Also Read Bengali | রোহিতের আগুনে বোলিং, সুমন্তর ব্যাটে ভর করে ফাইনালে রাঢ় টাইগার্স

After winning the toss, Rarh skipper Shahbaz Ahmed elected to field first, a decision that paid immediate dividends. The Tigers’ disciplined bowling attack kept the Purulia batters under constant pressure, striking at regular intervals and never allowing them to build momentum.

Purulia’s innings revolved around a fighting knock from Lokesh, who scored 48 runs off 28 deliveries and provided the only significant resistance. Apart from him, none of the batters managed to convert their starts into meaningful contributions as wickets continued to tumble.

The star with the ball was Rohit Kumar, whose fiery spell dismantled the opposition batting line-up. He picked up four crucial wickets, while Shahbaz Ahmed and Sukhmeet Singh chipped in with two wickets each. As a result, Novas Royals Purulia were bundled out for just 107 runs in 18.2 overs.

Chasing a modest target of 108, Rarh Tigers approached the task with confidence and composure. The batters avoided unnecessary risks and steadily took control of the contest.

Sumanta Gupta played the anchor’s role brilliantly, remaining unbeaten on 47 from just 31 balls. His well-paced innings featured several elegant strokes and ensured there were no late hiccups in the chase. Captain Shahbaz Ahmed also contributed with a valuable 31 off 20 deliveries, putting the result beyond doubt.

Although Purulia’s bowlers managed to claim three wickets, they never looked capable of defending the total. Pritam Chakraborty, Lokesh and Rohit picked up a wicket each, but the target proved far too small.

Rarh Tigers eventually reached the target in just 12.1 overs, losing only three wickets and sealing victory with 47 balls to spare. The emphatic win highlighted the team’s balance and depth across all departments, making them strong contenders for the championship.

Rohit Kumar Named Player of the Match

After receiving the Player of the Match award, Rohit Kumar credited the entire team for the victory.

“I am extremely happy to receive this award, but this is not just my achievement. It is the result of a collective team effort. Before the match, our plan was to build pressure from the start and force the batters into making mistakes. Fortunately, the strategy worked perfectly.”

“The wicket offered some assistance, so I focused on bowling in the right areas and was lucky enough to pick up important wickets. Our fielders were outstanding as well. They grabbed some difficult chances, which helped us stay on top throughout the game.”

“The batters then finished the job brilliantly. Sumanta Gupta and Shahbaz bhai made the chase look easy with their excellent innings. Now our focus shifts to the final. We want to carry the same confidence and intensity into that match. Hopefully, we can make our supporters proud and finish the season by lifting the trophy.”

With momentum firmly on their side, Shrachi Rarh Tigers will now turn their attention to the final, where they will be aiming to cap off an impressive campaign with the Bengal T20 League title.

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.

বিশ্বকাপের আগেই কোহলিকে টপকে ‘বিরাট’ নজির গড়লেন এই নাইট তারকা

In the match, Rinku scored 44 not out in the first game and 39 in the fourth match. While he couldn’t make a big score with the bat and India were bowled out for 165, his fielding contributions stood out significantly for the team.

Among his four catches, notable ones included Glenn Phillips, Devon Conway, Tim Seifert, and Zakary Fooks. Rinku displayed spectacular fielding with high-flying catches, long-off dives, and jumping catches.

This record is limited to home matches. Pakistan’s Syed Ayub had taken the same number of catches in Auckland in 2024. Additionally, Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain Ajinkya Rahane had taken four catches in a T20I against England in 2014, but that was on foreign soil.

Although Rinku shone in the field, India lost the fourth match by 50 runs due to the lack of big batting contributions. Nevertheless, his fielding performance will be remembered by cricket fans as a remarkable moment. Rinku Singh is proving that he is not just a batsman, but his fielding on home soil is also making a new mark in Indian cricket history.

হঠাৎ অবসরের সিদ্ধান্ত! বিশ্বকাপের আগে এই তারকাকে নিয়ে চিন্তায় ভক্তরা

Rahul also added, “There’s no need to force yourself if your body can’t keep up. But I still have a lot to give to cricket. So, it’s not the time to say I should retire yet.”

This news has left Indian cricket fans a little anxious, especially with the 2027 World Cup approaching. There’s caution about the possibility of him retiring suddenly.

Rahul’s career stats:

Test: 67 matches, 4,053 runs

ODI: 94 matches, 3,360 runs, average 50.9

T20I: 72 matches, 2,265 runs

At just 33 years old, cricket experts believe retirement at this age is somewhat unnecessary. He still has plenty to contribute on the field. However, the player himself has made it clear, “I am not a superstar, so I will retire quietly. I want to enjoy life outside cricket and spend time with my family.”

বিশ্বকাপ জয়ের পর WPL ওপেনিংয়ে বাড়তি চমক, ফ্রিতে কোথায় দেখবেন অনুষ্ঠান?

The new season of WPL kicks off on Friday, January 9, with a blockbuster opening match between two powerhouses — Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, even before the on-field action begins, all eyes will be on the dazzling opening ceremony. Several Bollywood and entertainment industry stars are set to light up the stage.

Honey Singh and Jacqueline to Set the Stage on Fire

The biggest attraction of this year’s opening ceremony is popular rapper and music sensation Yo Yo Honey Singh. Known for his high-energy tracks, Honey Singh is expected to electrify the crowd with his performance at the DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai, ahead of the first match.

When the beat drops, history begins.

Yo Yo Honey Singh takes centre stage at the TATA WPL 2026 Pre Match Entertainment – setting the tone for an electrifying season!

DY Patil Stadium | 9th January#TATAWPL | #MIvRCB | #KhelEmotionKa | @asliyoyo pic.twitter.com/9eAh6wX69H

— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) January 7, 2026

Joining him on stage will be Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez, who will add glamour and energy with her dance performance. The event will also feature Harnaaz Sandhu, Miss Universe 2021. According to the BCCI, the star-studded ceremony is designed to celebrate women’s courage, confidence, and achievements in sports.

When and Where to Watch Live?

Date: Friday, January 9

Time: 6:45 PM IST

Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai

For fans who cannot be at the stadium, the opening ceremony and matches will be available live:

TV: Star Sports Network

Online Streaming: JioHotstar app and website

Also Available On: JioCinema app and website

With a perfect blend of cricket and entertainment, the WPL 2026 opening ceremony promises to be a grand celebration. After a colorful and star-filled evening off the field, fans across the country eagerly await the thrilling battles that will unfold on it.

মুস্তাফিজুর ইস্যুতে বলিউড বাদশাকে বিরাট সতর্কবার্তা এই রাজনৈতিক দলের

In recent times, allegations of persecution of minorities in Bangladesh have triggered anger among sections of the Indian public. Against this backdrop, some political leaders have demanded that Bangladeshi cricketers should not be allowed to play in the IPL. As a result, KKR and its owner Shah Rukh Khan have been directly dragged into the controversy.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam, speaking to news agency ANI, effectively issued a “warning” to Shah Rukh Khan. He stated that in the current situation, anyone associated with Bangladeshi citizens could become a target of public anger. He said,
“When the entire country is angry over the Bangladesh issue, if Shah Rukh Khan has a Bangladeshi player in his team, he could become a major target. We request, for his own good and in the interest of India, that the player be dropped from the team.”

Taking an even tougher stance, Shiv Sena spokesperson Anand Dubey called for a complete ban. Speaking to ANI, he said,
“Pakistani and Bangladeshi players should not be allowed to play in the IPL on Indian soil. If Mustafizur is not dropped from KKR despite so much controversy, it will prove that Shah Rukh Khan does not understand the importance of public sentiment in the country.”

However, a section of the cricketing community believes that the IPL is a sporting competition where player selection should be based on performance and skill, not political tensions. Mustafizur Rahman is well known in international cricket for his deceptive cutters and effectiveness in death overs, which is precisely why KKR invested such a large amount in him, according to cricket analysts.

As of now, neither KKR management nor Shah Rukh Khan has issued any official response. The question remains—will cricket be able to withstand political pressure, or will off-field controversies decide Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL future?

The 39-year-old confirmed his decision in a forthright press conference on Friday, flanked by his family, after informing teammates earlier in the day. With Australia holding an unassailable 3–1 lead in the series, Khawaja said Sydney was the fitting place to step away — the same venue where he made his Test debut in 2011, also against England.

Khawaja’s future had been a persistent talking point throughout the Ashes, particularly after back spasms disrupted his early involvement in the series. Media scrutiny intensified around his preparation, including criticism of his participation in a golf event shortly before the injury.

In an emotional address, Khawaja said the criticism went beyond cricket and reflected racial stereotypes he has faced throughout his life.

“I’ve always felt a little bit different, even to now,” Khawaja said. “I’m a coloured cricketer. I’ve felt different in the way I’ve been treated and the way things have happened. When I talk about issues outside cricket, I know it leaves me exposed.”

He added that the reaction to his injury was particularly hurtful. “When others get injured, people feel sorry for them. When I got injured, my credibility was questioned. It became personal – about my commitment and who I am. Those are stereotypes I’ve grown up with, and I thought we’d moved past that.”

Born in Pakistan, Khawaja became the first Muslim cricketer to represent Australia and carved out a unique place in the national side. His career was far from straightforward, featuring early selection setbacks before a successful reinvention as a Test opener and senior leader. He played a key role in Australia’s World Test Championship triumph in 2023 and has been a respected voice in the dressing room.

During the current Ashes series, Khawaja returned to the XI after Steve Smith was sidelined, scoring 82 in Melbourne to secure his place amid ongoing debate about his longevity. He scored 614 runs in 2025, including a career-defining 232 against Sri Lanka earlier this year.

Khawaja will retire having played 87 Tests, 40 ODIs and nine T20Is, scoring 8,001 international runs. He said he hopes his journey helps pave the way for future generations.

“I want the journey for the next Usman Khawaja to be different,” he said. His final appearance will come next week at the SCG, where Australia will farewell one of its most distinctive and influential modern cricketers.

A hometown Test match for Usman Khawaja’s last ride as an international cricketer

More https://t.co/Zvf9gZLhYW pic.twitter.com/Pfpqfu8ogO

— ICC (@ICC) January 2, 2026

The concern stems from Bangladesh’s international commitments during the IPL window. In April, Bangladesh are scheduled to play a limited-overs series against New Zealand, featuring both ODIs and T20Is. While Mustafizur is no longer a regular in the ODI setup, he remains a key figure in Bangladesh’s T20 squad. If he is selected, KKR may have to release him for a few matches midway through the IPL.

The IPL 2026 season will run from March 26 to May 31. The Bangladesh–New Zealand T20 series is likely to take place between April 16 and April 23. If Mustafizur is called up during this period, securing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board could become complicated, potentially disrupting KKR’s plans.

Notably, this is the highest-ever auction price paid for a Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history. Mustafizur is also set to be the only Bangladeshi player in IPL 2026, as Taskin Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, and Tanzim Hasan Shakib went unsold at the auction.

This will be the first time Mustafizur wears the KKR jersey. To secure his services, KKR had to outbid Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings—both teams he has represented in the past. His proven IPL track record is what makes him such a valuable asset for the Knight Riders.

Mustafizur made a sensational IPL debut in 2016, winning the Emerging Player of the Year award in his very first season. So far, he has taken 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches. Across all T20 cricket, he has played 308 matches and claimed 387 wickets.

In the end, the big question remains: if national duty pulls him away midway, will KKR’s ₹9.20 crore gamble be put at risk? Or will Mustafizur silence all speculation and set the IPL on fire in Kolkata colors throughout the season? Only time will tell.

নিলামের ৭০ শতাংশ বেতন কমল নাইটদের এই প্রাক্তন ক্রিকেটারের

Last season, Iyer struggled to live up to expectations. Playing 11 matches for KKR, he scored just 142 runs, with minimal impact in both batting and bowling. The hefty price tag appeared to weigh him down, resulting in a disappointing 2025 campaign.

However, in 2024, Iyer had been a key player in KKR’s title-winning season, scoring 370 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 159. That performance laid the foundation for him to press the “reset” button for the new season.

During the auction, KKR did not completely let go of Iyer. A bidding battle with RCB went up to ₹6.8 crore. But after spending ₹25.2 crore on Cameron Green, Kolkata were unwilling to push further. Finally, RCB snapped him up for ₹7 crore. With a new team, a defined role, and less financial pressure, this move could work in Iyer’s favour.

The IPL 2026 auction also delivered a shock for South African veteran David Miller, whose value dropped from ₹7.5 crore last season to just ₹2 crore with Delhi Capitals.

There were also some bargain deals at base price: England’s Ben Duckett was signed for ₹2 crore, Wanindu Hasaranga also for ₹2 crore, while Mumbai Indians brought back Quinton de Kock for just ₹1 crore.

Interestingly, several big names including Liam Livingstone, Rachin Ravindra, Jamie Smith, Prithvi Shaw, and Sarfaraz Khan went unsold in the first round, but teams later included them strategically according to squad requirements.

Overall, the IPL 2026 auction reaffirmed that form and team roles outweigh price tags. Venkatesh Iyer’s journey to RCB is not just a transfer—it’s an opportunity to prove himself all over again.

বিপক্ষের বোলাররা ভয়ে কাঁপবেন! নিলামে এই কিউই তারকাকে নিল KKR

Although Finn Allen is a familiar name on the international stage, he hasn’t yet made a significant impact in the IPL. In the 2021 season, he joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as a replacement for Josh Philippe, earning ₹20 lakh. In the following auction, RCB picked him again for ₹80 lakh, but he didn’t play a single match, spending the season as a reserve keeper.

Outside the IPL, Finn Allen has made a mark in global franchise leagues. At just 26, he is considered one of the most destructive T20 openers in the world.

This signing is crucial for KKR. In recent seasons, the team has struggled to find consistent success with foreign wicketkeeper-batters. Even with Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the squad, runs haven’t flowed consistently. Early runs at the top of the order have been a challenge in T20 cricket, and Finn Allen is expected to fill that gap for the Knight Riders.

Finn Allen’s greatest strength is his attacking mindset from the very first ball. He is equally comfortable against both spin and pace, as reflected in his T20 strike rate. Across international and franchise cricket, he consistently bats at over a 170 strike rate.

His exploits in Major League Cricket have drawn global attention. He has played in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons, scoring 333, 306, and 75 runs respectively. In his first season, his strike rate exceeded 225, showcasing his aggressive approach.

For New Zealand, Finn Allen has played 52 T20 internationals, scoring 1,285 runs with a highest of 137 and an average of 25.19. Across all franchise T20 leagues outside international cricket, he has played 162 matches, accumulating 4,431 runs with a highest score of 151.

If he can maintain this form in the KKR jersey, it will provide a significant boost to the team’s batting lineup. Kolkata fans are eagerly waiting to witness Finn Allen unleash a storm of sixes at Eden Gardens.