IPL

Australia's Steve Smith will make his debut as a commentator during the 2018 Indian Premier League, the tournament's broadcaster said on Tuesday, putting an end to speculation regarding his return to the sport. The 16th edition of the cash-rich Twenty20 extravaganza kicks off Friday in Ahmedabad, with 10 teams and a slew of worldwide stars in attendance. Smith, 33, confirmed his comeback to the competition and announced the same.

The BCCI Ombudsman Vineet Saran has reduced former Rajasthan Royal player Ajit Chandila's life ban. On February 21, Saran announced a reduction of a ban to 7 years, for his involvement in the IPL 2013 spot-fixing scandal. The three cricketers involved in that ‘spot-fixing’ scam – S Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and Chandila were given a life ban. However, the bans of Sreesanth and Chavan were overturned two years back.

Senior players can play IPL nonstop, why can't they play for the country, said legendary player Sunil Gavaskar, on July 12. In an urge to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to handle senior players, who were asking for rest ahead of the crucial matches and revise the policy. Responding to this, Gavaskar said, "T20I is a matter of 20 overs, doesn't take toll on your body".

Gujarat Titans Captain Hardik Pandya won "Player of the Match" after his tremendous 2022 IPL Maiden win. On May 30, Pandya, who is the third Indian skipper in the IPL history won the title. He was honored with the title for his heroic game plan and all-rounder performance. Furthermore, the previous players who won the POTM are Anil Kumble and Rohit Sharma.

In Mumbai's Nashik city, police arrested an alleged bookie for live betting during an IPL match. A team of Crime Branch, acting on a tip off, raided a flat in the Gangapur road area. Gurvindersingh Baldevsingh (28) has been arrested for taking bets on Mumbai Indians- Sunrisers Hyderabad match. From his premises, five mobile phones, a laptop and a notebook was recovered.