No Kohli or Rohit, but MCG Sizzles! Abhishek, Shubman Hype Drives IND vs AUS 2nd T20I Ticket Rush
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will host the second T20I between India and Australia on October 31, promising another packed house for this high-profile clash. India’s White-Ball Tour of Australia: A New Era Begins India’s white-ball campaign in Australia kicks off on October 19, with the Shubman Gill-led side first playing a three-match ODI series, followed by a five-match T20I series against the newly-crowned Asia Cup champions. With just two weeks to go, Melbourne is already buzzing for the new-generation Indian stars. The city will host the second T20I on October 31, and despite the absence of legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, tickets for the game have officially sold out. When Rohit and Kohli announced their sudden retirement from Test cricket in May, amid widespread speculation about behind-the-scenes developments, fans worldwide were stunned. The BCCI had a transition plan, naming Gill as the new Test captain, but fan reaction to the legends’ departure was so overwhelming that no one welcomed the new-look Indian team at the London airport for the Test series against England earlier this summer. The airport scene in London sharply contrasted with Perth during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in November 2024, where fans’ frenzy to catch a glimpse of Kohli forced the BCCI to take special privacy measures during practice sessions, while the media continued to celebrate the ‘King,’ believed to be on his final Test tour Down Under. Next-Gen Stars Shine as Rohit and Kohli Prepare Farewell: T20I One of the biggest concerns for Indian cricket stakeholders has been the lack of stars beyond Kohli and Rohit. Yet, history shows India consistently produces its icons: from Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar to Sachin Tendulkar and the Big Five, followed by Kohli and Rohit. The Asia Cup offered a glimpse of the next generation, with Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma ready to carry the baton. Gill, long considered Kohli’s heir, proved his mettle during the England Test series, while Abhishek captured attention with his T20 pyrotechnics, scoring 314 runs in seven innings during the Asia Cup and earning Player of the Tournament honors. The excitement around the duo, coupled with India’s T20I dominance, led to record ticket sales for the upcoming Australia series. The Melbourne Cricket Ground officially sold out, and Cricket Australia reported over 175,000 tickets sold across eight matches. Sydney and Manuka Oval tickets are sold out, while limited seats remain for Adelaide and the Gabba. AFL and MCC member tickets for Melbourne are still being released, giving more fans a chance to attend. “The huge crowd anticipated for the Melbourne T20I is another strong indicator of the incredible interest in this series. We’re thrilled to see fans embracing the Australia v India contest with such passion,” said CA CEO Todd Greenberg. “To have over 175,000 tickets sold with 13 days until the first ODI in Perth is a phenomenal result. It speaks volumes about the strength of the rivalry and the enthusiasm of fans across the country.” Rohit and Kohli are set for their final ODI series in Australia, with Sydney hosting their last appearance on Australian soil. Cricket Australia has indicated plans for a farewell event to celebrate the illustrious careers of the two senior stalwarts. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Asia Cup Controversy: Indian Media Manager Blocks Pakistan Reporter’s Question Ahead of Women’s World Cup Match
A Pakistani reporter’s question regarding the Asia Cup controversy was stopped by the Indian media manager before India’s Women’s World Cup match in Colombo. Asia Cup Controversy Overshadows India-Pakistan Women’s World Cup Clash Six days after the men’s T20I Asia Cup concluded, the tournament-long controversy between India and Pakistan has spilled over into the Women’s World Cup. Ahead of Harmanpreet Kaur’s team facing Fatima Sana’s Pakistan at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium, tensions surfaced during India’s pre-match press conference when a Pakistani reporter tried to question the Indian side about the Asia Cup incident, only for the Indian media manager to shut it down immediately. On Saturday, bowling coach Avishkar Salvi addressed the media. A journalist from a Pakistani channel asked whether the bitterness from the Asia Cup could affect Sunday’s game, noting that both women’s teams had shared friendly interactions leading up to the tournament. The reporter clarified he initially wanted to question captain Harmanpreet but redirected to Salvi upon learning he would attend the press conference. “I had a question for the Indian captain, but since you’re here, I’ll ask you instead. We’ve seen that the women’s teams of both Pakistan and India share good camaraderie, at least leading up to this World Cup. So, do you think the bitterness from the Asia Cup might carry over to the women’s teams as well?” the journalist asked. While another question about Sri Lanka’s playing conditions was posed, the Indian media manager quickly intervened, stating the first question would not be answered. “Hi, just a reminder — we said we wouldn’t be taking that first question, so let’s move on to the next one,” she said. What had happened between India and Pakistan in Asia Cup? Amid the fallout from the handshake controversy, ICC’s rejection of Pakistan’s plea to remove match referee Andy Pycroft, and sanctions on players from both teams for incidents in earlier matches, India and Pakistan clashed in the Asia Cup final last Sunday in Dubai. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India triumphed in a thrilling encounter to secure victory over Pakistan. Following the win, India refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is also PCB chairman and Pakistan’s Interior Minister. Having been at the center of the handshake storm and publicly critical of India, the team chose not to appear on the closing ceremony platform with Naqvi. After a significant delay in the presentation, Naqvi himself refused to hand over the trophy and departed the venue with the silverware. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
“Dhawan Told Me…”: Abhishek Sharma Explains His Viral IPL 2025 Celebration Against PBKS
During his century against PBKS, Abhishek Sharma pulled out a paper from his pocket that read, “This one’s for the Orange Army.” Abhishek Sharma Shines as Asia Cup 2025 Player of the Tournament Abhishek Sharma’s performance at the 2025 Asia Cup was a treat for cricket fans. The India opener was named Player of the Tournament and emerged as the leading run-scorer, amassing 314 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 200.00. His innings featured 32 fours and 19 sixes, including three half-centuries, with a top score of 75. Sharma’s big-hitting prowess also saw him top the charts for most sixes and fours in the tournament. 2025 has been a stellar year for him, highlighted by an explosive IPL 2025 knock where he scored 141 off 55 balls against PBKS, hitting 14 fours and 10 sixes. Celebrating his century, Sharma famously pulled out a paper reading, “This one’s for the Orange Army,” dedicating the memorable innings to his fans. Abhishek Sharma recalls viral IPL 2025 celebration Recently, Abhishek Sharma appeared on the YouTube show Breakfast with Champions and shared the story behind his iconic “Orange Army” celebration. He revealed that Shikhar Dhawan had advised him on the power of manifestation. “He invited me to his home and made me start writing in a diary. One thing is visualizing that I will do it, and the other is visualizing that I am doing it—being the best player for India, winning matches for the team,” Sharma explained. Sharma continued, “I do journaling before every game in the morning. This time, I wrote a chit saying, ‘This one is for Orange Army,’ and kept it in my pocket. I forgot about it until I reached my hundred, and then I celebrated by taking it out.“ India went on to win the 2025 Asia Cup, defeating Pakistan in the final, though celebrations were clouded by controversy as the team had to celebrate without the trophy. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Sai Sudharsan ভারতীয় টেস্ট দলে তৃতীয় স্থানের জন্য চাপ অনুভব করার কারণে সমালোচিত: ‘তার শুধু প্রয়োজন…’
ওয়েস্ট ইন্ডিজের বিপক্ষে সিরিজের উদ্বোধনী ম্যাচে, Sai Sudharsan তার প্রথম হোম টেস্টে খেলতে শুরু করতে ব্যর্থ হন এবং মাত্র ৭ রানে আউট হন। Sai Sudharsan ধীরগতির ব্যাটিংয়ে সমালোচনা নরেন্দ্র মোদি স্টেডিয়ামে প্রথম টেস্টে ওয়েস্ট ইন্ডিজের বিপক্ষে প্রথম ইনিংসে ধীরগতির ব্যাটিং করার কারণে Sai Sudharsan সমালোচনার মুখে পড়তে হয়েছে। সম্প্রতি ইংল্যান্ড সফরে টেস্ট ক্রিকেটে অভিষেক করা সুধর্শন উচ্চ প্রত্যাশার মধ্যে রেড-বল স্কোয়াডে যুক্ত হন, কিন্তু ক্যারিয়ারের প্রাথমিক ধাপে উল্লেখযোগ্য প্রভাব ফেলতে পারেননি। বামহাতি এই ব্যাটসম্যান মাত্র সাতটি ইনিংসে ১৪৭ রান করেছেন, যেখানে ব্যবস্থাপনা তাকে তিন নম্বরে নিয়ে আশাবাদী ছিলেন। ওয়েস্ট ইন্ডিজের বিপক্ষে সিরিজের উদ্বোধনী ম্যাচে নিজের প্রথম হোম টেস্টে সুধর্শন মাত্র ৭ রানে আউট হন। তিনি নিজের ধৈর্য ধরে রাখতে ব্যর্থ হন এবং আউট হওয়ার আগে একটি ব্রেনফেড মুহূর্তের কারণে প্রায় কে.এল. রাহুলের উইকেটও হুমকির মুখে পড়ে। এর পাশাপাশি, বামহাতি ব্যাটসম্যান একটি অদ্ভুত শট খেলার সময় আউট হন। তিনি অফ-স্পিনারের লেন্থ ভুল বুঝে পুল শট খেলতে যান, কিন্তু ব্যাক লেগে বল লাগার কারণে মিদ-শটে অদ্ভুতভাবে ক্যাচ হয়ে যান। কোনো রিভিউ বিবেচনা না করে তিনি প্যাভিলিয়নে ফিরে যান। পার্থিব প্যাটেল মন্তব্য করেন যে ম্যাচে সুধর্শন কিছুটা অনিশ্চিত দেখাচ্ছিলেন এবং বামহাতি স্পিনারদের বিরুদ্ধে সংগ্রাম করছিলেন। প্যাটেল বলেন, “Sai Sudharsan আজ কিছুটা অনিশ্চিত দেখাচ্ছিল। তিনি সাধারণত পা ব্যবহার করে খুব ভালো খেলেন, বিশেষ করে বামহাতি স্পিনারদের বিরুদ্ধে। বামহাতি ব্যাটসম্যানদের ক্ষেত্রে আমরা জানি, বামহাতি স্পিনার আসলেই আমরা স্ট্রাইক ঘোরানোর চেষ্টা করি এবং সঠিক বলের জন্য অপেক্ষা করি। কিন্তু আমি মনে করি সাই সুধর্শন হয়তো বড় রান করার চাপ অনুভব করছিলেন এবং তিন নম্বর স্থানের নিশ্চয়তা পেতে চাচ্ছিলেন। তাকে শুধু শান্ত থাকতে হবে।” প্রথম দিনের শেষে ভারতের নিয়ন্ত্রণে দিনের শেষে হোম দল ২ উইকেটে ১২১ রান সংগ্রহ করেছিল, এখনও ৪১ রানে পিছিয়ে ছিল। সিরাজ (৪/৪০) এবং বুমরাহ (৩/৩২) ভারতের প্রশংসনীয় বোলিং প্রচেষ্টা নেতৃত্ব দেন, যা বৃষ্টির কারণে সাময়িকভাবে বিরতিপ্রাপ্ত হয়। কে.এল. রাহুল, যিনি সিরিজের প্রথম অর্ধশতক করেন, ১১৪ বল খেলে অপরাজিত ৫৩ রানে ছিলেন, ছয়টি চার মারেন, আর ভারতের অধিনায়ক শুভমান গিল ৪২ বল খেলে ১৮ রানে তার পাশে দাঁড়ান, যার মধ্যে একটি চার ছিল। Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Shubman Gill, Gautam Gambhir Clarify Jasprit Bumrah’s West Indies Matches Not Pre-Determined, Unlike England Tour
Shubman Gill stated that Jasprit Bumrah’s involvement in the upcoming West Indies Tests will be determined on a match-by-match basis. Bumrah’s Participation in West Indies Tests to Be Decided Match by Match Skipper Shubman Gill has clarified that the team management has not pre-decided whether Jasprit Bumrah will feature in both Tests against West Indies. This marks a shift in approach since the England tour, where Bumrah was slated to play only three Tests and faced criticism for missing the fifth Test due to workload management. Shubman Gill emphasized that Bumrah’s involvement will be assessed on a match-by-match basis, taking into account the fast bowlers’ workload and fitness after each game. “We’re going to take a call on a match-to-match basis depending on how long a Test match goes on and how many overs our fast bowlers bowl. Nothing is pre-decided. We’re going to take the call once the Test match is over, and how our fast bowlers feel and how their bodies feel after the match,” he said. Meanwhile, Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav were seen in an extended practice session on a pitch next to the main green-top track, preparing for the first Test at Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday. India not decided team combination for first Test vs WI Shubman Gill indicated that India could consider playing a third seamer in the series opener against West Indies, with the Ahmedabad pitch expected to be a green-top amid hot and humid conditions. In recent home Tests, India has typically played with two pacers, but Shubman Gill suggested the combination might change for the first Test. “I can’t really speak about what were the conversations before I came in as captain, but yes we would be looking to play on wickets that offer help to both the batsmen and the bowlers,” Gill said. “Having said that, any challenge for any team that comes to India, they know the challenge is going to be spin and reverse swing. Keeping these challenges in mind, we would be looking to play on wickets that offer both to the batsmen and the bowlers. You will get to know the combination tomorrow. Given how the weather and conditions are, we are tempted to have a third seaming option, but we will take a call tomorrow,” he added. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Tilak Varma Hints at Drama During India-Pakistan Clash but Keeps Details Private: ‘Real Reply Comes After…’
Tilak Varma emphasized that his focus is always on the nation, dedicating every effort to India’s success. Tilak Varma: Channeling Pressure into a Match-Winning Knock Tilak Varma opened up about the intense pressure of playing in the high-stakes Asia Cup final against Pakistan, revealing how he channels his nerves into focus. The left-handed batter held his composure when India were in trouble during the 147-run chase, taking the onus on himself to play an unbeaten 69-run knock that guided his team to victory. Tilak Varma contributed 57 off 50 deliveries alongside Sanju Samson’s 24, but the decisive partnership came with Shivam Dube, who scored 33 off 22 balls. Together, they stitched a 60-run stand off 40 balls, firmly turning the game in India’s favour and pulling the match away from Pakistan. Explaining his mindset, Tilak Varma emphasized that his focus is always on the nation first, relying on the fundamentals and coaching instilled in him since childhood to stay calm and perform. “Of course, nerves were there, so much was going on in my mind and my body. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it now: the country is always ahead. India is far above all. What I keep in my mind and heart is, whatever I do, I dedicate everything to the country today. That’s all that was running in my mind. What is needed at this moment – if I come under pressure, I’ll let the country down. Not just myself, but all 1.4 billion people; I don’t want to let them down. So, I stay calm, rely on the basics I learned from childhood, and do what I was taught by my coaches. That’s what I used and executed,” Varma told reporters. “Real reply comes after the match” Meanwhile, the hero of India’s win revealed that Pakistan players tried to unsettle him with on-field sledging, aiming to break his focus. Varma, however, chose not to disclose the specifics, describing it as part of the game in high-stakes encounters like India versus Pakistan. “Yes, definitely – a lot happened. I can’t tell all on camera – but it happens behind the scenes between batsman and bowler, and especially in India-Pakistan games. It’s all part of the game. As I said, in the middle, a bit happens, they say something, but the real reply comes after the match – the best answer is with the bat. That’s what I did and showed them,” he added. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
India Clinch Record 9th Asia Cup Title as Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube Master Thrilling Chase Against Pakistan
India clinched the Asia Cup 2025 in a thrilling last-over finish, chasing down 147 to beat Pakistan and lift the title. India Clinches Ninth Asia Cup Title in Thrilling Final In a match worthy of a summit clash, India emerged victorious in the final moments to lift the Asia Cup 2025. The contest went down to the final over, but India held its nerves to secure a record-extending ninth title, remaining unbeaten against Pakistan in all three encounters during the tournament. Ahead of the game, India won the toss and elected to bowl. Pakistan’s openers, Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman, gave the Men in Green a brilliant start, stabilizing their innings while keeping the scoreboard ticking. The duo stitched together a partnership of 84 runs in 9.4 overs before Farhan was dismissed. After Farhan’s exit, who scored 57 off 38 balls, Fakhar Zaman continued the assault with Saim Ayub, propelling Pakistan’s score. By 12.4 overs, Pakistan was comfortably placed at 113/1, looking set for a 180-plus total. Indian spinners restricted Pakistan after initial grilling However, the momentum soon shifted dramatically in India’s favor. The Indian spinners turned the game on its head with brilliance and precise execution. Kuldeep Yadav led a stunning collapse in the Pakistan line-up, as they lost nine wickets for just 33 runs. India bowled Pakistan out for only 146 runs at the start of the final over—far below the 180–200 total the Men in Green had once looked set for. The reduced target boosted India’s confidence, with Suryakumar Yadav and in-form Abhishek Sharma poised to give the chase a blazing start and guide India toward victory. Tilak Varma takes India home after a dismal start When Pakistan found themselves with their back against the wall, they became a dangerous force, and India felt it the hard way. Faheem Ashraf struck early in the chase, dismissing Abhishek Sharma to the delight of Pakistan fans. Before India could recover, skipper Suryakumar Yadav fell attempting to clear mid-off Shaheen Afridi, leaving India struggling at 10/2 and in urgent need of a stabilizing partnership. The responsibility fell on Shubman Gill and Tilak Varma. Gill showed promise, but Ashraf struck again, sending him back as India slipped to 20/3 inside the fourth over. Sanju Samson joined Varma, and the duo gradually rebuilt Indian hopes with a 57-run partnership. However, Abrar Ahmed ended Samson’s innings in the 13th over, once again threatening India’s chase. Shivam Dube walked in to join Tilak Varma, and the pair orchestrated a crucial turnaround, scoring 28 runs in the 15th and 16th overs. With 36 needed off the last four overs, the pressure was immense, but Varma and Dube held their nerves. Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 69 off 53 balls, guiding India to a thrilling victory and securing their record-extending ninth Asia Cup title—a knock that Indian cricket fans will remember for years to come. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
“Play Sensibly to Pressure India”: Wasim Akram Issues Bold Asia Cup Advice to Pakistan
The 2025 Asia Cup final on Sunday will feature a high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan, who have already faced each other twice in the tournament, with India emerging victorious on both occasions. Wasim Akram: India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final: Historic Clash Awaits The upcoming India vs Pakistan 2025 Asia Cup final will mark the first summit clash between the two sides in the tournament’s 41-year history. Both teams have faced each other twice in this year’s competition, with India emerging victorious on both occasions. India secured a seven-wicket win in the group stage and followed it up with a six-wicket triumph in the Super Four stage, led by Suryakumar Yadav and his team. Pakistan earned their spot in the final by defeating Bangladesh by 11 runs in their final Super Four fixture, defending a modest target of 136 runs. The India-Pakistan encounters in this Asia Cup have been eventful and controversial, with Suryakumar reportedly fined 30 per cent of his match fees for post-match comments dedicating the group stage victory to victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Wasim Akram gears up for IND vs PAK Asia Cup final Speaking ahead of the Asia Cup final, Pakistan legend Wasim Akram emphasized the unpredictable nature of India-Pakistan encounters. “India definitely is favourite on Sunday. But you’ve seen, cricket lovers have seen, I have seen, anything can happen in this format. One good innings, one spell can change the course of the game. Pakistan team should take this confidence, this momentum to Sunday and back themselves and play sensible cricket,” he said. Wasim Akram added, “Ideally, a couple of early wickets, especially Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, can definitely put India on the back foot. It should be a close game, and I hope in the end, the best team will win.” Off the field, Pakistan faced disciplinary issues ahead of the final. Pacer Haris Rauf was reportedly fined 30 per cent of his match fees for aggressive gestures during the Super Four clash against India, where he mimicked a plane crash in response to Indian fans’ ‘Kohli, Kohli’ chants. Meanwhile, Sahibzada Farhan faced an ICC hearing for a ‘gun’ celebration after reaching his half-century but escaped with only a warning. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Suryakumar Yadav Faces ICC Action Over Pahalgam Remarks After India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Clash
India captain Suryakumar Yadav has been fined for violating the ICC’s Code of Conduct during the 2025 Asia Cup match against Pakistan. ICC Punishes Suryakumar Yadav for Political Statements India captain Suryakumar Yadav was penalized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for making political remarks during the Asia Cup 2025 group stage match against Pakistan on September 14 at Dubai International Stadium. Yadav had dedicated India’s victory to the Indian Armed Forces, expressing solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. The match was played amid heightened political tension, with calls in India to boycott the game. No handshakes were exchanged between the teams, sparking further controversy. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially emailed the ICC regarding Andy Pycroft but later included a complaint against Suryakumar for his statements. Match referee Richie Richardson conducted an official hearing on September 25, attended by Suryakumar, BCCI CEO Hemang Amin, and cricket operations manager Sumeet Mallapurkar. Suryakumar pleaded “not guilty” during the proceedings. Earlier in 2025, a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, claimed 26 lives, leading India to launch Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Both nations carried out retaliatory strikes for three days before hostilities were suspended. What did Suryakumar say? After India’s win against Pakistan on September 14, captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to the Indian Armed Forces, praising their daily bravery. He said, “Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery. Hope they continue to inspire us all, and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to put a smile on their face.” Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Abhishek Sharma Earns Maiden Call-Up in New Format Following Stellar T20I Performances
India opener Abhishek Sharma has been in outstanding form in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. Abhishek Sharma Eyeing ODI Debut After Stellar Asia Cup 2025 Abhishek Sharma is enjoying an incredible Asia Cup 2025, and his impressive T20I performances could earn him opportunities in other formats. According to the Times of India, Abhishek may receive his first ODI call-up for India’s three-match series against Australia in October. The ODI series begins on October 19, followed by a five-match T20I series starting October 29. Abhishek has been in excellent form in the ongoing Asia Cup, scoring 248 runs in five matches and registering more than 30 runs in each game. His performances have reportedly impressed the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, boosting his chances for the Australia series. The ICC’s No. 1-ranked T20I batter has also amassed over 2,000 runs in List A cricket at nearly a run-a-ball strike rate. With India’s ODI opening slots largely occupied by captain Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill for nearly four years, Abhishek’s inclusion could raise questions about who might be dropped. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has played only one ODI so far, may now see his place in jeopardy. Rohit Sharma’s Future Uncertain as Abhishek Eyes Succession Captain Rohit Sharma’s long-term spot in India’s playing XI is not guaranteed. With Rohit set to turn 40 by the 2027 Cricket World Cup, India is focusing on identifying a successor in due course. Abhishek’s devastating T20I form suggests he could be that man, potentially overtaking Jaiswal in the pecking order. On Wednesday, Abhishek showcased his swashbuckling skills again, scoring 75 runs off just 37 balls against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup Super Four before being run out. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!