Cricket

IPL 2025 Playoff Race: Who Will Secure the Final Four Spots?

Published

2 months ago

April 30, 2025

Editor

As the Indian Premier League 2025 enters its final stretch, the playoff battle has intensified with most teams having played 10 of their 14 matches. While some franchises have all but confirmed their spot in the top four, others are locked in a fierce competition to stay alive.

Here’s a look at how the table stands and who’s most likely to make it to the playoffs:

Current Top 4 (after 10 matches):

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – 14 points
Punjab Kings (PBKS) – 13 points
Mumbai Indians (MI) – 12 points
Gujarat Titans (GT) – 12 points (1 game in hand)

RCB has bounced back impressively with 3 consecutive wins, giving them a strong chance of securing a top-two finish. With four matches remaining, two more wins could guarantee their playoff qualification.

PBKS have been solid but inconsistent. With 13 points, they need just one more win to stay ahead, though their net run rate (+0.199) may be a concern in case of a tie.

MI and GT, both with 12 points, are neck-and-neck. GT, however, has an advantage with a game in hand and a superior net run rate (+0.748). Winning at least two of their remaining five matches should see them through.

Challengers Still in the Mix:

Delhi Capitals (DC) – 12 points, NRR +0.362
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – 10 points
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – 9 points

DC is firmly in the hunt but will need to improve consistency after a mixed last five games. LSG and KKR will need to win at least 3 of their last 4 matches and hope other results go their way.

Teams Almost Out:

Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – 6 points
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – 4 points

CSK, the five-time champions, are officially out of the playoff race after securing only 2 wins in 10 games – their worst performance in years. RR and SRH also appear to be on the brink of elimination.

Prediction for Top 4 Playoff Spots:

RCB – Likely top finishers with strong form
GT – One game in hand gives a crucial edge
MI – Solid NRR and experienced campaigners
DC – Slight edge over PBKS due to momentum and NRR

As the league heads into its final four rounds, every run, wicket, and over will matter. The playoff picture is far from settled and promises high drama in the coming weeks.

Cricket

AUS 67/4 at Lunch as South Africa Dominate Early on Day 1 of WTC Final 2025 at Lord’s

Published

3 weeks ago

June 11, 2025

Editor

June 11, Lord’s – ICC World Test Championship Final

The much-anticipated ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 kicked off at Lord’s with South Africa taking early control by reducing Australia to 67/4 at lunch on Day 1.

After winning the toss and electing to field first under overcast conditions, South Africa’s pace attack made immediate inroads into Australia’s top order. Marco Jansen was the pick of the bowlers in the opening session, claiming 2 wickets for 27 runs in 7.2 overs. Wiaan Mulder offered excellent support, keeping things tight with 3 maidens in his 6-over spell.

Australia Struggle Under Pressure

Veteran batter Steve Smith remained at the crease with a fighting 26 off 51 balls, trying to anchor the innings after early setbacks. He will be joined by Travis Head (11*) as Australia looks to rebuild post-lunch.

Current Score: Australia 67/4 (23.2 overs)

Fall of Wickets: 67/4

Session: Day 1 – Lunch

World Test Championship 2023–25 Standings (Before Final)

Pos	Team	Pld	Pts	PCT (%)
1	South Africa	12	100	69.44
2	Australia	19	154	67.54
3	India	19	114	50.00
4	New Zealand	14	81	48.21
5	England	22	114	43.18
6	Sri Lanka	13	60	38.46
7	Bangladesh	12	45	31.25
8	West Indies	13	44	28.21
9	Pakistan	14	47	27.98

Top 2 teams qualify for the final. Teams are ranked by percentage of points won. Points deductions apply for slow over rates.

Top Performers This Cycle

Batting Leaders:

Joe Root (ENG) – 1,968 runs | Avg: 54.66 (40 innings)
Yashasvi Jaiswal (IND) – 1,798 runs | Avg: 52.88 (36 innings)
Ben Duckett (ENG) – [Stats not fully available]

Bowling Leaders:

Jasprit Bumrah (IND) – 77 wickets | Avg: 15.09 (28 innings)
Pat Cummins (AUS) – 73 wickets | Avg: 24.54 (33 innings)
Mitchell Starc (AUS) – 72 wickets | Avg: 27.27 (35 innings)

Sri Lanka’s Position

Sri Lanka sits at 6th on the table with 60 points from 13 matches and a 38.46% win rate. With one more cycle ahead before the next WTC final in 2027, the Lions have plenty to play for as they look to rise up the rankings.

Cricket

KSCA Officials Resign Over Chinnaswamy Stampede; RCB Faces FIR in Tragic Victory Celebration Fallout

Published

3 weeks ago

June 7, 2025

Editor

In a tragic turn of events following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) historic IPL 2025 title win, a deadly stampede at the celebratory event held at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives and injured several others. The aftermath has sparked controversy and accountability issues, leading to major resignations and legal action.

Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) secretary A Shankar and treasurer ES Jairam resigned on Friday, citing “moral responsibility” for the incident. Their resignations were submitted to KSCA president Raghuram Bhat, as questions mount over mismanagement and negligence at the overcrowded venue.

The Bengaluru Police have filed an FIR listing RCB, DNA Entertainment (event partner), and KSCA as accused parties. Police confirmed that the event had not been granted official permission. In a swift move, Nikhil Sosale, RCB’s head of marketing and revenue, was arrested—raising further scrutiny over organizational lapses.

KSCA has filed a writ petition calling the FIR a “knee-jerk” reaction under political pressure. They argued that crowd control and gate management were the responsibilities of RCB and the event organizers, not KSCA.

RCB has announced INR 10 lakh compensation for each victim and committed to covering all medical expenses of the injured. However, the franchise has yet to make a comprehensive public statement.

This incident raises serious concerns about sports event management and safety standards, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a moment of celebration in Indian cricket

Cricket

Sachithra Senanayake Indicted in Landmark Match-Fixing Case Under Sri Lanka’s Anti-Corruption Law

Published

4 weeks ago

June 5, 2025

Editor

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Sachithra Senanayake has been formally indicted before the Hambantota High Court, marking a historic first in Sri Lanka’s efforts to criminalize corruption in sports. The charges stem from an alleged match-fixing attempt during the 2020 Lanka Premier League (LPL), making Senanayake the first player to face prosecution under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Offences Related to Sports Act No. 24 of 2019.

Senanayake, currently out on bail, is accused of attempting to influence Colombo Kings player Tharindu Ratnayake to underperform during the tournament. The incident reportedly occurred via a WhatsApp message, which was later flagged by a local anti-corruption officer, prompting an official investigation in 2020.

The case falls under the landmark legislation introduced in 2019 by then Sports Minister Harin Fernando, which criminalizes match-fixing and related offenses in the country. If convicted, Senanayake could face a prison term of up to 10 years, a fine reaching Rs. 100 million, or both.

The indictment signals a serious shift in Sri Lanka’s approach to tackling corruption in sports. Authorities hope this high-profile case will serve as a strong deterrent against similar offenses in the future.

Senanayake, once a celebrated off-spinner and a member of Sri Lanka’s victorious 2014 ICC T20 World Cup squad, now faces the grim prospect of being remembered not for his achievements on the field, but for his role in one of Sri Lanka’s most significant match-fixing scandals.

As the case unfolds, it casts a spotlight on the broader issue of corruption in sports and reinforces the urgent need for integrity, vigilance, and transparent governance across all levels of competition in Sri Lanka