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  • WPL 2026 Begins with Grand Opening Ceremony, Free Live Streaming Details

    WPL 2026 Begins with Grand Opening Ceremony, Free Live Streaming Details

    The rise of women’s cricket in India has reached a new milestone with the Women’s Premier League (WPL 2026). Launched by the BCCI in 2023, the league has grown rapidly, and the 2026 season arrives with unprecedented excitement. Following India’s historic World Cup victory led by stars like Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh, interest in the WPL is at an all-time high. To double that excitement, this season will begin with a spectacular opening ceremony.

    বিশ্বকাপ জয়ের পর WPL ওপেনিংয়ে বাড়তি চমক, ফ্রিতে কোথায় দেখবেন অনুষ্ঠান?
     

    The new season of WPL kicks off on Friday, January 9, with a blockbuster opening match between two powerhouses — Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, even before the on-field action begins, all eyes will be on the dazzling opening ceremony. Several Bollywood and entertainment industry stars are set to light up the stage.

    Honey Singh and Jacqueline to Set the Stage on Fire

    The biggest attraction of this year’s opening ceremony is popular rapper and music sensation Yo Yo Honey Singh. Known for his high-energy tracks, Honey Singh is expected to electrify the crowd with his performance at the DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai, ahead of the first match.

    Joining him on stage will be Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez, who will add glamour and energy with her dance performance. The event will also feature Harnaaz Sandhu, Miss Universe 2021. According to the BCCI, the star-studded ceremony is designed to celebrate women’s courage, confidence, and achievements in sports.

    When and Where to Watch Live?

    Date: Friday, January 9

    Time: 6:45 PM IST

    Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai

    For fans who cannot be at the stadium, the opening ceremony and matches will be available live:

    TV: Star Sports Network

    Online Streaming: JioHotstar app and website

    Also Available On: JioCinema app and website

    With a perfect blend of cricket and entertainment, the WPL 2026 opening ceremony promises to be a grand celebration. After a colorful and star-filled evening off the field, fans across the country eagerly await the thrilling battles that will unfold on it.

  • IPL 2026 : Political Party Issues Strong Warning to Bollywood ‘Badshah’ Over Mustafizur Issue

    IPL 2026 : Political Party Issues Strong Warning to Bollywood ‘Badshah’ Over Mustafizur Issue

    Even before the start of the IPL 2026 season, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have found themselves at the center of a fresh controversy. In this year’s auction, the Shah Rukh Khan–owned franchise signed Bangladesh star pacer Mustafizur Rahman for a record ₹9.20 crore the highest amount ever paid for a Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history. However, instead of remaining limited to cricketing discussions, the deal has sparked major political and social debate.

    মুস্তাফিজুর ইস্যুতে বলিউড বাদশাকে বিরাট সতর্কবার্তা এই রাজনৈতিক দলের

     

    In recent times, allegations of persecution of minorities in Bangladesh have triggered anger among sections of the Indian public. Against this backdrop, some political leaders have demanded that Bangladeshi cricketers should not be allowed to play in the IPL. As a result, KKR and its owner Shah Rukh Khan have been directly dragged into the controversy.

    Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam, speaking to news agency ANI, effectively issued a “warning” to Shah Rukh Khan. He stated that in the current situation, anyone associated with Bangladeshi citizens could become a target of public anger. He said,
    “When the entire country is angry over the Bangladesh issue, if Shah Rukh Khan has a Bangladeshi player in his team, he could become a major target. We request, for his own good and in the interest of India, that the player be dropped from the team.”

    Taking an even tougher stance, Shiv Sena spokesperson Anand Dubey called for a complete ban. Speaking to ANI, he said,
    “Pakistani and Bangladeshi players should not be allowed to play in the IPL on Indian soil. If Mustafizur is not dropped from KKR despite so much controversy, it will prove that Shah Rukh Khan does not understand the importance of public sentiment in the country.”

    However, a section of the cricketing community believes that the IPL is a sporting competition where player selection should be based on performance and skill, not political tensions. Mustafizur Rahman is well known in international cricket for his deceptive cutters and effectiveness in death overs, which is precisely why KKR invested such a large amount in him, according to cricket analysts.

    As of now, neither KKR management nor Shah Rukh Khan has issued any official response. The question remains—will cricket be able to withstand political pressure, or will off-field controversies decide Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL future?

  • Usman Khawaja Announces Retirement Ahead of Sydney Test

    Usman Khawaja Announces Retirement Ahead of Sydney Test

    Australia opener Usman Khawaja has announced he will retire from international cricket following the fifth Ashes Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground, bringing an end to a career marked by resilience, reinvention and outspoken advocacy.

    The 39-year-old confirmed his decision in a forthright press conference on Friday, flanked by his family, after informing teammates earlier in the day. With Australia holding an unassailable 3–1 lead in the series, Khawaja said Sydney was the fitting place to step away — the same venue where he made his Test debut in 2011, also against England.

    Khawaja’s future had been a persistent talking point throughout the Ashes, particularly after back spasms disrupted his early involvement in the series. Media scrutiny intensified around his preparation, including criticism of his participation in a golf event shortly before the injury.

    In an emotional address, Khawaja said the criticism went beyond cricket and reflected racial stereotypes he has faced throughout his life.

    “I’ve always felt a little bit different, even to now,” Khawaja said. “I’m a coloured cricketer. I’ve felt different in the way I’ve been treated and the way things have happened. When I talk about issues outside cricket, I know it leaves me exposed.”

    He added that the reaction to his injury was particularly hurtful. “When others get injured, people feel sorry for them. When I got injured, my credibility was questioned. It became personal – about my commitment and who I am. Those are stereotypes I’ve grown up with, and I thought we’d moved past that.”

    Born in Pakistan, Khawaja became the first Muslim cricketer to represent Australia and carved out a unique place in the national side. His career was far from straightforward, featuring early selection setbacks before a successful reinvention as a Test opener and senior leader. He played a key role in Australia’s World Test Championship triumph in 2023 and has been a respected voice in the dressing room.

    During the current Ashes series, Khawaja returned to the XI after Steve Smith was sidelined, scoring 82 in Melbourne to secure his place amid ongoing debate about his longevity. He scored 614 runs in 2025, including a career-defining 232 against Sri Lanka earlier this year.

    Khawaja will retire having played 87 Tests, 40 ODIs and nine T20Is, scoring 8,001 international runs. He said he hopes his journey helps pave the way for future generations.

    “I want the journey for the next Usman Khawaja to be different,” he said. His final appearance will come next week at the SCG, where Australia will farewell one of its most distinctive and influential modern cricketers.

  • IPL 2026: Record Auction Price, but Uncertainty Looms Over This Knight!

    IPL 2026: Record Auction Price, but Uncertainty Looms Over This Knight!

    Kolkata Knight Riders created history at the IPL 2026 auction. Shah Rukh Khan’s franchise spent a massive ₹9.20 crore to sign Bangladesh’s star left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman. However, despite the huge investment, questions have already arisen: will KKR get Mustafizur for the entire season?

    The concern stems from Bangladesh’s international commitments during the IPL window. In April, Bangladesh are scheduled to play a limited-overs series against New Zealand, featuring both ODIs and T20Is. While Mustafizur is no longer a regular in the ODI setup, he remains a key figure in Bangladesh’s T20 squad. If he is selected, KKR may have to release him for a few matches midway through the IPL.

    The IPL 2026 season will run from March 26 to May 31. The Bangladesh–New Zealand T20 series is likely to take place between April 16 and April 23. If Mustafizur is called up during this period, securing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board could become complicated, potentially disrupting KKR’s plans.

    Notably, this is the highest-ever auction price paid for a Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history. Mustafizur is also set to be the only Bangladeshi player in IPL 2026, as Taskin Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, and Tanzim Hasan Shakib went unsold at the auction.

    This will be the first time Mustafizur wears the KKR jersey. To secure his services, KKR had to outbid Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings—both teams he has represented in the past. His proven IPL track record is what makes him such a valuable asset for the Knight Riders.

    Mustafizur made a sensational IPL debut in 2016, winning the Emerging Player of the Year award in his very first season. So far, he has taken 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches. Across all T20 cricket, he has played 308 matches and claimed 387 wickets.

    In the end, the big question remains: if national duty pulls him away midway, will KKR’s ₹9.20 crore gamble be put at risk? Or will Mustafizur silence all speculation and set the IPL on fire in Kolkata colors throughout the season? Only time will tell.

  • IPL 2026: Former Knight Rider Sees 70% Pay Cut, Joins RCB

    IPL 2026: Former Knight Rider Sees 70% Pay Cut, Joins RCB

    The IPL 2026 mini-auction once again proved that in cricket, “prices are never permanent.” Venkatesh Iyer, who was a ₹23.75 crore player for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last season, has now joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for just ₹7 crore. In other words, the Indian pinch-hitter accepted a nearly 70% pay cut to take a fresh opportunity in a new team.

    নিলামের ৭০ শতাংশ বেতন কমল নাইটদের এই প্রাক্তন ক্রিকেটারের
     

    Last season, Iyer struggled to live up to expectations. Playing 11 matches for KKR, he scored just 142 runs, with minimal impact in both batting and bowling. The hefty price tag appeared to weigh him down, resulting in a disappointing 2025 campaign.

    However, in 2024, Iyer had been a key player in KKR’s title-winning season, scoring 370 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 159. That performance laid the foundation for him to press the “reset” button for the new season.

    During the auction, KKR did not completely let go of Iyer. A bidding battle with RCB went up to ₹6.8 crore. But after spending ₹25.2 crore on Cameron Green, Kolkata were unwilling to push further. Finally, RCB snapped him up for ₹7 crore. With a new team, a defined role, and less financial pressure, this move could work in Iyer’s favour.

    The IPL 2026 auction also delivered a shock for South African veteran David Miller, whose value dropped from ₹7.5 crore last season to just ₹2 crore with Delhi Capitals.

    There were also some bargain deals at base price: England’s Ben Duckett was signed for ₹2 crore, Wanindu Hasaranga also for ₹2 crore, while Mumbai Indians brought back Quinton de Kock for just ₹1 crore.

    Interestingly, several big names including Liam Livingstone, Rachin Ravindra, Jamie Smith, Prithvi Shaw, and Sarfaraz Khan went unsold in the first round, but teams later included them strategically according to squad requirements.

    Overall, the IPL 2026 auction reaffirmed that form and team roles outweigh price tags. Venkatesh Iyer’s journey to RCB is not just a transfer—it’s an opportunity to prove himself all over again.

  • IPL 2026: Opposing Bowlers Will Be Shaking in Fear! KKR Snaps Up This Kiwi Star

    IPL 2026: Opposing Bowlers Will Be Shaking in Fear! KKR Snaps Up This Kiwi Star

    In the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made a surprising move despite a limited budget. From the list of capped wicketkeepers, the team picked New Zealand’s destructive batter Finn Allen for a base price of just ₹2 crore. With no major bidding wars, the Knight Riders secured him easily. The big question now—will Finn Allen get the opportunity to play this time?

    বিপক্ষের বোলাররা ভয়ে কাঁপবেন! নিলামে এই কিউই তারকাকে নিল KKR

    Although Finn Allen is a familiar name on the international stage, he hasn’t yet made a significant impact in the IPL. In the 2021 season, he joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as a replacement for Josh Philippe, earning ₹20 lakh. In the following auction, RCB picked him again for ₹80 lakh, but he didn’t play a single match, spending the season as a reserve keeper.

    Outside the IPL, Finn Allen has made a mark in global franchise leagues. At just 26, he is considered one of the most destructive T20 openers in the world.

    This signing is crucial for KKR. In recent seasons, the team has struggled to find consistent success with foreign wicketkeeper-batters. Even with Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the squad, runs haven’t flowed consistently. Early runs at the top of the order have been a challenge in T20 cricket, and Finn Allen is expected to fill that gap for the Knight Riders.

    Finn Allen’s greatest strength is his attacking mindset from the very first ball. He is equally comfortable against both spin and pace, as reflected in his T20 strike rate. Across international and franchise cricket, he consistently bats at over a 170 strike rate.

    His exploits in Major League Cricket have drawn global attention. He has played in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons, scoring 333, 306, and 75 runs respectively. In his first season, his strike rate exceeded 225, showcasing his aggressive approach.

    For New Zealand, Finn Allen has played 52 T20 internationals, scoring 1,285 runs with a highest of 137 and an average of 25.19. Across all franchise T20 leagues outside international cricket, he has played 162 matches, accumulating 4,431 runs with a highest score of 151.

    If he can maintain this form in the KKR jersey, it will provide a significant boost to the team’s batting lineup. Kolkata fans are eagerly waiting to witness Finn Allen unleash a storm of sixes at Eden Gardens.

  • IPL 2026: Shah Rukh Khan’s Team Targets These 5 Players in the Auction!

    IPL 2026: Shah Rukh Khan’s Team Targets These 5 Players in the Auction!

    Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to spend big in the IPL 2026 auction. The team has already released some major names, including Quinton de Kock and Venkatesh Iyer. Additionally, Andre Russell has retired. Now, the Knight Riders are eyeing five potential players who could strengthen the squad.

    নিলামে এই পাঁচ তারকাকে টার্গেট শাহরুখের দলের!

    1. Cameron Green

    The Australian all-rounder is KKR’s top choice. With Russell retired and Iyer released, the team needs a pace-bowling all-rounder like Green. In IPL matches, he has already showcased his talent with 707 runs and 16 wickets in 29 games. The auction for him is expected to be competitive, and he could even become one of the most expensive players in history.

    2. Jamie Smith

    This English batsman can bat at any position. He can open, form a partnership with Narine, or finish matches. Additionally, he could solve KKR’s wicketkeeping issue, as de Kock and Rishabh Gurunath have been released. Jamie Smith has already scored 130 runs in 5 T20 matches at a strike rate of 194.02.

    3. Jacob Duffy

    Duffy could be an ideal choice to strengthen KKR’s pace attack, especially in death overs. The New Zealand bowler has taken 53 wickets in 38 T20 matches. After Russell’s retirement, he could become KKR’s main weapon in the death overs.

    4. Prithvi Shaw

    KKR needs a strong Indian opener, and Prithvi Shaw could fill that gap. The Indian batsman has recently shown consistency in domestic cricket. KKR’s head coach Abhishek Nayar has also expressed interest in coaching Shaw. With a base price of just ₹75 lakh, he is an affordable option for the team.

    5. Venkatesh Iyer

    The team may try to bring him back. Despite being released, Iyer shares a good relationship with KKR. He could be valuable as a future captain. Iyer’s interest in the team is clear, so a reunion in the auction is possible.

  • IPL 2026: Which Players Will Shah Rukh’s Team Target at the Auction?

    IPL 2026: Which Players Will Shah Rukh’s Team Target at the Auction?

    The grand stage of the IPL 2026 auction is set to take place on 16 December in Saudi Arabia. All ten teams will have their eyes on star cricketers, but naturally, the spotlight is on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Why? Because Shah Rukh Khan’s franchise is entering the auction with the highest purse ₹64.30 crore. And behind this massive financial manoeuvre lies the strategic shift introduced by their new coach, Abhishek Nayar.

    নিলামে কাদের দিকে নজর শাহরুখের দলের? ফাঁস প্রাক্তন ভারতীয় ক্রিকেটারের!

    Nayar’s Mindset: Build a New Team From Scratch

     

    KKR’s list of retained players shows Nayar’s clear intention—he is walking the path of rebuilding the team. Players like Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer, once match-winners for the Knights, delivered disappointing performances in recent seasons. Their expensive contracts further burdened the team.

    So, Nayar decided to “shed the weight of the past,” allowing KKR: greater freedom in team construction, more cash in the bank, and room to adopt an aggressive auction strategy.

    Nayar’s Experiment in Women’s Premier League

    Just before the IPL auction, Nayar worked as head coach of UP Warriorz at the Women’s Premier League auction. He released almost the entire squad and rebuilt a strong team from scratch.

    The message is clear—he is likely to apply the same formula at KKR.

    “Nayar Always Wants a Fresh Start,” Says Saba Karim On JioHotstar, former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim commented: “Abhishek always prefers to start afresh. We will see the same at KKR. He knows exactly which players can make him a champion. He may not go after big names, but he will target effective players.”

    Karim believes that KKR’s “cut-and-rebuild approach” has already secured Nayar’s position strongly within the franchise. With a huge budget and a clean slate, the focus will now be on picking the right cricketers.

    Will Venkatesh Iyer Return to KKR?

    Karim hinted that KKR may correct their past mistake of buying Venkatesh Iyer for a massive ₹23.75 crore.

    He said: “There won’t be much competition for Venkatesh this time. So KKR might bring him back at a much lower price.”

    Who Will KKR Target?

    KKR’s key priorities at the IPL 2026 auction may include:

    a reliable finisher

    a steady middle-order batter

    a fast, express-pace bowler

    a death-overs specialist

    promising young Indian talents

    With a fresh strategy and a huge budget, experts believe KKR will be one of the most aggressive teams at the IPL 2026 auction.

  • IPL 2026: Champions RCB Target These 8 New Faces Ahead of Mini Auction

    IPL 2026: Champions RCB Target These 8 New Faces Ahead of Mini Auction

    With the IPL 2026 auction approaching, the current champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have already retained 17 players. This leaves them with 8 vacant slots, including only two overseas spots. With ₹16.40 crore remaining in their purse, the franchise is expected to focus on fixing small gaps in the squad rather than making big changes.

    নিলামে চ্যাম্পিয়ন আরসিবির লক্ষ্য এই ৮ নতুন মুখ!

    Primary Target: Replacement for Lungi Ngidi

    RCB’s first task will be to find a replacement for Lungi Ngidi. There will be various options available—new-ball bowlers as well as death-over specialists.

    While Sri Lankan yorker specialist Matheesha Pathirana may be expensive, other alternatives such as Reece Topley, Matt Henry, Gerald Coetzee, and Spencer Johnson are likely to be on RCB’s radar.

    Possible Overseas Pace Targets

    Matheesha Pathirana

    Gerald Coetzee

    Anrich Nortje

    Reece Topley

    Spencer Johnson

    Matt Henry

    If RCB manage to grab any of these pacers at a reasonable price, their bowling backup will be significantly strengthened.

    Kohli–Faf Want a Stronger Allrounder Unit

    RCB have already released Liam Livingstone. Though there’s still a chance to buy him back, cheaper alternatives like Moeen Ali, Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga, or Aaron Hardie may also be available in the auction.
    With two overseas slots open, the team must choose wisely.

    Among Indian allrounders, RCB could target:

    Rajvardhan Hangargekar

    Atharva Taide

    Mahipal Lomror

    Need for a Backup Top-Order Batter

    RCB’s first-choice backup top-order option was Venkatesh Iyer, but acquiring him will be tough.

    Thus, the franchise is likely to look at players like:

    Prithvi Shaw

    Sheikh Rasheed

    Wicketkeeping Department

    With Tim Seifert released, RCB need a backup wicketkeeper. Since no overseas slots are free for this category, they will target Indians.

    Possible options:

    Luvnith Sisodia

    Bansh Bedi

    Most Popular Indian Bowling Targets

    Among Indian pacers, the most sought-after names are expected to be:

    Simarjeet Singh

    Kamlesh Nagarkoti

    Chetan Sakariya

    Akash Madhwal

    Among spinners:

    Rahul Chahar

    Karn Sharma

    Kumar Kartikeya

    RCB might be able to sign a few of them without breaking the bank.

    RCB’s Probable 8 Targets for IPL 2026 Auction
    Overseas Fast Bowlers

    Reece Topley

    Matt Henry

    Gerald Coetzee

    Overseas Allrounders

    Wanindu Hasaranga

    Moeen Ali

    Indian Allrounders / Bowlers

    Mahipal Lomror (Indian spin allrounder)

    Rajvardhan Hangargekar (Indian pace allrounder)

    Simarjeet Singh (Indian fast bowler)

    Rahul Chahar (Indian leg-spinner)

    Batting & Wicketkeeping

    Prithvi Shaw (Top-order batter)

    Luvnith Sisodia (Indian wicketkeeper)

    The core of the champion squad is already set so RCB will prioritize picking the right “squad players” rather than big superstars.
    How the Patidar–Kohli-led unit uses their ₹16.40 crore purse will be interesting to watch.

  • IPL 2026: CSK vs KKR in a bidding war for this Proteas cricketer!

    IPL 2026: CSK vs KKR in a bidding war for this Proteas cricketer!

    As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, speculation continues to rise. A major bidding war may erupt this time over South Africa’s experienced batter David Miller. Already in India for a five-match T20 series, Miller wants to prove in this series that his reputation as a “finisher” is still intact.

    নিলামে এই প্রোটিয়া ক্রিকেটারের জন্য বিডিং ওয়ারে CSK vs KKR!

     

    Lucknow Super Giants did not retain him, so Miller has entered his name in this year’s auction pool. At this moment, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra mentioned on his YouTube channel that multiple teams might go after Miller.

    Aakash Chopra said, “This is a very important series for David Miller. Even though Lucknow released him, he is still a quality cricketer. In today’s IPL, almost every team needs a finisher who can bat at No. 6 or 7. From Chennai Super Kings to Kolkata Knight Riders.”

    He added, “Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and even Miller’s old team Gujarat Titans will be looking for a backup overseas batter. So there is a very high chance that Miller will be sold for a big price.”

    A total of 1,390 players registered for the IPL 2026 auction. From that list, 350 players have been shortlisted—240 Indians and 110 overseas players. Across the 10 franchises, 77 slots are still open, including 31 spots reserved exclusively for overseas players. Naturally, the demand for established finishers like Miller is sky-high.

    David Miller’s recent form and vast experience have made him one of the major attractions in the auction. As Chopra suggested, several teams are keeping an eye on him. If CSK, KKR, Delhi, Rajasthan, or even Gujarat decide to bid for him, it would come as no surprise.