Shubman Gill, Shafali Verma wins ICC Player of the Month awards
India captain Shubman Gill and womens team opener Shafali Verma have received the ICC Player of the Month awards for September 2026 after impressive performances in international cricket. Gill earned the men’s honour for the fifth time, extending his record in the award’s history. His standout contributions came during India’s ODI series against the West Indies. He scored 110 in the opening match before producing a spectacular 223 off 133 deliveries in the second ODI, helping India chase down a target of 406 with eight wickets remaining.
Shafali secured the women’s award following her influential performances in the Women’s Asia Cup and Asian Games. She finished as India’s leading run-scorer in the continental tournament, accumulating 360 runs at a strike rate of 184.61 and also taking six wickets. Her unbeaten century against Bangladesh in the Asian Games semifinal further strengthened her claim to the award.
BCCI postpones October 15 IPL stakeholders’ meeting
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has postponed its scheduled meeting with Indian Premier League (IPL) stakeholders, which was due to take place in Mumbai on October 15. A new date is yet to be announced.
The meeting was expected to bring together franchise owners, broadcasters and representatives of state associations to discuss preparations for IPL 2027, which will mark the tournament’s 20th edition. The postponement reportedly coincides with a felicitation ceremony for Asian Games medallists in New Delhi, which is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior BCCI officials.
Kumar Kushagra named as Rishabh Pant’s replacement in India A squad
Kumar Kushagra has been added to India’s A squad for the opening two four-day matches against New Zealand A after Rishabh Pant was ruled out because of an injury. Pant sustained a strain on his left side while captaining the Rest of India team in the Irani Cup. The wicketkeeper-batter is currently receiving medical attention from the BCCI’s medical team, with his recovery being monitored before a decision is made regarding his participation in the third match.
Kushagra will join an India A setup led by Dhruv Jurel for the opening two fixtures. The replacement provides the team with another wicketkeeping option as the selectors manage Pant’s recovery. India A’s tour of New Zealand is an important opportunity for players to demonstrate their readiness for higher-level cricket and strengthen their claims for future selection.
Ayush Mhatre faces lengthy absence after serious hamstring injury
Mumbai have suffered an early setback in their Ranji Trophy campaign after young opening batter and vice-captain Ayush Mhatre sustained a serious injury to his right hamstring. The 19-year-old was hurt while running between the wickets during his innings of 48 against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium. Subsequent scans revealed a Grade 4 tear, with reports suggesting that he could remain unavailable for approximately four to six weeks, although some estimates indicate a longer recovery period.
The setback is particularly disappointing for Mhatre, who had already spent several months recovering from an earlier hamstring problem sustained during the IPL. He had worked towards regaining full fitness before being appointed Mumbai’s vice-captain for the new domestic season.
His absence leaves Mumbai without an important top-order option as the tournament progresses. The team will need to adjust its batting combination while Mhatre focuses on rehabilitation and a safe return to competitive cricket.
Kusal Mendis to lead Sri Lanka in Pakistan Test Series
Sri Lanka have appointed Kusal Mendis as captain for their upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan, which is scheduled to begin on November 9. The leadership change comes as the islanders prepare for a challenging assignment against Pakistan in the longest format.
Mendis will take charge of the side, while experienced all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva has been retained in the squad. The selection provides Sri Lanka with a blend of established international performers and players expected to contribute across the two matches.
The series will offer both teams an important opportunity to strengthen their Test credentials. Sri Lanka will look to Mendis’s leadership and the squad’s collective experience to deliver consistent performances against a competitive Pakistan side.
2027 ODI World Cup ticket demand surges
The 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup has generated significant interest among fans, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) reporting more than 1.5 crore ticket applications through its ballot system.
The tournament will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, bringing the global cricketing event back to Africa. The strong response highlights the growing excitement surrounding the competition, which will feature the world’s leading international teams competing for the prestigious title.
The three host nations are expected to welcome supporters from across the world, with matches scheduled across multiple venues. South Africa will stage the majority of the fixtures, while Zimbabwe and Namibia will also play important roles in hosting the tournament.
Yuvraj Singh appointed coach of Delhi Capitals
Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has joined Delhi Capitals as assistant and batting coach ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League season. The appointment marks his first formal coaching assignment in professional cricket. Yuvraj will reunite with former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who was recently appointed head coach of the franchise. The two shared the dressing room while representing India and will now work together to strengthen Delhi’s campaign.
The 44-year-old enjoyed an illustrious international career, featuring in 304 ODIs, 40 Tests and 58 T20Is. He played a crucial role in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs. Yuvraj also returns to the Delhi franchise after representing the team in 2015, when he was signed for ₹16 crore. His experience and mentoring abilities are expected to help develop the team’s batting unit and guide younger players.
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