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Probably learned nothing: Andy Murray reflects on coaching stint with Novak Djokovic
Sumit Sharma Sports
Probably learned nothing: Andy Murray reflects on coaching stint with Novak Djokovic

Andy Murray has given a candid assessment of his brief coaching stint with Novak Djokovic and admitted it was eye-opening and humbling despite limited success on the court.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the former world No. 1 initially joked that he “probably didn’t learn anything”, before he quickly clarified that his experience was actually deeply educational. Murray explained that moving into a coaching role gave him a new perspective on the daily routine and demands of an elite player, especially one operating at Djokovic’s level.

Murray said, “It was interesting to see what their day-to-day looked like compared to what I was doing, and how those things differ. It was really insightful.” He said coaching requires a change in mindset, particularly in how messages are communicated and how players are listened to, which he believes has been shaped by his own experiences off the court.

Learning curve despite semi-final limit

Murray’s tenure began around the Australian OpenBut the partnership ultimately fell short of the title. Djokovic reached the semi-finals at several major events, including the Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon, but was unable to convert those deep runs into trophies. He also crashed out of the US Open at the same stage.

Losses to top contenders such as Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev underlined the challenges Djokovic faced in regaining dominance, even as he won titles at smaller tournaments such as the Geneva Open and Athens Open.

Reflecting on the experience, Murray admitted that working with one of the game’s greatest players also revealed his own areas for improvement. “You’re very busy working with someone that great, so it highlights areas that you probably need to improve on if you want to be a great coach,” he said.

The partnership eventually ended After the Serbian’s poor performance at the French Open last year.

Djokovic’s condition is in danger due to injury concerns

Djokovic’s season has also been disrupted by fitness issuesThe 24-time Grand Slam champion has been struggling with a shoulder problem, which has caused him to miss major tournaments. He recently confirmed that he will not participate in the Madrid Open as his recovery continues.

The Serbian had earlier withdrawn from events in Miami and Monte Carlo, raising concerns over his preparation ahead of Roland Garros, which starts in late May. Despite the setbacks, Djokovic remains optimistic about returning to peak form in time for the clay-court majors, where he will chase a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.

For his part, Murray is confident in Djokovic’s enduring ability. “Given the level he’s still capable of, does he have another big win? I think he does,” he said, backing his former rival to add another chapter to an already historic career.

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published by:

Amar Panikkar

Published on:

April 22, 2026 14:54 IST

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Rashid Khan: IPL 2026: When Rashid Khan was rejected for Afghanistan Under-19 trials. cricket news
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Rashid Khan: IPL 2026: When Rashid Khan was rejected for Afghanistan Under-19 trials. cricket news

IPL 2026: When Rashid Khan was rejected for Afghanistan Under-19 trials
Rashid Khan of Gujarat Titans bowling during the Indian Premier League 2026. (ANI photo)

New Delhi: Rashid Khan According to the latest ICC rankings, he is the number one bowler in the world in both T20 and ODI today. But a new biography says Afghanistan’s spin magician – a crowd-pulling megastar in the cricket world – was rejected at the under-19 national selection trials. It was the summer of 2016, and despite the scorching heat, the teenager stood in line with thousands of hopefuls from different parts of the conflict-torn country at the Ghazi Amanullah Khan Stadium, about 15 kilometers from Jalalabad city in eastern Afghanistan.The farm-fresh book, ‘Rashid Khan: From Streets to Stardom’ written by Zafar Hand states that Daulat Ahmadzai and Abdul Wali Amin, two distinguished former cricketers who were coaches of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, were tasked with identifying talent.

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Venugopal Rao explains the key decisions that helped DC defeat RCB

Go beyond limits with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!The wait was long and Rashid, who was watching the open hearing for the first time, was eager to show his stuff. The book clearly states what actually happened.A coach asked him whether he was a batsman or a bowler. Rashid replied that he is an all-rounder. But the youngster was told that he could only choose one of two positions: bowler or batsman.Forced to make a choice, Rashid sought advice from the friends who had accompanied him. “I talked to my friends and chose batting as the preferred option of the two roles. They agreed it was the right choice. I faced three or four balls, hit two and missed the rest. The coach said, ‘That’s all. Thanks for coming,'” the book says. Rashid was rejected.Interestingly, both of them later became Rashid’s coaches. And coincidentally, as per the current update of the ICC rankings, the leg break and googly bowler from Nangarhar Province is rated the world No. 7 all-rounder in ODIs and No. 14 in T20Is. This is because the world’s foremost white-ball bowler has the rare gift of hitting big hits instantly and winning games for both the country (Afghanistan) and clubs around the world. IPLSunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans.IPL fans will remember how Rashid hit a six. david millerA sensational robbery was carried out against CSK in April, 2022. The cricketer recalls the excitement when he got the message from coach Ashish Nehra to become the stand-in captain for GT in place of the injured Hardik Pandya.The message read, “Khan Saheb, get ready. You will captain the team tomorrow. Pandya cannot play.” “That night, I couldn’t sleep,” Rashid recalls. “Not because I was nervous about captaining, but because I couldn’t believe it was happening. An Afghan player would go for the toss in the IPL against Chennai! I kept thinking: people will remember the name Afghanistan differently,” he says in the book, which was originally published in Pashto as ‘Rashid, Khan of Cricket’.That day, Rashid created history as the first Afghan to captain and win a match in the IPL. Hand writes, “Millions of spectators in India and beyond witnessed an exciting match and a new image of Afghanistan because of Rashid’s cool, smart leadership. It became a moment of national pride for Afghans everywhere.”

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FIFA adds more World Cup 2026 tickets after backlash over expensive new categories
Sumit Sharma Sports
FIFA adds more World Cup 2026 tickets after backlash over expensive new categories

FIFA has started selling additional tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026 following growing opposition over newly introduced premium pricing tiers. The move comes after fans raised concerns over transparency and affordability, with many questioning how tickets are being allocated.

The governing body confirmed that more tickets will be released for all 104 matches, including Categories 1, 2 and 3 as well as the newly added “Front Category” tier. This decision has been taken after criticism from supporters Who claimed that the better seats were first stopped and later reintroduced at much higher prices.

The scale of the price increase has been a major discussion point:

  • Initial ticket prices ranged from $140 (Class 3, Early Bird)
  • The final ticket price was initially set at $8,680.
  • Prices later rose to $10,990 for the finals
  • US vs. Paraguay tickets initially ranged from $1,120 to $2,735
  • New “front class” seats for the same match now go up to $4,105
  • Category 2 “Front” tickets cost between $1,940 and $2,330

Concerns have also been raised regarding seat allocation. Many fans alleged that their previously purchased tickets were reassigned to less favorable sections, fueling allegations of a “bait-and-switch” approach. FIFA has not publicly addressed these claims.

The issue is further complicated by reports of slow ticket sales for some matches, including the United States’ first match against Paraguay in Inglewood. Despite being a prime location, a large number of seats remain unsold, highlighting the impact of rising prices.

The World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, is already being billed as the most commercially elaborate edition of the tournament. However, the latest developments have raised concerns over whether it is becoming increasingly inaccessible to fans.

Why did fans criticize World Cup 2026 ticket prices?

Fans’ frustrations largely centered around the sudden introduction of higher-priced categories and the lack of communication regarding these changes. Many supporters raised questions on social media as to why premium seats were re-classified and later sold at increased rates.

Some also pointed to inconsistencies in seating categories at different matches, suggesting that sections initially sold under the lower tiers were later moved to more expensive brackets. Others claimed that the seating maps had been changed after purchase, giving them poor views.

The introduction of “front class” tickets – priced significantly higher than existing levels – has drawn particular criticism, with fans arguing that the process lacks transparency and fairness.

Will the new World Cup 2026 tickets be of any use?

Although FIFA’s decision to release more tickets may improve availability, it is unclear whether it will address the main concerns raised by fans. High prices remain a major hurdle, especially for early-round matches where demand is typically more price-sensitive.

The additional cost of participating in the tournament has also come under scrutiny. For example, Transportation services such as the Boston Stadium Express, The price per round trip is around Rs 8,840.90, raising concerns about overall affordability.

With the tournament expanding to 48 teams and establishing itself as a global celebration of football, the current ticketing situation presents a challenge. Unless pricing and transparency concerns are addressed, FIFA risks alienating a segment of fans at a time when inclusivity is expected to be at the heart of the World Cup experience.

– ends

published by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

April 22, 2026 08:30 IST

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IPL 2026: MS Dhoni back at Wankhede! CSK legend hints at massive comeback vs MI | cricket news
Sumit Sharma Sports
IPL 2026: MS Dhoni back at Wankhede! CSK legend hints at massive comeback vs MI | cricket news

IPL 2026: MS Dhoni back at Wankhede! CSK legend hints at massive comeback against MI
MS Dhoni of Chennai Super Kings (PTI Photo)

Mumbai: is a great captain ms dhoni And England’s star all-rounder will jacks Are you ready to return to action in the big Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings clash at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday night? After several days of anticipation, it may happen. Dhoni Took intensive training at CSK nets at Wankhede on Tuesday night. Notably, he kept wickets for about half an hour and also batted for about 30 minutes. The 44-year-old, who suffered a calf strain during the pre-season camp, was seen striking the ball fluently without any trouble. However, Dhoni was earlier practicing with the CSK team in Chennai. CSK is currently placed eighth in the IPL 2026 points table with two wins and four losses. His potential return will add valuable depth to their batting. Meanwhile, Jacques has finally arrived in India after missing MI’s first six matches. The England star, who was the standout performer at the 2026 T20 World Cup with four Player of the Match awards, trained in MI’s nets at the Wankhede between 5pm and 6pm on Monday, and also took part in an optional practice session under lights on Tuesday. The 27-year-old off-spinner bowled in the nets and batted for almost an hour. His arrival is a big boost for MI, whose campaign picked up momentum after an impressive 99-run win over Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Monday night. Jack’s arrival was delayed due to unknown reasons, with the MI management avoiding giving details about his absence during the first three weeks of IPL 2026. His appearance was eagerly awaited by both the management and the fans. As a powerful middle-order batsman and a capable spinner, Jack strengthens both departments for MI. His inclusion may force the team to drop one of its overseas spinners – Allah Ghazanfar or Mitchell Santner. Having delivered several useful cameos at No. 6 and 7 for England during the T20 World Cup, Jacques also provides MI with a reliable finishing option. Spencer Johnson joins CSK team In another boost for CSK, Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson, signed as a replacement for Nathan Ellis, joined the squad in Mumbai on Tuesday ahead of the marquee clash. The left-arm fast bowler trained with the team at the Wankhede and is expected to be included in the playing eleven on Thursday night, possibly replacing Khaleel Ahmed, who was sidelined with injury last week. After a slow start, injuries have significantly affected CSK’s campaign. In their previous match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, young batsman Ayush Mhatre suffered a hamstring injury, ruling him out of the remaining matches of IPL 2026.

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IPL 2026, SRH vs DC: Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel downplayed the huge defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad and called it an off-day.
Sumit Sharma Sports
IPL 2026, SRH vs DC: Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel downplayed the huge defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad and called it an off-day.

When an opponent runs away with the game in the first innings, it becomes difficult to tell exactly what could have been done right. This sentiment was expressed by Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel after his team’s 47-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Uppal Stadium on April 21. However, the captain admitted that fielding was an area where his team could have done better.

Once again there was Abhishek Sharma The center of attention after scoring a spectacular knock. He scored a blistering century off just 47 balls and remained unbeaten on 135 off 68 balls, helping SRH post a mammoth total of 242 runs in 20 overs.

Axar Patel said after the match, “When a batsman is batting like this, the coach and the captain have to accept that even the leadership cannot stop such an innings. I was saying the same thing to the bowlers – if you execute your plans and still get hit for good shots, there is not much you can do.” “It should be treated as a holiday and forgotten.”

srh vs dc, IPL 2026: highlighted | Achievement:

While Abhishek Sharma’s batting grabbed the headlines, SRH also produced a disciplined bowling performance. The standout bowler was Ishan Malinga, who took 4 wickets for 32 runs in his four overs. They received strong support from Saqib Hussain, Dilshan Madushanka and Harsh Dubey, all of whom contributed in keeping DC under pressure during the chase.

rue missed chances

Despite the heavy defeat, Akshar felt that Delhi Capitals had opportunities to make a difference, especially on the field. He pointed out the missed chances that could have helped limit SRH’s total.

“The run-outs and the catches we missed – if we had caught them we could have controlled things better,” he said. “Fielding is something that is completely under your control. Taking catches and run-outs are areas where you can support your bowlers. That’s where we could have done better.”

Akshar mentioned the crucial moment when Abhishek was nearing his fifty, which was his slowest half-century IPLAnd attempted to steal a double right under DC’s nose. The throw was accurate, but KL Rahul missed. The second example came late in the innings when the left-handed batsman was dismissed off the bowling of T Natarajan.

The DC captain’s tactical decision to play Nitish Rana as an all-rounder before Auqib Nabi also had an impact. Rana gave away 55 runs in his four overs, and though he made up for it with his half-century while trying to chase down the target for the team, it was too late.

After the heavy defeat, Delhi Capitals will return home to face undefeated Punjab Kings on April 25 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad will travel to the Sawai Mansingh Stadium to take on Rajasthan Royals on the same day with an aim to carry forward their winning momentum.

ipl 2026 | ipl schedule | ipl points table | ipl player stats | purple cap | orange cap | ipl video | cricket news | live score

– ends

Published on:

April 22, 2026 01:02 IST

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IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma created history, became equal to Virat Kohli… | cricket news
Sumit Sharma Sports
IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma created history, became equal to Virat Kohli… | cricket news

IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma created history, equaled Virat Kohli...
Abhishek Sharma of Sunrisers Hyderabad (AP Photo)

Abhishek Sharma Putting on a breathtaking display of power-hitting, he headlined Sunrisers Hyderabad’s batting masterclass against Delhi Capitals by scoring his second IPL century.After DC decided to bowl first, Abhishek turned the decision into a nightmare by scoring a brilliant century in just 47 balls. He remained unbeaten on 135 off 68 balls, an innings studded with 10 sky-high sixes, as SRH posted a mammoth total of 242 for 2 in their 20 overs.The innings marked Abhishek’s second IPL century and underlined his growing stature in T20 cricket. This was the second time he hit 10 sixes in a single IPL innings, making him the second player to hit 10 sixes in a single IPL innings. chris gayle To achieve the feat many times.

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IPL 2026: LSG’s Prince Yadav backs his plans despite defeat to PBKS

With this innings, Abhishek reached the mark of nine T20 centuries. Virat Kohli Among Indian batsmen. In the all-time list, Gayle tops the list with 22 centuries, followed by Babar Azam (12) and David Warner (10), while Abhishek is now next along with names like Quinton de Kock, Riley Rossouw and Sahibzada Farhan.Abhishek achieved another major feat in this innings, completing 350 sixes in T20 cricket, highlighting his reputation as one of the most explosive batsmen in the format.SRH’s innings was a complete team effort with Travis Head at the top, Ishan Kishan And Heinrich Klaasen provided strong support, but it was Abhishek who stole the show. He wielded his bat throughout the innings and increased the pace at the right time to dismantle the attack.There was also a piece of luck. Abhishek escaped the chance of an easy run out on 49 runs. KL Rahul The chance was missed, a moment that proved costly as the left-hander produced one of the most disastrous innings of the season.Highest individual score in IPL175* C Gayle RCB vs PWI Bengaluru 2013158* B McCullum KKR vs RCB Bengaluru 2008141 Abhishek Sharma SRH vs PK Hyderabad 2025140* Q de Kock LSG vs KKR Navi Mumbai 2022135* Abhishek Sharma SRH vs DC Hyderabad 2026His 135* now ranks as the highest individual score in IPL history, behind iconic efforts like Gayle’s unbeaten 175 and Brendon McCullum’s 158*. Abhishek himself is already included in that elite list with his innings of 141 runs last season, which underlines his consistency in delivering big scores.On a night where everything went well for SRH, Abhishek Sharma’s innings stood out as pure dominance – a blend of timing, power and fearless intent that left Delhi Capitals with a tough chase.

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MS Dhoni’s net session boosts CSK’s morale for Mumbai clash
Sumit Sharma Sports
MS Dhoni’s net session boosts CSK’s morale for Mumbai clash

MS Dhoni has given hope to Chennai Super Kings as they prepare for the El Clasico clash against Mumbai Indians. The former Indian captain has returned to the nets this time wearing wicket-keeping gloves. Dhoni, who has been away from the field this season due to a calf muscle strain, remained out of action for the first two weeks of the tournament.

Despite being absent from the matches, Dhoni has been actively training in the nets Even went to Hyderabad with CSK team for the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, he did not participate in the game, leaving fans eagerly awaiting his return to the league.

On Tuesday, April 21, CSK shared a video of Dhoni practicing in the nets wearing gloves. The CSK legend looked excited and made fun of the batsman after stumping him. Full video is available to watch.

No clarity on Dhoni’s return

There is no confirmation from CSK yet regarding when Dhoni will return to the field. Questions remain about whether Dhoni will be a regular in the starting eleven or will he be used as an impact option when Chennai is batting.

When asked about Dhoni’s return, batting coach Michael Hussey said, “Not really, I’m not sure.” “He’s progressing well with his rehab, and I’m pleased with how he’s batting.”

Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed concern over how CSK will manage Dhoni’s return.Explaining, “Maybe, but then you have to play Dhoni on the field. And how do you do that? Increasingly, he is finding it difficult to bowl. It was a bit of a joke when he came down to face three or four balls and the coverage publicized it as ‘What an innings’. It lasted four balls.”

Manjrekar added, “So that’s not possible now, and it’s never going to be a long-term solution. I can’t pretend to know how Ruturaj felt when MS was on the field but not captaining, when he wasn’t there at all.”

Dhoni has a strong record against Mumbai Indians, having played 44 matches and scored 772 runs at an average of over 35.

ipl 2026 | ipl schedule | ipl points table | ipl player stats | purple cap | orange cap | ipl video | cricket news | live score

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Published on:

April 21, 2026 20:37 IST

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IPL 2026: ‘The value set by Mahi Bhai…’- Sanju Samson talks about MS Dhoni’s CSK impact. cricket news
Sumit Sharma Sports
IPL 2026: ‘The value set by Mahi Bhai…’- Sanju Samson talks about MS Dhoni’s CSK impact. cricket news

IPL 2026: 'The value set by Mahi Bhai...'- Sanju Samson talks about MS Dhoni's CSK impact
Sanju Samson and MS Dhoni (Agency Image)

sanju samson A clear glimpse of life has been presented in Chennai Super KingsHe acknowledged that this step has brought a sense of responsibility and a remarkable change in mindset. In a video shared by the franchise, Samson talked about the pressure and pride of representing one of the most successful teams IPL. “A very different feeling for me… a very star-studded type of franchise that I am involved in these days. So I feel a little more responsible. I cannot throw my wicket easily. Immediately after bowling your wicket, you are entering the airport and people say, ‘Chetta, play more carefully’,” he said. The wicketkeeper-batsman said that he has quickly adapted to the CSK environment. “So I got very used to being a CSK player and I think I settled in a little too quickly. After two weeks I felt like everyone was on the same page as me.” Samson also highlighted the culture within the franchise, giving credit to the former captain ms dhoni To create your identity. “Being a championship team doesn’t mean behaving like champions or being arrogant or anything like that. The base values ​​have been set by Mahi Bhai and you can really feel them in each team player and support staff. Everyone is very cool and calm. It’s really in line with my behaviour, so I feel very settled here.” However, CSK have had a mixed campaign on the field so far. They recently suffered a close 10-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad and are currently eighth on the points table with just two wins from six matches. In the next important match, they will face Mumbai Indians. Samson’s own journey this season has reflected the team’s inconsistency. After a slow start, he bounced back to form with a sensational inning of 115 not out against Delhi Capitals. Overall, he has scored 192 runs in six matches at an average of 38.40 and a strike rate of 174.55, making him the second-highest run-scorer for CSK. The responsibility is going to increase on Samson after the injury to young opener Ayush Mhatre, who has been ruled out of the rest of the season due to a hamstring problem. Mhatre was CSK’s leading run-scorer with 201 runs in six matches. He has been ruled out of the team along with Khalil Ahmed and Nathan Ellis, increasing the team’s injury concerns. Adding to their challenges, M.S. Dhoni He has not performed well so far this season as he is recovering from a calf injury ahead of the tournament, forcing CSK to go through a crucial phase without their iconic leader.

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Lawrence Bishnoi gang linked to match-fixing scandal in Canada Cricket T20 World Cup
Sumit Sharma Sports
Lawrence Bishnoi gang linked to match-fixing scandal in Canada Cricket T20 World Cup

The alleged links between the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and the match-fixing scandal have emerged as the central controversy surrounding Cricket Canada. According to a report by CBC News, threats and intimidation may have influenced team decisions during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Canadian captain Dilpreet Bajwa is at the center of the matter. His appointment has come into question, with claims that players were pressured into supporting him. Some were reportedly warned of dire consequences if they did not support certain players.

“So he just said these words to them, ‘You’ve got to take care of these guys. These guys shouldn’t be taken off the team. If they do, you’re in trouble.’ Obviously this was very scary for her,” a source identified as Noah said.

This situation has now drawn the attention of the International Cricket CouncilWhich has started investigating possible violations of its anti-corruption rules. One of the matches being focused on is Canada’s World Cup match against New Zealand in Chennai.

“We cannot comment on the substance of the allegations at this stage,” said Andrew Effgrave, the ICC’s interim integrity chief.

What is the Canada match fixing scandal?

The controversy began when a documentary highlighted issues within Cricket Canada such as poor governance, questionable team selection and possible match fixing.

One match under focus is Canada’s loss to New Zealand, where they failed to defend 173 runs. One particular over bowled by Bajwa has caught the attention, scoring 15 runs including a no-ball and a wide.

The leaked phone recording also contains claims related to former coach Khurram Chauhan, who reportedly said that board members had put pressure on him regarding team selection. The recording also mentions possible fixing attempts, but these claims have yet to be proven.

Former coach Pubudu Dassanayake has also made similar allegations and is currently taking legal action against the board.

How is Bishnoi gang involved in Canada cricket scandal?

The most serious claims involve the alleged role of the Bishnoi gang in influencing players through threats. According to the report, some players were contacted and asked to support certain people in the team.

“We know you won’t be able to run away from the Bishnoi group where you live,” Noah said, describing one of the threatening messages.

According to the allegations, the aim was to ensure that Bajwa became the captain and that certain players were not dropped. The situation created fear within the team and even affected the officials, with some seeking police protection and others quitting.

The investigation is still ongoing, but the case has already raised major questions about player safety and the integrity of cricket in Canada.

– ends

published by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

April 21, 2026 13:40 IST



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Prince Yadav: From avoiding father’s beating to defeating batsmen with pace in IPL 2026 cricket news
Sumit Sharma Sports
Prince Yadav: From avoiding father’s beating to defeating batsmen with pace in IPL 2026 cricket news

Prince Yadav: From avoiding father's beating to defeating batsmen with pace in IPL 2026
Prince Yadav of Lucknow Super Giants (AP Photo)

New Chandigarh: It was a long time ago when Prince Yadav had to face frequent beatings from his father for roaming around the neighborhood to play tennis-ball cricket. Until the age of 17, Prince played every tennis-ball cricket match in Daryapur Khurd, a village beyond Najafgarh, Virender Sehwag’s birthplace, on the south-western outskirts of the capital.“Bahut maar khata tha ghar par. (I used to be beaten a lot at home),” says the LSG fast bowler with a mischievous smile during a chat with TOI.Go beyond limits with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!At first glance it is difficult to imagine Prince as a fast bowler. He does not stand very tall and his extremely lean body can be very deceiving. His father (retired Railway Police Force personnel) had legitimate concerns. The family’s income was largely dependent on wheat farming, perhaps the Prince did not seem to be adding anything to it. But the irony is that he is still playing tennis-ball cricket at the age of 24, while he is fast becoming a standout uncapped Indian fast bowler in the IPL.“Even after coming back from last year’s IPL, I still play tennis-ball cricket. I can’t speak for everyone, but it helps me with my arm speed because you need to put in a lot of effort to bowl fast with a tennis ball. The yorker feels strong (you can bowl fast yorkers),” he says, before quickly adding, “Whenever I get a break from cricket, I go to the fields. I love farming. We did some. Had harvested wheat the day before.”ipl 2026: Best bowling average and strike rate (minimum 10 wickets)

Prince Yadav

On Sunday, Prince came out of the carnage inflicted by the Punjab Kings batsmen with figures of 2/25 in his four overs. He is known for his yorkers in Delhi cricket. However, this year he looks like a more all-round bowler. LSG bowling coach Bharat Arun claims he has all the ingredients to make him a special fast bowler. “We have seen that he can swing the ball and he has variety as well. He has a good variety of slower balls and yorkers. And whenever he gets a chance to bowl, he works very hard to hone his skills,” says Arun.Prince has been learning the job ever since he was picked up by former Delhi cricketer Lalit Yadav, who insisted he join an academy 15 kilometers from his home at the age of 17. And during LSG’s practice session, it’s impossible to see the Prince far away from you. Mohammed Shami. He would go to Shami after each delivery and demand a nod.“You should get a chance to bowl with a player like Shami. He is always with all the young fast bowlers. Whenever we are not practicing he will talk about life off the field.” He goes out with us,” Prince gushes. “I can’t share what he says because those things are very private.”“After the last IPL, I was in constant touch zaheer khan (LSG mentor last year). I have spent a lot of time with Ishant Sharma in the Delhi state team. Ever since I came to Delhi cricket, I have been learning only about the art of fast bowling.Everything seems to be happening fast for Prince at the moment. But he was dealt a blow when the BCCI banned him for two years on charges of age falsification after playing Under-19 cricket within a year of playing hard ball in 2020. “That was a very bad phase. My family supported me because they understood that I could do something in my life by playing cricket. The former Delhi fast bowler Pradeep Sangwan Came to me and said that he would train me during that time. For two years I quietly trained with him and played tennis-ball cricket. That’s why I was able to take the field immediately after the ban ended,” recalls Prince.Prince is now in BCCI’s shortlist of targeted fast bowlers. He is seen as a potential player who can take India’s fast bowling forward. But for now, he is happy to see his family happy watching him play cricket.

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