Highest wicket taker for India in ICC tournaments

 Champions Trophy is back with a bang. Mohammed Shami's return after a long injury layoff couldn't have been better as the Indian bowlers have put up a stellar performance. Mohammed Shami has surpassed Zaheer Khan to become the highest wicket-taker for India in a 50-over ICC tournament. But there are a few other Indian bowlers too. In this article, we will look at the top 5 bowlers with the most wickets for India in a 50-over ICC event.

1. Mohammed Shami (60 wickets)

Mohammed Shami has surpassed Zaheer Khan to become India's leading wicket-taker in ICC tournaments in the ongoing 2025 Champions Trophy against Bangladesh. Mohammed Shami is the leading wicket-taker in World Cups with 55 wickets in 18 matches at an average of 13.52, including four five-wicket hauls. Mohammed is also the leading wicket-taker among Indian bowlers in ODI World Cups and is leading among all bowlers in the 2023 edition with 24 wickets in seven matches. He continued his magical form in ICC competitions by taking five wickets in his first Champions Trophy game (against Bangladesh in the current tournament). Overall, Shami has achieved magical figures in ICC ODI tournaments with 60 wickets in 19 matches at an average of 13.28.

2. Zaheer Khan (59 wickets)

One of the finest fast bowlers India has produced, Zaheer Khan is one of the finest bowlers of the game. During his career, he played several match-winning spells to serve the country. In ICC events, he was the biggest asset for the team. In 32 matches, he took 59 wickets with an economy rate of 4.51. On the big stage, he registered his best spell of 4/42 against New Zealand in the 2003 ODI World Cup.

3. Javagal Srinath (47 wickets)

Former Indian pacer Javagal Srinath was the spearhead of India's fast bowling in the 1990s thanks to his incredible skill level and remarkable control. The right-arm pacer played in all four ODI World Cups from 1992 to 2003 and took 44 wickets in 34 matches at an average of 27.81. He also played in the 1998 and 2002 Champions Trophy, with India winning their first title in the latter. However, he took only three wickets in as many matches at an average of 49 and an economy of over 6.12.

Javagal Srinath helped India make a sensational run to the final of the 2003 ODI World Cup despite being in the twilight of his illustrious career. His overall tally in ICC ODI events includes 47 wickets in 37 matches at an average of 29.17

4. Ravindra Jadeja (43 wickets)

Ravindra Jadeja is one of the best spin bowlers India has ever produced. He often distracts batsmen with his fast bowling. He is a strong pillar of Team India's bowling unit in the 50-over ICC event. In 32 matches, he has taken 43 wickets at an economy rate of 4.66. He registered his best spell of 5/33 while playing against South Africa in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

5. Jasprit Bumrah (42 wickets)

Jasprit Bumrah needs no introduction in the cricket world. Known for his lethal pace and fast bowling, this fast bowler has proved to be a great asset for the team. Being a big match player, he is a great asset for the Indian team. In 25 matches, he has taken 42 wickets with an economy rate of 4.37. In the match against Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup, he has taken his best performance of 4/39.

Fastest 11,000 ODI Runs : Fastest player to score 11000 ODI runs

 Scoring 11,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODI) is a huge achievement. Legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting ruled in their era, while Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have also completed 11,000 runs. In this list, we will talk about those players who have scored the fastest 11,000 ODI runs in the least number of innings.

Fastest player to score 11000 ODI runs

Player	Year	Innings
Virat Kohli (IND)	2019	222
Rohit Sharma (IND)	2025	261
Sachin Tendulkar (IND)	2002	276
Ricky Ponting (AUS)	2008	286
Sourav Ganguly (IND)	2007	288

1. Virat Kohli (222 Innings)

Virat Kohli is the fastest player to score 11,000 ODI runs in 222 innings. He achieved this feat during India's match against Pakistan in the 2019 World Cup. Virat Kohli has played 297 ODIs in which he has scored 13,963 runs at an average of 57.93 and a strike rate of 93.52. Virat Kohli has registered 50 centuries and 73 half-centuries with a highest score of 183.

2. Rohit Sharma (261 Innings)

Rohit Sharma's career changed after he became an opener in 2013. His brilliant play and record-breaking double centuries took him past 11,000 runs in 261 innings, his 261st innings being no less than a spectacular innings. Rohit made a splash by scoring 41 runs with the help of 7 fours against Bangladesh in India's first match of the Champions Trophy on 20 February. Rohit Sharma has played 269 ODIs, in which he has scored 11,029 runs at an average of 49.01, with his highest score being 264. He has scored 32 centuries

3. Sachin Tendulkar (276 Innings)

Sachin Tendulkar, the first batsman to cross 11,000 runs, achieved the feat in 276 innings. He achieved this historic feat against England in Kanpur in 2002. The 'Master Blaster' Sachin Tendulkar played 463 ODIs, scoring 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83 with his highest score being 200. He registered 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries with a strike rate of 86.23.

4. Ricky Ponting (286 Innings)

Ricky Ponting scored 11,000 runs in 286 innings, demonstrating his ability to dominate the attack while leading his team to two World Cup titles. His 286th innings came against India in Sydney in 2008. Ricky Ponting played 375 ODIs, scoring 13,704 runs at an average of 42.03 and a strike rate of 80.39. He recorded 30 centuries and 82 half-centuries, with his highest score being 164.

5. Sourav Ganguly (288 Innings)

Sourav Ganguly reached 11,000 runs in 288 innings. He achieved the feat against England in Birmingham in 2007. Ganguly played 113 Tests, scoring 7,212 runs with 16 centuries at an average of 42.17 and 311 ODIs before retiring in 2008, scoring 11,363 runs with 22 centuries at an average of 41.02.

International Masters League (IML) 2025 Teams and squads

 The International Masters League (IML) trophy was launched on Wednesday at DY Patil University campus. On this occasion, India's greatest cricketer and Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar along with Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara, West Indies legend Brian Lara, England's World Cup winning captain Eoin Morgan, Australia's Shane Watson and South Africa's Jonty Rhodes were present. The tournament will start on February 22 and the final match will be played on March 16. In this league, many big names including Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu will be seen in the India Masters team captained by Sachin Tendulkar.

International Masters League (IML) 2025 Venue

All the matches of the International Masters League will be played at only 3 grounds.

1. DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai
2. Reliance Stadium in Vadodara
3. Shahir Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur.

IML 2025 Teams and squads

India Masters: Sachin Tendulkar (captain), Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Stuart Binny, Dhawal Kulkarni, Vinay Kumar, Shahbaz Nadeem, Rahul Sharma, Naman Ojha, Pawan Negi, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Abhimanyu Mithun

Sri Lanka Masters: Kumar Sangakkara (captain), Romesh Kaluwitharana, Ashan Priyanjan, Upul Tharanga, Nuwan Pradeep, Lahiru Thirimanne, Chintaka Jayasinghe, Seekuge Prasanna, Jeevan Mendis, Isuru Udana, Dhammika Prasad, Suranga Lakmal, Dilruwan Perera, Asela Gunaratne, Chaturanga de Silva

West Indies Masters: Brian Lara (captain), Chris Gayle, Kirk Edwards, Lendl Simmons, Narsingh Deonarine, Ashley Nurse, Dwayne Smith, Chadwick Walton, Dinesh Ramdin, Williams Perkins, Fiden Edwards, Jerome Taylor, Ravi Rampaul, Sulieman Benn, Tino Best

Australia Masters: Callum Ferguson, Nathan Reardon, Shaun Marsh, Ben Cutting, Dan Christian, Shane Watson, Ben Dunk, Peter Neville, Ben Hilfenhaus, Ben Laughlin, Bryce McGain, James Pattinson, Jason Krejza, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Xavier Doherty

England Masters: Eoin Morgan (captain), Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen, Darren Maddy, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Tim Bresnan, Phil Mustard, Tim Ambrose, Boyd Rankin, Chris Schofield, Chris Tremlett, Monty Panesar, Ryan Sidebottom, Steve Finn, Stuart Meaker

South Africa Masters: Alviro Petersen, Farhaan Behardien, Hashim Amla, Henry Davids, Jacques Rudolph, Jonty Rhodes, Jacques Kallis, JP Duminy, Vernon Philander, Dane Vilas, Morne van Wyk, Eddie Leie, Garnett Kruger, Makhaya Ntini, Thandi Tshabalala

WPL 2025 Opening Ceremony : Performers and live streaming details

 

WPL 2025 Opening Ceremony : Performers and live streaming details

The excitement for the third edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 continues to grow as the tournament gears up for a spectacular opening ceremony. The league has officially announced that a Bollywood star and a renowned musician will headline the much-awaited event, ensuring an exciting start to the celebration of cricket.

The third edition of the WPL will run from February 14 to March 15, with five teams competing across four Indian cities: Vadodara, Bengaluru, Lucknow and Mumbai. The opening match will see Gujarat Giants take on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. The grand finale will take place on March 15 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.

WPL 2025 Opening Ceremony: Date and Time

The opening ceremony of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 is scheduled to take place during the mid-match show of the opening match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Giants at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium. The ceremony will begin at around 9:00 PM IST during the mid-innings break of the match on February 14.

Which Bollywood stars will perform at the opening ceremony of WPL 2025

Renowned Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana is set to grace the stage at the opening ceremony of the Women's Premier League 2025. He will be joined by talented singer Madhubanti Bagchi, who will enthrall the audience with a spectacular musical performance. The theme of this year's WPL opening ceremony is "Shernia", which celebrates the strength and courage of women in sports.

WPL 2025 Opening Ceremony Live Streaming

The opening ceremony of WPL 2025 will be broadcasted live in India via Sports18 Network. Its live streaming will be available on the JioCinema app and website.

Which player is ruled out of Champions Trophy 2025 due to injury?

 The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to start from February 19. This tournament is to be held in Pakistan and Dubai. Before the start of this tournament, 8 teams have announced their final team. Many great players of the world have been ruled out of the tournament due to injury, including Team India's fast bowler Jaspreet Bumrah, Australia's Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Hazlewood.

1. Jasprit Bumrah (India)

Indian team's fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is out of the Champions Trophy 2025. Bumrah could not recover from the back problem and the BCCI gave an update on Bumrah's fitness for the 50-over format match on Xbox on February 11. Bumrah last played for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

2. Pat Cummins (Australia)

Australia's ODI and Test captain Pat Cummins will also not be a part of the Champions Trophy. The captain of the 2023 ODI World Cup-winning team was entrusted with the command of the Australian team for this tournament, but Cricket Australia confirmed on Tuesday that he will be out of this 8-team tournament due to injury. Pat Cummins was injured during the fifth Test match during BGT 2024-25.

3. Josh Hazelwood (Australia)

Australian team's fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will not play in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The 34-year-old fast bowler has taken 138 wickets in 91 ODIs so far. He is suffering from a hip injury. He was injured during the third Test match between India and Australia.

4. Mitchell Marsh (Australia)

Australia's T20 captain and star all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 due to a back injury on January 31 and is unlikely to play again this season. Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men's Champions Trophy due to lower back pain and dysfunction," Cricket Australia said in a statement.

5. Anrich Nortje (South Africa)

South African fast bowler Anrich Norkhia, who played for South Africa in a 50-over match against Australia on 9 September 2023. He was included in the Kangaroos' squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, but he was ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury. He was replaced by MI Cape Town all-rounder Corbin Bosch.

6. Jacob Bethell (England)

England's 21-year-old batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 due to a hamstring injury. He suffered the injury while playing for the Jos Buttler-led side in the first ODI of the ongoing three-match series against India at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on February 6.

7. Mitchell Starc (Australia)

Australian star Mitchell Starc is also not a part of the Champions Trophy 2025. Cricket Australia informed that Starc has withdrawn his name from the tournament due to personal reasons. He was suffering from ankle pain in the second innings of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle last week.

8. Saim Ayub (Pakistan)

Young Pakistan opener Saim Ayub was not selected in the Men in Green's 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury he suffered during the second Test of the series against South Africa in Cape Town last month.

9. Allah Ghazanfar (Afghanistan)

18-year-old Afghanistan spinner Allah Ghazanfar, who has taken 21 wickets in 11 ODIs played so far, was on Wednesday ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to a fracture of the L4 vertebrae, more specifically the interarticularis of the left leg. He suffered the injury during Afghanistan's recent tour of Zimbabwe, and will be out of action for at least four months.

Australia team announce final squad for Champions Trophy 2025

 The Australian team has announced its final squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. Steve Smith has been given the command of the Australian team, while the team will play the tournament without three big pacers. Mitchell Starc has cited personal reasons for withdrawing his name from the tournament. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are out of the Champions Trophy due to injury.

Mitchell Starc withdraws from Champions Trophy

The Australian team suffered another major setback on Wednesday. Fast bowler Mitchell Starc will not participate in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Cricket Australia has confirmed this. The Kangaroo team was already in tension due to the exclusion of captain Pat Cummins and Josh Heddlewood and now Starc has increased its difficulties by withdrawing from the tournament due to personal reasons. Starc bowled only four overs during the last Test against Sri Lanka in Galle last week. Starc is suffering from a left ankle injury.

5 new players included in the Australian team

The absence of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Hazlewood has opened the door for fast bowlers Spencer Johnson, Natham Ellis, Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshis, who have been named in Australia's final 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy. Kapur Connolly will be the travelling player. Spencer Johnson has played just two ODIs and 8 T20Is and is being seen as a potential replacement for Starc as the left-arm pacer.

Nathan Elliswas a member of Australia's squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup and already has experience as he made his debut on the ODI tour of Pakistan three years ago. Sean Abbott was part of Pakistan's ODI campaign and has played 26 ODIs, including one during Australia's 2023 World Cup-winning campaign in India.

Australia's final squad for Champions Trophy

Steve Smith (captain), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.

Traveling Reserve: Cooper Connolly

Top 5 batsmen who scored the most centuries in ODI cricket

 One Day International (ODI) cricket always features exciting games and big innings. Centuries are of great importance in ODI cricket. In this format, a century is very important not only for the player but also for his team. It is not easy for any batsman to score a century, especially in high-pressure situations, but many batsmen thrive under pressure and showcase their skills. We take a look at the list of top 5 batsmen with the most centuries in ODI cricket.

1. Virat Kohli (50 centuries)

Indian batsman Virat Kohli has played 296 One Day International (ODI) matches so far, in which he has an excellent record of 50 centuries. He has scored a total of 13,911 runs during his brilliant ODI career, achieving the highest individual score of 183 runs. In the first semi-final match of the World Cup 2023 against New Zealand, Virat broke Sachin's record of most centuries by scoring the 50th century of his ODI career.

2. Sachin Tendulkar (49 centuries)

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, known as the God of Cricket, has scored 49 centuries in his illustrious One Day International (ODI) career. He scored a total of 18,426 runs in 463 ODIs and made his highest individual score of 200* not out.

3. Rohit Sharma (32 centuries)

The current captain of the Indian cricket team, Rohit Sharma, also known as Hitman, has played 267 One Day International (ODI) matches so far, in which he has an impressive record of 32 centuries. During his brilliant ODI career, Rohit has scored a total of 10,900 runs, with his highest individual score being 264 runs. Rohit scored the 32nd century of his ODI career in the second match of the three-match ODI series being played against England in 2025.

4. Ricky Ponting (30 centuries)

One of the most successful batsmen of Australian cricket and former captain Ricky Ponting played 375 matches and scored 30 centuries during his One Day International (ODI) career. During this time he also scored a total of 13,704 runs, with his highest individual score being 164 runs. Bo was also Australia's most successful captain

5. Sanath Jayasuriya (28 centuries)

Sri Lankan veteran batsman Sanath Jayasuriya has scored 28 centuries in 445 matches during his illustrious One Day International (ODI) career. He has also scored a total of 13,430 runs with the highest individual score of 189 runs. This batsman has always played an important role in the success of the Sri Lankan team with his performance.