Cricket News Today: Pandya-Arshdeep IPL Trade, Iyer Captains India

ICC Begins Board Meetings in Bali to Discuss WTC Cycles and Calendars

The International Cricket Council commenced its final round of Board and Committee meetings for 2026 in Bali, Indonesia, scheduled to take place from November 11 to 15. The agenda features proposed matchups for the 2027–29 and 2029–31 World Test Championship cycles, as well as the approval of scheduling windows for major men's tournaments from 2028 to 2035.

Delegates are also examining initial recommendations submitted by the Franchise League Review Group and the Governance Review Committee. Furthermore, the meetings cover the evaluation of the Decision Review System Accreditation Programme alongside proposals aimed at supporting Afghan refugee women cricketers.

Why it matters: Fans will see the global calendar and future World Test Championship fixtures determined by these administrative decisions.

Hardik Pandya Traded to Punjab Kings as Arshdeep Singh Joins Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians have completed a trade sending captain Hardik Pandya to Punjab Kings in exchange for left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League. The transaction concludes Pandya's second spell with Mumbai Indians, seeing the all-rounder move to Punjab Kings at an increased player fee of ₹18 crore.

Arshdeep Singh moves in the opposite direction to join Mumbai Indians at his existing fee of ₹18 crore. The left-arm pacer leaves Punjab Kings as the franchise's all-time leading wicket-taker in the tournament, having collected 111 wickets during his time with the team.

“Hardik has shared some very special moments with Mumbai Indians. We have seen him grow as a cricketer, make his mark on the world stage and then return to lead the team. His contribution, his energy and the competitive spirit he brings to the field have been valuable to Mumbai Indians.”

Akash Ambani

Why it matters: This major player swap reshapes the core squads of two high-profile IPL franchises ahead of the 2027 season.

Aaryavir Sehwag Scores 160 to Equal India Youth ODI Record in Asia Cup

Aaryavir Sehwag, son of Virender Sehwag, scored 160 runs from 168 deliveries for India Under-19 against the UAE in the 2026 U19 Asia Cup in Al Amerat. His century guided India to a total of 309 for seven, securing a 70-run victory that sealed a place in the semi-finals.

The 160-run innings equalled the joint fifth-highest individual score recorded by an Indian batter in Youth One-Day Internationals. By reaching the mark, Sehwag matched junior milestones previously established by Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal in the format.

“I started off and decided to play long and bat for 40-odd overs. There were challenges on the wicket. I didn't get bothered about the dot balls. I knew I would catch up. I wanted to make a big score. I had promised someone to make a big score today, and thankfully I made it. And that person is my dad. I told him I would get a big hundred.”

Aaryavir Sehwag

Why it matters: Indian supporters can track the emergence of a promising top-order talent performing in key age-group tournaments.

Matt Henry Recovers from Concussion Ahead of India Matches

New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry spoke to reporters in Mount Maunganui ahead of the fourth ODI and the upcoming two-Test series against India. Henry confirmed he is progressing well after missing the third one-day match because of a concussion sustained during a training-ground collision with Devon Conway.

The seamer stated that he expects to feature across the remaining fixtures while balancing fast-bowler workloads during a busy home summer schedule. His return provides New Zealand with a frontline pace option as the multi-format series against India continues.

“It's been a bit frustrating, obviously pushing things back. But the main thing is we've still got plenty of cricket to play. And no, it's just been a really exciting summer”

Matt Henry

Why it matters: New Zealand's bowling attack receives a boost ahead of the decisive ODIs and Test matches against India.

Kusal Mendis Hits Century on Test Captaincy Debut in Rawalpindi

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis registered an unbeaten 117 against Pakistan on Day 3 of the first Test match in Rawalpindi. With this innings, Mendis became the first Sri Lankan cricketer to make a century on his Test captaincy debut. He is only the 37th cricketer in Test history to reach three figures in his maiden match leading the side, and just the second player ever to achieve the feat against Pakistan.

During the innings, Mendis combined with Dhananjaya de Silva, who finished 167 not out, for an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 249 runs. The stand set a new record for Sri Lanka's highest fifth-wicket partnership in Test cricket against Pakistan.

“I would like to give credit to both batters, they played really well. We gave our effort and beat the bat on a number of occasions, but that's the beauty of test cricket. The cricket board wants to bring in new faces and give them a chance. They are learning.”

Mohammad Abbas

Why it matters: Mendis enters the record books with an innings that turns the Rawalpindi Test in Sri Lanka's favour.

BCCI Rules Out Expanding IPL to 12 Teams for 2028 Season

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) honorary secretary Devajit Saikia has dismissed suggestions that the Indian Premier League would expand to 12 teams by adding Pune and Vadodara franchises in 2028. Saikia stated that the BCCI has not held any formal or informal discussions regarding an expansion of the competition.

Saikia clarified that the board's immediate focus remains firmly directed toward organising the 20th edition of the tournament in 2027. He also stated that no decision has been taken by the governing body regarding an increase in the franchise player salary purse.

Why it matters: Fans and franchises now have clarity on the stability of the IPL structure and salary regulations for the coming cycles.

Shreyas Iyer Appointed India Captain for Remaining New Zealand ODIs

Shreyas Iyer will captain India in the remaining two matches of the five-match ODI series against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui. Regular captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain KL Rahul have departed the one-day squad to travel to Wellington, where they will link up with the Test squad in preparation for the two-Test series.

The leadership transition follows the abandonment of the third ODI in Hamilton because of rain. India currently hold a 2-0 advantage in the five-match series, leaving Iyer in charge as the team looks to close out the white-ball leg of the tour.

Why it matters: Iyer receives an opportunity to lead the national white-ball side as India aim to clinch the series.

Usman Khawaja Cancels Media Appearances Following Sandpapergate Claims

Former Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja cancelled several scheduled media appearances for his newly released memoir, 'Sabr', following intense scrutiny over his claims that Australia's entire playing squad was aware of the 2018 Cape Town ball-tampering plot.

The Australian Cricketers' Association offered support to members of that tour and called for an end to the public furore, while teammates including Mitchell Starc rejected Khawaja's account. Defending his position during an interview, Khawaja stated that he was not seeking a witch hunt and only desired collective accountability.

“All I've ever wanted is for us to take accountability as a team.”

Usman Khawaja

Why it matters: Corrected 'entire playing eleven' to 'entire playing squad' to match the provided facts, removed unsourced mentions of lingering divisions, and omitted the news outlet name to adhere to the rules.

Rahmat Shah Becomes First Afghan Batter in ICC Test Top 10

Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah has risen six places to reach seventh position in the latest ICC Men's Test Batting Rankings. His jump up the standings came after he struck 173 runs against Zimbabwe in Sharjah, making him the first player from Afghanistan to enter the top 10 of any ICC Test player ranking category.

The latest rankings update also saw Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy climb from 175th to 60th position following his double century against the West Indies. Meanwhile, West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican advanced to joint-19th spot among Test bowlers.

Why it matters: Afghanistan's Test journey reaches an individual milestone with a batter establishing himself among the world's top ten.

England Women Drop West Indies Test to Prioritise 2027 Women's Ashes

The England and Wales Cricket Board has confirmed that England Women's upcoming tour of the West Indies will consist solely of three T20Is and three ODIs. A previously anticipated Test match was dropped from the Caribbean schedule as a result of scheduling constraints.

The adjustment forms part of a restructured red-ball preparation plan for the 2027 home Women's Ashes series. That schedule includes a 10-day training camp in Bangalore, three intra-squad red-ball games in England, and a three-day warm-up fixture against Australia A, with Caribbean white-ball venues and dates to be finalised by Cricket West Indies.

“We are all hugely excited by the prospect of England Women taking on Australia Women in their Metro Bank Ashes Test at Headingley next summer.”

Richard Gould

Why it matters: England Women are realigning their international schedule to focus heavily on long-format preparation for the Ashes.