The IPL2021 auction was a bit different this year. The representatives from the differently-able cricket council were present at the opening ceremony. This was the first time that BCCI invited them to the biggest league in the world. But, the main story is how the cricket story between both the governing body got written. Let's dive into the cricket story in detail.

The Cricket Story: BCCI and Differently-abled Cricket Council Of India

The Board is registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act. Differently-able cricketers are yet to play with the BCCI logo.

"We are very thankful to Jay Shah for inviting us to attend the opening ceremony of the biggest T20 tournament in the world. From the very beginning, he has been very encouraging and has been promoting differently-abled cricket in the country."

DCCI president Mahantesh GK

BCCI had to set all this up because of the quotation from Lodha Committee. The committee informed BCCI to make some efforts to form a governing body. The Supreme Court made Lodha Committee wants the game to run at different stages in India. DCCI will select players across all age groups for representation in Tests, One Day, T20 or any other format.

Differently-abled Cricket Council Of India

The differently-abled cricket council of India or DCCI has members from the Physically Challenged Cricket Association of India, Wheelchair Cricket India Association, Indian Deaf Cricket Association.

People, players playing and working at the ground level to ensure there is enough talent coming up the ranks, feel happy now. With the initiative taken by Jay Shah, the secretary of BCCI they now can dream of playing for India under the badge of BCCI.

Also Read : Women In Sports: Female Athletes and Motherhood

The plight of the players who represent the country

Post pandemic the players of the Physically Challenged Cricket Association Of India asked for financial help from the BCCI. Dinesh Jain, former captain of Physically Handicapped Team India started doing odd jobs to fulfil daily needs.

Players lack financial support and recognition from the board which makes them even tougher for them to play. Avijit Biswas, a former physically challenged cricketer has told in an interview to SportzPoint that, "There are lots of state associations, but they are not active. Also, there is a lack of facilities in the ground level for the players to practice."

However, Avijit is trying to improve the facilities at the ground level. He is the founder of "Fulia Divyang Warriors Cricket Association". His association helps and encourages physically challenged cricketers to take the game up.

Suvrojyoti Sur, who plays for the Indian Deaf Cricket Association expressed the same feelings. There was sorrow in Sur's voice as we asked him about the current situation of the players like him. "There is a lack of financial support. No broadcasting of any match as well. There is no job. There are lots of problems when it comes to differently-abled cricket."

Also Read: Indian Athletes Qualified for 2020 Olympics in Tokyo: In Detail

How the recognition from the BCCI can help the cricketers: The Cricket Story

DCCI secretary Ravi Chauhan thinks the recognition from the BCCI will make every cricketer proud. Moreover, it will also appreciate the efforts of all the players who kept on fighting for their respect.

According to Suvrojyoti Sur, this can make a huge difference for the upcoming generation. Moreover, as he talks about his retirement from the game, there is a sense of pride in his words.

"I am thankful to Jay Shah for the approach. Let's see how everything goes from here now. We are hopeful that something great will happen."

Meanwhile, Avijit thinks recognition from the BCCI might help players to get jobs. Furthermore, it will also form a systematic chain to find new talents as well.

"Everything will follow a proper system if this happens. Players will be eligible to get jobs and get their life secured. Most importantly the players will get respect, which we deserve."

Countries like England, South Africa and even Pakistan have has a disability wing. Therefore its high time that BCCI recognises the efforts of all of those special players representing India.

The ongoing five-match T20I series between India and Australia has now reached a thrilling stage with both teams tied at 1-1 with one match abandoned. The Indian team, captained by Suryakumar Yadav, leveled the series with a resounding victory in the third match. Now after winning the third match, the fourth T20I between the two teams will be played on November 6, 2025, which is going to be held at a new venue, Carrara Oval Stadium in Queensland.

After the first game in Canberra was washed out, Australia took a 1-0 lead after winning the second in Melbourne by four wickets. They chased down a 126-run target in 13.2 overs on a spicy track after Josh Hazlewood bowled a brilliant spell with the new ball.

India bounced back commendably in the third T20I in Hobart to restore parity in the series. They made light work of a 187-run target, reaching the score in just 18.3 overs, with five wickets to spare. Washington Sundar played a blinder of an innings after Arshdeep Singh's exemplary three-for on his comeback.

The team that wins the fourth T20I, will ensure they do not lose the series. Consequently, both India and Australia are expected to put in all their efforts to win the fourth match.

Here is everything you need to know before the India vs Australia 4th T20I match in the India tour of Australia 2025.

Also Read: ICC Trophy winners list year-wise (2000-2025)

Match Details

• Match: India vs Australia
• Tournament: India tour of Australia 2025, 4th T20I
• Date: 6 November 2025
• Time: 1:45 PM IST
• Venue: Carrara Oval, Queensland

Streaming Details

The 4th T20I between India and Australia will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network.

The live streaming of the 4th T20I between India and Australia will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.

India vs Australia: Head-to-head stats in T20I

Australia and India have met 35 times in T20 cricket, with the Men in Blue winning on 21 occasions. Australia have won 12 times, while two match ended in no result.

Pitch Report: Carrara Oval

📍 The Gold Coast

Soaking in the sun and the work ahead of the 4️⃣th T20I, ft. #TeamIndia 😎💪#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/iKF4pXOTB9

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 5, 2025

Batters are expected to have a jolly time at the Carrara Oval in Queensland. The fast bowlers will have to make the most of the new ball as it might swing around for the first few overs. However, once the ball gets old, conditions could be ideal for batting.

Weather Report

According to Accuweather's weather forecast, there is, overall, just a 2% chance of precipitation (rain) in Gold Coast this Thursday. In fact, this percentage dips further to 0% in the evening, which is when the India vs Australia T20I will kick-off.

So as per this weather forecast, the match should go ahead and conclude without any interruptions from nature. Although not the final match, it is an important clash in the greater context, as the loser will only the chance to draw the series in the last T20I.

Possible Lineups

India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Shivam Dube/Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.

Australia: Mitchell Marsh (C), Matthew Short, Josh Inglis (WK), Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann.

Also Read: Most ODI runs in cricket history

India vs Australia 4th T20I Match Prediction

India have the upper hand heading into the fourth T20I after a confident run chase in Hobart. Their batting depth and form in the middle order make them slight favourites to take a 2-1 series lead. Australia remain dangerous at home but will miss key players like Travis Head and Josh Hazlewood, which could tilt the contest in India’s favour.

The second T20I of the India vs Australia series will be played on October 31st at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia. The match will begin at 1:45 PM IST. The first match of the series, played in Canberra, was abandoned due to bad weather. Batting first, India made a good start, scoring 97 runs in 9.4 overs for the loss of one wicket. Captain Suryakumar Yadav scored 39 runs off 24 balls, while Shubman Gill made 37 runs off 20 balls. The two teams will now face each other in the second T20I.

Both teams will be aiming to take a lead in the series in the Melbourne match. The hosts Australia will be looking to continue their winning run and clinch the T20I series after 2-1 win in the ODI series. On the other hand, the number one T20I side India will be aiming to continue their dominance in the shorter format and stun the Aussies in the second T20I.

Here is everything you need to know before the India vs Australia 2nd T20I match in the India tour of Australia 2025.

Also Read: Batters with the most international tons since 2020

Match Details

• Match: India vs Australia
• Tournament: India tour of Australia 2025, 2nd T20I
• Date: 31 October 2025
• Time: 1:45 PM IST
• Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

Streaming Details

The 2nd T20I between India and Australia will be broadcast on Star Sports Network.

The live streaming of the 2nd T20I between India and Australia will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.

India vs Australia: Head-to-head stats in T20I

Australia and India have met 33 times in T20 cricket, with the Men in Blue winning on 20 occasions. Australia have won 11 times, while two match ended in no result.

Pitch Report: Melbourne Cricket Ground

The surface of the Melbourne Cricket Ground provides equal support for both the batters and the bowlers. Its provides good bounce which can turn out to be beneficial for the fast bowlers at the start of the match.

Weather Report

Rain is inevitable in Melbourne even with the best forecast and match day also has 45 percent chances of rain. However, another no-result seems unlikely but it is set to be a game with possible rain interruptions.

Possible Lineups

India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.

Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Philippe, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Josh Hazlewood.

Also Read: Most runs in WTC history

India vs Australia Match Prediction

India’s form and squad depth make them the stronger side going into this contest. Their batting lineup can handle any surface, and Bumrah’s bowling leadership adds potency. Australia’s inexperience in the bowling department could prove costly against India’s aggression.

Ranji Trophy was founded as the 'Cricket Championship of India' at a meeting of the Board of Control for Cricket in India in July 1934. The first Ranji Trophy fixtures took place in the 1934-35 season. Mumbai are the most successful state in Ranji's history, winning 41 titles, including 15 consecutive trophies between 1958 and 1973. Scoring Double Century is not anyone's cup of tea. But some incredible batters have mastered the art of scoring double centuries.

It's time, we look at the batters with the most double hundreds in Ranji Trophy History.

Also Read: Ranji Trophy 2025-26 round 2 matches: 5 starts to watch out for

Most Double Hundreds in Ranji Trophy History

1. Paras Dogra | 9

Himachal Pradesh's batter Paras Dogra was one of the highest run-getters in First Class cricket during the mid-2000s. He has struck the most double centuries (9) in the Ranji Trophy history. The 39-year-old made his Ranji debut in the 2001-02 edition and accumulated over 9,500 runs in the tournament. Having made his First-Class debut in 2001-02, Dogra represented Himachal Pradesh for over a decade before shifting base to Pondicherry ahead of the 2018-19 season.

The right-handed batter moved to Jammu & Kashmir ahead of the 2024-25 season, and led the team to the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal. As a batter, Dogra had a forgettable season in Ranji Trophy 2024-25, with an average of 27.84 and just one century in 14 innings.

2. Cheteshwar Pujara | 9

The Saurashtra batter Cheteshwar Pujara equalled the record for the most double hundreds in Ranji Trophy with his ninth double ton in the format including two triple centuries and 12 centuries. Overall Pujara smashed 18 first-class double hundreds during his career. He played his first Ranji match against Vidarbha back in 2005.

His 18th double ton also helped him climb to the fourth spot in the list of most double centuries in first-class cricket leaving behind former England cricketers Herbert Sutcliffe and Mark Ramprakash who both have 17 first class centuries to their names. Pujara is now only behind Elias Henry Hendren (22), Wally Hammond (36) and Don Bradman (37) in terms of most double centuries in first class cricket.

3. Abhinav Mukund | 7

Abhinav Mukund comes in third place with seven double-tons in the Ranji Trophy. The left-handed opener showed his class on his debut Ranji knock, slamming a magnificent 100. Mukund made his India debut in 2011 and finished his first-class career in 2020 after representing the state in 64 Ranji matches, slamming 4,117 runs with 12 centuries and 17 fifties, with a highest score of 240.

4. Ajay Kumar Sharma | 7

Delhi's Ajay Kumar Sharma could not blossom for India for his off-the-field activities. During his 17-year-old first-class career, Sharma played for Delhi and Himachal Pradesh, slamming as many as seven Ranji Trophy double-centuries, which came in 85 matches, amassing 7,319 runs, with 31 tons and 20 fifties.

During the 1996-97 Ranji season, Ajay became the third player to score 1,000 runs in a single season. However, he was involved in match-fixing which led to the BCCI life banning the cricketer in 2000.

5. Ashok Malhotra | 6

Ashok Malhotra is known for his stylish and skillful batting in Ranji Trophy history. He scored six double centuries. He also worked as a coach for the Indian team temporarily during John Wright’s time when Wright had to leave due to an emergency. Malhotra’s highest score in Ranji Trophy was 258, which he made against Hyderabad while playing for Bengal.

6. Manoj Tiwary | 6

Manoj Tiwary made his Ranji Trophy debut in 2004 and showcased his potential, which gained recognition all over in first-class cricket. Tiwary represented Bengal for 19 years and registered six double-hundred in 79 matches, scoring 5,090 runs with 11 tons and 30 half-centuries.

The former Bengal captain played 12 ODI and three T20I for India between 2008 and 2015 but hasn't gotten enough chances to build an international career upon it. He can be considered as one of the unluckiest batsmen in the history of India, not for scoring runs and breaking records but if a cricket fan follows him regularly how he runs the game.

Also Read: BCCI Domestic Season 2025-26: Key dates, fixtures and schedule

7. Surendra Shriram Bhave | 6

Surendra Shriram Bhave might not be very famous, but he played an important role in Maharashtra’s cricket history. He scored six double centuries in the Ranji Trophy and played his last Ranji Trophy match in 2001. His best score was 274, which he made against Bombay in the 1989-90 season.

In 97 first-class matches since his debut in 1986-87, Bhave accumulated nearly 8000 runs at an impressive average of over 58 with 28 hundreds and 27 half-centuries. Out of 28 tons, he converted seven of them into double centuries with a highest of 292 against South Zone in a Duleep Trophy match in Rourkela.

The auction for the next season of the Indian Premier League, IPL 2026, is expected to take place in December. It is reported that the auction could take place between December 13th and 15th. The BCCI has not yet finalized the auction date.

Compared to IPL 2025, this time a "mini auction" will be held, with fewer players up for grabs than last time. The same Cricbuzz report also stated that the deadline for retaining players could be November 15th.

Also Read: Exclusive: 'Would love to see her bat up the order,' Shib Shankar Paul, after Richa Ghosh's record-breaking 94 against South Africa

According to Cricbuzz, it has not yet been decided whether the auction will take place abroad or in India. Sources believe the BCCI may hold a "mini auction" in India, but the situation remains unclear.

Deadline for retention list

According to reports, all teams will have to release their retention lists by November 15th. By this date, teams must submit a list of players they wish to release. It is unlikely that there will be significant player changes.

Who can be released?

There is speculation that Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Sam Curran, and star batsman Devon Conway could also be released before the 'mini auction.' In recent months, speculation about Sanju Samson being traded has also gained momentum.

It has also been reported that Rajasthan Royals may release their two main spin bowlers, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana. However, Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara will be the head coach of RR next season, so Hasaranga and Theekshana may not be released.

These players can get a new team

Some other players including Mitchell Starc, Akashdeep, T Natarajan, Mayank Yadav and David Miller may join the new team, but nothing is clear on this. Venkatesh Iyer, who was bought by KKR for ₹23.75 crore last season, could also be on the line. There is speculation that Cameron Green could become one of the most expensive players in the auction.

Also Read: Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Which matches will be streamed LIVE?

Players who can be retained

Mumbai is anyway, likely to retain Hardik Pandya, Surya Kumar Yadav, Bumrah and others. Chennai will retain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhoni and Jadeja. Bengaluru is likely to keep hold of captain Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, amongst others. 

The final list of retentions will be out in roughly a month from now, and this will potentially set the stage for the upcoming auction in December.

The second and final match of the India vs West Indies two-Test series will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium (formerly Feroz Shah Kotla) in New Delhi from October 10, 2025. The first match of the Test series was played from 02 to 04 October 2025 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Shubman Gill-led side won the first Test by an innings and 140 runs. India will now look to win the match and thus pocket the series inflicting a whitewash over West Indies.

Having registered a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, Shubman and his men are currently placed third in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027 points table with three wins, two losses and one draw. 

Also Read: Result of every India vs West Indies Test series

Here is everything you need to know before the India vs West Indies second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

Match Details

• Match: India vs West Indies
• Tournament: West Indies tour of India, Second Test
• Date: 10 October 2025
• Time: 9:30 AM IST
• Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi

Streaming Details

The India vs West Indies second Test match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network’s TV channels.

Live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website in India.

India vs West Indies: Head-to-head stats

India and the West Indies have faced each other 101 times. While the Caribbean side historically holds the upper hand, India’s performance has strengthened significantly in recent decades.

The record shows that nearly half of all matches between India and West Indies ended in draws. However, the 21st century has seen India dominate the encounters, winning 16 out of the last 26 Tests against the West Indies, including several innings victories.

Pitch Report: Arun Jaitley Stadium

The surface at the Arun Jaitley Stadium is expected to be on the drier side. Spinners could get more assistance as the game goes on. The first two innings could be good for batting, with a lot of runs on offer. The captain who wins the toss would want to bat first. If the team which bats first can post a big first-innings total, it will push the opposition team behind the eight-ball.

Weather Report

Rain is not expected to be a major problem for the second Test. The weather is likely to be cloudy throughout the five days. Light rain or drizzle may occur once or twice, but nothing heavy enough to affect the overall match. Conditions are expected to remain playable, with little to no significant interruptions.

Also Read: Cricket facts: Every ODI captain of India and their records (men’s)

Possible Lineups

India: ⁠Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

West Indies: Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Brandon King, Roston Chase (C), Shai Hope, Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Jediah Blades, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales.