IPL 2024 is going to start from tomorrow. The first match is to be played between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings on the ground of Chennai. But now some new rules have also been implemented.

Also Read: Virat Kohli's runs in each IPL season

Bowlers will be able to bowl two bouncers per over

According to the new rules of IPL 2024, now bowlers will be able to bowl two bouncers in one over. Generally in T20 cricket, two bouncers in one over i.e. balls above the shoulder are not valid. The second ball is given one run by the umpire by calling it an extra delivery. But two bouncers are acceptable in ODI and Test cricket. BCCI had implemented this rule for the first time in the last season of the domestic T20 tournament, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and now it is being introduced in the IPL as well. In T20 cricket, every ball matters and in such a situation, a maximum of 40 bouncer balls in an innings can trouble the batsmen.

BCCI didn't accept ICC's rule

Along with this, BCCI has not accepted the rule of separate use of DRS for stumping and catching recently changed by ICC. According to the board, it would be wrong for the fielding side not to check the catch before stumping. Whereas ICC had said that if the fielding side has appealed for stumping then the third umpire will review for stumping. The team will have to take DRS to check the catch. But BCCI will not implement this rule in the IPL 2024 season.

No 'Stop Clock' rule

Moreover, the recently introduced 'Stop Clock' rule will also not be seen in IPL 2024 season. Apart from this, if we talk about review system, every team will have two reviews in an innings. Reviews can also be taken on wide and no balls like last season

Also Read: MS Dhoni Captaincy Record and Stats in IPL

BCCI also started Smart Reply System

Apart from all this, BCCI has also started 'Smart Replay System' this time, under which the third umpire and the Hawk-Eye operator will be sitting in the same room and the third umpire will directly see the pictures of the Hawk-Eye camera. This will reduce the delay in watching replays and taking decisions and will enable faster decisions in any referral or close cases.

For years, the Board of Control for Crock in India (BCCI) has navigated various challenges. However a recent coury order is set to have a major financial impact on the sport's governing body.

This ruling revisits a past chapter involving a former IPL team and a long-standing dispute with them. The decision has arrived after a decade of the case, and brings a major setback for BCCI as Bombay HC orders to pay ₹538 crore to defunct IPL team Kochi Tuskers Kerala.

Read the full story to know why.

How the BCCI-Kochi Tuskers Kerala dispute began

The root of this major legal battle dates back to 2011, when the BCCI terminated the contract of the IPL team Kochi Tuskers Kerala. The team, managed by Kochi Cricket Private Limited (KCPL), had only played in one IPL season.

The BCCI claimed they ended the contract because Kochi Tuskers failed to provide a required annual bank guarantee by a deadline in March 2011. This was seen by the BCCI as a serious breach of their agreement.

However, the team owners had a different view. They argued that their delay was due to several issues, including problems with the stadium in Kochi and delays in getting necessary approvals. They also stated that the BCCI continued to deal with them and even accepted payments for months after the March deadline.

The team owners believed this showed the BCCI had waived or overlooked the deadline, making their sudden contract termination unfair.

Taking the matter to arbitration:

Because they felt the termination was wrong, the Kochi Tuskers owners took the matter to arbitration in 2012. An independent tribunal looked at all the facts. In June 2015, this tribunal ruled in favor of Kochi Tuskers Kerala.

The tribunal specifically directed the BCCI to pay ₹384.83 crore to Kochi Cricket Private Limited (KCPL) for lost earnings and ₹153.34 crore to Rendezvous Sports World (RSW) for a wrongfully cashed bank guarantee. These amounts also included interest and legal costs.

Read Also: Anaya Bangar requests BCCI, ICC to revisit their current policies on transgender inclusion in women’s cricket

The Financial Fallout: Why ₹538 crore to be paid now?

The BCCI challenged the 2015 arbitration award in the Bombay High Court, arguing it was unfair and that the damages were too high. However, the recent Bombay HC ruling upheld the original arbitration decision.

This means the BCCI is now legally required to pay a total of over ₹538 crore, including accumulated interest since 2015, to the KTK owners. This represents a major financial loss and a significant legal defeat for the Indian cricket board.

A single social media activity has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world ahead of IPL 2026 auction. A recent 'hint' from Sanju Samson's manager has intensified the possibility of his transfer to Chennai Super Kings from Rajasthan Royals in the next season.

Fans are wondering whether this would come true and change the landscape for both the teams in the future, or is it just another false call.

There's been a mixed bag of positive and upsetting reactions in the past 24 hours, but the real question still stands: Will Sanju Samson join CSK for IPL 2026? Check out how Manager's hint fuels mega transfer rumours.

"Time to Move": Samson's recent viral Instagram post

On June 7, Sanju Samson posted a photo on Instagram that begin the rumors. The image featured him alongside his wife, crossing a prominent yellow line on the road. He captioned the post: "Time to MOVE..!!"

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sanju V Samson (@imsanjusamson)

This visual cue, combined with the caption and the fact that a Tamil song ('Mun Andhi' from 7 Aum Arivu) was also part of the post, immediately sparked discussion. The comments section was quickly flooded with fans linking the "yellow" color and the "move" message to the Chennai Super Kings.

Comments like "He is definitely moving to CSK" and "Welcome to CSK 💛" can be seen all over the post.

Read Also: "Whatever the future brings," Yashasvi Jasiwal's cryptic post after the Royals' end of IPL 2025

Manager's IPL 2026 hint that sparked Sanju Samson transfer rumours

The intense speculation regarding Sanju Samson moving to CSK for IPL 2026 intensified due to a subtle yet impactful social media action by his manager, Prashob Suvedan. He liked a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), which explicitly stated that Samson might be released from Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

This gets more interesting as the post also claimed CSK having already approached Samson regarding the move.

Therefore, the timing and nature of his manager's digital interaction ignited widespread speculation and put a layer of possibility about this matter.

Read Also: Value of the IPL Franchises since 2008 to the present

How the cricket fans reacted:

Fans have flooded with opinions and future calculations after the incident. Here's a glimpse of that:

Can’t blame them 😉 https://t.co/XviV2CVSM8 pic.twitter.com/RHsZDNJUZ7

— Sanju Samson Fans Page (@SanjuSamsonFP) June 16, 2025

🚨 Sanju Samson wants to join CSK, CSK wants Sanju Samson. Talks are on but it is not at all this simple.

RR doesn't want to trade Samson with any CSK's player, if Samson wants to join CSK then he will have to do it through auction. But then in Auction there is KKR who gonna… pic.twitter.com/Dy6mpX1Ke2

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) June 17, 2025

Sanju Samson's manager Prashobh Sudevan has liked a post which says that Sanju Samson will be released by Rajasthan Royals.

This means that Sanju is definitely joining CSK.💛#csk #WhistlePodu #IPL #SanjuSamson #MSDhoni𓃵 pic.twitter.com/VNtAiOzlrs

— kuldeep singh (@kuldeep0745) June 16, 2025

Every now and then, a year comes along that changes sports history. Imagine waiting years, even decades, for your favourite team to win. For fans across the globe, 2025 has turned that dream into reality.

This year has been special, marked by some of the longest trophy droughts in sports finally coming to an end. Teams like South Africa in cricket and Bologna in football have broken long-standing curses, proving that anything is possible. 

Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history? Join us as we explore why 2025 is a year sports fans won't soon forget, and is also termed as "Year of the underdogs."

1. South Africa won an ICC Trophy after 27 years/ 9,862 days

For nearly three decades, the "chokers" tag clung to the Proteas like an unwanted shadow. Time and again, they reached close to the glory, only to falter at crucial moments. But 2025 changed everything, as they lifted ICC WTC Trophy defeating a strong Australian side in the Final.

South Africa showcased a cricketing masterclass with extraordinary team efforts in a high-stakes final match. From Aiden Markram's century to Temba Bavuma's batting class, they gave it all to earn the standing ovation from the crowd as they walked with pride after the win.

This victory, as Mark Boucher previously said, indeed is the turnaround they needed to inspire future generations and earn global respect as champions that they truly deserve.

They made the world chant "It's time for Africa" with their performance.

Read Also: Most ICC Trophies by any men's team

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A post shared by ICC (@icc)

2. RCB won their first ever IPL trophy after 18 years/ 6,570 days

For 18 painfully long years, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and their passionate fans endured a rollercoaster of hope and heartbreak in IPL. Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB delivered exceptional, balanced performance this season, finally breaking free of their curse.

The image of Virat Kohli lifting the IPL trophy, the last major piece missing from his glittering cabinet, was one of the most iconic sporting moments of this year. It not only signified the team's victory, but also the ultimate reward for loyalty and career-long excellence.

The overall team contribution and management are the key factors that led them to secure their place as champions, shutting all the haters down.

Read Also: IPL 2025: RCB batters create this unique history before the playoffs

AAAAARRRRR CEEEEEEE BEEEEEE ❤🏆#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/lp3AwgCVQl

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

3. Go Ahead Eagles won the KNVB Cup after 93 years/ 33,968 days

Go Ahead Eagles soared to their first major trophy in 93 years, winning the KNVB Cup in 2025. For generations of fans in Deventer, this was a moment they might have only dreamed of. The emotions outpouring after the victory were sensational.

Their journey in the tournament was an underdog saga, defeating AZ Alkmaar, where they equalised the final match in the 99th minute to take it to penalties, and ultimately winning it from there!

4. Bologna won the Italian Cup after 51 years/ 18,619 days

Bologna's victory in the Italian Cup after 51 years was a testament to patience and a perfectly executed season. Their triumph in 2025, defeating AC Milan 1-0 in the final, was a moment they manifested for years.

Key contributions from players like Don Ndoye, who scored the decisive goal despite returning from injury, and the tactical decisions of the coach, Vincenzo Italiano, brought joy to a city that waited for so long.

5.  Crystal Palace won the first ever major trophy (FA Cup) after 119 years/ 43,714 days

Perhaps the most astonishing drought-breaker of 2025 belonged to Crystal Palace. After 119 years, the Eagles finally lifted their first-ever major trophy, the FA Cup. 

The single decisive goal from Eberechi Eze and crucial saves from goalkeeper Dean Henderson shaped their 1-0 victory over Manchester City FC. This victory proved that even after more than a century, a club's biggest dream can still become reality!

Read Also: Football teams with most international trophies

6. Newcastle United won the League Cup after a long wait of 55 years/ 20,367 days

For the passionate supporters of Newcastle United, 2025 brought an end to a 55-year wait for a major domestic trophy as they won the English Football League Cup.

The sight of the Magpies defeating the 10-time champions Liverpool (1-2) was a powerful moment that reinforced belief in their new era. Goals from local hero Dan Burn and Alexander Isak brought the victory home for them.

7. Harry Kane won his first-ever major trophy (Bundesliga) after 32 years/ 11,676 days

For years, England's most prolific striker, Harry Kane, was burdened by an unfortunate tag: "trophy virgin." Despite his goal-scoring records and individual brilliance, a major team trophy has always slipped away from him.

But 2025 finally saw the narrative shattered as Kane immediately made his mark after joining Bayern Munich, leading them to their 33rd Bundesliga title. He was also the top scorer of the 2024-25 season, having scored 26 goals and 8 assists.

This victory felt like a personal one, putting a line to complete the picture in his football career.

Read Also: 11 players who have won the most trophies in football history

This one’s coming home with me! 🏆

Buzzing to be Bundesliga top goalscorer for the second year in a row and this one’s even more special as it goes alongside the Bundesliga title! Couldn’t have achieved this without the support of my teammates! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/WnvIvCf28S

— Harry Kane (@HKane) May 17, 2025

8. Tottenham won the UEFA Europa League after 17 years/ 6,296 days

2025 finally broke Tottenham Hotspur's 17-year trophy drought, as they won the UEFA Europa League. This was a monumental win, bringing the title back to North London.

The tense final against Manchester United saw a crucial goal from Brennan Johnson secure the 1-0 victory. However, the most iconic image was Son Heung-min, the club's long-serving captain, finally lifting a major trophy.

After a decade of dedication and numerous near misses, Son's emotional moment, draped in the Korean flag, was the highlight of his commitment and love for football.

A moment Tottenham fans will never forget 🏆#UELfinal | @SpursOfficial pic.twitter.com/ROFK5pRtDD

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 22, 2025

Punjab Kings (PBKS) lost to Royal Challengers Bangaluru (RCB) by 6 runs in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025). With this, PBKS' dream of winning the first title remained unfulfilled. At the same time, PBKS' veteran spinner Yuzvendra Chahal once again failed to win the trophy.

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

So, let's know about those selected players who played 3 IPL finals and their team lost in all of them.

Players who lost all IPL finals

3. Mohit Sharma | 3 IPL Finals

Delhi Capitals' Mohit Sharma is another IPL star to have lost the final thrice. Mohit was part of CSK's squad from 2013-2015, where the five-time winners suffered defeats against Mumbai Indians in both the finals. It is worth noting that Sharma was part of both the finals. 

Mohit's third try to win an IPL trophy was in 2023 with Gujarat Titans against his former team Chennai Super Kings, but suffered a heartbreaking defeat, as he also bowled the last over of the match and conceded 10 runs in the final two balls. 

2. Rahul Tripathi | 3 IPL Finals

Rahul Tripathi is another star to have lost three finals with three different teams. Rahul has played for several IPL franchises in his career and played his first final in 2017 when he represented Rising Pune Supergiants. Tripathi got another shot at the trophy in 2021 with KKR, but lost to Chennai Super Kings. 

The right-hand batter then moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad from KKR and reached the finals in 2024, but suffered a heartbreak against his former team Kolkata Knight Riders. 

1. Yuzvendra Chahal | 3 IPL Finals

Yuzvendra Chahal is yet to win an IPL trophy and the right-arm leg-spinner came close thrice, but fell short on all three occasions. The first time Chahal played an IPL final was in 2016 with RCB, where the defending champions suffered a heartbreak against Sunrisers Hyderabad. 

Also Read: Most successful teams in T20 leagues around the world

Chahal's second exposure to IPL final was in 2022 when he moved to Rajasthan Royals and locked horns against Gujarat Titans. The fate didn't favour Chahal as Gujarat won the trophy in their maiden season. 

The recently concluded IPL final between RCB and PBKS was the third time Chahal tried his luck to win an IPL trophy, but couldn't cross the line as his side fell short by six runs. 

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.