Cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and his wife, Dhanashree Verma, surprised fans with their recent divorce announcement, joining a growing list of celebrity separations. While many speculated about the reasons behind this split, both Chahal and Verma maintained their silence amidst escalating rumours and controversy.

The situation took another twist when reports emerged suggesting that Dhanashree is seeking Rs 60 crore in alimony from Chahal. However, these claims have been deemed false and unfounded.

In lighter news, on February 14th, Dhanashree shared a workout video on social media, captioning it, “Aaj to cake Banta hai,” hinting at the importance of self-care during tough times. Despite her positive post, she has faced significant online backlash since the divorce news broke, with many harsh comments surfacing on her platforms.

Adding to the speculation, Dhanashree previously posted a picture with her mother from their new home, leading fans to believe she had moved out of Chahal’s residence. At the same time, rumours suggested that Chahal may have found a new romance with RJ Mahvash, who addressed the gossip on her Instagram stories.

She criticized the media for spreading baseless rumours, questioning the notion that being seen with someone of the opposite gender equates to dating. Mahvash expressed exasperation at the current climate of speculation, urging people to allow others to navigate their personal lives in peace.

The couple’s divorce rumours gained traction when they unfollowed each other on Instagram. In response, Dhanashree emphasized her commitment to maintaining her integrity and values. She stated, “My silence is not a sign of weakness; but of strength. While negativity spreads easily online, it takes courage and compassion to uplift others.”

Dhanashree also expressed her frustration over the character attacks from online trolls. She reaffirmed her dedication to focusing on her personal truth and moving forward, invoking a powerful message of resilience: “The truth stands tall without the need for justification. Om Namah Shivaay.”

Kusal Mendis scored his fifth century, and Dunith Wellalage took four wickets as Sri Lanka defeated Australia by 174 runs in the second One Day International, completing a 2-0 series sweep. After winning the toss, captain Charith Asalanka opted to bat first, leading Sri Lanka to a competitive total of 281 for four in their 50 overs.

Australia struggled, losing their last seven wickets for just 28 runs and getting bowled out for 107 in the 25th over. Mendis was the standout performer, scoring 101 runs, and he was well-supported by Asalanka, who followed his impressive century in the first match with an unbeaten 78.

“We are very pleased with where we are. A few months ago, we were ranked quite low,” Mendis said. “We’ve worked really hard, and this result reflects that commitment.” Opener Nishan Madushka also made a valuable contribution, scoring 51 runs in his second One Day International half-century. Fast bowler Sean Abbott recorded the best bowling figures for Australia, taking one wicket for 41 runs.

Australia’s total of 107 is their second lowest against Sri Lanka, following a dismal 74 all out in 2013. Sri Lanka’s victory margin of 174 runs marks their largest win by runs against Australia in One Day Internationals.

“The plan was for the top order to bat a bit longer,” Mendis explained. “The heat was tough, and we knew they might struggle, so we aimed to bat as deep as possible.”

Australia’s Aaron Hardie provided his team with an early breakthrough by dismissing opener Pathum Nissanka for just 6 runs with the total at 15. However, Kusal Mendis and Madushka stabilized the innings with a 98-run partnership for the second wicket off 115 balls. Madushka was eventually caught by Adam Zampa off fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis after scoring 51, which included a six and four boundaries.

Eight runs later, Abbott bowled Kamindu Mendis for 4 runs, leaving Sri Lanka at 121 for 3. Kusal Mendis then built another significant partnership, adding 94 runs with Asalanka, who struck three sixes and six fours in his 66-ball innings of 78. Mendis faced 115 balls and hit 11 boundaries in his century.

Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando dismissed Matthew Short lbw for 6 runs, while Jake Fraser-McGurk was caught by Asalanka at mid-off for 9 runs. Travis Head contributed 18 runs before being caught in the deep by substitute fielder Avishka Fernando. A promising partnership of 46 runs between captain Steven Smith and Josh Inglis came to an end when Inglis was bowled by Wellalage for 22 runs. Glenn Maxwell was dismissed for just 1 run, bowled by Wellalage, and Smith was the top scorer for Australia with 29 runs before being trapped lbw by leg spinner Wanindu Hasaranga.

Wellalage’s impressive figures of 4 for 35 helped secure the victory, while Fernando and Hasaranga each claimed three wickets. Australia made five changes from their previous match, recalling Head, Maxwell, and Inglis, while adding fast bowler Dwarshuis and leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha to the lineup. Alex Carey, Marnus Labuschagne, Cooper Connolly, Spencer Johnson, and Nathan Ellis were omitted from the squad.

Australian captain Smith noted that the team was experimenting ahead of the Champions Trophy later this month in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. “We were certainly trying a few different things,” Smith remarked. “You don’t often see an Australian team making five changes regularly. It was about giving everyone the opportunity to get some time in the middle. Hopefully, we can learn from this, move forward, and have a successful tournament in Pakistan.”

Sri Lanka also made a change to their lineup, dropping opener Avishka Fernando and recalling Nishan Madushka.

As the Women’s Premier League (WPL) gears up for its third edition, cricket enthusiasts are set for an exciting season beginning on February 14, 2025. The tournament will kick off with an electrifying opening clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Giants (GG) at the Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara.

With no major changes in the format, the league will follow the same structure as previous seasons, featuring five teams competing in a double round-robin format. The top four teams will advance to the playoffs, with the final scheduled for March 15, 2025, at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.

WPL 2025 format: How the playoffs will work

• The top two teams after the league stage will face off in Qualifier 1, with the winner securing a direct spot in the final.
• The 3rd and 4th placed teams will battle it out in the Eliminator.
• The loser of Qualifier 1 will take on the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2, determining the second finalist.
• The winners of both qualifiers will then clash for the coveted WPL 2025 title.

WPL 2025 full schedule

League Stage Matches

📅 February 14, Friday – GG vs RCB, Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, 7:30 PM IST
📅 February 15, Saturday – MI vs DC, Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, 7:30 PM IST
📅 February 16, Sunday – GG vs UPW, Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, 7:30 PM IST
📅 February 17, Monday – DC vs RCB, Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, 7:30 PM IST
📅 February 18, Tuesday – GG vs MI, Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, 7:30 PM IST
📅 February 19, Wednesday – UPW vs DC, Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, 7:30 PM IST
📅 February 21, Friday – RCB vs MI, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 7:30 PM IST
📅 February 22, Saturday – DC vs UPW, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 7:30 PM IST
📅 February 24, Monday – RCB vs UPW, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 7:30 PM IST
📅 February 25, Tuesday – DC vs GG, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 7:30 PM IST
📅 February 26, Wednesday – MI vs UPW, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 7:30 PM IST
📅 February 27, Thursday – RCB vs GG, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 7:30 PM IST
📅 February 28, Friday – DC vs MI, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 7:30 PM IST
📅 March 1, Saturday – RCB vs DC, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 7:30 PM IST
📅 March 3, Monday – UPW vs GG, Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, 7:30 PM IST
📅 March 6, Thursday – UPW vs MI, Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, 7:30 PM IST
📅 March 7, Friday – GG vs DC, Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, 7:30 PM IST
📅 March 8, Saturday – UPW vs RCB, Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, 7:30 PM IST
📅 March 10, Monday – MI vs GG, Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, 7:30 PM IST
📅 March 11, Tuesday – MI vs RCB, Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, 7:30 PM IST

Playoff Fixtures

📅 March 13, Thursday – Eliminator, Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, 7:30 PM IST
📅 March 15, Saturday – Final, Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, 7:30 PM IST

WPL 2025 live telecast and streaming details

Fans can catch all the live action of WPL 2025 on Star Sports channels. For online viewers, live streaming will be available on JioStar (formerly Disney+ Hotstar).