The Cricket Bulletin: Major Talking Points | March 31, 2026

Ponting hopeful of strong display by PBKS in IPL 2026

Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting hopes that his team plays better than last time in the ongoing IPL. Ahead of the first match of PBKS, Ponting said, “I don’t think there are too many gaps now. I saw it last year. I think I saw it was really well-balanced last year. I think, once again, if you look at our entire squad make-up, we’ve got the players that we want in certain roles, but we’ve also got a back-up player for most of those players right the way down to our 25th player. So I just think overall, we should be stronger.”

He added, “Our level of cricket last year was good enough for us to finish on top of the table, but that doesn’t mean anything going into a new season. I talked a lot last year about this team that we put together as being different and a really daring style and brand of cricket, and we’ve got to start that all over again.”

Mike Hussey backs CSK players

In the post-match presentation, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach, Mike Hussey backed his players despite a big defeat to Rajasthan Royals in their opening match in IPL 2026. “100%, we’ll still be backing this team. No questions about that. There’s no doubt about that. I’m sure a few guys will say, in hindsight, maybe I could have played a bit differently, but on another day it comes off, and they change the momentum of the game.”

He added, “I would prefer them to come in with a clear attitude and a clear plan on how they want to play, assess the conditions quickly, and then back themselves. If it comes off, great. If it doesn’t, that’s sometimes cricket. So I don’t want this performance to cloud or put doubt and fear into our team.”

Shaheen Shah Afridi fined by Lahore Qalandars

Shaheen Shah Afridi has been fined PKR 1 million by Lahore Qalandars following an internal review after an alleged breach of security protocols at the team hotel on March 28. The franchise, in an official statement, said, “In the interest of maintaining discipline and demonstrating accountability, the franchise has taken a voluntary and proactive step by imposing a fine of PKR 1 million on Shaheen Shah Afridi for his involvement. Lahore Qalandars has also formally communicated a detailed response, along with its observations on the matter, to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).”

The incident involved Afridi and Sikandar Raza. Reportedly, four unauthorised visitors were denied permission to access the players’ floor. Later, the players allegedly escorted them to the hotel room where they stayed for three hours.