The Women’s Premier League (WPL) started off in a stupendous fashion as the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) recorded the highest-ever run-chase in WPL history to knock off the Gujarat Giants (GG). Richa Ghosh was the star of the night as she pummelled runs at a strike rate of around 240. Meanwhile, will the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) make Venkatesh Iyer their new captain for IPL 2025? And did BCCI crack a whip on Gautam Gambhir by penalising his personal assistant? Catch all this and more below as we see the top cricketing stories from February 14, Friday.
BCCI punishes Gautam Gambhir?
The BCCI has taken disciplinary action against Gautam Gambhir’s personal assistant (PA) following controversy during the India vs Australia Test series. The PA was found to have accessed restricted areas, including the team hotel and VIP sections. The BCCI has since implemented a 10-rule policy to promote discipline and unity. As a result, Gambhir’s PA has been asked to stay in a separate hotel during the England series and has been kept away from official team gatherings. Read more here: BCCI punishes Gautam Gambhir?
Venkatesh Iyer new KKR captain?
Aakash Chopra believes Venkatesh Iyer will be named KKR’s captain for IPL 2025. Chopra thinks it’s a two-horse race between Iyer and Rinku Singh, but KKR’s massive investment of Rs 23.75 crore in Iyer makes him the likely choice. He questioned whether KKR regrets spending so much on Iyer but feels they have no option but to make him captain. The decision is expected to be announced soon, with KKR and Delhi Capitals the only teams yet to finalise their captains. Read more here: Venkatesh Iyer new KKR captain?
RCB break all-time record
What. A. Match! The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Women made history in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) by chasing down a record-breaking target of 202 runs against the Gujarat Giants (GG) Women. Despite losing early wickets, Ellyse Perry’s resilience and a stunning 93-run partnership between Richa Ghosh and Kanika Ahuja sealed the victory in just 18.3 overs. This achievement shattered the previous record held by Mumbai Indians Women (MI), who chased 191 runs against GG Women in 2024. Read more here: RCB break all-time record
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Selfless Rohit Sharma
R Ashwin recently sang the praises of Rohit Sharma’s selfless approach to captaincy, revealing that the Indian skipper prioritized team success over personal milestones. Ashwin credited Rohit for transforming India’s ODI approach, adopting an aggressive playing style inspired by England’s dominant team from 2015-2019. Ashwin believed that Rohit’s leadership showed the way forward for Indian cricket, shifting the focus from individual achievements to team goals. It is indeed true, given how dominatingly Rohit played at the ODI World Cup 2023. Read more here: Ashwin on “selfless” Rohit Sharma
LSG acquire 70% stake in Manchester Originals
The RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group (RPSG), owners of the Lucknow Super Giants, have acquired a 70% stake in the Manchester Originals, a team in The Hundred tournament, for Rs 887 crore. Lancashire County Cricket Club will retain a 30% stake. This move marks RPSG’s expansion into international cricket. Other IPL teams, including the Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Delhi Capitals, have also acquired stakes in Hundred teams. The deal aims to promote cricket excellence and community engagement. Read more here: LSG’s Hundred team hunt successful, acquires 70% stake for Rs 887 crore
Babar Azam surpasses Virat Kohli
Babar Azam has made history by becoming the joint-fastest player to score 6,000 ODI runs, matching Hashim Amla’s record in just 123 innings. He achieved this milestone during the tri-nation series final against New Zealand in Karachi. Babar surpassed Virat Kohli, who reached 6,000 runs in 136 innings. This feat shows Babar’s position as one of the greatest players in modern cricket, with an impressive average of 55.98 and 19 centuries in ODIs. Read more here: Babar Azam surpasses Virat Kohli
