IPL is a place where talented youngsters get a platform to showcase their talents to get an international call. Many local players have got the chance to represent India in blue jersey like Harshal Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Rahul Chahar, Venkatesh Iyer, Avesh Khan, etc. There are so many names on the list. The all-rounder from Bengal Shahbaz Ahmed has been playing for RCB since 2020. Shahbaz Ahmed has proved his ability in the domestic tournaments to get his IPL call-up.

Also Read: IPL 2022: A door to international cricket? Here are 5 players who can come back to international cricket from IPL

Although performing well since 2020, Shahbaz has not got regular chances in playing XI till the last season. But this year is a different game for him. He is getting regular chances in every match since the start of IPL 2022 and proving his talent that he has already shown up in Ranji and Domestic cricket.

In IPL 2022, Shahbaz Ahmed has scored 27 and 44 in the second and third games of RCB. Meanwhile, in both the games RCB was chasing a target when Shahbaz came and contributed to the team's victory.

In the second game against KKR, Shahbaz scored 27 off 20 including three huge sixes as he helped RCB to grab two important points. Meanwhile, in the third game, Shahbaz again became the star with the bat. He came when his team was struggling on 62-4 in 8.5 overs. Shahbaz hammered 45 runs off just 26 balls and build up a partnership with Dinesh Karthik to help RCB chase down the target of 170. With DK Shahbaz stitches a partnership of 67 runs before Shahbaz got bowled by Boult in the 19th over.

Read Also: Every Ross Taylor Record in cricket

RCB won the match by 4 wickets. Now, the question arises is Shahbaz Ahmed the next all-rounder that is India looking for? Rather than a left-handed batsman, Shahbaz can also bowl left-arm orthodox spin. However, he has already shown up his bowling skills in the last two years in IPL. Shahbaz is a wicket-taking bowler as whenever he got a chance to bowl he took wickets. He is a brilliant fielder too, who can grab awesome catches that we have already seen in the 2020 season of IPL.

Shahbaz Ahmed is a player who can finish the game, can bowl spin, and take quick wickets, and is also a good fielder too. So, Shahbaz is a decent contender for the all-rounder role in the Indian team. Will he get a chance to prove himself in blue jersey?

What are your thoughts about Shahbaz's performance and chances for the national team? Let us know in the comments.

The celebration of Royal Challengers Bangaluru's (RCB) first title win in the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) has now become a cause of crisis. 11 people died and about 50 people were injured in a Bengaluru stampede during the celebration held outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Also Read: Official statement from RCB after the tragic loss of 11 people during RCB's celebration

In connection with this tragic incident, Bangaluru Police has arrested four people including a senior RCB official, while some top officials of Karnataka Cricket Association (KSCA) are still absconding.

Police arrested RCB employee

Among those arrested by the police, the prominent name is that of Nikhil Sosale, who is the marketing head of RCB. Nikhil is considered close to Virat Kohli and was seen actively in every match of the team.

He led the team's branding and marketing strategy and has been associated with the franchise for many years. This year, a picture of a woman sitting next to Anushka Sharma in the stadium during every RCB match went viral on social media. Later it was revealed that this woman was none other than Nikhil Sosale's wife Malvika Nayak.

Arrest comes after Senior IPS officer took charge

The police, on Thursday, had booked RCB, event management company DNA and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) administration over the Bengaluru stampede with CM Siddaramaiah asking the police to arrest the representatives. The KSCA officials have been absconding since Thursday night, the police said.

The arrest comes moments after Senior IPS officer Seemant Kumar Singh took charge as the new Commissioner of Bengaluru City Police, replacing B Dayananda, who was among senior officers suspended over the stampede.

After taking charge, Singh had vowed to uphold the work of his predecessors and act swiftly on the stampede. “I will immediately meet with my officers and take necessary steps regarding the incident,” he said.

Bengaluru Stampede case: What happened actually?

What was meant to be a day of celebration for cricket fans in Karnataka turned chaotic on Wednesday, as a hastily cancelled victory parade for the Royal Challengers Bangalore team gave way to confusion, swelling crowds, and a stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The morning began with an announcement from team management: a victory parade would be held on an open bus, traveling the short distance from the iconic Vidhana Soudha to the stadium. Free passes for a post-parade celebration at the stadium were to be made available online. But by 11:56 am, the Bengaluru Traffic Police said that the parade was off.

However, by the time the RCB team arrived at HAL airport around 1:30 pm and travelled to their hotel before heading to Vidhana Soudha, thousands had already assembled along the intended parade route. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was slated to felicitate the players at a brief public ceremony.

Also Read: From emerging star to captain fantastic: Shreyas Iyer's IPL journey

Some spectators perched on treetops and building ledges, including the roof of the nearby Karnataka High Court. Meanwhile, large crowds also began to cluster outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Namma Metro announced that it would bypass Cubbon Park and Dr B.R. Ambedkar metro stations due to overcrowding.

By 3 pm, police estimated that over 50,000 people were gathered within a one-kilometre radius of the stadium. Tragedy struck around 4 pm, when Gate 3 of the stadium partially opened. The mix of ticket-holders and those without passes surged toward the entrance, triggering the stampede.

The England and Wales Cricket Board on Thursday announced a 14-member squad for the first Test of the five-match series against India. The ENG vs IND five-match Test series is starting from June 20. The first match will be played at Headingley on June 20, 2025.

Also Read: Youngest Cricketers to lead India in Tests

Overton replaces Atkinson

Fast bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton has returned. He has been included in the team in place of injured Gus Atkinson. Jamie has returned after the match against New Zealand in June 2022.

Atkinson was unavailable for selection due to a right hamstring injury suffered during the Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge.

Carse, Woakes included in the squad

Fast bowlers Brydon Carse, Jacob Bethell and Chris Woakes have also been named in the squad, who last played during the New Zealand Test tour in December. The India A side are already in the United Kingdom, playing warm-up games against England Lions.

Woakes, known for his effectiveness in home conditions, especially at Lord’s, last featured prominently in 2018 against India, where he claimed four wickets and smashed an unbeaten 137.

Young spinner Shoaib Bashir, who starred with nine wickets against Zimbabwe, retains his spot as the lone specialist spinner. IPL winner Jacob Bethell and seamer Sam Cook, both of whom impressed recently, have also earned call-ups.

Ben Stokes to lead the team

England will field a significantly altered team compared to the last time they faced India in early 2024. James Anderson has since retired, while Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes and Ollie Robinson are the other notable absentees from the squad.

Ben Stokes, who returned from a hamstring injury in that Zimbabwe Test, will lead England against India in a five-match series that marks the start of both teams’ campaigns in the new ICC World Test Championship cycle.

Also Read: Most runs vs England in England for India in tests

ENG vs IND Test Series Schedule

• 20-24 June 2025 - 1st Test, Headingley
• 2-6 July 2025 - 2nd Test, Edgbaston
• 10-14 July 2025 - Third Test, Lord's
• 23-27 July 2025 - Fourth Test, Emirates Old Trafford
• 31 July-4 August 2025 - Fifth Test, Kia Oval

ENG vs IND | England full squad

Ben Stokes (c), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.

IPL 2025 concluded with a highly competitive final and gave us a new champion franchise. RCB lifted the trophy after waiting for 18-long years and finally etched their name in the prestigious IPL history. This win is expected to further enhance their brand value significantly.

When IPL started back in 2008 the combined cost of eight frachises was rupees 3000 crore. It marks a huge difference as compared to the recent years, as IPL is the second-richest sports league in the world by per-match value.

The value of the IPL franchises is different from team to team. And this is a detailed list of the value of the IPL Franchises from 2008 to the present.

Chennai Super Kings | ₹1012.6 crore

Consistently at the top, Chennai Super Kings maintains its position as the most valuable IPL franchise, with a value ₹1012.6 crore (USD: $122M.

Apart from being the five-time IPL champions, their value is heavily influenced by performances, loyalty, huge fan base, and one of the pivotal members behind their success, none other than MS Dhoni.

Mumbai Indians | ₹987.7 crore

It seems like Mumbai Indians have a knack for being at the top of everything. The five-time IPL champions have not only won IPL the most number of times but also have the second-highest brand value among all the teams, which is ₹987.7 crore (USD: $119M).

Backed by a strong corporate ownership of Mukesh Ambani, MI remain one of the most recognised and valuable brands, along with a massive fan following.

Read also: IPL Winners list of last 12 years

Royal Challengers Bangalore | ₹971.1 crore

Since the beginning of IPL, Royal Challengers Bangalore always had a star-studded lineup. With a brand value of ₹971.1 crore (USD: $117M), RCB has the third-highest team value in IPL. 

Despite a history of not winning the IPL trophy until 2025, RCB has been one of the most popular teams due to its association with global icons like Virat Kohli, and its passionate fanbase.

Their recent IPL victory is expected to further solidify and exceed the 1000-cr mark in their already impressive brand value.

Kolkata Knight Riders | ₹904.7 crore

The franchise with the fourth-highest brand value is the 3-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders. Owned by bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, KKR is a brand with glamour and strategic play.

Their value is approximately ₹904.7 crore (USD: $109M), and the 2024 victory has further strengthened their strong market position and fan engagement.

Sunrisers Hyderabad | ₹705.5 crore

Sunrisers Hyderabad has shown impressive growth in brand value over the years, strongly because of their splendid performances and consistent playoffs presence. They have a value of ₹705.5 crore (USD: $81M).

SRH has also earned the love and support of their dedicated 'Orange Army' fanbase in their region that contribute to their valuation.

Rea Also: Most P.O.T.M Awards in IPL

Rajasthan Royals | ₹672.3 crore

The inaugural IPL champions, Rajasthan Royals, started their IPL journey with a bang but slowly things turned around and they lacked consistent good performance.

At the moment, their brand value amounts to ₹672.3 crore (USD: $81M), boosted by their strong digital presence, innovative team building and other strategies.

Delhi Capitals | ₹664 crore

Despite never having an IPL title to their name, Delhi Capitals have a steady brand value of ₹644 crore (USD: $80M).

They put up a good fight in the 2025 season and narrowly left behind a playoffs berth, which creates a space for a hopeful comeback next year and rise in value.

Gujarat Titans | ₹572.7 crore

A new addition in IPL 2022, Gujarat Titans, is owned by CVC Capital (a private equity fund), and has made an immediate impact as a relatively new team.

They emerged as the IPL champions in their first season (IPL 2022), which plays a major role in their value of ₹572.7 crore (USD: $69M) at the moment.

Read Also: Teams to finish last in IPL Points Table

Punjab Kings | ₹564.4 crore

Punjab Kings is one of the original IPL franchises, with a value of ₹564.4 crore (USD: $68M). They had an incredible season in IPL 2025 under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer. They fell short of 6 runs to secure their maiden IPL title this season, and ended up at the runners-up side.

PBKS were also the table toppers in IPL 2025, and their performance helped gain a lot of new fan following, which will reflect in the coming years and value.

Lucknow Super Giants | ₹498 crore

Another new franchise formed in 2022, Lucknow Super Giants quickly established itself by making it to the playoffs twice in a row.

Backed by the Sanjiv Goenka-led RPSG group, LSG's brand value is currently ₹498 crore (USD: $60M) and is steadily increasing.

Value of defunct IPL franchises

Some now-defunct teams like Deccan Chargers and Pune Warriors India had a memorable IPL journey. Here we bring you their values:

Deccan Chargers | ₹428 crore

Deccan Chargers, based in the city of Hyderabad, is one of the 8 teams from the inaugural edition. They lifted their maiden IPL trophy in IPL 2009.

Unfortunately, the team washed out of existence in 2012. The brand value of the team was ₹428 crore.

Read also: Every IPL team owners list

Kochi Tuskers Kerala | ₹1533 crore

With a brand value of ₹1533 crore, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, started its journey of IPL in 2011. It was one of the 2 teams that joined IPL in 2011, and they just lasted a year in the tournament.

Pune Warriors India 

The second franchise to join the Indian Premier League in 2011 is Pune Warriors India. The team was acquired by Sahada Adventure Sports Ltd for ₹17.02 billion. They withdrew from participating the next year due to future uncertainties.

"We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us.

RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the affected families.

Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our program, and followed, the guidance and advice of the local administration.

We urge all our supporters to please stay safe."

"JUST DON'T GO. IT'S DANGEROUS."

RCB fans outside Chinnaswamy reveal stampede like situation 👀 pic.twitter.com/uM2EFD0wb6

— Cricket.com (@weRcricket) June 4, 2025

This picture will haunt every cricket fans forever 💔💔💔#Stampede #Chinnaswamystadium pic.twitter.com/Z1NJaDC9LX

— Voice of Hindus (@Warlock_Shubh) June 4, 2025

The Most Valuable Player in IPL is the cricketer who earns the most points on the MVP Chart of a particular season. Before the 2013 season, the best player of an IPL season received the 'IPL Man of the Series' title. However, the organizers changed it to the IPL Most Valuable Player in 2013.

How do players get the IPL Most Valuable Player award?

There is a special rating system, under which the cricketers earn points for fours, sixes, wickets, catches, dot balls, and stumpings. For every four, the player gets 2.5 points, while a maximum earns him 3.5 points.

A catch or a stumping is equal to 2.5 points, and a wicket gets the player 3.5 points. The bowler earns one point for every dot ball bowled. The leader of this standing takes the IPL Most Valuable Player trophy home.

Also Read: IPL 2022 Full schedule and fixture in PDF

Here SportzPOint presents you the Most Valuable Player in each season of IPL since the award's inception in 2013.

Shane Watson | 2013

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson won the Most Valuable Player award in its inaugural edition in 2013. Watson had undone the damage to his IPL prospects that year with all-round performance for the Rajasthan Royals. With 22 sixes, 59 boundaries, 6 catches, and 13 wickets, Watson edged past the big Chris Gayle by 37 points to clinch the Most Valuable Player once again.

A packed Chennai crowd also witnessed Shane Watson's first IPL 100. Incidentally, Watson's 61-ball 101 was also the first century of the 2013 edition of the IPL

Glenn Maxwell | 2014

After failing to find a spot on the Australian side in 2014, Glenn Maxwell staged a fantastic show in the 7th edition of the IPL. The all-rounder Maxwell scored as many as 552 runs in the tournament, during which he also smashed 36 sixes and 48 fours, all at a strike rate of 187.75.

The Aussie fell agonizingly short of a maiden IPL century – he blasted CSK's bowlers to get to a 38-ball 95. Although Kings XI Punjab lost in a thrilling final against the Knight Riders, Glenn Maxwell would have cherished the 2014 season of the IPL for his stellar run.

Read Also: The highest run-getter in every season of IPL till now

Andre Russell | 2015

Kolkata's Caribbean Knight Andre Russell was power personified as far as the 2015 IPL was concerned. The broad-shouldered all-rounder set the IPL on fire with stellar performances lower down the order. Russell was the bright spot of KKR's deep batting order, as the Caribbean genius scored 326 runs through the course of the season.

Russell could brag about his 21-ball 51 against Kings XI Punjab which helped KKR steeple a target of 183. A strike rate of 192.29 stood out in Andre Russell's scintillating season. Don't forget his 14 wickets and 6 catches.

Virat Kohli | 2016

The 9th edition of the IPL pulled every available spotlight on just one man, Virat Kohli. Former Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper was in mint form, as he seemed to have no difficulty in racking up immense runs. Virat Kohli came tantalizingly close to 1,000 runs in a single IPL season, finishing with 973.

En route to yet another blotched IPL final, Kohli hammered 4 centuries – which was the most by a batsman in a single IPL season – and comfortably snapped the Orange Cap. Despite a disappointing end to the season, Virat Kohli had taken the IPL by storm by his insatiable hunger for T20 runs.

Also Read: The highest wicket getter in every season of IPL till now

Ben Stokes | 2017

The tag of 'Most Valuable Player' was attached to Ben Stokes long before he took the field in the 2017 edition of the IPL. Stokes fetched Rs. 14.5 crore and was set to ply his skills for the Rising Pune Supergiant. He didn't disappoint his selectors who invested big money in him. Stokes proved his worth and added the title of Most Valuable Player alongside his already existing tag of Most Expensive Overseas Player.

Although he was dearly missed in the final, Stokes had amassed 316 runs at 31.60 before he left on national duty. The Big Ben lit up the IPL with a stellar century against the Gujarat Lions and was also instrumental in the Pune's impenetrable death-bowling. Stokes bagged a total of 12 wickets while maintaining a miserly economy rate of 7.18.

Suni Narine | 2018

Sunil Narine became the second cricketer after Shane Watson to become the most valuable player of IPL twice. After IPL 2012 he won the prestigious award once again in 2018. By this time he not only proved himself as an excellent bowler but also as a great hard-hitting opener.

He completely justified the roles given to him by giving an extreme start to KKR in the powerplay in most of the matches and also helped the team to reach the playoffs. In 16 matches he scored 357 runs with a strike rate of 189.89 and took 17 wickets with an economy rate of 7.65. One of his most magnificent knocks from IPL 2018 is his half-century in only 17 balls against RCB.

Read Also: Oldest player to score IPL century

Andre Russell | 2019

Once again a player from KKR became the most valuable player of IPL 2019 following Sunil Narine in 2018. Andre Russell also became the third cricketer to be in the MVP award twice in IPL history after Shane Watson and Sunil Narine. By this time, he proved himself as a batter who could win matches in dire situations.

In 2019 IPL Russell completely thrashed boundaries all around and literally played with the opponent bowlers. He aggregated 510 runs in only 14 matches with an out-of-the-ordinary strike rate of 204.81. He not only restricted himself with batting but also picked up 11 wickets for KKR while bowling in the death overs mostly.

Jofra Archer | 2020

Rajasthan Royals' all-rounder Jofra Archer claimed the IPL Most Valuable Player award in 2020. The English player topped the MVP standings with 305 points to his name.

Archer picked up 20 wickets, bowled 175 dot deliveries, smashed five fours and ten sixes as well as took five catches to beat the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rashid Khan to become the Most Valuable Player in IPL 2020. No other player could score 300 MVP points last year.

Also Read: IPL 2022: Players to play each season of IPL

Harshal Patel | 2021

The Most Valuable Player of IPL 2021 is Harshal Patel from Royal Challengers Bangalore. With 264.5 points, the cricketer had an amazing season this year. Starting from taking crucial wickets to winning the Purple Cap, Game-changer of the season, picking the highest number of wickets in IPL, he did it all. He had a dreamy season after making a comeback to RCB from DC. Also, he took a 4 wicket haul and a 5 wicket haul this season as well.

Suryakumar Yadav | 2025

Mumbai Indians batter Suryakumar Yadav has been named the Most Valuable Player for IPL 2025. The MI middle-order star finished the season with 717 runs to his name from 16 matches, registering his best season so far averaging, 65.18. He struck five half-centuries in the course of the tournament, emerging as MI’s highest run-scorer in IPL 2025. SKY is the second MI batter to win the Most Valuable Player of the season award after Sachin Tendulkar in 2010.

N.B: Last updated on 04/06/2025.