Today, Team India means victory: Jay Shah

Published

4 days ago

March 15, 2026

Likening India’s current winning streak to the unstoppable Australian teams of the past, ICC chairman Jay Shah stated on Saturday that the name ‘Team India’ is now a definitive marker of triumph in world cricket.

The Indian men’s team recently became the first side to successfully defend a T20 World Cup title, beating New Zealand in a one-sided final in Ahmedabad. In November, the women’s side won their maiden World Cup.

Reflecting on India’s presence in the global game, Shah said during a private awards function, “Just as there was a time when Australia meant victory, today, Team India means victory. That has become the reality now.” Shah, who has served as the BCCI’s secretary before going to the ICC, was honoured for his exceptional contribution in the field of sports.

Shah dedicated the award to the athletes for their hard work on the field.

“I would like to dedicate this award to all the athletes, especially the women athletes who are working hard on the field,” Shah said.

The ICC chief also congratulated Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir for the Indian team’s triumph last week, and also praised all the semifinalists.

“I want to congratulate Surya, Gautam Gambhir, and all the players of Team India. I also want to congratulate not just Team India, but also the South African team and the England team, who did not lose a single game before the knockout stage.

“And finally, the finalist, the New Zealand cricket team, for the way they performed and worked hard on the field. Congratulations to them as well,” Shah said.

Shah also listed Indian cricket’s achievements since he took charge as the secretary of the BCCI in 2019.

“From 2019, when I joined the BCCI, to 2026, in these seven years, Team India has won two Under-19 Men’s World Cups, two Under-19 Women’s World Cups, finished as runners-up in the WTC final once, runners-up in the ODI World Cup once, won two consecutive T20 World Cups, and the 2025 Champions Trophy. This is a huge achievement. I congratulate you all for that.

“I remember this because I have been following cricket since 1998, and as an administrator, I have been handling cricket since 2009.” Shah also advised the Indian team to keep working hard with the same zeal and passion that helped them achieve success in recent years.

“Through Gautam bhai, Surya, and this platform, I want to give a message to the entire team again. For me, in my seventeen years as an administrator, I’ve learned that it takes months to go from the top to the bottom, but it takes years to go from the bottom to the top.

“For you (the players), you just have to sustain your performance; it’s relatively easy. So, work as hard as you have been, so that you keep receiving awards every year,” he said.

“When I was in the BCCI, I had planned up until the 2028 Olympics. But then Surya took charge as captain, and I came to the ICC.

“New people have come in my place at the BCCI. All of you together need to prepare for the 2030 & 2032 games, and you know where the 2036 Olympics will be held. So, prepare for that as well.”

Related Topics:BCCI ICC Jay Shah Team India

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IPL 2026: Ishan Kishan to lead SRH in Pat Cummins absence

Published

21 hours ago

March 18, 2026

Staff Reporter

Australia’s white-ball captain Pat Cummins will miss the opening matches of IPL 2026 due to a back injury, forcing Sunrisers Hyderabad to appoint a temporary leader. India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan will take charge in his absence, with Abhishek Sharma named vice-captain.

Cummins sidelined with back injury

SRH confirmed that Cummins will sit out “a few games” as he recovers from a back problem picked up ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes.

The seaming all-rounder played only one match in the Ashes before missing the rest of the series. He was also unavailable for the 2026 T20 World Cup due to the same issue.

Kishan to lead SRH

In Cummins’ absence, Kishan has been handed the captaincy role, while swashbuckling opener Abhishek will assist him as deputy.

The franchise announced the decision officially, stating that the arrangement will remain in place until Cummins regains full fitness.

Strong form backs Kishan’s elevation

Kishan’s appointment comes on the back of consistent performances in domestic and international cricket.

He led Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title in 2025, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 517 runs. He also impressed in India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign in 2026, scoring 317 runs.

After being signed by SRH for Rs 14.5 crore (Rs 145 million) ahead of IPL 2025, Kishan made an immediate impact with a century on debut and went on to score 354 runs in the season.

Afghanistan Cricketers criticise Pakistan for air strikes at Kabul Hospital

Published

2 days ago

March 17, 2026

Staff Reporter

Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of carrying out a targeted airstrike on a hospital for drug users in Kabul late on Monday night, claiming the attack killed at least 400 people.

Several players from Afghanistan’s national cricket team have condemned reported civilian casualties following airstrikes in Kabul attributed to Pakistan.

Senior Afghanistan Player Rashid Khan said on online that he felt extremely upset and heartbroken to see so many civilians of his country dead, especially the innocents and the kids. He said that attacking hospitals is extremely wrong. Mohammed Nabi also said something similar to Rashid. And for your information, this whole problem happened during a very peaceful festival in Muslim culture. This happened during the Ramadan season.

Many other Afghan cricketers spoke about this situation and showed their support to the victims of Pakistan’s cruel acts.

But, even after all of this, Pakistan refused that they had done this. They said that they only wanted to target terrorist, not hospitals and civilians.

Shubman Gill Joins Gujarat Titans for IPL 2026

Published

2 days ago

March 17, 2026

Staff Reporter

Fresh from being honoured at the BCCI Naman Awards 2026 in New Delhi, Shubman Gill has now joined the Gujarat Titans camp as preparations begin for the Indian Premier League 2026 season.

Gill was named the Best International Cricketer at the ceremony, receiving the prestigious Polly Umrigar Award for the second time after first wining it in 2023. The award recognised his outstanding performances during the 2024-25 season, further cementing his reputation as one of India’s most dependable batters.

With the celebrations behind him, Gill has quickly switched his focus to franchise cricket, linking up with the Titans squad as they gear up for another IPL campaign.

Gujarat Titans will begin their season with an away clash against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on March 31. Gill’s side will then return to their home ground, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where they face Rajasthan Royals on April 4.

After a strong 2025 campaign that saw them register nine wins, the Gill-led Titans will be aiming to build on that momentum and push for another IPL title this season.