Sri Lanka announces Asia Cup 2025 squad; Wanindu Hasaranga declared fully fit
Wanindu Hasaranga to Miss Zimbabwe Series Due to Hamstring Injury. Sri Lanka Cricket announced its squad for the Asia Cup 2025 on Thursday, 29th August. The tournament will be held in the United Arab Emirates, starting on 9th September and culminating with the final on 28th September. The standout update in Sri Lanka’s squad is the inclusion of premier leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. However, he will miss the upcoming series against Zimbabwe after sustaining a hamstring injury during the recent series against Bangladesh. For the Asia Cup, Hasaranga has replaced Dushan Hemantha in the squad, while Dushan will feature in the Zimbabwe series. Another change sees uncapped batter Vishen Halambage omitted from the squad. Charith Asalanka will lead Sri Lanka in the tournament, with Chamika Karunaratne making a comeback. Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamil Mishara, and fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera have also been included for the eight-nation event. Former captain Dasun Shanaka returns to the side, while selectors have opted to leave out Angelo Mathews. The veteran all-rounder recently retired from Test cricket but remains available for white-ball formats. Alongside Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana will form Sri Lanka’s frontline spin attack. The 2021 Asia Cup champions are eager to reclaim the title, having reached the final in the last edition before losing to India. Sri Lanka Squad for Asia Cup 2025 Players: Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana Sri Lanka will kick off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign on September 13 against Bangladesh. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Plans Updated: Rohit Sharma Scheduled to Undergo Fitness Tests at COE on September 13 – Reports
Rohit Sharma last featured in competitive cricket during IPL 2025. India’s ODI captain, Rohit Sharma, is scheduled to undergo his fitness assessment at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on September 13, according to the Times of India. Earlier reports had suggested that the test would take place on August 31. Rohit last represented India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where India emerged victorious by defeating New Zealand in the final. He was named Player of the Match in the summit clash, marking his second ICC title as India captain, following the ICC T20 World Cup triumph in 2024. Since 2023, Rohit has scored 1,714 runs in 38 games at an average of 48.97, with a strike rate of 117.2. His performances in the powerplay have been particularly impressive, averaging 67.41 at a strike rate of 122.57, making him the only batsman in this phase to surpass 1,000 runs. Rohit Sharma to Undergo New Bronco Test at BCCI COE According to The Times of India, Rohit Sharma has kicked off preparations for India’s upcoming ODI tour of Australia in October. The senior India batter has been training at the BKC facility run by the Mumbai Cricket Association, alongside his close friend and former India assistant coach Abhishek Nair. The TOI report also confirmed that Rohit Sharma will travel to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru for fitness evaluations and further training. “Yes, Rohit will be at the BCCI CoE from September 13 for fitness tests. He will stay for two to three days and also practice at the facility to fine-tune his preparations for the Australia white-ball tour in November. Since the Duleep Trophy final is being held at the main ground (A) from September 11 to 15, Rohit will undergo fitness tests and train at a different ground within the same facility,” a source told TOI. The 38-year-old star must clear the newly introduced Bronco test, implemented under India’s strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux, in addition to the standard Yo-Yo test. The Bronco test is an intense aerobic running assessment requiring participants to complete five sets of shuttle runs over 60 m, 40 m, and 20 m as quickly as possible, covering a total distance of 1,200 meters. Rohit Sharma last appeared in competitive cricket during IPL 2025, scoring 418 runs at an average of 29.85 and a strike rate of 149.28. His ODI record, however, remains exceptional, with 1,714 runs in 38 matches at an average of 48.97 and a strike rate of 117.2 since 2023 Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
“I wanted to earn it” – Rahul Dravid shares how, early in his career, he sought to gain the respect of Tendulkar, Laxman, and Ganguly.
Rahul Dravid represented India in international cricket from 1996 to 2012. The former India captain recently revealed that, in his early years, he aspired to earn the respect of stalwarts like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman. He also acknowledged that throughout his career, he gained invaluable lessons from greats such as Tendulkar, Ganguly, Laxman, and Virender Sehwag. Widely regarded as a legend of Indian cricket, Rahul Dravid enjoyed a remarkable career spanning 16 years. He featured in 164 Tests, 344 ODIs, and a solitary T20I. With 13,288 Test runs, he remains India’s second-highest run-getter in the format. In ODIs, Rahul Dravid scored 10,899 runs, including 12 centuries, before retiring in 2012. Across formats, he accumulated over 24,000 runs, making him the third-highest run-scorer for India. Rahul Dravid on Earning the Respect of Indian Cricket Legends Former Indian batting great Rahul Dravid revealed that in the early stages of his career, his biggest motivation was to earn the respect of icons like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman. Speaking on the podcast “Haal Chaal Aur Sawaal”, Rahul Dravid said: “You want to earn Tendulkar, Laxman, and Ganguly’s respect. You want them to say, ‘Okay, this guy can also play. He deserves to be in this room with us.’ That respect doesn’t come easy—it comes through performance, scoring runs, and delivering in tough conditions and situations.” Rahul Dravid also emphasized how much he learnt from his senior teammates: “I don’t think I was copying them, but I was definitely learning. Sharing the dressing room with Sachin, Sehwag, Sourav, Laxman, and even Gautam Gambhir at times, made my game better. You learn by watching how they prepare, how they play certain shots, and how they handle different challenges. Being around them pushes you to raise your own standards.” Beyond his playing career, Rahul Dravid went on to serve as India’s head coach from 2021 to 2024. Under his leadership, India ended an 11-year ICC trophy drought by winning the T20 World Cup 2024. His tenure also included the Asia Cup 2023 title and a runner-up finish in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
“Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Cheteshwar Pujara deserved a better farewell,” says Kris Srikkanth, criticizing BCCI for a ‘communication gap’.
Former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth has expressed disappointment over the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) handling of retirements, saying that Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Cheteshwar Pujara deserved more fitting send-offs. Srikkanth also suggested that Kohli still had at least two years of Test cricket left in him and criticized the board for lacking proper communication with the players as they concluded their careers in the longest format. Rohit and Virat Kohli stunned the Indian cricket community by announcing their Test retirements in May this year, while Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara recently retired from all forms of the game. Both Pujara and Virat Kohli concluded illustrious careers, having played over 100 matches for India. Rohit, meanwhile, served as India’s Test captain from 2022 to 2025 and led the team to the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23. Kris Srikkanth Criticizes BCCI Over Kohli and Rohit’s Retirement Send-Offs Former India selector Kris Srikkanth believes there was a major communication gap when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said that Kohli, Rohit, and Cheteshwar Pujara all deserved much better farewells from the BCCI. “If you play 100 Tests for your country, you must be a terrific cricketer. You deserve a proper send-off. I am convinced there was a big communication gap when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired. They should have been consulted. Instead, the way it happened doesn’t reflect well on Indian cricket,” Srikkanth said. He also feels Kohli had at least two more years of Test cricket left. “Virat Kohli’s retirement happened just like that. He deserved a better send-off. He still had two years of Test cricket in him. But after the drawn series in England, discussions around him were abruptly shut down. Finding a player like Virat Kohli won’t be easy for India anytime soon,” he added. Srikkanth stressed that the BCCI should have communicated with Pujara about his retirement plans as well. “Similarly with Pujara, even though it’s been some time since he last played, the BCCI should have spoken to him about his retirement plans. Of course, the player also needs to recognize when it’s time to step away. With better cooperation between the player, selectors, and BCCI, Pujara could have received a proper farewell,” he said. For context, Rohit Sharma played 67 Tests for India, scoring 4,301 runs in 116 innings at an average of 40.58. Kohli amassed 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and seven double hundreds. Pujara accumulated 7,195 runs in 103 Tests with 19 centuries. Rohit and Kohli remain active in ODI cricket and are expected to feature in India’s upcoming series against Australia in October. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
“One dream still remains for me…” – Mohammed Shami on his goal before retirement
Mohammed Shami has expressed his burning desire to win the ICC ODI World Cup and bring the trophy home. The veteran Indian pacer revealed that lifting the ODI World Cup remains the one unfulfilled dream of his career. He also reflected on India’s heartbreaking defeat in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final, where despite his brilliant performances, the Men in Blue fell short against Australia. India had gone unbeaten throughout the tournament until that crushing loss in the final. Mohammed Shami, who was instrumental in India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 triumph under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker for his side with nine wickets in five matches, reaffirming his importance to the team. “Winning the ODI World Cup is my only remaining dream,” says Mohammed Shami In an exclusive conversation with News24, 34-year-old pacer Mohammed Shami revealed his ultimate ambition: lifting the ICC ODI World Cup trophy for India. He reflected on the team’s near-miss in the previous edition. “I only have one dream left — to win the ODI World Cup. I want to be part of that team, contribute, and bring the trophy home,” Shami said. Recalling the 2023 campaign, he added, “We came very close. There was a mix of excitement and fear during the knockout stages. But the fans’ belief and enthusiasm kept us motivated. It was a dream that could have been realized, but perhaps luck wasn’t on our side.” The next ICC Cricket World Cup is scheduled for October-November 2027, jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. By then, Mohammed Shami will be 37, and his inclusion in the squad could be uncertain. Currently, Mohammed Shami is representing the East Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2025-26. He is expected to return to the national side for India’s home Test series against the West Indies in October. Notably, he was absent from the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Vijay Shankar Teams Up with Hanuma Vihari, Transfers to Tripura for the 2025-26 Domestic Season
A Tripura Cricket Association official has confirmed that India cricketers Vijay Shankar and Hanuma Vihari will be switching their domestic teams. Vijay Shankar, previously representing Tamil Nadu, will now play for Tripura starting from the upcoming Indian domestic season. Meanwhile, Hanuma Vihari has signed with Tripura after obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA). According to ACA sources, Vihari applied for the NOC on Sunday and received it within a day, finalizing the move swiftly. This transfer also marks the end of his strained relationship with the ACA. Last season, Nara Lokesh, the general secretary of the state’s ruling TDP, had persuaded Vihari against changing teams after he resigned as Andhra captain at the start of the 2023–24 season, amid allegations of “political interference.” Announcing the move on social media, Vihari wrote:“After thoughtful consideration, I have decided to join the Tripura Cricket Association, where I will represent the state across all three formats. I am grateful to the Andhra Cricket Association for their support throughout my journey, but I believe it’s time for a platform that aligns better with my aspirations and allows me to contribute consistently. I am excited for this new challenge and fully committed to giving my best in this next phase.” New Chapter begins… pic.twitter.com/ufBxmxA8vU — Hanuma vihari (@Hanumavihari) August 26, 2025 Vijay Shankar Confirms Move to Tripura Ahead of New Domestic Season Vijay Shankar announced on August 27 that he will be moving from Tamil Nadu to Tripura for the upcoming Indian domestic season. The right-handed batting all-rounder began his domestic career with Tamil Nadu in 2012 and has since played 58 Ranji Trophy matches, scoring 3,142 runs at an average of 44.25 while batting down the order, including 11 centuries. In List A cricket, Vijay Shankar appeared in 106 matches for Tamil Nadu, amassing 2,632 runs at an average of around 35, with two centuries. He has also made significant contributions in T20s, scoring 2,454 runs and taking 36 wickets. “I have obtained the NOC from TNCA but am still waiting for confirmation from the Tripura Cricket Association. I will be able to officially announce my switch once I receive the formal approval letter from Tripura,” Vijay Shankar stated. The all-rounder has represented India in 12 ODIs and 9 T20Is, including appearances in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. Late Tuesday night, a Tripura Cricket Association representative confirmed to Cricbuzz that Vijay Shankar will join forces with Hanuma Vihari for the next domestic season. Tripura is expected to compete in the Elite divisions of the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Not the Desert Storm or the 2003 World Cup knock against Pakistan! Sachin Tendulkar reveals this innings as his all-time favourite
Sachin Tendulkar recently took part in a Reddit AMA, answering questions from fans. Widely regarded as India’s greatest batsman, Tendulkar was asked about his favourite innings during the session. Having retired in 2013, Sachin Tendulkar illustrious career spanned 200 Tests, 463 ODIs, and a single T20I since his debut for India in 1989 at just 16 years old. Over this time, he scored 15,921 Test runs, 18,426 ODI runs, and 10 T20I runs, compiling a remarkable total of 100 centuries. Throughout his career, Sachin Tendulkar played several iconic innings. His two centuries against Australia in Sharjah in 1998, famously dubbed the “Desert Storm,” and his 98 against Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup are among the most memorable. Yet, surprisingly, neither of these innings ranks as Tendulkar’s personal favourite. Sachin Tendulkar Names His Most Memorable Knock for India Sachin Tendulkar has revealed that his most significant innings for India came in a high-pressure and emotional situation. During a tightly contested series, India won all five matches of a shortened seven-match ODI series and then secured the two-Test series 1-0. In the Chennai Test, England batted first, posting 316, thanks to a century from Andrew Strauss, while Harbhajan Singh and Amit Mishra took three wickets each. India responded with 241 runs. England then declared at 311/9, with Strauss and Paul Collingwood scoring centuries. Chasing a daunting target of 387, India got a blazing start from Virender Sehwag, who smashed 83 off 68 balls on day four. Gautam Gambhir contributed 66, and Yuvraj Singh remained unbeaten on 85, supporting Tendulkar as he crafted a masterful 103 to guide India to a six-wicket victory. During an ‘Ask Sachin’ session on Reddit, Sachin Tendulkar described his 2008 Test century against England at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium as his most meaningful innings. “There are many, but the most significant was against England in Chennai in 2008,” the legendary batter said. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Afghanistan and Bangladesh Set for White-Ball Series in UAE Following Asia Cup 2025
Afghanistan and Bangladesh are set to clash in three T20Is and three ODIs this October. Afghanistan will host the six-match white-ball series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), immediately after the Asia Cup 2025, which concludes on September 28. This series marks the second leg of an all-format tour that was initially scheduled for July 2024, featuring three ODIs, three T20Is, and two Tests. However, the original fixtures in Greater Noida, India, were postponed due to poor weather and Bangladesh’s packed calendar. The revised schedule now includes only white-ball matches. The two sides share a balanced record in recent encounters. After four ODI series, both teams are level at 2-2. Bangladesh claimed victories in 2016 and 2022, while Afghanistan came out on top in 2023 and 2024. Their T20I history is equally competitive—Afghanistan won the 2018 series, Bangladesh triumphed in 2023, and the 2022 contest ended in a draw. Afghanistan to Face Bangladesh in UAE for Six-Match White-Ball Series Afghanistan will host Bangladesh for a bilateral series in the UAE, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs, right after the conclusion of the Asia Cup 2025. Both teams are expected to remain in the UAE following the tournament to take part in the series. In the Asia Cup, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are grouped in Group B alongside Sri Lanka and Hong Kong. The two sides are set to meet in Abu Dhabi on September 16. Only the top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Fours. Group A consists of India, Pakistan, Oman, and the UAE. The bilateral series will begin with the T20I leg in Sharjah, starting on October 2, followed by matches on October 3 and October 5. The action will then shift to Abu Dhabi for the ODIs, scheduled on October 8, 11, and 14. 🚨 ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨 We will be hosting @BCBtigers for an exciting white-ball series in the UAE this October. 🤩 🏏: 3 T20Is & 3 ODIs📆: October 2 – 14, 2025 🔗: https://t.co/mExs3676vP#AfghanAtalan | #AFGvBAN | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/DyHCqVMdRC — Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) August 24, 2025 Afghanistan vs Bangladesh series schedule: Date Format Venue Thursday, October 02 1st T20I Sharjah Friday, October 03 2nd T20I Sharjah Sunday, October 05 3rd T20I Sharjah Wednesday, October 08 1st ODI Abu Dhabi Saturday, October 11 2nd ODI Abu Dhabi Tuesday, October 14 3rd ODI Abu Dhabi Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
David Miller and Marco Jansen Return as South Africa Unveil Squads for White-Ball Tour of England
South Africa will face England in three ODIs and three T20Is during their white-ball tour in September 2025. On Saturday, August 23, Cricket South Africa (CSA) unveiled the squads for the highly anticipated series. The tour kicks off with the ODIs, beginning on September 2 at Headingley, Leeds. The second ODI is set for September 4 at Lord’s in London, followed by the third and final game on September 7 at The Rose Bowl, Southampton. The T20I series will then get underway on September 10 at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. The second match will be staged on September 12 at Old Trafford, Manchester, with the tour concluding on September 14 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. Temba Bavuma will captain South Africa in the ODIs. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who missed the Australia series with an ankle injury, returns to the squad. In addition, CSA has retained in-form batter Matthew Breetzke, who has impressed in his four ODI appearances so far. For the T20Is, all-rounder Marco Jansen makes his comeback after recovering from injury. David Miller and Keshav Maharaj also return to strengthen the Proteas’ squad for the shortest format. South Africa Announce Squads for White-Ball Series Against England South Africa ODI Squad: Temba Bavuma (C), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs. South Africa T20I Squad: Aiden Markram (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Lizaad Williams. The Proteas are currently engaged in the ODI series against Australia. After losing the T20I series 2-1 to the hosts, South Africa made a strong comeback in the ODIs, winning the first two matches by 98 runs and 84 runs, respectively. The third ODI is scheduled for August 24. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Matches shifted from Bengaluru as ICC unveils updated schedule for ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is set to take place from September 30 to November 2. On Friday, August 22, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced a revised schedule for the tournament, confirming DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai as a replacement for Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup The decision follows the tragic incident at Chinnaswamy Stadium earlier this year, where a stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 title celebrations led to multiple casualties. Declared unfit to host international fixtures, the venue has lost its rights for the Women’s World Cup. Consequently, all matches originally slated for Bengaluru will now be staged at Navi Mumbai. At DY Patil Stadium, fans will witness three league matches, one semi-final, and the final. The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, other four venues remain unchanged: The tournament final will be contested either in Navi Mumbai or Colombo. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Women’s team will play all their group-stage fixtures at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium. Should they progress to the knockouts, their semi-final or final matches will also be held there. Updated Schedule for ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025It is worth noting that M. Chinnaswamy Stadium witnessed a tragic incident during RCB’s IPL title celebrations in June earlier this year, where a stampede resulted in multiple fatalities and left over 50 people injured. The updated match schedule for #CWC25 is out now 🏆 All the action starts on 30 September! 🗓️ ✍️: https://t.co/jBoQOHox5V pic.twitter.com/RcErcJR6yU — ICC (@ICC) August 22, 2025 Eight Teams Set to Clash for ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Glory Eight teams will compete in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025: India Women, Sri Lanka Women, Australia Women, New Zealand Women, Bangladesh Women, Pakistan Women, England Women, and South Africa Women. India and Sri Lanka will co-host the tournament. The opening match will feature the co-hosts, India and Sri Lanka, facing off on September 30 at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati. Defending champions Australia Women will kick off their campaign the following day against New Zealand in Indore. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration