The much-awaited Indian Premier League 2025 is all set to begin on March 14 and will be played until May 25. It will be another action-packed season of the world's biggest cricket league. Kolkata Knight Riders won the last edition, beating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final.
Interestingly, the IPL 2024 winning captain, Shreyas Iyer, has parted ways with KKR and joined Punjab Kings. Iyer has been officially announced as the PBKS captain for the IPL 2025. Now, it is time for the current champion to make the much-needed announcement and reveal who will lead the team in this title-defense season.
The franchise has a number of options to choose from and has retained the core groups. But they have also signed some great names at the IPL 2025 mega auction. So, who will be the one to lead the defending champions? Below, we will talk about three such names that will lead KKR in the IPL 2025.
<h2>Three potential leaders that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) might look at to lead the team in the IPL 2025.</h2>
3. Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer made history as KKR broke their bank to get back the all-rounder. The franchise spent a record-breaking sum of INR 23.75 crore, making it their biggest purchase ever in history. That indicates how important Venkatesh is for the team. And why not?
He struck two great fifties in the Qualifier and final last season to help the team win. The southpaw gives an explosive opening option who has been with the team since 2021. He was groomed by KKR and can be the one to lead them forward in the IPL 2025.
2. Ajinkya Rahane
KKR made a steal deal when they bagged former IPL captain Ajinkya Rahane for a price of INR 1.5 crore, whcih was his base price. That was a really smart move as Rahane comes with a different skill set. He can bat at the top and has experience of leading the IPL franchise. He was also with KKR for 2022 and played seven matches for them.
Rahane has the experience of leading Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Supergiants in this IPL career. He has also led India at the highest level. Not just this, he is the captain of his side at the domestic level and proved it time and time again. That's where KKR can opt to go with his experience and make him the captain.
1. Sunil Narine
Some fans might not know that Sunil Narine is a captain of the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20. Narine was the key reason that KKR won the last season, as he performed exceptionally well with bat and ball. He has been the main stakeholder for the franchise when it comes to performance in the IPL.
With his consistency, he has become the core part of the team. Hence, he gives the franchise a great captaincy option for the IPL 2025 and can be the one to lead the team in the coming season.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/virat-kohli-to-return-to-ranji-cricket-after-14-years-check-out-which-game-he-will-be-available-for/">Virat Kohli to return to Ranji Cricket after 14 years? Check out which game he will be available for</a>

Shreyas Iyer led KKR to win the IPL 2024 and a new captain will lead the team in the IPL 2025.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Shreyas Iyer and will be looking for the new captain for IPL 2025.

3 Players who can become New Captain for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2025

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The 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy is getting closer and closer and the marquee event of this year is set to commence on the 19th of February as tournament hosts Pakistan will be taking on 2019 ODI World Cup runner's up New Zealand in the opening clash. While majority of the participating teams have unveiled their squads for the competition, the squad of Team India has not been revealed yet by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). 
Many fans are waiting eagerly for the squad announcement and much to the joy of the fans, a big announcement has come forward and the BCCI now is fully prepared to unveil the squad of the Men in Blue. The squad is set to be announced tomorrow i.e on Saturday, 18th of January. 
Before the commencement of the Champions Trophy, the Indian team will be participating in a bilateral white ball series event versus England, where both the Fierce-Rivals will be locking horns versus each other in five T20 International contests and three One-Day Matches. 
The three ODI's will be really important as they will act as a preparatory ground for the Men in Blue ahead of the Champions Trophy. The five-match T20 International series versus the Three Lions kicks off from the 22nd of January and the squad for that series has already been announced, but the ODI series squad is yet to be announced. It's anticipated that the BCCI will simultaneously announce the Indian Team squad for the ODI Series and the Champions Trophy 2025.
A press conference will take place after the conclusion of the meeting of the selectors and this conference will take place at 12:30 PM IST (Indian Standard Time) in the afternoon. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector will be taking part in this conference.
<h2>Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in the months of February &amp; March</h2>
It's worth noting that the 2025 Champions Trophy will commence from the 19th of February, while the all-important Final will be played on the 9th of March. Pakistan are the hosts of the tournament but the Indian Cricket Team will be playing all of their matches in the city of Dubai, UAE. 
The eight participating teams of Champions Trophy 2025 have been divided into two groups of four teams each, which includes Group - A and Group - B. The Indian Team are a part of Group-A alongside Fierce-Rivals Pakistan, New Zealand &amp; Bangladesh. The Rohit Sharma-led team will play their first match versus the Bangladeshi Tigers on the 20th of February. 
<h2>India lifted the Champions Trophy title in 2013 </h2>
It is worth noting that Team India won the Champions Trophy title in 2013 under the leadership of the legendary MS Dhoni. After this, in the Champions Trophy played in 2017, Team India had to face defeat against versus Fierce-Rivals Pakistan in the final. Now it will be interesting to see how the Men in Blue perform in the tournament this time around.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ms-dhoni-of-csk-has-a-chance-to-create-history-might-break-these-records-in-ipl-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MS Dhoni of CSK has a chance to create history! Might break these records in IPL 2025</a>

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma (L) and selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar address the T20 World Cup 2024 press conference at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on May 2, 2024 | Image: Getty Images

Team India's squad for the forthcoming  Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be announced tomorrow and captain Rohit Sharma will be addressing the media in a press conference tomorrow at 12:30 PM in the afternoon alongside the selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar

Champions Trophy: Team India's squad set to be announced tomorrow, everything you need to know

champions-trophy-team-india-s-squad-set-to-be-announced-tomorrow-everything-you-need-to-know

The legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni is all set to take part in the 18 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Indian fans will once again get the opportunity to witness him play in the Yellow jersey once again. 
He got retained by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a price tag of 4 crore Indian Rupees and fans cannot wait to see him play in the IPL again. 
While he had a good IPL 2024, managing to score 161 runs in 14 games at a really good average of 53.67 at a monstrous strike-rate of 220.55, his exploits weren't enough to help the Chennai based team lift the IPL trophy for a record 6th time. 
Many also believe that the upcoming edition of the IPL is going to be the final season of MSD and it will indeed be a really emotional moment for Cricket fans across the globe. 
Ahead of IPL 2025, the 43-year-old is close to creating history as he has a chance of breaking three magnificent records in the 18th season of the tournament. Let's take a look at them
<h2>Chance to become the oldest player to score a half-century in the IPL</h2>
MSD is currently 43-years-old. To be precise, 43 years and 194 days old. If the former CSK skipper slams a fifty in the upcoming season of the IPL, then he will become the oldest player ever to slam a fifty in the history of the tournament. 
The legendary Adam Gilchristun who played an amazing beaten knock of 85* runs versus the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2013 currently holds the record of being the oldest player ever in the tournament's history to score a fifty. 
Dhoni is at the 2nd position in this list, having slammed a fifty at the age of 40 years and 262 days old versus the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2022.
<h2>Chance of becoming the highest run getter for CSK in the IPL</h2>
Dhoni is on the verge of becoming the highest run getter for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the history of the IPL. Currently, Suresh Raina holds that record, having amassed a total of 4,687 runs for the franchise. MSD though needs just 18 runs to break this record. It's worth noting that the former skipper of the franchise had already managed to score 4,669 runs for the Yellow Army. 
<h2>Dhoni has a chance to become the only player to effect 200 dismissals as a wicketkeeper in the IPL</h2>
The Legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni so far in IPL career has effected 190 dismissals as a wicketkeeper. He is at top of the list of the wicketkeepers to have effected the highest number of dismissals in the history of the competition. If he manages to dismiss 10 batters from behind the stumps, he will become the first player to achieve this feat in the IPL. Currently, among the wicketkeepers playing in the IPL, Rishabh Pant has dismissed 90 batters from behind the stumps. Thus, if Dhoni dismisses 10 more batters from behind the stumps, he will likely be the only wicketkeeper to achieve this feat.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/delhi-capitals-to-announce-this-player-as-captain-kl-rahul-ditched-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Delhi Capitals to announce this player as captain, KL Rahul ditched</a>

MS Dhoni of CSK walks out to bat in the IPL 2024 match versus Lucknow Super Giants | Image:  BCCI

CSK's Mahendra Singh Dhoni is on the verge of creating history in the IPL and he can do so by breaking these 3 records in the upcoming IPL 2025 season

MS Dhoni of CSK has a chance to create history! Might break these records in IPL 2025

ms-dhoni-of-csk-has-a-chance-to-create-history-might-break-these-records-in-ipl-2025

India head coach Gautam Gambhir is on a mission to eliminate the indiscipline from the Indian dressing room. As per the reports in India Today, it is learned that the coach complained to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about the discipline in India during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
The off-field antics of the Indian team are taking more hype than the on-field performances. While the Rohit Sharma-led side suffered the 3-1 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, there were also some rumours of the rift that came out from the Indian camp during the series. 
Following the poor performances in the Test series against Australia, the BCCI conducted the review meeting. During the meeting, a lot of issues came forward, and one that was put forward by head coach Gautam Gambhir was indiscipline in the camp. 
<h2>Gautam Gambhir, during the review meeting, spoke about indiscipline in the Indian dressing room - BCCI source</h2>
Gautam Gambhir told BCCI that there was an indiscipline in the Indian dressing room, and it is one of the reasons why BCCI is reverting to pre-COVID rules. The coach, however, wants to end all this going forward. Speaking to the Times of India, he explained: 
"Gautam Gambhir, during the review meeting, spoke about indiscipline in the Indian dressing room following the loss in the Border-Gavaskar series. Indiscipline is the reason why the BCCI is reverting to pre-COVID rules, allowing two weeks of family presence on tour. Gautam and the players were on the same page regarding the topic of family stays." 
Gautam Gambhir has come under massive pump for the team's poor performances in Tests of late. The head coach, ever since being appointed as the coach, has faced some poor losses. Under him, the team lost to Sri Lanka in the ODI series after 27 years. After that, it faced a whitewash against New Zealand in Tests at home. 
After that India went on to lose the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 as well for the first time in 10 years and also failed to reach the final of the ICC World Test Championship.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/fakhar-zaman-and-babar-azam-climb-rizwan-and-shaheen-afridi-slip-in-icc-player-rankings/">Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam climb, Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi slip in ICC Player Rankings</a>

India head coach Gautam Gambhir is on a mission to eliminate the indiscipline from the Indian dressing room.

Gautam Gambhir reports indiscipline in the Indian camp to BCCI, the governing body to take this huge step now

gautam-gambhir-reports-indiscipline-in-the-indian-camp-to-bcci-the-governing-body-to-take-this-huge-step-now-

India wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant is all set to be appointed as the captain of the Delhi team for the upcoming game of the Ranji Trophy against Saurashtra. As per the reports in Times of India, it is learned that Delhi and District Cricket Association will be announcing the squad for the match on 17th January. 
The second round of Ranji Trophy 2024-25 is all set to begin on 23rd January, and Delhi will be taking on Saurashtra. In the last few weeks, BCCI has taken several strong steps, with one being asking the players to take part in domestic cricket. 
Several Indian players, including Rishabh Pant, are all set to play the Ranji Trophy to get some rhythm and form under their belt ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This is because batters looked in torrid form during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, which India lost by the margin of 3-1. 
Rishabh Pant also didn't have the kind of outing he would've wanted as he managed just 255 runs across nine innings, with an average of 28.33. He managed just one half-century, which came during the last game of the series at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. 
<h2>Rishabh Pant will likely be the skipper for the away game versus Saurashtra - DDCA official</h2>
But with him returning to the Ranji Trophy, it will be a massive step, and if he gets some runs under his belt, it will be a massive boost for the team. The official of DDCA confirmed that he will be leading the team and said: 
"A selection meeting will happen in the afternoon tomorrow and Rishabh Pant will likely be the skipper for the away game versus Saurashtra." He told the Times of India. 
Rishabh Pant being set to be announced as the captain of the team comes at the time when India is in a need of a skipper. The keeper-batter's name is being discussed as the potential vice-captain with Jasprit Bumrah being given the full-time leadership role. 
If Delhi performs well under the leadership of Rishabh Pant, then it surely will send a message to selectors. It remains to be seen how the batter performs in the format. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/fakhar-zaman-and-babar-azam-climb-rizwan-and-shaheen-afridi-slip-in-icc-player-rankings/">Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam climb, Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi slip in ICC Player Rankings</a>

India wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant is all set to be appointed as the captain of the Delhi team for the upcoming game of the Ranji Trophy against Saurashtra

Rishabh Pant announced as captain of red-ball team

rishabh-pant-announced-as-captain-of-red-ball-team

The BCCI is thinking about hiring a new batting coach for the Indian men’s cricket team. While no official announcement has been made, discussions within the team suggest that changes are needed in the support staff to improve results.

The coaching staff has been under pressure after India’s poor tour of Australia and their struggles in Test cricket recently. The batting has been a major concern, with key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma not living up to expectations. Kohli’s habit of getting out in the same manner repeatedly has raised questions about the team’s approach to batting and whether fresh ideas are needed.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, the BCCI is considering strengthening Gautam Gambhir’s coaching team. Currently, the setup includes bowling coach Morne Morkel, assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, and fielding coach T Dilip. Interestingly, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has expressed interest in taking the batting coach role if the BCCI decides to make the position available.

India has had well-known batting coaches in the past. Vikram Rathour served in the role under Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri, while Sanjay Bangar was also a part of the setup earlier. Both brought their own styles to the team, but some feel it’s time for a new specialist to bring in fresh ideas.

A meeting held in Mumbai on January 11 reportedly included discussions about the coaching staff. While it’s unclear if any decisions were made, there are suggestions that a new batting coach could help address the team’s current problems.

For now, the BCCI hasn’t made any moves, but it’s clear that improving the batting setup is a priority for the team going forward.

BCCI Search For New Member For Indian Coach's Team | BCCI  Announce New Indian Coach's Soon ...

The BCCI is thinking about hiring a new batting coach for the Indian men’s cricket team. While no official announcement has been made, discussions within the team suggest that changes are needed in the support staff to improve results.  With a poor performace of Indian team in India Vs Australia match, BCCI take strict action for upcoming match.

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The ticket rates for the forthcoming Marquee event of this year i.e the Champions Trophy 2025, slated to be held in Pakistan and the UAE next month, have been revealed, with prices differing for each hosting stadium of the competition. 
After some thorough consultation processes, the final pricing-structure has been formed and according to the news reports of the Pakistan Media, the prices of the tickets at each venue i.e Lahore, Karachi &amp; Rawalpindi will be different depending on the seating category and the venue. 
The minimum ticket-price has been set at 1,000 Pakistani Rupees (310 Indian Rupees) while the highest are anticipated to reach upto 25,000 Pakistani Rupees (7, 764 Indian Rupees) for the high end VIP &amp; hospitality experiences. 
The Champions Trophy 2025 tickets have been divided into multiple categories including First Class, General-Enclosure, VIP, Premium &amp; VVIP, ensuring that the fans get the chance the chance to choose according to their needs and preferences.
The Semi-Final knockout matches, which are obviously anticipated to draw crouds in huge numbers, will have a higher base price for the tickets, with the minimum rate set at 2,500 Pakistani Rupees (776 Indian Rupees). 
<h2>New Zealand versus Pakistan contest ticket rates</h2>
New Zealand &amp; hosts Pakistan will be locking horns versus each other in the opening contest of the tournament on the 19th of February in the city of Karachi and this fixture features different ticket categories too. The rates of the General Enclosure tickets have been set at 1,000 Pakistani Rupees (310 Indian Rupees) while the First Class category tickets are priced at 1,500 Pakistani Rupees (465 Indian Rupees).
Premium category tickets for the highly anticipated opening fixture are priced at 3,500 Pakistani Rupees (1,086 Indian Rupees) and fans will be asked to pay 7,000 Pakistani Rupees (2,173 Indian Rupees) for the VIP tickets.
For the rich ones who want to have the experience of the best seats in the stadium, VVIP will be available to book for 12,000 Pakistani Rupees (3,726 Indian Rupees). 
The other matches which are going to be played in the city of Karachi will also have the ticket pricing structure for the First Class, General Enclosure, VIP &amp; Premium tickets, with the General Enclosure ones starting at 1,000 Pakistani Rupees (310 Indian Rupees). 
<h2>England versus Australia match ticket rates</h2>
In the city of Lahore, where Ashes-Rivals England and Australia will be squaring off versus each other, the ticket prices will begin at 1,000 Pakistani Rupees (310 Indian Rupees) for the General Enclosure category and the prices of the First Class tickets have been set at 2,000 Pakistani Rupees (621 Indian Rupees).
Premium category tickets for the England vs Australia are priced at 5,000 Pakistani Rupees (1,552 Indian Rupees) and the VIP tickets will cost 7,500 Pakistani Rupees (2,329 Indian Rupees). For the ones seeking to have the most exclusive and best experience at the stadiums, the VVIP are available at 12,000 Pakistani Rupees (3,726 Indian Rupees), while the Gallery Tickets for the ENG vs AUS contest will be available to purchase for 18,000 Pakistani Rupees (5,590 Indian Rupees). 
<h2>Afghanistan Champions Trophy matches ticket prices</h2>
The matches involving the Cricket team of Afghanistan, including the Afghanistan versus Australia and England versus Afghanistan clashes, will have General Enclosure tickets available to purchase for 1,000 Pakistani Rupees (310 Indian Rupees), with Gallery tickets costing 12,500 Pakistani Rupees (3,882 Indian Rupees). 
For the encounters mentioned above, the Premium, First Class, VIP &amp; VVIP category tickets will not be available for purchasing. 
<h2>Lahore Champions Trophy Semi-Final</h2>
Talking about the ticket prices of the Lahore Semi-Final encounter, the rates are a little higher with General Enclosure tickets available for 2,500 Pakistani Rupees (776 Indian Rupees). VVIP tickets will cost 25,000 Pakistani Rupees (7,764 Indian Rupees), while tickets of the other categories will be unavailable for this particular fixture.
<h2>Rawalpindi Champions Trophy matches ticket rates</h2>
Talking about the matches which will be held in Rawalpindi, the contest between Bangladesh &amp; Pakistan will witness a different pricing-structure. The rates for the General enclosure tickets are set at 2,000 Pakistani Rupees (621 Indian Rupees), with First Class category tickets available at 4,000 Pakistani Rupees (1,242 Indian Rupees). 
Premium category Tickets for the Bangladesh versus Pakistan clash cost 7,000 Pakistani Rupees (2,173 Indian Rupees) and the VIP tickets will be sold for a price tag of 12,500 Pakistani Rupees (3,882 Indian Rupees). The VVIP category tickets along with the Gallery ones are unavailable for this particular match. 
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_6787be44681c1.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="286" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Talking about the other group stage games which will be held in Rawalpindi, the General enclosure tickets for those matches start at 1,000 Pakistani Rupees (310 Indian Rupees) and the highly premium Gallery Tickets will be available for purchase at the price tag of 12,500 Pakistani Rupees (3,882 Indian Rupees. Premium, First Class, VIP &amp; VVIP category tickets will not be available for buying.
Do Read:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/jasprit-bumrah-advised-bed-rest-puts-his-icc-champions-trophy-2025-participation-in-jeopardy-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Jasprit Bumrah advised bed rest, puts his ICC Champions Trophy 2025 participation in jeopardy</a>

The Men's Champions Trophy at the Robben Island | Image: DP World

The PCB has unveiled the ticket rates for the forthcoming Champions Trophy 2025 tournament and the rates are astonishingly cheap when we compare them with Indian rates

PCB reveals Champions Trophy 2025 Ticket Prices, astonishingly cheap ticket rates

pcb-reveals-champions-trophy-2025-ticket-prices-astonishingly-cheap-ticket-rates

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been advised complete bed rest by the doctors following the back swelling that he developed during the last match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. As per the reports in Times India, it is learned that the fast bowler's return to action so far seems to have no clarity. 
Jasprit Bumrah has been advised bed rest so that his muscles recover and the swelling gets over. Following that, he will be moving to the newly built NCA of the BCCI, which is known as the Center of Excellence for his recovery and rehabilitation process. 
The BCCI are hopeful that the fast bowler doesn't have a disc bulge or muscle swelling, which is of a higher grade. This might rule him out of cricketing action for a longer period of time and leave a massive void in the Indian team, especially with important assignments around the corner. 
The Board of Control for India doesn't want to rush Jasprit Bumrah back into the action. So far, there hasn't been any clarity on what is the exact nature of the injury, but if it's more than the back swelling, then there are chances his return could take longer than expected. 
<h2>Hope it's not a disc bulge or a muscle swelling which is of a higher grade - BCCI source on Jasprit Bumrah </h2>
A source close to BCCI confirmed the development, saying that they will be deciding on a future course of action once there is clarity. He said that they want to make sure that talent like Bumrah is preserved. Speaking to the Times of India, he explained: 
"Bumrah could go to the CoE next week, but right now, there is no fixed date yet. He has been advised bed rest at home to help the muscles recover and the swelling to subside. Once that is done, the future course of action will be ascertained," said a well-placed source. 
"Bed rest doesn't sound good. I hope it's not a disc bulge or a muscle swelling which is of a higher grade. The approach has to be similar with him - wrap him in cotton wool and preserve the talent like him," added the source. 
Earlier, there were reports which claimed that Jasprit Bumrah would be back in action during the later stages of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The report said that the pacer will miss the league stage and could return to action during the semi-final and final.
Also Read: <a href="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/admin/Gautam%20Gambhir%20finds%20out%20who%20leaked%20dressing%20room%20talks%20during%20BGT%202024-25,%20Player's%20career%20under%20huge%20threat%20now">Gautam Gambhir finds out who leaked dressing room talks during BGT 2024-25, Player's career under huge threat now</a>

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been advised complete bed rest by the doctors following the back swelling that he developed during the last match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Jasprit Bumrah advised bed rest, puts his ICC Champions Trophy 2025 participation in jeopardy

jasprit-bumrah-advised-bed-rest-puts-his-icc-champions-trophy-2025-participation-in-jeopardy-

The discussion between Gautam Gambhir, Ajit Agarkar, Rohit Sharma and BCCI officials during the review meeting has been coming out in the media slowly. The higher authorities in Indian cricket talked about the poor performances of the team late in the Test and the ODIs. 
The reports in Dainik Jagran revealed that Gautam Gambhir and his coaching staff were asked by the BCCI for the reasons behind the poor performances. However, one of the members of the support staff came up with the massive reasons behind the team's poor performance. 
As per the reports, it is learned that the member of the support staff blamed IPL for the team's poor performance in the Tests. He reportedly said that big IPL contracts were one of the biggest reasons why the players weren't on top of the money with their performances. 
One of the members of the team management said that IPL contracts were the reason why the players didn't play with full intensity and commitment in the Tests. This was one of the reasons given by Gautam Gambhir and his staff for the loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
<h2>India looked extremely torrid with the bat and ball in the Test series against Australia</h2>
India looked extremely torrid with the bat and ball in the Test series against Australia. They won the first match of the series in Perth, but after that, nothing went their way as they faced humiliation in all the remaining games of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
India faced a horrific 10-wicket loss in Adelaide, and then, thanks to rain in Gabba, the game ended in a draw. In the Melbourne Cricket Ground Test, the Rohit Sharma-led side faced an 184-run thrashing before bagging a 6-wicket loss in the last game at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. 
The change in the Test team is likely to happen soon. BCCI soon will be taking a massive step ahead of the England Test series. The five-match series between the teams is all set to take place in June next year and it remains to be seen what will be the future of the team.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ashwin-opens-up-on-his-retirement-says-i-am-only-in-the-team-because-/"> </a><a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ashwin-opens-up-on-his-retirement-says-i-am-only-in-the-team-because-/">Ashwin Opens Up on his Retirement, Says "I am only in the Team Because..."</a>

The reports in Dainik Jagran revealed that Gautam Gambhir and his coaching staff were asked by the BCCI for the reasons behind the poor performances

Blame Game on! Gautam Gambhir and the coaching staff blame the IPL for poor Test performances

blame-game-on-gautam-gambhir-and-the-coaching-staff-blame-the-ipl-for-poor-test-performances-

The India Cricket Team of late has been under the massive scanner of late. Not only the poor performances on the field but also there have been various off-field antics as well. Also, there have been several rumours as well of a rift inside the dressing room. 
India faced a thrashing 3-1 loss at the hands of Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The Rohit Sharma-led displayed poor performance with the bat and ball, and this saw them getting eliminated from the race to reach the final of the ICC World Test Championship for the first time. 
With performances not going in the team's way, there were reports of unrest in the Indian dressing room, especially after the fourth Test. As reported by the Indian Express, head coach Gautam Gambhir was unhappy with the way the team performed and said harsh words to the players that they now have to play in his way. 
Also, there were reports which claimed that some Mr Fix-It had raised his hand to take over the captaincy of the team, especially with the side struggling. He boldly said that he is the right man to take the team forward and is ready to be the interim captain of the team during the transition phase. 
However, this all got leaked and was in the media all over. This saw many reactions from fans and pundits from all across the globe. Even head coach Gautam Gambhir, during the press conference, said things that happen inside the dressing room shouldn't go out of it. 
<h2>Gautam Gambhir blames young batter Sarfaraz Khan for leaking the details from the dressing room during the Australia tour</h2>
In a massive turn of events now, it is learned, as per the reports in News 24, that Gautam Gambhir has blamed young batter Sarfaraz Khan for leaking the details from the dressing room during the Australia tour. The batter was part of the squad but didn't get to play a single match in the series. 
Gautam Gambhir reportedly told the BCCI about Sarfaraz Khan's act. The head coach was confident that it was the Mumbai batter who leaked all the talks and informed the same during the review meeting, where captain Rohit Sharma and the chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar were also present. 
This now could be a massive turn in the career of Sarfaraz Khan. The batter is likely to face some punishment for his antics. The reports added that there are chances that his career might also take a hit.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ashwin-opens-up-on-his-retirement-says-i-am-only-in-the-team-because-/"> </a><a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ashwin-opens-up-on-his-retirement-says-i-am-only-in-the-team-because-/">Ashwin Opens Up on his Retirement, Says "I am only in the Team Because..."</a>

Gautam Gambhir was unhappy with the way the team performed  in Australia and said harsh words to the players

Gautam Gambhir finds out who leaked dressing room talks during BGT 2024-25, Player's career under huge threat now

gautam-gambhir-finds-out-who-leaked-dressing-room-talks-during-bgt-2024-25-player-s-career-under-huge-threat-now-

England's Bilateral tour of India is set to commence with the five-match T20 International series which is slated to start from the 22nd of January onwards. The Three Lions have also unveiled their squad for this upcoming tour of India and now they are preparing to travel to India but before this, one player of England's team is facing certain issues. 
It has been learned that he has not received his Indian visa yet, due to which the picture regarding him travelling with the English team to India is not clear yet. We are talking about Saqib Mahmoud, a fantastic fast bowler of the Three Lions. 
<h2>England have set up their training camp in Abu Dhabi</h2>
Whenever the 2019 World Cup winners travel to India for a bilateral series assignment, they first set up a training camp in Abu Dhabi. This time around too, the situation is the same. A news report of ESPNCricinfo has revealed that Saqib may not be a part of the Abu Dhabi training camp till his visa issues get sorted out. 
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are hopeful that the 27-year-old speedster receives his visa before the commencement of the T20 International series on the 22nd of January.
<h2>Due to his Pakistani origin, the visa approval is getting delayed</h2>
It's believes that the main reason behind the delay in the visa approval of 27-year-old Saqib Mahmood is his Pakistani origin. In the past too, English players who have a Pakistani origin have encountered such issues. Last year, when the Three Lions came to India for the Test-Series, spinner Shoaib Bashir also faced issues related to his Indian visa. 
Due to this, he missed the opening Test-Match in Hyderabad but after sorting out the problems, he played in the remaining matches of the series. 
<h2>The case of Rehan Ahmed &amp; Adil Rashid is clear</h2>
Although the ECB has not commented on this entire matter, the board still hopes that Saqib will land on Indian soil before the start of the first T20I between the Suryakumar Yadav-led team and England. The squad announced by the ECB consists of two more players who have Pakistani origin and they are, Rehan Ahmed &amp; Adil Rashid. 
Adil Rashid has played a lot of matches on Indian soil so his visa was never an issue while Rehan also played the Test-Series in India last year so his case is pretty clear too.
<h2>This is how Saqib's International career has been so far</h2>
27-year-old Saqib Mahmood is not only included in the T20I series team, he has also been given a chance in the ODI team. He will also go to Pakistan and play the Champions Trophy matches for England . If we talk about his career so far, Saqib has played 18 T20 International matches for England and has dismissed 18 batters in this format so far. At the same time, he also has 14 scalps next to his name by featuring in nine One-Day International contests.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/captain-rohit-sharma-likely-to-travel-to-pakistan-due-to-this-reason-everything-we-know-so-far/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Captain Rohit Sharma likely to travel to Pakistan due to this reason! Everything we know so far</a>

Saqib Mahmood of England celebrates picking up a wicket versus West Indies | Image: Getty Images

Saqib Mahmood, England Cricket Team's Pakistani origin star has not received his Indian visa yet which is causing issues for the team ahead of their tour of India

England's star seamer Saqib Mahmood has not received his Indian visa yet