Week in Review: Unicorns’ commercial clout, WPL and Ashes buzz, and IPL strategy shifts

Key stories to know for the week ahead

Collage featuring international cricket league logos including IPL, PSL, WPL, SA20, BPL, and ICC, along with players and officials from different countries

This week’s roundup features U.S. franchise sponsorship firepower, fresh details on the WPL and Ashes rollouts, and deep insights into IPL 2026 pre-auction positioning and team dynamics.

Inside the San Francisco Unicorns’ sponsorship powerhouse
The MLC franchise has built one of the most commercially potent portfolios in U.S. cricket, landing big-ticket partnerships with Cognizant, Adobe, and others to set a new benchmark.
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WPL 2026 to run from Jan 7 to Feb 3 in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara
The Women’s Premier League will return for its fourth edition with a two-city format, beginning in Navi Mumbai before shifting to Vadodara for the knockout rounds and final.
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India‑Bangladesh women’s series postponed amid diplomatic tensions
BCCI has pulled the plug on the scheduled India vs. Bangladesh women’s series, citing delays in government clearance amid strained bilateral relations.
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Pat Cummins confirmed as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2026
The Australian fast bowler will continue to lead SRH in the upcoming season, as the franchise banks on leadership consistency heading into the auction.
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Graeme Smith says SA20 is primed to welcome more Indian players — eyes a women’s league next
SA20’s commissioner highlighted the league’s readiness to accommodate Indian talent and revealed plans to explore a women’s competition in future seasons.
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First ball of the Ashes to be broadcast live on 600 public screens across Australia
Cricket Australia will showcase the opening delivery of the 2025–26 Ashes live nationwide on over 600 public screens, marking a major push for broader audience engagement.
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Where do all ten IPL squads stand heading into the 2026 mini‑auction?
A comprehensive overview of each franchise’s roster makeup, purse position, and strategic focus areas ahead of IPL 2026’s auction.
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“We’re here to win the IPL” — Manoj Badale outlines the Royals’ shift from talent factory to title focus
Rajasthan Royals co-owner Manoj Badale signaled a pivot from development mode to championship contention, aiming to convert promise into silverware.
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Ashwin says former IPL champions could enter 2026 auction with ‘pakodas’ as teams stay settled
Veteran spinner Ashwin quipped that most IPL teams are so stable they might only make symbolic, low-value bids — “pakodas” — in the upcoming auction.
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Why KKR’s release of Andre Russell is drawing fierce backlash ahead of IPL 2026
Kolkata’s decision to part ways with the explosive West Indian all-rounder has sparked outrage among fans and raised tough questions about team strategy.
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PSL 11 schedule challenge intensifies as PCB and franchises remain at odds
Differences between the Pakistan board and franchise owners are delaying finalization of the PSL 11 calendar, creating friction in planning and logistics.
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CSK’s release of Matheesha Pathirana sparks auction buzz as KKR circles ahead of IPL 2026
Chennai letting go of the Sri Lankan pacer has stirred speculation, with Kolkata reportedly eyeing him as a prime target in the mini auction.
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Shai Hope becomes first player to score ODI centuries against all 11 full-member nations
The West Indies batter made history with a century against England, completing a unique feat unmatched in ODI cricket.
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Glenn McGrath dropped from ABC’s Ashes coverage over betting company ties
The Australian legend has been removed from commentary duties following a conflict of interest related to his sponsorship affiliations.
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BPL 2026 in crisis as teams miss bank-guarantee deadline leaving season in doubt
Several Bangladesh Premier League franchises missed the financial guarantee deadline, casting serious doubt on the league’s immediate future.
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Pakistan Super League franchise teams’ valuation reports submitted
All PSL teams have submitted updated financial valuations, reinforcing the league’s push for financial transparency and strategic growth.
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