Rohit is set to go guns blazing: Dale Steyn
Former South Africa speedster believes that Rohit Sharma will use IPL as the stage to showcase his skills. “With Rohit not being a permanent fixture in all three formats like before, he’s using the IPL as the perfect stage to showcase his skills and remind everyone he’s still at the top.” He added, “This is his period, two months to show India that he remains among the cream of the crop, alongside Virat and other seasoned players. Opening at Wankhede with Quinton de Kock on the other side, and possibly (Ryan) Rickleton too, Rohit is set to go guns blazing. It’s going to be exciting.”
According to Steyn, after retiring from Test, Rohit Sharma focused on fitness with his sights set on the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027. “You can see it in his physique, and there’s this feeling in the air – cricket is always in the air in India, but now there’s a winning culture Indian cricket is starting to own. The world is noticing it, and India is two steps ahead of everyone else.”
Mumbai Indians are set to begin their IPL 2026 campaign on Sunday against Kolkata Knight Riders in Mumbai.
PCB issues show-cause to Naseem Shah
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issues a show-cause notice to the fast bowler Naseem Shah for “violating the terms of his central contract”. A social media post by Naseem, later deleted, appeared to criticise the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryan Nawaz. PCB informed in a statement that it would determine any disciplinary action after receiving response from Naseem Shah.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had announced the PSL would be played behind the doors following the chaos in West Asia. However, at the first game a number of dignitaries were present including Maryam Nawaz. Naseem’s account quote-tweeted the post from the PCB media account, saying “Why is she treated like the Queen at Lord’s?” Minutes later, his post was deleted with another post saying his account had been hacked.
Fazalhaq Farooqi signed by Glamorgan for T20 Blast
Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi has been signed by Glamorgan for the T20 Blast. Farooqi who was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the 2024 T20 World Cup, previously played for Nottinghamshire and Manchester Originals in English cricket. He came in the Glamorgan set-up to reinforce their pace-bowling attack.
“Fazalhaq comes with a growing reputation as one of the leading bowlers in T20 cricket,” Mark Wallace, Glamorgan’s director of cricket, said. He added, “He will provide us with a high-quality wicket-taking threat with the new ball and some excellent death-bowling skills at the back end of the innings. We’re looking forward to welcoming our first Afghan overseas player to the Club.”
