Week in Review: IPL billions, global league clashes, and scheduling strain

Key stories to know for the week ahead

Collage of global cricket leagues and teams including IPL, PSL, The Hundred, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and international cricket boards with investors and players

This week’s developments center on soaring IPL valuations, intensifying global league rivalries, and mounting pressure from an overcrowded calendar. As boards, investors, and players navigate shifting priorities, cricket’s economic boom is colliding with structural challenges.

IPL 2026 schedule set for imminent release as BCCI finalizes fixtures
The BCCI is close to unveiling the full IPL 2026 schedule, signaling readiness for another expanded season amid growing logistical complexity.
👉Read full story

Sunil Gavaskar addresses criticism over Pakistan links and commentary role
Gavaskar has responded to scrutiny surrounding his professional engagements, defending his stance while clarifying his ongoing role in cricket media.
👉Read full story

Rajasthan Royals sold for $1.63B to US-based consortium
A Kal Somani-led group has secured full ownership of Rajasthan Royals, underlining the IPL’s surging franchise valuations and global investor appeal.
👉Read full story

Lalit Modi outlines roadmap for next IPL media rights cycle
The IPL founder has shared insights on the league’s future media strategy, with expectations of continued growth in broadcast and digital valuations.
👉Read full story

Dutch cricketers’ ‘0.5%’ remark highlights widening financial divide
A stark comparison of earnings has reignited debate over inequality in global cricket, especially in light of record IPL franchise sales.
👉Read full story

Birla-Blitzer consortium enters parallel race in RCB sale process
New bidders have emerged in the fast-moving RCB sale, intensifying competition and driving valuations higher across the IPL ecosystem.
👉Read full story

RCB sold for $1.78B as IPL franchise values hit new peak
The blockbuster sale of Royal Challengers Bengaluru sets a new benchmark, reinforcing the IPL’s status as cricket’s most lucrative property.
👉Read full story

Cricket Australia responds as NZC pushes competing T20 league plans
CA has weighed in on New Zealand Cricket’s proposed NZ20 league, with tensions rising over calendar space and market overlap.
👉Read full story

New Zealand Cricket backs NZ20 as preferred T20 future
NZC is prioritizing its own franchise league ambitions, signaling a strategic shift that could reshape the global T20 landscape.
👉Read full story

BCCI unveils IPL 2026 Phase 2 schedule across 12 cities
The second phase of IPL 2026 will feature 50 matches across an expanded set of venues, highlighting the tournament’s growing scale.
👉Read full story

World Cup 2027 organizers appoint CEO and COO
Leadership appointments have been confirmed to oversee planning and delivery of the 2027 World Cup, marking a key step in tournament preparations.
👉Read full story

RCB injury concerns expose deeper scheduling issues
Mo Bobat has warned that player injuries reflect a broader problem with cricket’s congested calendar and workload management.
👉Read full story

Ben Duckett declines IPL debut to prioritize England career
Duckett has opted out of a lucrative IPL opportunity, emphasizing long-term international ambitions over short-term franchise gains.
👉Read full story

European Nations Cup gains traction ahead of 2027 target launch
Cricket Ireland is advancing plans for a new European competition, aiming to expand the sport’s footprint across the region.
👉Read full story

PCB warns of action as PSL hit by IPL-related withdrawals
The PCB has threatened disciplinary measures after player withdrawals linked to IPL commitments disrupted the PSL.
👉Read full story

,