The Indian men's cricket team is facing kit sizing issues and accommodation concerns ahead of their departure for the Asian Games. While most kit problems are being resolved, the BCCI has proactively arranged its own hotel for the team in Nagoya, Japan, due to reported delays and inadequate facilities for other athletes.
Japan's cricket captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming and all-rounder Charlie Hara-Hinze believe the upcoming historic T20 match against India on September 22 can serve as a crucial springboard for the sustained growth of cricket in Japan, a country traditionally dominated by baseball.
Japan Cricket Association CEO Naoki Alex Miyaji has addressed concerns raised by leading cricketing nations regarding accommodation and facilities for the upcoming Asian Games. Miyaji clarified that hotel stays are offered, teams can make their own arrangements, and temporary yet comfortable facilities have been prepared for players, including washrooms and dressing rooms, despite tight timelines and resource limitations.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced that the state government has allotted 30 acres of land to the Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) for establishing a modern cricket academy. This initiative aims to provide advanced training facilities for budding cricketers, complemented by the appointment of spotters to identify talent at the village level and the development of all-weather practice grounds.
The Japan Cricket Association (JCA) is hosting its historic maiden T20I against reigning world champions India, an event its COO Alan Curr believes will significantly boost cricket's profile and aid its global recognition efforts. The match, taking place at the upgraded Sano International Cricket Ground, is seen as a crucial step towards attracting more established cricketing nations and fostering grassroots growth, despite challenges like weather and integrating cricket into the national sports scene.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting expressed his belief that the growth of cricket in the United States has been slower than anticipated, but he remains optimistic about its potential, especially with the US national team's increasing competitiveness and the sport's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla has confirmed that Indian cricketers participating in the upcoming Asian Games in Japan will stay in designated accommodation provided by the Organising Committee, which, while comfortable, will not be five-star hotels due to scarcity in Nagoya. Both BCCI and IOA have addressed the arrangements, ensuring player comfort and suitable facilities.
UAE cricketer Asif Khan has been banned for 15 months by the ICC after testing positive for a banned anabolic steroid, mesterolone, during an out-of-competition test. The ban is backdated, and his past results from September 2025 have been disqualified.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah has inaugurated the Tanzania Cricket Arena, the nation's first ICC-approved cricket venue, signifying a major step forward for cricket development in Tanzania and across the African continent. Shah praised the collaborative efforts behind establishing this world-class infrastructure.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) Centre of Excellence, a state-of-the-art cricketing facility, is nearing its second anniversary, with BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia and former India cricketer VVS Laxman crediting former BCCI Secretary Jay Shah's pivotal role in its establishment.
The Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona, Los Angeles, which is set to host cricket at the 2028 Olympics, recently held its inaugural competitive match.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) are reportedly dissatisfied with the arrangements and facilities for the upcoming Asian Games cricket tournament in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Concerns include inadequate dressing rooms, distant washrooms, and small hotel rooms. As a result, India might send a 'B' team instead of the previously announced full-strength squad, pending a report from a BCCI observer.
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has significantly increased its subsidy corpus for affiliated clubs to Rs 500 crore over the next decade, aiming to bolster grassroots cricket infrastructure. Additionally, the MCA decided to name lounges at the iconic Wankhede Stadium after cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar, Ajinkya Rahane, and late Madhav Mantri.
The Maharashtra government has signed an MoU with the Kolhapur District Cricket Association to build an international-standard cricket stadium and multi-sports hub in Kolhapur, featuring a 35,000-capacity stadium and facilities for various sports.
The PCB will build a cricket stadium as per international standards and with state-of-the-art facilities, said the Pakistan Cricket Board.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia addressed recent speculations regarding Rohit Sharma's future, chief selector Ajit Agarkar's contract extension, and VVS Laxman's potential appointment as director of cricket, dismissing all rumours after a review meeting.
Sri Lanka Cricket is set to lose an estimated USD 20 million in revenue after the ICC stripped it of the hosting rights for the 2027 Women's Champions Trophy.
Defending champions India's women's cricket team is set to face Bangladesh in the Asian Games semifinal. With a dominant head-to-head record, India aims to continue their winning streak, while Bangladesh will rely on their spinners to challenge the strong Indian batting lineup for a spot in the final.
Former India cricket captain Virat Kohli met Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in London to discuss enhancing sports infrastructure, athlete development, and state progress. The meeting focused on policy improvements for sports facilities in Maharashtra and nurturing young talent, with Kohli expressing interest in supporting such initiatives.
The Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona, Los Angeles, which is set to host cricket at the 2028 Olympics, recently held its inaugural competitive match. Developed by the Knight Riders Group, the venue saw the Los Angeles Knight Riders play against Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket, with Washington Freedom securing a six-wicket victory. This new, purpose-built stadium is a significant development for cricket in the United States.
Rohit Sharma has commenced his rigorous training at the Mumbai Cricket Association facility, gearing up for the ODI series against the West Indies in September.
Retired IPS officer Kiran Bedi has sought to intervene in a Delhi High Court case regarding the collapse of a hostel building in Satya Niketan, which resulted in seven deaths. The court acknowledged her experience despite opposition from the Centre, Delhi government, and MCD, who were given three days to respond to her plea. The High Court had previously ordered an inquiry into the September 6 collapse, highlighting concerns about housing safety and regulatory measures.
Former India cricket captain Virat Kohli met Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in London to discuss enhancing sports infrastructure, athlete development, and the state's progress. The dialogue focused on policy improvements, upcoming sports facilities like a Sports City near Navi Mumbai, and empowering youth through sports initiatives. Kohli also shared his passion for cricket and commitment to guiding young athletes.
India opener Shafali Verma acknowledged the team's batting unit needs to address its shortcomings on turning pitches, despite securing a 94-run victory against Thailand in the Women's Asia Cup opener. Verma, who scored a brisk 64, noted that while the new ball came on well, the older ball gripped and turned, causing difficulties for the middle order. She emphasised the need for adaptation and praised Thailand's improving performance.
The BCCI is committed to improving player preparation for major series in South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia (SENA countries) by ensuring adequate rest, acclimatisation, and practice matches, according to secretary Devajit Saikia.
The 'Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines' for female cricketers, outline a six 'R's framework: Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return and Refine.
Australia is set to host Bangladesh in a two-match Test series in the country's tropical north, marking the first time since 2003.
The Bombay High Court has directed the FDA to conduct a fresh inspection of the Mumbai Cricket Association's kitchens after serious food safety and hygiene violations were found, including insects. The court also humorously questioned if cricketers were aware they were consuming "non-vegetarian tea" due to the unhygienic conditions. The MCA has been asked to clean its premises before the inspection.
A source at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru has expressed significant concerns regarding players competing in the Indian Premier League while injured, attributing this to franchise and financial pressures, which subsequently complicates their rehabilitation and return to international cricket.
"When Royal Enfield turned 100, we were struggling for survival"
A state-of-the-art indoor cricket facility was inaugurated on Friday at Bandra-Kurla Complex at Mumbai Cricket Association Indoor Cricket Academy by BCCI and MCA President Sharad Pawar.
India's vice-captain KL Rahul expressed his delight at the team's comprehensive 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle, stating that the team 'ticked most of the boxes' they had discussed prior to the match and gained significant confidence for future spin-dominated assignments.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated six new indoor cricket academies across northeast India, marking a significant step in strengthening sports infrastructure in the region. The academies, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, aim to provide year-round training and reduce the need for players to travel elsewhere for professional development.
The Bombay High Court severely criticised the Maharashtra FDA for its "undue haste" and "high-handed" actions, forcing the regulator to withdraw orders against Cipla Pharma and five restaurants at the Mumbai Cricket Association premises. The court admonished the FDA for violating principles of natural justice and taking a "pedantic instead of pragmatic view," even threatening contempt action against officials.
Sarfaraz Khan has been recalled to India's Test squad for the two-match away series against Sri Lanka, starting August 15, following an injury to Sai Sudharsan. This recall comes after two years of consistent performance and a significant physical transformation, including shedding 17kg.
VVS Laxman, head of the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, has defended the CoE against criticism regarding slow player recovery, stating that cricketers are not 'machines' and rehabilitation timelines can vary.
VVS Laxman, chief of the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), confirmed that the search for a permanent Head of Sports Science and Medicine is ongoing, nearly 18 months after Nitin Patel's departure, despite mounting injury cases among Indian cricketers.
Kumar Sangakkara has been appointed to a Transformation Committee to oversee Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), following the government's decision to remove the previous office bearers. The committee aims to overhaul governance and improve on-field performance.
The OCA has asked India and other national Olympic bodies not to seek late additions to their Asian Games contingents as Japan struggles to accommodate more than 15,000 participants.
The Cricket Association of Pondicherry (CAP) has suspended three first-class cricketers following allegations of assaulting the U-19 state team coach. The players face serious charges and are barred from all CAP facilities and tournaments pending court clearance.
