India’s chapter of franchise cricket is close as Mumbai Indians (MI) Women lifted the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 trophy, beating Delhi Capitals (DC) Women by 8 runs. Before the men’s competition, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 starts in a week; we have some other updates as well.
The IPL might have to compete against the Saubi Arabia-backed cricket league. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will look into this and also decide about Rohit Sharma’s future as India’s Test captain. On this matter, the board will also talk with head coach Gautam Gambhir.
There are other IPL news as well. We have injury updates regarding Sanju Samson and Nitish Kumar Reddy. And finally, Virat Kohli has talked about taking a T20I retirement U-turn. However, there is a catch. Find that below.
Mumbai Indians lift 2nd WPL title
MI has lifted a second WPL title by defeating DC in a tightly contested match at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led the fight, hitting a winning half-century and bagging the ‘Player of the Match’ award. Marizanne Kapp was perhaps the best player of the game, but victory wasn’t meant for her or DC.
Rohit Sharma’s Test captaincy in Gambhir’s hands
BCCI will take a call regarding Rohit Sharma’s future as India’s Test captain. During the IPL 2025 season, there will be discussion on Rohit’s selection as captain and opener with the upcoming India tour of England in mind. Head coach Gautam Gambhir will also be involved in these conversations and will have a big say as well.
Sanju Samson yet to receive NCA fitness clearance
Sanju Samson may not be fit for RR’s opening match against SRH. At CoE, recovering from a finger fracture, the 30-year-old hasn’t been given a clean bill of health. He’s comfortable batting, but the BCCI isn’t sure whether he should keep wickets. He was expected to join the RR camp on March 16 or 17, but that doesn’t seem certain right now.
Saudi Arabia vs IPL
No cricket board in the world has the resources to challenge BCCI. The IPL remains the biggest cricket product because of it. But that may not be the case in the coming years. Or at least that is what Saudi Arabia is thinking. The country is waiting for ICC’s approval to launch a $500 million T20 league, which will be played across different countries, challenging the IPL as the biggest cricket league.
Virat Kohli to take T20I retirement U-turn?
Virat Kohli has jokingly stated that he might take a T20I retirement U-turn under one circumstance. With cricket being added to the LA 2028 Olympics roster, Kohli says that he’ll come back to one final type if Team India reaches the gold medal match.
Nitish Kumar Reddy fit for IPL 2025
Nitish Kumar Reddy has regained full fitness and will join SRH’s camp before their IPL 2025 against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on March 23. The all-rounder was at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) since late January, and after clearing the yo-yo test, the BCCI has allowed him to join his franchise.
