Week in Review: IPL schedule shake-up, World Cup tensions, and governance battles

Key stories to know for the week ahead

Collage of global cricket news featuring ICC Men’s T20 World Cup branding, ICC headquarters, international players, IPL teams, BCCI and NZC logos, The Hundred Welsh Fire logo, ECB honour presentation, and PSL franchise logos including Sialkot Stallions and Multan Sultans.

This week’s stories span major tournament scheduling shifts, geopolitical contingency planning around the T20 World Cup, and escalating governance disputes across cricket’s global ecosystem. From IPL calendar adjustments to legal battles and boardroom pressure, the sport’s political and commercial stakes continue to rise.

IPL 2026 start delayed to March 28 with final set for May 31
The BCCI has pushed the start of IPL 2026 back by a week due to India’s election calendar, with the season now scheduled from March 28 to May 31. The revised window reflects logistical planning around security and travel constraints during the national vote.
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Sanju Samson faces potential semi-final ban after ICC conduct review
India wicketkeeper Sanju Samson could face disciplinary action following an ICC Code of Conduct review, raising the prospect of a suspension ahead of the T20 World Cup semi-finals. Officials are examining an on-field incident that may breach tournament regulations.
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IPL to release 2026 schedule in two phases with Chinnaswamy hosting opener and final
The IPL will unveil its 2026 fixture list in two stages, allowing organizers to manage security and logistics around India’s election period. Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has been confirmed as the venue for both the season opener and the final.
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ICC activates travel contingency plans for T20 World Cup amid Middle East tensions
The ICC is preparing alternative travel routes and security protocols for teams and officials participating in the T20 World Cup due to rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The measures aim to prevent disruptions to the tournament’s global logistics network.
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CA executive Joel Morrison appointed CEO for 2028 T20 World Cup
Cricket Australia executive Joel Morrison has been named tournament CEO for the 2028 T20 World Cup, positioning him to oversee planning, commercial partnerships, and event operations. The appointment marks a major leadership move as preparations ramp up for the event.
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PCB fines Pakistan players PKR 5 million each after T20 World Cup exit
The Pakistan Cricket Board has fined multiple national players PKR 5 million ($18,000) each following the team’s disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. The sanctions reflect mounting pressure within the board after the tournament fallout.
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Transgender cricketer files lawsuit against ECB over women’s cricket ban
A transgender cricketer has launched legal action against the England and Wales Cricket Board after being barred from women’s cricket following a UK Supreme Court ruling. The case could have significant implications for participation policies across the sport.
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Welsh Fire owner Sanjay Govil rejects discrimination claims after ECB decision
Welsh Fire co-owner Sanjay Govil responded to criticism over franchise policies, insisting he will not discriminate against players following controversy around governance decisions. The debate comes amid wider scrutiny of The Hundred’s ownership model.
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Mohammad Amir questions Hetmyer dismissal in India vs West Indies thriller
Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has publicly questioned the dismissal of Shimron Hetmyer during India’s narrow T20 World Cup Super 8 win over West Indies. The incident has sparked debate among analysts over officiating decisions in the match.
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BCCI considers extending New Zealand ODI series to aid World Cup preparation
The BCCI is weighing an expanded ODI series against New Zealand as part of India’s preparation strategy for the upcoming World Cup. The move would give senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli additional match time ahead of the tournament.
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Hampshire chairman warns ECB counties could collapse without reforms
Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove has warned that several county clubs could face financial collapse unless the ECB implements urgent funding reforms. His comments underscore growing tension around the sustainability of England’s domestic structure.
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ICC announces match officials for T20 World Cup semi-finals
The ICC has confirmed the referees and umpires who will oversee the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals in Kolkata and Mumbai. The appointments come as the tournament enters its final stage with heightened global attention.
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The Hundred auction longlists revealed with 400 players registered
The Hundred has released its auction longlists featuring more than 400 players, including global stars Joe Root and Shaheen Shah Afridi. The pool sets the stage for franchises to finalize squads ahead of the upcoming season.
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Mohammad Amir alleges Pakistan players blackmailed PCB over contracts
Mohammad Amir has claimed that certain Pakistan players attempted to pressure the PCB during central contract negotiations amid the fallout from the T20 World Cup. The allegation adds another layer of controversy to the board’s ongoing internal tensions.
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Sialkot Stallionz rebrand as Multan Sultans in PKR 20B restructuring deal
Pakistan’s domestic franchise Sialkot Stallionz has been restructured and rebranded as Multan Sultans under a PKR 20 billion ($72 million) financial overhaul. The move signals a major commercial reset for the team within the country’s cricket ecosystem.
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