Week in Review: $1.8B IPL bids, inclusivity row, and PSL surge

Key stories to know for the week ahead

Collage featuring ICC, IPL, The Hundred, PCB, BCB and ECB logos alongside cricket administrators and players in global cricket governance context.

This week’s headlines spotlight a billion-dollar IPL ownership battle, mounting governance and inclusivity tensions across leagues, and record-setting commercial momentum in the PSL. Cricket’s financial arms race is accelerating — but so are its structural fault lines.

BCCI to split IPL 2026 schedule announcement amid elections and venue shift
The BCCI will stagger the IPL 2026 schedule release due to state elections and T20 World Cup venue transitions, reflecting logistical and political sensitivities.
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Avram Glazer submits $1.8 billion bid for Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer has entered the IPL race with a reported $1.8 billion offer for RCB as franchise valuations approach historic highs.
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Sialkot Stallionz ownership crisis deepens before PSL 11
The Sialkot Stallionz face mounting instability after Wasim Akram and Kamil Khan exited, intensifying uncertainty ahead of PSL 11.
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David Blitzer joins $1.8 billion race for RCB and Rajasthan Royals stakes
American sports investor David Blitzer has entered the high-stakes IPL ownership battle, targeting positions in both RCB and Rajasthan Royals.
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An overdue and real fix for global cricket — guest column by Lawson Naidoo
Governance reform advocate Lawson Naidoo outlines a structural roadmap for restoring balance and transparency in international cricket administration.
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ECB warns Hundred franchises over alleged shadow bans on Pakistani players
The ECB has issued warning letters to Hundred teams amid claims of informal exclusion of Pakistani players, prompting public responses from Michael Vaughan and Harry Brook.
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PSL 11 tentative schedule revealed with Lahore opener on March 26
The expanded PSL 11 season is set to begin in Lahore on March 26, according to the league’s provisional schedule.
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Ex-BCB secretary alleges Mohsin Naqvi influence in Bangladesh withdrawal
Former BCB official Syed Ashraful Haque has alleged external influence behind Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup withdrawal decision.
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Bangladesh Cricket Board bans women’s selector after harassment inquiry
The BCB has suspended women’s selector Monjurul Islam following the conclusion of a sexual harassment investigation.
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IPL matches at Chinnaswamy not confirmed as RCB explore alternatives
IPL 2026 fixtures at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium remain unconfirmed as RCB evaluates backup venue options.
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The Hundred faces inclusivity test as PCB raises bias concerns
The PCB plans to formally raise concerns with the ECB regarding alleged bias against Pakistani players in The Hundred.
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Italy cricket rocked by assault allegation and board resignations
Italy’s cricket administration has been thrown into turmoil after a sexual assault allegation led to multiple board resignations.
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PSL media rights race targets record PKR 18 billion deal
The PSL’s next domestic media rights cycle is projected to hit a record PKR 18 billion (US$65 million), underscoring strong broadcaster demand.
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Moeen Ali urges ECB to protect Pakistani players’ Hundred rights
Moeen Ali has called on the ECB to safeguard the participation rights of Pakistani players in The Hundred amid growing controversy.
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Selectors asked Mitchell Starc to reverse T20 retirement before exit
Australia selectors reportedly approached Mitchell Starc about reversing his T20 retirement ahead of the World Cup campaign.
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