As per the report of The Times of India, Pandya is being approached by seven IPL teams. The sheer number of buyers makes Pandya one of the biggest names in the current IPL trade window. However, teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad are out of his reach, but other teams are not shy to buy the experienced all-rounder.

The teams that have attracted most of the attention are the Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals.

CSK, KKR and Rajasthan Royals Lead the Race

Reports suggest CSK has joined the race at a later stage and has thrown in another big name for Pandya to match his signature. The five-time champions are still in the transition phase following MS Dhoni, and have taken Pandya as part of making their batting and bowling line-up stronger.

However, it is still a question mark if Chennai would be willing to draft him and whether he would want to come to a franchise, which is suspected to be one of the most difficult decisions to be taken.

Kolkata Knight Riders are next in the table. The franchise is rumoured to be searching for a new captain, and hence Pandya, owing to his captaincy at the IPL and international level, is a very tempting choice.

Rajasthan Royals are said to have taken a leap further in not just providing a leadership role but also presenting the all-rounder with a long-term plan. By inferring their keenness to shape their squad around Pandya, they might well be deemed to be among the greatest contenders.

Information is also that Mumbai Indians have been in touch with both Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, but no agreement has been reached.

Also Read | Hardik Pandya Relocates to Bengaluru in Big Move Before IPL 2027

Captaincy and Player Consent Could Decide the Deal

Numerous franchises are vying to sign Pandya, but it is understood that monetary considerations are not the sole factor for the eventual decision.

Consent of the player is always a major factor in any IPL trade, and reports have it that Pandya could be willing to move to another franchise if he is handed the captaincy.

According to the report, "two well-respected former international captains have apparently also taken an interest, while the same franchise has pushed for power-brokering roles."

However, no firm agreement has been reached as yet, and new negotiations are anticipated to resume in the next few weeks.

In the meantime, the Mumbai Indians are also thought to be looking at various ways around the proposed deal. This may include swapping players, a pure cash deal, or a mixture of the two, depending on the franchise.

Questions also persist about which individuals could be put into the potential exchange should either Chennai or Kolkata opt for such a deal.

Also Read | Hardik Pandya To KKR? One Big Obstacle Could Stop the IPL Trade

Another Mumbai Indians Trade Could Follow

Surprisingly, Pandya is possibly not the only member of the Mumbai Indians to be discussing a transfer.

The report indicates that MI are likely to decide the last fate of Pandya before proceeding with another possible transfer deal involving a teammate of his. Depending on whether the franchise completes an all-cash deal for Pandya, this may also affect future bargaining talks.

For the time being, this is still only the early stages of negotiations, and no franchise has officially announced anything.

While as many as seven teams are said to be keen, it is the captaincy which could be the biggest factor. What unfolds in the coming weeks might just turn out to be one of the biggest IPL trade stories in recent times. Whatever the case, Pandya's move would determine the balance of power ahead of IPL 2027.

As per a tender document obtained by Cricbuzz, the BCB has put out a process for TV and digital rights auction for all bilateral series planned during the course of 2026 and 2027. The Indian delayed white-ball tour has been included in the list of offerings, fueling speculations of its unfolding in the month of September.

The tour was initially called off because of strained diplomatic relations between the two nations, but the BCB's latest gesture indicates that preparations are still on.

BCB Begins Media Rights Process

The BCB has asked for expressions of interest for the next home series from TV broadcasters, digital media and marketing agents that would like to purchase the worldwide media rights.

The tender states:

"The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) invites Expression of Interest (EOI) along with financial offers from reputable TV Broadcasters, Digital Platforms and Marketing Agencies / Consortiums / Firms for acquiring the Worldwide Media Rights of the following Bilateral International Home Series."

Looks like India's tour is leading the listed series with West Indies' Test tour following in the latter part of 2026 and the England-Pakistan tour in 2027.

[According to the tender] The EOI document will be available at the BCB headquarters in Dhaka on 2nd July, and the last date of submission of the bid will be 22nd July.

No official confirmation of the tour being finalised has been received, despite the BCB having proceeded with the media rights process.

Also Read | Zimbabwe Registers Biggest Test Win Under Richard Ngarava

BCCI Waiting for Government Clearance

Originally scheduled to take place before the series was postponed due to diplomatic reasons between the two, the India-Bangladesh series. Now, with a new government in Bangladesh and with the changes in the Bangladesh cricket board, it may take some time for an India-Bangladesh series to be organised.

However, BCCI still insists that the final decision to go on tour will be taken keeping in mind the directions from the Government of India.

According to PTI, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia recently stated:

"The BCCI is a cricket-controlling board, and we have nothing to do with what is going on politically in other countries. As the BCCI, we follow whatever policy the Government of India has in place regarding participation in bilateral and multinational sporting events."

He further added:

"Whatever regulations and policies the central government frames, we follow them, just like any other sports federation, whether it is football, athletics or any other sport."

Saikia was also quick to point out that politically, in another country is no effect on BCCI's primary role.

"We are not concerned with who is running the government in a particular country, whether it is democratically elected, undemocratically elected or an autocratic government. That is none of our business. Our job is to run cricket. Whenever there is a scheduled tour to a foreign country for bilateral matches, we will proceed according to our plans and schedules."

However, the latest BCB move can give the series some possibility of turning on. But the commencement of the series still depends on the BCCI getting approval from the Indian government.

There was also speculation that he would be axed by the PCB in the wake of Pakistan's poor results including the home 2-0 Test defeat to Bangladesh. According to these reports the board was unable to find an appropriate replacement and has decided to stick with him.

PCB Sticks With Shan Masood After Leadership Search

Since being appointed Pakistan's Test captain in November 2023 Masood had high expectations to turn the side around. However, since then, Pakistan have played 16 Test matches under Shan Massod winning only four

Pakistan have gone winless in his first few years as a captain in terms of series victories securing their only series victory so far after losing the first match of the series.

The team's struggle has also been reflected in the ICC World Test Championship. Pakistan ended on the bottom of the 2023-25 WTC table with five wins in 14 Tests, and a win percentage of 27.98.

Woeful performance persists in 2025-27 WTC cycle. Pakistan are once again languishing at the bottom of the points table after four game only one win and three losses with a points percentage of only 8.33.

As reported by Telecom Asia the PCB considered other modes of leadership before it retained the services of Masood.

The real problem was the Test captaincy as said a source to Telecom Asia Sport, Masood having lost 12 out of his 16 Tests as skipper, no predecessor was willing to replace him as both Salman Agha & Babar Azam refused.

The report noted that chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi was searching for a new test captain but was unable to find a player suitable to be appointed.

Sources said Mohsin Naqvi was looking to replace Masood but was unable to find a suitable replacement. He will now officiate for the two Tests in the Caribbean and the three-match series in England, the source stated.

Pakistan Receive Fitness Boost Before Crucial Test Tours

Though the problem of captaincy seems to have been put to rest for the moment there has been an upswing in the images emanating from the Pakistani camp on the fitness front.

Geo Super reports both Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel re-entered the nets for batting on the concluding day of the Pakistan's National Cricket Academy's red-ball camp.

Both players had been doubtful for the Test tour matches after picking up injuries and being undergoing rehabilitation with the PCB medical staff.

It's a good sign that both are coming back to training as Pakistan gears up for two crucial overseas Test series against West Indies and England.

If Shan Masood is retained as captain and cricket opponents are recongnising the return of Rizwan and Shakeel From injury, Pakistan will be angling to get their recent record as a Test playing nation in World Test Championship down from the bottom on the table.

Abhishek's opening slump from the left-hand side lingered on in the second T20 International against Ireland when he was grilled out on the very first delivery to pacer Jai Moondra. It was another unwanted milestone in Abhishek's career in all T20 international cricket in 2026.

GCC cricket Then he joined Zafar Gohar in equalling the record for most ducks in a calendar year in T20 cricket. Rashid Khan his former teammate at Sunrisers Hyderabad had also scored nine ducks in 2019 while Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan matched the feat in 2024.

Abhishek has also created unwanted Indian record by hitting six ducks in T20 Internationals in a single calendar year the most by any Indian batsman.

Getting these poor numbers is all the more surprising since earlier this year Abhishek became the quickest Indian to reach 1000 T20I runs. The Ireland series saw him to that milestone in a mere 20 balls after he had scored a hefty 49 indicating that his skill set was still well and truly intact.

Abhishek's Tough Year Opens Fresh Debate

Abhishek had a dismal run with the bat since January when he bagged ducks in both of his Test appearances against New Zealand in Raipur.

More Aggravating Phase of Life was ICC T20 World Cup 2010. He got out without scoring in three consecutive group stage games before getting back to form against South Africa. But he ended the tournament on a cheerful note. He slammed 52 off 21 balls in the final against New Zealand to help India win their 2nd consecutive T20 WC titel.

The IPL also came down to earth with a thud. A couple of ducks in the IPL against Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals then another bleak one, against Ireland, helped him end a disappointing series where India succumbed to the first ever 0-2 drubbing at home.

Also Read | Before England Series, Shreyas Iyer Reveals Conversation With Suryakumar Yadav

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Opportunity Knocks

The battles Abhishek fought has only added strength to the appeal for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's debut.

The 15 year old who was selected in the Indian team after an brilliant IPL 2 season was not given an opportunity in the 2 matches versus Ireland. Suryansh Sarang and Prince were given their debut caps.

If Sooryavanshi had played he would have been the youngest ever International Indian cricketer at 15 years 91 days.

India persisted with openers Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, but the gamble did not pay off. Samson fell cheaply on the two occasions while Kishan scored 1 and 12 respectively.

The top-order collapses significantly contributed to India's first-ever loss in a bilateral T20I series since August 2023, snapping a series of 16 straight series wins.

On the eve of the series against england, captain shreyas iyer spoke about the team wanting to build confidence among all players but at the same time why the experienced lot keep getting the support.

Iyer said :

"All of us has to make opportunities and create security that people can be confident about those games. Every player who has played has done the job. It's not one player alone who has done it. They definitely are the ones who helped us win the last World Cup. We have an idea how to play the T20. And we play that format regularly. So in a way I have a lot of pillars to pack".

As India still have five T20Is against England to come, the mounting pressure on the openers is unlikely to ease. Should Abhishek's indifferent run not come to an end taking Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into the side may become irresistible.

In the wake of his announcement, tributes flooded in from all corners of the cricketing community, with Babar joining a number of current and former players in acknowledging Stokes' significant impact on the sport. The former Pakistan skipper lauded the English all-rounder's remarkable career and inspiring leadership, posting a photo of the two on his Instagram story.

"A fearless competitor and an inspirational leader who delivered on the biggest stage, again and again. It was an honour to share the field with you. All the very best, Ben, for the next chapter," Azam wrote.

He referred to Stokes as one of the most influential cricketers in the game and wished him all the best for the next chapter of his life. It's worth noting that Stokes had a stellar international career, debuting for England in 2011 and earning his Test cap in 2013. 

Also Read | Former India Captain Shares Strong Reaction to Ben Stokes' Retirement: 'I'm Very Happy'

Regarded as one of the finest all-rounders of his era, he played crucial roles in England's victories at the 2019 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup and the 2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, while also steering the Test side through a transformative phase. At 35, he has also made a name for himself as one of the most explosive batters in Test cricket, retiring as the leading six-hitter in the format's history with 138 sixes in 122 Tests. 

England's head coach and former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum ranks second on the all-time list with 107 sixes. Stokes wrapped up his Test career with an impressive tally of 7,273 runs and 252 wickets, becoming just the second player in history to achieve the remarkable double of 7,000 runs and 250 wickets in Test cricket. The only other player to reach this milestone is South Africa's great Jacques Kallis, who scored 13,289 runs and took 292 wickets during his legendary Test career.

Their involvement in training indicates they are making solid progress, especially after earlier reports raised concerns about their availability for the upcoming red-ball matches. 

Previously, media outlets had hinted that Rizwan and Shakeel might miss the tours due to their fitness issues, with both players undergoing rehabilitation under the watchful eye of the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) medical team. 

Also Read | Former India Captain Shares Strong Reaction to Ben Stokes' Retirement: 'I'm Very Happy'

Rizwan's fitness concerns even led to wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir being called up to the red-ball training camp.  However, neither player has been officially ruled out, and reports suggest they are on track to regain full fitness before the final squad is announced. 

The PCB confirmed that the NCA's red-ball camp wrapped up on Wednesday after a series of batting, bowling, and practice match sessions. Coaches worked closely with the players to sharpen their skills ahead of a busy Test season.

 A 17-member squad is expected to be selected from a pool of 22 players, with several fresh faces likely stepping in to replace some of the senior players. Pakistan is set to depart for the West Indies on July 13 for two Tests, followed by a three-Test series in England during August and September.

The Ireland tour didn't turn out the way India had hoped. India who had entered the series as the favourites lost both matches. Iyer's maiden full-time T20I captaincy assignment for India has said that the team have some important learning to do ahead of the England series.

Iyer, speaking on BCCI. T.V, said : 

"definitely not the start that we wanted, but a lot to learn, coming into new conditions, majority of the players playing for the first time in England and Ireland, so it's a learning curve for them as well. And also we have to build that camaraderie where each and every one starts supporting and trusting each other and that will only come through the more amount of matches we play."

Also Read | New Zealand Unveil West Indies ODI Squad; Matthew Fisher Gets First International ODI Opportunity

Iyer Wants Fearless India To Challenge England

The Indian captain was quite clear as to how he wants his team to bat and that is to play aggressive cricket and keep the opposition on the backfoot from the first ball.

" I just like to be menace to the opponents. I want to be having that com back attitude standing in front of me when I walk-in into the ground. I want all my horses to have that faith and that attitude that they are a little bit intimidated by our personality and our face and this is what I want to think for every individual in the team because for me it happens to be a war when I walk-in into the field. I want to win every single game and that's what I want to make each and every individual representing the country, think and want us to threaten the opponents."

Watch Here :

Relentless. Ruthless. Determined 🙌

🎥 🗣️ 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗲𝘆𝗮𝘀 𝗜𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲 and embracing the great honour of leading #TeamIndia 🇮🇳 🫡 - By @RajalArora

Watch 🔽 | #ENGvIND | @ShreyasIyer15 https://t.co/zmHVeAl5YB

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 1, 2026

Iyer explained : 

"He also emphasized that even after the T20 World Cup triumph the team is starting a totally new chapter. I think Gauti bhai has said in one of his interviews that we are world champions. This is a new paragraph which starts altogether where I am the leader of the team and we are starting from zero again"

Also Read | New Zealand Unveil West Indies ODI Squad; Matthew Fisher Gets First International ODI Opportunity

Rohit, Surya's Advice And Emotional Doctor's Day Tribute

Iyer also disclosed that he has been propped up by Rohit Sharma and former T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav before taking the hot seat.

Talking about Rohit, Iyer said,"Talking to Rohit Sharma is like talking to your brother. He's that kind of person, who has helped me out in my domestic career so it's always been easy talking to him".

He spoke about Suryakumar Yadav as well:

"And Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) again, same kind of stuff. I've played a lot of domestic cricket with him and just before coming in here he actually just come up to me and give me a lot of input about how the management is going to be. Moreover how the players are going to be in this particular kind of a situation. So I think definitely a decent interaction and definitely lot to learn at the same time."

Iyer also wrote out a tear-jerking message on Doctor's day, reminiscing the medical teams that helped him recover from the grave injury he sustained on India's 2025 Australia tour.

Shreyas said :

"A injury can make you realise how quickly life can change and I'm hugely grateful to the doctors and medical teams who helped me regain my health, strength and of course return to the sport I love."

He also said :

"They were by my side in one of the most difficult times of my life. And so, it is as a tribute to those who made it possible for me to live that I dedicate this second birth date to doctors in the world."

As the England series gets underway, there will be a hope in the Indian team to put memories of the Irish side behind and start well under the new captain.

The wicketkeeper batter took some time to properly interact with a small group of supporters during India’s training session on the day before the series opener. He was in a good mood and he clicked selfies with them, signed autographs, and just stayed for a few moments, with everyone. That little bit made the whole thing feel special for the crowd. Samson’s friendly gesture and humble nature really got him a lot of appreciation from people.

That touching video soon made the rounds on social media, and fans started praising him for staying grounded and showing genuine warmth to his supporters, again and again.

Sanju Samson giving autographs to fans at the Riverside Ground in Durham during today's practice session.❤️✨ pic.twitter.com/eFwiMjEBLY

— Rohit Nation (@Rohitnation45) June 30, 2026

This isn't PR. This is the real stardom Sanju Samson has built over the last 10 years through his performances and the love of his fans. pic.twitter.com/2F2JfayFIk

— Funda Unfiltered (@SG_SSamson) July 1, 2026

Samson was, like a key figure in India’s T20 World Cup run earlier this year, you know, that successful kind of campaign. He picked up the Player of the Match award in the semi-final too, then somehow ended up the whole tournament as the Player of the Tournament. The Kerala-born batter, was also the third-highest run-scorer overall, sitting just behind Sahibzada Farhan and Tim Seifert.

Now in IPL 2026, Samson started a fresh chapter with Chennai Super Kings after he joined the five-time champions via a trade, right before the season got going. He wrapped things up as CSK’s leading run-scorer and had a pretty steady run that included a couple of brilliant centuries, really.  

Also Read | Former India Captain Shares Strong Reaction to Ben Stokes' Retirement: 'I'm Very Happy'

Still, the 31-year-old ran into trouble in India’s recent T20I series against Ireland, and in that series the visitors ended up winning. In the first match he made only five runs, then in the second game he was out for a golden duck.

India will hope Samson to come out delivering at the very top of the order against England. If he gets off to a strong start, the Men in Blue could be pushed into a commanding position pretty quickly.

There is also Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, in form and waiting in the wings, for his cue. Because of that the Indian opener should be keen to make a comeback after that disappointing series versus Ireland.

Zimbabwe basically owned that one-off Test from start, right through the end, outplaying Bangladesh in every single department, with a sharp, showy performance in Harare on June 30. And before the loss, Bangladesh had shared a brief update on Litton Das’ injury, including when he might be back, more or less.

Bangladesh looked out of sync, no real answers, while Zimbabwe wrapped up the whole match within just three days to bring home their biggest ever Test triumph. The hosts excelled both with the bat and the ball, fully outclassed the visitors, and they managed to seal an innings-and-85 run success in that one-off Test in Harare.

It was Zimbabwe’s largest victory in Test cricket and, well their second consecutive Test win, which is something they hadn’t managed for over 25 years, actually. Earlier, they beat Afghanistan by an innings and 73 runs back in October last year, then they carried that same winning rhythm into this match versus Bangladesh.

The last time Zimbabwe won back to back Tests was in April 2001. And oddly enough, those wins also arrived against Bangladesh, when they finished off a 2-0 series sweep. All together, this is just the third time Zimbabwe have pulled off consecutive Test victories. This historic triumph felt even more special because Richard Ngarava steered Zimbabwe to one of their most impressive wins in Test cricket, during his captaincy debut.

With this really memorable win over Bangladesh, Richard Ngarava sort of became the third Zimbabwe captain who won his first Test as skipper. Before him, Stuart Carlisle and Brendon Taylor did the same thing, like the exact same milestone. What’s also interesting is that Carlisle and Taylor both managed it against Bangladesh too, in 2002 and 2011 respectively, as Zimbabwe captain.

Ngarava stated at the post-match presentation: “Well, it's a nice feeling to be making history. This is the second in a row series, and it's always a nice feeling, and hopefully we can continue with that.”

The Zimbabwe skipper said that having a broader group of players has really made the team stronger. Apparently, with more choices sitting around they can use the bowlers in different ways, then rotate them more smoothly, and also go for the batters who are showing the best form.

Ngarava then praised Brian Bennett who struck a brisk 59 off 67 balls in that one off Test, for how well he batted vs Bangladesh. Still, he saved his biggest compliment for the young pacer Newman Nyamhuri, saying the youngster is improving rapidly and has the capacity to turn into a real star for Zimbabwe cricket.

Also Read | Former India Captain Shares Strong Reaction to Ben Stokes' Retirement: 'I'm Very Happy'

Ngarava further noted: “It was quite important. We get to pick the best batters in the country and get a better performance. Brian Bennett has been one of the best batters on our team, and everyone else had to chip in with some runs, and that makes a team. Everyone has to contribute something. And that's why you see this W result. Newman is going to be something big in the future for Zimbabwe. I'm really proud of him, how quickly he's learning.”

Nyamhuri really got things started with the ball, taking six wickets as Zimbabwe managed to bowl Bangladesh out for 140 and 185 after putting up this big commanding total of 410 . Innocent Kaia sort of anchored the innings with a superb 140, while Craig Ervine with 60, and Wessly Madhevere on 77, added useful runs too, in that clear home win at Harare.

The highlight of the squad has been the inclusion of fast bowler Matthew Fisher who gets his first call-up to the odi from England. Jacob Duffy who has been out of the international perspective since the ICC Men's T20 World Cup earlier this year has been recalled to the odi squad.

Yet a number of first teamers will be absent for the Caribbean trip. Both Devon Conway and all-rounder Rachin Ravindra have been given leave Conway for family reasons, and Ravindra to participate in MLC 2026.

Pace Attack Gets Fresh Look

The pace attack for New Zealand will be slightly different for the series. Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry and Will O'Rourke have been rested for workload purposes while Blair Tickner missed out due to an ankle operation.

Christain Clarke, Ben Sears and Nathan Smith to spearhead the attack with Duffy and debutant Fisher providing further options. Fisher comes into the squad on the back of some fantastic domestic performances and has shown continual progression in the limited overs game.

Spin attack will be headed by captain Santner with backing from Michael Bracewell, Jayden Lennox and Dean Foxcroft. Ex batter Tom Latham has been selected as the team's keeper.

Also Read | 'One of England's Finest': Sachin Tendulkar's Heartfelt Message for Retired Ben Stokes

Rob Walter Focused On World Cup Preparation

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter added that the series is a crucial step in the build-up towards next year's ODI World Cup, which will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Speaking about the new additions, Walter said:

"Really pleased that we have Jacob and Matt to arrive. I'm certain they will bring energy and excitement into the group. If time allows, a good chance to introduce Matt to ODI's as a new member. Solid pace and worked on versatility with effects to make an impact at various stages."

He added :

"Jacob has been a consistent performer for us over all formats over the last couple of years. He brings experience and skill to our squad and I know he's looking forward to representing New Zealand again."

The ODI series will launch at the Guyana National Stadium on 11 July. The next two matches will be played in Guyana on 13 July and 16 July. The last two matches will be held at the small Barbados stadium of Kensington Oval on 19 July and 21 July.

New Zealand ODI Squad:

Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith and Will Young.jm