Mohammed Shami completes 900 wickets; achieves major milestone in Duleep Trophy
Indian team’s star fast bowler Mohammed Shami is currently participating in the 2026 Duleep Trophy, representing the East Zone. Currently away from the national squad, Shami is aiming to pave the way for his comeback through domestic tournaments. The semi-final clash between East Zone and Central Zone in the 2026 Duleep Trophy began on August 30, and Shami achieved a historic milestone on the very first day of the match.
Shami has now completed a tally of 900 wickets across all three formats of the game. He has claimed 379 wickets in 186 innings across 99 first-class matches. Additionally, he has taken 283 wickets in 149 List A matches and dismissed 238 batters in 196 T20 matches. With this, Shami has reached the 900-wicket mark in professional cricket, becoming the sixth Indian bowler to achieve this feat. He hit this historic milestone upon taking his second wicket against Central Zone.
Women’s Champions Trophy moved out of Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan cricket has once again borne the brunt of the ongoing dispute between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Sri Lanka Cricket. Sri Lanka has been stripped of the hosting rights for the inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy, scheduled for 2027. A decision regarding the new host nation for this six-team tournament—set to take place from February 14 to 28—will be made at the upcoming ICC board meeting.
The ICC took this stern step due to persistent government interference in the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket. Currently, the sport’s governing body in the country is being managed by a government-appointed ‘Transformation Committee’. ICC regulations mandate that member boards must operate independently, free from political or governmental interference. Prakash Schafter, Secretary of the Transformation Committee, confirmed the news, stating, “Yes, the tournament has been moved out of Sri Lanka. It will be played at another venue, though the new host has not yet been decided.”
Sunil Gavaskar’s not ready on the no-ball free-hit in Tests
Recently, the Indian team toured Sri Lanka, where a two-match Test series was played. India won the series 1-0. The second Test match was drawn, with the Indian team unable to win. This match was played in Colombo, where Indian spinners bowled numerous no-balls, leading to discussions about free hits on no-balls in Test cricket. Now, former great Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar has broken his silence on this issue.
During the second Test between India and Sri Lanka, India’s spin bowling coach, Sairaj Bahutule, jokingly suggested that no-balls should be awarded free hits in Test cricket. Gavaskar has now broken his silence on the issue. Gavaskar believes that no-balls should not be awarded free hits in Test cricket. This would make it easier for batsmen to score runs. Bowlers can control themselves when bowling no-balls.
Kagiso Rabada set to miss the Test series against Australia
The Australian cricket team is set to tour South Africa, where a three-match Test series will be played alongside a three-match ODI series. This series holds significant importance for both South Africa and Australia in the context of the 2025-27 World Test Championship final. However, South Africa is set to face a major setback ahead of the Test series, as star bowler Kagiso Rabada could miss the matches.
The three-match Test series against Australia is crucial. South Africa had previously reached the World Test Championship 2023-25 final and clinched the title by defeating Australia. Now, South Africa has its sights set on the WTC final once again. However, bad news has emerged for the team; Kagiso Rabada has sustained an injury, a fact confirmed by South Africa’s bowling coach, Allan Donald. According to Donald, Rabada has suffered a Grade 3 hamstring injury, which could keep him sidelined from cricket for 10 weeks.
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