Author: Elanchezhian Narayanasamy

England showed the rest of the world that cricket could still be played during the coronavirus pandemic after a remarkable season that took place entirely behind closed doors.

Emerging Media Sporting Holding – the parent company that owns Rajasthan Royals – has proposed to the BCCI that it wishes to transact an internal sale of shares between existing stakeholders. Emerging Media has offered to buy the 13.4% stake from Kelowna Investment Ltd, a Nigeria-based company run by Indian businessman Suresh Chellaram.

Sheldon Cottrell, 31, was picked by Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) for Rs 8.5 crore in the IPL auction. With Rs 50 lakh base price, Cottrell triggered an intense bidding war between Rajasthan Royals, KXIP and Delhi Capitals, with Kings finally winning the bid.

In the original concept, it was a made-for-television event. And that will prove to be a good thing for the Indian Premier League (IPL), the lucrative Twenty20 cricket competition that has been delayed several months. It’s now set to be played away from home in the United Arab Emirates because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The tournament starts on Saturday, with the final to be played on Nov 10.

Despite having stars, Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore have finished last twice since 2017. Over the years, Kohli has come into the IPL either on the back of a demanding international assignment, or with a forthcoming series on his mind. But this season might well be a game-changer for the Indian skipper and his men.

The IPL franchises will be heaving a sigh of relief as all 21 Australian & English players arriving to the UAE from the UK will have to undergo just 36 hours of quarantine instead of the earlier prescribed 6 days. “The quarantine matter has been sorted. Most of the teams will now have their big stars available from the first game itself,” a senior IPL functionary said.