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In its bid to beat the extreme May heat in most parts of the country, the BCCI is contemplating an early start to the IPL, eyeing a March 10-May 15 window for future editions starting next year, Board secretary Devajit Saikia told PTI in an exclusive interview. However, he made it clear that due to international calender constraints, the number of matches will remain 74 and not be increased to 94. The IPL usually gets underway in the last week of March and winds up towards the end of May. Saikia said an early IPL would protect the interest of both players as well as the paying public. "This year, IPL started around the March 29th (28th), and it was over by May 31. Only thing which we are discussing is that during the fag end of the tournament after May 15...there is apprehension of having rainfall or pre-monsoon season starting. "On the other hand, there is hot weather which is not very conducive either for the players or for the crowds," Saikia said in the interaction. He said th
India all-rounder Vijay Shankar on Friday announced retirement from domestic cricket and Indian Premier League (IPL) to "pursue new opportunities" and "play more cricket". The 35-year-old all-rounder from Tamil Nadu, who later joined Tripura in domestic cricket ahead of the 2025-2026 season, played 12 ODIs and nine T20Is for India between 2018 and 2019. Shankar announced his decision in a social media post. "Cricket is my life. I started playing when I was 10 and 25 years later, I am grateful and blessed to have played at every level and to the highest level. Representing our country will always be one of my proudest and happiest moments," he wrote. "I have decided to retire from playing domestic cricket and IPL to pursue new opportunities and play more cricket. Thank you will not suffice for letting me do what I love. Eternally grateful." "Thankful to BCCI and the Indian Cricket Team - many learnings, countless memories and various inspirations! Representing the country will be m
Chennai Super Kings bowling coach Eric Simons said Mahendra Singh Dhoni alone will decide on his comeback, stressing that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter would only return if he feels fully fit and ready to contribute to the team. Dhoni, 44, couldn't play a single game in this edition due to a leg injury but Simons said he impressed in the nets with his clean striking. "Are you seriously asking me that question? We always are," Simons said when asked if CSK are hopeful of Dhoni's availability next year. "I mean, honestly, he has hit the ball so well. He obviously had a leg injury, which made it very difficult for him to run, so that's why he couldn't play. "But in terms of hitting the ball in the nets, he's hitting it as well as I've ever seen him hit it. But I keep saying this, only MS will know, and MS will make the decision about when he's ready and when he's right." The former South Africa all-rounder said Dhoni would always prioritise the team's interest over personal ...