Week in Review: CPL Magic, BBL Expansion, and new formats

Key stories to know for the week ahead

Collage of global cricket leagues, players, and logos including IPL, PCB, ICC, BBL, CPL, RCB, Asia Cup, and World Cricketers' Association with notable figures like Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, and others

In this batch: IPL 2026’s timelines firm up, a fresh Test‑T20 hybrid format emerges, and boardroom tensions intensify amid Asia Cup disputes.

How the CPL built a sponsor‑powered league for the Caribbean—and what the rest of cricket can learn from it
An inside look at how the Caribbean Premier League grew via strategic sponsorship and branding, offering lessons for emerging leagues worldwide. 👉 Read full story

Cricket Australia considers Big Bash League expansion to New Zealand and beyond
CA is exploring extending the BBL across borders, with potential expansion into New Zealand and neighboring markets under discussion. 👉 Read full story

IPL 2026 mini auction likely around December 15 with retention deadline set for November 15
The BCCI is reportedly scheduling the 2026 IPL mini auction for December 15, with teams needing to finalize their retention lists by November 15. 👉 Read full story

Test–Twenty: cricket’s fourth format set to launch in 2026
A new hybrid format, “Test–Twenty,” is under development and expected to debut in 2026, blending aspects of both Test and T20 cricket. 👉 Read full story

Virat Kohli skips RCB‑linked commercial contract renewal, sparking IPL retirement rumours
Kohli’s decision not to renew a commercial deal associated with RCB has fueled speculation about his future in the IPL. 👉 Read full story

BCCI pushes for Mohsin Naqvi’s sacking from ICC amid Asia Cup trophy standoff at ACC office
In pursuit of accountability, the BCCI is pressing for the removal of Mohsin Naqvi from his ICC role as tensions around the Asia Cup trophy handover remain unresolved. 👉 Read full story

PCB launches live streaming platform, starting with UK rollout for Pakistan–South Africa series
The PCB has introduced its own live streaming service, launching first for the UK audience during the Pakistan–South Africa series. 👉 Read full story

Babar Azam becomes first Asian batter to cross 3,000 runs in World Test Championship
With his latest inning, Babar Azam has passed 3,000 WTC runs, marking a first for an Asian batsman in that competition. 👉 Read full story

IPL valuation declines for second straight year amid gaming crackdown and media shake‑up
For the second year in a row, the IPL’s valuation has dipped—attributed to regulatory pressures on gaming and shifts in media rights dynamics. 👉 Read full story

Australian cricketers mock India over handshake snub with Pakistan in now‑deleted video
In a now‑deleted post, Australian players mocked India’s refusal to shake Pakistan’s hand, stirring fresh controversy. 👉 Read full story

Lisa Sthalekar reappointed WCA President as Vishal Misra and Judith Griggs join commercial advisory board
Lisa Sthalekar returns as President of the Women’s Cricket Association, while Vishal Misra and Judith Griggs join its commercial advisory board. 👉 Read full story

Ramiz Raja sparks outrage with on‑air comments about Babar Azam and Noman Ali during Pakistan–South Africa Test
Ramiz Raja’s commentary on Pakistani players Babar Azam and Noman Ali during a Test match drew sharp criticism and backlash from fans and analysts. 👉 Read full story

PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi urges ICC to prep backup plan as tri‑series with Afghanistan & Sri Lanka faces uncertainty
Amid questions about scheduling and commitments, Naqvi has called on the ICC to prepare contingency plans for a looming tri‑series. 👉 Read full story

Cricexec announces lineup for the inaugural Innovation Challenge
Cricexec has revealed participants and structure for its first Innovation Challenge, aimed at fostering fintech and sports-tech solutions in cricket. 👉 Read full story

Virat Kohli IPL retirement rumours dismissed as Mohammad Kaif sets the record straight
Amid swirling speculation, Mohammad Kaif has publicly denied rumors of Kohli quitting IPL, clarifying the veteran’s future intentions. 👉 Read full story

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