বাংলায় পড়ুন: মেয়েদের বেঙ্গল টি-২০ লিগে চ্যাম্পিয়ন অ্যাডামাস হাওড়া ওয়ারিয়র্স

Winning the toss, Murshidabad Queens opted to bat first but struggled against a disciplined bowling attack from Howrah Warriors. Regular wickets at crucial intervals prevented them from building momentum, and the batting line-up failed to post a challenging total.

Kashish Agarwal was the top scorer for Murshidabad with 21 runs, while Susmita Pal contributed a valuable 19. However, none of the other batters managed to make a significant impact as the team finished on 95/9 in 20 overs.

Howrah’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings. Chandrima Ghoshal and Disha Chandak claimed two wickets each, while Remondina Khatun, Shreyasi Aich, and Shrilekha Roy chipped in with a wicket apiece. Their collective effort ensured Murshidabad were restricted to a below-par total.

Chasing a modest target of 96, Howrah Warriors suffered a few early setbacks as Murshidabad’s bowlers fought hard to keep their team in the contest. However, the experienced middle order held its nerve and guided the side towards victory.

Priyanka Prasad played a crucial innings of 29 runs, laying the foundation for the chase. She received excellent support from Sujata Dey, who scored 27 runs. Their partnership steadied the innings and gradually shifted the momentum in Howrah’s favour.

For Murshidabad Queens, Pratibha Rana and captain Tanushree Sarkar picked up a wicket each, but defending a small total proved too difficult.

Howrah Warriors eventually reached the target in 18.5 overs, sealing a memorable four-wicket victory and securing the championship title.

Shrilekha Roy was named the Player of the Match for her impressive all-round contribution in the final. Speaking after the victory, she expressed her delight at being part of the team’s success and credited the achievement to a collective effort from the entire squad.

“This victory belongs to the whole team. Every player, along with the coaching staff, played an important role in our success. We worked hard throughout the tournament, and it feels special to finish as champions,” she said.

With this triumph, Adamas Howrah Warriors established themselves as the best team in the women’s competition of the Bengal T20 League 2026. Their consistency, teamwork and all-round performances throughout the tournament were rewarded with the championship trophy, marking a memorable chapter in the club’s history.

Read Bengali: বেঙ্গল টি-২০ লিগে ইতিহাস শামির, হ্যাটট্রিকে দুরন্ত জয় শিলিগুড়ির

After winning the toss, Shrachi Rarh Tigers opted to field first, hoping to take advantage of the conditions. However, Siliguri Strikers came out with an aggressive approach right from the beginning and piled up a massive total of 208 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs.

The star of the innings was Vishal Bhati, who produced a sensational knock at number three. The explosive batter smashed 86 runs off just 46 deliveries, hitting five boundaries and six towering sixes. His fearless strokeplay completely shifted the momentum in favour of Siliguri and left the Rarh bowlers struggling for answers.

Karan Lal also played an important supporting role with a valuable 39-run contribution, while Pramod Chandila provided the finishing touch with an unbeaten 36 off only 16 balls. Mohammed Shami chipped in with a quick cameo as well, remaining unbeaten on 8 from just two deliveries, including a six.

For Shrachi Rarh Tigers, captain Shahbaz Ahmed, Raju Haldar, Sukhmeet Singh and Rahul Prasad picked up one wicket each.

Chasing a daunting target of 209, Rarh Tigers showed glimpses of a fightback but failed to build substantial partnerships. Shubham Dey Senior top-scored with 48 runs, while Rahul Prasad added a fighting 44. However, regular wickets kept derailing their chase.

The biggest turning point of the match came during the 16th over when Mohammed Shami produced a breathtaking spell of fast bowling. The experienced pacer dismissed Shahbaz Ahmed, Rohit Kumar and Dipanjan Mukhopadhyay on three consecutive deliveries to complete a memorable hat-trick — the first in Bengal T20 League history.

Earlier in the innings, Shami had already removed opener Sumanta Gupta, finishing with outstanding figures of 4 wickets for 27 runs in his four-over spell. His fiery bowling completely dismantled the middle order and sealed the contest in Siliguri’s favour.

Apart from Shami, Karan Lal also impressed with the ball by claiming three wickets, while Ishan Porel and Vishal Bhati chipped in with one wicket each.

Eventually, Shrachi Rarh Tigers were restricted to 184 for 9, falling short by 24 runs. With dominant performances in both batting and bowling, Servotech Siliguri Strikers made a powerful statement in their opening game of the season.

The victory not only highlighted the team’s all-round strength but also marked a memorable night for Mohammed Shami, whose historic hat-trick became the biggest talking point of the tournament.

বাংলায় পড়ুন: মুর্শিদাবাদকে উড়িয়ে বেঙ্গল টি-২০ লিগে দুরন্ত জয় মালদার

After winning the toss, Malda captain Mukesh Kumar opted to field first, a decision that proved effective despite a fighting total from Murshidabad Kings. Batting first, Murshidabad posted 134 for 7 in their allotted 15 overs. Deepanshu top-scored with a valuable 47-run knock, while opener Rishav Chowdhury contributed an important 29 at the top of the order. However, regular wickets at crucial intervals prevented them from building a bigger total.

Malda’s bowling attack kept the pressure on throughout the innings. Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal emerged as the standout performer with the ball, picking up three important wickets. Captain Mukesh Kumar, Bikash Singh Senior and Prayash Ray Barman chipped in with one wicket each to restrict Murshidabad to a manageable score.

Chasing 135, Sobisco Smashers Malda came out with a fearless approach right from the beginning. The opening pair of Ritam Porel and Abhimanyu Easwaran dominated the Murshidabad bowlers with aggressive strokeplay and excellent running between the wickets.

Ritam Porel played the match-winning innings, smashing a brilliant 50 off just 29 deliveries. His attacking knock completely shifted the momentum in Malda’s favour and laid the perfect platform for the chase. After receiving the Player of the Match award, Ritam said, “The wicket was very good for batting. We knew that if we started well, the match would come under our control. I just wanted to play my natural game. It feels great to contribute to the team’s victory. Batting alongside Abhimanyu da gave me even more confidence. My goal is to continue performing consistently in the upcoming matches.”

At the other end, Abhimanyu Easwaran anchored the innings superbly with an unbeaten 48 off 31 balls. His calm and composed approach ensured that Malda never lost control of the chase. The partnership between the two batters completely took the game away from Murshidabad Kings.

For Murshidabad, Aditya Sharma claimed two wickets while Saksham Chowdhury picked up one, but their efforts were not enough to stop Malda’s dominant batting display.

Eventually, Sobisco Smashers Malda reached the target in just 13.4 overs, losing only three wickets in the process. With both bat and ball firing perfectly, Malda stamped their authority on the match and once again proved why they are considered one of the favourites in this season’s Bengal Pro T20 League.

The comprehensive seven-wicket victory will undoubtedly boost the team’s confidence as they continue their campaign with growing momentum.

বাংলায় পডুন: ভারতীয় টি-টোয়েন্টিতে নতুন যুগ, বিদায় সূর্যকুমারের! নেতৃত্বে শ্রেয়স আইয়ার

The squads for the Ireland and England tours, along with a probable squad for the upcoming Asian Games, were announced on Saturday. Since the announcement, discussions have intensified across the cricketing fraternity, with many viewing the decision as the beginning of a new chapter in India’s T20 setup.

Big Decision at BCCI Meeting

The selection meeting took place at the Board of Control for Cricket in India headquarters in Mumbai. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia was also present during the discussions.

The biggest surprise from the squad announcement was the omission of Suryakumar Yadav. Despite being one of India’s most dependable T20 batters in recent years, he failed to find a place in the squad and also lost the captaincy role.

In his place, the selectors handed leadership responsibility to Shreyas Iyer.

Selectors Looking Toward the Future

Shreyas has been an important figure in India’s white-ball setup for several years and already possesses leadership experience from both the IPL and international cricket.

Cricket experts believe the move reflects the selectors’ long-term planning ahead of future ICC tournaments, including the next ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The management now appears focused on building a fresh leadership group for the coming years.

15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Steals Spotlight

While the captaincy change grabbed headlines, the biggest excitement surrounded teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

The 15-year-old prodigy earned his maiden India call-up after impressive performances in the IPL. His fearless batting style and mature temperament had already made him one of the most talked-about young cricketers in the country.

The selectors have shown enormous faith in him by including him across all three announced squads, clearly indicating that he is part of India’s long-term cricketing plans.

Chance to Break Sachin’s Historic Record

Vaibhav’s selection has also sparked discussion about a possible historic milestone.

Currently, Sachin Tendulkar remains one of the youngest players ever to represent India internationally after making his Test debut at the age of 16 years and 205 days against Pakistan.

Vaibhav is currently just 15 years and 71 days old. If he makes his international debut soon, he could potentially surpass Sachin’s long-standing age record.

Clear Signs of Transition

The latest squad announcement highlights a major transition phase in Indian T20 cricket.

With a new captain, fresh faces and bold selection decisions, the team management appears determined to reshape India’s white-ball future with an eye on long-term success.

All attention will now shift to how Shreyas Iyer handles his new leadership role and whether young talents like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can live up to the enormous expectations surrounding them.

Read Bengali: পন্থ নন কেন রাহুল সহ-অধিনায়ক? অবশেষে কারণ জানালেন গম্ভীর

Speaking to reporters ahead of India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan national cricket team, Gambhir made it clear that performance for the country matters more than leadership positions. His comments also hinted strongly that the team management currently sees Sai Sudharsan as a leading option for the crucial No. 3 batting slot.

Pant Removed, Rahul Gets Leadership Role

When India announced the squad for the Afghanistan Test, many were surprised to see Pant no longer serving as vice-captain under skipper Shubman Gill. Instead, the role was handed to the experienced KL Rahul.

The move immediately sparked debate within the cricket fraternity. Several experts and fans questioned whether Pant’s recent performances had influenced the decision.

India’s disappointing Test series against South Africa had already brought criticism toward Pant’s batting approach. Many former cricketers felt his overly aggressive style in key situations hurt the team at important moments.

Gambhir Defends Pant’s Style

However, Gambhir downplayed the controversy and insisted that leadership titles should not define a player’s value.

According to him, the biggest responsibility for any cricketer is to contribute to the team’s success while representing the country. He stressed that players, coaches and support staff are ultimately judged by performances on the field.

Gambhir also clarified that the Indian team does not want Pant to completely change his natural attacking game.

He described aggression as one of Pant’s greatest strengths but added that international cricket also demands game awareness and maturity. Knowing when to attack and when to remain patient is equally important at the highest level.

The India coach said successful cricketers must understand match situations, team requirements and opposition strengths before deciding their approach.

Sai Sudharsan Emerging as Preferred No. 3

Apart from the vice-captaincy discussion, Gambhir’s comments also generated fresh interest around India’s batting order.

The biggest question remains who will bat at No. 3 against Afghanistan.

From Gambhir’s statements, it appears the team management wants to continue backing Sai Sudharsan. The coach believes the young batter has not yet received enough opportunities at the international level to fully showcase his talent.

Gambhir also suggested that judging a player based on only a handful of matches would be unfair.

Sudharsan’s consistent performances in domestic cricket and franchise tournaments over the past season have reportedly impressed both selectors and the coaching staff.

Devdutt Padikkal Also In Contention

Meanwhile, Devdutt Padikkal has also remained in strong form and continues to push his case with regular runs in domestic cricket.

Still, Gambhir’s latest remarks indicate that Sai Sudharsan currently holds a slight advantage in the race for the No. 3 position ahead of the Afghanistan Test.

With India preparing for another important red-ball assignment, interest around the team’s final playing XI has now increased even further.

বাংলায় পড়তে ক্লিক করুন: লিগের কাউন্টডাউনে অস্বস্তি, সিএবির বিরুদ্ধে ৭০ কোটির ক্ষতিপূরণ দাবি

₹70-Crore Legal Notice Sent to CAB

According to sources, Arriva Sports Private Limited, which organised the first two editions of the Bengal Pro T20 League, has served a legal notice demanding ₹70 crore in compensation from CAB.

The company alleges that CAB unilaterally terminated an agreement signed between the two parties in 2023. Arriva claims that despite the league generating nearly ₹14.8 crore in financial gains for CAB over the last two seasons, the association ended the partnership without proper justification.

Claims of Financial Losses

Arriva Sports has further alleged that it incurred losses of nearly ₹2.5 crore while bearing several additional and non-contractual expenses during the organisation of the tournament.

According to the company, it remained interested in continuing as the league organiser for the current season. However, CAB reportedly decided to appoint a new agency instead, a move Arriva has described as unfair and unlawful.

The dispute has now entered the legal arena, adding uncertainty ahead of the tournament.

CAB Unfazed by Legal Action

Despite the legal notice, CAB officials appear reluctant to express concern publicly.

Sources within the cricket administration claim that multiple vendors have raised complaints against Arriva Sports over unpaid dues. According to CAB insiders, those issues created operational difficulties and negatively affected the association’s reputation.

As a result, sections of the administration believe appointing a new organising partner was the correct decision.

Administrative Changes on the Horizon

Alongside the legal battle, significant administrative developments are also taking place within CAB.

Reports suggest that Joint Secretary Madan Ghosh may soon be removed from his position. Ghosh reportedly turned 70 last month, crossing the age limit prescribed under the recommendations of the Lodha Committee.

According to those guidelines, office-bearers who exceed the specified age limit are required to step down from their posts.

Questions Over Governance

Critics have questioned why Ghosh continued to function as Joint Secretary despite crossing the age threshold. The issue sparked debate within cricket circles over administrative transparency and compliance with Lodha Committee reforms.

Although reports suggest CAB has initiated the process to remove him, he was reportedly seen performing his duties from his office at CAB headquarters on Wednesday.

Focus Shifts Beyond the Field

As the Bengal Pro T20 League countdown enters its final phase, off-field developments have overshadowed preparations for the tournament.

The legal dispute, internal administrative challenges and governance-related questions have created an uneasy atmosphere around the competition. Cricket followers will now be watching closely to see whether the tournament can proceed smoothly despite the controversies surrounding Bengal cricket’s governing body.

Read Bengali: হ্যামস্ট্রিং চোটে আফগানিস্তান সিরিজে নেই বিরাট, বাড়ছে ভারতের উদ্বেগ

No Official Confirmation Yet

Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not yet made an official announcement, reports quoting a board official claim that Kohli has been advised rest by doctors because of the injury.

According to the report, the hamstring issue will prevent him from participating in the ODI series against Afghanistan.

Major Blow for Team India

Kohli’s absence is being viewed as a major setback for the Indian side, especially considering his recent form.

The veteran batter enjoyed a brilliant IPL season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He scored 675 runs in 16 matches and emerged as one of the tournament’s most successful batters.

Kohli maintained an impressive batting average of over 56 while striking at nearly 166 throughout the season. He also played a crucial innings in the final, helping RCB win their second consecutive IPL title.

Excellent Form in International Cricket Too

The 35-year-old has also been in strong form in international cricket over the past year. During the previous ODI season, Kohli scored 651 runs in 13 matches, including three centuries and four half-centuries.

After stepping away from Test and T20I cricket, Kohli has shifted his primary focus to the 50-over format. As a result, every international ODI series has become increasingly important for him and the Indian team.

Training Camp Plans Affected

Reports suggested that Kohli was scheduled to join India’s special preparation camp in Mullanpur from June 9 to 11 ahead of the Afghanistan series. He was expected to train alongside captain Rohit Sharma and other members of the squad before the team travelled to Dharamshala.

However, the injury is now likely to disrupt those plans.

Rohit Sharma’s Fitness Also Under Watch

India’s concerns do not end with Kohli. Questions remain over Rohit Sharma’s fitness as well after he reportedly suffered an injury during the IPL season.

Although there has been no official update regarding the severity of Rohit’s condition, uncertainty surrounding two senior players has added pressure on the Indian camp ahead of the series.

Focus on 2027 ODI World Cup

Kohli’s injury comes at a crucial time as India continue preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The team management will now hope that the former captain recovers quickly and returns to action without any long-term complications.

For Indian cricket fans, the biggest question now is how soon one of the country’s greatest batters can return to full fitness and resume his remarkable run in international cricket.

Read Bengali: IPL: দিল্লির বিরুদ্ধে মরসুমের প্রথম জয় চেন্নাইয়ের, ফর্মে ফিরলেন সঞ্জু স্যামসন

Opting to bat first, CSK got off to a slow start with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad struggling for timing (15 off 18). But Samson took charge, maintaining an aggressive tempo throughout and finding the perfect partner in young Ayush Mhatre, who chipped in with a fluent 59. The duo added 113 runs for the second wicket. In the end, Shivam Dube came in as a finisher (20 off 10) after Mhatre was retired out, helping push the total past 210.

In reply, Delhi Capitals began brightly with Pathum Nissanka racing to 41 off 24, but CSK’s pace attack soon took control. Anshul Kamboj, Jamie Overton, Khaleel Ahmed, and debutant Gurjapneet Singh each picked up key top-order wickets. Gurjapneet made an instant impact, dismissing DC captain Axar Patel with his very first ball in IPL.

The middle overs belonged to Jamie Overton, whose fiery spell of 4/18 choked the life out of DC’s chase. Tristan Stubbs fought hard with a valiant 60 off 38, and a brief partnership with Ashutosh Sharma kept hopes alive, but once Noor Ahmad broke that stand, the innings crumbled. Overton had the final say in a heated 19th over, dismissing a frustrated Stubbs.

Kamboj (3/35) wrapped up the tail efficiently as DC were bowled out for 189 in the final over.

It was a much-needed boost for the five-time champions, who had endured a slow start to the season. Samson’s explosive knock, combined with smart bowling variations on a tricky Chepauk surface, proved decisive.

Read Bengali: PBKS vs SRH: পাঞ্জাবের আক্রমণে জলে গেল হায়দ্রাবাদের পরিশ্রম

Chasing a stiff target of 220, PBKS got off to a flying start with Priyansh Arya (57 off 20) and Prabhsimran Singh (51 off 25) blasting a sensational 99-run opening stand. The duo tore into the SRH attack during the powerplay, reaching 93 without loss and setting the perfect platform.

Abhishek Sharma had earlier lit up the game with a brutal 74 off 28 balls (including eight sixes), adding 120 runs with Travis Head (38 off 23) in just 8.1 overs to power SRH to 219/6. However, Shashank Singh’s double strike in one over shifted the momentum, and Xavier Bartlett kept things tight at the death with a brilliant final over.

In the chase, Priyansh raced to a 16-ball fifty with some clean hitting, while Prabhsimran danced down the track to smack big sixes. Though Shivang Kumar picked three wickets to raise SRH’s hopes, Shreyas Iyer stayed calm and finished the job in style with seven balls to spare.

The win was built on smart captaincy too — Shreyas cleverly used Shashank Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal to break the explosive SRH opening stand when the pacers were being hammered.

A complete team performance, led from the front by their skipper!

It’s not a blockbuster tournament game, but a single preparation match will see the senior Indian squad led by Suryakumar Yadav in action. The match is scheduled for February 4 in Mumbai, where India will face South Africa. Notably, these two teams also clashed in the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup, making this a rematch fans are eagerly anticipating.

Alongside the senior team, attention will also be on India ‘A’, which features young talents like Ayush Badoni and Priyansh Arya. India ‘A’ will play warm-up matches against the USA and Namibia. Meanwhile, Scotland has been allocated two warm-up matches against Afghanistan and Namibia. England and Australia, on the other hand, will not play separate preparation games.

The Men in Blue are currently in red-hot form. In the last three years, India has lost only one T20 match, and since then, victories have flowed steadily. In their most recent series against New Zealand, India remained undefeated, with Abhishek Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah showcasing dominating performances. This form will be crucial for India to carry into the World Cup.

In total, 15 warm-up matches will be played before the T20 World Cup. These matches will serve as a form check for senior players and provide valuable experience for emerging talent.

Cricket fans are eagerly waiting to see how India performs in these preparation matches, especially the senior team’s showdown against South Africa. Maintaining their current momentum in the warm-ups will position India as one of the top contenders for lifting the T20 World Cup trophy.