In the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, Pakistan cricket captain Mohammad Rizwan expressed hope that the incident would not affect cricketing ties between India and Pakistan. Rizwan emphasized that players like Virat Kohli are part of his cricketing family and urged that politics should not interfere with sports. The attack has intensified tensions between the two nations, leading to cross-border firing and India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and revocation of Pakistani nationals' visas. Despite calls from figures like Sourav Ganguly to sever cricketing ties, the BCCI maintains its stance of boycotting bilateral tournaments with Pakistan. (PC: NDTV Sports)

Rising geopolitical friction in South Asia is endangering the region’s cricket schedule, particularly affecting the India-Bangladesh series and the 2025 Asia Cup. India's planned August tour to Bangladesh is under review after offensive comments made by a retired Bangladeshi military officer sparked diplomatic strain. Additionally, the Pahalgam terror attack—blamed by India on Pakistan—has intensified New Delhi’s refusal to play in Pakistan, which is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy. A ‘hybrid model’ for these tournaments, involving neutral venues like the UAE, is being considered to salvage cricket ties amid escalating cross-border hostility. (PC: Times of India)

Mumbai Indians delivered a commanding performance to defeat Rajasthan Royals by 100 runs in Jaipur, knocking RR out of IPL 2025 playoff contention. After being put in to bat, MI posted a mammoth 217/2, powered by quickfire half-centuries from Rohit Sharma (53) and Ryan Rickelton (61), with Hardik Pandya (48*) and Suryakumar Yadav (48*) finishing strong. Rajasthan's chase faltered quickly, as Jasprit Bumrah (2/15), Trent Boult (3/28), and Karn Sharma (3/23) dismantled their lineup for just 117 in 16.1 overs. With this dominant win, MI climbed to the top of the points table, boosting their playoff hopes. (PC: BCCI)

In a pivotal IPL 2025 clash, Rajasthan Royals face Mumbai Indians with their playoff hopes on the line. RR's campaign has been inconsistent, but 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s heroics against Gujarat Titans have reignited hopes. Meanwhile, MI enter the match with formidable momentum, having won five consecutive games. With Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma back in form, MI are eyeing a record sixth straight win. As both teams clash, the stakes are high — a loss for RR could spell the end of their playoff aspirations, while MI look to consolidate their dominance and secure an early playoff spot. (PC: BCCI)

Pakistani Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem’s Instagram account has been blocked in India following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26. The action comes amidst rising tensions, as India suspended all visas for Pakistani nationals. Nadeem, who set an Olympic record with a 92.97m throw in Paris 2024, recently declined an invitation to the NC Classic by Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra. Chopra faced backlash for the invite, issued before the attack, and defended his decision as a gesture of sporting respect. He condemned the hate directed at him and his family, stressing patriotism and the spirit of athletics. (PC: PTI)

In a high-stakes IPL 2025 encounter, Chennai Super Kings host Punjab Kings at Chepauk in match 49. Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bowl first. With only 2 wins in 9 games, CSK—led by MS Dhoni—are on the brink of elimination and must win all remaining matches to stay in the playoff race. Dhoni, at the toss, hinted this could be his final season, sparking speculation about his retirement. Punjab Kings, currently fifth with 5 wins from 9 matches, aim to strengthen their playoff chances with a crucial win in tonight’s clash. (PC: BCCI)

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) addressed the viral video of Kuldeep Yadav playfully slapping Rinku Singh after their win against Delhi Capitals, clarifying it was a light-hearted moment between friends. Social media buzzed with mixed reactions, some mistaking the exchange for a serious altercation. KKR posted a new video showing the camaraderie between the two, captioned: “Media (sansani) vs (doston ke beech ka) Reality.” Kuldeep and Rinku, both from Uttar Pradesh, share a strong domestic bond. The clarification followed KKR’s 14-run victory, keeping them in the IPL playoff race with standout performances from Raghuvanshi, Narine, and Chakravarthy.

Kolkata Knight Riders kept their IPL 2025 playoff hopes alive with a 14-run win over Delhi Capitals. Stand-in captain Sunil Narine led from the front, taking key wickets and making bold calls. KKR scored 205, with good knocks from Rinku Singh and Angkrish Raghuvanshi. DC fought hard, with Axar Patel scoring 43 despite a finger injury. Faf du Plessis also scored 62, but KKR’s bowlers sealed the game. Varun Chakravarthy’s two quick wickets in the 17th over turned the match. KKR now face Rajasthan Royals on May 4. DC will play Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 5. (PC: AP)

In a high-stakes IPL 2025 encounter, Kolkata Knight Riders outclassed Delhi Capitals, defending a formidable total of 204/9. KKR’s aggressive start yielded 79 runs in the powerplay, setting the tone. Ajinkya Rahane's unorthodox tactics, initially questioned, paid off as DC lost their opener early in the chase. Despite a late fightback by DC's bowlers, the chase faltered, especially after skipper Axar Patel sustained a worrying arm injury while fielding. The loss dents DC’s hopes of going top, while KKR stay alive in the playoff race. Rahane’s gamble and Axar’s injury are now the biggest talking points of the match. (PC: BCCI)

Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Bihar became the youngest centurion in T20 cricket, scoring 101 off 38 balls for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans in the IPL. His innings included 11 sixes and seven fours, with 94 runs in boundaries. Suryavanshi, who had previously hit a first-ball six on his IPL debut, described such feats as "normal." Cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid praised his fearless approach and composure. Suryavanshi credited his parents for their sacrifices, noting his mother's early mornings and his father's career pause to support him. He emphasized his commitment to remain focused and continue working hard despite the newfound attention.