The Press Editor

Chennai: Chennai Super Kings signed Spencer Johnson as Nathan Ellis’ replacement for IPL 2026. Ellis, who was retained by the five-time champions, was earlier ruled out of the tournament, owing to a hamstring injury, leading to CSK's search for a possible replacement. They eventually signed fellow Australia quick Johnson, but in an interesting turn of events, the 30-year-old will now miss the first half of the IPL. Chennai, on a social media post, confirmed that the pacer will join the squad in the third week of April. He was expected to solve the death-bowling woes, but that needs to wait.…

Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has changed hands in a landmark deal ahead of IPL 2026, with the franchise sold for a staggering USD 1.78 billion (Rs 16,660 crore) to a multi-industry consortium. The sale, announced on March 24, marks one of the most expensive transactions in franchise cricket history and underscores the booming commercial appeal of the IPL. The previous owners, United Spirits Limited, an Indian arm of UK-based liquor giant Diageo, had classified RCB as non-core to its business, prompting the strategic divestment. The consortium of Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures and Blackstone’s…

New Delhi: Netherlands fast bowler Paul van Meekeren has reignited the conversation around financial disparity in world cricket, linking the massive valuation of franchise leagues to the challenges faced by associate nations. His remarks came in the wake of a landmark ownership change involving Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a deal that underlined the growing financial power of the Indian Premier League. The Bengaluru-based franchise was sold for USD 1.78 billion (Rs 16,660 crore) to a multi-industry consortium on March 24, making it the most expensive transaction in franchise cricket history. The development followed a strategic decision by United Spirits Limited, the…