The East Delhi Riders and West Delhi Lions will face off in Qualifier 2 of the DPL 2025 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday, August 30.
The winner will advance to the final against the Central Delhi Kings on Sunday.
The Riders finished higher in the league stage and will be looking to bounce back after losing the first qualifier.
The Lions, led by Nitish Rana's century in the Eliminator, are aiming to continue their momentum and secure a spot in the final.
Nitish Rana scored a magnificent century (134* off 55 balls) to lead the West Delhi Lions to victory over the South Delhi Superstarz in the DPL 2025 Eliminator.
Rana's stunning innings, which included eight fours and fifteen sixes, secured the Lions a spot in Qualifier 2 against the East Delhi Riders.
Despite his heroics, Rana was fined 50% of his match fee for an "obscene, offensive, or insulting" gesture during the match. The gesture involved mimicking Digvesh Singh's celebration of writing on his bat after taking a wicket.
The Lions will now face the East Delhi Riders at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi for a place in the final.
Digvesh Singh Rathi has been fined 80% of his match fee for a "verbal altercation" with Nitish Rana during the DPL 2025 Eliminator between the South Delhi Superstarz and West Delhi Lions.
The incident occurred after Rana hit Rathi for a boundary and then gestured as if writing on his bat, a celebration Rathi himself is known for. This prompted Rathi to confront Rana with "harsh words."
Both players admitted to breaching the DPL's Code of Conduct and accepted the sanctions without further hearings.
This is not Rathi's first disciplinary issue in 2025. He has faced multiple fines for on-field misconduct, including incidents involving Priyansh Arya, Naman Dhir, and Abhishek Sharma during the IPL 2025 season.
Sanju Samson will remain captain of the Rajasthan Royals for the 2026 IPL season. The franchise confirmed this with a social media post highlighting Samson's recent strong performances in the Kerala Cricket League.
Samson's captaincy has been a topic of discussion, especially after RR's disappointing 2025 season. However, the team's post indicates continued faith in his leadership.
This announcement ends speculation about Samson's future with the Royals and sets the stage for his continued captaincy in the upcoming IPL season.
Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has released previously unseen footage of the 2008 'Slapgate' incident between Harbhajan Singh and S Sreesanth. The video, captured by a security camera, shows the altercation during the post-match handshake.
The footage reveals Harbhajan slapping Sreesanth, followed by a tense confrontation. Teammates intervened to prevent further escalation. Modi stated he penalized Harbhajan with an eight-match ban at the time.
This release sheds new light on a controversial IPL moment and reignites discussion about player conduct and disciplinary actions.
Ravichandran Ashwin, in a recent YouTube video, discussed his early days with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He shared his confidence and determination to succeed even while competing with spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan for a spot in the playing XI.
Ashwin recounted how he aimed to prove doubters wrong who believed two off-spinners wouldn't play together. He emphasized his ambition and drive to reach Muralitharan's level, viewing it as a personal challenge rather than disrespect.
This anecdote highlights Ashwin's competitive spirit and self-belief early in his IPL career. It showcases his desire to excel and contribute to the team's success, even alongside an established star.
After retiring from the IPL, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his plans to play in overseas T20 leagues. He confirmed registration for one league already and expressed his excitement to experience cricket on a global stage.
Ashwin aims to play in leagues that suit his skills and the team's needs. He emphasized his desire to enjoy the game without the pressure of international cricket, recapturing the joy of his early playing days.
This marks a new chapter in Ashwin's career, allowing him to continue playing competitive cricket while exploring different environments and formats.
Sanju Samson's coach, Raiphi Gomez, has affirmed Samson's readiness to bat at any position in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. While Samson may not be the first-choice opener for India, Gomez emphasized his flexibility and confidence in adapting to different roles in the batting order.
Gomez dismissed concerns about Samson being under pressure, attributing such talk to media narratives. He highlighted Samson's strong performances in the ongoing Kerala Cricket League (KCL) as evidence of his good form and rhythm. Samson has scored heavily in the KCL, including an 89 off 46 balls and a 121 off 51 balls.
Samson's recent performances for India have been mixed. He had a disappointing T20I series against England in February 2025, scoring only 51 runs in five innings. His IPL 2025 season with Rajasthan Royals was also hampered by injuries, limiting him to 285 runs in nine matches.
Despite these setbacks, Gomez expressed confidence in Samson's ability to perform at the international level. He believes Samson is focused on contributing to the Indian team and is not affected by external pressures.
Ravichandran Ashwin is aiming to become the first Indian cricketer to play in The Hundred, England's 100-ball cricket competition. Following his retirement from the IPL, Ashwin is now eligible to participate in overseas leagues, and The Hundred is reportedly at the top of his list.
The timing aligns with a period of change for The Hundred, with several teams undergoing rebranding after new investments, including from IPL franchise owners. This could increase Ashwin's chances of securing a lucrative contract. The ECB has long sought Indian participation in their domestic leagues, and Ashwin's availability presents a unique opportunity.
Ashwin's experience and skillset make him a desirable addition to any T20 league. With 317 wickets in 333 T20 matches at an economy rate of 7.11, he brings a wealth of experience and a diverse range of bowling variations. His presence would undoubtedly attract a larger audience, particularly from India, to The Hundred.
The potential move is significant not only for Ashwin and The Hundred but also for the relationship between the BCCI and the ECB. The BCCI's restrictions on Indian players participating in foreign leagues have been a long-standing point of contention. Ashwin's participation could pave the way for other Indian players to explore opportunities in overseas leagues in the future.
Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 38-year-old, a key figure in Chennai Super Kings' two title wins (2010 and 2011), confirmed his decision via social media, expressing gratitude for his time in the league and excitement for new opportunities.
Ashwin's IPL career spanned 16 seasons, during which he represented five different franchises: Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals. He leaves the IPL as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament's history with 187 wickets in 221 matches. He also contributed 833 runs with the bat, including a half-century.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Ashwin made history in 2022 as the first batter to be tactically retired out in an IPL match. His innovative approach to the game and willingness to push boundaries have been hallmarks of his career.
Ashwin's retirement opens the door for him to participate in other T20 leagues around the world, something not permitted for active IPL players. He expressed his eagerness to explore these opportunities in his retirement announcement, hinting at a new chapter in his cricketing journey.
Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has provided a positive update on his recovery from a sports hernia injury, stating he is "feeling really good" after surgery and weeks of rehabilitation.
Yadav sustained the injury near the end of IPL 2025 and subsequently underwent surgery in Germany. He has been diligently following a recovery plan at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, focusing on both physical and mental conditioning.
The star batsman expressed gratitude for the support of the medical staff and is now eager to return to action, leading India in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE. Yadav's return to full fitness is a major boost for the Indian team, as they aim to defend their title in the continental tournament.
Sanju Samson's recent performances in the Kerala Cricket League have been nothing short of spectacular. He followed a blistering century with another rapid half-century, further solidifying his reputation as a powerful and dynamic batsman.
Samson's match-winning knock, where he reached fifty in just 16 balls, has reignited discussions about his potential role in India's Asia Cup playing XI. His aggressive batting style and ability to score quickly make him a valuable asset in the shorter formats of the game.
This recent surge in form comes at a crucial time for Samson, as he looks to make a strong case for inclusion in the national team. His consistent performances in the KCL demonstrate his ability to perform under pressure and deliver match-winning innings.
The Duleep Trophy, starting in Bengaluru, marks the beginning of the 2025–26 domestic cricket season and provides a crucial platform for players aiming to secure a spot in India's Test squad.
With several positions up for grabs, including the No. 3 and No. 6 batting spots, players like Shreyas Iyer have a golden opportunity to impress the selectors. Iyer, along with other hopefuls like Devdutt Padikkal and Sarfaraz Khan, will be looking to make a strong statement with their performances in the tournament.
The upcoming home Test series against West Indies and South Africa adds further significance to the Duleep Trophy. Strong performances in this tournament could pave the way for a return to the national team for Iyer and other contenders.
Sanju Samson's remarkable form in the Kerala Cricket League continues, with the explosive batsman achieving a rare feat: scoring 13 runs off a single delivery. This incredible display of power hitting, combined with an 89-run knock off just 46 balls, has further fueled the debate surrounding his place in India's Asia Cup squad.
While some pundits argue that Shubman Gill's return makes Samson's inclusion unlikely, others, like Ajinkya Rahane, believe Samson's current form is too good to ignore. His ability to change the course of a match with his aggressive batting style makes him a valuable asset, especially in the T20 format.
Samson's recent performances have undoubtedly put pressure on the selectors, who face a tough decision as they finalize the Asia Cup squad. Whether he makes the cut or not, Samson's explosive form in the KCL has certainly made a statement.
Former South African star AB de Villiers has hinted at a potential return to the Royal Challengers Bangalore in a coaching or mentorship role. While ruling out a full-time playing comeback, de Villiers expressed his enduring affection for the franchise and his openness to contributing in a different capacity.
De Villiers, who retired from all forms of cricket in 2021, spent a decade with RCB, becoming a fan favorite with his explosive batting. He stated that while committing to a full IPL season is unlikely, he would be willing to consider a role with RCB if the opportunity arose.
This news comes as RCB celebrates their maiden IPL title in 2025, and de Villiers' potential involvement could further boost the team's prospects in future seasons.
Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary recently revealed his belief that MS Dhoni, former Chennai Super Kings captain, did not favor him during his time on the Indian national team. In an exclusive interview, Tiwary stated he felt he wasn't given enough opportunities after scoring a century against the West Indies, despite Dhoni's reputation for backing players.
Tiwary expressed his intention to ask Dhoni about the reasons behind his limited playing time when they next meet. He highlighted his performances, including a century and a four-wicket haul, suggesting he deserved a longer run in the team.
While acknowledging Dhoni's leadership skills, Tiwary maintained that personal preferences played a role in team selection. He cited instances where other players received more consistent opportunities despite his own contributions.
Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson recently electrified the Kerala Cricket League with a stunning century. Samson smashed 121 runs off just 51 balls for Kochi Blue Tigers against Aries Kollam Sailors, leading his team to a thrilling four-wicket victory.
Samson's explosive innings included 14 fours and 7 sixes, showcasing his aggressive batting style. This impressive performance follows a strong IPL season for Samson and demonstrates his continued form in T20 cricket.
Chasing a challenging target of 237, Samson's century proved crucial in securing the win for his team. His ability to score quickly and dominate the bowling attack was a key factor in the Blue Tigers' success.
Dhruv Jurel, the young wicketkeeper-batsman for the Rajasthan Royals, has addressed rumors of potentially captaining the team in the future. Amidst speculation about Sanju Samson's future with the franchise, Jurel affirmed his unwavering commitment to the Royals, regardless of his role.
Jurel emphasized his gratitude to the Royals for providing him with the platform to showcase his talent in the IPL. He expressed his desire to give his all for the team, stating his focus is on contributing to the team's success, whether as captain or in any other capacity.
Jurel also shared his ambition to win the IPL championship with the Royals, highlighting the team's potential and the shared goal of achieving ultimate glory.
Chennai Super Kings' young wicketkeeper-batter Vansh Bedi recounted a humorous interaction with Virat Kohli during IPL 2025. Following a match between CSK and RCB, Bedi, Kohli, and MS Dhoni were posing for a photograph.
Bedi, noticing Kohli was positioned on a lower step, lightheartedly suggested they all stand on the same level, emphasizing that "we are all equal" on the cricket field. The remark drew laughter from both Kohli and Dhoni.
The incident, captured in a viral photo, showcases the camaraderie and respect between players, even amidst intense competition. Bedi's comment, though seemingly simple, resonated with fans as a message of equality within the sport.
While Bedi did not get a chance to play alongside Dhoni and Kohli in that particular match, the off-field moment created a lasting memory for the young cricketer.
Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh etched their names in the record books with a monumental 250-run opening partnership against South Africa in the third ODI at Mackay. This stand not only became the highest ever opening partnership for Australia against the Proteas but also the second-largest overall partnership between the two nations in ODIs.
The partnership was a much-needed return to form for Head, who had struggled in the preceding white-ball matches. He anchored the innings with a magnificent 142 off 103 balls, his seventh ODI century. Marsh also contributed significantly, reaching his century with a composed 100 off 106 deliveries.
This remarkable feat marked Australia's first century opening stand in 24 ODI innings, a testament to the duo's dominance. The innings propelled Australia to a massive total of 431/2, their second-highest ODI score ever.
Despite already losing the series, Australia's resounding performance in the third ODI provided a much-needed boost and showcased their batting prowess.
