Indian cricket has lost one of its most influential architects with the passing of Inderjit Singh Bindra, former President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and a towering figure in cricket administration. Bindra passed away on Sunday evening at his New Delhi residence following a prolonged illness. He was 84.
Widely regarded as a visionary administrator, Bindra played a pivotal role in shaping the modern era of Indian cricket. Working closely with former BCCI President Jagmohan Dalmiya, he was instrumental in bringing the 1987 and 1996 ICC Cricket World Cups to the Indian subcontinent—milestones that firmly established India as a global cricketing powerhouse.
Bindra was also a key force behind breaking long-standing broadcasting monopolies, a move that significantly enhanced the commercial value of Indian cricket and expanded its global reach. His progressive outlook helped lay the foundation for the financial and administrative strength that Indian cricket enjoys today.
As President of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), Bindra oversaw the construction of the iconic Mohali cricket stadium, now officially named the Inderjit Singh Bindra Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in his honour. The venue remains one of India’s most prominent cricket grounds and a lasting symbol of his contribution to the sport.
Tributes poured in from across the cricketing fraternity. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle, and several current and former administrators remembered Bindra as a father figure whose integrity, foresight, and administrative acumen helped fuel Indian cricket’s meteoric rise. The BCCI, Punjab Cricket Association, and Punjab Kings franchise also expressed their condolences, acknowledging his enduring impact on the game.
Inderjit Singh Bindra’s legacy extends beyond titles and infrastructure—he is remembered as a man who believed in cricket as a force for unity, professionalism, and national pride. His contributions will continue to shape Indian cricket for generations to come.
Goa, January 21, 2026: The World Legends Pro T20 League (WLPT20) has officially announced the six franchises, team captains, final squads, and the complete fixture schedule for its inaugural season. The tournament will be held at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium, Goa, from 26 January to 4 February 2026, featuring 18 matches including a league stage, two semi-finals, and a grand finale.
The six franchises—Rajasthan Kings, Delhi Warriors, Pune Panthers, Dubai Royals, Gurugram Thunders, and Maharashtra Tycoons—will feature 90 legendary cricketers from around the world, blending iconic international stars with top Indian domestic talent.
The league will kick off with a grand opening ceremony on 25 January, featuring a live performance by Sunidhi Chauhan, setting the stage for a cricketing and entertainment extravaganza.
“Seeing these squads and captains come together is incredibly exciting. Each team is well-balanced, blending legendary experience with T20 flair, and fans are in for a real spectacle—high-octane matches, unforgettable moments, and a chance to see some of the greatest players in cricket history light up the field once again,” said League Commissioner Michael Clarke.
“This league is built on a model where management and owners focus on creating long-term, sustainable value together. For the first time in years, Goa will host a major cricketing extravaganza, and we’re excited to bring world-class cricket to the city,” added Mahesh Bhupathi, CEO of SGSE.
Virat Kohli delivered yet another masterclass, smashing his 54th ODI century during India’s final match against New Zealand in Indore. The iconic batter reached the milestone in 108 balls, showcasing composure and class under pressure.
Kohli topped the series as India’s leading run-getter, registering scores of 93, 24, and 124, underlining his consistency and hunger for runs. However, his heroic effort wasn’t enough as India fell 41 runs short while chasing 338, allowing New Zealand to script history with their first-ever bilateral ODI series win on Indian soil.
Despite the series setback, Kohli’s performance propelled him back to the No. 1 position in the ICC ODI rankings, a feat he achieved after more than four years. The achievement sparked celebrations among fans, even as many expressed disappointment over his upcoming six-month break from international cricket.
Kohli is expected to return to action later this year, with India scheduled to tour Afghanistan in June and England in July. Before that, fans can look forward to seeing him light up the IPL once again with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where expectations remain sky-high.
As Kohli heads to London for a short break, the cricketing world continues to marvel at his relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to rise on the biggest stages.
Former Indian cricketer and President of the Karnataka Cricket Board, Shri Venkatesh Prasad, paid a courtesy visit to Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr Pramod Sawant, at Mahalaxmi, Altinho, Panjim.
The meeting reflected a cordial exchange between two prominent personalities from the fields of sports and governance. Shri Venkatesh Prasad, a former pace spearhead of Indian cricket, has continued to play a significant role in the administration and development of the sport through his leadership at the Karnataka Cricket Board.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant welcomed Shri Prasad and acknowledged his contributions to Indian cricket, both on and off the field. The interaction highlighted the growing intersection of sports administration and public leadership, with discussions centred on the role of sports in youth development and nation-building.
Such engagements further strengthen the bond between sporting institutions and state leadership, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in promoting sports culture across the country.
Fast bowler Mohit Sharma, known for his sharp variations and death-over mastery, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Wednesday, 3 December. The 37-year-old, who last appeared in the Indian Premier League 2025 season for Delhi Capitals, shared the news through an emotional Instagram post, closing a chapter that spanned more than a decade of professional cricket.
Mohit represented India in 26 ODIs and 8 T20Is between 2013 and 2015, forming a reliable seam option during his peak years. He earned widespread recognition for his ability to deliver under pressure, particularly in the death overs — a skill that defined the latter part of his T20 career.
“Today, with a full heart, I announce my retirement from all formats of cricket,” Mohit wrote. “From representing Haryana to wearing the India jersey and playing in the IPL, this journey has been nothing short of a blessing.”
Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction scheduled for December 15 in Abu Dhabi, Delhi Capitals released the seasoned pacer. In the previous season, Mohit featured in eight games, picking up two wickets at an economy rate of 10.28 — an uncharacteristic dip in form in an otherwise impressive late-career flourish.
Mohit’s journey included standout years with Chennai Super Kings, where he emerged as a consistent wicket-taker and grew into a dependable T20 bowler. His story remains one of grit, reinvention and resilience — a cricketer who made the most of every opportunity and left a notable imprint on India’s limited-overs cricket.
