Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spinner Digvesh Rathi made headlines not just for his performance but also for his new celebration during the IPL 2025 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Tuesday at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

The young wrist spinner struck in his very first over, dismissing none other than his childhood idol Sunil Narine, who had looked dangerous with 30 off 13 balls. Rathi had Narine caught at long off, a key moment in KKR’s massive 239-run chase.

Following the dismissal, Rathi unveiled a new signature celebration, making a writing gesture on the ground, a move believed to be a subtle response to recent sanctions imposed by the IPL governing council.

Though details of the earlier sanction haven’t been officially disclosed, sources suggest it was linked to on-field conduct or celebration style, prompting Rathi to modify his post-wicket reactions this season.

Rathi’s early breakthrough added to LSG’s strong defense of their massive total, and his composed performance under pressure further cemented his growing status in the squad.

In a heartbreaking development for Australian cricket, Will Pucovski has announced his retirement from all forms of the game at the age of 27, citing persistent health concerns — particularly recurring concussions — as the primary reason.

Despite being seen as one of Australia’s most promising young talents, Pucovski’s career was severely limited by injuries. He made a single Test appearance, against India during the 2020/21 series in Sydney, where he scored a commendable 62 and 10.

What led to Pucovski’s retirement?

The turning point came in March 2024, when Pucovski suffered yet another blow to the helmet during a Sheffield Shield match. The incident forced him to retire hurt and miss the remainder of the domestic season. Based on medical advice, Pucovski also withdrew from playing in the 2024 English county season with Leicestershire.

Speaking on SEN’s Whateley program, he said, “It’s been a really difficult year… the simple message is I won’t be playing cricket at any level again.” A medical panel’s recommendation, along with the mental and physical toll of his injuries, ultimately prompted his decision.

Although his career was brief, Pucovski showed flashes of brilliance. In just 36 first-class matches, he recorded seven centuries and nine fifties, including a career-best 255 not out against South Australia in 2020. Many had tipped him as a future regular in Australia’s Test setup before injuries derailed his path.

What’s next for Will Pucovski?

Pucovski is now preparing for a new chapter as a cricket coach. He will take charge of Melbourne Cricket Club’s Premier Cricket team, a place he’s been associated with since he was 11.

“I’m going to be coaching the MCC next year, which is really exciting. Coaching is always something I’ve wanted to scratch that itch with,” he shared, signaling his commitment to staying involved in the sport and shaping future talent.

By Mohammad Javed Rasheedi

The Pakistan cricket team has been penalised by the ICC for the third time in 10 days — for the exact same reason as in the first two matches of the 3-match ODI series against New Zealand.

The Pakistan team, captained by Mohammed Rizwan, was fined 5% of their match fee for slow over-rate against New Zealand in the final ODI at Mount Maunganui on April 5. They were also penalised for over-rate violations in the first ODI on March 29 and the second on April 2.

Yes, three matches, three over-rate offences, and one very consistent performance: running late in completing their overs.

After achieving such a rare cricketing hat-trick in New Zealand, Pakistan has unlocked a rare double consistency — not just in losing back-to-back matches across formats, but also in getting fined for slow over-rates. Whether it’s T20Is, ODIs or Tests, they’re dropping games and running late, both with equal dedication.

While their opponents were finishing matches early, Pakistan was finishing overs late — a classic case of bad timing on and off the field.

Following a humiliating 0-3 whitewash in the ODI series and a 1-4 defeat in the T20Is, Pakistan’s latest headache comes in the form of repeated fines. The ICC confirmed on Monday that Pakistan have been docked 5% of their match fee for falling short by one over in the third ODI at Mount Maunganui.

ICC match referee Jeff Crowe slapped a 5% fine on the team’s match fee after they came up one over short — again. This was under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, aka the “Stop Wasting Time” clause. As per ICC rules, players are fined 5% of their match fee per missing over, considering time allowances.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan accepted the charge with lightning speed, faster than his team could bowl 50 overs.

Series of setbacks: poor form and off-field issues

The penalties are adding insult to injury of Pakistan’s nightmare tour of New Zealand. After failing to progress beyond the group stage in the Champions Trophy as hosts, the team managed just one win across eight matches in New Zealand — adding to their growing woes in white-ball cricket.

In the final ODI, Michael Bracewell and Rhys Mariu scored half-centuries to guide New Zealand to 264/8 in just 42 overs (cut short due to rain). Pakistan, in reply, were bowled out for 221 as pacer Ben Sears took his second consecutive five-wicket haul, sealing a 43-run victory for the hosts and a clean sweep of the series.

This marked Pakistan’s sixth straight ODI loss to New Zealand — an alarming streak ahead of key international fixtures.

Bonus drama: Khushdil Shah vs the crowd

In a dramatic twist, all-rounder Shah almost climbed the fence to confront a couple of hecklers with security personnel intervening before he went full WWE.

The PCB later clarified that two spectators (apparently from Afghanistan) had hurled abuses in Pashto, and they were removed from the ground. Cricket fans, a reminder: heckling doesn’t make you clever — it just makes security work overtime.

Heckling aside, it is the PCB’s headache now to get the team back into some shape and overcome this horrible patch.