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Tag: IPL 2025 team strategies

  • IPL 2025 Retention: Why did Virat Kohli block Glenn Maxwell on Instagram? Here’s All You Need To Know cricket news

    In the world of cricket, relationships can be as intense as the games themselves. Recently, Glenn Maxwell, the explosive Australian all-rounder, unveiled a humorous yet insightful incident regarding his relationship with Indian batting icon Virat Kohli. In his newly released book, The Showman, Maxwell recalls the time Kohli blocked him on Instagram, shedding light on their evolving friendship and the competitive spirit that defines international cricket.

    Virat Kohli blocked Glenn Maxwell on Instagram because of this _

    Maxwell reveals this on a Podcast. pic.twitter.com/bds5HANV4T

    — Abhijeet _ (@TheYorkerBall) October 29, 2024

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    A Humorous Revelation

    During a candid conversation on the LiSTNR Sport podcast, Maxwell shared the story behind Kohli’s Instagram block. It dates back to the intense 2017 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between Australia and India, where tempers often flared. Amidst the fierce competition, Maxwell’s lighthearted jibe at Kohli’s injury during a crucial Test match led to an unexpected fallout.

    As Maxwell prepared to join the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the 2021 IPL season, he attempted to follow Kohli on social media, only to discover he had been blocked. “I was like, ‘I can’t find him,’” Maxwell said, expressing his disbelief upon hearing from others that Kohli might have blocked him. The twist? Kohli’s reason was rooted in a cheeky moment during the Test series that had left a mark.

    The Incident That Sparked the Block

    The series was known for its heated exchanges and memorable moments. On the opening day of the third Test in Ranchi, Kohli injured his shoulder while fielding, forcing him to miss the final Test in Dharamsala. During Australia’s turn in the field, Maxwell, with a playful nod to the situation, mimicked Kohli by clutching his shoulder, which did not sit well with the Indian superstar. Reflecting on the incident, Maxwell remarked, “When I asked him if he had blocked me, he said, ‘Yeah, probably. It was when you mocked me during that Test match.’”

    This light-hearted banter encapsulates the competitive nature of the sport, where friendships can be tested but ultimately strengthened over time. Maxwell’s admission that he understood Kohli’s reaction underscores the camaraderie that often follows rivalry in cricket.

    From Rivals to Friends

    Fast forward to the present, and both players have found common ground, not just as teammates at RCB but also as friends navigating the highs and lows of international cricket. Maxwell expressed gratitude towards Kohli for supporting his inclusion in RCB after his challenging stint with Punjab Kings, where he struggled to find his form. “When I knew that I was going to RCB, Virat was the first guy to message me and welcome me to the team,” he recalled.

    The duo’s relationship blossomed during their time together, marked by mutual respect and shared experiences, including the joys and challenges of parenthood. “From the days we were both young and brash, we’ve matured and become great friends,” Maxwell reflected, showcasing the transformation from their initial frosty exchanges to a strong bond built on shared experiences.

  • EXPLAINED: Why BCCI Chose Riyadh As Venue For IPL 2025 Mega Auction | cricket news

    As the cricketing world braces for yet another groundbreaking moment, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction is poised to make history in more ways than one. In a significant departure from tradition, the auction will reportedly be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25, marking the first time the event will take place in the heart of the Middle East. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to make an official announcement, sources close to the matter confirm that franchises have been informally informed about the likely schedule.

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    A Strategic Move to Tap New Markets

    The decision to hold the IPL 2025 mega auction in Riyadh is seen as a strategic maneuver by the BCCI to expand the league’s already vast global reach. Following successful auctions in Dubai and a year when London and Singapore were also considered, Riyadh’s favorable time zone, ideal for international broadcasting, tipped the balance in its favour. The BCCI’s long-term vision seems to be about bringing new regions under the IPL’s influence, and Saudi Arabia represents an untapped market for cricket that could spark fresh interest in the sport.

    Why Riyadh? The Appeal of a New Venue

    Though considered more expensive than Dubai, Riyadh offers a unique opportunity to showcase the IPL’s brand to a new audience. The Middle East has seen growing enthusiasm for cricket, particularly among its vast expatriate communities, and Riyadh’s selection could catalyze this passion, opening the door for more international events in the region. The local infrastructure is being set up to accommodate the massive delegations expected from the 10 franchises, as well as production teams from Jio and Disney Star, the IPL’s broadcasting partners.

    This venture also signifies a growing trend in the sports world—Saudi Arabia’s increasing influence on the global sporting stage. With the kingdom already hosting significant football and boxing events, welcoming the IPL auction signals its intent to become a major player across multiple sports.

    Franchise Preparations and Anticipations

    While the BCCI finalizes details, the franchises are gearing up for what promises to be a highly competitive auction. With the end of the current three-year player retention cycle approaching, many franchises are revisiting their strategies. The previous mega auction in 2022 allowed teams to retain four players, but there’s a growing debate about increasing the retention cap. Some franchises argue for retaining as many as eight players, while others prefer the existing four-to-five-player limit.

    This discussion around retention is crucial, as it directly impacts team dynamics and long-term planning. Teams like the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, who have relied heavily on their core groups, may push for larger retention, while newer teams like Gujarat Titans may lean towards building fresh squads from scratch.

    Riyadh’s Auction: A New Chapter in IPL History

    Beyond the auction strategies and player bids, the setting itself is expected to be spectacular. Riyadh’s glitzy hotels and modern amenities are well-equipped to host a global event of this scale, ensuring that the IPL’s brand of extravagance and glamor continues to flourish. The auction is anticipated to be a two-day affair, similar to previous years, but this time in a city not traditionally associated with cricket—a testament to the sport’s growing global footprint.

    The Riyadh auction is set to offer more than just bids on star players; it symbolizes the IPL’s ongoing evolution as a global phenomenon. The move aligns with the broader shift towards expanding the IPL’s appeal beyond its traditional Indian and South Asian fan base, setting the stage for more international partnerships and fans in the years to come.