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The Duleep Trophy 2025 has hit early turbulence as East Zone's preparations have suffered a double setback. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the opening match, while fast bowler Akash Deep has been advised rest due to fitness concerns. Both developments were confirmed by the East Zone team management ahead of their first fixture, leaving the squad with significant changes to make at the last minute. Ishan Kishan's Absence Ishan Kishan, one of the biggest names in the East Zone lineup, was expected to play a pivotal role at the top of the order and provide stability behind the stumps. However, medical advice has ruled him out of the opener. While the team has not disclosed the exact nature of his setback. It is believed to be a precautionary measure to ensure his long-term fitness. Kishan's absence is a major blow, considering his recent form in the domestic circuit. His aggressive batting style and experience of playing international cricket would have given East Zone an edge. With the Asia Cup and other international assignments around the corner, the BCCI is taking no chances with the wicketkeeper-batter's workload. Akash Deep Rested In another worrying development, speedster Akash Deep has also been sidelined for the opening clash after being advised rest. The Bengal pacer has been an integral part of East Zone's bowling plans. Especially with his ability to swing the new ball and generate pace on flat tracks. His absence leaves the bowling unit short of experience. Akash Deep has been carrying a minor strain, and the medical team recommended rest to avoid aggravating the issue. Though his injury is not considered serious, East Zone will miss his services at a time. When they were banking on a strong start to the tournament. Replacements and Strategy The East Zone think tank will now have to rethink their approach for the opener. With Kishan unavailable, a new wicketkeeper-batter will step into the playing XI. While the pace attack will

The BCCI published a new schedule on Monday night, announcing that IPL 2025 will start on May 17 and finish on June 3. Bengaluru, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad will host the remaining matches of the tournament. Which was temporarily halted on May 9 owing to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. The playoff locations will be revealed later. But the dates of the matches are as follows: May 29 for the first qualifier, May 30 for the eliminator, June 1 for the second qualifier, and June 3 for the final. Two doubleheaders, both on Sundays. Will be among the 17 games that will be played following the restart. 13 league games and the four playoff games are included in the updated schedule. This means that on May 24, in Jaipur. Which will serve as PBKS's temporary home base. The Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs. Delhi Capitals (DC) match that was called off midway through the first innings on May 8 in Dharamsala would be played again. Originally scheduled to take place on May 11 at their second home base of Dharamsala. PBKS will play the Mumbai Indians (MI) two days later. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will meet in Bengaluru in the match that will kick off the tournament on May 17. IPL 2025 Rajasthan Royals (RR) will play PBKS in the day match at 3.30 p.m. IST on May 18, and DC will play Gujarat Titans (GT) in the evening at 7.30 p.m. IST on the first of the two doubleheader days. The next Sunday, May 25, will see Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) play KKR in Delhi at 7:30 p.m. IST. While GT play Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Ahmedabad during the day. On May 27, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and RCB will play their final league match in Lucknow. Three teams PBKS, CSK, and SRH will no longer be able to play on their original home grounds as a result of the venue change. PBKS will consider themselves unlucky to have two of their home games at a neutral location. As CSK and SRH are eliminated from the playoff race. Prior to th

In a significant development for Indian women's cricket, left-arm spinner Gouher Sultana has officially announced her retirement from all forms of the game. The Hyderabad-born cricketer, known for her accurate spin bowling and consistent performances, leaves behind a career that inspired many young girls to take up the sport. A Notable Career in Blue Gouher Sultana made her international debut for India in 2008 and quickly established herself as a reliable slow left-arm orthodox bowler. Across her career, she represented India in both ODIs and T20Is, playing against some of the toughest opposition sides in world cricket. Her ability to extract turn and maintain a tight line and length made her a dependable option in the middle overs. Sultana's spell of accuracy often broke partnerships and kept batters under pressure. She was also one of the few Indian women cricketers from the South Zone to gain prominence during the late 2000s, representing Hyderabad on the domestic circuit with distinction. Career Highlights One Day Internationals (ODIs): Gouher played 50 ODIs for India, claiming crucial wickets at an impressive economy rate. T20 Internationals (T20Is): She featured in 37 T20Is, contributing to India's rise in women's cricket during the format's early years. She was part of India's squads in multiple ICC tournaments, including the Women's Cricket World Cup and the T20 World Cup, where her experience proved valuable. One of her standout moments came against Sri Lanka Women in 2010, where she delivered a match-winning spell that showcased her control and temperament under pressure. Domestic Stalwart At the domestic level, Sultana was a mainstay for Hyderabad, guiding her side with both performances and mentorship. Her consistency in the Women's Senior One-Day and T20 tournaments often made her a top wicket-taker for her state. She also represented the India Red and India Blue teams in Challenger Trophy tournaments, further underlining her stature as one of the