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  • IPL 2025: Live streaming, TV channel details – When and where to watch in India, Pakistan, USA, UK, Canada & other countries

    IPL 2025: Live streaming, TV channel details – When and where to watch in India, Pakistan, USA, UK, Canada & other countries

    The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will start with a blockbuster encounter as reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, on Saturday, March 22.

    Cricket enthusiasts worldwide are looking forward to another thrilling season of T20 cricket, with international and domestic superstars vying for ultimate triumph.

    IPL 2025 Format

    In the league stage, all the teams will have 14 games:

    • 8 games – Twice of the four teams in its own group
    • 2 games – Twice of one particular team from the other group
    • 4 games – Once of the other four teams from the other group

    While, playoffs will include four important matches:

    • Qualifier 1: Rank 1 vs Rank 2
    • Eliminator: Rank 3 vs Rank 4
    • Qualifier 2: Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator
    • Final: Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2

    IPL 2025: Groups and Teams

    Group A: Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

    Group B: Mumbai Indians (MI), Gujarat Titans (GT), Delhi Capitals (DC), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

    The season will see some fierce competition as teams fight for the much-sought-after IPL 2025 title.

    IPL 2025 Fixtures (All timings in IST)

    • March 22, Saturday: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 7:30 PM, Kolkata
    • March 23, Sunday: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals, 3:30 PM, Hyderabad
    • March 23, Sunday: Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians, 7:30 PM, Chennai
    • March 24, Monday: Delhi Capitals vs Lucknow Super Giants, 7:30 PM, Visakhapatnam
    • March 25, Tuesday: Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings, 7:30 PM, Ahmedabad
    • March 26, Wednesday: Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7:30 PM, Guwahati
    • March 27, Thursday: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants, 7:30 PM, Hyderabad
    • March 28, Friday: Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 7:30 PM, Chennai
    • March 29, Saturday: Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians, 7:30 PM, Ahmedabad
    • March 30, Sunday: Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 3:30 PM, Visakhapatnam
    • March 30, Sunday: Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings, 7:30 PM, Guwahati
    • March 31, Monday: Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7:30 PM, Mumbai
    • April 1, Tuesday: Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings, 7:30 PM, Lucknow
    • April 2, Wednesday: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans, 7:30 PM, Bengaluru
    • April 3, Thursday: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 7:30 PM, Kolkata
    • April 4, Friday: Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians, 7:30 PM, Lucknow
    • April 5, Saturday: Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals, 3:30 PM, Chennai
    • April 5, Saturday: Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals, 7:30 PM, New Chandigarh
    • April 6, Sunday: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants, 3:30 PM, Kolkata
    • April 6, Sunday: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Gujarat Titans, 7:30 PM, Hyderabad
    • April 7, Monday: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 7:30 PM, Mumbai
    • April 8, Tuesday: Punjab Kings vs Chennai Super Kings, 7:30 PM, New Chandigarh
    • April 9, Wednesday: Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals, 7:30 PM, Ahmedabad
    • April 10, Thursday: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals, 7:30 PM, Bengaluru
    • April 11, Friday: Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7:30 PM, Chennai
    • April 12, Saturday: Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans, 3:30 PM, Lucknow
    • April 12, Saturday: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings, 7:30 PM, Hyderabad
    • April 13, Sunday: Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 3:30 PM, Jaipur
    • April 13, Sunday: Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians, 7:30 PM, Delhi
    • April 14, Monday: Lucknow Super Giants vs Chennai Super Kings, 7:30 PM, Lucknow
    • April 15, Tuesday: Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7:30 PM, New Chandigarh
    • April 16, Wednesday: Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals, 7:30 PM, Delhi
    • April 17, Thursday: Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 7:30 PM, Mumbai
    • April 18, Friday: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings, 7:30 PM, Bengaluru
    • April 19, Saturday: Gujarat Titans vs Delhi Capitals, 3:30 PM, Ahmedabad
    • April 19, Saturday: Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants, 7:30 PM, Jaipur
    • April 20, Sunday: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 3:30 PM, New Chandigarh
    • April 20, Sunday: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings, 7:30 PM, Mumbai
    • April 21, Monday: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Gujarat Titans, 7:30 PM, Kolkata
    • April 22, Tuesday: Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals, 7:30 PM, Lucknow
    • April 23, Wednesday: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians, 7:30 PM, Hyderabad
    • April 24, Thursday: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Rajasthan Royals, 7:30 PM, Bengaluru
    • April 25, Friday: Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 7:30 PM, Chennai
    • April 26, Saturday: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings, 7:30 PM, Kolkata
    • April 27, Sunday: Mumbai Indians vs Lucknow Super Giants, 3:30 PM, Mumbai
    • April 27, Sunday: Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 7:30 PM, Delhi
    • April 28, Monday: Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans, 7:30 PM, Jaipur
    • April 29, Tuesday: Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7:30 PM, Delhi
    • April 30, Wednesday: Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings, 7:30 PM, Chennai
    • May 1, Thursday: Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians, 7:30 PM, Jaipur
    • May 2, Friday: Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 7:30 PM, Ahmedabad
    • May 3, Saturday: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings, 7:30 PM, Bengaluru
    • May 4, Sunday: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals, 3:30 PM, Kolkata
    • May 4, Sunday: Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants, 7:30 PM, Dharamsala
    • May 5, Monday: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals, 7:30 PM, Hyderabad
    • May 6, Tuesday: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans, 7:30 PM, Mumbai
    • May 7, Wednesday: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings, 7:30 PM, Kolkata
    • May 8, Thursday: Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals, 7:30 PM, Dharamsala
    • May 9, Friday: Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 7:30 PM, Lucknow
    • May 10, Saturday: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7:30 PM, Hyderabad
    • May 11, Sunday: Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians, 3:30 PM, Dharamsala
    • May 11, Sunday: Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans, 7:30 PM, Delhi
    • May 12, Monday: Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals, 7:30 PM, Chennai
    • May 13, Tuesday: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 7:30 PM, Bengaluru
    • May 14, Wednesday: Gujarat Titans vs Lucknow Super Giants, 7:30 PM, Ahmedabad
    • May 15, Thursday: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals, 7:30 PM, Mumbai
    • May 16, Friday: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings, 7:30 PM, Jaipur
    • May 17, Saturday: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7:30 PM, Bengaluru
    • May 18, Sunday: Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings, 3:30 PM, Ahmedabad
    • May 18, Sunday: Lucknow Super Giants vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 7:30 PM, Lucknow
    • May 20, Tuesday: Qualifier 1, 7:30 PM, Hyderabad
    • May 21, Wednesday: Eliminator, 7:30 PM, Hyderabad
    • May 23, Friday: Qualifier 2, 7:30 PM, Kolkata
    • May 25, Sunday: Final, 7:30 PM, Kolkata

    Note: IST = GMT + 5:30 hrs

    Also READ: Explained – Rules for player placement in IPL 2025 amid Corbin Bosch controversy

    Broadcast and Live Streaming details

    • India: Sony Sports Network, JioHotstar app and website
    • Australia: Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and Foxtel Go
    • UK: Sky Sports, Sky Go
    • USA and Canada: Willow TV [Sign up here]
    • Bangladesh: T Sports, Toffee app
    • Pakistan: Tapmad
    • Afghanistan: ATN
    • New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ
    • South Africa: SuperSport
    • Sri Lanka: Star Sports
    • UAE and MENA countries: Cricbuzz

    Also READ: IPL 2025 – BCCI lifts saliva ban, introduces new rule of two balls for second innings

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  • IPL 2025: Punjab Kings’ best playing XI and impact players

    IPL 2025: Punjab Kings’ best playing XI and impact players

    As anticipation builds for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to leave a strong impact in the the tournament with a renewed squad and well-thought-out leadership.

    With Shreyas Iyer at the helm, who has a wealth of experience from past seasons in the league, PBKS looks to end their title wait since their lone final participation in 2014. The franchise has spent big on a combination of experienced internationals and young guns, including dynamic all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Azmatullah Omarzai, and young hopefuls like Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh. Under the coaching of Ricky Ponting, the team aims to develop an integral unit to fight for the championship.

    Punjab Kings’ best playing XI for the IPL 2025

    1. Prabhsimran Singh 

    • Role: Opening wicketkeeper-batter
    • Description: Prabhsimran Singh is recognized for his strong batting and capability to score rapidly in the top-order. As a wicketkeeper, he enhances the batting depth while making sure that there is a consistent back-up available behind the wickets.
    • Impact: His batting at the top of the order will have significant repercussions for the success of the innings. A good beginning can take pressure off the middle order, which makes him an important player to observe.

    2. Josh Inglis

    • Role: Top-order batter
    • Description: An Australian explosive batter, Inglis adds power to the top order. He is capable of boosting the scoring rate and anchoring innings if needed.
    • Impact: His spin-playing skills will be crucial in Indian conditions, particularly during middle overs where games can be won or lost.

    3. Shreyas Iyer 

    • Role: Middle-order batter and captain
    • Description: Shreyas Iyer is an experienced player with plenty of experience playing in high-pressure games. His captaincy skills and batting talent make him a pillar of the PBKS squad.
    • Impact: As captain, Iyer’s tactical choice will decide the matches. His capability to anchor games while ramping up when the situation calls for it will be pivotal for PBKS’s victories.

    Also READ: IPL 2025 – Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer discloses his preferred batting position for the franchise

    4. Glenn Maxwell 

    • Role: All-rounder
    • Description: With his destructive hitting and useful off-spin all-round, Maxwell is one of the most potent players of T20 cricket. His experience in international leagues brings insightful dimension to the team.
    • Impact: Maxwell can change games single-handedly with his batting; his ability to bowl crucial overs makes him an invaluable asset, especially in tight matches.

    5. Azmatullah Omarzai 

    • Role: All-rounder
    • Description: Omarzai is an emerging talent who can contribute with both bat and ball. He adds depth to the squad with his all-round capabilities.
    • Impact: His performances can provide crucial support in both innings, especially if top-order batsmen fail to deliver.

    6. Shashank Singh

    • Role: Lower middle-order batter
    • Description: A young emerging player, Shashank has a finishing role and can score big shots in the death overs.
    • Impact: His finishing role will prove crucial in closely fought games when runs have to be scored at a brisk rate towards the end of the innings.

    7. Suryansh Shedge 

    • Role: Lower middle-order batter
    • Description: Another young talent with potential in domestic leagues, Shedge should deliver when required.
    • Impact: His capacity to rotate strikes and form alliances will be crucial in steadying innings during tough periods.

    8. Marco Jansen

    • Role: All-rounder
    • Description: At 6 feet 9 inches, Jansen can get extra bounce from the pitches, which makes him a difficult bowler for batters. Apart from his bowling skills, he is not too shabby with the bat either, providing useful runs under pressure situations frequently.
    • Impact: Jansen’s ability to play in multiple roles brings immense depth to the Punjab team. With the ball, he can provide match-winning breakthroughs, particularly in death overs and on bouncy surfaces. As a batter, he offers explosive hitting possibilities in the lower order, which can turn the tide of close games.

    9. Harpreet Brar 

    • Role: Spin bowler
    • Description: Brar is famous for his left-arm orthodox spin, which proves useful on turning pitches. He introduces diversity into PBKS’s bowling arsenal.
    • Impact: His ability to take wickets during middle overs can shift momentum in favour of PBKS.

    10. Arshdeep Singh 

    • Role: Fast bowler
    • Description: Arshdeep has become one of the finest death bowlers in recent years because of his capability to deliver yorkers and slower balls in pressure situations.
    • Impact: His performances in do-or-die situations can win or lose matches, and hence he is an important player for PBKS.

    11. Yuzvendra Chahal 

    • Role: Spin bowler
    • Description: A seasoned spinner with wicket-taking skills and variations, Chahal brings experience and control to PBKS’s bowling department.
    • Impact: The ability of Chahal to take wickets at important moments in the match can have a major impact on the result.

    Also READ: Punjab Kings batter Shashank Singh reveals his all-time IPL XI; picks Yuzvendra Chahal as only spinner

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    TAGS: Arshdeep Singh Azmatullah Omarzai Glenn Maxwell Indian Premier League IPL 2025 Marco Jansen PBKS Punjab Kings Shreyas Iyer Yuzvendra Chahal

    CATEGORY: Featured IPL Punjab Kings Shreyas Iyer

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  • Yuzvendra Chahal’s divorce with Dhanashree Verma officially confirmed; Court grants this order

    Yuzvendra Chahal’s divorce with Dhanashree Verma officially confirmed; Court grants this order

    India legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal’s divorce with the actor-dancer Dhanashree Verma has been finally confirmed. The decision was confirmed by the Bombay High Court and the details were revealed by Chahal’s advocate.

    Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma were on the verge of separation for the past few days and there were rumors about them being divorced soon after both of them removed each other’s pictures from their respective social media accounts.

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    They had already filed for divorce by mutual consent on February 5, 2024. The family court had earlier declined to remove the cooling-off period, citing the agreed settlement as the reason. However, the court has agreed to finalize the divorce as Chahal would be busy due to his commitments in the IPL from March 21.

    Watch- Mohammed Siraj set for RCB revenge, unleashes Jasprit Bumrah-like yorkers in practice

    Yuzvendra Chahal’s divorce with Dhanashree Verma officially confirmed

    Yuzvendra Chahal’s advocate Nitin Kumar Gupta revealed the court’s decision in front of the media. Gupta claimed that the Bombay High Court has accepted the joint petition of both the parties and they are officially separated now.

    “The court has granted the decree of divorce. The court has accepted the joint petition of both parties. The parties are no longer husband and wife,” Chahal’s advocate told the media.

    The court was directed by Justice Madhav Jamdar to finnalise the decision by Marchh 20 as Chahal won’t be available due to his IPL commitments, where he is due to represent Punjab Kings this year.

    Recently, Dhanashree starred in a music video on T-Series which showed the emotional side of a toxic relationship. While both Chahal and Dhanashree didn’t reveal the decision behind their separation, the latter has faced a lot of wrath on social media lately.

    When did Yuzvendra Chahal got married?

    Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma got married with each other in December 2020. Both of them shared pictures with each other with Dhanashree also cheering her husband during the IPL matches.

    However, things didn’t turn out well for the celebrity couple as the time passed. Not only in his personal life, Chahal isn’t having a great time in his professional life as well. The legspinner is currently not in the Indian team in any format.

    Yuzvendra Chahal’s next assignment

    Chahal will feature for Punjab Kings in the upcoming IPL season. The legspinner was signed by the Kings for a massive amount of INR 18 crore, the most by any spinner in the history of the tournament.

    He has been playing for Rajasthan Royals from the last few seasons but wasn’t retained by the franchise ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction. He has been a genuine wicket-taker in the tournament as is known for bowling tough overs.

    Chahal has an impressive record in the IPL. He is currently the highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 205 wickets in 160 matches at an average of 22.44 and an economy rate of 7.84.



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  • RCB, Punjab Kings or Delhi Capitals! Who will win their first-ever IPL title in 2025?

    RCB, Punjab Kings or Delhi Capitals! Who will win their first-ever IPL title in 2025?

    The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season will present yet another opportunity for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) to finally break their long-standing title drought. Despite featuring some of the biggest names in world cricket, these three franchises have fallen short on multiple occasions. With revamped squads, new leadership, and a renewed sense of purpose, could this be the year when one of them finally lifts the coveted IPL trophy?

    Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Can no. 18 inspire a historic triumph?

    RCB have been one of the most-followed and most-discussed franchises in IPL history, yet they remain without a title despite reaching the final three times (2009, 2011, and 2016). The 18th season of the IPL carries an extra layer of significance for them, as it corresponds with the jersey number of their biggest icon, Virat Kohli, who has been with the franchise since the league’s inception in 2008.

    Last season, RCB dramatically turned their campaign around after a string of poor results, winning six consecutive matches to qualify for the playoffs. However, their title dream was crushed by Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator. The defeat once again highlighted their long-standing weaknesses – an over-reliance on star batters and an inconsistent bowling attack.

    For IPL 2025, RCB have acquired the services of explosive batters in form of Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt forming the backbone of their squad. While their batting unit has historically been dominant, their death bowling and ability to handle crunch moments in knockouts have often let them down. If RCB can address their bowling frailties, particularly in the death overs, and ensure that their middle order fires under pressure, this could finally be the year that they silence their critics and bring home their first IPL trophy.

    Also READ: IPL 2025: Salary of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) players; check out how much Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar earn

    Punjab Kings (PBKS): A major revamp

    PBKS have undergone a significant transformation ahead of IPL 2025, making some bold moves at the mega auction in November. They decided to start fresh by retaining only two uncapped players – Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh – before making some big-money signings to completely revamp the squad.

    The biggest headline-grabbing move was acquiring Shreyas Iyer for INR 26.75 crore and naming him their new captain. PBKS have struggled with leadership consistency over the years, frequently changing captains and failing to build a stable core. By investing in Iyer, they have shown their intent to have a long-term leader who can guide them to their first title.

    Additionally, PBKS brought back some of their former stars, including Arshdeep Singh, Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell, while also securing Yuzvendra Chahal to strengthen their spin attack. These acquisitions make them one of the most balanced squads on paper, with a mix of power-hitters, all-rounders, and wicket-taking bowlers.

    However, Punjab’s biggest challenge has always been consistency. Over the years, they have had strong starts but struggled to maintain momentum throughout the season. Their ability to execute game plans under pressure and ensure key players perform in crunch matches will determine if they can finally claim their maiden IPL trophy. If Iyer’s leadership clicks and their key signings deliver, Punjab Kings could have their best shot at the title yet.

    Delhi Capitals (DC): A fresh start under Axar Patel’s leadership

    DC seemed to have found their winning formula between 2019 and 2021, when they made the playoffs three consecutive times, even reaching the final in 2020. However, the last three seasons have been disappointing, as they have failed to make it past the league stage.

    DC’s struggles have been largely attributed to captaincy instability and inconsistent performances from their core players. Rishabh Pant took over as captain in 2021, replacing Iyer, but after missing the entire IPL 2023 season due to injury, DC has now turned to Axar Patel as their new leader for IPL 2025.

    The challenge for DC remains their inability to perform under pressure in big matches. Even in their successful 2020 season, where they reached the final, they were completely outplayed by Mumbai Indians. Despite having a solid team on paper, they have often struggled to close out games in crunch moments.

    For IPL 2025, DC will be desperate to finally get over the line and lift their maiden IPL trophy. They will start their campaign against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on March 24 in Visakhapatnam. If their batting lineup fires consistently, and Axar Patel’s leadership stabilizes the team, they could finally emerge as serious contenders for the title.

    Who has the best chance to win IPL 2025?

    Each of these three franchises has the talent and potential to win their first IPL trophy, but execution and consistency will be key.

    • RCB have the experience of Kohli and new energy of young captain Rajat Patidar, but their bowling unit remains a concern, especially in high-pressure situations.
    • PBKS have made major changes, with Iyer leading a completely revamped squad, but their ability to gel as a team and remain consistent will be tested.
    • DC have trusted Patel to lead the franchise, but their lack of stability in big matches could still be their Achilles’ heel.

    Based on squad depth, balance, and leadership stability, Punjab appear to have the most complete squad on paper. If their big-money signings click, PBKS could be the best bet to finally break their IPL title drought. However, if RCB can overcome their historical weaknesses in knockout matches, they could also have a strong shot at lifting the trophy. The 2025 season will be crucial for all three franchises, and one of them could finally rewrite history by claiming their first-ever IPL title.

    Also READ: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) SWOT analysis for IPL 2025

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  • Azmatullah Omarzai’s arrival to Punjab Kings delayed ahead of IPL 2025

    Azmatullah Omarzai’s arrival to Punjab Kings delayed ahead of IPL 2025

    Punjab Kings (PBKS) are gearing up for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season with renewed hope and revamped leadership. However, their preparations have hit a minor snag as Afghanistan’s star all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai’s arrival has been delayed due to personal reasons. Omarzai, one of the central figures in PBKS’ plans, is likely to arrive in the team on March 21, only a few days before their season-opener against the Gujarat Titans on March 25. Although this delay may raise some eyebrows, PBKS have sufficient depth in their team to handle the situation well.

    Azmatullah Omarzai: A rising star in international cricket

    Omarzai is no run-of-the-mill cricketer. At the age of only 24, he has already established himself on the global platform. In 2024, he became the first-ever Afghan cricketer to be awarded the coveted ICC ODI Player of the Year award. His all-round performances with bat and ball played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s victories, such as four successive ODI series wins against strong teams like South Africa and Bangladesh. With 417 runs at a rate of 52.12 and 17 wickets at an economy of 20.47 in 14 games last season, Omarzai solidified his position as one of cricket’s most promising young stars.

    PBKS acquired Omarzai for INR 2.4 crore in the IPL 2025 mega-auction, seeing his potential to be a game-changer. His capability to deliver in all aspects of the game makes him an asset for any team.

    The delay: A cause for concern?

    Omarzai’s arrival has been postponed due to personal reasons, leaving him with limited time to acclimatize before PBKS’ first match. While most of PBKS’ overseas players reported to the camp on March 17, Omarzai will join four days later, potentially impacting his preparation and integration into the team. Given his importance to PBKS’ strategy, this delay could pose challenges for head coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer.

    However, PBKS have options to mitigate his absence during practice sessions. The squad boasts experienced all-rounders like Glenn Maxwell and Marco Jansen, who can step in if needed. Maxwell’s ability to deliver under pressure and Jansen’s versatility provide a safety net for PBKS as they await Omarzai’s arrival.

    Also READ: Punjab Kings batter Shashank Singh reveals his all-time IPL XI; picks Yuzvendra Chahal as only spinner

    Punjab Kings: A team seeking redemption

    Punjab Kings have been a long way from achieving steady success in the IPL. Despite possessing powerful lineups and big players season after season, they have not made it to the playoffs for a decade now (2015-2024). Their best years have been reaching semifinals in 2008 and reaching the runners-up position in 2014. This year, with the advent of new leadership—Ponting as head coach and Iyer as captain—PBKS are looking to rewrite its history.

    Iyer comes with huge expectations following his success in leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL trophy last season. His batting and leadership abilities will be very important for PBKS this season. Also joining is Yuzvendra Chahal at INR 18 crore, who will provide fire power to their bowling unit.

    PBKS’ first match against Gujarat Titans on March 25 will determine the tone of their campaign. The team has already started intense training at Dharamsala’s Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium under Ponting’s supervision. The emphasis is on team bonding and strategy improvement before what looks like a competitive season.

    Also READ: Harsha Bhogle names his probable XI for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025

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  • IPL 2025: Shreyas Iyer announced as Punjab Kings captain by Salman Khan

    IPL 2025: Shreyas Iyer announced as Punjab Kings captain by Salman Khan

    On Sunday, January 12, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan officially announced that the star middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer will be leading the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025).

    The official announcement regarding Shreyas Iyer taking over the leadership of Punjab Kings was made on the Bigg Boss 18 Weekend Ka Vaar where a couple of more Punjab Kings players were present.

    Also Read: BCCI dissatisfied with Gautam Gambhir’s support staff, likely to take major action soon

    Shreyas Iyer lands at Bigg Boss 18 set along with Yuzvendra Chahal and Shashank Singh

    Shreyas Iyer, along with star leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and explosive batsman Shashank Singh, joined Salman Khan for Bigg Boss 18 Weekend Ka Vaar, which was aired on January 12.

    Bigg Boss is a popular Indian reality show franchise based on the Dutch reality show Big Brother. It is produced by Endemol Shine India, and currently, the eighteenth season of the show is going on, which is being hosted by Salman Khan for the fifteenth time.

    Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Shashank Singh were seen having fun with Salman Khan on stage, and they also danced together to Bollywood tunes before it was officially announced that Iyer would be the new captain of Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League.

    The trio of PBKS cricketers further entered the Bigg Boss house and a mini-cricket match was played between Team Shreyas and Team Yuzi. Iyer’s team consisted of Rajat Dalal and Vivian Dsena while Karan Veer Mehra joined Shashank Singh in Yuzvendra Chahal’s team.

    Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Shashank Singh – key players of the Punjab Kings

    Iyer, Chahal, and Shashank are the key players for PBKS, and the performance of the trio will determine how successful season the franchise will have in IPL 2025.

    Ahead of the mega auction, the franchise retained explosive batter Shashank Singh for Rs 5.5 crore along with the young wicketkeeper-batsman Prabhsimran Singh for Rs 4 crore.

    Over the years, PBKS have struggled to find a good captain and have been forced to make a lot of changes to the leadership group. This time around to fix this issue, they entered the auction with a clear mind to rope in a reputed captain and managed to buy Shreyas Iyer.

    Iyer, who was released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after leading them to the title victory in IPL 2024, was bought by Punjab Kings for a whopping INR 26.75 crore as they broke their bank for him.

    PBKS also went all out for Yuzvendra Chahal at the auction and bought him for INR 18 crore, making him the most expensive spinner in the history of the league.

    Punjab Kings looking to win IPL under Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting

    The Punjab Kings have been one of the biggest underperformers in the history of the Indian Premier League. Since the inaugural edition of IPL, the Punjab-based franchise has experienced a mix of highs and lows, with their best performance coming in 2014 when they finished as the runners-up.

    They have been highly inconsistent over the years, and frequent chopping and changes have only made things worse for them. However, with Ricky Ponting at the helm as head coach and Iyer as captain, PBKS would be hoping for a major turnaround and ending their trophy drought in IPL 2025.

    Notably, they had entered the mega auction with the largest purse of Rs 110.5 crore and managed to make a balanced squad, roping in the likes of Arshdeep Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Glenn Maxwell, Nehal Wadhera and many others.



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  • Breakdown of Yuzvendra Chahal’s IPL salary since debut

    Breakdown of Yuzvendra Chahal’s IPL salary since debut

    Yuzvendra Chahal, a prominent figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has recently been at the center of controversy due to rumors surrounding his divorce to choreographer Dhanashree Verma. Speculation about their potential divorce intensified when both unfollowed each other on social media, and Chahal deleted all photos of Dhanashree from his Instagram account. Amidst this turmoil, he shared a cryptic message hinting at personal struggles, stating, “Hard work spotlights the character of people. You know your journey. You know your pain.”

    Despite these challenges, Chahal’s financial trajectory in the IPL is remarkable. Chahal’s journey from INR 10 lakh to INR 18 crore epitomizes his growth and impact in the IPL, underscoring his crucial role as a reliable wicket-taker while he navigates personal challenges off the field.

    Yuzvendra Chahal: From humble beginnings to stardom

    Chahal made his IPL debut in 2011 with the Mumbai Indians, but it was during his tenure with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) from 2014 to 2017 that he began to make a name for himself. His initial salary of INR 10 lakh reflected his status as an emerging talent. However, as he developed into a match-winner, his value skyrocketed.

    In 2018, after showcasing consistent performances, Chahal’s salary jumped to INR 6 crore, a figure that remained unchanged through 2021. This period marked a significant phase in his career as he became one of RCB’s key players, contributing crucial wickets and often turning matches in their favour.

    Also READ: Breakdown of Mitchell Marsh’s IPL salary since debut

    A new chapter with Rajasthan Royals

    In 2022, Chahal transitioned to the Rajasthan Royals (RR), where he continued to excel. His salary increased slightly to INR 6.50 crore, reflecting his growing reputation as one of the league’s premier spinners. His performances during this period were instrumental in RR’s success, further solidifying his place in the team.

    The consistency of Chahal’s performances earned him retention at the same salary for both 2023 and 2024 seasons. He became a fan favorite at RR, known not just for his bowling prowess but also for his engaging personality on social media.

    The record-breaking auction

    The IPL auction in late 2024 brought about a seismic shift in Chahal’s career. At the mega auction for IPL 2025, he was signed by Punjab Kings for an astonishing INR 18 crore, making him the most expensive spinner in IPL history. This monumental leap from INR 6.50 crore to INR 18 crore underscores not only his value as a player but also the increasing financial stakes within the league.

    Year Team Salary
    2011 Mumbai Indians INR 10 lakh
    2014 Royal Challengers Bengaluru INR 10 lakh
    2015 Royal Challengers Bengaluru INR 10 lakh
    2016 Royal Challengers Bengaluru INR 10 lakh
    2017 Royal Challengers Bengaluru INR 10 lakh
    2018 Royal Challengers Bengaluru INR 6 crore
    2019 Royal Challengers Bengaluru INR 6 crore
    2020 Royal Challengers Bengaluru INR 6 crore
    2021 Royal Challengers Bengaluru INR 6 crore
    2022 Rajasthan Royals INR 6.50 crore
    2023 Rajasthan Royals INR 6.50 crore
    2024 Rajasthan Royals INR 6.50 crore
    2025 Punjab Kings INR 18 crore

    Chahal’s net worth and future prospects

    With earnings from IPL alone exceeding INR 68 crore throughout his career, Chahal’s net worth is reflective of both his on-field success and off-field endorsements. As he embarks on this new chapter with Punjab Kings, fans are eager to see how he will adapt and perform under new pressures.

    Chahal’s journey from a relatively unknown player to one of the highest-paid cricketers in the IPL is not just a testament to his skills but also highlights the evolving landscape of cricket where performance directly translates into financial rewards.

    Also READ: Breakdown of Robin Uthappa’s IPL salary since debut

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  • Punjab Kings IPL 2025 Squad: Complete players list of PBKS after the mega auction

    Punjab Kings IPL 2025 Squad: Complete players list of PBKS after the mega auction

    Punjab Kings (PBKS) have assembled a competitive squad for the IPL 2025 season following a high-stakes mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The franchise secured a mix of proven performers, exciting young talents, and versatile all-rounders, signalling their intent to make a strong bid for their maiden IPL title.

    Punjab Kings IPL 2025 Squad

    Key players:

    • Shreyas Iyer: A dependable batter and dynamic leader, Iyer will aim to guide PBKS to new heights.
    • Yuzvendra Chahal: The IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker, Chahal brings experience and control to the spin department.
    • Arshdeep Singh: Retained as a cornerstone of the bowling unit, Arshdeep is expected to lead the pace attack with precision.
    • Marcus Stoinis & Glenn Maxwell: These two Australian powerhouses offer all-round capabilities that add balance to the squad.

    PBKS’s complete squad:

    Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Shashank Singh, Prabhsimran Singh, Harpreet Brar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur, Marco Jansen, Josh Inglis, Lockie Ferguson, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harnoor Pannu, Kuldeep Sen, Priyansh Arya, Aaron Hardie, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Xavier Bartlett, Pyla Avinash, Pravin Dubey, Nehal Wadhera.

    Also READ: IPL 2025 Auction – Who is Priyansh Arya? The young prodigy signing of Punjab Kings

    Key Auction Highlights:

    1. Strengthening the bowling unit:
      PBKS invested heavily in their bowling attack, adding international stars like Marco Jansen and Lockie Ferguson alongside emerging talents like Yash Thakur and Vijaykumar Vyshak.
    2. Focus on all-round balance:
      Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell will bring stability, with Maxwell’s explosive batting and off-spin providing an edge in critical matches.
    3. Youthful additions:
      The inclusion of promising players like Harnoor Pannu, Priyansh Arya and Musheer Khan underscores PBKS’s commitment to developing young talent.

    PBKS’s quest for IPL glory

    With a blend of seasoned campaigners and fresh faces, Punjab Kings have built a squad capable of mounting a serious challenge in IPL 2025. The presence of leaders like Shreyas Iyer and match-winners such as Glenn Maxwell makes them a formidable contender.

    Fans are optimistic about PBKS’s chances as they prepare to enter the season with renewed determination and a well-rounded team.

    Also READ: Gujarat Titans IPL 2025 Squad – Complete players list of GT after the mega auction

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  • Sarfaraz Khan breaks silence on IPL 2025 snub, also reacts to his brother Musheer’s selection

    Sarfaraz Khan breaks silence on IPL 2025 snub, also reacts to his brother Musheer’s selection

    Indian Test cricketer Sarfaraz Khan, whose journey from a promising talent to a national debutant was closely watched, experienced a major setback at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24-25.

    A shocking setback for Sarfaraz Khan

    After a solid 2024 season, where he made his Test debut for India and featured in several key red-ball series, many expected the young batter to reclaim his spot in the IPL. However, despite entering the auction with a modest base price of INR 75 lakh, Sarfaraz found himself unsold. The lack of interest from any IPL franchise, especially considering his potential and recent national call-up, left many surprised and disheartened.

    Sarfaraz, who last played in the IPL for Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2023, had been hoping for a fresh start in the prestigious T20 league after a year away from the competition. Yet, when his name was announced, no team raised their paddle, leaving him without a contract for the upcoming season. This setback was a harsh reality for the cricketer, who had once been touted as one of the brightest prospects in Indian cricket.

    Musheer Khan brings a ray of hope: IPL 2025 mega auction

    While Sarfaraz’s IPL hopes were dashed, there was a silver lining for the Khan family. Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz’s younger brother, was picked up by Punjab Kings for his base price of INR 30 lakh. While the amount may not seem large, the selection marked a significant milestone for the Khan family, as it brought another member into the IPL fold.

    Sarfaraz, who had previously played for Punjab Kings (PBKS), could now share the excitement of his brother’s inclusion in the league. Musheer’s selection is particularly meaningful considering his lack of T20 experience at the state level. He has, however, made a strong mark in first-class cricket, scoring 716 runs in 9 matches at an average of 51, along with picking up 8 wickets. Despite his recent injury setbacks, Musheer’s rise is an important moment for the Khan family, who have long been supporters of his cricketing journey.

    Also READ: Prithvi Shaw UNSOLD in IPL 2025 Auction: Is this the end of Mumbai batter?

    Sarfaraz’s message for over his non selection and Musheer’s selection

    Sarfaraz, despite the disappointment of being unsold, took to social media to express his feelings with a powerful and reflective message. In his story on Instagram, Sarfaraz wrote,

    “Malal hai Magar etna Malal thodi hai, ye Aankhen mere rone se laal thodi hai, maza to jab hai hum haar kar bhi haste rahe, humesha jeet hi jana kamal thodi hai.” (There is regret, but not too much, my eyes aren’t red from tears, the joy is in losing yet smiling, after all, winning is not always the real marvel.)

    Sarfaraz Khan’s Instagram Story (Image Source: X)

    This thoughtful message conveyed Sarfaraz’s maturity and resilience in the face of disappointment. His positive attitude in accepting his current situation, while celebrating his brother’s success, reflects a level of emotional strength that will serve him well as he navigates the challenges ahead.

    Also READ: IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Full list of unsold players along with their base price

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  • Complete squads of all 10 teams after the IPL 2025 mega auction

    Complete squads of all 10 teams after the IPL 2025 mega auction

    The IPL 2025 mega auction, held on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, concluded with significant excitement as all ten franchises finalized their squads. A total of 182 players were sold during the two-day event at the Abadi Al Johar Arena, with franchises spending a collective ₹639.15 crore to strengthen their teams for the upcoming season.

    Here’s a comprehensive look at the complete squads of all ten teams following the IPL 2025 mega auction:

    Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

    Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Ravichandran Ashwin, Devon Conway, Syed Khaleel Ahmed, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Sam Curran, Shaik Rashid, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary, Deepak Hooda, Gurjanpreet Singh, Nathan Ellis, Jamie Overton, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishnan Ghosh, Shreyas Gopal, Vansh Bedi, Andre Siddarth.

    Delhi Capitals (DC)

    KL Rahul, Harry Brook, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Karun Nair, Abhishek Porel, Tristian Stubbs, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natrajan, Mitchell Starc, Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Mohit Sharma, Faf du Plessis, Mukesh Kumar, Darshan Nalkande, Vipraj Nigam, Dushmanta Chameera, Donovan Ferreira, Ajay Mandal, Manvanth Kumar, Tripurana Vijay, Madhav Tiwari.

    Gujarat Titans (GT)

    Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler, B. Sai Sudharshan, Shahrukh Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Nishant Sindhu, Mahipal Lomror, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Manav Suthar, Washington Sundar, Gerald Coetzee, Mohmmad Arshad Khan, Gurnoor Singh Brar, Sherfane Rutherford, R. Sai Kishore, Ishant Sharma, Jayant Yadav, Glenn Phillips, Kareem Janat, Kulwant Khejroliya.

    Also READ: In pics and videos – Meet Kavya Maran, the gorgeous SRH owner at IPL 2025 mega auction

    Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

    Rinku Singh, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Harshit Rana, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Markhande, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Spencer Johnson, Luvnith Sisodia, Ajinkya Rahane, Anukul Roy, Moeen Ali, Umran Malik.

    Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

    Rishabh Pant, David Miller, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Abdul Samad, Aryan Juyal, Akash Deep, Himmat Singh, M Siddharth, Digvesh Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Akash Singh, Shamar Joseph, Prince Yadav, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Arshin Kulkarni, Matthew Breetzke.

    Mumbai Indians (MI)

    Hardik Pandya (c), Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, Tilak Verma, Trent Boult, Naman Dhir, Robin Minz, Karn Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Deepak Chahar, Allah Ghazanfar, Will Jacks, Ashwani Kumar, Mitchell Santner, Reece Topley, Shrijith Krishnan, Raj Angad Bawa, Venkat Satyanarayana Raju, Bevon Jacobs, Arjun Tendulkar, Lizaad Williams, Vignesh Puthhur, Suryakumar Yadav.

    Punjab Kings (PBKS)

    Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Shashank Singh, Prabhsimran Singh, Harpreet Brar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur, Marco Jansen, Josh Inglis, Lockie Ferguson, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harnoor Pannu, Kuldeep Sen, Priyansh Arya, Aaron Hardie, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Xavier Bartlett, Pyla Avinash, Pravin Dubey, Nehal Wadhera.

    Rajasthan Royals (RR)

    Sanju Samson (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Sandeep Sharma, Jofra Archer, Wainindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikeya Singh, Nitish Rana, Tushar Deshpande, Shubham Dubey, Yudhvir Charak, Fazal Farooqi, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Kwena Maphaka, Kunal Rathore, Ashok Sharma.

    Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

    Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethel, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee.

    Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

    Pat Cummins (c), Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klassen, Nitish Reddy, Ishan Kishan, Mohammad Shami, Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar, Adam Zampa, Atharva Taide, Abhinav Manohar, Simarjeet Singh, Zeeshan Ansari, Jaydev Unadkat, Brydon Carse, Kamindu Mendis, Aniket Verma, Eshan Malinga, Sachin Baby.

    Also READ: IPL 2025 Mega Auction – Full list of unsold players along with their base price

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