Cricket Australia is monitoring the situation in Pakistan ahead of the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL) due to the conflict with Afghanistan. The deadly conflict escalated further when an air strike struck a rehabilitation centre in Kabul. The Taliban government has blamed Pakistan for the attack.
Afghan cricketers including Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai spoke out against the tragic event that has reportedly resulted in “hundreds of casualties.”
“I am deeply saddened by the latest reports of civilian casualties as a result of Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul. Targeting civilian homes, educational facilities or medical infrastructure, either intentional or by mistake, is a war crime,” Rashid wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“The sheer disregard for human lives, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, is sickening and deeply concerning. It will only fuel division and hatred. I call upon the UN and other human rights agencies to thoroughly investigate this latest atrocity and hold the perpetrators to account. I stand with my Afghan people in this difficult time. We shall heal, and we will rise as a nation. We always do. Inshallah!”
I am deeply saddened by the latest reports of civilian casualties as a result of Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul. Targeting civilian homes, educational facilities or medical infrastructure, either intentional or by mistake, is a war crime. The sheer disregard for human lives,… pic.twitter.com/DbFRRh2qAJ
Cricket Australia monitoring situation involving Pakistan and Afghanistan, with player pullouts a possibility
PSL 2026 begins on March 26. A number of Australians are set to feature, including Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marnus Labuschagne, Aaron Hardie and Jake Fraser-McGurk.
According to CODE Sports, the players are being briefed on the war in the Middle East and West Asia, including the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict. Also, there is a fixture in Peshawar on March 28 between Peshawar Zalmi and Rawalpindi Pindiz, where Hardie and Fraser-McGurk may not be permitted to feature.
Currently, the Australian Government’s advice is “do not travel” to Pakistan’s west bordering Afghanistan. Peshawar’s proximity to the Afghan border makes this a high-risk location according to SmartTraveller.
The Australian players and coaches – including Tim Paine and Jason Gillespie – are set to leave for Pakistan as early as this weekend.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) completely changed their approach in the IPL 2026 auction. From targeting the experienced players to now picking up youngsters for a very hefty sum, we have seen a big change from the 5-time IPL champions.
CSK traded Sanju Samson for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran ahead of the auction, while they bought the likes of Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Sarfaraz Khan and Akeal Hosein.
With the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, and MS Dhoni already there, it looks like a solid middle order, but the inexperience of some players can be a cause for concern.
CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2024 and 2025, and now they’ll be itching to do well in IPL 2026.
CSK’s possible 11 for IPL 2026: Is death bowling a concern?
1. Ayush Mhatre, 2. Sanju Samson, 3. Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), 4. Dewald Brevis (OS), 5. Kartik Sharma, 6. Shivam Dube, 7. MS Dhoni (wk), 8. Prashant Veer, 9. Matt Henry (OS), 10. Noor Ahmad (OS), 11. Khaleel Ahmed
Impact sub: Jamie Overton/Akeal Hosein (OS)
In a huge blow, Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of IPL 2026 due to injury. The Australian was CSK’s key bowler at the death, and his absence now leaves a big gap in this department. CSK replaced him with fellow Australian Spencer Johnson, who will join the squad around April 21-23 according to ESPNcricinfo.
On the batting front, Samson will open the innings alongside Ayush Mhatre with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad batting at 3. It’ll be interesting to see where Kartik Sharma bats, as Dewald Brevis did a great job for them at number four. Urvil Patel and Sarfaraz Khan are also solid options to leave out on the bench.
Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni, and Prashant Veer will do the finishing duties for the Men in Yellow.
Bowling-wise, Khaleel Ahmed should start, as he provides that left-arm option and picked up plenty of wickets with the new ball in IPL 2025.
They may choose Jamie Overton – or even Akeal Hosein – as their impact sub player as per the conditions and match situation.
Overall, CSK has good batting depth with plenty of explosive players in their ranks. Bowling – especially at the death – could be a concern, especially with the news of Ellis’ injury.
Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer will have plenty of hopes in their debut IPL season. But they have the likes of Sarfaraz Khan and Ramkrishna Ghosh in their ranks if things go south. Aman Khan and Anshul Kamboj are other good options CSK could try throughout the season.
Abhishek Sharma’s struggles were well documented throughout India’s T20 World Cup campaign. However, he bounced back strongly and scored a crucial fifty in the final when the team needed it the most.
Gautam Gambhir, with JioHotstar, spoke of his own poor performance with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) back in IPL 2014 when they won their second Indian Premier League title with him as captain.
Gautam Gambhir reveals his message to Abhishek Sharma during disappointing T20 World Cup campaign
When asked about what he told Abhishek during his poor phase, he said, “I’ve had worse experience than him back in 2014 during the IPL when I scored three ducks in a row, and I scored one in the fourth game.”
All I told him was, “Yes, people will look at your scores and talk about your form, but actually you are not out of form but actually out of runs. The only time you judge your form is when you have played 20-30 balls and you haven’t even faced 20 balls.”
He continued, “In the T20 format, when you don’t get runs, you don’t get runs. All I wanted from him was to be even more aggressive in the next game than he was in the last one.”
“It doesn’t matter what the world thinks about you; all that matters is what the people in the dressing room think about you,” he concluded.
Abhishek scored just 89 runs in his first seven innings in the tournament, with 55 of those coming against Zimbabwe. However, his 21-ball 52 in the final swung the game firmly in India’s favour during the powerplay.
Gautam Gambhir’s impressive portfolio as India white-ball coach
Gambhir also said that he only had a casual chat with Sanju Samson in the gym, where he told him that he (Sanju) will be playing in the next game after India’s loss to South Africa.
India has now won the 2026 T20 World Cup, 2025 Champions Trophy, and the 2025 Asia Cup in Gambhir’s tenure. The Indian white-ball team has been in terrific form since he has taken over as the head coach, and the 2027 ODI World Cup is now in his sights.
“The planning for the 2027 World Cup will start after the IPL. There are 25 to 30 ODIs between IPL 2026 and the World Cup. This format is not played a lot these days. The earlier we start planning, the better it will be for us,” Gambhir said, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
Tilak Varma played some crucial knocks in India’s 2026 T20 World Cup title. Initially, he batted at number 3, but later on his batting position changed, where he excelled with his quickfire cameos and boundary hitting.
Tilak Varma’s head coach, Salam Bayash, told The Indian Expressabout how Tilak called him after India’s game against Zimbabwe. The key topics of conversation? Tilak’s journey, his emotional bond with his coach, and the new-found confidence to bat anywhere at international level.
Bayash said, “Tilak called him after the game against Zimbabwe, where he scored 44 runs off just 16 deliveries, and he said, ‘I will play in all positions and show now.'”
He also said that Tilak was 12 years old when he came to him (Bayash) and his cricket academy was 40 kilometers away from Tilak’s home. His father initially said no.
It was then his coach who sorted out the transport, waived off the fees, and made sure his father didn’t have to pick him up and drop him off. After all this the Indian left-hander’s father agreed.
Tilak Varma story: The emotional bond between the coach and pupil
Tilak Varma had suffered a back injury ahead of the T20 World Cup. His coach told him, “ups and downs are common. Every cricketer, even the greats, tends to get injured but they mentally strong and this time shall pass.”
The coach also scolded Tilak about his shot selections when he struggled in the initial games of the tournament. He told him to work on his errors (shot selection). And before the big final, he had told his pupil, “do your best in whatever position you get to bat, or even if you don’t get to bat, do well in fielding. We are only one step away from the dream.”
Bayash had trained Tilak to be ready for any situation, and all the training is now reflecting in his performances on the biggest stage for the Indian cricket team.
Salam Bayash was in the ICU for 15 days during COVID, and his chances were looking slim. During that time, Tilak used to visit him every day before he was scolded by his coach to stop coming and focus on his practice instead.
Tilak stopped entering the room, but he sat outside, assured his coach’s wife, and talked to the doctors as well. Bayash said that there are no words to express his happiness after Tilak won the title and put the medal around his coach’s neck.
It is another feather in Tilak’s cap after winning player of the match in the 2025 Asia Cup Final against Pakistan. In that game, the left-hander struck a crucial 69* off 53 balls to help India chase the 147-run target in tricky conditions in Dubai.
A week after the T20 World Cup Final, New Zealand take on South Africa in the first of five T20Is. The timing and context of this series has been questioned by fans, but this represents an opportunity for fringe players to stake their claim to be first-choice in the future.
The likes of Tim Robinson and Nick Kelly will be looking to make an impression for New Zealand, as will the quick Ben Sears who can provide middle overs impact for the Black Caps. Among the inexperience, the hosts will still be led by the experienced Mitchell Santner and Devon Conway, with James Neesham and Ish Sodhi also in the squad.
For South Africa, this is an opportunity for some of their SA20 stars to show their worth on the international stage. Jordan Hermann is one to watch, while the spotlight is also on Jason Smith after he was withdrawn from South Africa’s World Cup squad. On the bowling front, Ottenil Baartman, Lutho Simpala and Gerald Coetzee provide wicket-taking potential with George Linde and Keshav Maharaj tasked with keeping things tight.
New Zealand have a number of new players in their squad, but still possess experience. Mitchell Santner, Devon Conway and Lockie Ferguson are available for the first three T20Is.
New Zealand: 1. Devon Conway (wk), 2. Tim Robinson, 3. Nick Kelly, 4. Josh Clarkson, 5. Bevon Jacobs, 6. James Neesham/Cole McConchie, 7. Mitchell Santner (c), 8. Kyle Jamieson/Ben Sears, 9. Nathan Smith/Zak Foulkes, 10. Ish Sodhi, 11. Lockie Ferguson
South Africa: 1. Connor Esterhuizen (wk), 2. Jordan Hermann, 3. Tony de Zorzi, 4. Rubin Hermann/Dian Forrester, 5. Jason Smith, 6. Wiaan Mulder, 7. George Linde, 8. Keshav Maharaj (c), 9. Gerald Coetzee, 10. Ottneil Baartman, 11. Lutho Sipamla
Bay Oval Mount Maunganui Pitch Report and Weather
Since 2023, the average first innings score in men’s T20Is at Mount Maunganui is 170.83. Teams batting first and second have won three matches each in this period.
Expect decent batting conditions in this match with some assistance for the opening bowlers with the new ball. A clear night is forecast with temperatures to hover in the late teens.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for NZ vs SA 1st T20 2026: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Top wicketkeeper picks:
Devon Conway will likely open the batting, making him a solid pick. In four T20I innings on this ground, Conway has 91 runs at an average of 30.33 and strike rate of 144.44, including a fifty.
Key batter picks:
Tony de Zorzi is one of South Africa’s key players, but this will be just his third T20I. Also, he averages just 19.53 with a strike rate of 119.26 in 78 T20s. However, he is worth considering for Dream11 given he will bat in the top three.
Tim Robinson has a century in T20Is at Mount Maunganui, achieved against Australia last year. He had a poor Super Smash campaign (135, avg. 19.28, SR 140.62) but is capable of making an impact.
It’s a big series for Jason Smith after a poor SA20 campaign.. He has potential to strike big blows in the middle order (26 off 10 balls in his last T20I, against West Indies).
Top allrounder picks:
Mitchell Santner has the third-most wickets in men’s T20Is on this ground (13) at an average of 23.61 and economy of 7.61. Also, since the start of 2025, Santner has smashed 362 runs in T20Is at an average of 40.2 and strike rate of 163.1.
Wiaan Mulder will likely bowl in the powerplay and provide all-important impact with the bat, although he couldn’t get going in the SA20 earlier this year (137, avg. 13.70, SR 117.09).
Key bowler picks:
Ottneil Baartman took the most wickets in the SA20 2026 season (20) at an average of 13.55 and strike rate of 8.90.
Lockie Ferguson had a forgettable T20 World Cup Final, but he is a strike bowler. He has eight wickets in T20s this year at a strike rate of 18.1.
Gerald Coetzee’s hit-the-deck bowling style can work well with Mount Maunganui’s larger boundaries. He took four wickets at a strike rate of 16.5 in his short SA20 campaign.
Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams
Bevon Jacobs is selected in 15.35% of Dream11 teams, but can be an excellent pick. Jacobs hit five consecutive fifties (78*, 88*, 53, 54 and 55) in the 2025/26 Super Smash.
George Linde can provide lower-order batting impact and will get through four overs.
Jordan Hermann is also a player to watch. He hit the eighth-most runs in SA20 2026, scoring 273 runs at an average of 34.12 and economy of 137.18.
Cole McConchie can be a useful option for New Zealand against a South African top order featuring a few left-handers.
Other Stats and Facts
Head-to-head in T20Is: Matches 20, New Zealand 8, South Africa 12.
Keshav Maharaj is set to become the 15th player to play 50 men’s T20Is for South Africa.
Bevon Jacobs in the 2025/26 Super Smash: 6 inns, 361 runs, avg. 90.25, SR 164.84.
NZ vs SA 1st T20 2026 Dream11 Prediction Today Match
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
NZ vs SA 1st T20 2026 Dream11 Prediction Today Match
Option 2:
NZ vs SA 1st T20 2026 Dream11 Prediction Today Match
NZ vs SA 1st T20 2026 Match Prediction: Who will win?
Despite the new-look teams, both sides possess talent who can turn the game in their favour. At home, I’ll back New Zealand to win.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, and Cricmetric.
Three-time IPL champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), have announced the signing of Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani ahead of IPL 2026.
Muzarabani was earlier set to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for the Islamabad United, but withdrew from the PSL and will feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Earlier, the BCCI had asked the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman, whom they’ve bought for INR 9.20 crores in the auction, due to political tension between India and Bangladesh.
Interestingly, Mustafizur will now feature in the PSL for the Lahore Qalandars. Muzarabani went unsold in the IPL auction, and he was not picked up by any side in the PSL as well before he joined Islamabad as a replacement for West Indian pacer Shamar Joseph.
Blessing’s stocks were already high after a phenomenal performance in the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2026, where he picked up 13 wickets in 6sixgames at an economy of 7.88 and strike rate of 11. He picked up a 4-wicket haul (4/17) against Australia in a man-of-the-match performance.
KKR had signed Matheesha Pathirana in the IPL 2026 auction for a whopping price of INR 18 crore, but he’s currently recovering from injury, and it’s not sure whether he’ll play in IPL 2026 or not.
Harshit Rana is also injured and will miss IPL 2026. Apart from these two, the Knight Riders have Akashdeep, Umran Malik, and Kartik Tyagi in their ranks alongside Vaibhav Arora.
Vaibhav has been a key member of the KKR side in the last couple of seasons, but he’s mainly a new-ball bowler, and other options are not very promising for them. While Muzarabani adds some depth to their pace attack, their bowling still looks light.
Also, it will be a big headache for KKR with regards to selecting overseas players, as Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Cameron Green, and Sunil Narine are already there.
MS Dhoni’s batting position has been the talk of the town for the last two seasons in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He only comes to bat in the last 1-2 overs and tries to capitalise on the remaining deliveries.
While this is the role Dhoni and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have decided on for him, many people have argued that he should come up the order and bat freely. Indian Test legend Cheteshwar Pujara has now said that he doesn’t see any point in MS Dhoni batting at numbers 8 or 9 and he should come up in the batting order.
Pujara said on JioHotstar, ‘No other batter can do what Dhoni can in the Chennai Super Kings setup. I don’t see any point in him batting at numbers 8 or 9 considering he can turn any game on his own’.
He further added that ‘Dhoni has the ability to turn the game from any situation, and he’s hitting sixes when he plays 8-10 deliveries, so imagine what he can do if he plays 25-30 deliveries.’
Former Indian legend Anil Kumble said that ‘Dhoni should come to bat in the last four overs where the teams don’t have many overs of spin left.’
CSK’s middle-order headaches: Pujara believes Dhoni needs to face more deliveries
This time the Chennai Super Kings have the likes of Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Sarfaraz Khan, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, and even Aman Khan in their ranks alongside Dhoni. They can also play Urvil Patel in the middle order if they want.
It’s going to be a big headache for them as whom to play in the middle order, as they’ve paid big bucks for inexperienced players like Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer, while Sarfaraz Khan also had a blistering season in the last Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT).
With Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre, and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad locked in as their top 3, it’ll be interesting to see what middle-order combination CSK goes for, as Brevis and Dube are the other two locked-in players. It may happen that Dhoni does come out early to bat, or he can continue with his role from the last season.
There is controversy in the ODI series between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Salman Agha was run out in unusual fashion by Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the second ODI in Mirpur, which left the Pakistan batter furious.
Pakistan were sitting pretty at 231/3 in the 39th over, with Agha (64) and Mohammad Rizwan (44) building on Maaz Sadaqat’s outstanding 46-ball 75. Rizwan hit the ball back towards the non-striker, and Agha and Miraz got into a bit of a tangle. With the ball still live, Agha then went to pick the ball up while still outside his crease, only to be beaten to the punch by Mehidy who then threw the ball at the stumps.
The decision was referred to the third umpire. Replays showed Agha well outside his ground, with Kumar Dharmasena stating “batsman is out of the ground at the time of the wickets break.”
Salman Agha run out: Fair or against the spirit of cricket? Fans have their say
The incident quickly went viral on social media. Fans have had their say, with some believing it is a fair dismissal within the rules, and others stating it is poor sportsmanship.
Argument:Fair dismissal
About two-and-a-half years ago, Bangladesh were involved in drama during the 2023 ODI World Cup. Shakib Al Hasan timed out Angelo Mathews – a decision that did not go down well in the cricketing fraternity, including then-bowling coach Allan Donald.
This time around, the debate is more 50/50. The view here is that Agha should not have attempted to pick the ball up while out of his ground.
“On the live camera shot, I thought this was naughty by Miraz. But seeing the side on replay, it was actually Salman Agha with the brain fade. You can’t be reaching to pick up the ball when you’re that far out of the non-striker’s crease and then cry spirit of cricket,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).
On the live camera shot, I thought this was naughty by Miraz. But seeing the side on replay, it was actually Salman Agha with the brain fade. You can't be reaching to pick up the ball when you're that far out of the non-striker's crease and then cry spirit of cricket. https://t.co/ZbeM2ro6gK
Shameless Pakistanis will again start saying “no sportsman spirit” and all that. But in reality, nothing illegal happened. Our players are so clueless they don’t even know ICC rules or how to behave on the field. And this guy Salman Agha is biggest clown.pic.twitter.com/Fs7m9cluaF
Excellent work by Miraz. Salman Ali Agha should realize that he is not playing with his cousins in his backyard. It’s international cricket. Follow the rules! https://t.co/4piH4Hb05D
Salman Ali Agha acted so dumb here to just try and pick up the ball and not even attempt to get back in his crease.
Spirit of cricket warriors may keep crying but this is a legitimate dismissal. Being dumb should not be put behind a mask of spirit of cricket. https://t.co/jPulg9b8vO
Presence of mind from Miraz as he ran out a dozy Agha. What was the batter doing standing outside the crease? He was trying to touch a live ball, as the bowler was looking for it too.
Lol… It was pathetic game awareness by Salman instead. Mehidy was well within his rights to dismiss him.
Mehidy was standing right there, it was absolutely needless to collect the ball himself and pass it on. Itni bhi courtesy nahi karni chahiye k rules hi bhool jao https://t.co/QZyQ2iHfYz
Why was Salman Ali Agha mad? It was a proper brainfade moment. Standing out of your crease and picking up the ball? Where are you playing, in the street?
Argument: Poor sportsmanship& Agha initially attempted to get back in the crease
On the flip side, the argument is Agha initially attempted to get back in his crease, but was blocked by Mehidy getting to the ball. Given there was a tangle, fans believe that the Bangladesh captain was wrong to initiate the run out and go through with the appeal.
“Mehidy Hasan Miraz forcefully stopped Salman Ali Agha, as clearly seen in this picture. When a player is stopped like this, the umpire should take notice, and the player has the right to ask for it,” wrote one fan.
For anyone saying it's Agha's fault, watch carefully. Agha was going back to the crease, but Miraz just blocked him and started going back towards the stumps.
From 231/3, Pakistan collapsed to 274 all out. However, they started magnificently with the ball, reducing Bangladesh to 27/3 before lightning stopped play.
A big talking point sparked when the Sunrisers Leeds bought Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed for $255,000 during The Hundred 2026 auction. Abrar became the first Pakistani player to be picked up by an Indian franchise in the auction.
India fans were visibly enraged after the move, as Abrar is accused of mocking the Indian army, the people, and pilot Abhinandan Varthaman from a tense incident between the two countries back in 2019.
The Pakistani spinner also posted a video as recent as last month, which was not taken well by the Indian fans on social media.
Reactions: India fans make feelings clear after Sunrisers Leeds bought Abrar Ahmed in the Hundred Auction
Calls to boycott Sunrisers from India
Amidst all this, India fans expressed their frustration with Sunrisers picking up Abrar Ahmed. Many fans called it a heartbreak, while some labeled it as a betrayal from the franchise.
Here are some of the reactions from the fans:
I started watching cricket & IPL when Deccan Chargers were playing. Watched every single match of Deccan chargers with Go Chargers , go go go goooo anthem.
Then became a die-hard fan of SunRisers. Somehow never missed a single Sun risers match. From Dale steyn Era , to David…
— Radha Krishna Kavuluru (@iamkrishradha) March 13, 2026
Sunrisers Leeds (Kavya Maran's franchise) just bought Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed for £190k in The Hundred 2026 auction.
The same Abrar who mocked Wg Cdr Abhinandan Varthaman during Operation Sindoor by posting a tea pic captioned 'Fantastic Tea'. Priorities? pic.twitter.com/y0Y3jhYqxS
Many fans have called for the boycott of the Sunrisers franchise in the IPL, too, following the move. Franchise owner Kaviya Maran also got a lot of heat from the fans following the auction.
Head coach Daniel Vettori stated that it became a necessity for them to get an overseas spinner (including Abrar) after they missed out on Adil Rashid, who was their main target.
“Once we missed out on Adil Rashid [to Southern Brave], who was a priority early on, then we obviously jumped into the overseas spinner. There were four or five guys that we were looking at and Abrar was one of them,” Vettori said after the auction, as quoted by India Today.
Rival fans pleased to see Indian-owned franchise bid for Pakistan player
Vettori also shared that there was no discussion between the coaches and the management about excluding or avoiding the Pakistani players.
Rival fans, including from England and South Africa, were pleased to see an Indian-owned franchise purchase Abrar.
Earlier, there were reports that the Indian-ownership-based franchises would not bid for the Pakistani players, which was later denied in a combined statement by the franchises. But interestingly except for the Sunrisers, no other Indian-owned franchise picked any Pakistani player.
Hours after the controversy, the official X account of Sunrisers Leeds has been suspended, with the reason not known.
Interestingly, a similar incident happened with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL as they were asked to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman after tensions between India and Bangladesh. Meanwhile, an official statement on the issue is awaited from the franchise or the ownership group.
The Sunrisers (owned by Sun TV) acquired the franchise (previously Northern Superchargers) in The Hundred last year. They acquired 51% stakes from Yorkshire and 49% stakes from the ECB (England & Wales Cricket Board).
Michael Vaughan has labelled South Africa as the “stupidest team” of the recent T20 World Cup. Speaking on the Stick To Cricket Podcast, Vaughan said South Africa should have let West Indies beat them in the Super Eights to all but knock favourites and hosts India out of the tournament.
For context, South Africa thrashed India by 76 runs to kick off the Super Eights. West Indies also beat Zimbabwe very comfortably. All of a sudden, India’s best chance at qualifying for the semi-finals was for South Africa to beat West Indies, which meant a virtual quarter-final against the latter provided Suryakumar Yadav’s team beat Zimbabwe, which they did.
South Africa the stupidest team for beating West Indies – Michael Vaughan
India went unbeaten for the remainder of the tournament, beating Zimbabwe and West Indies in the Super Eights. They then beat England in a hard-fought, high-scoring semi-final and thrashed New Zealand in the final. Vaughan believes South Africa had the chance to keep India at bay.
“I tell you what I think is the stupidest team of the tournament. South Africa,” Vaughan said. “I’ll tell you why. If South Africa had allowed the West Indies to beat them in the Super 8s, India would have been knocked out.”
“You’re not allowed to do that,” replied Phil Tufnell, to which Vaughan responded, “No, but I’m just talking. If they’d have just cleared them out, the juggernaut that was coming, by winning that game, they allowed the juggernaut to go, we’ll beat Zimbabwe, we’ll beat the West Indies in a quarter-final, then we’ll beat England.”
Alastair Cook then responded with the ceveat that a South Africa defeat against West Indies would’ve meant a must-win match against Zimbabwe. The Proteas have a history in such encounters, including the Netherlands in 2022. However, Vaughan believes South Africa were still well placed.
“They [South Africa] had to play Zimbabwe next. So South Africa were going to play Zimbabwe next,” Vaughan said.
“I’m just saying, if there’d been a loss to the West Indies that day, India would not have won the World Cup.
“If you want to win a World Cup, get rid of the best team, early.”
🚨 Michael Vaughan calls South Africa the STUPIDEST team of the tournament
"South Africa has to be the stupidest team of the tournament. If they had allowed WI to win against them, India would have been knocked out. The juggernaut that went on to defeat Zimbabwe, WI, England in… pic.twitter.com/8W0bG8lvNA
