England will hand Test debuts to Jordan Cox and Sonny Baker for the second match against New Zealand at the Oval. Matthew Fisher returns, and Jofra Archer is back after a break. Joe Root will captain the side in Ben Stokes's absence due to a team curfew breach.
The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) achieved record viewership, with over 1.2 billion people watching across TV and digital platforms. The season finale also set new records, and Connected TV saw significant growth, with regional language content gaining popularity.
Captain Ben Stokes cautioned that England could lose players to international cricket if they adopt a strict approach to the Indian Premier League (IPL). Fast bowler Jofra Archer's absence from the first Test against New Zealand highlights the issue.
England captain Ben Stokes has cautioned that players might stop playing international cricket if the ECB takes a strict approach to the Indian Premier League (IPL). Fast bowler Jofra Archer's absence from the first Test against New Zealand highlights this issue.
Ben Stokes defended England's decision to allow Jofra Archer to play in the IPL, citing the changing landscape of cricket and the risk of alienating players. Critics like Simon Doull called Archer's absence from the Test summer 'ludicrous'.
Jofra Archer is unavailable for England's first Test against New Zealand due to his IPL commitments and a need for rest. His absence highlights the conflict between franchise money and Test cricket demands, with other players also affected by injuries sustained during the IPL.
15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi won a Tata Sierra SUV as IPL's Most Valuable Player, but cannot drive it until he turns 18 due to India's minimum driving age.
Virat Kohli's unbeaten 75 guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second consecutive IPL title, defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final. Bengaluru successfully chased Gujarat's 155/8 with 12 balls to spare.
Virat Kohli's unbeaten 75 guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL final, securing their second consecutive title. RCB successfully chased down Gujarat's 155-8 with 12 balls to spare.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's 97 runs off 29 deliveries led Rajasthan Royals to a 47-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL eliminator, setting up a Qualifier 2 match against Gujarat Titans.
Australian cricketer Travis Head and his wife Jess have been targeted with vile comments on Instagram following a tense on-field exchange with Indian star Virat Kohli during an IPL match. Kohli's fans are accused of escalating the abuse, prompting calls for kindness and support.
England batter Jacob Bethell will return to the UK from the Indian Premier League for assessment of a finger injury. The 22-year-old's availability for England's Test series against New Zealand is uncertain.
England batter Jacob Bethell has returned to the UK after sustaining a finger injury playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. The 22-year-old will be assessed by the England medical team ahead of the first Test against New Zealand.
Dinesh Karthik cautioned against comparing Rajasthan Royals' 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to Sachin Tendulkar, highlighting the different challenges the young batter will face. Karthik also discussed the IPL's evolution into a 'different beast' driven by data and its growth as a career option.
Sunil Narine achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first overseas player and 13th overall to complete 200 Indian Premier League appearances for Kolkata Knight Riders. The all-rounder also boasts 203 wickets and a 165.30 strike rate with the bat.
Sunil Narine became the first overseas player and 13th overall to reach 200 IPL appearances for Kolkata Knight Riders. The all-rounder has taken 203 wickets and scored 1820 runs, revolutionizing T20 spin bowling and becoming a dangerous power-hitter.
Virat Kohli voiced discomfort with constant camera presence during IPL practice, stating it hinders organic preparation and free experimentation. He called for better boundaries regarding player consent and behind-the-scenes access, citing an instance with Kane Williamson disrupted by a robot camera.
Virat Kohli voiced discomfort with the constant camera presence during IPL practice, stating it's intrusive and hinders organic preparation. He called for better balance between fan engagement and player privacy, citing an instance with Kane Williamson where a private conversation was disrupted by a 'robot thing'.
Australian Test cricketers Travis Head and Pat Cummins have been part of a heavy loss in the Indian Premier League.
Gujarat Titans defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 82 runs, taking the top position in the IPL 2026 points table with a strong all-round performance.
Gujarat Titans defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 82 runs in the Indian Premier League 2026, taking the top position in the points table
India is the world’s fastest-growing consumer market, and with cricket commanding near-religious devotion, investors are rushing to own IPL franchises.
Australian cricketers will complete their Indian Premier League duties before joining the national squad for the upcoming ODI series in Pakistan. Despite the series overlapping with IPL playoffs, players like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh will fulfill their franchise commitments. Cricket Australia is expected to adjust selections to accommodate these crucial IPL matches.
Australian cricketers will complete their Indian Premier League duties before joining the national squad for the upcoming ODI series in Pakistan. Despite the series overlapping with IPL playoffs, players like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh will fulfill their franchise commitments. Cricket Australia is expected to adjust selections to accommodate these crucial IPL matches.
