In a strategic move that was somehow anticipated, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have officially named Rishabh Pant as their captain for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. This announcement comes on the heels of a record-breaking INR 27 crore deal at the Novemb?er 2024 mega auction, marking Pant as one of the most expensive players in the history of the IPL.

A new chapter for LSG

After a disappointing 2024 IPL season where the Super Giants couldn’t secure a playoff spot, finishing seventh, the franchise has decided to usher in a new era under Pant’s leadership. Previously, KL Rahul captained the team with mixed results, but LSG decided not to retain h?im, opting instead fo?r a fresh start with Pant.

Rishabh Pant’s captaincy credentials

Notably, Pant is no stranger to leading a team; he has prior experience captaining the Delhi Capitals. His aggressive style, both with the bat and in decision-making, aligns well with LSG’s ambition to rejuvenate their squad and performance strategy. Known for his explosive batting and sharp wicket-keeping skills, Pant brings a dynamic energy to the team, which many hope will translate into victories on the field.

Also R??EAD: Rishabh Pant spills beans on the Ashes outcome, favourite shots from cricket legends and Jasprit Bumrah in one word

The road ahead

Under Pant’s leadership, LSG will aim to not only recover from last year’s low but to challenge for the IPL title. His appointment signals a clear intent by the franchise to adopt a more attacking and fearless brand of cricket. The team management has expressed confidence in Pant’s ability to steer the team towards success, highlighting his leadership qualities and his knack for performing under pressure.

“The amount of strategising that was done revolved around Rishabh, it was done keeping him in mind. I think, time will prove that he is not only the most expensive player of IPL but also the best player of IPL,” LSG’s principal owner Sanjiv Goenka said in a media interaction.

Also READ: IPL vs PSL salary comparison: Most expens?ive players for the 2025 s?eason

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Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) newly-appointed captain Shreyas Iyer recently shed light on his surprising departure from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) despite leading the team to their third IPL title in 2024. The move left fans and cricketing experts puzzled, especially as Iyer had played a key role in ending KKR’s decade-long title drought.

Shreyas joined KKR in 2022, initially impressing with his batting but struggling with leadership. After sitting out the 2023 season due to injury, he returned stronger in 2024, guiding the team to IPL glory. However, in a surprising turn of events, KKR decided not to retain the Mumbai batter for the ??2025 season, leaving him to enter the IPL mega auction, where he was snapped up by the Punjab-based franchise for a record-breaking �?6.75 crore.

Lack of communication puzzled Shreyas Iyer

Speaking at Idea Exchange, Iyer admitted he was baffled by KKR’s decision and the lack of communication from the franchise. Despite his achievements, he was left in the dark until just a week before the retention deadline.

“Winning the championship with KKR was a phenomenal experience. The fans were electrifying, and my time there was special. But after the title win, there was a long gap with no concrete discussions about retention. That lack of communication left me perplexed. Ultimately, we mutually decided to part ways,” Iyer explained.

Iyer also expressed disappointment at the way the situation unfolded, highlighting that clear communication could have changed things. “When you find out about such a big decision just a week before the retention deadline, it shows something is missing. It was disappointing, but I had to make a decision, and it seems to have worked out for the best,” he said.

Also WATCH: Shreyas Iyer captivates internet with his ?heartfelt gestur??e towards a female admirer

Moving on to new horizons

After?? KKR’s silence on retention, Iyer realized the franchise might no longer see him in their plans. While the lack of c?larity was frustrating, he chose to focus on the positives and embrace his next opportunity.

“I assumed that if KKR wanted me, they would have initiated discussions earlier. But things didn’t work out that way. Despite the disappointment, I look back fondly on my time there. Winning the championship was a defining moment in my life,” Iyer added.

A fresh start with Punjab Kings

The 2025 season brings a new chapter for Iyer as he takes on the leadership role at Punjab Kings. W??ith the franchise heavily investing in him, expectations are high for the s??easoned batter to deliver both as a leader and player.

Punjab’s acquisition of Iyer is being seen as a strategic move to rebuild the team with a strong leader at the helm. Iyer’s championship-winning experience makes him a valuable addition to the side.

As Iyer transitions to his new role, fans and cricket enthusiasts will be keen to see how he leads PBKS and whether he can re??plicate his success from KKR. For now, Iyer has firmly moved on, leaving behind both the triumphs and turbulence o??f his KKR journey.

Also READ: Shreyas?? Iyer opens up on his batting position f??or Champions Trophy 2025

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As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season draws closer, the ??excitement surrounding the tournament has reached fever pitch. Fans and experts alike are eager to witness the next ?chapter of this highly anticipated league, where new faces, fresh strategies, and star-studded lineups promise an action-packed season. With the mega auction already behind us, the attention now turns to how the teams will shape up, and which players will lead their franchises to glory.

Delhi Capitals: A strong unit with big names

Delhi Capitals (DC) have undoubtedly assembled a formidable squad for IPL 2025. With a blend of seasoned pros and young talent, the franchise is ready to make its mark. Players like KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, Tristan Stubbs, and Harry Brook add significant depth and firepower to their already impressive lineup. Rahul, with his calm leadership and explosive batting skills, w?ill pr?ovide a strong backbone to the team, while the addition of world-class players like Starc and Brook further boosts their chances of lifting the coveted IPL trophy.

Also READ: 3 players wh??o can captain? Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL 2025

Who will lead DC in IPL 2025? Dinesh Karthik answers

Amid the anticipation, a crucial question has emerged—who will captain Delhi in IPL 2025? In a recent show, Dinesh Karthik dropped a major revelation about the leadership choice for the franchise. According to Karthik, it is none other than Axar Patel who will take the reins as Delhi’s captain for the upcoming season.

Although the official announcement from DC is yet to come, Karthik’s statement during Cricbuzz‘s HeyCB with DK show confirmed that Axar, who previously captained in Rishabh Pant’s absence, will now take on a full-time leadership role. This exciting development paves the way for Axar to lead a dynamic and talen??ted squad, as the Delhi-based team aims to make a strong push for the title.

“For Axar Patel, all the very best. A good opportunity for him. Third, he is going to be the Delhi Capitals�?captain as well. So here is a good opportunity for him to lead and show the way. He has been doing that for Gujarat as well. So, wish him all the luck,” said Karthik.

Also READ: 3 key reasons why Punjab? Kings (PBKS) can win IPL 2025 under S??hreyas Iyer’s captaincy

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Over the course of his career, Jasprit Bumrah has won hearts of the cricketing world with his emphatic pace bowling. The Indian pace sensation was at the peak of his prowess during India’s 5-match Test series against Australia. Bumrah had a remarkable series with the ball as he clinched 32 wickets even though Australia defeated India 3-1 in the series. With his bowling display, Bumrah managed to secure the Player of the Series awa?rd for himself despite bowling only a few overs in the last Test match in Sydney.

Bumrah’s latest ICC achievement

Ever since the world saw his bowling prowess during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the record books need revision now and then w?ith Bumrah’s name added to it. The player rating of the 31-year-old reached sky high and the Indian pace even managed to clinch the top spot in the ICC Player Rankings for bowlers ?in Test cricket with a career high rating of 908.

Additionally, Bumrah was recently awarded the ICC Player of the Month for December 2024 for his exceptional bowling display. Bumrah managed to beat tough competition from Pat Cummins and Dane Paterson and clinched the coveted title. The Indian pacer was awarded the Player of the Month for his remarkable bowling display taking 22 wickets throughout the month with an average of 14.22.

Mumbai Indians�?reaction on Bumrah’s achievement

Reactions and celebratory posts came from all corners of the cricketing globe after Bumrah was awarded the Player of the Month by ICC for December 2024. However, his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians shared a social media post celebrating Bumrah’s achievement which instantly became the talking point amongst fans and cricket analysts alike. The viral social media p??ost m?entioned Bumrah as the ultimate superlative for excellence and added Bumrah’s name instead of the usual ‘Best�?which people use as the superlative to good and better.

Also Read: India’s Test sensation to join Mumbai team in their next Ranji Trophy match agai??nst Jammu & Kashmir

Here’s the post

Good. Better. B̷e̷s̷t̷ 𝗝𝗔𝗦𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗧 𝗕𝗨𝗠𝗥𝗔𝗛 🫡🐐#MumbaiMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians pic.twitter.com/YZlZFwepZM

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) January 14, 2025

Clouds of uncertainty loom over Bumrah’s fitness

Bumrah went on to a relentless run with the bowl to save India’s hopes and bring out a positive result in the Mel??bourne and Sydney Test of the BGT 2024-25. While his efforts didn’t yield much results for the team, the additional workload on the ace pacer resulted in a back injury for him. Bumrah bowled more than 150 overs throughout the series and therefore, a lower back spasm was only obvious for the pacer.

However, now the injury situation of the 31-year-old seems to have aggravated with reports suggesting swelling in his back. With a T20I and ODI series on the home soil against England just around the corner, the Indian team is desperately hoping for some positive news on Bumrah’s injury. The issue is more concerning considering the fact that the Indian team has to shortly head to the UAE to play their fixtures for the Champions Trophy 2025 after the England series.

Also Read: Wil??l? India captain Rohit Sharma visit Pakistan for captains�?photoshoot? Here’s what we know

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The cricketing world is abuzz with discussions around player salaries in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as both leagues gear up for their 2025 seasons. The IPL continues to set the bar with its staggering financial rewards, while the PSL is making significant strides to enhance its player compensation. This year, both leagues are preparing for an exciting season, but the comparison in terms of financial rewards for their top players is intriguing. Here’s an in-depth look at how the two leagues compare when it comes to compensating their crème de la crème.

IPL’s financial might

IPL continues to dominate the cricketing world with its staggering player salaries and lucrative contracts. The 2025 auction showcased the tournament’s financial prowess, with Rishabh Pant making headlines as the most expensive player in the cash-rich league’s history. Pant secured an unprecedented deal of INR 27 crore with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), surpassing all previous records.

Close on his heels was Shreyas Iyer, who was acquired by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a remarkable INR 26.75 crore, further highlighting the league’s readiness to reward exceptional talent generously. The IPL’s massive global viewership, sponsorship deals, and broadcasting rights enable it to offer players unparalleled financial rewards, making it the most lucrative cricket league worldwide.

Also READ: Team-wi??se breakdown of the most expensive?? players in IPL history

PSL’s evolving player compensation structure

In contrast, the PSL operates on a draft system, emphasizing equitable distribution of talent across teams. The PSL’s highest pay grade, the Platinum category, sets its top salary at USD 300,000 for the 2025 season. Australian opener David Warner leads the pack as t??he most expensive player in the le??ague this year.

Acknowledging the need to remain competitive, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has increased player salaries across categories starting with the 2025 season. Players in the Platinum category, who previously earned between USD 130,000 and USD 170,000, can now secure contracts be ranging from USD 220,000 to USD 300,000. This pay hike is a significant move aimed at attracting global stars and retaining top domestic talent, showcasing PSL’s growing ambition and its focus on building a strong brand.

List of most expensive players in IPL and PSL for 2025 season

Also READ: Complete s??quads of all six teams after the PSL 2025 player draft

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Concerns are mounting regarding the potential absence of several key players from Australia and South Africa during the IPL 2025 playoffs. With the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final set to commence on June 11, players from both nations are set to prioritize in??ternational commitments over their participa??tion in the IPL knockout stages.

Key players to miss IPL playoffs

Australian stars Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Travis Head are expected to withdraw from the IPL playoffs to prepare for the WTC Final against South Africa at Lord’s. Cummins and Head represent Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Starc will plays for Delhi Capitals (DC) and Hazlewood is with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Their absence could signi??ficantly impact their respective teams as they aim for a strong finish in th?e tournament.

Similarly, South African players including Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs are also anticipated? to miss crucial matches in the IPL as they shift focus towards the WTC Fina??l. Rabada, Jansen and Stubbs are engaged with various franchises in the IPL but will prioritize their national duties as the knockouts approaches.

Also READ: 7 South Africa players featuring in IPL 2025 but missing ou??t on the Champions Trophy 2025 squad

Implications for IPL teams

The potential withdrawal of these prominent players poses a significant challenge for their franchises. For instance, SRH would not only lose their captain Cummins but also a key batter in Head, which could severely weaken their chances of advancing in the tournament. Similarly, DC would miss Starc’s bowling prowess if they qualify for the playoffs.

The IPL playoffs are scheduled to take place just weeks before the WTC Final, creating a tight timeline for players who need to prepare for such a high-stakes match. The IPL has historically been a platform for players to showcase their skills, but with international commitments looming, teams may have to adjust their strategies accordingly?.

Also READ: Here’s the list of players unsold in IPL 2025 Auction but picked in PSL Draft

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Cricket South Africa has unveiled its squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE. The team features a balanced mix of experienced players and fresh talent, aimed at mounting a serious challenge for the prestigious title. However, the announcement has also highlighted the absence of some prominent South African cricketers who are instead set to showcase their skills in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

The Proteas cricketers have consistently delivered stellar performances in the IPL, making them sought-after players in the tournament. However, a notable group of these stars has not been included in South Africa’s Champions Trophy squad. Factors such as injuries, lack of international experience, and personal commitments have contributed to their exclusion.

South Africa players who will feature in IPL 2025 but won’t represent their nation in the Champions Trophy

1. Faf du Plessis (Delhi Capitals)

Former South African captain Faf du Plessis, known for his leadership and batting prowess, will play for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 afte??r being bought for INR 2 crore. Du Plessis, who last played an O??DI in June 2019, has prioritized franchise cricket over international commitments, leading to his omission from the Champions Trophy squad.

2. Gerald Coetzee (Gujarat Titans)

Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee, purchased by Gujarat Titans for INR 2.40 crore, is absent from the Champions Trophy squad due to a persistent groin injury. The 24-year-old has been sidelined since South Africa’s Test series against Sri Lanka, and his r??eturn to the national tea?m remains uncertain.

Also READ: Reason why Pakistan haven’t anno?unced their ODI squad for? Champions Trophy 2025

3. Donovan Ferreira (Delhi Capitals)

Wicketkeeper-batter Donovan Ferreira, acquired by Delhi Capitals for I?NR 75 lakhs, has yet to make his ODI debut. Despite his potential, South African selectors overlooked him for the Champions Trophy, citing his lack of experience on the international stage?.

4. Quinton de Kock (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, who joined Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 6.30 crore, remains a high-profile absentee. De Kock retired from Test cricket in 2021 to focus on limited-overs formats but has not represented South Africa since the T20 World Cup 2024. His uncertain availability for international duties has contribut??ed to his exclusion.

5. Matthew Breetzke (Lucknow Super Giants)

Top-order batter Matthew Breetzke, bought by Lucknow Super Giants for INR 75 lakhs, is another name missing from the Champions ?Trophy squad. At 26, Breetzke is yet to make his ODI debut, and selectors opted against including him due to his limited exposure in international cricket.

6. Lizaad Williams (Mumbai Indians)

Right-arm medium pacer Lizaad Williams, who fetched INR 75 lakhs from Mumbai Indians, is also absent from the Cham?pions Trophy lineup. Although part of South Africa’s ODI squad in 2024, injury concerns have sidelined the 3?1-year-old, leaving his recovery timeline uncertain.

7. Kwena Maphaka (Rajasthan Royals)

The 18-year-old left-arm fast bowler Kwena Maphaka, bought by Rajasthan Royals for INR 1.50 crore, has impressed in domestic cricket but lacks experience in overseas conditions. Despite his promising talent, Maphaka’s inexperience in international cricket led to his exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad.

Also WATCH: Dinesh Kar?thik’s innings cut short by a bizarre run-out in SA20 2025

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In a surprising turn of events, several high-profile cricketers who went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction have found new opportunities in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 draft held on January 13, 2025. The draft, which took place in Lahore, showcased a st??rong demand for players overlooked by IPL franchises, highlighting the competitive nature of the PSL.

Unsold IPL players make their mark in PSL 2025 Draft

Despite not attracting bids during the IPL 2024 auction, players such as David Warner, Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell were selected in the PSL draft, signalling a shift in their fortunes. The PSL 2025 season i?s set to run from early Ap??ril to late May, allowing these players to showcase their skills on a prominent platform.

Key selections

Here’s a look at some notable players who transitioned from unsold ?status in the IPL to being picked in the PSL:

• Akeal Hosein – Quetta Gladiators
• Chris Jordan – Multan Sultans
• David Warner – Karachi Kings
• Finn Allen – Quetta Gladiators
• Jason Holder – Islamabad United
• Johnson Charles – Multan Sultans
• Josh Little – Multan Sultans
• Kane Williamson – Karachi Kings
• Kyle Jamieson – Quetta Gladiators
• Mark Chapman – Quetta Gladiators
• Matthew Short – Islamabad United
• Michael Bracewell – Multan Sultans
• Rassie Van Der Dussen – Islamabad United
• Riley Meredith – Islamabad United
• Sam Billings – Lahore Qalandars
• Sean Abbott – Quetta Gladiators
• Sikandar Raza – Lahore Qalandars

Also READ: PSL 2025 Draft – From David Warner to Kane Williamson: Full list of sold players in all categories

PSL 2025 Draft highlights

The PSL draft lasted for seven hours and was marked by an impressive selection of international stars. The league’s organizers aimed to enhance player availability this season, especially as it overlaps with the IPL.

This year’s draft was particularly significant as it allowed franchises to fill gaps left by players who went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction. While Williamson’s selection by Karachi Kings marked his anticipated debut in the PSL, he notably remained unsold during both the IPL auction and the PSL draft, raising questions about his current marketability. In fact, Williamson was picked in the supplementary round by the Karachi franchise.

In contrast, David Warner, who is having a stellar run in the Big Bash League (BBL) |14, has been crowned the most expensive player of the PSL season 10 after being signed by Karachi King?s for $300,000 during the player draft in Lahore. He will reunite with former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) teammate Williamson in PSL 2025.

Also READ: Complete sq?uads of all six teams afte?r the PSL 2025 player draft

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The Australian team has been a force to reckon with in limited-overs cricket. Against all odds, the Aussies managed to win the ODI World Cup 2023 in India and have dominated white-ball cricket throughout its history. With a remarkable performance in its recent ODI endeavors and success against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia has now announced its squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 to be held in Pakistan and the UAE.

The Australian squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 features several experienced campaigners and young prospects in its team. However, the selectors did not give some bright Australian talents who were impressed with their cricketing prowess in the Indian Premier League (IPL) an? opportunity to display their talents in Australian colours in the prestigious tournaments.

In light of Australia’s squad list for the Champions Trophy 2025, here is the list of 4 Australian players who featured in the IPL but were not selected for the Champions Trophy 2025.

Also Read: 3 Australian pl?ayers to miss out on the 2025 Champions Trophy squad after playing in ODI World Cup 2023

4 IPL stars who were not given a place in Australia’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad list

1) Jake Fraser-McGurk (Delhi Capitals)

After an explosive domestic season in Australia and several impressive displays with the bat in the Big Bash League, Jake Fraser-McGurk made his IPL debut in the 2024 season for the Delhi Capitals (DC). The explosive young batter played 9 matches for the Capitals and scored 330 runs for the franchise. One of the most memorable innings that the 22-year-old played was the remarkable 84-run knock against Mumbai Indians (MI) off 27 balls in an impressive display of his batting abilities. However, the youngster had struggled with the bat during the current domestic season, scoring consecutive low scores for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League (BBL). Australian chief selector George Bailey has cited that McGurk has time on his side and the squad already has a lot of top-order batters as the re?ason behind ??not selecting him.

2) Tim David (Mumbai Indians)

After representing the Mumbai Indians in 37 IPL matches, Australia’s dynamic batter Tim David marked a return to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during last year’s mega auction. Despite his reputation as an explosive finisher in T20 cricket, David failed to secure a spot in Australia’s Champions Trophy squad, with the selectors opting for a lineup packed with versatile all-rounders. His struggles in the 50-over format played a key role in this decision, as he has managed to score only 35 runs in ODIs at a dismal average of 11.2. The lackluster performance underscores his difficulty adapting to the demands of the longer format, leaving him sidelined for the marquee event. While his T20 prowess remains undisputed, David’s ODI record leaves much to be desired, making him an unlikely candidate for Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign.

3) Cameron Green (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Cameron Green made headlines ahead of the 2023 IPL when Mumbai Indians secured his services for an astounding INR 17.5 crore, making him the second most expensive overseas player in IPL history. That season, he showcased hi??s potential by smashing his maiden IPL century—a scintillating and unbeaten knock against Sunrisers Hyderabad while opening the innings. In IPL 2?024, Green turned out for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, scoring 255 runs in 12 innings across 13 matches. However, his promising run has been overshadowed by injury concerns.

Green reported lower back pain during Australia’s tour of the UK in September, with scans later revealing a stress fracture. Cricket Australia identified a “unique defect in an adjacent area to the fracture” that exacerbates the issue. This significant setback has ruled him out of Australia’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad, leaving the talented all-rounder to focus on recovery and rehabilitation.

4) Spencer Johnson (Gujarat Titans)

Renowned for his skill in making the new ball dance, Spencer Johnson turned heads when the Gujarat Titans (GT) snapped him up for a staggering INR 10 Crores in the 2024 mini-auction. The towering left-arm pacer, a familiar figure in the Big Bash League, is set to don the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) jersey in the upcoming IPL season. Despite his domestic and franchise cricket success, Johnson’s struggles with consistency on the international stage have seen him miss out on a spot in Australia’s Champions Trophy squad. His raw talent and ability to trouble batters with swing and pace remain unquestionable, but lapses in form at the highest level have hindered his ascent. While his IPL stint presents an opportunity for redemption, Johnson will need to deliver consistently to solidify his place in the national setup.

Also Read: Cricket Australia announces squad for Champions Trophy 2025; Pat Cummins to lead the team in Paki?stan

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