A shocking news started off September 26 when Shakib Al Hasan announced his plans to retire for Bangladesh. While he said he would like to wrap up his Test career in Mirpur, the ongoing unrest in the country might see Shakib play in the whites of Bangladesh for the last time in Kanpur. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant found himself in a moment of anger when he lambasted an RCB fan over some unnecessary IPL 2025 rumours. Apart from this, BCCI once again delayed the announcement of the IPL 2025 retention rules. However, a new development come to the fore regarding MS Dhoni and his future at CSK ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Shakib Al Hasan’s retirement!
Bangladesh cricket legend Shakib Al Hasan has announced his retirement from Tests and T20Is. Ahead of the India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test, Shakib revealed that the Test against South Africa in Mirpur will be his last, and he’s already played his final T20I in the 2024 World Cup. However, due to civil unrest in Bangladesh, the South Africa series is uncertain. This may make the India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test Shakib’s last red-ball match. Shakib expressed safety concerns, fearing he might not be able to leave Bangladesh as well.
MS Dhoni & his CSK future
Will MS Dhoni play for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025? The question remains unanswered. Amidst retention policy discussions, a CSK source revealed they’re still awaiting Dhoni’s decision. “We are yet to hear from him,” they told IndianExpress. Dhoni, who recently returned from a US vacation, has made no official announcement. The franchise is hesitant to decide until the BCCI clarifies retention rules. “Once the BCCI makes a formal decision on the number of retentions, we’ll have a clear picture,” the source said.
Rishabh Pant vs RCB
As the IPL 2025 auction looms, rumours have been swirling about Rishabh Pant’s potential move to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). However, Pant has vehemently denied these claims, dismissing them as baseless. A social media post had suggested that Pant’s manager approached RCB for a captaincy role but Virat Kohli didn’t want Pant. But Pant took to X to refute the allegations. He expressed frustration over the spread of misinformation and urged people to verify information from reliable sources.
PBKS sack Bangar, Bayliss after Ponting’s appointment
Ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 auction, Punjab Kings (PBKS) have made significant changes to their management. Both Director of Cricket Sanjay Bangar and head coach Trevor Bayliss have been let go. The franchise is seeking a new direction after a series of underwhelming seasons. Bangar, who had previously led the team to the final in 2014, joined as Director of Cricket in 2023 but his tenure has been cut short. Bayliss, who took over as head coach in 2022, has also been dismissed following consecutive finishes outside the top four. Bayliss’ removal was coming ever since Ricky Ponting joined hands with PBKS in a 4-year deal.
Ashish Nehra going nowhere
Gujarat Titans (GT) preps for IPL 2025 mega auction with coaching shakeup. Despite potential ownership change, head coach Ashish Nehra and director Vikram Solanki are all but likely to be retained, unlike previous rumours. Assistant coaches and analysts also stay, but batting coach Gary Kirsten’s departure for Pakistan still leaves a spot open to be filled before the auction.
Maiden ISL win by Mohammedan SC
Kolkata’s Mohammedan SC celebrated their inaugural victory in the Indian Super League (ISL). A schoolboy blunder by Chennaiyin FC goalkeeper Samik Mitra led to the winning goal. In the 39th minute, Lalremsanga Fanai capitalized on Mitra’s misjudgment of a backpass, easily tapping the ball into an empty net. Despite a missed penalty by Cesar Manzoki, Mohammedan held onto their 1-0 lead to secure their first ISL win.
