Bengaluru, December 26, 2025: Delhi’s batting star Virat Kohli once again demonstrated his white-ball dominance with a blistering 53 not out off 29 deliveries in their Vijay Hazare Trophy clash against Gujarat at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
In his second domestic List A match in 15 years, Kohli’s innings featured 11 fours and a six, yielding a remarkable strike rate of 182.76. Delhi reached 62 for one early in their innings, setting the tone for a commanding performance.
This came after Kohli’s unbeaten 131 off 101 balls in a thrilling chase against Andhra Pradesh on December 24, where he shared a vital partnership with opener Priyansh Arya to guide Delhi past Andhra’s 298-run total. Fans and cricket analysts alike hailed Kohli’s innings as peak white-ball aggression, dubbing it “T20 mode,” a sign of his readiness and form as Delhi, captained by Rishabh Pant, look to build momentum in the tournament.
With this performance, Kohli not only reinforced his reputation as a modern-day batting maestro but also sent a strong message to domestic and international cricket followers that his firepower in limited-overs cricket remains unmatched.
In a landmark decision that redefines the future of Indian cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that men’s and women’s Indian international cricketers will now receive equal match fees across all formats. From now on, both men and women representing India will earn ₹15 lakh for a Test match, ₹6 lakh for a One Day International (ODI), and ₹3 lakh for a T20 International.
The announcement was made by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who described the move as a crucial step toward eliminating gender disparity in the sport. “The match fee for both men and women cricketers will be the same as we move into a new era of gender equality in Indian cricket,” he stated.
Previously, women cricketers in India earned much lower match fees — approximately ₹1 lakh for a limited-overs international and ₹4 lakh for a Test match. This new structure brings them on par with their male counterparts for the first time in history, sending a powerful message of equality and respect.
While this pay parity covers match fees, annual contract retainers remain separate. Under the current structure, women’s Grade A contracts stand at ₹50 lakh per year, while men’s retainers vary from ₹1 crore to ₹7 crore depending on category. However, the introduction of pay parity for matches is widely seen as a foundational step toward broader financial equality.
The decision reflects the growing stature of women’s cricket in India, following recent milestones such as the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and improved performances on the global stage. It also aligns with the BCCI’s stated goal of empowering women athletes and building a sustainable professional ecosystem for the women’s game.
Players, fans, and sports advocates across the country have hailed the move as historic. Former Indian women’s captain Mithali Raj described it as a “red-letter day for Indian cricket,” while current players and commentators called it “a victory for fairness and recognition.”
This landmark decision not only acknowledges the efforts and commitment of India’s women cricketers but also sets a global example for sporting federations worldwide. It underscores that talent, dedication, and performance — not gender — should determine a player’s worth on the field.
As Indian cricket moves forward, the BCCI’s pay-equity policy marks a defining moment in the country’s sporting narrative — one that paves the way for greater inclusivity, equality, and respect across all formats of the game.
A Historic Tribute to Two Titans of Cricket: Sachin Tendulkar & James Anderson
June 20, 2025 — In a landmark moment for international cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have jointly unveiled the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, a new symbol of excellence and legacy for all future India vs England Test series.
Named after Sachin Tendulkar, India’s iconic batting maestro, and James Anderson, England’s legendary fast bowler, the trophy honours two players who defined generations of cricket fans and achieved enduring greatness in the longest format of the game.
The decision to name the Test series trophy after Tendulkar and Anderson pays tribute to their remarkable contributions:
Sachin Tendulkar: The highest run-scorer in Test cricket history with 15,921 runs, 51 Test centuries, and a career spanning 24 years.
James Anderson: The most prolific fast bowler in Test history, with over 700 wickets and still going strong at 42 — the epitome of longevity and discipline.
Both players have been involved in some of the most memorable India-England clashes over the past two decades, making their names synonymous with the intensity and respect this rivalry commands.
“This is a fitting tribute to two of the greatest players the game has seen. Their impact goes far beyond numbers — they’ve inspired generations,” said BCCI Secretary Jay Shah during the unveiling ceremony.
ECB CEO Richard Gould added, “Test cricket is built on legacy, character and skill — and no one embodies that more than James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar.”
🏆 A Trophy of Class and Character
The newly designed trophy, which was unveiled ahead of the upcoming India-England Test series, features:
A dual relief engraving of Anderson and Tendulkar in iconic poses.
A silver and teak wood finish, symbolising the heritage of the two cricketing nations.
An inscribed plaque that reads: “In honour of excellence, endurance and the spirit of Test cricket.”
The trophy will now be awarded at the conclusion of every India vs England Test series — home or away — making it a permanent fixture in one of cricket’s oldest and most storied rivalries.
🇮🇳🤝🏴 India vs England: A Rivalry Redefined
The India-England Test rivalry dates back to 1932, when India played its first-ever Test match at Lord’s. Since then, the series has produced legendary moments — from Eden Gardens epics to Lord’s duels, from Rahul Dravid’s elegance to Kevin Pietersen’s dominance.
With the introduction of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the series now carries an emblem of legacy, giving a new generation of cricketers something greater to play for — honour, pride, and history.
📌 Fast Facts:
Trophy Name: Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
Announced By: BCCI & ECB
Purpose: Official trophy for all India vs England Test series
Honours: Sachin Tendulkar (India), James Anderson (England)
Debut Series: 2025 India Tour of England (starting July)
