On Friday, the Chennai Super Kings officially announced the signing of South African all-rounder Dewald Brevis as a replacement for the injured pacer Gurjapneet Singh for the remainder of the IPL season. This strategic move adds a dynamic young talent to the CSK roster, as Brevis is widely regarded as one of the most exciting emerging cricketers globally.

Dewald Brevis, who has quickly made a name for himself in the cricketing arena, debuted internationally in T20 cricket in 2023 and has since participated in various franchise tournaments around the globe.

His remarkable performances in leagues such as the IPL, Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Major League Cricket (MLC), and SA20 have demonstrated his potential and skill. In the recently concluded 2025 SA20 season, he stood out as one of the top players, finishing as the sixth-highest run-scorer with an impressive 291 runs at an explosive strike rate of 184.17. His contributions were pivotal in guiding MI Cape Town to their first title, showcasing his ability to perform on big stages.

In an official media statement, the IPL emphasised the importance of this signing, stating, “Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have signed South Africa’s Dewald Brevis as a replacement for the injured Gurjapneet Singh for the remainder of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.” This announcement signifies CSK’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in the tournament despite dealing with injuries.

At just 21 years of age, Brevis has a previous association with the Mumbai Indians, having played 10 matches during the 2022 and 2024 seasons. His overall T20 experience includes 81 matches in which he accumulated 1,787 runs, with a highest score of 162.

Brevis is often referred to as “Baby AB” because of the striking resemblance in both looks and playing style to the legendary AB de Villiers. With this new opportunity, Brevis will don the Chennai Super Kings jersey for ₹2.2 crore, and fans are eagerly anticipating his contributions throughout the remainder of the IPL season.

KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty have shared the enchanting news of their daughter’s arrival, unveiling her name to the world for the very first time. The couple, celebrating Rahul’s birthday, introduced their baby girl named Evaarah, a name that encapsulates their joy and love.

Introducing Evaarah: A special moment for the new family

In a touching moment filled with pride and emotion, actor Athiya Shetty and cricketer KL Rahul shared the first picture of their little one. The heartfelt reveal quickly captured the affection of fans and followers, who flooded the couple with warm wishes and congratulations. Athiya, in her post, expressed her profound love, writing: “Our baby girl, our everything. 🪷 Evaarah/ इवारा ~ Gift of God.”

Earlier in March, Athiya had joyfully announced her pregnancy with a charming Instagram illustration of two swans accompanied by the message, “Blessed with a baby girl.”

The journey to parenthood

The couple exchanged vows in a private ceremony on January 23, 2023, at Suniel Shetty’s picturesque farmhouse in Khandala. A few months later, in November 2024, they marked another milestone in their lives with an adorable announcement about their impending parenthood, sharing a sweet post that read, “Our beautiful blessing is coming soon. 2025,” along with emojis of tiny feet.

Suniel Shetty’s heartfelt reflection as a grandfather

Suniel Shetty, Athiya’s father, expressed his joy as a newly minted grandfather in a heartfelt LinkedIn post. He articulated the paradox of life, emphasising how true contentment often lies in the simplest moments. He reflected on his journey, stating, “It’s funny how life works. You spend years chasing achievements, but real happiness stems from the simplest of things.”

He shared the indescribable joy of holding his granddaughter, acknowledging how those cherished moments eclipse all worldly pursuits. His reflections on family and legacy poignantly captured the essence of life’s most rewarding experiences.

Warm wishes from the celebrities’ circle

The joyous news has evoked an outpouring of affection from fellow celebrities and friends. Anushka Sharma, a close friend of Athiya, celebrated the occasion with a heart emoji on her post, while Sobhita Dhulipala remarked, “This is everything.” Samantha Ruth Prabhu also joined in, leaving a flurry of heart emojis to shower love on the precious new addition to the Shetty-Rahul family.

As KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty embark on this beautiful journey of parenthood, they are surrounded by love and support from their family, friends, and countless admirers.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed that Pomona, a vibrant Southern California city, will host the cricket tournaments during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This marks a historic moment as cricket returns to the Olympic stage after a 128-year hiatus, last appearing in 1900 at the Paris Games.

The cricket events, featuring six teams each in men’s and women’s competitions, will take place at the Pomona Fairgrounds, commonly known as Fairplex. Located 48 kilometres east of Los Angeles, the main Olympic hub, Fairplex is a sprawling venue renowned for hosting conventions, trade shows, educational initiatives, and motorsport events. However, it currently lacks a dedicated cricket pitch, prompting curiosity about how the facility will be adapted for the global sport.

ICC chairman Jay Shah hailed the venue selection as a pivotal step in cricket’s Olympic journey. “The announcement is a milestone in our preparations,” Shah said. “Cricket, already a global phenomenon, will leverage the dynamic T20 format at LA28 to engage new fans and transcend traditional boundaries.” The T20 format, known for its fast-paced, three-hour matches, is celebrated for driving cricket’s growth, making it ideal for the Olympic spotlight.

Cricket’s inclusion in the LA28 program was confirmed at the International Olympic Committee’s 141st Session in Mumbai in October 2023. It joins five other new sports—baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash—adding diversity to the Olympic lineup. The decision reflects cricket’s rising global appeal, particularly in regions like South Asia, Australia, and the Caribbean.

The T20 format has proven its versatility in multi-sport events, featuring in the Asian Games (2010, 2014, 2023) for both men’s and women’s teams and the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games for women’s cricket. These appearances have showcased cricket’s ability to captivate diverse audiences.

Pomona’s selection underscores its growing prominence as a cultural and sporting hub. With the Olympics as a platform, cricket aims to expand its footprint in the United States, where the sport is gaining traction through initiatives like Major League Cricket. The LA28 cricket events promise to blend athletic excellence with cultural celebration, setting the stage for a memorable Olympic chapter.