This week’s headlines capture cricket’s accelerating commercial expansion, from a Brazilian software company betting on the U.S. market to a landmark Rajasthan Royals transaction. The ICC is also reshaping the international calendar and targeting China for major audience growth, while CSK enters a new coaching era.
How VTEX became one of American cricket’s biggest corporate backers
Brazilian e-commerce software company VTEX has gone from knowing little about cricket to creating its own Battle of Bats event and becoming a principal Major League Cricket sponsor. Its strategy is built around cricket’s strong following among South Asian technology executives in the U.S., with VTEX also helping bring brands including AWS and WPP into the sport.
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ICC’s 2027–31 calendar could mean more T20Is and fewer bilateral ODIs
The ICC’s next Future Tours Programme is taking shape around an expanding T20I calendar, cricket’s Los Angeles 2028 Olympic return and the future of the World Test Championship. Bilateral ODIs could face greater scheduling pressure, with tri-series and quadrangular events among the options being discussed to give the format more context.
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European T20 Premier League targets July window for 2027 return
The ETPL is planning a second season in 2027, with organisers considering a July window between Major League Cricket and The Hundred. Board Director Warren Deutrom says the league is also working toward a long-term profitability model, backed by 10-year franchise agreements.
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MS Dhoni remains available to play for CSK in IPL 2027
Chennai Super Kings have confirmed that MS Dhoni remains available as a player as the franchise transitions to new Head Coach Zaheer Khan. Dhoni missed IPL 2026 through injury, but CSK Managing Director Kasi Viswanathan has clarified that the former captain remains part of the playing setup.
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Chennai Super Kings appoint Zaheer Khan as IPL 2027 Head Coach
CSK have appointed former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as Head Coach for IPL 2027, succeeding long-serving Stephen Fleming. Zaheer brings experience from 100 IPL appearances as a player as well as subsequent coaching and mentoring roles.
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ICC targets China in push to add 500 million cricket fans
The ICC has identified China as a major growth opportunity as it pursues an ambition to add 500 million fans to cricket’s global audience. The governing body has invested US$1.5 million in China over five years, with the Olympic pathway and other populous Asian markets also central to its expansion plans.
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Sarah Gomersall sets out platform for ICC CEC seat
Jersey Cricket CEO Sarah Gomersall has outlined her case for election to the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee, focusing on more predictable Associate funding, expanded playing opportunities and stronger governance. She is positioning her experience running an Associate federation as a practical perspective for the committee.
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CSK board to review unverified match-fixing allegations
Chennai Super Kings are set to review unverified allegations that an unnamed franchise player shared confidential team information with a former first-class cricketer. CSK has maintained a zero-tolerance stance on corruption, while the allegations stemming from an undercover investigation have not been independently established.
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Asian Games medal protocol puts India-Naqvi question in focus
Questions over whether Indian cricketers could receive Asian Games medals from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi will ultimately depend on Olympic Council of Asia protocol. Naqvi’s ACC role does not automatically entitle him to present medals, and neither his attendance nor any role in the ceremonies has been confirmed.
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Canada Super60 launches cricket trading cards with Sportsnection
Canada Super60 has partnered with Sportsnection on a 2026 trading card collection covering players across all nine men’s and women’s teams. The range will include autographed, game-used relic and numbered cards as the T10 competition looks to extend fan engagement beyond its six-day tournament.
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CCI clears US$1.65 billion Rajasthan Royals group takeover
India’s competition regulator has approved the proposed US$1.65 billion acquisition of the Rajasthan Royals group by the Lakshmi Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla. The transaction spans Rajasthan Royals, Paarl Royals and Barbados Royals, with the incoming investors expected to control roughly 93% of the wider franchise business.
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BCCI plans India vs Rest of the World match for centenary
The BCCI is considering an India vs Rest of the World fixture as part of a year-long programme marking its 100th anniversary. The proposed marquee match remains at the planning stage, with its date and format yet to be determined as the board develops celebrations running from December 2027 into 2028.
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Lancashire restructures performance team as two directors depart
Lancashire Cricket is restructuring its performance operation, with Director of Cricket Performance Mark Chilton and Director of Women’s Cricket David Thorley leaving the club. CEO Daniel Gidney said the changes are intended to create a setup capable of delivering more consistent success across the men’s and women’s teams.
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DDCA refers alleged DPL playing-XI leak and fixing claims to BCCI
An undercover investigation has raised allegations involving advance Delhi Premier League playing-XI information and broader claims related to IPL activity. The DDCA stressed that the allegations remain unverified and has referred the information to the relevant authorities, including the BCCI, for examination through established processes.
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Worcestershire adds three directors amid club development push
Worcestershire CCC has appointed Claire Daniel-Lepore, Simon Williams and James Watts as non-executive directors following a three-month recruitment process. The appointments add expertise across sport, commercial development and regeneration, with Williams and Watts also joining the club’s Masterplan & Development Committee.
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