Rajasthan Royals (RR) rode on skipper Sanju Samson's majestic 46-ball 86 but ended up managing only 201 for 8 in response to Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals' (DC) 221 for 8 in match 56 of IPL 2024 on Tuesday (May 7), at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. During the run-chase, RR were on course for a win till Samson's stay. However, the keeper-batter fell for a well-made 86 in the 16th over, bowled by Mukesh Kumar. It was a length ball as Samson tried to clear the ropes towards long-on but found&nbsp;fielder Shai Hope in the deep.

Hope did well to complete the catch but it seemed he had touched the ropes at some point. As a result, the on-field umpires took the decision upstairs where third umpire Michael Gough adjudged it out after only one angle of the replay was checked. This led to a long debate between Samson and the umpires as the RR captain made his displeasure known before making the long walk back to the pavilion. For his argument with the umpires, Samson was fined 30 per cent of his match fees by the BCCI.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2024-third-umpire-shouldve-collingwoods-verdict-on-samsons-controversial-dismissal-in-dc-rr-tie-719179">IPL 2024: 'Third umpire should've...': Collingwood's take on Samson's controversial dismissal in DC-RR tie</a>

The BCCI statement read, "Mr Sanju Samson, Captain, Rajasthan Royals has been fined 30 per cent of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during Match 56 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on May 07, 2024. Samson committed a Level 1 offence under Article 2.8 of the IPL's Code of Conduct. He admitted to the offence and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee's decision is final and binding."

At the post-match press conference, RR director of cricket and head coach Kumar Sangakkara opined on Samson's dismissal. He said, "Depends on replays and angles. It was a difficult one for the third umpire to judge. The game was at a crucial stage, so it happens in cricket. Different perspectives. Even if we have any other opinion, we will share it with the umpires and sort it out. I thought irrespective of that dismissal, RR still should have seen the game home."

Talking about the DC-RR game, Delhi rode on Jake Fraser-McGurk's 50, Abhishek Porel's 65 and Tristan Stubbs' 20-ball 41 to post 221/8. In reply, RR lost the plot after losing Samson (86) as they ended up losing by 20 runs. This became their second successive loss but they remain atop the points table, with 16 points, whereas DC now have 12 points and have moved to fifth place. They remain alive in the playoffs race.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Royals (RR) rode on skipper Sanju Samson's majestic 46-ball 86 but ended up managing only 201 for 8 in response to Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals' (DC) 221 for 8 in match 56 of IPL 2024 on Tuesday (May 7), at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) rode on skipper Sanju Samson's majestic 46-ball 86 but ended up managing only 201 for 8 in response to Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals' (DC) 221 for 8 in match 56 of IPL 2024 on Tuesday (May 7), at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. During the run-chase, RR were on course for a win till Samson's stay. However, the keeper-batter fell for a well-made 86 in the 16th over, bowled by Mukesh Kumar. It was a length ball as Samson tried to clear the ropes towards long-on but found fielder Shai Hope in the deep. Hope did well to complete the catch but it seemed he had touched the ropes at some point. As a result, the on-field umpires took the decision upstairs where third umpire Michael Gough adjudged it out after only one angle of the replay was checked. This led to a long debate between Samson and the umpires as the RR captain made his displeasure known before making the long walk back to the pavilion. For his argument with the umpires, Samson was fined 30 per cent of his match fees by the BCCI. Also read: IPL 2024: 'Third umpire should've...': Collingwood's take on Samson's controversial dismissal in DC-RR tie The BCCI statement read, "Mr Sanju Samson, Captain, Rajasthan Royals has been fined 30 per cent of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during Match 56 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on May 07, 2024. Samson committed a Level 1 offence under Article 2.8 of the IPL's Code of Conduct. He admitted to the offence and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee's decision is final and binding." At the post-match press conference, RR director of cricket and head coach Kumar Sangakkara opined on Samson's dismissal. He said, "Depends on replays and angles. It was a difficult one for the third umpire to judge. The game was at a crucial stage, so it happens in cricket. Different perspectives. Even if we have any other opinion, we will share it with the umpires and sort it out. I thought irrespective of that dismissal, RR still should have seen the game home." Talking about the DC-RR game, Delhi rode on Jake Fraser-McGurk's 50, Abhishek Porel's 65 and Tristan Stubbs' 20-ball 41 to post 221/8. In reply, RR lost the plot after losing Samson (86) as they ended up losing by 20 runs. This became their second successive loss but they remain atop the points table, with 16 points, whereas DC now have 12 points and have moved to fifth place. They remain alive in the playoffs race.

IPL 2024: Sanju Samson FINED 30 per cent of match fees for argument with umpires during DC-RR clash

The BCCI selection committee looks to be impressed with IPL 2024 pace-bowling sensation Mayank Yadav since his debut earlier this season, and per the latest reports, wishes to take his case forward.

The BCCI selection committee looks to be impressed with IPL 2024 pace-bowling sensation Mayank Yadav since his debut earlier this season, and per the latest reports, wishes to take his case forward. Having played just three matches thus far this season, Mayank made headlines for clocking over 150 Kmph consistently, and the selectors are keen on having a fit Mayank on board for the Australia Tests starting in November later this year. Although Mayank continues to recover from the latest injury he suffered during his return game against Mumbai Indians - his second this season, the BCCI selectors want to monitor his case and handle it with utmost care to ensure he remains fit and available for selection for the tour Down Under. Meanwhile, the board has decided against fast-tracking him into the international side and instead wants him to work on a few aspects before unleashing him at the top stage. Per the Indian Express, the lanky seamer will head to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru following his IPL 2024 stint, where he will undergo a medical assessment before the fast-bowling coach Troy Cooley and the biomechanics experts take his case in their hands. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: ‘MS Dhoni is like my father in cricket life’, says Matheesha Pathirana The selectors want a fit Mayank Yadav to first be part of India ‘A’ squad for the Australia series in June and July before roping him into the senior team for the five-match series. It is also understood that minor tweaks will be made to his bowling action, in running mechanics, landing and follow-through. “The most important thing is he has to be pain-free before any formal training begins. He shouldn’t experience pain at any stage of his running. Once that is done, then the focus will shift to bio-mechanics and bowling,” Ramji Srinivasan - the strength and conditioning coach at the MRF Pace Foundation told The Indian Express. Per him, some work needs to be done on Mayank’s back-foot landing to avoid back injuries in future. “Similarly, in the follow-through, his left hand is getting locked inside the hip and it can lead to side strains. And based on what bio-mechanics throws up, he has to work accordingly,” the expert added. ‘Plan for him is set’ Sources close to the information added that BCCI plans to send a young group of bowlers for the 'A' tour. Meanwhile, since making his first-class debut in 2022, Mayank has yet to play a long-format match, and BCCI is aware of this. “The plan is to gradually increase his workload. If he is fit and ready, the ‘A’-team tour will be a good developmental tour for him. If not, we will see him in the Duleep Trophy,” the sources close to the information said. As things stand, Mayank is unlikely to feature in the remainder of IPL 2024.

BCCI selectors want IPL 2024 sensation Mayank Yadav fit for Australia Tests in November – Reports

Former Indian chief selector Kris Srikkanth has lashed out at the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee for picking out-of-form Shubman Gill over Ruturaj Gaikwad in India's 15-man T20 World Cup squad. On Tuesday (April 30), the BCCI announced India's squad which features Rohit Sharma as the captain along with regulars such as Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, etc.

Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson were also named in the main squad with Gill, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed and Rinku Singh part of&nbsp;the reserves list. This has not been well received by Srikkanth -- India's 1983 World Cup-winning member -- as he feels Gill is completely out of form in the ongoing IPL 2024 edition, contrary to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Gaikwad.

So far, Gujarat Titans (GT) captain Gill has 320 runs in 10 games at an average of&nbsp;35.56. Meanwhile, Gaikwad is the top run-getter with 509 runs -- at 63.63 and a strike-rate of&nbsp;146.68 with 4 fifties and a hundred. Thus, Srikkanth feels it wasn't fair to overlook the CSK captain's purple patch and claimed that&nbsp;selection is 'all about favouritism'.

<h2>'Gill is selectors' delight, team selection is all about favouritism'</h2>

Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel 'Cheeky Chekka', "Shubman Gill is totally out of form, but why he's selected in the team. There's no doubt that Ruturaj Gaikwad deserves a place. He scored more than 500 runs in 17 innings. Also he scored a century against Australia. Shubman Gill is selectors' delight. He gets chance even if he fails. He finds place even if he fails in Test, ODIs and T20s.There's too much of favoritism in selection. The team selection is all about favouritism."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2024-youve-made-him-a-scapegoat-former-indian-cricketer-blasts-bcci-for-rinku-singhs-exclusion-717014">‘You’ve made him a scapegoat,’ former Indian cricketer blasts BCCI for Rinku Singh’s exclusion from WC squad</a>

Srikkanth even slammed the selectors for not including Rinku in the main squad, despite a strike-rate of 176.23 in 15 T20Is.&nbsp;

In this regard, he added, "I am not at all happy. C'mon all of you. Rinku Singh has been spoken about all over the world. He has performed in each and every opportunity he has got. How can you drop Rinku Singh? You drop anyone else, it doesn't matter. In my view, Rinku Singh should have been there, even if that meant you had to drop Yashasvi Jaiswal."

India are in Group A along with arch-rivals Pakistan, Ireland, USA and Canada and begin their campaign versus Ireland on June 5, in New York.

India's squad for T20 World Cup 2024:

Rohit Sharma (C), Hardik Pandya (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah.

Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan

Former Indian chief selector Kris Srikkanth has lashed out at the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee for picking out-of-form Shubman Gill over Ruturaj Gaikwad in India's 15-man T20 World Cup squad.

Former Indian chief selector Kris Srikkanth has lashed out at the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee for picking out-of-form Shubman Gill over Ruturaj Gaikwad in India's 15-man T20 World Cup squad. On Tuesday (April 30), the BCCI announced India's squad which features Rohit Sharma as the captain along with regulars such as Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, etc. Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson were also named in the main squad with Gill, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed and Rinku Singh part of the reserves list. This has not been well received by Srikkanth -- India's 1983 World Cup-winning member -- as he feels Gill is completely out of form in the ongoing IPL 2024 edition, contrary to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Gaikwad. So far, Gujarat Titans (GT) captain Gill has 320 runs in 10 games at an average of 35.56. Meanwhile, Gaikwad is the top run-getter with 509 runs -- at 63.63 and a strike-rate of 146.68 with 4 fifties and a hundred. Thus, Srikkanth feels it wasn't fair to overlook the CSK captain's purple patch and claimed that selection is 'all about favouritism'. 'Gill is selectors' delight, team selection is all about favouritism' Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel 'Cheeky Chekka', "Shubman Gill is totally out of form, but why he's selected in the team. There's no doubt that Ruturaj Gaikwad deserves a place. He scored more than 500 runs in 17 innings. Also he scored a century against Australia. Shubman Gill is selectors' delight. He gets chance even if he fails. He finds place even if he fails in Test, ODIs and T20s.There's too much of favoritism in selection. The team selection is all about favouritism." Also read: ‘You’ve made him a scapegoat,’ former Indian cricketer blasts BCCI for Rinku Singh’s exclusion from WC squad Srikkanth even slammed the selectors for not including Rinku in the main squad, despite a strike-rate of 176.23 in 15 T20Is. In this regard, he added, "I am not at all happy. C'mon all of you. Rinku Singh has been spoken about all over the world. He has performed in each and every opportunity he has got. How can you drop Rinku Singh? You drop anyone else, it doesn't matter. In my view, Rinku Singh should have been there, even if that meant you had to drop Yashasvi Jaiswal." India are in Group A along with arch-rivals Pakistan, Ireland, USA and Canada and begin their campaign versus Ireland on June 5, in New York. India's squad for T20 World Cup 2024: Rohit Sharma (C), Hardik Pandya (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah. Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan

T20 WC: Srikkanth SLAMS BCCI for picking Shubman Gill over Ruturaj Gaikwad, says 'it is all about favouritism'

Indian cricket's newest sensation, Mayank Yadav, is set to receive a pace-bowling contract from the BCCI, per the latest report; however, the Delhi seamer might miss the remainder of IPL 2024 with a potential abdominal muscle tear, which he suffered during his return game against Mumbai Indians.

Indian cricket's newest sensation, Mayank Yadav, is set to receive a pace-bowling contract from the BCCI, per the latest report; however, the Delhi seamer might miss the remainder of IPL 2024 with a potential abdominal muscle tear, which he suffered during his return game against Mumbai Indians. It's his second injury since making a mind-blowing IPL debut earlier this season. Per a source close to the information, Mayank has suffered a grade 1 tear, staying on the sidelines at least till the group games. However, the source claims if Mayank recovers from the injury and LSG qualify for the playoffs, he could return to the playing XI. "Mayank has a tear, but it is more likely a grade 1 tear. It will be cutting it fine but in case LSG qualifies for the playoffs, he might just be able to play the knock-out games. But it is like hoping against hope, and right now he is doubtful for the remaining IPL games," a BCCI source informed PTI on condition of anonymity. ALSO READ: India favourites for T20 World Cup 2024, says Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara Meanwhile, making headlines for clocking over 150 Kmph regularly, with wicket-taking line and length, Mayank has been rewarded for his exploits, as BCCI seeks to handle his situation with utmost care. The Indian Cricket Board picked a few bowlers - Umran Malik, Vidwath Kaverappa, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Dayal and Akash Deep, who would be handed the pace-bowling contract. "He will soon be handed a pace bowling contract, and once he is in the BCCI Pathways structure, his growth will be systematically monitored. "The national selection committee and the Indian team management would like to gradually blood him and ensure that he can maintain peak fitness," the BCCI source added. What is a pace-bowling contract? Under this contract, Mayank, alongside all other names, will be placed under NCA's Sports Science and Medical team’s supervision, which will take care of his injury management and fitness programme. Meanwhile, following his blockbuster IPL debut, wherein he won two back-to-back Player of the Match awards, Mayank suffered stiffness in his lower back during his third match (against GT), missing a few games for Lucknow later. Upon his return to the playing XI for the MI game at home, he walked away in discomfort after bowling 3.1 overs, picking one wicket and conceding 31 runs. However, the latest reports suggest that Mayank was considered for selection for the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA. But given his injury status, BCCI’s primary aim is to ensure he remains fit, as they wish to bring him into contention for his international debut.

BCCI to offer Mayank Yadav a pace-bowling contract as LSG seamer set to miss IPL 2024 with injury

Former India bowler and commentator Irfan Pathan&nbsp;has taken a dig at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for giving special treatment to Hardik Pandya as they prepare&nbsp;for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and&nbsp;the USA. Despite Pandya struggling to put together a neat performance as the captain of Mumbai Indians in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) he is still expected&nbsp;to board the flight for the T20 World Cup. According to Pathan, he should&nbsp;be treated&nbsp;as every other player in the Indian squad by the BCCI.&nbsp;

<h2>Irfan takes dig at&nbsp;BCCI</h2>

"What I feel about Hardik Pandya is that Indian cricket needs to&nbsp;make it clear&nbsp;that they should not give him&nbsp;that&nbsp;much priority as they have given him so far because we still&nbsp;haven't&nbsp;won the World Cup.&nbsp;And if you think you are a primary all-rounder, you need to make that kind of an impact at the international level. As far as the all-rounder is&nbsp;concerned&nbsp;he&nbsp;hasn't&nbsp;made that impact at the international level, we&nbsp;are only thinking about the potential,”&nbsp;Irfan said while speaking on Star Sports.&nbsp;

Hardik is one of the first names to be heading to the USA with the Indian team during the T20 World Cup&nbsp;which&nbsp;starts on June 1. However, considering his poor form as captain&nbsp;Hardik would be&nbsp;under pressure,&nbsp;but&nbsp;he is not feeling the heat.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-crickets-turning-into-baseball-sam-curran-reflects-on-pbks-record-chase-at-eden-gardens-715596">IPL 2024: ‘Cricket’s turning into baseball’ – Sam Curran reflects on PBKS’ record chase at Eden Gardens</a>

<h2>Is Hardik getting VIP treatment despite missing Tests?</h2>

Considering&nbsp;BCCI’s&nbsp;policy to ask players to play domestic cricket on mandate, Hardik has frequently skipped first-class cricket and avoided playing in&nbsp;Test&nbsp;format. Despite this, he has not been penalised by BCCI. Hardik last played for India in Test format in September&nbsp;2018&nbsp;while his last Ranji Trophy match came in December 2018 when he represented Baroda against Mumbai.&nbsp;

With players like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer getting omitted from the central contract by BCCI, Hardik still retained his place.&nbsp;

Former India bowler and commentator Irfan Pathan has taken a dig at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for giving special treatment to Hardik Pandya as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.

Former India bowler and commentator Irfan Pathan has taken a dig at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for giving special treatment to Hardik Pandya as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. Despite Pandya struggling to put together a neat performance as the captain of Mumbai Indians in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) he is still expected to board the flight for the T20 World Cup. According to Pathan, he should be treated as every other player in the Indian squad by the BCCI. Irfan takes dig at BCCI "What I feel about Hardik Pandya is that Indian cricket needs to make it clear that they should not give him that much priority as they have given him so far because we still haven't won the World Cup. And if you think you are a primary all-rounder, you need to make that kind of an impact at the international level. As far as the all-rounder is concerned he hasn't made that impact at the international level, we are only thinking about the potential,” Irfan said while speaking on Star Sports. Hardik is one of the first names to be heading to the USA with the Indian team during the T20 World Cup which starts on June 1. However, considering his poor form as captain Hardik would be under pressure, but he is not feeling the heat. ALSO READ | IPL 2024: ‘Cricket’s turning into baseball’ – Sam Curran reflects on PBKS’ record chase at Eden Gardens Is Hardik getting VIP treatment despite missing Tests? Considering BCCI’s policy to ask players to play domestic cricket on mandate, Hardik has frequently skipped first-class cricket and avoided playing in Test format. Despite this, he has not been penalised by BCCI. Hardik last played for India in Test format in September 2018 while his last Ranji Trophy match came in December 2018 when he represented Baroda against Mumbai. With players like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer getting omitted from the central contract by BCCI, Hardik still retained his place.

'Shouldn't give him that much priority': Former pacer blasts Hardik Pandya's 'VIP' treatment by BCCI

BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar and India captain Rohit Sharma are said to have an informal meeting on the team selection for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup (in the Caribbean and the USA) in New Delhi as the deadline date (May 1) for the squad submission nears.

BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar and India captain Rohit Sharma are said to have an informal meeting on the team selection for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup (in the Caribbean and the USA) in New Delhi as the deadline date (May 1) for the squad submission nears. Under ICC’s regulations, all participating teams must submit their final squads one month before the start of the tournament, which gets underway on June 1. As per the latest reports, Agarkar flew to the national capital to watch the Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians IPL clash the other day and is said to be sitting with Rohit before the selectors decide on the final 15 for the 20-team tournament. Although most of the first-team players will walk into the side for the marquee event, the decision-makers will discuss the selection of a couple of players. Earlier reports suggested that there won’t be many surprises in the final 15, with the focus on MI captain Hardik Pandya. Under Pandya’s captaincy, Mumbai has struggled to find a rhythm, losing six out of the nine contested matches. While Pandya looks out of sorts as he struggles with the bat in hand, selectors would look into how he bowls as they wish to name one of the two between Pandya and Shivam Dube for the all-rounders’ slot in the Indian Team. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: CSK coach Michael Hussey comes in defence of Ravindra Jadeja over batting concerns Meanwhile, Dube has pressed for his case for selection with his outstanding show this season, with the ball in the selectors’ court on whom to pick. Outside of the regulars, including Rishabh Pant as the first-choice keeper, KL Rahul is said to be leading the race for the backup choice, with Sanju Samson lagging despite power showing in IPL 2024. For the middle and lower order, two batters to be discussed are Rinku Singh and MI’s Tilak Varma. While both have impressed with their constant performances this season, Rinku might make the cut ahead of Varma. Who’d be the bowlers? Ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh are the likely contenders for the pace department; the selectors are also keen on picking two spin-bowling all-rounders in Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, with Kuldeep Yadav being the lone specialist. However, the selectors are not ruling out the inclusion of Yuzvendra Chahal or Ravi Bishnoi as the second-choice spinner, with Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar in line to find a place in the side for the 2024 T20 World Cup.

T20 World Cup: Agarkar, Rohit to have informal meeting on team selection in Delhi as deadline date nears

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to consider a&nbsp;big&nbsp;pay rise for&nbsp;domestic players in the country to encourage participation in domestic competitions.&nbsp;The selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar&nbsp;is&nbsp;reportedly tasked&nbsp;with suggestions on&nbsp;how to implement&nbsp;this idea. The players in the domestic circuit will reportedly earn INR 10 million per annum if the&nbsp;suggestions&nbsp;are implemented. One of the key reasons for implementing the new policy is to help players&nbsp;earn&nbsp;a significant sum who have missed out on an Indian Premier League (IPL) contract.

<h2>Domestic players to get big hike</h2>

Players playing in the IPL earn considerably more amount when compared to the Ranji Trophy, Irani Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.&nbsp;However,&nbsp;a bulk of players does&nbsp;not participate in the IPL&nbsp;leaving&nbsp;them deprived of big cash.&nbsp;Sarfaraz Khan and Cheteshwar Pujara are the best examples&nbsp;of it&nbsp;as&nbsp;they earn less than players like Rahul Tewatia and Tushar Deshpande, who&nbsp;are&nbsp;yet to make their debuts for the national side.

The BCCI is now focusing on bridging the gap in financial terms, although it&nbsp;won’t&nbsp;be any closer to what players earn from the IPL. The BCCI currently pays INR 60,000 a day to a player who has played more than 40 Ranji games, INR 50,000 to those who have played between 21 and 40 games, and INR 40,000 for those&nbsp;who've&nbsp;featured in 20 games, with the reserves earning INR 30,000, INR 25,000 and INR 20,000 in the respective categories. On this&nbsp;scale of payment, a senior cricketer would be earning up to INR 25 lakh if his side reaches the final&nbsp;with&nbsp;others in the side making between INR 17 lakh and INR 22 lakh.

While there is no official word on when the policy will come into effect, the BCCI&nbsp;is expecting it&nbsp;to implement it before the end of the 2024-25 domestic season.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-dont-spread-nonsense-ambati-rayudu-goes-ballistic-over-fake-attributed-quotes-on-ruturaj-gaikwad-714818">IPL 2024: 'Don’t spread nonsense', Ambati Rayudu goes ballistic over fake attributed quotes on Ruturaj Gaikwad</a>

India legend Sunil Gavaskar had earlier&nbsp;suggested that fees for domestic cricketers be doubled or tripled.

"If the Ranji Trophy fees can be doubled or tripled, certainly there'll be a lot more people playing the Ranji Trophy, and a lot less pullouts from the Ranji Trophy, because if the fees of playing a Ranji Trophy match are a good fee, there will be fewer people pulling out for various reasons," the cricket legend had stated last month.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to consider a big pay rise for domestic players in the country to encourage participation in domestic competitions.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to consider a big pay rise for domestic players in the country to encourage participation in domestic competitions. The selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar is reportedly tasked with suggestions on how to implement this idea. The players in the domestic circuit will reportedly earn INR 10 million per annum if the suggestions are implemented. One of the key reasons for implementing the new policy is to help players earn a significant sum who have missed out on an Indian Premier League (IPL) contract. Domestic players to get big hike Players playing in the IPL earn considerably more amount when compared to the Ranji Trophy, Irani Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. However, a bulk of players does not participate in the IPL leaving them deprived of big cash. Sarfaraz Khan and Cheteshwar Pujara are the best examples of it as they earn less than players like Rahul Tewatia and Tushar Deshpande, who are yet to make their debuts for the national side. The BCCI is now focusing on bridging the gap in financial terms, although it won’t be any closer to what players earn from the IPL. The BCCI currently pays INR 60,000 a day to a player who has played more than 40 Ranji games, INR 50,000 to those who have played between 21 and 40 games, and INR 40,000 for those who've featured in 20 games, with the reserves earning INR 30,000, INR 25,000 and INR 20,000 in the respective categories. On this scale of payment, a senior cricketer would be earning up to INR 25 lakh if his side reaches the final with others in the side making between INR 17 lakh and INR 22 lakh. While there is no official word on when the policy will come into effect, the BCCI is expecting it to implement it before the end of the 2024-25 domestic season. ALSO READ | IPL 2024: 'Don’t spread nonsense', Ambati Rayudu goes ballistic over fake attributed quotes on Ruturaj Gaikwad India legend Sunil Gavaskar had earlier suggested that fees for domestic cricketers be doubled or tripled. "If the Ranji Trophy fees can be doubled or tripled, certainly there'll be a lot more people playing the Ranji Trophy, and a lot less pullouts from the Ranji Trophy, because if the fees of playing a Ranji Trophy match are a good fee, there will be fewer people pulling out for various reasons," the cricket legend had stated last month.

BCCI considers big pay hike in domestic cricket, players could earn INR 10 million per season

The 2024 T20 World Cup squad selection announcement is just around the corner, and BCCI selectors are not taking ‘surprise picks’ as an option, as per the latest reports. Although Virat Kohli’s selection is imminent despite several media reports of decision-makers being unhappy with his strike rate, mainly against the spinners outside of the Powerplay, the Ajit Agarkar-led committee also focusses on bringing Rishabh Pant back on the board.

The Indian captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid and chief selector Agarkar are said to meet on April 27 in New Delhi to finalise the 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup in June in the Caribbean and the USA.

As per the latest reports, Rohit and Kohli will be the marquee players, with the selectors also keen on putting Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill on the team sheet. Ace T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav will be on that flight for the T20 WC, accompanied by CSK’s star all-rounder Shivam Dube, KKR finisher Rinku Singh and Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-should-be-indias-openers-at-t20-world-cup-reckons-former-captain-sourav-ganguly-713910">Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma should be India's openers at T20 World Cup, reckons former captain Sourav Ganguly</a>

In the keeper’s category, with plenty of options, the selectors are said to be picking returning Rishabh Pant, with KL Rahul and Sanju Samson emerging as top contenders as the backup. Dinesh Karthik, who thus far has scored 251 runs at a whopping strike rate of 196.08 in eight contested games this season, falls behind KL and Sanju in the pecking order.

As for the top performers with the bat in hand, RR’s Riyan Parag and SRH opener Abhishek Sharma, both might not be considered as BCCI wants to try them first in the bilateral series.&nbsp;

<h2>No sign of Chahal</h2>

Yuzvendra Chahal – IPL’s highest wicket-taker and among the top performers this season, continues to stay on the sidelines as selectors are convinced with Kuldeep Yadav as the lone spin-bowling option. Two all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, will also be on that flight to the USA and West Indies.

While Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh will be the other bowlers. Pandya or Dube, if picked, will be the seam-bowling options for Captain Rohit.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the 20-team tournament will begin on June 1, with India placed alongside arch-rivals Pakistan in Group A. The marquee clash between two heavyweights will take place at a newly built stadium in New York on June 9. Hosts USA and their neighbours Canada are the other two teams in Group A.&nbsp;

The 2024 T20 World Cup squad selection announcement is just around the corner, and BCCI selectors are not taking ‘surprise picks’ as an option, as per the latest reports.

The 2024 T20 World Cup squad selection announcement is just around the corner, and BCCI selectors are not taking ‘surprise picks’ as an option, as per the latest reports. Although Virat Kohli’s selection is imminent despite several media reports of decision-makers being unhappy with his strike rate, mainly against the spinners outside of the Powerplay, the Ajit Agarkar-led committee also focusses on bringing Rishabh Pant back on the board. The Indian captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid and chief selector Agarkar are said to meet on April 27 in New Delhi to finalise the 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup in June in the Caribbean and the USA. As per the latest reports, Rohit and Kohli will be the marquee players, with the selectors also keen on putting Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill on the team sheet. Ace T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav will be on that flight for the T20 WC, accompanied by CSK’s star all-rounder Shivam Dube, KKR finisher Rinku Singh and Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma should be India's openers at T20 World Cup, reckons former captain Sourav Ganguly In the keeper’s category, with plenty of options, the selectors are said to be picking returning Rishabh Pant, with KL Rahul and Sanju Samson emerging as top contenders as the backup. Dinesh Karthik, who thus far has scored 251 runs at a whopping strike rate of 196.08 in eight contested games this season, falls behind KL and Sanju in the pecking order. As for the top performers with the bat in hand, RR’s Riyan Parag and SRH opener Abhishek Sharma, both might not be considered as BCCI wants to try them first in the bilateral series. No sign of Chahal Yuzvendra Chahal – IPL’s highest wicket-taker and among the top performers this season, continues to stay on the sidelines as selectors are convinced with Kuldeep Yadav as the lone spin-bowling option. Two all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, will also be on that flight to the USA and West Indies. While Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh will be the other bowlers. Pandya or Dube, if picked, will be the seam-bowling options for Captain Rohit. Meanwhile, the 20-team tournament will begin on June 1, with India placed alongside arch-rivals Pakistan in Group A. The marquee clash between two heavyweights will take place at a newly built stadium in New York on June 9. Hosts USA and their neighbours Canada are the other two teams in Group A.

No signs for Chahal, Parag as BCCI selectors gear up for T20 World Cup squad selection – Reports

Virat Kohli has been fined 50 per cent of his match fee for a code of conduct violation during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday (Apr 21).&nbsp;

Kohli was visibly displeased after he was given out during the chase whilst playing a high-fulltoss, which he argued was above&nbsp;the waist height.&nbsp;

"Mr Virat Kohli, Batter, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has been fined 50 per cent of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during Match 36 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on April 21, 2024," IPL said in a statement.

It added that Kohli committed a Level 1 offence under Article 2.8 of the IPL's Code of Conduct.&nbsp;

"For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee's decision is final and binding," the statement added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-andre-russell-stars-in-comeback-win-for-kkr-against-old-foes-rcb-713622">IPL 2024: Andre Russell stars in comeback win for KKR against old foes RCB</a>

<h2>What happened?&nbsp;</h2>

After KKR posted a challenging target of 223, RCB were off to a flying start, courtesy of Kohli and Faf du Plessis. However, in the third over,&nbsp;Harshit Rana’s dipping full toss found Kohli’s leading edge and&nbsp;the former&nbsp;grabbed it off his bowling to send the RCB star back in the hut.

Although from the naked eye it looked not out as the ball was above the waist height, the TV replays showed that the ball was dipping. The fact that Kohli was outside his crease went against him as well with the third umpire giving the benefit of doubt to the fielding team.&nbsp;

The decision irked Kohli, who argued with the on-field umpires and later walked away in utter disbelief and agony. He could also be seen hitting a dustbin outside the boundary ropes while returning to the pavilion.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-rules-are-rules-rcb-captain-faf-du-plessis-on-virat-kohlis-controversial-dismissal-713638">Also read |&nbsp;IPL 2024: ‘Rules are rules...’- RCB captain Faf du Plessis on Virat Kohli’s controversial dismissal</a>

“It was crazy; rules are rules; Virat and myself thought that the ball was higher than the waist (on Kohli's dismissal), I guess they measured from the popping crease, one team thinks it's high, the other doesn't. That's how the game goes at times,” Faf told the broadcasters after the game.

In the end, RCB lost the match by an agonising one-run margin to slip further in the points table, with hopes of making it to the playoffs taking a major hit.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Virat Kohli has been fined 50 per cent of his match fee for a code of conduct violation during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday (Apr 21).

Virat Kohli has been fined 50 per cent of his match fee for a code of conduct violation during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday (Apr 21). Kohli was visibly displeased after he was given out during the chase whilst playing a high-fulltoss, which he argued was above the waist height. "Mr Virat Kohli, Batter, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has been fined 50 per cent of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during Match 36 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on April 21, 2024," IPL said in a statement. It added that Kohli committed a Level 1 offence under Article 2.8 of the IPL's Code of Conduct. "For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee's decision is final and binding," the statement added. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: Andre Russell stars in comeback win for KKR against old foes RCB What happened? After KKR posted a challenging target of 223, RCB were off to a flying start, courtesy of Kohli and Faf du Plessis. However, in the third over, Harshit Rana’s dipping full toss found Kohli’s leading edge and the former grabbed it off his bowling to send the RCB star back in the hut. Although from the naked eye it looked not out as the ball was above the waist height, the TV replays showed that the ball was dipping. The fact that Kohli was outside his crease went against him as well with the third umpire giving the benefit of doubt to the fielding team. The decision irked Kohli, who argued with the on-field umpires and later walked away in utter disbelief and agony. He could also be seen hitting a dustbin outside the boundary ropes while returning to the pavilion. Also read | IPL 2024: ‘Rules are rules...’- RCB captain Faf du Plessis on Virat Kohli’s controversial dismissal “It was crazy; rules are rules; Virat and myself thought that the ball was higher than the waist (on Kohli's dismissal), I guess they measured from the popping crease, one team thinks it's high, the other doesn't. That's how the game goes at times,” Faf told the broadcasters after the game. In the end, RCB lost the match by an agonising one-run margin to slip further in the points table, with hopes of making it to the playoffs taking a major hit. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2024: Virat Kohli heavily fined for breach of code of conduct during RCB vs KKR clash

Ruturaj Gaikwad and KL Rahul, skippers of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have been fined by the Board on Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The captains were reprimanded for maintaining a slow over rate during their sides' match on April 19.

With this being the first offence of both teams, they have been fined $15,000 (INR 12 lakh) each. The board released a statement regarding the same after the match. As for the match, LSG beat CSK by eight wickets on the back of Rahul's 53-ball 82.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2024-theres-a-lack-of-ex-india-batter-explains-reason-behind-removing-rohit-sharma-as-mi-skipper-713308">'There's a lack of...,' Ex-India batter explains reason behind removing Rohit Sharma as MI skipper</a>

Chasing a target of 177, LSG were in cruise control since the beginning, thanks to their openers Quinton de Kock (53) and Rahul adding 134 runs in 15 overs for the first wicket.

CSK had a good start to the game after winning the toss but lost the track in the middle overs. CSK skipper Gaikwad acknowledged that his team couldn't capitalise in the middle overs while Rahul gave credit to pre-plan strategy and execution for the below par target.

"Obviously, there's a bit of time we spend on doing homework, [and] talking about tactics and strategies against the opposition. And yeah, that was one of our strategies: to use pace, use spin, and make sure that they don't get settled into playing one type of bowling. So [I] tried to mix it around.

"And I think credit goes to the bowlers: I can do all the changing, but if they don't execute, then all of us look stupid as a team. They executed really well. We work really hard at training, and it's good to see that the team is sticking to the plans," Rahul said.

For CSK, it was their third loss in seven games as they stay put at third place on the 10-team points table. LSG, on the other hand, also have same wins in same number of games but are currently fifth on the points table owing to lower net run rate.

Ruturaj Gaikwad and KL Rahul, skippers of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have been fined by the Board on Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Ruturaj Gaikwad and KL Rahul, skippers of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have been fined by the Board on Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The captains were reprimanded for maintaining a slow over rate during their sides' match on April 19. With this being the first offence of both teams, they have been fined $15,000 (INR 12 lakh) each. The board released a statement regarding the same after the match. As for the match, LSG beat CSK by eight wickets on the back of Rahul's 53-ball 82. Also Read: 'There's a lack of...,' Ex-India batter explains reason behind removing Rohit Sharma as MI skipper Chasing a target of 177, LSG were in cruise control since the beginning, thanks to their openers Quinton de Kock (53) and Rahul adding 134 runs in 15 overs for the first wicket. CSK had a good start to the game after winning the toss but lost the track in the middle overs. CSK skipper Gaikwad acknowledged that his team couldn't capitalise in the middle overs while Rahul gave credit to pre-plan strategy and execution for the below par target. "Obviously, there's a bit of time we spend on doing homework, [and] talking about tactics and strategies against the opposition. And yeah, that was one of our strategies: to use pace, use spin, and make sure that they don't get settled into playing one type of bowling. So [I] tried to mix it around. "And I think credit goes to the bowlers: I can do all the changing, but if they don't execute, then all of us look stupid as a team. They executed really well. We work really hard at training, and it's good to see that the team is sticking to the plans," Rahul said. For CSK, it was their third loss in seven games as they stay put at third place on the 10-team points table. LSG, on the other hand, also have same wins in same number of games but are currently fifth on the points table owing to lower net run rate.

IPL 2024: BCCI fines Ruturaj Gaikwad and KL Rahul INR 1.2 million each for THIS reason

India captain Rohit Sharma has debunked claims of a top-tier meeting with head coach Rahul Dravid and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar to decide on the 2024 T20 World Cup squad. Per Rohit, all three concerned names are in different parts of the world and have not spoken on this, let alone meeting. While Rohit is playing IPL 2024 for Mumbai Indians, Agarkar is said to be in Dubai, and Dravid is busy with his family in his hometown Bengaluru.

Following the England Tests at home, speculations surrounding changes in Indian cricket team are making headlines, with the T20 World Cup being the highlight. Earlier, as per several media reports, all three were said to have met to discuss the squad for the 20-team-tournament in the Caribbean and the USA starting June 1.

Reports suggested that Rohit, Dravid and Agarkar talked about Hardik Pandya's future in the white-ball side, given his exploits in the ongoing cash-rich league, wherein his lack of bowling has raised tensions for the India captain and selectors.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-playing-for-bengaluru-would-have-been-ideal-lsgs-kl-rahul-hints-at-future-switch-712657">IPL 2024: 'Playing for Bengaluru would have been ideal' - LSG's KL Rahul hints at future switch</a>

"I haven't met anyone," Rohit said during the Club Prairie Fire podcast involving Michael Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist. "Ajit Agarkar is somewhere in Dubai playing golf, and Rahul Dravid is actually watching his kids play in Bengaluru... We haven't met, to be honest."

"In today's day and age, unless you hear it from either myself or Rahul himself or Ajit himself or someone from BCCI coming and talking in front of the camera, everything is fake," he continued.&nbsp;

<h2>Pressure on selectors to pick right squad</h2>

Despite India coming agonisingly close to winning the home World Cup last year, they failed, losing to Australia in the summit clash by six wickets. As the Men in Blue look to end their trophy drought at the top level, the 2024 T20 World Cup comes across as a perfect opportunity.

However, with that comes a bigger risk of picking the right players for the&nbsp;format. Considering that IPL performances will play a role in selectors naming a final 15 for the marquee event, some players have failed to live up to their hype this season.&nbsp;

While the selectors have their eyes set on the newcomers trying to break into the bigger picture, they cannot overlook what experienced players have brought to the table before.&nbsp;

The selection committee would name the squad around April end or beginning of May.&nbsp;

India captain Rohit Sharma has debunked claims of a top-tier meeting with head coach Rahul Dravid and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar to decide on the 2024 T20 World Cup squad.

India captain Rohit Sharma has debunked claims of a top-tier meeting with head coach Rahul Dravid and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar to decide on the 2024 T20 World Cup squad. Per Rohit, all three concerned names are in different parts of the world and have not spoken on this, let alone meeting. While Rohit is playing IPL 2024 for Mumbai Indians, Agarkar is said to be in Dubai, and Dravid is busy with his family in his hometown Bengaluru. Following the England Tests at home, speculations surrounding changes in Indian cricket team are making headlines, with the T20 World Cup being the highlight. Earlier, as per several media reports, all three were said to have met to discuss the squad for the 20-team-tournament in the Caribbean and the USA starting June 1. Reports suggested that Rohit, Dravid and Agarkar talked about Hardik Pandya's future in the white-ball side, given his exploits in the ongoing cash-rich league, wherein his lack of bowling has raised tensions for the India captain and selectors. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: 'Playing for Bengaluru would have been ideal' - LSG's KL Rahul hints at future switch "I haven't met anyone," Rohit said during the Club Prairie Fire podcast involving Michael Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist. "Ajit Agarkar is somewhere in Dubai playing golf, and Rahul Dravid is actually watching his kids play in Bengaluru... We haven't met, to be honest." "In today's day and age, unless you hear it from either myself or Rahul himself or Ajit himself or someone from BCCI coming and talking in front of the camera, everything is fake," he continued. Pressure on selectors to pick right squad Despite India coming agonisingly close to winning the home World Cup last year, they failed, losing to Australia in the summit clash by six wickets. As the Men in Blue look to end their trophy drought at the top level, the 2024 T20 World Cup comes across as a perfect opportunity. However, with that comes a bigger risk of picking the right players for the format. Considering that IPL performances will play a role in selectors naming a final 15 for the marquee event, some players have failed to live up to their hype this season. While the selectors have their eyes set on the newcomers trying to break into the bigger picture, they cannot overlook what experienced players have brought to the table before. The selection committee would name the squad around April end or beginning of May.

Rohit Sharma debunks claims of top-tier meeting with Dravid, Agarkar regarding T20 World Cup squad

India's legendary tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi has asked for sale of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The comment&nbsp;comes after RCB's dismal show in the ongoing IPL season where they lost to SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 15. Notably, RCB only have one win in seven games played this season so far with their only win coming against Punjab Kings.

"For the sake of the Sport, the IPL, the fans and even the players I think BCCI needs to enforce the sale of RCB to a new owner who will care to build a sports franchise the way most of the other teams have done so," Bhupathi wrote on X after the RCB's loss against SRH.

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For the sake of the Sport , the IPL, the fans and even the players i think BCCI needs to enforce the Sale of RCB to a New owner who will care to build a sports franchise the way most of the other teams have done so. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tragic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tragic</a>
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Bengaluru bowlers had a horrible day in the field on Monday, conceding 287 runs in 20 overs - the most in an IPL innings. While chasing, they did do better as Virat Kohli and Faf&nbsp;du Plessis scored 80 runs in 6.1 overs. RCB always needed something special to win the game but once Kohli departed in the seventh over, the chase derailed.

Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2024-video-rcbs-dinesh-karthik-hits-108-metre-six-vs-srh-ball-lands-on-stadium-roof-711743">VIDEO | RCB's Dinesh Karthik hits 108-metre six vs SRH, ball lands on stadium roof</a>

They were soon 122/5 at midway when Karthik and Mahipal Lomror took over. The duo added 59 runs in 25 balls to give RCB a sniff but the target was too much to handle. RCB, even though posted the highest total in a chase, fell short by 25 runs despite scoring 262/7.

RCB started the campaign with loss against five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) but won their next game against Punjab Kings. In the next five matches, RCB have lost to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by seven wickets, to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 28 runs, to Rajasthan Royals (RR) by six wickets, and to Mumbai Indians (MI) by seven wickets before losing to SRH on Monday.

RCB currently are at bottom of the points table with seven more league matches to go this season.

India's legendary tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi has asked for sale of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The comment comes after RCB's dismal show in the ongoing IPL season where they lost to SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 15.

India's legendary tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi has asked for sale of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The comment comes after RCB's dismal show in the ongoing IPL season where they lost to SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 15. Notably, RCB only have one win in seven games played this season so far with their only win coming against Punjab Kings. "For the sake of the Sport, the IPL, the fans and even the players I think BCCI needs to enforce the sale of RCB to a new owner who will care to build a sports franchise the way most of the other teams have done so," Bhupathi wrote on X after the RCB's loss against SRH. For the sake of the Sport , the IPL, the fans and even the players i think BCCI needs to enforce the Sale of RCB to a New owner who will care to build a sports franchise the way most of the other teams have done so. #tragic — Mahesh Bhupathi (@Maheshbhupathi) April 15, 2024 × Bengaluru bowlers had a horrible day in the field on Monday, conceding 287 runs in 20 overs - the most in an IPL innings. While chasing, they did do better as Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis scored 80 runs in 6.1 overs. RCB always needed something special to win the game but once Kohli departed in the seventh over, the chase derailed. Also Watch: VIDEO | RCB's Dinesh Karthik hits 108-metre six vs SRH, ball lands on stadium roof They were soon 122/5 at midway when Karthik and Mahipal Lomror took over. The duo added 59 runs in 25 balls to give RCB a sniff but the target was too much to handle. RCB, even though posted the highest total in a chase, fell short by 25 runs despite scoring 262/7. RCB started the campaign with loss against five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) but won their next game against Punjab Kings. In the next five matches, RCB have lost to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by seven wickets, to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 28 runs, to Rajasthan Royals (RR) by six wickets, and to Mumbai Indians (MI) by seven wickets before losing to SRH on Monday. RCB currently are at bottom of the points table with seven more league matches to go this season.

IPL 2024: 'For the sake of...,' tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi asks BCCI to 'enforce sale' of RCB

Since winning the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in 2007, the Indian Team has not been able to lift&nbsp;the trophy again. While failing to deliver on D-days is deemed one of the reasons, the selectors, on their part, failing to pick the right squad is also pointed as an excuse for India’s dry run in this tournament. However, Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has a solution.

Speaking to the media ahead of MI vs CSK’s IPL game at the Wankhede on Sunday night, Fleming, while reverting to one of the questions surrounding Shivam Dube’s chances of breaking into India's T20 WC squad, said the Indian selectors must decide on the template they want to play at the tournament and then pick the team around it.

This advice is a much-needed one for the BCCI selectors, who have a massive task of picking the best 15 for the 20-team-tournament, starting on June 1 in the Caribbean and the USA.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-brian-lara-hypes-mis-superlative-suryakumar-ahead-of-chennai-tie-at-wankhede-711180">IPL 2024: Brian Lara hypes MI's superlative Suryakumar ahead of Chennai tie at Wankhede</a>

“The thing for me is, what type of game plan do they want to play during the World Cup? What have they identified as the right style of play for India in an away condition?” Fleming said.

“Then put players into that rather than just picking players and trying to find a game plan. I would be looking at the style of play that I would want, and then pick the players that are in-form and can perform the role that will best win that design,” CSK’s head coach continued.

<h2>‘Hardest job in the world’</h2>

While backing the selectors for doing the hardest job in Indian cricket to name a team worthy of lifting an ICC title, Fleming explained his reasons behind opting for Dube for the marquee event.&nbsp;

Dube has been CSK’s standout batter this season, smashing 176 runs in four matches, striking at 160.

“It’s probably one of the hardest jobs in world cricket, isn’t it, being an Indian selector? On one hand, very jealous as a New Zealander looking at the amount of talent that is on show and new players every game sort of pop up,” Fleming said.

“I love his power. I’m biased, aren’t I? But I think when you have a bit different power like that; I would have him in the side,” the head coach added.

Meanwhile, the Indian selectors are said to be naming the T20 World Cup squad by the end of April or by May’s first week.

Since winning the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in 2007, the Indian Team has not been able to lift the trophy again. While failing to deliver on D-days is deemed one of the reasons, the selectors, on their part, failing to pick the right squad is also pointed as an excuse for India’s dry run in this tournament.

Since winning the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in 2007, the Indian Team has not been able to lift the trophy again. While failing to deliver on D-days is deemed one of the reasons, the selectors, on their part, failing to pick the right squad is also pointed as an excuse for India’s dry run in this tournament. However, Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has a solution. Speaking to the media ahead of MI vs CSK’s IPL game at the Wankhede on Sunday night, Fleming, while reverting to one of the questions surrounding Shivam Dube’s chances of breaking into India's T20 WC squad, said the Indian selectors must decide on the template they want to play at the tournament and then pick the team around it. This advice is a much-needed one for the BCCI selectors, who have a massive task of picking the best 15 for the 20-team-tournament, starting on June 1 in the Caribbean and the USA. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: Brian Lara hypes MI's superlative Suryakumar ahead of Chennai tie at Wankhede “The thing for me is, what type of game plan do they want to play during the World Cup? What have they identified as the right style of play for India in an away condition?” Fleming said. “Then put players into that rather than just picking players and trying to find a game plan. I would be looking at the style of play that I would want, and then pick the players that are in-form and can perform the role that will best win that design,” CSK’s head coach continued. ‘Hardest job in the world’ While backing the selectors for doing the hardest job in Indian cricket to name a team worthy of lifting an ICC title, Fleming explained his reasons behind opting for Dube for the marquee event. Dube has been CSK’s standout batter this season, smashing 176 runs in four matches, striking at 160. “It’s probably one of the hardest jobs in world cricket, isn’t it, being an Indian selector? On one hand, very jealous as a New Zealander looking at the amount of talent that is on show and new players every game sort of pop up,” Fleming said. “I love his power. I’m biased, aren’t I? But I think when you have a bit different power like that; I would have him in the side,” the head coach added. Meanwhile, the Indian selectors are said to be naming the T20 World Cup squad by the end of April or by May’s first week.

Fleming’s advice to BCCI selectors for T20 WC squad selection - ‘Identify a template and then pick players’

BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar has heaped praise on Virat Kohli ahead of the T20 World Cup team selection. Agarkar said Kohli had revolutionised the fitness benchmarks in Indian cricket and that those aspiring to take up the sport had been massively influenced by him.

BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar has heaped praise on Virat Kohli ahead of the T20 World Cup team selection. Agarkar said Kohli had revolutionised the fitness benchmarks in Indian cricket and that those aspiring to take up the sport had been massively influenced by him. Agarkar's praise should come as assurance for Kohli fans who have been worried that the former Indian captain would not be on the plane to the US and West Indies for the marquee tournament. "Look at Virat. He is one of those guys who has set a benchmark. 10-15 years into his career, he has only gotten fitter. And you can see the results. If someone like him sets an example, puts forward certain things that you need, certain fitness levels you need, gradually it has progressed. BCCI has been instrumental as well with all the academies that have happened," said Agarkar at SportifywithPRG podcast. "You learn a lot quicker. Boys today at 15-16 are a lot fitter than what they were and they should be now with the amount of knowledge, awareness and facilities available," Agarkar, who played 26 Tests and 191 ODIs for India, added. Also read | IPL 2024: RCB batter Virat Kohli's record-extending ton against RR slowest in league history Kohli under scrutiny Notably, Kohli came under heavy scrutiny after the match against Rajasthan Royals last week where he smashed his eighth IPL century. However, it was the joint-slowest century in IPL history, alongside Manish Pandey's 67-ball ton against Deccan Chargers in 2009. Pundits argued that Kohli's inning was more counterproductive to RCB's cause as the team only lost three wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. RCB finished with only 183 on the board and eventually lost the contest by six wickets as Jos Buttler smashed a 58-ball hundred. Also read | IPL: Bowlers To Have Dismissed Virat Kohli Most Number of Times With T20 cricket constantly evolving, a section of fans believes that Kohli's archaic style of anchoring the innings and going big at the end could cost the Indian squad another ICC trophy. There have been multiple reports in the past few weeks suggesting that power hitters like Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Suryakumar Yadav and Jitesh Sharma will be preferred over Kohli. Agarkar-led selection committee is expected to pick the squad for the tournament between the last week of April and the first week of May. (With inputs from agencies)

BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar heaps praise on Virat Kohli ahead of T20 WC selection

Riyan Parag's 48-ball 76 went in vain as Rajasthan Royals (RR) lost their first game of IPL 2024 when they hosted Gujarat Titans (GT) in match 24 on Wednesday (April 10) at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium, Jaipur. With RR making 196-3, along with skipper Sanju Samson also being unbeaten on 68&nbsp;(38), Shubman Gill-led Gujarat chased down the score on the final ball with Rashid Khan's 11-ball 24* providing the finishing touch after their captain's sublime 72.

Nonetheless, Parag continued his good form in the ongoing edition. He has already registered three fifty-plus scores in IPL 2024 and is second on the Orange Cap list, after Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) Virat Kohli -- who tops the list with 316 runs. Thus, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Sunil Gavaskar lavished huge praise on Parag and urged him to continue his purple patch as an India call-up might not be far away. The youngster, from Assam, is coming into this year's IPL on the back of a brilliant run in domestic cricket.

Gavaskar told Star Sports after RR lost to GT, "Riyan Parag made Gujarat pay for those lapses. That's what cricket is all about. You get an opportunity and you make the most of it. And he has made the most of it. He is playing some unbelievable cricket."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-watch-when-gujarat-is-playing-never-gills-one-liner-goes-viral-after-gt-edge-past-rr-709973">IPL 2024: WATCH | 'When Gujarat is playing, never...' - Gill's one-liner goes viral after GT edge past RR</a>

<h2>'He is someone that the selection committee has got an eye on'</h2>

He added, "Not just in the IPL, but right through the season, he has had enormous success. He is someone that the selection committee has got an eye on. And so all he needs to do is keep on batting the way he has been. His fielding, we all know about it, he is an excellent fielder. And he can bowl a few of those dribbly-dobblies, I call them mixed pakodas."

Parag has 261 runs from five games in IPL 2024. He has been RR's crisis man this season, showing a lot of maturity while batting in different situations. It is to be noted that since&nbsp;his IPL debut in 2019, the Assam star made only 2 fifties across 5 seasons. However, the 2024 IPL season is proving to be a career-defying one for the Assamese youngster and he will be eager to continue in a similar stead in the upcoming games.

Riyan Parag's 48-ball 76 went in vain as Rajasthan Royals (RR) lost their first game of IPL 2024 when they hosted Gujarat Titans (GT) in match 24 on Wednesday (April 10) at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium, Jaipur.

Riyan Parag's 48-ball 76 went in vain as Rajasthan Royals (RR) lost their first game of IPL 2024 when they hosted Gujarat Titans (GT) in match 24 on Wednesday (April 10) at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium, Jaipur. With RR making 196-3, along with skipper Sanju Samson also being unbeaten on 68 (38), Shubman Gill-led Gujarat chased down the score on the final ball with Rashid Khan's 11-ball 24* providing the finishing touch after their captain's sublime 72. Nonetheless, Parag continued his good form in the ongoing edition. He has already registered three fifty-plus scores in IPL 2024 and is second on the Orange Cap list, after Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) Virat Kohli -- who tops the list with 316 runs. Thus, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Sunil Gavaskar lavished huge praise on Parag and urged him to continue his purple patch as an India call-up might not be far away. The youngster, from Assam, is coming into this year's IPL on the back of a brilliant run in domestic cricket. Gavaskar told Star Sports after RR lost to GT, "Riyan Parag made Gujarat pay for those lapses. That's what cricket is all about. You get an opportunity and you make the most of it. And he has made the most of it. He is playing some unbelievable cricket." Also read: IPL 2024: WATCH | 'When Gujarat is playing, never...' - Gill's one-liner goes viral after GT edge past RR 'He is someone that the selection committee has got an eye on' He added, "Not just in the IPL, but right through the season, he has had enormous success. He is someone that the selection committee has got an eye on. And so all he needs to do is keep on batting the way he has been. His fielding, we all know about it, he is an excellent fielder. And he can bowl a few of those dribbly-dobblies, I call them mixed pakodas." Parag has 261 runs from five games in IPL 2024. He has been RR's crisis man this season, showing a lot of maturity while batting in different situations. It is to be noted that since his IPL debut in 2019, the Assam star made only 2 fifties across 5 seasons. However, the 2024 IPL season is proving to be a career-defying one for the Assamese youngster and he will be eager to continue in a similar stead in the upcoming games.

IPL 2024: BCCI selectors keeping an eye on 'unbelievable' Riyan Parag, feels former Indian opener Gavaskar

The meeting of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise owners called by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been postponed, according to a report in Cricbuzz.

The meeting of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise owners called by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been postponed, according to a report in Cricbuzz. It was scheduled for April 16 in the western city of Ahmedabad but the BCCI delayed it in view of a change in the IPL programme. The plan earlier was to hold the meeting on the sidelines of the match between Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals in Ahmedabad on April 16. However, since then, the match has been postponed to April 17 while the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals match has been preponed to April 16 due to Ram Navami festivities in Kolkata. The popular Hindu festival is celebrated widely across the country and BCCI received input from security agencies that they will not be able to provide proper security arrangements at the venues. Hence, the schedule, released under the second phase, was altered. The meeting has been called to discuss the future of IPL, starting next year, as the franchises go into the mega-auction to rebuild their teams. BCCI wants to understand the grievances of the owners especially concerning the number of retentions to be permitted and the size of the player purse. Also read | IPL 2024: BCCI announces rescheduling of KKR vs RR, GT vs DC matches. Check details RTM to make a comeback? In a boost to all IPL teams, irrespective of whether the BCCI agrees on increasing the number of retentions, there are talks of reintroducing the Right to Match (RTM) card in the upcoming mega auction, which was missing from the last one held in 2022. During that time, only three Indians and one overseas player were part of this scheme. A section of IPL owners are of the view that there should be more RTM options as it is based on market value and transparency. As for retention, owners believe that it could potentially lead to surrogate and covert payments to the players. Also read | BCCI, IPL team owners to meet in Ahmedabad to discuss ‘league’s future’ Besides, the budget limit for each team (the cap is INR 100 crore) to be allotted will also be part of the discussion, which, as per multiple reports, will be raised from next year onwards. (With inputs from agencies)

Meeting to discuss IPL’s future with team owners postponed by BCCI

A decade since its last edition, the Champions League T20, fondly known as CLT20 among cricket fans, could be back, Nick Cummins - Cricket Victoria CEO, hinted. The game’s three biggest boards – the BCCI, ECB and CA, have begun talks on bringing back the competition, which Nick feels was ahead of its time. However, the only challenge is to find a window for this.

Cummins said the T20 landscape wasn’t mature 10 years ago, but now it is, adding, for the first time, a CLT20 for women could also be introduced.

"I think the Champions League was ahead of its time. The T20 landscape wasn't mature enough at that point. I think it is now," Cummins said on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"I know that there's an active conversation between Cricket Australia, the ECB, and the BCCI about the Champions League."

"It's just trying to find a window as to when you actually play that because you've also got all the ICC tournaments as well. It may be that the first iteration of the Champions League will be of the women… [it may involve cricketers playing in] the WPL, the Hundred and the WBBL,” Cummins added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/retired-official-marais-erasmus-admits-umpires-made-two-crucial-errors-in-2019-world-cup-final-706919">Retired official Marais Erasmus admits umpires made ‘two crucial errors’ in 2019 World Cup final</a>

Meanwhile, the introduction of CLT20 raised quite a few eyebrows back in the day, with six editions from 2009 to 2014 being successfully held, four times in India and twice in South Africa. The Indian Premier League’s defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won the last edition against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Bengaluru in 2014.&nbsp;

At that time in the competition, three teams from India, two each from Australia and South Africa, and one each from Pakistan, West Indies and New Zealand were part of it.

While CSK and Mumbai Indians (MI) won the tournament twice, New South Wales and Sydney Sixers won it on the remaining two occasions.

<h2>Big 3 to decide CLT20 future</h2>

Cummins said he is in talks with Cricket Australia’s CEO Nick Hockley, with the BCCI secretary Jay Shah yet to have his say on this matter.

"I'm constantly talking to Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia CEO, for a Champions League, because I think it's pretty important to bring that back," Cummins said.&nbsp;

"There are talks about it. It's probably a question to ask Jay Shah. But certainly, from an Australian cricket perspective, we are very open to the idea of the Champions League. It's just about finding a window in the FTP, but I think that's the next step in the evolution of cricket,” he said.&nbsp;

A decade since its last edition, the Champions League T20, fondly known as CLT20 among cricket fans, could be back, Nick Cummins - Cricket Victoria CEO, hinted. The game’s three biggest boards – the BCCI, ECB and CA, have begun talks on bringing back the competition, which Nick feels was ahead of its time.

A decade since its last edition, the Champions League T20, fondly known as CLT20 among cricket fans, could be back, Nick Cummins - Cricket Victoria CEO, hinted. The game’s three biggest boards – the BCCI, ECB and CA, have begun talks on bringing back the competition, which Nick feels was ahead of its time. However, the only challenge is to find a window for this. Cummins said the T20 landscape wasn’t mature 10 years ago, but now it is, adding, for the first time, a CLT20 for women could also be introduced. "I think the Champions League was ahead of its time. The T20 landscape wasn't mature enough at that point. I think it is now," Cummins said on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai on Tuesday. "I know that there's an active conversation between Cricket Australia, the ECB, and the BCCI about the Champions League." "It's just trying to find a window as to when you actually play that because you've also got all the ICC tournaments as well. It may be that the first iteration of the Champions League will be of the women… [it may involve cricketers playing in] the WPL, the Hundred and the WBBL,” Cummins added. ALSO READ: Retired official Marais Erasmus admits umpires made ‘two crucial errors’ in 2019 World Cup final Meanwhile, the introduction of CLT20 raised quite a few eyebrows back in the day, with six editions from 2009 to 2014 being successfully held, four times in India and twice in South Africa. The Indian Premier League’s defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won the last edition against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Bengaluru in 2014. At that time in the competition, three teams from India, two each from Australia and South Africa, and one each from Pakistan, West Indies and New Zealand were part of it. While CSK and Mumbai Indians (MI) won the tournament twice, New South Wales and Sydney Sixers won it on the remaining two occasions. Big 3 to decide CLT20 future Cummins said he is in talks with Cricket Australia’s CEO Nick Hockley, with the BCCI secretary Jay Shah yet to have his say on this matter. "I'm constantly talking to Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia CEO, for a Champions League, because I think it's pretty important to bring that back," Cummins said. "There are talks about it. It's probably a question to ask Jay Shah. But certainly, from an Australian cricket perspective, we are very open to the idea of the Champions League. It's just about finding a window in the FTP, but I think that's the next step in the evolution of cricket,” he said.

Champions League T20 could return as BCCI and two other boards begin talks

The&nbsp;Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday (Apr 2) announced the rescheduling of two Indian Premier League (IPL) matches. The fixtures between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals as well as Gujarat Titans vs Delhi Capitals have been rescheduled, BCCI informed in a media release.&nbsp;

The KKR vs RR fixture will now take place on April 16 instead of the previous date viz. April 17 while the GT vs DC match has been pushed a day ahead, to be played on April 17 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

Although BCCI didn't cite any reason for the changing of dates, reports suggest that the&nbsp;schedule change has been necessitated due to the Ram Navami festivities. The popular Hindu festival honours the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is celebrated with fervour across the country.&nbsp;

BCCI is aware that authorities are unsure of providing adequate security for the IPL match, that too at night.&nbsp;Additionally, the country will be witnessing the general elections later this month, so the security apparatus will be diverted to other departments, leaving little wiggle room for IPL security.&nbsp;

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="2" style="width: 100%;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">Sr. No</th>
			<td>Day</td>
			<td>Date</td>
			<td>Match</td>
			<td>Venue</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">1</th>
			<td>Tuesday</td>
			<td>April 16</td>
			<td>KKR vs RR</td>
			<td>Eden Gardens, Kolkata</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">2</th>
			<td>Wednesday</td>
			<td>April 17</td>
			<td>GT vs DC</td>
			<td>Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<h2>IPL schedule</h2>

Notably, it was last week only that BCCI released the complete schedule for this year's tournament, having released the&nbsp;programme for the 21 games, under phase 1 earlier.&nbsp;

The second schedule begins on April 8, with Chennai Super Kings playing the first game against Kolkata Knight Riders in a home clash in the evening, starting at 7:30 pm. Chennai was also involved in the season opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22, winning by four wickets at Chepauk.

As per the new&nbsp;announcement, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the Qualifier 1 and Eliminator on May 21 and 22, respectively while Chepauk will host the Qualifier 2 and the summit clash.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-schedule-final-in-chepauk-chennai-ahmedabad-to-host-playoffs-704051">Also read |&nbsp;IPL 2024 Full Schedule - Final in Chepauk; Chennai, Ahmedabad to host playoffs</a>

Currently, RR are at the top of the table, remaining unbeaten in three games played while KKR, Chennai Super Kings and GT make up the other three teams in playoff contention.&nbsp;

The bottom three spots&nbsp;on the table are occupied by Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings. Out of the three only MI are yet to register a win and have lost all the three games played.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday (Apr 2) announced the rescheduling of two Indian Premier League (IPL) matches. The fixtures between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals as well as Gujarat Titans vs Delhi Capitals have been rescheduled, BCCI informed in a media release.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday (Apr 2) announced the rescheduling of two Indian Premier League (IPL) matches. The fixtures between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals as well as Gujarat Titans vs Delhi Capitals have been rescheduled, BCCI informed in a media release. The KKR vs RR fixture will now take place on April 16 instead of the previous date viz. April 17 while the GT vs DC match has been pushed a day ahead, to be played on April 17 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Although BCCI didn't cite any reason for the changing of dates, reports suggest that the schedule change has been necessitated due to the Ram Navami festivities. The popular Hindu festival honours the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is celebrated with fervour across the country. BCCI is aware that authorities are unsure of providing adequate security for the IPL match, that too at night. Additionally, the country will be witnessing the general elections later this month, so the security apparatus will be diverted to other departments, leaving little wiggle room for IPL security. Sr. No Day Date Match Venue 1 Tuesday April 16 KKR vs RR Eden Gardens, Kolkata 2 Wednesday April 17 GT vs DC Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad IPL schedule Notably, it was last week only that BCCI released the complete schedule for this year's tournament, having released the programme for the 21 games, under phase 1 earlier. The second schedule begins on April 8, with Chennai Super Kings playing the first game against Kolkata Knight Riders in a home clash in the evening, starting at 7:30 pm. Chennai was also involved in the season opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22, winning by four wickets at Chepauk. As per the new announcement, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the Qualifier 1 and Eliminator on May 21 and 22, respectively while Chepauk will host the Qualifier 2 and the summit clash. Also read | IPL 2024 Full Schedule - Final in Chepauk; Chennai, Ahmedabad to host playoffs Currently, RR are at the top of the table, remaining unbeaten in three games played while KKR, Chennai Super Kings and GT make up the other three teams in playoff contention. The bottom three spots on the table are occupied by Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings. Out of the three only MI are yet to register a win and have lost all the three games played. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2024: BCCI announces rescheduling of KKR vs RR, GT vs DC matches. Check details

Much to everyone’s cheeriness, India star Virat Kohli will play the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA, starting June 1, hints an unnamed BCCI official. Contrary to earlier reports of selectors looking beyond Kohli for the 20-team-tournament mainly for his under-par strike rate, a board member assured fans of not worrying too much about it, saying the selectors don’t go by social media memes.

The India and RCB star batter is in top-notch form in the ongoing IPL 2024, leading the runs chart with 181 runs in three matches, striking at 141.4, slightly better than his strike rate in T20Is (138.16). Having scored two fifties thus far, the selectors back him to continue his golden touch while trying to improve his attacking rate.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-kkr-vs-rr-at-eden-gardens-match-might-be-rescheduled-heres-why-706580">IPL 2024: KKR vs RR match at Eden Gardens might be rescheduled. Here's why</a>

With the T20 World Cup squad expected to be announced by the end of April, Kohli has ample time and games at hand to work on those aspects, pressing his sure-shot case for a slot in the team for the marquee event. The right-handed batter averages over 50 (51.76) in the shorter format playing for India, having amassed 4037 runs in 109 innings.

"See, it is just the beginning (of the league) and Kohli has started fine. He will improve his strike rate as well in the coming matches. As far as I personally feel, he will make it (to the World Cup squad). Selectors don't go by social media memes. Cricket is played on the field not on social media platforms," the BCCI official, on condition of anonymity, said, as quoted by IANS.

<h2>All eyes on India’s T20 WC squad</h2>

Following the heartbreaking loss at last year’s 50-over World Cup final at the hands of Australia, the Men in Blue will aim to get back by winning the T20 WC later this year.&nbsp;

While Captain Rohit Sharma and rookie Yashasvi Jaiswal are sure to be openers for the event, Kohli will stick to his usual number three slot. Suryakumar Yadav will play at four. SKY, as most fans call him, has been out of action since December last year, and is due to return to appear for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024.&nbsp;

For the middle order, India has plenty of options to look at, ranging from Hardik Pandya to Rinku Singh to Shivam Dube to Tilak Varma. The question mark around the wicketkeepers is also there, with several players back in reckoning for selection.

Getting to the bowling department, India is sure to pick Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, while the remaining spots will be up for grabs.&nbsp;

Much to everyone’s cheeriness, India star Virat Kohli will play the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA, starting June 1, hints an unnamed BCCI official.

Much to everyone’s cheeriness, India star Virat Kohli will play the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA, starting June 1, hints an unnamed BCCI official. Contrary to earlier reports of selectors looking beyond Kohli for the 20-team-tournament mainly for his under-par strike rate, a board member assured fans of not worrying too much about it, saying the selectors don’t go by social media memes. The India and RCB star batter is in top-notch form in the ongoing IPL 2024, leading the runs chart with 181 runs in three matches, striking at 141.4, slightly better than his strike rate in T20Is (138.16). Having scored two fifties thus far, the selectors back him to continue his golden touch while trying to improve his attacking rate. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: KKR vs RR match at Eden Gardens might be rescheduled. Here's why With the T20 World Cup squad expected to be announced by the end of April, Kohli has ample time and games at hand to work on those aspects, pressing his sure-shot case for a slot in the team for the marquee event. The right-handed batter averages over 50 (51.76) in the shorter format playing for India, having amassed 4037 runs in 109 innings. "See, it is just the beginning (of the league) and Kohli has started fine. He will improve his strike rate as well in the coming matches. As far as I personally feel, he will make it (to the World Cup squad). Selectors don't go by social media memes. Cricket is played on the field not on social media platforms," the BCCI official, on condition of anonymity, said, as quoted by IANS. All eyes on India’s T20 WC squad Following the heartbreaking loss at last year’s 50-over World Cup final at the hands of Australia, the Men in Blue will aim to get back by winning the T20 WC later this year. While Captain Rohit Sharma and rookie Yashasvi Jaiswal are sure to be openers for the event, Kohli will stick to his usual number three slot. Suryakumar Yadav will play at four. SKY, as most fans call him, has been out of action since December last year, and is due to return to appear for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. For the middle order, India has plenty of options to look at, ranging from Hardik Pandya to Rinku Singh to Shivam Dube to Tilak Varma. The question mark around the wicketkeepers is also there, with several players back in reckoning for selection. Getting to the bowling department, India is sure to pick Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, while the remaining spots will be up for grabs.

Virat Kohli likely to get picked for T20 World Cup, hints BCCI official

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has written to all 10 Indian Premier League (IPL) owners for a meeting scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad on April 16. On that day, the home side Gujarat Titans will host Delhi Capitals at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Although the agenda behind this meeting is unclear, the latest reports suggest it’s to discuss the future of the cash-rich league considering next year’s mega auction.

The IPL team owners will be accompanied by their CEOs and operational teams to address significant issues surrounding IPL’s future. BCCI president Roger Binny, secretary Jay Shah and IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal will also attend the meeting.&nbsp;

As per the sources, several policy-related decisions concerning the mega-auction scheduled next year will be part of the discussion.&nbsp;

"They will discuss the way forward for the IPL," said a source familiar with the matter.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-wasnt-it-beautiful-csk-coach-fleming-hails-ms-dhonis-one-handed-six-706455">IPL 2024: ‘Wasn’t it beautiful’ - CSK coach Fleming hails MS Dhoni’s one-handed six</a>

The reports add that deciding the number of players to be retained will remain the focal point, with BCCI wanting every party involved to be on the same page. Several team owners want the number of retentions to be increased since most teams have established their name, brand and fan base.&nbsp;

While one group of owners is asking the board to agree on eight retentions going forward, the others are opposing it, asking for the number to be lower than that, putting them in a better position to go for the players listed in the auction.

<h2>Right to Match card to return</h2>

In a boost to all IPL teams, irrespective of whether the BCCI agrees on increasing the number of retentions, there are talks of reintroducing the Right to Match Card in the upcoming mega auction, which was missing from the last one held in 2022.

During that time, only three Indians and one overseas player were part of this scheme.

Besides, the budget limit for each team (the cap is INR 100 crore) to be allotted will also be part of it, which, per reports, will be raised from next year onwards.&nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has written to all 10 Indian Premier League (IPL) owners for a meeting scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad on April 16.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has written to all 10 Indian Premier League (IPL) owners for a meeting scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad on April 16. On that day, the home side Gujarat Titans will host Delhi Capitals at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Although the agenda behind this meeting is unclear, the latest reports suggest it’s to discuss the future of the cash-rich league considering next year’s mega auction. The IPL team owners will be accompanied by their CEOs and operational teams to address significant issues surrounding IPL’s future. BCCI president Roger Binny, secretary Jay Shah and IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal will also attend the meeting. As per the sources, several policy-related decisions concerning the mega-auction scheduled next year will be part of the discussion. "They will discuss the way forward for the IPL," said a source familiar with the matter. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: ‘Wasn’t it beautiful’ - CSK coach Fleming hails MS Dhoni’s one-handed six The reports add that deciding the number of players to be retained will remain the focal point, with BCCI wanting every party involved to be on the same page. Several team owners want the number of retentions to be increased since most teams have established their name, brand and fan base. While one group of owners is asking the board to agree on eight retentions going forward, the others are opposing it, asking for the number to be lower than that, putting them in a better position to go for the players listed in the auction. Right to Match card to return In a boost to all IPL teams, irrespective of whether the BCCI agrees on increasing the number of retentions, there are talks of reintroducing the Right to Match Card in the upcoming mega auction, which was missing from the last one held in 2022. During that time, only three Indians and one overseas player were part of this scheme. Besides, the budget limit for each team (the cap is INR 100 crore) to be allotted will also be part of it, which, per reports, will be raised from next year onwards.

BCCI, IPL team owners to meet in Ahmedabad to discuss ‘league’s future’

IPL 2024 Full Schedule:&nbsp;The wait is over as the BCCI has announced the complete schedule of IPL 2024 on Monday (March 25), having announced the first leg of it till April 7 earlier. As per the latest announcement, Chennai and Ahmedabad have been allotted the playoffs, with the final has been scheduled at Chepauk in Chennai on May 26. While the Narendra Modi Stadium will host the Qualifier 1 and Eliminator on May 21 and 22, respectively, Chepauk will host the Qualifier 2 and the summit clash.

<h2>IPL 2024 Full Schedule</h2>

The good part is that all 74 matches will be played in India, shrugging off the earlier reports of the competition moving out due to clash&nbsp;with general election dates in the country.&nbsp;

However, the second schedule begins on April 8, with Chennai Super Kings playing the first game against Kolkata Knight Riders in a home clash in the evening, starting at 7:30 pm. Chennai was also involved in the season opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22, winning by four wickets at Chepauk.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gt-vs-mi-ipl-2024-hardik-made-big-mistakes-irfan-unimpressed-with-mumbai-skippers-tactical-mistakes-704052">GT vs MI, IPL 2024: ‘Hardik made big mistakes’ - Irfan unimpressed with Mumbai skipper’s tactical errors</a>

Outside of the slated home venues for each team, two different venues in Dharamsala and Guwahati will also host a few matches. While Dharamsala was Punjab Kings’ alternative home venue for over a decade now, Guwahati has played hosts to Rajasthan Royals for the past few seasons.&nbsp;

Dharamsala will host two Punjab Kings matches on May 5 (against CSK) and May 9 (against RCB). The two matches in Guwahati will take place on May 15 (vs PBKS) and against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 19. Following a rare one day off on May 20, the playoffs will begin on May 21.

<h2>The story thus far in IPL 2024</h2>

The defending champions Chennai Super Kings have won their opening clash against their Southern rivals on day one. While Punjab won their first game this season against Delhi Capitals at their new home venue, KKR won a close tie against SRH at the Eden Gardens.&nbsp;

On Sunday (March 24), Rajasthan Royals beat Lucknow Super Giants in the afternoon game, and hosts Gujarat Titans got the better of Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad later.&nbsp;

On Monday (March 25), RCB will take on PBKS in the home game in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

IPL 2024 Full Schedule: The wait is over as the BCCI has announced the complete schedule of IPL 2024 on Monday (March 25), having announced the first leg of it till April 7 earlier.

IPL 2024 Full Schedule: The wait is over as the BCCI has announced the complete schedule of IPL 2024 on Monday (March 25), having announced the first leg of it till April 7 earlier. As per the latest announcement, Chennai and Ahmedabad have been allotted the playoffs, with the final has been scheduled at Chepauk in Chennai on May 26. While the Narendra Modi Stadium will host the Qualifier 1 and Eliminator on May 21 and 22, respectively, Chepauk will host the Qualifier 2 and the summit clash. IPL 2024 Full Schedule The good part is that all 74 matches will be played in India, shrugging off the earlier reports of the competition moving out due to clash with general election dates in the country. However, the second schedule begins on April 8, with Chennai Super Kings playing the first game against Kolkata Knight Riders in a home clash in the evening, starting at 7:30 pm. Chennai was also involved in the season opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22, winning by four wickets at Chepauk. ALSO READ: GT vs MI, IPL 2024: ‘Hardik made big mistakes’ - Irfan unimpressed with Mumbai skipper’s tactical errors Outside of the slated home venues for each team, two different venues in Dharamsala and Guwahati will also host a few matches. While Dharamsala was Punjab Kings’ alternative home venue for over a decade now, Guwahati has played hosts to Rajasthan Royals for the past few seasons. Dharamsala will host two Punjab Kings matches on May 5 (against CSK) and May 9 (against RCB). The two matches in Guwahati will take place on May 15 (vs PBKS) and against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 19. Following a rare one day off on May 20, the playoffs will begin on May 21. The story thus far in IPL 2024 The defending champions Chennai Super Kings have won their opening clash against their Southern rivals on day one. While Punjab won their first game this season against Delhi Capitals at their new home venue, KKR won a close tie against SRH at the Eden Gardens. On Sunday (March 24), Rajasthan Royals beat Lucknow Super Giants in the afternoon game, and hosts Gujarat Titans got the better of Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad later. On Monday (March 25), RCB will take on PBKS in the home game in Bengaluru.

IPL 2024 Full Schedule - Final in Chepauk; Chennai, Ahmedabad to host playoffs

To cut the pay disparity between those who play domestic cricket and those who feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) confirmed that Mumbai players will receive a 100% pay hike from next season onwards. This decision was taken during MCA’s apex council meeting.

As per BCCI’s current paying regime (at Ranji Trophy level) across three slabs, the players with over 40-first-class matches will earn INR 60,000 per day, while those within the 21-40 game bracket will pocket INR 50,000 each day. However, the newcomers and those with less than 20 Ranji caps will earn INR 40,000 per day.

Take the example of a player who has played less than 20 first-class matches in the Ranji Trophy - in case he played all 10&nbsp;games during a season, the player would earn INR 17.2 lakh. However, with the pay hike scheme coming into the picture from the next season onwards, the same player would now earn INR 34.4 lakh. This number would be significant for those placed in the higher brackets.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2024-kkrs-harshit-rana-heavily-fined-by-bcci-for-on-field-antics-703713">IPL 2024: KKR's Harshit Rana heavily fined by BCCI for on-field antics</a>

"We felt that the player should earn more, especially, those who play Ranji Trophy cricket. For us, red-ball cricket matters the most as the Ranji Trophy holds a special place for everyone in Mumbai,” MCA president Amol Kale said.

<h2>BCCI’s incentive scheme triggered pay rise</h2>

Following the completion of the India-England Test series at home, the BCCI secretary Jay Shah announced the introduction of a 'Test incentive scheme.'&nbsp;

As per the new scheme, those who will feature in more than 75% of Tests in a season will earn INR 45 lakh up and above their usual match fees. However, the number of players playing 50-75% of matches during a complete season will bag INR 30 lakh, whereas, those falling in the category of players with less than 50% appearance during the Test cycle will not earn any perks.

Meanwhile, former India and Mumbai great Sunil Gavaskar voiced his support for the domestic players, urging BCCI to double or triple their salaries, which further helps to support the Indian Team’s feeder system.

"If the Ranji Trophy fee can be doubled or tripled, certainly there will be a lot more people playing the Ranji Trophy, [and a] lot less pullouts," Gavaskar had said.&nbsp;

"They will all be wanting to play with the slab system - [if] every ten first-class matches you get that much more - so I would request the BCCI to look at that aspect as well,” Gavaskar said.&nbsp;

To cut the pay disparity between those who play domestic cricket and those who feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) confirmed that Mumbai players will receive a 100% pay hike from next season onwards.

To cut the pay disparity between those who play domestic cricket and those who feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) confirmed that Mumbai players will receive a 100% pay hike from next season onwards. This decision was taken during MCA’s apex council meeting. As per BCCI’s current paying regime (at Ranji Trophy level) across three slabs, the players with over 40-first-class matches will earn INR 60,000 per day, while those within the 21-40 game bracket will pocket INR 50,000 each day. However, the newcomers and those with less than 20 Ranji caps will earn INR 40,000 per day. Take the example of a player who has played less than 20 first-class matches in the Ranji Trophy - in case he played all 10 games during a season, the player would earn INR 17.2 lakh. However, with the pay hike scheme coming into the picture from the next season onwards, the same player would now earn INR 34.4 lakh. This number would be significant for those placed in the higher brackets. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: KKR's Harshit Rana heavily fined by BCCI for on-field antics "We felt that the player should earn more, especially, those who play Ranji Trophy cricket. For us, red-ball cricket matters the most as the Ranji Trophy holds a special place for everyone in Mumbai,” MCA president Amol Kale said. BCCI’s incentive scheme triggered pay rise Following the completion of the India-England Test series at home, the BCCI secretary Jay Shah announced the introduction of a 'Test incentive scheme.' As per the new scheme, those who will feature in more than 75% of Tests in a season will earn INR 45 lakh up and above their usual match fees. However, the number of players playing 50-75% of matches during a complete season will bag INR 30 lakh, whereas, those falling in the category of players with less than 50% appearance during the Test cycle will not earn any perks. Meanwhile, former India and Mumbai great Sunil Gavaskar voiced his support for the domestic players, urging BCCI to double or triple their salaries, which further helps to support the Indian Team’s feeder system. "If the Ranji Trophy fee can be doubled or tripled, certainly there will be a lot more people playing the Ranji Trophy, [and a] lot less pullouts," Gavaskar had said. "They will all be wanting to play with the slab system - [if] every ten first-class matches you get that much more - so I would request the BCCI to look at that aspect as well,” Gavaskar said.

Mumbai players to get 100% pay hike from 2024-25 Ranji season, confirms MCA

With less than a week to go for&nbsp;the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, the eyes of the cricketing fraternity and fans are on the big-name players as they get ready to raise the bar. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been praised for its effort to host the IPL in the nation despite the ongoing buzz of the general elections. Besides, the BCCI has also earned a lot of praise for its role in safeguarding domestic cricket with its recent initiatives. Here we decode the BCCI’s policy of safeguarding domestic cricket and why was it necessary to do so.

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𝐂. 𝐇. 𝐀. 𝐌. 𝐏. 𝐈. 𝐎. 𝐍. 𝐒! 🏆 
 
Congratulations and a round of applause for the 4⃣2⃣-time <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RanjiTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RanjiTrophy</a> winners - Mumbai 👏 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Final?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Final</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUMvVID?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUMvVID</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MumbaiCricAssoc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MumbaiCricAssoc</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/IDFCFIRSTBank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IDFCFIRSTBank</a> <a href="https://t.co/U5AuVayGzt">pic.twitter.com/U5AuVayGzt</a>
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCIdomestic/status/1768211487552635161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Indian domestic cricket and how it works</h2>

Indian domestic cricket is divided into three formats like the international format with state teams being the primary participants. Apart from state teams, zonal and railways have also participated in the domestic cricket of India where they compete in the red-ball and white-ball formats. The red-ball or first-class format is represented by Ranji Trophy and Irani Trophy while the white-ball format is represented by Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20) and Vijay Hazare Trophy (ODI).

While there are no qualification criteria for the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, only the winners of Ranji Trophy qualify for the Irani Trophy and play against the rest of India.

<h2>Why did the BCCI need to safeguard domestic cricket?</h2>

Considered one of the oldest cricket tournaments, the Ranji Trophy remains the benchmark for domestic cricket which spreads over 4-5 months. However, in recent years, Ranji Trophy matches and other tournaments have not attracted a big fan base. Stadiums are generally empty which contributes to a lack of income from ticket sales. Also TV channels are hesitant to splash the cash for broadcasting and live stream the competitions which again have contributed to the lack of funds.

The low capital output has limited the salaries of players and coaching staff which makes the tournament less lucrative when compared to IPL. Also, sponsors are hesitant to invest in domestic cricket as it attracts less viewership, both on and off the field.

The above reasons have seen players and big-name coaches turn their backs on the competition. To compare, India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has not played a first-class match since December 2018, that is&nbsp;more than five years ago. Ishan Kishan, another player part of India’s ODI World Cup squad during their run to the final, also opted to focus on IPL and skip the Ranji Trophy season for Jharkhand, raising serious doubts on the future of domestic cricket in India. This is where the BCCI needed to step in to protect the domestic&nbsp; cricket which serves opportunities to budding cricketers for showcasing&nbsp;their talent.

<h2>How is BCCI safeguarding domestic cricket?</h2>

Earlier this month, the BCCI announced that those who play 75 per cent of India's Tests in a season will earn $54,000 (INR 45 lakh) per Test, and those who play 50 to 75 per cent of Tests will earn $36,000 (INR 30 lakh). This is in addition to the match fee of $18,000 (INR 15 lakh). According to reports, a similar approach is being proposed for domestic cricket which will see players earn more during a domestic season and hence encourage them to prioritise it.

Currently, a player earns around $2400 (INR 2 lakh) per match in the Ranji Trophy. If he plays every match in the season and his team makes it to the final, he ends up with ten games. The match fee for the Vijay Hazare Trophy is $600 (INR 50,000) and for the Syed Mushtaq Ali $211 (INR 17,500). Considering what players earn during the IPL, this small amount has discouraged big-name players from competing in the tournament. However, an increase in pay from BCCI is likely to bring back the glory days of domestic cricket.

Also, the BCCI has now made it mandatory for players contracted to the board to compete in the domestic format if they are not available for selection for the national side. Recently, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer were dropped from the central contracts having refused to compete for both national and domestic sides despite being passed fit by the National Cricket Association (NCA) in Bengaluru.

Further, the board has now created a three-member committee to boost men's domestic cricket in the nation. The committee comprises national men’s team coach Rahul Dravid, NCA head VVS Laxman and national men’s team selector Ajit Agarkar.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/explained-what-to-watch-out-for-in-each-team-during-ipl-2024-season-701805">Explained: What to watch out for in each team during IPL 2024 season</a>

<h2>IPL vs Domestic Cricket</h2>

The biggest issue with the current system is the lack of pay parity in Indian cricket. For example, Rinku Singh, uncapped during the IPL 2023 for India was reported to have earned a whopping amount in just eight weeks for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). However, had he played the entire season of Ranji Trophy he would have pocketed not more than $50,000. The players also get better hospitality during the IPL where they travel on flights and stay in seven-star hotels, compared to Ranji Trophy tournaments where players are often seen travelling by train and staying in three-star hotels.

Players are also exposed to more glamour and on-screen popularity during the IPL which does not exist during the domestic tournaments. This has resulted in players showing their back to the domestic tournaments.

However, it will be interesting to see how the BCCI now deals with the situation as they try to implement a new solution to increase the popularity of the domestic formats.&nbsp;

With less than a week to go for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, the eyes of the cricketing fraternity and fans are on the big-name players as they get ready to raise the bar.

With less than a week to go for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, the eyes of the cricketing fraternity and fans are on the big-name players as they get ready to raise the bar. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been praised for its effort to host the IPL in the nation despite the ongoing buzz of the general elections. Besides, the BCCI has also earned a lot of praise for its role in safeguarding domestic cricket with its recent initiatives. Here we decode the BCCI’s policy of safeguarding domestic cricket and why was it necessary to do so. 𝐂. 𝐇. 𝐀. 𝐌. 𝐏. 𝐈. 𝐎. 𝐍. 𝐒! 🏆 Congratulations and a round of applause for the 4⃣2⃣-time #RanjiTrophy winners - Mumbai 👏 👏#Final | #MUMvVID | @MumbaiCricAssoc | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/U5AuVayGzt — BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) March 14, 2024 × Indian domestic cricket and how it works Indian domestic cricket is divided into three formats like the international format with state teams being the primary participants. Apart from state teams, zonal and railways have also participated in the domestic cricket of India where they compete in the red-ball and white-ball formats. The red-ball or first-class format is represented by Ranji Trophy and Irani Trophy while the white-ball format is represented by Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20) and Vijay Hazare Trophy (ODI). While there are no qualification criteria for the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, only the winners of Ranji Trophy qualify for the Irani Trophy and play against the rest of India. Why did the BCCI need to safeguard domestic cricket? Considered one of the oldest cricket tournaments, the Ranji Trophy remains the benchmark for domestic cricket which spreads over 4-5 months. However, in recent years, Ranji Trophy matches and other tournaments have not attracted a big fan base. Stadiums are generally empty which contributes to a lack of income from ticket sales. Also TV channels are hesitant to splash the cash for broadcasting and live stream the competitions which again have contributed to the lack of funds. The low capital output has limited the salaries of players and coaching staff which makes the tournament less lucrative when compared to IPL. Also, sponsors are hesitant to invest in domestic cricket as it attracts less viewership, both on and off the field. The above reasons have seen players and big-name coaches turn their backs on the competition. To compare, India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has not played a first-class match since December 2018, that is more than five years ago. Ishan Kishan, another player part of India’s ODI World Cup squad during their run to the final, also opted to focus on IPL and skip the Ranji Trophy season for Jharkhand, raising serious doubts on the future of domestic cricket in India. This is where the BCCI needed to step in to protect the domestic cricket which serves opportunities to budding cricketers for showcasing their talent. How is BCCI safeguarding domestic cricket? Earlier this month, the BCCI announced that those who play 75 per cent of India's Tests in a season will earn $54,000 (INR 45 lakh) per Test, and those who play 50 to 75 per cent of Tests will earn $36,000 (INR 30 lakh). This is in addition to the match fee of $18,000 (INR 15 lakh). According to reports, a similar approach is being proposed for domestic cricket which will see players earn more during a domestic season and hence encourage them to prioritise it. Currently, a player earns around $2400 (INR 2 lakh) per match in the Ranji Trophy. If he plays every match in the season and his team makes it to the final, he ends up with ten games. The match fee for the Vijay Hazare Trophy is $600 (INR 50,000) and for the Syed Mushtaq Ali $211 (INR 17,500). Considering what players earn during the IPL, this small amount has discouraged big-name players from competing in the tournament. However, an increase in pay from BCCI is likely to bring back the glory days of domestic cricket. Also, the BCCI has now made it mandatory for players contracted to the board to compete in the domestic format if they are not available for selection for the national side. Recently, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer were dropped from the central contracts having refused to compete for both national and domestic sides despite being passed fit by the National Cricket Association (NCA) in Bengaluru. Further, the board has now created a three-member committee to boost men's domestic cricket in the nation. The committee comprises national men’s team coach Rahul Dravid, NCA head VVS Laxman and national men’s team selector Ajit Agarkar. ALSO READ | Explained: What to watch out for in each team during IPL 2024 season IPL vs Domestic Cricket The biggest issue with the current system is the lack of pay parity in Indian cricket. For example, Rinku Singh, uncapped during the IPL 2023 for India was reported to have earned a whopping amount in just eight weeks for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). However, had he played the entire season of Ranji Trophy he would have pocketed not more than $50,000. The players also get better hospitality during the IPL where they travel on flights and stay in seven-star hotels, compared to Ranji Trophy tournaments where players are often seen travelling by train and staying in three-star hotels. Players are also exposed to more glamour and on-screen popularity during the IPL which does not exist during the domestic tournaments. This has resulted in players showing their back to the domestic tournaments. However, it will be interesting to see how the BCCI now deals with the situation as they try to implement a new solution to increase the popularity of the domestic formats.

Explained: BCCI’s policy to sustain and boost domestic cricket amid focus on IPL

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 edition is just days away and the tournament is attracting special attention this time as the T20 World Cup follows right after. Several Indian youngsters spread out across all 10 teams will&nbsp;be looking to prove themselves in the league and stake a claim for a spot in India's WC squad.

Some of the players, including Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul will also be getting the spotlight as they mark their return from injury layoffs. Let's have a look at what to watch for in each team in the upcoming IPL edition which starts March 22.

Mumbai Indians: Will Hardik succeed as skipper?

Hardik Pandya will be the new Mumbai Indians skipper, replacing Rohit Sharma. Pandya has previously played for MI as an all-rounder for a long time before his two-year stint at Gujarat Titans. Notably, Hardik led Titans to the IPL title in their maiden season in 2022 and to the final in 2023. His appointment as MI skipper, however, has had mixed reactions from fans and former players alike. It will be interesting to see how Hardik takes Rohit's legacy forward who made Mumbai a five-time champion in the tournament.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bcci-forms-three-member-committee-with-rahul-dravid-vvs-laxman-ajit-agarkar-to-improve-domestic-cricket-701598">BCCI forms three-member committee of Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Ajit Agarkar to improve domestic cricket</a>

Chennai Super Kings: MS Dhoni's last season?

Ever since MS Dhoni retired from international cricket, speculation has been rife about when he'll call time in IPL. While&nbsp;many expected&nbsp;2023 to be his last season where he took CSK to their joint-most fifth IPL title, Dhoni is back for another season. The skipper last year had said that he'd like to finish his career at Chepauk in front of home fans in Chennai. It'll definitely be a point of discussion this season as well with fans continuing to speculate whether&nbsp;Dhoni will keep playing or hang&nbsp;his boots for good.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Will there be an IPL-WPL double?

After RCB Women won the maiden title for the franchise in the recently concluded Women's Premier League (WPL), the pressure will definitely be on the men's side who are still looking for their maiden IPL trophy. RCB has been a side with some of the best players in the league but the team has always fallen short of winning the title. Even Virat Kohli, a name synonymous with the franchise, hasn't been able to make RCB win despite being one of the best batters in the league and the world.&nbsp;

Kolkata Knight Riders - Gambhir to bring back luck?

KKR have brought back Gautam Gambhir as a mentor ahead of the season. Notably, it was under Gambhir's captaincy that KKR won their two IPL titles - in 2012 and 2014. With Shreyas Iyer also coming back after missing the last season due to injury and Rinku Singh emerging as one of the best finishers, KKR look like a settled side this season. Gambhir also brought Aussie pacer Mitchell Starc to the side, bolstering their pace department to go with an already potent spin attack.

Delhi Capitals - Rishabh Pant is back!

The biggest story in this IPL season is Rishabh Pant making his return to competitive cricket since being involved in a horrific car crash in December 2022. After 14 months of rehab, Pant is back and the Capitals will be hoping for a change in fortune after finishing&nbsp;last season ninth in the 10-team event. Pant is also expected to lead the side, taking over the duties from David Warner who held the post last year. With Mitchell Marsh also available and in good form, DC are expected to do better this season.

Gujarat Titans - Real test this season?

The Titans will be playing under a new skipper - Shubman Gill, after Hardik Pandya switched sides. Gill will definitely be under the spotlight given that the Titans made it to IPL finals in back-to-back seasons under Pandya. Star India pacer Mohammed Shami, however, won't be playing this season for GT, making the job difficult for Gill in his first season as captain. The season will prove how strong a side GT is when they play without their two biggest players.

SunRisers Hyderabad - Banking too much on Captain Cummins?

SRH have had some bad seasons in recent years, but this year they have brought in Pat Cummins - the man with a Midas touch. Cummins, as skipper, has led his country, Australia to the World Test Championship (WTC) title, ODI World Cup 2023 title and retained the Ashes 2023 as well. Going by his success, Cummins has been appointed SRH skipper for the 2024 season, so let's see if Cummins changes SRH's fortunes.

Rajasthan Royals - Will Royals be able to break title jinx?

Over the years, the Royals have been able to emerge as a strong trophy contender but have failed to realise their full potential. Rajasthan skipper Sanju Samson would also like to play a bigger role instead of throwing his starts away to help the team become a winner this season. Royals, overall, do have a strong team comprising Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravi Ashwin, Jos Buttler, Trent Boult and Yuzvendra Chahal.

Lucknow Super Giants - KL Rahul's form

KL Rahul's form will have a huge impact on LSG's season. Rahul is returning from an injury and will be eager to prove his form ahead of the T20 World Cup. Along with Rahul, LSG will be banking on youngsters like Ayush Badoni, Devdutt Padikkal, Ravi Bishnoi and Deepak Hooda among others to make an impact in IPL 2024.

Punjab Kings - Jitesh Sharma looks to cement India spot

In a team which looks the least strong on paper, Jitesh Sharma will have a chance to cement his place in the Indian squad with another decent season. Along with him, all eyes will also be on Arshdeep Singh and Rahul Chahar as they stake their claim for a spot in the&nbsp;T20 World Cup squad.

As of now, the league has released the schedule for the first 17 days from March 22 to April 7 when 21 games will be played. The rest of the schedule is expected to be out soon.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 edition is just days away and the tournament is attracting special attention this time as the T20 World Cup follows right after.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 edition is just days away and the tournament is attracting special attention this time as the T20 World Cup follows right after. Several Indian youngsters spread out across all 10 teams will be looking to prove themselves in the league and stake a claim for a spot in India's WC squad. Some of the players, including Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul will also be getting the spotlight as they mark their return from injury layoffs. Let's have a look at what to watch for in each team in the upcoming IPL edition which starts March 22. Mumbai Indians: Will Hardik succeed as skipper? Hardik Pandya will be the new Mumbai Indians skipper, replacing Rohit Sharma. Pandya has previously played for MI as an all-rounder for a long time before his two-year stint at Gujarat Titans. Notably, Hardik led Titans to the IPL title in their maiden season in 2022 and to the final in 2023. His appointment as MI skipper, however, has had mixed reactions from fans and former players alike. It will be interesting to see how Hardik takes Rohit's legacy forward who made Mumbai a five-time champion in the tournament. Also Read: BCCI forms three-member committee of Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Ajit Agarkar to improve domestic cricket Chennai Super Kings: MS Dhoni's last season? Ever since MS Dhoni retired from international cricket, speculation has been rife about when he'll call time in IPL. While many expected 2023 to be his last season where he took CSK to their joint-most fifth IPL title, Dhoni is back for another season. The skipper last year had said that he'd like to finish his career at Chepauk in front of home fans in Chennai. It'll definitely be a point of discussion this season as well with fans continuing to speculate whether Dhoni will keep playing or hang his boots for good. Royal Challengers Bangalore: Will there be an IPL-WPL double? After RCB Women won the maiden title for the franchise in the recently concluded Women's Premier League (WPL), the pressure will definitely be on the men's side who are still looking for their maiden IPL trophy. RCB has been a side with some of the best players in the league but the team has always fallen short of winning the title. Even Virat Kohli, a name synonymous with the franchise, hasn't been able to make RCB win despite being one of the best batters in the league and the world. Kolkata Knight Riders - Gambhir to bring back luck? KKR have brought back Gautam Gambhir as a mentor ahead of the season. Notably, it was under Gambhir's captaincy that KKR won their two IPL titles - in 2012 and 2014. With Shreyas Iyer also coming back after missing the last season due to injury and Rinku Singh emerging as one of the best finishers, KKR look like a settled side this season. Gambhir also brought Aussie pacer Mitchell Starc to the side, bolstering their pace department to go with an already potent spin attack. Delhi Capitals - Rishabh Pant is back! The biggest story in this IPL season is Rishabh Pant making his return to competitive cricket since being involved in a horrific car crash in December 2022. After 14 months of rehab, Pant is back and the Capitals will be hoping for a change in fortune after finishing last season ninth in the 10-team event. Pant is also expected to lead the side, taking over the duties from David Warner who held the post last year. With Mitchell Marsh also available and in good form, DC are expected to do better this season. Gujarat Titans - Real test this season? The Titans will be playing under a new skipper - Shubman Gill, after Hardik Pandya switched sides. Gill will definitely be under the spotlight given that the Titans made it to IPL finals in back-to-back seasons under Pandya. Star India pacer Mohammed Shami, however, won't be playing this season for GT, making the job difficult for Gill in his first season as captain. The season will prove how strong a side GT is when they play without their two biggest players. SunRisers Hyderabad - Banking too much on Captain Cummins? SRH have had some bad seasons in recent years, but this year they have brought in Pat Cummins - the man with a Midas touch. Cummins, as skipper, has led his country, Australia to the World Test Championship (WTC) title, ODI World Cup 2023 title and retained the Ashes 2023 as well. Going by his success, Cummins has been appointed SRH skipper for the 2024 season, so let's see if Cummins changes SRH's fortunes. Rajasthan Royals - Will Royals be able to break title jinx? Over the years, the Royals have been able to emerge as a strong trophy contender but have failed to realise their full potential. Rajasthan skipper Sanju Samson would also like to play a bigger role instead of throwing his starts away to help the team become a winner this season. Royals, overall, do have a strong team comprising Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravi Ashwin, Jos Buttler, Trent Boult and Yuzvendra Chahal. Lucknow Super Giants - KL Rahul's form KL Rahul's form will have a huge impact on LSG's season. Rahul is returning from an injury and will be eager to prove his form ahead of the T20 World Cup. Along with Rahul, LSG will be banking on youngsters like Ayush Badoni, Devdutt Padikkal, Ravi Bishnoi and Deepak Hooda among others to make an impact in IPL 2024. Punjab Kings - Jitesh Sharma looks to cement India spot In a team which looks the least strong on paper, Jitesh Sharma will have a chance to cement his place in the Indian squad with another decent season. Along with him, all eyes will also be on Arshdeep Singh and Rahul Chahar as they stake their claim for a spot in the T20 World Cup squad. As of now, the league has released the schedule for the first 17 days from March 22 to April 7 when 21 games will be played. The rest of the schedule is expected to be out soon.

Explained: What to watch out for in each team during IPL 2024 season

BCCI has formed a three-member committee that includes Indian men's team head coach&nbsp;Rahul Dravid, National Cricket Academy chairman VVS Laxman and men’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar, to provide suggestions to improve and boost domestic cricket setup, according to a report in Times of India.&nbsp;

The decision was taken at BCCI's Apex Council meeting on Monday (Mar 18) where concerns were raised about the challenges domestic cricket was facing in the country.

"There were a lot of issues that cropped up during the conduct of men’s domestic cricket, with a prominent problem being that a lot of games in north India, particularly during the Ranji Trophy, were washed out or heavily curtailed due to bad weather in December-January," a source was quoted as saying by the publication.&nbsp;

"Dravid, Laxman and Agarkar have been asked to give their suggestions to improve men’s domestic cricket," it added.&nbsp;

<h2>Focus on domestic cricket</h2>

Notably, in recent months, BCCI has given additional focus on strengthening the domestic cricket setup in the country. The senior national team players have been advised to go back to the Ranji Trophy or other domestic tournaments when they are not playing for the country.&nbsp;

The likes of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer missed out on central contracts after they allegedly refused to play domestic cricket.&nbsp;

Former Indian captain and 1983 World Cup winner Sunil Gavaskar recently lauded the BCCI for announcing the incentive scheme for players playing 75 per cent of India's Tests both home and away.&nbsp;

Gavaskar added that a similar incentive scheme could be launched for domestic cricket which would automatically increase the participation and quality.&nbsp;

“That is a wonderful thing by the BCCI to reward those who would be playing but I would also request the BCCI to ensure that the feeder to the Test team, which is the Ranji Trophy, that is also looked after," said Gavaskar.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sunil-gavaskar-urges-bcci-to-implement-incentive-scheme-in-ranji-trophy-to-motivate-players-700886">Also read |&nbsp;Sunil Gavaskar urges BCCI to implement ‘incentive scheme’ in Ranji Trophy to motivate players&nbsp;</a>

“(If) the Ranji Trophy fees can be doubled or tripled, certainly there’ll be a lot more people playing the Ranji Trophy, (and a) lot less pull outs from the Ranji Trophy, because if the fees of playing a Ranji Trophy match is a good fee there will be less people pulling out for various reasons," he added.&nbsp;

The former top-order batter also urged BCCI to look into the growing concern of the short gap between Ranji games and even suggested Ranji to be the first of three tournaments to be played and not the last to ensure everyone is available and no one opts to skip it.

(With inputs from agencies)

BCCI has formed a three-member committee that includes Indian men's team head coach Rahul Dravid, National Cricket Academy chairman VVS Laxman and men’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar, to provide suggestions to improve and boost domestic cricket setup, according to a report in Times of India.

BCCI has formed a three-member committee that includes Indian men's team head coach Rahul Dravid, National Cricket Academy chairman VVS Laxman and men’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar, to provide suggestions to improve and boost domestic cricket setup, according to a report in Times of India. The decision was taken at BCCI's Apex Council meeting on Monday (Mar 18) where concerns were raised about the challenges domestic cricket was facing in the country. "There were a lot of issues that cropped up during the conduct of men’s domestic cricket, with a prominent problem being that a lot of games in north India, particularly during the Ranji Trophy, were washed out or heavily curtailed due to bad weather in December-January," a source was quoted as saying by the publication. "Dravid, Laxman and Agarkar have been asked to give their suggestions to improve men’s domestic cricket," it added. Focus on domestic cricket Notably, in recent months, BCCI has given additional focus on strengthening the domestic cricket setup in the country. The senior national team players have been advised to go back to the Ranji Trophy or other domestic tournaments when they are not playing for the country. The likes of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer missed out on central contracts after they allegedly refused to play domestic cricket. Former Indian captain and 1983 World Cup winner Sunil Gavaskar recently lauded the BCCI for announcing the incentive scheme for players playing 75 per cent of India's Tests both home and away. Gavaskar added that a similar incentive scheme could be launched for domestic cricket which would automatically increase the participation and quality. “That is a wonderful thing by the BCCI to reward those who would be playing but I would also request the BCCI to ensure that the feeder to the Test team, which is the Ranji Trophy, that is also looked after," said Gavaskar. Also read | Sunil Gavaskar urges BCCI to implement ‘incentive scheme’ in Ranji Trophy to motivate players “(If) the Ranji Trophy fees can be doubled or tripled, certainly there’ll be a lot more people playing the Ranji Trophy, (and a) lot less pull outs from the Ranji Trophy, because if the fees of playing a Ranji Trophy match is a good fee there will be less people pulling out for various reasons," he added. The former top-order batter also urged BCCI to look into the growing concern of the short gap between Ranji games and even suggested Ranji to be the first of three tournaments to be played and not the last to ensure everyone is available and no one opts to skip it. (With inputs from agencies)

BCCI forms three-member committee of Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Ajit Agarkar to improve domestic cricket

India’s World Cup winner&nbsp;Kirti Azad’s latest social media post has created quite a stir in the cricket circuit surrounding speculations on Virat Kohli’s future in T20I cricket. Taking to the micro-blogging website X (previously known as Twitter), Azad revealed that BCCI secretary Jay Shah had asked chief selector Ajit Agarkar to convince others to drop Kohli for the T20 World Cup (to be held in June in the Caribbean and the USA).

A Telegraph report last week broke the internet claiming that India veteran Virat could face omission from the squad for the marquee event for his inability to make runs on slower pitches.&nbsp;

While people close to the information admitted this report to be false, Azad’s latest post contradicts it.

Azad said Shah had given Agarkar time till March 15 to convey the message to the decision-makers within and even Captain Rohit Sharma to drop Kohli for the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hardik-pandya-reveals-how-his-plan-to-return-to-indian-world-cup-squad-was-derailed-701080">Hardik Pandya reveals how his plan to return to Indian World Cup squad was derailed</a>

As per sources, Rohit declined, saying he needs Kohli at any cost for&nbsp;the ICC event.

Without mentioning any name, Azad even said, “Nincompoops should not involve themselves in the selection process.”

His post read,&nbsp;“Why should Jay Shah, he is not a selector, to give responsibility to Ajit Agarkar to talk to the other selectors and convince them that Virat Kohli is not getting a place in the T20 team. For this, time was given till 15th March. If sources are to be believed, Ajit Agarkar was neither able to convince himself nor the other selectors. Jay Shah asked Rohit Sharma too, but Rohit said we need Virat Kohli at any cost. Virat Kohli will play the T20 World Cup, and its official announcement will be made before the team selection. 
Nincompoops&nbsp;should not involve themselves in the selection process. 
@imVkohli @ImRo45 @BCCI

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Why should Jay Shah, he is not a selector, to give responsibility to Ajit Agarkar to talk to the other selectors and convince them that Virat Kohli is not getting a place in the T20 team. For this, time was given till 15th March. If sources are to be believed, Ajit Agarkar was… <a href="https://t.co/FyaJSClOLw">pic.twitter.com/FyaJSClOLw</a>
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<h2>Kohli returns to IPL after the break</h2>

Virat Kohli missed the England Test series for the birth of his second child and has joined his IPL team – Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), ahead of the 17th edition beginning on March 22 in Chennai.&nbsp;

RCB and Chennai Super Kings will play IPL 2024 opener.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the T20 World Cup will begin shortly after the IPL 2024, the final schedule of which is yet to be announced.&nbsp;

For the record, India last won the T20 World Cup in 2007 – the inaugural edition in South Africa.&nbsp;

India’s World Cup winner Kirti Azad’s latest social media post has created quite a stir in the cricket circuit surrounding speculations on Virat Kohli’s future in T20I cricket.

India’s World Cup winner Kirti Azad’s latest social media post has created quite a stir in the cricket circuit surrounding speculations on Virat Kohli’s future in T20I cricket. Taking to the micro-blogging website X (previously known as Twitter), Azad revealed that BCCI secretary Jay Shah had asked chief selector Ajit Agarkar to convince others to drop Kohli for the T20 World Cup (to be held in June in the Caribbean and the USA). A Telegraph report last week broke the internet claiming that India veteran Virat could face omission from the squad for the marquee event for his inability to make runs on slower pitches. While people close to the information admitted this report to be false, Azad’s latest post contradicts it. Azad said Shah had given Agarkar time till March 15 to convey the message to the decision-makers within and even Captain Rohit Sharma to drop Kohli for the T20 World Cup. ALSO READ: Hardik Pandya reveals how his plan to return to Indian World Cup squad was derailed As per sources, Rohit declined, saying he needs Kohli at any cost for the ICC event. Without mentioning any name, Azad even said, “Nincompoops should not involve themselves in the selection process.” His post read, “Why should Jay Shah, he is not a selector, to give responsibility to Ajit Agarkar to talk to the other selectors and convince them that Virat Kohli is not getting a place in the T20 team. For this, time was given till 15th March. If sources are to be believed, Ajit Agarkar was neither able to convince himself nor the other selectors. Jay Shah asked Rohit Sharma too, but Rohit said we need Virat Kohli at any cost. Virat Kohli will play the T20 World Cup, and its official announcement will be made before the team selection. Nincompoops should not involve themselves in the selection process. @imVkohli @ImRo45 @BCCI Why should Jay Shah, he is not a selector, to give responsibility to Ajit Agarkar to talk to the other selectors and convince them that Virat Kohli is not getting a place in the T20 team. For this, time was given till 15th March. If sources are to be believed, Ajit Agarkar was… pic.twitter.com/FyaJSClOLw — Kirti Azad (@KirtiAzaad) March 17, 2024 × Kohli returns to IPL after the break Virat Kohli missed the England Test series for the birth of his second child and has joined his IPL team – Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), ahead of the 17th edition beginning on March 22 in Chennai. RCB and Chennai Super Kings will play IPL 2024 opener. Meanwhile, the T20 World Cup will begin shortly after the IPL 2024, the final schedule of which is yet to be announced. For the record, India last won the T20 World Cup in 2007 – the inaugural edition in South Africa.

Rohit refuses to drop Kohli for T20 World Cup, sends clear message to Jay Shah – Reports

Former India captain and batting great Sunil Gavaskar has urged the BCCI to implement the 'incentive scheme' in the Ranji Trophy as well, saying it will motivate more players at the domestic level and will also look after the feeder (to the Test team) system.&nbsp;

Earlier, the BCCI announced an incentive scheme for all those who will appear in 75% of Tests in a season by paying them an extra INR 45 lakhs per game (outside of their designated match fee), while those playing from 50-75% matches will pocked INR 30 lakhs.&nbsp;

"That is a wonderful thing by the BCCI to reward those who would be playing [Test cricket]. But I would also request the BCCI to ensure that the feeder to the Test team, which is the Ranji Trophy, is also looked after," Gavaskar said on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai on Friday.

Given the pay breakdown in India's domestic tournaments, a player earns INR 2 lakhs for a Ranji game. If he plays each match, and his team qualifies for the finals, it adds up to 10 games, meaning a player can earn a maximum of INR 20 lakhs (equivalent to the lowest base price for a player in the IPL). Besides, the match fee in the Vijay Hazare Trophy is INR 50,000, dropping to INR 17,500 in Syed Mushtaq Ali.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shane-watson-pulls-out-of-race-to-become-pakistan-head-coach-despite-lucrative-offer-700813">Shane Watson pulls out of race to become Pakistan head coach despite lucrative offer</a>

"[If your team doesn't qualify for the knockouts], your whole year's earnings are around 20 lakh, which is like the base price in the IPL. If there are proper contracts, then players will feel more motivated to play red-ball cricket," an unnamed domestic player said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.&nbsp;

Speaking on the same lines, Gavaskar said the BCCI must consider increasing the player fees by two or three folds to ensure financial security for all, motivating them to prefer the Ranji Trophy over franchise-based T20 cricket.&nbsp;

"If the Ranji Trophy fee can be doubled or tripled, certainly there will be a lot more people playing the Ranji Trophy, [and a] lot less pullouts. They will all be wanting to play with the slab system - [if] every ten first-class matches you get that much more - so I would request the BCCI to look at that aspect as well."

<h2>Better scheduling will help the motive</h2>

Gavaskar touched upon a different aspect of how better scheduling can help BCCI achieve their motive.&nbsp;

The former top-order batter asked BCCI to look into the growing concern of the short gap between Ranji games and even suggested Ranji to be the first of three tournaments to be played and not the last to ensure everyone is available and no one opts to skip it.

As things stand, the Ranji Trophy is the last competition in the domestic calendar.&nbsp;

"That way, everybody will be available to play [the Ranji Trophy], except for the ones featuring for India. There will be no real excuse to pull out. With the one-dayers beginning from January, people who are in the IPL can have enough practice from them," Gavaskar said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Mumbai recently won their record 42nd Ranji Trophy title, beating Vidarbha in the final in Wankhede.&nbsp;

Former India captain and batting great Sunil Gavaskar has urged the BCCI to implement the 'incentive scheme' in the Ranji Trophy as well, saying it will motivate more players at the domestic level and will also look after the feeder (to the Test team) system.

Former India captain and batting great Sunil Gavaskar has urged the BCCI to implement the 'incentive scheme' in the Ranji Trophy as well, saying it will motivate more players at the domestic level and will also look after the feeder (to the Test team) system. Earlier, the BCCI announced an incentive scheme for all those who will appear in 75% of Tests in a season by paying them an extra INR 45 lakhs per game (outside of their designated match fee), while those playing from 50-75% matches will pocked INR 30 lakhs. "That is a wonderful thing by the BCCI to reward those who would be playing [Test cricket]. But I would also request the BCCI to ensure that the feeder to the Test team, which is the Ranji Trophy, is also looked after," Gavaskar said on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai on Friday. Given the pay breakdown in India's domestic tournaments, a player earns INR 2 lakhs for a Ranji game. If he plays each match, and his team qualifies for the finals, it adds up to 10 games, meaning a player can earn a maximum of INR 20 lakhs (equivalent to the lowest base price for a player in the IPL). Besides, the match fee in the Vijay Hazare Trophy is INR 50,000, dropping to INR 17,500 in Syed Mushtaq Ali. ALSO READ: Shane Watson pulls out of race to become Pakistan head coach despite lucrative offer "[If your team doesn't qualify for the knockouts], your whole year's earnings are around 20 lakh, which is like the base price in the IPL. If there are proper contracts, then players will feel more motivated to play red-ball cricket," an unnamed domestic player said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. Speaking on the same lines, Gavaskar said the BCCI must consider increasing the player fees by two or three folds to ensure financial security for all, motivating them to prefer the Ranji Trophy over franchise-based T20 cricket. "If the Ranji Trophy fee can be doubled or tripled, certainly there will be a lot more people playing the Ranji Trophy, [and a] lot less pullouts. They will all be wanting to play with the slab system - [if] every ten first-class matches you get that much more - so I would request the BCCI to look at that aspect as well." Better scheduling will help the motive Gavaskar touched upon a different aspect of how better scheduling can help BCCI achieve their motive. The former top-order batter asked BCCI to look into the growing concern of the short gap between Ranji games and even suggested Ranji to be the first of three tournaments to be played and not the last to ensure everyone is available and no one opts to skip it. As things stand, the Ranji Trophy is the last competition in the domestic calendar. "That way, everybody will be available to play [the Ranji Trophy], except for the ones featuring for India. There will be no real excuse to pull out. With the one-dayers beginning from January, people who are in the IPL can have enough practice from them," Gavaskar said. Meanwhile, Mumbai recently won their record 42nd Ranji Trophy title, beating Vidarbha in the final in Wankhede.

Sunil Gavaskar urges BCCI to implement ‘incentive scheme’ in Ranji Trophy to motivate players

India batter Rishabh Pant is all excited to feature in upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season after a 14-month forced break. Pant was involved in a car crash in December 2022 and went under a couple of surgeries before starting his rehab. He was declared fit by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on March 12 to take part in the IPL for Delhi Capitals.

“I’m excited and nervous at the same time. It feels like I’m going to make my debut again,” said Pant in a media release by Capitals after being declared fit by the BCCI for the upcoming IPL season.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/it-is-defenceless-cricket-says-india-spinner-ravi-ashwin-about-bazball-after-series-victory-over-england-699671">'It is defenceless cricket,' says India spinner Ravi Ashwin about Bazball after series victory over England</a>

“To be able to play cricket again after everything I’ve been through is nothing short of a miracle,” he added.

“I’m excited to return to Delhi Capitals &amp; the IPL – a tournament I enjoy so much. Our team owners and support staff have been by my side throughout with their full support, guidance and co-operation at every step, for which I am deeply grateful. I can’t wait to re-unite with my DC family and play in front of the fans again.”

Updating on his fitness, the board had said in a release: "After undergoing an extensive 14-month rehab and recovery process, following a life-threatening road mishap on December 30th, 2022, near Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Rishabh Pant has now been declared fit as a wicket-keeper batter for the upcoming TATA IPL 2024."

Shami, Krishna out of IPL 2024

In a setback to Gujarat Giants and Rajasthan Royals, pacer Mohammed Shami and Prasidh Krishna have been ruled out of the upcoming IPL season.

While Shami is under rehab post his right heel surgery, Krishna has hurt his left proximal quadriceps tendon. Both players are currently being monitored by the board and are ruled out of the IPL 2024.

India batter Rishabh Pant is all excited to feature in upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season after a 14-month forced break. Pant was involved in a car crash in December 2022 and went under a couple of surgeries before starting his rehab.

India batter Rishabh Pant is all excited to feature in upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season after a 14-month forced break. Pant was involved in a car crash in December 2022 and went under a couple of surgeries before starting his rehab. He was declared fit by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on March 12 to take part in the IPL for Delhi Capitals. “I’m excited and nervous at the same time. It feels like I’m going to make my debut again,” said Pant in a media release by Capitals after being declared fit by the BCCI for the upcoming IPL season. Also Read: 'It is defenceless cricket,' says India spinner Ravi Ashwin about Bazball after series victory over England “To be able to play cricket again after everything I’ve been through is nothing short of a miracle,” he added. “I’m excited to return to Delhi Capitals & the IPL – a tournament I enjoy so much. Our team owners and support staff have been by my side throughout with their full support, guidance and co-operation at every step, for which I am deeply grateful. I can’t wait to re-unite with my DC family and play in front of the fans again.” Updating on his fitness, the board had said in a release: "After undergoing an extensive 14-month rehab and recovery process, following a life-threatening road mishap on December 30th, 2022, near Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Rishabh Pant has now been declared fit as a wicket-keeper batter for the upcoming TATA IPL 2024." Shami, Krishna out of IPL 2024 In a setback to Gujarat Giants and Rajasthan Royals, pacer Mohammed Shami and Prasidh Krishna have been ruled out of the upcoming IPL season. While Shami is under rehab post his right heel surgery, Krishna has hurt his left proximal quadriceps tendon. Both players are currently being monitored by the board and are ruled out of the IPL 2024.

IPL 2024: 'Nervous and excited' Rishabh Pant feels 'he's making debut again' after being declared fit

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has declared wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant fit for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Pant has been cleared to play following a 14-month rehab after a life-threatening crash in December 2022. He will be returning for Delhi Capitals in the upcoming season which begins March 22.

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🚨 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁: 
 
After undergoing an extensive 14-month rehab and recovery process, following a life-threatening road mishap on December 30th, 2022, <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a> has now been declared fit as a wicket-keeper batter for the upcoming <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IPL</a> 2024…
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1767444671297646847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"After undergoing an extensive 14-month rehab and recovery process, following a life-threatening road mishap on December 30th, 2022, near Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Rishabh Pant has now been declared fit as a wicket-keeper batter for the upcoming TATA IPL 2024," read a press release by the BCCI.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-likely-to-be-dropped-to-make-way-for-power-hitters-in-indias-t20-world-cup-squad-reports-699262">Virat Kohli likely to be DROPPED to make way for power-hitters in India's T20 World Cup squad: Reports</a>

Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting also sounded optimistic about Pant while recently talking on the ICC Review podcast.

“He's actually played some practice matches over the last couple of weeks, which has been really encouraging for us. I know he's worked incredibly hard on his body and his fitness to get back to the level that he's at now. He's kept in one of those games, he's fielded in these games and the batting hasn't seemingly been an issue for him so far," Ponting had said.

The board also offered an update on pacers Mohammed Shami and Prasidh Krishna.

"The fast bowler underwent surgery on February 23rd, 2024, on his left proximal quadriceps tendon. He is currently being monitored by the BCCI Medical Team and will resume rehab at the National Cricket Academy soon. He will not be able to take part in the upcoming TATA IPL 2024," the BCCI release read about Krishna.

India's ODI World Cup 2023 hero Shami also underwent surgery for his right heel problem.

The board said he's "currently being monitored by the BCCI medical team and is ruled out of the upcoming TATA IPL 2024."

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has declared wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant fit for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Pant has been cleared to play following a 14-month rehab after a life-threatening crash in December 2022.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has declared wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant fit for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Pant has been cleared to play following a 14-month rehab after a life-threatening crash in December 2022. He will be returning for Delhi Capitals in the upcoming season which begins March 22. 🚨 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁: After undergoing an extensive 14-month rehab and recovery process, following a life-threatening road mishap on December 30th, 2022, @RishabhPant17 has now been declared fit as a wicket-keeper batter for the upcoming #TATA @IPL 2024… — BCCI (@BCCI) March 12, 2024 × "After undergoing an extensive 14-month rehab and recovery process, following a life-threatening road mishap on December 30th, 2022, near Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Rishabh Pant has now been declared fit as a wicket-keeper batter for the upcoming TATA IPL 2024," read a press release by the BCCI. Also Read: Virat Kohli likely to be DROPPED to make way for power-hitters in India's T20 World Cup squad: Reports Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting also sounded optimistic about Pant while recently talking on the ICC Review podcast. “He's actually played some practice matches over the last couple of weeks, which has been really encouraging for us. I know he's worked incredibly hard on his body and his fitness to get back to the level that he's at now. He's kept in one of those games, he's fielded in these games and the batting hasn't seemingly been an issue for him so far," Ponting had said. The board also offered an update on pacers Mohammed Shami and Prasidh Krishna. "The fast bowler underwent surgery on February 23rd, 2024, on his left proximal quadriceps tendon. He is currently being monitored by the BCCI Medical Team and will resume rehab at the National Cricket Academy soon. He will not be able to take part in the upcoming TATA IPL 2024," the BCCI release read about Krishna. India's ODI World Cup 2023 hero Shami also underwent surgery for his right heel problem. The board said he's "currently being monitored by the BCCI medical team and is ruled out of the upcoming TATA IPL 2024."

IPL 2024: BCCI officially clears Rishabh Pant to play in upcoming season

BCCI secretary Jay Shah has revealed that star batter Rishabh Pant could play in the T20 World Cup, scheduled later this year if he can don the wicketkeeping gloves once again.&nbsp;

Pant is set to make his much-awaited comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL) later this month, after being involved in a horrific car crash in December 2022.&nbsp;

"He is batting well, he is keeping well. We will declare him fit very soon," Shah told news agency PTI.

"If he can play the T20 World Cup for us, that will be a big thing for us. He is a big asset for us. If he can keep, he can play the World Cup. Let's see how he does in the IPL."

The car crash had caused significant physical damage to Pant who was forced to step back from the game. According to reports, the Indian dasher suffered a severe right knee injury that required ligament reconstruction surgery. He also had a fractured wrist and ankle that took significant physiotherapy to heal.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ben-duckett-hasnt-seen-pant-play-rohit-sharma-schools-english-opener-over-absurd-bazball-remark-697252">Also read |&nbsp;‘Duckett hasn’t seen Pant play’: Rohit Sharma schools English opener over absurd Bazball remark</a>

<h2>Ponting updates on Pant's comeback</h2>

While Shah hinted at Pant's comeback to the national team, his franchise Delhi Capital's head coach Ricky Ponting provided encouraging signs about Pant's participation in the marquee tournament.&nbsp;

“It's a big decision we'll have to make because if he is fit, you'd think he'd step straight back into that captaincy role,” Ponting said.

“If he's not entirely fit and we have to use him in a slightly different role, then we've got some decisions to make there,” he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2024-delhi-capitals-coach-ricky-ponting-offers-clarity-on-rishabh-pants-role-in-upcoming-season-698857">Also read |&nbsp;IPL 2024: Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting offers clarity on Rishabh Pant's role in upcoming season</a>

Ponting updated that Pant has played some practice games and has shown improved fitness throughout the games.

“He's actually played some practice matches over the last couple of weeks, which has been really encouraging for us. I know he's worked incredibly hard on his body and his fitness to get back to the level that he's at now. He's kept in one of those games, he's fielded in these games and the batting hasn't seemingly been an issue for him so far," said Ponting.

Prior to the accident, Pant had become a mainstay for the Indian team in nearly all three formats while holding the Delhi franchise together with his scintillating performances.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

BCCI secretary Jay Shah has revealed that star batter Rishabh Pant could play in the T20 World Cup, scheduled later this year if he can don the wicketkeeping gloves once again.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah has revealed that star batter Rishabh Pant could play in the T20 World Cup, scheduled later this year if he can don the wicketkeeping gloves once again. Pant is set to make his much-awaited comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL) later this month, after being involved in a horrific car crash in December 2022. "He is batting well, he is keeping well. We will declare him fit very soon," Shah told news agency PTI. "If he can play the T20 World Cup for us, that will be a big thing for us. He is a big asset for us. If he can keep, he can play the World Cup. Let's see how he does in the IPL." The car crash had caused significant physical damage to Pant who was forced to step back from the game. According to reports, the Indian dasher suffered a severe right knee injury that required ligament reconstruction surgery. He also had a fractured wrist and ankle that took significant physiotherapy to heal. Also read | ‘Duckett hasn’t seen Pant play’: Rohit Sharma schools English opener over absurd Bazball remark Ponting updates on Pant's comeback While Shah hinted at Pant's comeback to the national team, his franchise Delhi Capital's head coach Ricky Ponting provided encouraging signs about Pant's participation in the marquee tournament. “It's a big decision we'll have to make because if he is fit, you'd think he'd step straight back into that captaincy role,” Ponting said. “If he's not entirely fit and we have to use him in a slightly different role, then we've got some decisions to make there,” he added. Also read | IPL 2024: Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting offers clarity on Rishabh Pant's role in upcoming season Ponting updated that Pant has played some practice games and has shown improved fitness throughout the games. “He's actually played some practice matches over the last couple of weeks, which has been really encouraging for us. I know he's worked incredibly hard on his body and his fitness to get back to the level that he's at now. He's kept in one of those games, he's fielded in these games and the batting hasn't seemingly been an issue for him so far," said Ponting. Prior to the accident, Pant had become a mainstay for the Indian team in nearly all three formats while holding the Delhi franchise together with his scintillating performances. (With inputs from agencies)

'Pant might play T20 World Cup if he...': BCCI secretary Jay Shah drops major hint

Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Arun Dhumal has confirmed that 'mega auctions' will remain part of the marquee sporting event, ending speculations that BCCI was mulling a proposal to replace it with the English Premier League's player transfer model.

Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Arun Dhumal has confirmed that 'mega auctions' will remain part of the marquee sporting event, ending speculations that BCCI was mulling a proposal to replace it with the English Premier League's player transfer model. The next mega auction will take place after the 2024 season which will allow teams to refresh their entire squads. “We will have the mega auction for sure, where you get to choose three-four players and then you have a new team. That makes it more interesting and that format will continue,” Dhumal told Sportstar. “Hopefully, the mega auction will be as big and as good as we have had earlier given newer talents coming in not from India and other countries. Teams like Afghanistan have also benefitted as they could showcase their talent,” he added. Also read | IPL 2024: RCB captain Faf du Plessis recalls how he connected instantly with Virat Kohli As big as the last one The IPL chief said he hoped that next year's mega auction will be as big as the previous ones. The 2022 mega auction saw 204 players being sold at an estimated collective price of Rs 551 crore ($66.5 million). “Hopefully, the mega auction will be as big and as good as we have had earlier given newer talents coming in not from India and other countries. Teams like Afghanistan have also benefitted as they could showcase their talent,” he added. The mega auctions usually occur every three years in the IPL calendar. During the last window, two new franchises viz. Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Supergiants were added to the fold with the former going on to win the tournament in its rookie season. Also read | 'Don't know what he'll come up with': CSK all-rounder Moeen Ali on MS Dhoni's plans The 2024 IPL season begins on March 22 with defending champions Chennai Super Kings taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Currently, BCCI has only released the schedule for the first two weeks, owing to Lok Sabha elections. Dhumal, however, confirmed that IPL 2024 would end on either May 25 or 26 keeping in mind the 2024 T20 World Cup, which is set to begin on June 7. (With inputs from agencies)

Mega auctions to be scrapped? IPL chairman Arun Dhumal provides update

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