets Hitting (@offpacedelivery) <a href="https://twitter.com/offpacedelivery/status/2042622322654482555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Given that it is strictly prohibited to smoke on a flight, Chahal’s latest action would raise plenty of questions over aeroplanes' safety protocols and players’ public conduct, which has already put the IPL in a bad light. Barring Parag's vaping instance inside the team dressing room, the Rajasthan Royals’ team manager, Romi Bhinder, was also caught using a mobile phone while sitting inside the team dugout. The BCCI, however, punished both with respective fines, with Chahal unlikely to escape it. &nbsp;As things stand, Chahal’s PBKS is second on the points table after suffering their third straight defeat this season, the latest against the table toppers SRH in Hyderabad.

PBKS lead spinner Yuzvendra Chahal faces potential BCCI & DGCA action after a viral video allegedly shows the spinner vaping on a team flight. This follows Riyan Parag’s recent vaping controversy. Read for the full story on the deleted Arshdeep Singh vlog.

A fresh controversy has sparked online debate after Punjab Kings spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was caught vaping on a flight (while travelling with the squad) during a now-revised viral vlog, a clip of which has gone viral on social media. Just days after Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag faced action over a similar incident inside the team dressing room (during the away IPL 2026 game) against Punjab, Chahal has made headlines for the wrong reasons, potentially facing stern action from the BCCI. The Indian Cricket Board earlier warned teams and players of strict actions for breaching IPL’s protocols. During the Punjab Kings' flight to Hyderabad for their recently concluded league game, which the visitors lost, PBKS seamer Arshdeep Singh uploaded a travel video on his YouTube channel featuring several of his team players. Also read | 'Shocked and saddened': Kohli, Yuvraj react to former India U-19 and Punjab player Amanpreet Gill's death Known for posting humorous behind-the-scenes videos on the platform, it's leaked snippets have sent the internet into a frenzy. In the vlog, Chahal was seated by the window with Shashank Singh. Although the originally uploaded video did include Chahal’s footage of vaping on the flight, it was missing in the revised version uploaded later. However, the fans were quick to take note of it and post a similar clip on social media, triggering widespread reactions across the internet, given India’s strict regulations on vaping and e-cigarettes. Chahal Vaping Video -

PBKS lead spinner Yuzvendra Chahal faces potential BCCI &amp; DGCA action after a viral video allegedly shows the spinner vaping on a team flight. This follows Riyan Parag’s recent vaping controversy. Read for the full story on the deleted Arshdeep Singh vlog.

WATCH: Yuzvendra Chahal caught vaping on flight; PBKS spinner under threat for potential punishment

Cricket Australia (CA) has reportedly made an offer to pace veteran and ODI captain Pat Cummins that 'he cannot refuse.’ Per the latest report, the CA is ready to break the bank (for Cummins) to lock his services and commitment for the national team amid growing pull and pressure from the T20-based franchise market. Cummins is said to have been offered a lucrative AUS $4m (INR 22 crore) deal annually for three years (running through 2029), making it a bumper AUS $12m (INR 66 crore) overall, with CA aiming to preserve their best players fit and available for the international calendar.&nbsp;Per a report by the Australian Outlet, The Age, Cummins could earn nearly AUS$12m at least until 2029, when his central contract runs out. The proposed extension would reportedly increase Cummins’ annual salary by around $1m. With Australia set to play potentially 21 Tests in the next 12 months, starting with the two-match series against Bangladesh at home in August, locking in Cummins’ services would help them chase more WTC titles.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pak-vs-aus-2026-travis-head-starc-hazlewood-cummins-unlikely-for-pakistan-odis-amid-ipl-2026-playoff-final-schedule-clash-dates-1778144247516">IPL over Country? Travis Head, Aussie pace trio unlikely for Pakistan ODIs amid schedule clash</a> &nbsp;Meanwhile, Cummins is not the only one likely to be offered this bumper package, with several all-format players, including Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green, also among those included. Moreover, Cummins’ proposed contract would likely include more guaranteed money regardless of how much cricket he plays. Also, by the time this offer expires in 2029, Cummins will be 36 years old.<h3>Has IPL, franchise cricket, pressurised CA?</h3>CA’s head of cricket, James Allsopp, also admitted that the governing body was facing tremendous pressure from the IPL and other franchise-based T20 leagues to protect their all-format players from falling into the league cricket trap.&nbsp; &nbsp;“It is a really tricky balancing act. One thing we do know is that the market pressure is coming at the players who drive the most commercial value,” Allsopp said. “Your multi-format players like Pat, Josh [Hazlewood] and Trav (Head), there’s a lot of demand for those players. So ensuring they remain committed to Australian cricket is a really big priority.”&nbsp; &nbsp;Aware and worried about the amount of money involved and possibly on offer for the all-format players, who bring viewers and increases engagement, Allsopp said, “There’s a world now, where they can jump on the franchise circuit and make a really good living away from Australian cricket, or even away from our BBL, and that’s not going to be in the best interests of Australian cricket.” &nbsp;Cummins is currently plying his trade for his IPL franchise SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2026, leading his team to the top of the points table with 14 points in 11 contested matches.

CA has reportedly tabled a record-breaking AUS $12 million "bumper" deal for Pat Cummins to ward off massive IPL franchise offers. Discover how CA is fighting to keep stars like Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne committed to the national team through 2029

Cricket Australia (CA) has reportedly made an offer to pace veteran and ODI captain Pat Cummins that 'he cannot refuse.’ Per the latest report, the CA is ready to break the bank (for Cummins) to lock his services and commitment for the national team amid growing pull and pressure from the T20-based franchise market. Cummins is said to have been offered a lucrative AUS $4m (INR 22 crore) deal annually for three years (running through 2029), making it a bumper AUS $12m (INR 66 crore) overall, with CA aiming to preserve their best players fit and available for the international calendar. Per a report by the Australian Outlet, The Age, Cummins could earn nearly AUS$12m at least until 2029, when his central contract runs out. The proposed extension would reportedly increase Cummins’ annual salary by around $1m. With Australia set to play potentially 21 Tests in the next 12 months, starting with the two-match series against Bangladesh at home in August, locking in Cummins’ services would help them chase more WTC titles. Also read | IPL over Country? Travis Head, Aussie pace trio unlikely for Pakistan ODIs amid schedule clash Meanwhile, Cummins is not the only one likely to be offered this bumper package, with several all-format players, including Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green, also among those included. Moreover, Cummins’ proposed contract would likely include more guaranteed money regardless of how much cricket he plays. Also, by the time this offer expires in 2029, Cummins will be 36 years old. Has IPL, franchise cricket, pressurised CA? CA’s head of cricket, James Allsopp, also admitted that the governing body was facing tremendous pressure from the IPL and other franchise-based T20 leagues to protect their all-format players from falling into the league cricket trap. “It is a really tricky balancing act. One thing we do know is that the market pressure is coming at the players who drive the most commercial value,” Allsopp said. “Your multi-format players like Pat, Josh [Hazlewood] and Trav (Head), there’s a lot of demand for those players. So ensuring they remain committed to Australian cricket is a really big priority.” Aware and worried about the amount of money involved and possibly on offer for the all-format players, who bring viewers and increases engagement, Allsopp said, “There’s a world now, where they can jump on the franchise circuit and make a really good living away from Australian cricket, or even away from our BBL, and that’s not going to be in the best interests of Australian cricket.” Cummins is currently plying his trade for his IPL franchise SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2026, leading his team to the top of the points table with 14 points in 11 contested matches.

CA has reportedly tabled a record-breaking AUS $12 million "bumper" deal for Pat Cummins to ward off massive IPL franchise offers. Discover how CA is fighting to keep stars like Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne committed to the national team through 2029

CA offers AUS$12M to keep Pat Cummins committed to international cricket – Report

Australia could likely be without their star pace trio, including ODI captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, for their away three-match One-Day series against Pakistan, starting May 30 in Rawalpindi. Continuation of the white-ball leg, which consisted of three T20Is ahead of the T20 World Cup, Australia could field their second-string side, with all-format opener Travis Head and all-rounder Cameron Green also among those likely to be rested after IPL 2026. With PCB confirming the ODI series dates, which clash with IPL playoffs and the finale, IPL-bound Aussie players would stay back with their respective franchises.&nbsp;The three ODIs will be played on May 30, June 2 and 4, with Lahore hosting the final two One-Dayers. Australia will then travel to Bangladesh for three ODIs and as many T20Is.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-srh-vs-pbks-hyderabad-hit-top-form-ahead-of-playoffs-topple-punjab-to-lead-points-table-1778088302214">IPL 2026, SRH vs PBKS: Hyderabad hit top form ahead of Playoffs, topple Punjab to lead points table</a> &nbsp;The IPL 2026 league stage ends on May 24, with the playoffs set to run from May 26 to May 31 (the final’s date). Australia’s ODI squad will travel to Pakistan on May 23, and those part of the IPL 2026 playoffs would unlikely be part of that tour.&nbsp; &nbsp;Cummins, Hazlewood, Head, Cooper Connolly and Xavier Bartlett are almost unlikely to be part of the ODI team as their respective IPL sides, SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), sit first and second on the points table and are likely to qualify for the next round. Hazlewood’s RCB is third on the table and also highly likely to seal a playoff spot. &nbsp;While Starc’s Delhi Capitals have struggled thus far, sitting in seventh, Green’s Kolkata Knight Riders are more or less out of the playoff race. Australia’s ODI vice-captain and opener Mitchell Marsh and keeper-batter Josh Inglis play for Lucknow Super Giants, another team almost out of the playoff race. All-rounder Matthew Short is another name who could miss out on playing in the IPL playoffs, with his team (CSK) lingering in the bottom half of the points table (sixth place). &nbsp;Meanwhile, regardless of anyone’s availability or unavailability, Cricket Australia (CA) is considering the draining home season, which starts with the Bangladesh Tests in August. The board wants to keep its pace attack fresh for a potential 21 Tests in the next 12 months, while also considering Head and Green’s fitness and rest time, as both are all-format players.&nbsp; &nbsp;Among those in contention to make up for the first-team players are Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey and Nathan Ellis, who has resumed bowling after suffering a hamstring tendon injury. Tanveer Sangha, Victorian batter Ollie Peake and uncapped spin-bowling all-rounders Joel Davies and Nikhil Chaudhary have also travelled to Brisbane to train with the Australian coaching staff, with more camps scheduled before the ODI team departs.

Australia may field a second-string squad for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan as stars like Pat Cummins and Travis Head prioritise the IPL 2026 playoffs. Discover the full tour schedule and potential replacements.

Australia could likely be without their star pace trio, including ODI captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, for their away three-match One-Day series against Pakistan, starting May 30 in Rawalpindi. Continuation of the white-ball leg, which consisted of three T20Is ahead of the T20 World Cup, Australia could field their second-string side, with all-format opener Travis Head and all-rounder Cameron Green also among those likely to be rested after IPL 2026. With PCB confirming the ODI series dates, which clash with IPL playoffs and the finale, IPL-bound Aussie players would stay back with their respective franchises. The three ODIs will be played on May 30, June 2 and 4, with Lahore hosting the final two One-Dayers. Australia will then travel to Bangladesh for three ODIs and as many T20Is. Also read | IPL 2026, SRH vs PBKS: Hyderabad hit top form ahead of Playoffs, topple Punjab to lead points table The IPL 2026 league stage ends on May 24, with the playoffs set to run from May 26 to May 31 (the final’s date). Australia’s ODI squad will travel to Pakistan on May 23, and those part of the IPL 2026 playoffs would unlikely be part of that tour. Cummins, Hazlewood, Head, Cooper Connolly and Xavier Bartlett are almost unlikely to be part of the ODI team as their respective IPL sides, SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), sit first and second on the points table and are likely to qualify for the next round. Hazlewood’s RCB is third on the table and also highly likely to seal a playoff spot. While Starc’s Delhi Capitals have struggled thus far, sitting in seventh, Green’s Kolkata Knight Riders are more or less out of the playoff race. Australia’s ODI vice-captain and opener Mitchell Marsh and keeper-batter Josh Inglis play for Lucknow Super Giants, another team almost out of the playoff race. All-rounder Matthew Short is another name who could miss out on playing in the IPL playoffs, with his team (CSK) lingering in the bottom half of the points table (sixth place). Meanwhile, regardless of anyone’s availability or unavailability, Cricket Australia (CA) is considering the draining home season, which starts with the Bangladesh Tests in August. The board wants to keep its pace attack fresh for a potential 21 Tests in the next 12 months, while also considering Head and Green’s fitness and rest time, as both are all-format players. Among those in contention to make up for the first-team players are Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey and Nathan Ellis, who has resumed bowling after suffering a hamstring tendon injury. Tanveer Sangha, Victorian batter Ollie Peake and uncapped spin-bowling all-rounders Joel Davies and Nikhil Chaudhary have also travelled to Brisbane to train with the Australian coaching staff, with more camps scheduled before the ODI team departs.

Australia may field a second-string squad for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan as stars like Pat Cummins and Travis Head prioritise the IPL 2026 playoffs. Discover the full tour schedule and potential replacements.

IPL over Country? Travis Head, Aussie pace trio unlikely for Pakistan ODIs amid schedule clash

Amanpreet Singh Gill, former pacer for Punjab in domestic cricket (Ranji Trophy) and India U-19, has died aged 36 on Wednesday (May 6). His breathed his last in Chandigarh and the cause of his death has not yet been revealed. Gill had shared the dressing room with former India and U-19 captain Virat Kohli as well who expressed shock on the cricketer's demise. Gill was also part of Punjab Kings (erstwhile Kings XI Punjab) in inaugural season of 2008 but did not get to play a game.<h2>Kohli, Yuvraj react to Gill's death</h2>Reacting to the shocking news, former India skipper Kohli put up a social media post which read: "Shocked and saddened to hear about Amanpreet Gill’s passing. Sending prayers and strength to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace. Om Shanti."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-bilateral-ties-yes-to-global-events-government-clarifies-sports-policy-for-pakistan-athletes-operation-sindoor-cricket-between-india-pakistan-1778064083443">No bilateral ties; Yes to global events: Govt clarifies Pakistan sports policy</a>Former Punjab and India great Yuvraj Singh also shared his condolence in a post on X, and wrote: "Deeply saddened to hear about Amanpreet Singh Gill’s passing. Shared the dressing room in our early days, he was a quiet, hardworking cricketer who loved the game. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace."Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) also posted a message mourning the demise of Gill which read: "He served Punjab cricket with dedication and passion, representing teams including India Under-19s, Kings XI Punjab and Punjab. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones. May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family in this difficult time."<h2>Amanpreet Gill's cricket record</h2>Gill played six first class matches for Punjab between 2006 2008 and took 11 wickets. He played number of Youth ODIs and was member of one off Youth Test for India in 2007. He, however, did not make cut for the 2008 U-19 World Cup team which India won under Virat Kohli. Later on, Gill also served as a member of Punjab's senior selection committee.&nbsp;

Gill was also part of Punjab Kings (erstwhile Kings XI Punjab) in inaugural season of 2008 but did not get to play a game.

Amanpreet Singh Gill, former pacer for Punjab in domestic cricket (Ranji Trophy) and India U-19, has died aged 36 on Wednesday (May 6). His breathed his last in Chandigarh and the cause of his death has not yet been revealed. Gill had shared the dressing room with former India and U-19 captain Virat Kohli as well who expressed shock on the cricketer's demise. Gill was also part of Punjab Kings (erstwhile Kings XI Punjab) in inaugural season of 2008 but did not get to play a game. Kohli, Yuvraj react to Gill's death Reacting to the shocking news, former India skipper Kohli put up a social media post which read: "Shocked and saddened to hear about Amanpreet Gill’s passing. Sending prayers and strength to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace. Om Shanti." Also Read - No bilateral ties; Yes to global events: Govt clarifies Pakistan sports policy Former Punjab and India great Yuvraj Singh also shared his condolence in a post on X, and wrote: "Deeply saddened to hear about Amanpreet Singh Gill’s passing. Shared the dressing room in our early days, he was a quiet, hardworking cricketer who loved the game. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace." Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) also posted a message mourning the demise of Gill which read: "He served Punjab cricket with dedication and passion, representing teams including India Under-19s, Kings XI Punjab and Punjab. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones. May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family in this difficult time." Amanpreet Gill's cricket record Gill played six first class matches for Punjab between 2006 2008 and took 11 wickets. He played number of Youth ODIs and was member of one off Youth Test for India in 2007. He, however, did not make cut for the 2008 U-19 World Cup team which India won under Virat Kohli. Later on, Gill also served as a member of Punjab's senior selection committee.

Gill was also part of Punjab Kings (erstwhile Kings XI Punjab) in inaugural season of 2008 but did not get to play a game.

'Shocked and saddened': Kohli, Yuvraj react to former India U-19 and Punjab player Amanpreet Gill's death

SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) beat Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 33 runs on Wednesday (May 6) in IPL 2026 match at Hyderabad. Batting first, SRH scored 235/4 and in reply, PBKS could manage only 202/7 despite Cooper Connolly's unbeaten 107 off 59 balls. With the win, SRH are not top of the table with 14 points from seven wins and four losses in 11 matches. PBKS, which were at the top for most of the season, are now second with 13 points from six wins, one no result and three losses in 10 matches. With playoffs approaching, PBKS are losing steam with loss against SRH being their third consecutive in the season.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-shifts-ipl-2026-final-venue-from-bengaluru-to-ahmedabad-new-chandigarh-to-host-2-playoff-matches-1778056151206">Ahmedabad to host IPL 2026 final; New Chandigarh hosts 2 playoff matches</a><h2>PBKS batting flops again</h2>Punjab Kings have built this season around their explosive batting but they failed to perform against SRH on Wednesday (May 6). Chasing 236, PBKS lost star openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh in first seven balls with just four runs on the board. The situation further deteriorated with skipper Shreyas Iyer getting out inside powerplay as well. Marcus Stoinis (28 off 14) followed the suit of first three batters in the first over after powerplay. At 63/4, Suryansh Shedge (25) and Cooper Connolly added 47 runs for the fifth wicket but it was too little for PBKS. Shashank Singh was dismissed cheaply as well after Shedge was out in the 12th over before Connolly took charge and added 66 runs with Marco Jansen (19) for the seventh wicket. PBKS eventually could manage 202/7 in 20 overs with Connolly scoring 107 of them and remained not out.<h2>SRH explode in Hyderabad</h2>Batting first, SRH openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head were on song from ball one - adding 54 runs in 3.2 overs before Abhishek was out on 35 off 13. Head was next to go in the seventh over after scoring 38 off 19 and adding 30 runs with Ishan Kishan for the second wicket. Kishan (55) then joined forces with Heinrich Klaasen and the duo added 88 runs in the next eight overs for the third wicket. Nitish Reddy played a little cameo off 29 off 13 as Klaasen scored 69 before being dismissed on the last ball as SRH finished at 235/4 in 20 overs.

SRH beat PBKS by 33 runs in IPL 2026 match on Wednesday (May 6). Chasing 236, PBKS could manage only 202/7 despite Connolly's unbeaten 107. With the win, SRH are now top of the table with 14 points and PBKS second with 13.

SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) beat Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 33 runs on Wednesday (May 6) in IPL 2026 match at Hyderabad. Batting first, SRH scored 235/4 and in reply, PBKS could manage only 202/7 despite Cooper Connolly's unbeaten 107 off 59 balls. With the win, SRH are not top of the table with 14 points from seven wins and four losses in 11 matches. PBKS, which were at the top for most of the season, are now second with 13 points from six wins, one no result and three losses in 10 matches. With playoffs approaching, PBKS are losing steam with loss against SRH being their third consecutive in the season. Also Read - Ahmedabad to host IPL 2026 final; New Chandigarh hosts 2 playoff matches PBKS batting flops again Punjab Kings have built this season around their explosive batting but they failed to perform against SRH on Wednesday (May 6). Chasing 236, PBKS lost star openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh in first seven balls with just four runs on the board. The situation further deteriorated with skipper Shreyas Iyer getting out inside powerplay as well. Marcus Stoinis (28 off 14) followed the suit of first three batters in the first over after powerplay. At 63/4, Suryansh Shedge (25) and Cooper Connolly added 47 runs for the fifth wicket but it was too little for PBKS. Shashank Singh was dismissed cheaply as well after Shedge was out in the 12th over before Connolly took charge and added 66 runs with Marco Jansen (19) for the seventh wicket. PBKS eventually could manage 202/7 in 20 overs with Connolly scoring 107 of them and remained not out. SRH explode in Hyderabad Batting first, SRH openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head were on song from ball one - adding 54 runs in 3.2 overs before Abhishek was out on 35 off 13. Head was next to go in the seventh over after scoring 38 off 19 and adding 30 runs with Ishan Kishan for the second wicket. Kishan (55) then joined forces with Heinrich Klaasen and the duo added 88 runs in the next eight overs for the third wicket. Nitish Reddy played a little cameo off 29 off 13 as Klaasen scored 69 before being dismissed on the last ball as SRH finished at 235/4 in 20 overs.

SRH beat PBKS by 33 runs in IPL 2026 match on Wednesday (May 6). Chasing 236, PBKS could manage only 202/7 despite Connolly's unbeaten 107. With the win, SRH are now top of the table with 14 points and PBKS second with 13.

Who won yesterday's IPL 2026 match between SunRisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings? check result

SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) reached the top of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) table as they toppled Punjab Kings at home by 33 runs on Wednesday (May 6). Playing at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, the win for SRH means PBKS were toppled from the top spot in the points table for the first time since the first week of April. The defeat for PBKS was also their third consecutive, meaning they are just one point behind fifth-placed Gujarat Titans (GT), endangering them from missing out on the IPL 2026 Playoffs.<h2>SRH emerge victorious</h2>Punjab were never in the chase after Hyderabad skipper and pace bowler Pat Cummins dismissed Priyansh Arya for one in the first over and Nitish Kumar Reddy removed Prabhsimran in the next. Wickets kept tumbling as Marcus Stoinis (28) and Suryansh Shedge (25) had their knocks cut short by Shivang Kumar and Cummins. Connolly waged a lone battle and put on 68 runs with Marco Jansen (19), but the partnership could only reduce the margin of defeat for Punjab.<h2>What happened in SRH innings?</h2>Klaasen put on key stands, including an 88-run partnership with Ishan Kishan, who made 55, to guide Hyderabad to 235-4 at their home Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Klaasen and Kishan built on the blazing start by openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, the pair putting on 54 runs off 21 balls. Abhishek struck 35 off 13 balls and Head hammered a quick 38 to lay the foundation for the total.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cameron-green-to-liam-livingstone-5-most-expensive-players-in-ipl-2026-auctions-matheesha-pathirana-kartik-sharma-prashant-veer-1774031148132">From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions</a>&nbsp;Hyderabad's bowlers restricted Punjab to 202-7 despite a valiant unbeaten 107 by Australia's Cooper Connolly, who struck his maiden T20 century in his debut IPL season. Hyderabad knocked Punjab from top spot and took over first place in the table with 14 points from 11 matches. Punjab, who are eyeing their first title, slipped to second with their third straight defeat, but have played one match fewer than the 2016 champions, Hyderabad.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-sanju-samson-5-highest-individual-score-in-a-lost-chase-in-ipl-yusuf-pathan-kl-rahul-shaun-marsh-ipl-2026-1774084136030">From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL</a>&nbsp;Sharp fielding gave Hyderabad the advantage, with secure catching contrasting Punjab's missed chances. Connolly dropped Kishan on nine and the wicketkeeper-batter survived again on 18 when Lockie Ferguson spilled a chance at backward square-leg. Kishan lived a charmed life as Prabhsimran Singh missed an easy stumping off Yuzvendra Chahal. Shahshank Singh dropped Klaasen on nine.&nbsp;The missed opportunities allowed both batters to pass fifty. Klaasen finished strongly in his 43-ball knock before being dismissed on the final ball of the innings.

Playing at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, the win for SRH means PBKS were toppled from the top spot in the points table for the first time since the first week of April. 

SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) reached the top of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) table as they toppled Punjab Kings at home by 33 runs on Wednesday (May 6). Playing at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, the win for SRH means PBKS were toppled from the top spot in the points table for the first time since the first week of April. The defeat for PBKS was also their third consecutive, meaning they are just one point behind fifth-placed Gujarat Titans (GT), endangering them from missing out on the IPL 2026 Playoffs. SRH emerge victorious Punjab were never in the chase after Hyderabad skipper and pace bowler Pat Cummins dismissed Priyansh Arya for one in the first over and Nitish Kumar Reddy removed Prabhsimran in the next. Wickets kept tumbling as Marcus Stoinis (28) and Suryansh Shedge (25) had their knocks cut short by Shivang Kumar and Cummins. Connolly waged a lone battle and put on 68 runs with Marco Jansen (19), but the partnership could only reduce the margin of defeat for Punjab. What happened in SRH innings? Klaasen put on key stands, including an 88-run partnership with Ishan Kishan, who made 55, to guide Hyderabad to 235-4 at their home Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Klaasen and Kishan built on the blazing start by openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, the pair putting on 54 runs off 21 balls. Abhishek struck 35 off 13 balls and Head hammered a quick 38 to lay the foundation for the total. ALSO READ | From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions Hyderabad's bowlers restricted Punjab to 202-7 despite a valiant unbeaten 107 by Australia's Cooper Connolly, who struck his maiden T20 century in his debut IPL season. Hyderabad knocked Punjab from top spot and took over first place in the table with 14 points from 11 matches. Punjab, who are eyeing their first title, slipped to second with their third straight defeat, but have played one match fewer than the 2016 champions, Hyderabad. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL Sharp fielding gave Hyderabad the advantage, with secure catching contrasting Punjab's missed chances. Connolly dropped Kishan on nine and the wicketkeeper-batter survived again on 18 when Lockie Ferguson spilled a chance at backward square-leg. Kishan lived a charmed life as Prabhsimran Singh missed an easy stumping off Yuzvendra Chahal. Shahshank Singh dropped Klaasen on nine. The missed opportunities allowed both batters to pass fifty. Klaasen finished strongly in his 43-ball knock before being dismissed on the final ball of the innings.

Playing at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, the win for SRH means PBKS were toppled from the top spot in the points table for the first time since the first week of April.&nbsp;

IPL 2026, SRH vs PBKS: Hyderabad hit top form ahead of Playoffs, topple Punjab to lead points table

Former India speedster Irfan Pathan was full of praise for Shreyas Iyer as the Punjab Kings continue to excel in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). Sitting at the top of the table, the Punjab Kings have enjoyed a stellar run since Iyer took over as the captain. According to Irfan, Shreyas is in the same league as Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni, having already led his side in three IPL finals in the past.<h2>Irfan praises Shreyas Iyer</h2>“Shreyas Iyer, who has taken three franchises to the final and won it with KKR. One more trophy; if he wins it with Punjab, he will surpass everyone,” Pathan said before the SRH vs PBKS contest.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-sanju-samson-5-highest-individual-score-in-a-lost-chase-in-ipl-yusuf-pathan-kl-rahul-shaun-marsh-ipl-2026-1774084136030">From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL</a>&nbsp;“On that list of MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Gautam Gambhir, I feel Shreyas Iyer has to be right up there among the best captains. It is not easy to take three different franchises to the finals. Each franchise is different; their culture, setup, and mindset are completely different. To adjust to those things and then lead the way forward is not easy. No one has ever done it,” Pathan added.&nbsp;Punjab Kings sit top of the table as they took on SRH in IPL 2026 on Wednesday (May 6). They come into the game on the back of back-to-back defeats in IPL 2026 as they first lost to the Rajasthan Royals at home before losing to the Gujarat Titans.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cameron-green-to-liam-livingstone-5-most-expensive-players-in-ipl-2026-auctions-matheesha-pathirana-kartik-sharma-prashant-veer-1774031148132">From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions</a>&nbsp;Despite the setback, PBKS are favourites to reach the IPL 2026 Playoffs, having finished runners-up in the last edition. They lost to RCB in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium while also losing to them at home in the league match and Qualifier 1. In case Shreyas reaches the IPL final with PBKS, he will become the first captain to reach three consecutive IPL finals.

Punjab Kings sit top of the table as they took on SRH in IPL 2026 on Wednesday (May 6). They come into the game on the back of back-to-back defeats in IPL 2026 as they first lost to the Rajasthan Royals at home before losing to the Gujarat Titans.

Former India speedster Irfan Pathan was full of praise for Shreyas Iyer as the Punjab Kings continue to excel in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). Sitting at the top of the table, the Punjab Kings have enjoyed a stellar run since Iyer took over as the captain. According to Irfan, Shreyas is in the same league as Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni, having already led his side in three IPL finals in the past. Irfan praises Shreyas Iyer “Shreyas Iyer, who has taken three franchises to the final and won it with KKR. One more trophy; if he wins it with Punjab, he will surpass everyone,” Pathan said before the SRH vs PBKS contest. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL “On that list of MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Gautam Gambhir, I feel Shreyas Iyer has to be right up there among the best captains. It is not easy to take three different franchises to the finals. Each franchise is different; their culture, setup, and mindset are completely different. To adjust to those things and then lead the way forward is not easy. No one has ever done it,” Pathan added. Punjab Kings sit top of the table as they took on SRH in IPL 2026 on Wednesday (May 6). They come into the game on the back of back-to-back defeats in IPL 2026 as they first lost to the Rajasthan Royals at home before losing to the Gujarat Titans. ALSO READ | From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions Despite the setback, PBKS are favourites to reach the IPL 2026 Playoffs, having finished runners-up in the last edition. They lost to RCB in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium while also losing to them at home in the league match and Qualifier 1. In case Shreyas reaches the IPL final with PBKS, he will become the first captain to reach three consecutive IPL finals.

Punjab Kings sit top of the table as they took on SRH in IPL 2026 on Wednesday (May 6). They come into the game on the back of back-to-back defeats in IPL 2026 as they first lost to the Rajasthan Royals at home before losing to the Gujarat Titans.

IPL 2026: Pathan compares Shreyas Iyer with MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, says 'has to be right up'

Explore the venues and highlights of the last five IPL finals (2021-2025). From the record-breaking Narendra Modi Stadium to Chennai’s iconic Chepauk, see where IPL history was made.

Explore the venues and highlights of the last five IPL finals (2021-2025). From the record-breaking Narendra Modi Stadium to Chennai’s iconic Chepauk, see where IPL history was made.

Venues to Host Last 5 IPL Finals (2021-2025)

Which stadium has hosted the most IPL finals? From Ahmedabad’s 2026 venue shift to Dubai’s double-header, discover the top cricket grounds that have staged the IPL’s biggest match. Updated with the latest BCCI news and historical stats!

Which stadium has hosted the most IPL finals? From Ahmedabad’s 2026 venue shift to Dubai’s double-header, discover the top cricket grounds that have staged the IPL’s biggest match. Updated with the latest BCCI news and historical stats!

From Ahmedabad to Dubai: Stadiums to Host Most IPL Finals

Delhi Capitals’ (DC) Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) season took a massive hit on Tuesday (May 5) as they lost at home to Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The defeat at the Arun Jaitley Stadium leaves them seventh in the table with four matches to go, as an IPL 2026 Playoff place looks unlikely. While there is work to be done on the pitch, one positive for DC is KL Rahul’s form, as he opened up on his performance and his hunger for victory.<h2>Rahul reflects on current season</h2>“10 years ago, I would have given anything to be part of a T20 team. I was never rated as a T20 player or even considered a good white-ball player; I was branded a Test player. So, to break out of that mould, develop my white-ball game and come this far is something I’m really proud of. Along the way, I’ve made mistakes and there are things I could have done better,” KL Rahul said while speaking to JioStar’s ‘Superstars’.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-sanju-samson-5-highest-individual-score-in-a-lost-chase-in-ipl-yusuf-pathan-kl-rahul-shaun-marsh-ipl-2026-1774084136030">From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL</a>&nbsp;“But, what I’m proud of is that I’ve given my absolute best every time I’ve played and prepared as well as I could to give myself the best chance to succeed. That’s sport; things won’t always go your way. You have to take it in your stride and enjoy the journey. I’ve always tried to stay balanced, whether I win or lose. Whenever I feel low about what I haven’t achieved, I remind myself of what I have, and it gives me perspective. I still have some time left. So, I’ll keep trying my best and see how many trophies I can win,” the DC batter added.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cameron-green-to-liam-livingstone-5-most-expensive-players-in-ipl-2026-auctions-matheesha-pathirana-kartik-sharma-prashant-veer-1774031148132">From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions</a>&nbsp;Rahul made a poor start to IPL 2026 and was dismissed for a duck against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) before being dismissed for one. However, he bounced back with scores of 92, 57 and an unbeaten 158 against the Punjab Kings. He also added 75 against the Rajasthan Royals as Delhi maintained their winning form. Eyes will now be on Rahul as he looks to end the season on a high while trying to keep his side’s Playoff hopes alive.

KL Rahul made a poor start to IPL 2026 and was dismissed for a duck against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) before being dismissed for one. However, he bounced back with scores of 92, 57 and an unbeaten 158 against the Punjab Kings.

Delhi Capitals’ (DC) Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) season took a massive hit on Tuesday (May 5) as they lost at home to Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The defeat at the Arun Jaitley Stadium leaves them seventh in the table with four matches to go, as an IPL 2026 Playoff place looks unlikely. While there is work to be done on the pitch, one positive for DC is KL Rahul’s form, as he opened up on his performance and his hunger for victory. Rahul reflects on current season “10 years ago, I would have given anything to be part of a T20 team. I was never rated as a T20 player or even considered a good white-ball player; I was branded a Test player. So, to break out of that mould, develop my white-ball game and come this far is something I’m really proud of. Along the way, I’ve made mistakes and there are things I could have done better,” KL Rahul said while speaking to JioStar’s ‘Superstars’. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL “But, what I’m proud of is that I’ve given my absolute best every time I’ve played and prepared as well as I could to give myself the best chance to succeed. That’s sport; things won’t always go your way. You have to take it in your stride and enjoy the journey. I’ve always tried to stay balanced, whether I win or lose. Whenever I feel low about what I haven’t achieved, I remind myself of what I have, and it gives me perspective. I still have some time left. So, I’ll keep trying my best and see how many trophies I can win,” the DC batter added. ALSO READ | From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions Rahul made a poor start to IPL 2026 and was dismissed for a duck against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) before being dismissed for one. However, he bounced back with scores of 92, 57 and an unbeaten 158 against the Punjab Kings. He also added 75 against the Rajasthan Royals as Delhi maintained their winning form. Eyes will now be on Rahul as he looks to end the season on a high while trying to keep his side’s Playoff hopes alive.

KL Rahul made a poor start to IPL 2026 and was dismissed for a duck against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) before being dismissed for one. However, he bounced back with scores of 92, 57 and an unbeaten 158 against the Punjab Kings.

IPL 2026: KL Rahul reflects on current season with DC, says 'I’ll keep trying my best'

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has expressed deep disappointment after the BCCI snubbed Bengaluru, picking Ahmedabad instead as the new host of IPL 2026 final. Not only this, but the Indian Cricket Board also did not allot any playoff match to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, with Dharamsala and New Chandigarh staging three matches among them.&nbsp;After the BCCI suggested why, under circumstances that were ‘beyond the scope of BCCI's established guidelines and protocols’, they decided to move the finale from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, questions began lingering over the venue allocation for the league matches by the board.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Owing to certain operational and logistical considerations, the TATA IPL 2026 Playoffs will be conducted across three venues this season as a special case,” a BCCI statement read, adding, "certain requirements from the local association and authorities that were beyond the scope of BCCI's established guidelines and protocols."&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-shifts-ipl-2026-final-venue-from-bengaluru-to-ahmedabad-new-chandigarh-to-host-2-playoff-matches-1778056151206">BCCI shifts IPL 2026 final venue from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad; New Chandigarh to host 2 playoff matches</a> &nbsp;Meanwhile, KSCA issued a detailed clarification on Wednesday (May 6), revealing that they had formally communicated their ‘preparedness, willingness and keen interest’ in hosting the playoff matches, including the final, with the board president Venkatesh Prasad engaging with the apex body on the matter. &nbsp;"At the outset, KSCA expresses its disappointment that the IPL Playoff matches have been allotted to other centres," the statement read. "The IPL matches conducted in Bengaluru during the current season were widely appreciated for their smooth execution, crowd management, operational efficiency, and overall spectator experience." &nbsp;Regardless of an IPL rule, which automatically allots the home venue of the defending champions to host the next season’s finale, in this case, Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the final has shifted to the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad, which will host an IPL final for the fourth time in the last five years.&nbsp; &nbsp;However, it is worth noting that even Hyderabad and Kolkata were also denied hosting rights to the playoff matches last season in the wake of growing tensions between India and Pakistan.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Despite our preparedness and willingness to host the Playoffs, we understand that the BCCI has taken a decision to allot these matches to other venues. While the specific reasons for the same have not been formally communicated to KSCA, we fully respect the prerogative and decision-making authority of the BCCI in this regard," the statement added. &nbsp;Meanwhile, since the June 5 stampede episode (outside the venue), the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has not hosted any cricket match, domestic or international. But ahead of IPL 2026, the BCCI allowed KSCA to host league matches, with the proposal of staging playoff matches also on the table. &nbsp;This season, RCB’s home venue hosted five league games, with the hosts winning four and losing only to DC last month. Raipur will, however, stage the remaining two RCB home games, with the one against the Mumbai Indians next on Monday (May 10).&nbsp;

The BCCI sparks controversy by moving the IPL 2026 Final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad. Read the KSCA’s official response on the snub and the new playoff venues.

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has expressed deep disappointment after the BCCI snubbed Bengaluru, picking Ahmedabad instead as the new host of IPL 2026 final. Not only this, but the Indian Cricket Board also did not allot any playoff match to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, with Dharamsala and New Chandigarh staging three matches among them. After the BCCI suggested why, under circumstances that were ‘beyond the scope of BCCI's established guidelines and protocols’, they decided to move the finale from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, questions began lingering over the venue allocation for the league matches by the board. "Owing to certain operational and logistical considerations, the TATA IPL 2026 Playoffs will be conducted across three venues this season as a special case,” a BCCI statement read, adding, "certain requirements from the local association and authorities that were beyond the scope of BCCI's established guidelines and protocols." Also read | BCCI shifts IPL 2026 final venue from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad; New Chandigarh to host 2 playoff matches Meanwhile, KSCA issued a detailed clarification on Wednesday (May 6), revealing that they had formally communicated their ‘preparedness, willingness and keen interest’ in hosting the playoff matches, including the final, with the board president Venkatesh Prasad engaging with the apex body on the matter. "At the outset, KSCA expresses its disappointment that the IPL Playoff matches have been allotted to other centres," the statement read. "The IPL matches conducted in Bengaluru during the current season were widely appreciated for their smooth execution, crowd management, operational efficiency, and overall spectator experience." Regardless of an IPL rule, which automatically allots the home venue of the defending champions to host the next season’s finale, in this case, Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the final has shifted to the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad, which will host an IPL final for the fourth time in the last five years. However, it is worth noting that even Hyderabad and Kolkata were also denied hosting rights to the playoff matches last season in the wake of growing tensions between India and Pakistan. "Despite our preparedness and willingness to host the Playoffs, we understand that the BCCI has taken a decision to allot these matches to other venues. While the specific reasons for the same have not been formally communicated to KSCA, we fully respect the prerogative and decision-making authority of the BCCI in this regard," the statement added. Meanwhile, since the June 5 stampede episode (outside the venue), the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has not hosted any cricket match, domestic or international. But ahead of IPL 2026, the BCCI allowed KSCA to host league matches, with the proposal of staging playoff matches also on the table. This season, RCB’s home venue hosted five league games, with the hosts winning four and losing only to DC last month. Raipur will, however, stage the remaining two RCB home games, with the one against the Mumbai Indians next on Monday (May 10).

The BCCI sparks controversy by moving the IPL 2026 Final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad. Read the KSCA’s official response on the snub and the new playoff venues.

BCCI snubs Bengaluru: KSCA ‘disappointed’ as IPL 2026 Final moves to Ahmedabad

Mumbai Indians (MI) finally broke their losing streak in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) on Monday (May 4), defeating Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by six wickets in a record chase at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. One man responsible for MI’s win was former captain Rohit Sharma, as he scored 84 off 44 and played a key role. Speaking on Rohit, former MI stand-in captain Harbhajan Singh reckons that things could have been different for the franchise on the points table had Rohit recovered early from his injury.<h2>Harbhajan reckons things could have been different</h2>“It’s important to be in the middle. You can do only so much sitting in the dugout. But you can make a difference by being in the middle, and Rohit Sharma did exactly that. You needed that foundation to chase down that many runs, and he didn’t just lay the foundation, but built a couple of floors on it as well, leaving very little for the rest to do. It would have been even better if he had gotten his hundred, but for the time he was there, he played exceptionally well,” Harbhajan said while speaking to JioHotstar’s Match Centre Live.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cameron-green-to-liam-livingstone-5-most-expensive-players-in-ipl-2026-auctions-matheesha-pathirana-kartik-sharma-prashant-veer-1774031148132">From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions</a>&nbsp;“I wish his injury had healed a little earlier; who knows, they might have won a game or two during that losing streak and would have still been alive in the competition. They will give themselves a chance if they win every game from here and get to 14 points. Who knows, if other teams start losing, there could be a net run-rate situation at 14 points, anything can happen,” the former off-spinner added.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-sanju-samson-5-highest-individual-score-in-a-lost-chase-in-ipl-yusuf-pathan-kl-rahul-shaun-marsh-ipl-2026-1774084136030">From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL</a>&nbsp;The win against LSG was MI’s third of the season and had only won once prior to Monday’s clash. They now have six points from 10 matches and with four matches to go, MI are still six points behind fourth-placed Rajasthan Royals. It will only take a miracle for MI to reach the IPL 2026 Playoffs as they face an intense final few weeks of the league season.

The win against Lucknow Super Giants for Mumbai Indians was their third of the season and had only won once prior to Monday’s clash. They now have six points from 10 matches and with four matches to go, MI are still six points behind fourth-placed Rajasthan Royals. 

Mumbai Indians (MI) finally broke their losing streak in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) on Monday (May 4), defeating Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by six wickets in a record chase at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. One man responsible for MI’s win was former captain Rohit Sharma, as he scored 84 off 44 and played a key role. Speaking on Rohit, former MI stand-in captain Harbhajan Singh reckons that things could have been different for the franchise on the points table had Rohit recovered early from his injury. Harbhajan reckons things could have been different “It’s important to be in the middle. You can do only so much sitting in the dugout. But you can make a difference by being in the middle, and Rohit Sharma did exactly that. You needed that foundation to chase down that many runs, and he didn’t just lay the foundation, but built a couple of floors on it as well, leaving very little for the rest to do. It would have been even better if he had gotten his hundred, but for the time he was there, he played exceptionally well,” Harbhajan said while speaking to JioHotstar’s Match Centre Live. ALSO READ | From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions “I wish his injury had healed a little earlier; who knows, they might have won a game or two during that losing streak and would have still been alive in the competition. They will give themselves a chance if they win every game from here and get to 14 points. Who knows, if other teams start losing, there could be a net run-rate situation at 14 points, anything can happen,” the former off-spinner added. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL The win against LSG was MI’s third of the season and had only won once prior to Monday’s clash. They now have six points from 10 matches and with four matches to go, MI are still six points behind fourth-placed Rajasthan Royals. It will only take a miracle for MI to reach the IPL 2026 Playoffs as they face an intense final few weeks of the league season.

The win against Lucknow Super Giants for Mumbai Indians was their third of the season and had only won once prior to Monday’s clash. They now have six points from 10 matches and with four matches to go, MI are still six points behind fourth-placed Rajasthan Royals.&nbsp;

IPL 2026: MI legend reckons things could have been different, says 'wish Rohit's injury had healed earlier'

Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya who earlier skipped travelling to Raipur for his team’s marquee away fixture against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Monday (May 10) is set to arrive on Thursday. In what was thought to be a massive blow to the former five-time champions, Pandya will available for the crucial IPL 2026 match, with Mumbai needing to win their remaining four matches to stay afloat in the playoff race. As the MI squad assembled at Mumbai’s domestic T1 terminal to fly to Raipur, RCB’s second home venue this edition, there were no signs of Pandya, however, on Wednesday evening it was confirmed that the MI captain will travel to Raipur.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pandya missed out on playing the home game against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), with Suryakumar Yadav stepping up in his place. When asked about his sudden absence, SKY said, “He's not well tonight, so I'm just stepping into his shoes. But otherwise, everything is fine.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sanju-samson-is-csk-backbone-batting-on-different-level-ruturaj-gaikwad-aaron-finch-csk-vs-dc-ipl-2026-orange-cap-standings-most-runs-1778058074784">‘He’s CSK backbone; batting on different level’: Samson receives massive praise after DC rout</a> &nbsp;Although the franchise confirmed the same in their official statement, saying, "Hardik Pandya is unwell with back spasm; hence Suryakumar Yadav is captain for today's game,” rumours of something more to this than just an injury were surfacing all across the internet. With MI failing to find results (despite top-notch resources) and Pandya also unable to click with the bat and ball, speculations were mounting that Pandya's absence may be more than physical, as questions arise regarding his long-term future as Mumbai Indians captain.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, with Pandya now set to land in Raipur on Thursday, it will be a major boost for the franchise as they set pace against defending IPL champions.&nbsp; &nbsp;Earlier, his teammate and the man-in-form, Ryan Rickelton, also updated on Pandya’s fitness and future availability after his match-winning knock and partnership in the previous game.&nbsp; &nbsp;"I don't know when he's expected to be back. I only found out this afternoon that he had back spasms. So I'm not aware of the extent of it - I wouldn't even call it an injury - or how serious it is or what he's feeling. But I'm sure he'll be back with the group as we head to Raipur this week," Rickelton said on his franchise captain. &nbsp;Meanwhile, MI are sitting in ninth place, with just three wins from 10 contested matches.

As the MI squad assembled at Mumbai’s domestic T1 terminal to fly to Raipur, RCB’s second home venue this edition, there were no signs of Hardik Pandya, however, on Wednesday evening it was confirmed that the MI captain will travel to Raipur. 

Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya who earlier skipped travelling to Raipur for his team’s marquee away fixture against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Monday (May 10) is set to arrive on Thursday. In what was thought to be a massive blow to the former five-time champions, Pandya will available for the crucial IPL 2026 match, with Mumbai needing to win their remaining four matches to stay afloat in the playoff race. As the MI squad assembled at Mumbai’s domestic T1 terminal to fly to Raipur, RCB’s second home venue this edition, there were no signs of Pandya, however, on Wednesday evening it was confirmed that the MI captain will travel to Raipur. Pandya missed out on playing the home game against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), with Suryakumar Yadav stepping up in his place. When asked about his sudden absence, SKY said, “He's not well tonight, so I'm just stepping into his shoes. But otherwise, everything is fine.” Also read | ‘He’s CSK backbone; batting on different level’: Samson receives massive praise after DC rout Although the franchise confirmed the same in their official statement, saying, "Hardik Pandya is unwell with back spasm; hence Suryakumar Yadav is captain for today's game,” rumours of something more to this than just an injury were surfacing all across the internet. With MI failing to find results (despite top-notch resources) and Pandya also unable to click with the bat and ball, speculations were mounting that Pandya's absence may be more than physical, as questions arise regarding his long-term future as Mumbai Indians captain. However, with Pandya now set to land in Raipur on Thursday, it will be a major boost for the franchise as they set pace against defending IPL champions. Earlier, his teammate and the man-in-form, Ryan Rickelton, also updated on Pandya’s fitness and future availability after his match-winning knock and partnership in the previous game. "I don't know when he's expected to be back. I only found out this afternoon that he had back spasms. So I'm not aware of the extent of it - I wouldn't even call it an injury - or how serious it is or what he's feeling. But I'm sure he'll be back with the group as we head to Raipur this week," Rickelton said on his franchise captain. Meanwhile, MI are sitting in ninth place, with just three wins from 10 contested matches.

As the MI squad assembled at Mumbai’s domestic T1 terminal to fly to Raipur, RCB’s second home venue this edition, there were no signs of Hardik Pandya, however, on Wednesday evening it was confirmed that the MI captain will travel to Raipur.&nbsp;

IPL 2026, RCB vs MI: Hardik Pandya to arrive in Raipur on Thursday, ahead of RCB fixture

CSK opener and keeper-batter Sanju Samson has quickly become the backbone of his new IPL team, his team captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, said. Following his unbeaten 87 against the Delhi Capitals (DC) the other night, Samson breached the 400-run mark for this season for CSK in 10 outings, averaging just above 57 and striking at close to 160. Although he has yet to click with Gaikwad at the top, with CSK captain lagging in form, Samson has stitched a few match-winning stands with rookie batters, including Karthik Sharma. Former Australia T20I captain, Aaron Finch, also praised Samson, saying he is batting at a different level.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A Sanju Samson alert that no bowler wants to see 🫣😬 🎥 <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiIPL</a>&#39;s man in form is in the groove 😎 Updates ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/f1bRZthndy">https://t.co/f1bRZthndy</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KhelBindaas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KhelBindaas</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCvCSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCvCSK</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/IamSanjuSamson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IamSanjuSamson</a> <a href="https://t.co/jM0XAnVoLA">pic.twitter.com/jM0XAnVoLA</a>&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/2051709741299335530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Samson’s third 80-plus score this season resulted in an eight-wicket win for CSK against DC, their fifth overall, placing them sixth on the points table with 10 points. His run-scoring spree is a continuation of his purple patch during the fag end of the concluded T20 World Cup, which saw him win the Player of the Tournament award in India’s triumphant campaign.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2026-bcci-ensures-no-home-advantage-dc-coach-hemang-badani-on-four-losses-in-five-matches-1778054379286">IPL 2026 | 'BCCI ensures no home advantage': DC coach Hemang Badani on four losses in five matches</a> &nbsp;"On the batting side," Ruturaj said. "I would say, more than grateful to have Sanju in the side after the tournament he had even in the World Cup and even now. So, obviously, he's a backbone now." &nbsp;Samson’s move to Chennai was part of a blockbuster switch, which also included the trading of CSK veteran Ravindra Jadeja and their overseas quick Sam Curran to the Rajasthan Royals. Having struggled to find form and settle into his new IPL team’s setup, Samson failed in his early few games but found his mojo later, smashing two hundreds already for CSK.&nbsp; &nbsp;"He missed out on the first couple of games, didn't he? All of a sudden, there was a massive panic that what has CSK done," Finch said on ESPNcricinfo's TimeOut show.&nbsp; &nbsp;"They've got Sanju Samson, and he's not performing. Two games in T20 is nothing. To go right through a season ultra-consistent is so difficult. You probably can't underestimate the pressure on somebody going into a team like CSK. Being a huge marquee signing, particularly when you have traded someone like Jadeja out of the side as well.&nbsp; &nbsp;"This is what you're traded for and the superstar that you've been crying out for. So, the fact that he's batting on a different level is great to see,” he continued. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Samson has broken into the top five players with the most runs thus far this season. Sanju is in fifth place, with KL Rahul (445 runs), Abhishek Sharma (440 runs), Heinrich Klaasen (425 runs) and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (404) ahead of him.&nbsp; &nbsp;

CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and ex-Australian opener Aaron Finch hail Sanju Samson's "different level" of batting after his match-winning 87 against DC. See how the T20 World Cup hero is leading Chennai's IPL 2026 playoff charge. 

CSK opener and keeper-batter Sanju Samson has quickly become the backbone of his new IPL team, his team captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, said. Following his unbeaten 87 against the Delhi Capitals (DC) the other night, Samson breached the 400-run mark for this season for CSK in 10 outings, averaging just above 57 and striking at close to 160. Although he has yet to click with Gaikwad at the top, with CSK captain lagging in form, Samson has stitched a few match-winning stands with rookie batters, including Karthik Sharma. Former Australia T20I captain, Aaron Finch, also praised Samson, saying he is batting at a different level.

CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and ex-Australian opener Aaron Finch hail Sanju Samson's "different level" of batting after his match-winning 87 against DC. See how the T20 World Cup hero is leading Chennai's IPL 2026 playoff charge.&nbsp;

‘He’s CSK's backbone; batting on different level’: Samson receives massive praise after DC rout

Bengaluru has lost the hosting rights for the IPL 2026 final to Ahmedabad, while New Chandigarh hosts two playoff matches, including the Eliminator and Qualifier 2. The BCCI released a statement on Wednesday (May 6), suggesting why, under circumstances that were ‘beyond the scope of BCCI's established guidelines and protocols’, they have decided to move the finale from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad. The Narendra Modi Stadium will host the summit clash on May 31, while Dharamsala’s HPCA Stadium will stage the Qualifier 1 on May 26. The two matches in New Chandigarh would be Eliminator (May 27) and Qualifier 2 (May 29).&nbsp;"Owing to certain requirements from the local association and authorities that were beyond the scope of BCCI's established guidelines and protocols, the venue has been shifted and reassigned," a BCCI statement read. "Owing to certain operational and logistical considerations, the TATA IPL 2026 Playoffs will be conducted across three venues this season as a special case," it continued.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dc-vs-csk-calculative-chennai-super-kings-cruise-past-delhi-capitals-to-climb-to-6th-in-ipl-standings-karthik-sharma-lungi-ngidi-1778003232325">Calculative Chennai cruise past Delhi to climb to 6th in IPL standings</a> &nbsp;Last season, only two venues hosted the IPL playoff matches: New Chandigarh and Ahmedabad.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, unlike how the defending champions’ home venue usually hosts the next season’s finale, with Bengaluru picked to stage this time, a last-minute change sees Ahmedabad hosting the IPL 2026 grand finale. Should the defending IPL champions, RCB, make it that far, they will not have the home advantage.&nbsp; &nbsp;Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium have hosted five league matches this season, with RCB winning four, with their only defeat coming against Delhi Capitals (DC) last month. Raipur, their second home venue, will host their remaining two IPL home games this season.&nbsp; &nbsp;Rajat Patidar-led RCB is currently second on the points table with 12 points from nine contested matches, and well-placed to qualify for the knockouts. Punjab Kings are, however, leading the points table with 13 points from as many games.&nbsp; &nbsp;SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), Gujarat Titans (GT) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are tied with RCB on 12 points.&nbsp;

BCCI shifts the IPL 2026 Final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, citing "operational considerations." See the full playoff schedule for New Chandigarh, Dharamsala, and the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Bengaluru has lost the hosting rights for the IPL 2026 final to Ahmedabad, while New Chandigarh hosts two playoff matches, including the Eliminator and Qualifier 2. The BCCI released a statement on Wednesday (May 6), suggesting why, under circumstances that were ‘beyond the scope of BCCI's established guidelines and protocols’, they have decided to move the finale from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad. The Narendra Modi Stadium will host the summit clash on May 31, while Dharamsala’s HPCA Stadium will stage the Qualifier 1 on May 26. The two matches in New Chandigarh would be Eliminator (May 27) and Qualifier 2 (May 29). "Owing to certain requirements from the local association and authorities that were beyond the scope of BCCI's established guidelines and protocols, the venue has been shifted and reassigned," a BCCI statement read. "Owing to certain operational and logistical considerations, the TATA IPL 2026 Playoffs will be conducted across three venues this season as a special case," it continued. Also read | Calculative Chennai cruise past Delhi to climb to 6th in IPL standings Last season, only two venues hosted the IPL playoff matches: New Chandigarh and Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, unlike how the defending champions’ home venue usually hosts the next season’s finale, with Bengaluru picked to stage this time, a last-minute change sees Ahmedabad hosting the IPL 2026 grand finale. Should the defending IPL champions, RCB, make it that far, they will not have the home advantage. Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium have hosted five league matches this season, with RCB winning four, with their only defeat coming against Delhi Capitals (DC) last month. Raipur, their second home venue, will host their remaining two IPL home games this season. Rajat Patidar-led RCB is currently second on the points table with 12 points from nine contested matches, and well-placed to qualify for the knockouts. Punjab Kings are, however, leading the points table with 13 points from as many games. SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), Gujarat Titans (GT) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are tied with RCB on 12 points.

BCCI shifts the IPL 2026 Final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, citing "operational considerations." See the full playoff schedule for New Chandigarh, Dharamsala, and the Narendra Modi Stadium.

BCCI shifts IPL 2026 final venue from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad; New Chandigarh to host 2 playoff matches

Delhi Capitals have played 10 matches in the IPL 2026 and five of them have came at home - Arun Jaitely Stadium. DC, however, have managed to win only four games this season and only one out of those wins have come at home ground. DC coach Hemang Badani, after the loss against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on a pitch which turned and gripped. DC are currently seventh on the points table with eight points from four wins and six losses in 10 matches played this season. The time is running out for them to make a push for playoffs and the home losses haven't helped a lot to further their cause.<h2>DC coach speaks on home pitch and losses</h2>Speaking after the eight-wicket loss vs CSK on Tuesday (May 5), DC coach Badani said about pitch: "We don't have any control over the surfaces. As much as one would like to think that we are in control of the surface that we want to play on, there is a clear mandate from the BCCI that they look after the surfaces and they are the ones who ensure that there's no local side that gets benefit out of the surfaces. So you play what is presented to you. And yes, it's been a bit of an up-and-down curve for us to understand what we are going to get at Delhi, which is our home."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-plans-to-flush-out-girlfriend-culture-in-ipl-amid-internal-leaks-risk-hardik-pandya-girlfriend-arshdeep-singh-ishan-kishan-wags-policy-1777997375017">BCCI plans to flush out IPL's ‘girlfriend culture’ amid internal leaks risk</a><h2>How has Delhi pitch performed this season?</h2>The most drastic matches in Delhi were played on April 25 and 27. In the first match against Punjab Kings, played in daytime, DC scored 264/2 which was trumped by PBKS as they scored 265/4 in 18.5 overs. On April 27, played during evening, DC were bowled out for 75 against Royals Challengers Bengaluru which the defending champions chased in 6.3 overs for loss of one wicket. In match against Gujarat Titans on April 8, DC almost fell short of 210 total by just one run - a loss which could come back to haunt them in playoff race. In season's first match at Arun Jaitley stadium against Mumbai Indians, DC chased down 163-run target in 18.1 overs with six wickets in hand. Against CSK, DC batting faltered once again as they lost by eight wickets.

In five matches played at Arun Jaitely Stadium in IPL 2026, home team Delhi Capitals have won just one and lost four including against CSK on Tuesday (May 5).

Delhi Capitals have played 10 matches in the IPL 2026 and five of them have came at home - Arun Jaitely Stadium. DC, however, have managed to win only four games this season and only one out of those wins have come at home ground. DC coach Hemang Badani, after the loss against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on a pitch which turned and gripped. DC are currently seventh on the points table with eight points from four wins and six losses in 10 matches played this season. The time is running out for them to make a push for playoffs and the home losses haven't helped a lot to further their cause. DC coach speaks on home pitch and losses Speaking after the eight-wicket loss vs CSK on Tuesday (May 5), DC coach Badani said about pitch: "We don't have any control over the surfaces. As much as one would like to think that we are in control of the surface that we want to play on, there is a clear mandate from the BCCI that they look after the surfaces and they are the ones who ensure that there's no local side that gets benefit out of the surfaces. So you play what is presented to you. And yes, it's been a bit of an up-and-down curve for us to understand what we are going to get at Delhi, which is our home." Also Read - BCCI plans to flush out IPL's ‘girlfriend culture’ amid internal leaks risk How has Delhi pitch performed this season? The most drastic matches in Delhi were played on April 25 and 27. In the first match against Punjab Kings, played in daytime, DC scored 264/2 which was trumped by PBKS as they scored 265/4 in 18.5 overs. On April 27, played during evening, DC were bowled out for 75 against Royals Challengers Bengaluru which the defending champions chased in 6.3 overs for loss of one wicket. In match against Gujarat Titans on April 8, DC almost fell short of 210 total by just one run - a loss which could come back to haunt them in playoff race. In season's first match at Arun Jaitley stadium against Mumbai Indians, DC chased down 163-run target in 18.1 overs with six wickets in hand. Against CSK, DC batting faltered once again as they lost by eight wickets.

In five matches played at Arun Jaitely Stadium in IPL 2026, home team Delhi Capitals have won just one and lost four including against CSK on Tuesday (May 5).

IPL 2026 | 'BCCI ensures no home advantage': DC coach Hemang Badani on four losses in five matches

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) beat Delhi Capitals (DC) by eight wickets in IPL 2026 match on Tuesday (May 5) at Arun Jaitley stadium in Delhi. Chasing a modest 156-run target, CSK reached their in 17.3 overs, thanks to Sanju Samson's 87 not out off 52 balls and Kartik Sharma's 31-ball 41. With the win, CSK moved past DC on the points table as well. The five-time champions are now sixth on the leaderboard with 10 points from five wins and five losses in 10 matches. DC, meanwhile, have slid to seventh spot with eight points from four wins and six losses in 10 matches, latest of which came against CSK.<h2>Samson leads charge for CSK's win</h2>CSK were never in trouble during the modest 150-odd chase despite losing skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad (6) inside powerplay. Urvil Patel, who replaced Gaikwad at the crease, was also dismissed right after powerplay with CSK being 45/2. Samson and Kartik, however, then added 114 unbeaten runs in 11 overs to take the team home with 15 balls and eight wickets to spare.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/despite-2025-wtc-crown-south-africa-spinner-simon-harmer-says-bcci-commercial-power-rules-world-cricket-indian-cricket-board-icc-1778001444117">Despite WTC win, SA's Harmer says BCCI’s ‘commercial power’ rules world cricket</a>For DC, skipper Axar Patel took 1/25 while Lungi Ngidi took 1/30 and no other bowler could take a wicket, showing dominance of Samson-Kartik partnership.<h2>DC batting flops again</h2>The home team did not have much right going on for them as they lost both openers, Pathum Nissanka (19) and KL Rahul (12), inside powerplay. The next three batters, Nitish Rana (15), Karun Nair (13), and Axar (2) also failed reach 20-run mark as Delhi slid to 69/5 in 11 overs. Tristan Stubbs (38 off 31) and impact player Sameer Rizvi (unbeaten 40 off 24) then added 65 runs for the sixth wicket in about eight overs to take the team past 130. Ashutosh Sharma's handy cameo of 14 off 5 balls ensured DC finish past 150. For CSK, Noor Ahmed took 2/22 while Akeal Hosein, Mukesh Choudhary, Gurjapneet Singh, and Jamie Overton took one wicket each.

CSK beat DC by 8 wickets on Tuesday (May 5) in IPL 2026 match to move to sixth place on the points table with 10 points from 5 wins and as many losses in 10 matches. DC, on the other hand, have slid to 7th spot with 8 points from 10 matches.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) beat Delhi Capitals (DC) by eight wickets in IPL 2026 match on Tuesday (May 5) at Arun Jaitley stadium in Delhi. Chasing a modest 156-run target, CSK reached their in 17.3 overs, thanks to Sanju Samson's 87 not out off 52 balls and Kartik Sharma's 31-ball 41. With the win, CSK moved past DC on the points table as well. The five-time champions are now sixth on the leaderboard with 10 points from five wins and five losses in 10 matches. DC, meanwhile, have slid to seventh spot with eight points from four wins and six losses in 10 matches, latest of which came against CSK. Samson leads charge for CSK's win CSK were never in trouble during the modest 150-odd chase despite losing skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad (6) inside powerplay. Urvil Patel, who replaced Gaikwad at the crease, was also dismissed right after powerplay with CSK being 45/2. Samson and Kartik, however, then added 114 unbeaten runs in 11 overs to take the team home with 15 balls and eight wickets to spare. Also Read - Despite WTC win, SA's Harmer says BCCI’s ‘commercial power’ rules world cricket For DC, skipper Axar Patel took 1/25 while Lungi Ngidi took 1/30 and no other bowler could take a wicket, showing dominance of Samson-Kartik partnership. DC batting flops again The home team did not have much right going on for them as they lost both openers, Pathum Nissanka (19) and KL Rahul (12), inside powerplay. The next three batters, Nitish Rana (15), Karun Nair (13), and Axar (2) also failed reach 20-run mark as Delhi slid to 69/5 in 11 overs. Tristan Stubbs (38 off 31) and impact player Sameer Rizvi (unbeaten 40 off 24) then added 65 runs for the sixth wicket in about eight overs to take the team past 130. Ashutosh Sharma's handy cameo of 14 off 5 balls ensured DC finish past 150. For CSK, Noor Ahmed took 2/22 while Akeal Hosein, Mukesh Choudhary, Gurjapneet Singh, and Jamie Overton took one wicket each.

CSK beat DC by 8 wickets on Tuesday (May 5) in IPL 2026 match to move to sixth place on the points table with 10 points from 5 wins and as many losses in 10 matches. DC, on the other hand, have slid to 7th spot with 8 points from 10 matches.

Who won yesterday's IPL 2026 match between Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals? check result

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have jumped to the sixth spot on the IPL 2026 points table after a comfortable yet calculative eight-wicket win over the hosts Delhi Capitals on Tuesday (May 5). Sanju Samson starred with the bat, smashing another match-winning fifty (87*), with newbie Karthik Sharma impressing with another instrumental outing. Karthik scored an unbeaten 41 off 31 balls, hitting two maximums and four fours. For Delhi, seamer Lungi Ngidi returned to the action but failed to guide his team home.&nbsp;Delhi won the toss and elected to bat first. Unlike on previous occasions when DC openers used to fire all cylinders, CSK’s new-ball attack restricted them from going all out this time. While Mukesh Choudhary accounted for Pathum Nissanka on 19, Akeal Hossain dismissed in-form batter KL Rahul on just 12. Noor Ahmed was quick to remove Nitish Rana and Karun Nair before Gurjapneet picked up the prized wicket of Delhi captain Axar Patel cheaply. Delhi was reeling at 69 for five at one stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/despite-2025-wtc-crown-south-africa-spinner-simon-harmer-says-bcci-commercial-power-rules-world-cricket-indian-cricket-board-icc-1778001444117">Despite WTC crown, SA spinner Harmer says BCCI’s ‘commercial power’ rules world cricket</a> &nbsp;Tristan Stubbs and Sameer Rizvi revived Delhi’s innings, scoring 38 and 40*, respectively. Ashutosh Sharma walked in late and helped DC’s score 155 for seven in the first innings.<h3>Samson's show all the way!</h3>Sanju Samson was again the talking point of CSK’s success in this game. After losing team captain Ruturaj Gaikwad early inside the Powerplay, Samson grabbed all the limelight with his sweet strokeplay. Urvil Patel helped the cause with two sixes during his brief stay but departed soon after on just 17.&nbsp; &nbsp;Walks in Karthik, the uncapped rookie, who has been making the right noises in IPL. Alongside Sanju, he took care of one end and smashed boundaries off bad balls. Samson, however, continued his rich vein of form, completing another fifty and securing a comfortable win for his team.

Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 87 and Karthik Sharma’s explosive 41* guide Chennai Super Kings to a dominant 8-wicket win over Delhi Capitals. See the latest IPL 2026 points table updates.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have jumped to the sixth spot on the IPL 2026 points table after a comfortable yet calculative eight-wicket win over the hosts Delhi Capitals on Tuesday (May 5). Sanju Samson starred with the bat, smashing another match-winning fifty (87*), with newbie Karthik Sharma impressing with another instrumental outing. Karthik scored an unbeaten 41 off 31 balls, hitting two maximums and four fours. For Delhi, seamer Lungi Ngidi returned to the action but failed to guide his team home. Delhi won the toss and elected to bat first. Unlike on previous occasions when DC openers used to fire all cylinders, CSK’s new-ball attack restricted them from going all out this time. While Mukesh Choudhary accounted for Pathum Nissanka on 19, Akeal Hossain dismissed in-form batter KL Rahul on just 12. Noor Ahmed was quick to remove Nitish Rana and Karun Nair before Gurjapneet picked up the prized wicket of Delhi captain Axar Patel cheaply. Delhi was reeling at 69 for five at one stage. Also read | Despite WTC crown, SA spinner Harmer says BCCI’s ‘commercial power’ rules world cricket Tristan Stubbs and Sameer Rizvi revived Delhi’s innings, scoring 38 and 40*, respectively. Ashutosh Sharma walked in late and helped DC’s score 155 for seven in the first innings. Samson's show all the way! Sanju Samson was again the talking point of CSK’s success in this game. After losing team captain Ruturaj Gaikwad early inside the Powerplay, Samson grabbed all the limelight with his sweet strokeplay. Urvil Patel helped the cause with two sixes during his brief stay but departed soon after on just 17. Walks in Karthik, the uncapped rookie, who has been making the right noises in IPL. Alongside Sanju, he took care of one end and smashed boundaries off bad balls. Samson, however, continued his rich vein of form, completing another fifty and securing a comfortable win for his team.

Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 87 and Karthik Sharma’s explosive 41* guide Chennai Super Kings to a dominant 8-wicket win over Delhi Capitals. See the latest IPL 2026 points table updates.

Calculative Chennai cruise past Delhi to climb to 6th in IPL standings

South Africa ended their ICC trophy drought with their maiden World Test Championship (WTC) crown last year at Lord’s, where they beat Australia by five wickets. Later in the year, they also whitewashed India (beating them 2-0) in India for the first time in over two decades, scripting history. While 2025 was clearly South Africa’s year, their frontline spinner Simon Harmer had reservations against the Indian Cricket Board’s growing influence, saying that the BCCI controls the apex body, the ICC, but what can anyone do about it?&nbsp;Speaking to The Guardian, the right-arm spinner, who returned with 17 wickets across four innings in India, underlined India’s dominance in world cricket and how, by controlling the commercial and administrative aspects of it, it stands tall as the game’s reigning king.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-plans-to-flush-out-girlfriend-culture-in-ipl-amid-internal-leaks-risk-hardik-pandya-girlfriend-arshdeep-singh-ishan-kishan-wags-policy-1777997375017">BCCI plans to flush out ‘girlfriend culture’ in IPL amid internal leaks risk – Report</a> &nbsp;Harmer, however, also argued that the Proteas’ WTC title win hadn’t significantly altered the global balance. &nbsp;“Because of their commercial power, they have all of the power,” Harmer said in a chat with The Guardian. “The BCCI control the ICC. But what can we do? As a player, you just control the controllables. The only thing that changes the narrative is winning trophies.” &nbsp;While the domestic giant also spoke highly of his team’s rise as a threatening Test unit, Harmer praised head coach Shukri Conrad for calling a spade a spade. &nbsp;“That team is more than the sum of its parts with only a couple of superstars,” he said. On Conrad, Harmer said, “If he thinks you’re shit, he’ll tell you straight. I rate that. I’ve not always had that.”<h3>South Africa’s 2026 schedule</h3>The reigning WTC champions will begin their 2026 campaign against the mighty Aussies in a three-match Test series at home, for the first time since 2018, the year of the infamous 'Sandpaper-gate' scandal. After hosting Australia across three Tests, South Africa will also host Bangladesh and England during the packed home season. &nbsp;As things stand, South Africa is third on the 2025-27 WTC rankings, with a point percentage of 75. Australia and New Zealand are ahead of the Proteas. However, on ICC’s Test rankings, the Proteas are second on the table (after Australia), and 15 points ahead of the third-placed India.

Despite their historic WTC victory and a landmark whitewash in India, South African spinner Simon Harmer warns that the BCCI’s "commercial power" still dictates world cricket.

South Africa ended their ICC trophy drought with their maiden World Test Championship (WTC) crown last year at Lord’s, where they beat Australia by five wickets. Later in the year, they also whitewashed India (beating them 2-0) in India for the first time in over two decades, scripting history. While 2025 was clearly South Africa’s year, their frontline spinner Simon Harmer had reservations against the Indian Cricket Board’s growing influence, saying that the BCCI controls the apex body, the ICC, but what can anyone do about it? Speaking to The Guardian, the right-arm spinner, who returned with 17 wickets across four innings in India, underlined India’s dominance in world cricket and how, by controlling the commercial and administrative aspects of it, it stands tall as the game’s reigning king. Also read | BCCI plans to flush out ‘girlfriend culture’ in IPL amid internal leaks risk – Report Harmer, however, also argued that the Proteas’ WTC title win hadn’t significantly altered the global balance. “Because of their commercial power, they have all of the power,” Harmer said in a chat with The Guardian. “The BCCI control the ICC. But what can we do? As a player, you just control the controllables. The only thing that changes the narrative is winning trophies.” While the domestic giant also spoke highly of his team’s rise as a threatening Test unit, Harmer praised head coach Shukri Conrad for calling a spade a spade. “That team is more than the sum of its parts with only a couple of superstars,” he said. On Conrad, Harmer said, “If he thinks you’re shit, he’ll tell you straight. I rate that. I’ve not always had that.” South Africa’s 2026 schedule The reigning WTC champions will begin their 2026 campaign against the mighty Aussies in a three-match Test series at home, for the first time since 2018, the year of the infamous 'Sandpaper-gate' scandal. After hosting Australia across three Tests, South Africa will also host Bangladesh and England during the packed home season. As things stand, South Africa is third on the 2025-27 WTC rankings, with a point percentage of 75. Australia and New Zealand are ahead of the Proteas. However, on ICC’s Test rankings, the Proteas are second on the table (after Australia), and 15 points ahead of the third-placed India.

Despite their historic WTC victory and a landmark whitewash in India, South African spinner Simon Harmer warns that the BCCI’s "commercial power" still dictates world cricket.

Despite WTC crown, SA spinner Harmer says BCCI’s ‘commercial power’ rules world cricket

The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) has plans to flush out the girlfriend culture in the IPL, per the latest report. The BCCI is concerned about its long-term consequences and believes it is better to lay strict measures around it before a major controversy erupts or internal matters are leaked. Amid several such instances gripping this season’s IPL and growing fears of more with rumours surrounding the trend already flooding the internet, the BCCI wants to draw boundary lines that would come into effect from the next season onwards.&nbsp;A Dainik Jagran report states that the board is already unhappy with uncalled-for controversies surrounding the Rajasthan Royals’ camp, including their team manager breaching security and the captain's smoking protocols.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/defending-t20i-champions-india-retain-top-spot-ahead-of-england-tour-rating-points-team-rankings-england-australia-pakistan-new-zealand-1777986592526">Defending T20I champions India retain top spot ahead of England tour</a> &nbsp;The report also claims that the BCCI has taken note of several A-listers, including Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who were often with their partners. While the BCCI clearly has no issues with their dating lives, they are upset over some of them staying with their girlfriends (in their hotel rooms) and travelling with the team.&nbsp; &nbsp;In some cases, some partners are also travelling separately to different cities to be with the players. With a few of them being social media influencers, the risks of sensitive information being shared (in public) also loom. &nbsp;“A BCCI official has stated that discussions are underway. There are no issues with wives and family members travelling with players, but the matter is considered more serious in the case of girlfriends. Earlier, girlfriends were not allowed to stay with players during the IPL, but it has now become a trend,” the report stated, as also quoted by the Hindustan Times. &nbsp;“When a BCCI official raised the issue with a member of the Anti-Corruption Unit, the representative said they are not permitted to object to wives and “official girlfriends”. When the board questioned the term “official girlfriend”, the member said that is what they had been instructed.” &nbsp;Even though the BCCI had already restricted partners' travel or stay timelines while being on national duty, it remains unclear if the same rules apply during a season of the cash-rich league. &nbsp;“Among them (girlfriends) are several influencers who have previously promoted betting (gambling) websites. Recently, some IPL players have also faced Police cases filed by their female companions,” the report mentioned.

BCCI to tighten "WAGs" policy for upcoming IPL seasons? Reports suggest the Indian Cricket Board is planning strict measures to regulate the travel and stay of players' partners to prevent security leaks and off-field controversies.

The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) has plans to flush out the girlfriend culture in the IPL, per the latest report. The BCCI is concerned about its long-term consequences and believes it is better to lay strict measures around it before a major controversy erupts or internal matters are leaked. Amid several such instances gripping this season’s IPL and growing fears of more with rumours surrounding the trend already flooding the internet, the BCCI wants to draw boundary lines that would come into effect from the next season onwards. A Dainik Jagran report states that the board is already unhappy with uncalled-for controversies surrounding the Rajasthan Royals’ camp, including their team manager breaching security and the captain's smoking protocols. Also read | Defending T20I champions India retain top spot ahead of England tour The report also claims that the BCCI has taken note of several A-listers, including Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who were often with their partners. While the BCCI clearly has no issues with their dating lives, they are upset over some of them staying with their girlfriends (in their hotel rooms) and travelling with the team. In some cases, some partners are also travelling separately to different cities to be with the players. With a few of them being social media influencers, the risks of sensitive information being shared (in public) also loom. “A BCCI official has stated that discussions are underway. There are no issues with wives and family members travelling with players, but the matter is considered more serious in the case of girlfriends. Earlier, girlfriends were not allowed to stay with players during the IPL, but it has now become a trend,” the report stated, as also quoted by the Hindustan Times. “When a BCCI official raised the issue with a member of the Anti-Corruption Unit, the representative said they are not permitted to object to wives and “official girlfriends”. When the board questioned the term “official girlfriend”, the member said that is what they had been instructed.” Even though the BCCI had already restricted partners' travel or stay timelines while being on national duty, it remains unclear if the same rules apply during a season of the cash-rich league. “Among them (girlfriends) are several influencers who have previously promoted betting (gambling) websites. Recently, some IPL players have also faced Police cases filed by their female companions,” the report mentioned.

BCCI to tighten "WAGs" policy for upcoming IPL seasons? Reports suggest the Indian Cricket Board is planning strict measures to regulate the travel and stay of players' partners to prevent security leaks and off-field controversies.

BCCI plans to flush out ‘girlfriend culture’ in IPL amid internal leaks risk – Report

T20 world champions India retained the number one spot on the latest team rankings in the shortest format. With the England T20Is looming after IPL 2026, the Men in Blue will travel as the top-ranked team. After becoming the first team to defend the T20 crown successfully—doing so on home soil—Suryakumar Yadav’s side maintained pole position on the rankings updated on Tuesday (May 5).&nbsp;Team India has 275 points, while England is second (262), followed by Australia at three (258).&nbsp; &nbsp;The Indian T20I side peaked during their dominant run between 2024 and 2026, winning all T20I series in between and two scheduled World Cups, one in the Americas (2024) and the next one at home (2026). While India beat the Proteas in the finale in Barbados, which also happened to be veterans Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja’s final T20I game, SKY’s team crushed the Kiwis in a lop-sided final earlier in March.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2026-why-bumrah-is-struggling-ex-india-assistant-coach-bangar-explains-bowler-s-poor-form-1777959628327">IPL 2026 | 'Not being used correctly': Ex-India assistant coach Bangar on Bumrah's struggle</a> &nbsp;However, the top seven rankings remained unchanged from the previous update, with New Zealand (4th with 247 points), South Africa (5th with 244 points), Pakistan (6th with 240 points) and the West Indies (7th with 233 points). Sri Lanka, the former champions and co-host of the recently concluded edition, slipped to an embarrassing ninth spot. On the other hand, Bangladesh, despite missing the 2026 edition over a venue row, sits in eighth place. &nbsp;Afghanistan sit in 10th place with 220 points, with Zimbabwe and Ireland retaining their respective 11th and 12th spots. Meanwhile, cricket’s growing presence across North America has helped Team USA gain two spots and six points (13th), surpassing the ICC regulars, the Netherlands (14th) and Scotland (15th). &nbsp;Italy, which made its ICC debut during the previous edition, jumped three places (from 26th to 23rd), gaining 11 points. The European side, known for its dominance in football otherwise, secured its maiden World Cup win against Nepal (by 10 wickets) during the group stages.<h3>Team India’s T20I schedule against England –</h3><ul><li>1st T20I: July 1, 2026 – Riverside Ground, Chester-Le-Street</li><li>2nd T20I: July 4, 2026 – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester</li><li>3rd T20I: July 7, 2026 – Trent Bridge, Nottingham</li><li>4th T20I: July 9, 2026 – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol</li><li>5th T20I: July 11, 2026 – The Rose Bowl, Southampton</li></ul>

Defending champions India retain the No. 1 T20I ranking ahead of their 2026 England tour. See the latest ICC rankings, World Cup results, and the full July schedule.

T20 world champions India retained the number one spot on the latest team rankings in the shortest format. With the England T20Is looming after IPL 2026, the Men in Blue will travel as the top-ranked team. After becoming the first team to defend the T20 crown successfully—doing so on home soil—Suryakumar Yadav’s side maintained pole position on the rankings updated on Tuesday (May 5). Team India has 275 points, while England is second (262), followed by Australia at three (258). The Indian T20I side peaked during their dominant run between 2024 and 2026, winning all T20I series in between and two scheduled World Cups, one in the Americas (2024) and the next one at home (2026). While India beat the Proteas in the finale in Barbados, which also happened to be veterans Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja’s final T20I game, SKY’s team crushed the Kiwis in a lop-sided final earlier in March. Also read | IPL 2026 | 'Not being used correctly': Ex-India assistant coach Bangar on Bumrah's struggle However, the top seven rankings remained unchanged from the previous update, with New Zealand (4th with 247 points), South Africa (5th with 244 points), Pakistan (6th with 240 points) and the West Indies (7th with 233 points). Sri Lanka, the former champions and co-host of the recently concluded edition, slipped to an embarrassing ninth spot. On the other hand, Bangladesh, despite missing the 2026 edition over a venue row, sits in eighth place. Afghanistan sit in 10th place with 220 points, with Zimbabwe and Ireland retaining their respective 11th and 12th spots. Meanwhile, cricket’s growing presence across North America has helped Team USA gain two spots and six points (13th), surpassing the ICC regulars, the Netherlands (14th) and Scotland (15th). Italy, which made its ICC debut during the previous edition, jumped three places (from 26th to 23rd), gaining 11 points. The European side, known for its dominance in football otherwise, secured its maiden World Cup win against Nepal (by 10 wickets) during the group stages. Team India’s T20I schedule against England – 1st T20I: July 1, 2026 – Riverside Ground, Chester-Le-Street 2nd T20I: July 4, 2026 – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester 3rd T20I: July 7, 2026 – Trent Bridge, Nottingham 4th T20I: July 9, 2026 – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol 5th T20I: July 11, 2026 – The Rose Bowl, Southampton

Defending champions India retain the No. 1 T20I ranking ahead of their 2026 England tour. See the latest ICC rankings, World Cup results, and the full July schedule.

Defending T20I champions India retain top spot ahead of England tour

India star batter KL Rahul has been in outstanding touch as an opener for Delhi Capitals in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 and his consistency could prove crucial in their push for a top-four finish. Delhi currently sit seventh on the points table, having secured four wins from nine matches. They will next face Chennai Super Kings at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday (May 5). During an appearance on JioStar’s ‘Superstars’, Rahul spoke about opening alongside Pathum Nissanka and the clarity he has received regarding his role in the side.&nbsp;Discussing his adjustment to a more attacking approach at the top, Rahul explained that T20 cricket, especially in the IPL, has evolved significantly in recent years. He pointed out that teams dominating the Powerplay are now more likely to win, whereas earlier, matches were often decided in the final overs.&nbsp;He further added, “This season, the messaging from the team management was very clear. They spoke to me before the IPL and wanted me to bat at the top of the order and play with freedom. Teams are aiming for upwards of 60 in that phase. Having that clarity gave me time to think about how to achieve it within my skill set. I've tried to go out each game with that intent. You won't always succeed, but the idea is right. My focus is on maximising the Powerplay, because that's the demand of the team and of T20 cricket right now.”&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-we-were-10-15-runs-short-rishabh-pant-after-lsg-s-six-wicket-loss-to-mi-1777963164960">'We were 10-15 runs short': Rishabh Pant after LSG’s six-wicket loss to MI</a>&nbsp;Rahul is second in the race for the Orange Cap this year with 433 runs made in nine innings, only trailing Abhishek Sharma (440). He has made runs at an average of 54.12 and a strike rate of 185.84. He has hit three fifties and a century so far this season. Speaking about opening the batting alongside Pathum Nissanka in DC, Rahul said, "It's been fun. There isn't a lot of talk in the middle. We've had one or two good partnerships, getting off to a flying start. That's what the team wants, around 60 in the Powerplay. Even a 25-30 run contribution in the first few overs sets the tone for the innings. The conversations between Pathum and me are mostly about playing good cricketing shots while maintaining an aggressive mindset. I've had many opening partners over the years, so it's always enjoyable playing with different players. You learn a lot about the game and about each other." "Most of the discussions happen off the field. At training, we talk about the shots we can play against different bowlers, what our options are if a spinner starts in the Powerplay, and how to stay clear in our approach. We try to challenge each other in training, and once we're out in the middle, it's about staying relaxed and enjoying the competition," he concluded.&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

KL Rahul has been one of the leading run-scorers this season, maintaining an impressive strike rate.

India star batter KL Rahul has been in outstanding touch as an opener for Delhi Capitals in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 and his consistency could prove crucial in their push for a top-four finish. Delhi currently sit seventh on the points table, having secured four wins from nine matches. They will next face Chennai Super Kings at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday (May 5). During an appearance on JioStar’s ‘Superstars’, Rahul spoke about opening alongside Pathum Nissanka and the clarity he has received regarding his role in the side. Discussing his adjustment to a more attacking approach at the top, Rahul explained that T20 cricket, especially in the IPL, has evolved significantly in recent years. He pointed out that teams dominating the Powerplay are now more likely to win, whereas earlier, matches were often decided in the final overs. He further added, “This season, the messaging from the team management was very clear. They spoke to me before the IPL and wanted me to bat at the top of the order and play with freedom. Teams are aiming for upwards of 60 in that phase. Having that clarity gave me time to think about how to achieve it within my skill set. I've tried to go out each game with that intent. You won't always succeed, but the idea is right. My focus is on maximising the Powerplay, because that's the demand of the team and of T20 cricket right now.” Also Read - 'We were 10-15 runs short': Rishabh Pant after LSG’s six-wicket loss to MI Rahul is second in the race for the Orange Cap this year with 433 runs made in nine innings, only trailing Abhishek Sharma (440). He has made runs at an average of 54.12 and a strike rate of 185.84. He has hit three fifties and a century so far this season. Speaking about opening the batting alongside Pathum Nissanka in DC, Rahul said, "It's been fun. There isn't a lot of talk in the middle. We've had one or two good partnerships, getting off to a flying start. That's what the team wants, around 60 in the Powerplay. Even a 25-30 run contribution in the first few overs sets the tone for the innings. The conversations between Pathum and me are mostly about playing good cricketing shots while maintaining an aggressive mindset. I've had many opening partners over the years, so it's always enjoyable playing with different players. You learn a lot about the game and about each other." "Most of the discussions happen off the field. At training, we talk about the shots we can play against different bowlers, what our options are if a spinner starts in the Powerplay, and how to stay clear in our approach. We try to challenge each other in training, and once we're out in the middle, it's about staying relaxed and enjoying the competition," he concluded. With inputs from agencies

KL Rahul has been one of the leading run-scorers this season, maintaining an impressive strike rate.

IPL 2026 | 'Focused on maximising powerplay': KL Rahul on opening role for DC

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IPL 2026 | 'Focused on maximising powerplay': KL Rahul on opening role for DC