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Pandya says ‘Impact Player’ rule in IPL makes it tough for captain

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Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya said the Indian Premier League’s new “Impact Player” rule makes his job difficult because there are several options.

For the first time in IPL’s history, teams this season will be allowed to make a tactical substitution, with an Impact Player coming into bat or bowl as needed.

Led by Pandya, Gujarat began their title defence with a five-wicket victory over four-time champions Chennai Super Kings in the season-opening match in Ahmedabad on Friday.

Chennai set Gujarat a target of 179 after Ruturaj Gaikwad scored a sensational 92, but his heroics went in vain as Shubman Gill’s 63, combined with late cameos by Rashid Khan and Rahul Tewatia, helped the defending champions seal a win.

Chennai’s Tushar Deshpande became the first Impact Player when he came in for Ambati Rayudu during their defence, while Gujarat’s Sai Sudharsan replaced New Zealand’s Kane Williamson and batted at no. 3 after he injured his knee while fielding.

“To be very honest, having this impact rule makes my job quite difficult because when you have too many options, you have to pick the right option, and I think because of this reason, someone will bowl less,” Pandya said.

“I had to just pick any kind of back (my instinct), where I felt that going hard lengths was the plan for me, and it kind of worked, so yeah, some of the bowlers came late, but they did the job for us.”

Pandya also heaped praise on Afghanistan’s Rashid, who was named the Player of the Match for bagging two wickets and hitting a four and six in his unbeaten 10-run display, which played a crucial role in Gujarat’s win.

“When you have Rashid Khan in your team, it gives you a sigh of relief,” Hardik said. “He can come and bowl and get you wickets, and at the end of the day, if you need some runs, he’ll come and smack it and make our job easy.”

Chennai captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said the team should have set a bigger target.

“Another 15-20 runs would have been good. We all know there would be a little bit of dew,” Dhoni explained. “We could have batted properly in the middle overs instead of trying to muscle the ball.”

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Ravi Shastri & Neeraj Sareen Lead Revolutionary Multi-Continental T10 Cricket League

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In a significant development for cricket around the world, Pro10, spearheaded by cricket legend Ravi Shastri and sports entrepreneur Neeraj Sareen, today announced its groundbreaking international launch bringing professional T10 cricket to Southeast Asia and Europe.

The inaugural season features five franchise teams competing between January 30–February 4, 2026, at Thailand’s world-class Terd Thai Cricket Ground, with West Indies icon Sir Viv Richards serving as Thailand ambassador and a marquee roster including David Warner, Chris Lynn, and George Munsey.

Pro10 has been envisioned as a catalyst for cricket in emerging regions, pioneering professional cricket in non-traditional Southeast Asian and European markets. Not only does the initiative provide a fast, accessible format that empowers new audiences and aspiring players across Southeast Asia and Europe, but it also serves as a unique platform of structured, professionally run T10 cricket in Thailand, Bulgaria, and Poland.

The marquee competition will provide local players with an opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the finest international players and coaches, giving their development an undeniable boost. The league is firmly positioned a practical development tool for emerging nations that have limited access to international players.

Adding his perspective on Pro10 and the league’s impact on new regions, Sir Viv Richards, Thailand Ambassador, said:”Cricket grows strongest when it reaches new people, and new communities. Pro10 is doing exactly that by giving Thailand, Bulgaria, and Poland a platform to shine. I am delighted to help guide this journey and to see local talent gain exposure to international players and coaches. This is how the game expands, and this is where the future lies.”

Speaking on the launch and the league’s wider purpose, Ravi Shastri, Co-founder & Partner, said: “Pro10 represents cricket’s next evolution: explosive T10 excitement with genuine grassroots development. We’re creating sustainable ecosystems to develop stars from Thailand, Bulgaria, Poland, and beyond. Having Sir Viv Richards as Thailand ambassador and players like David Warner demonstrates the calibre we’re building. The T10 format is perfect for today’s world, showcasing cricket’s incredible global potential.”

Sharing his perspective on Pro10’s vision and long-term commitment to new cricket markets, Neeraj Sareen, Founder & CEO, said: “Pro10 is built from the ground up with sustainability, local talent development, and world-class entertainment. We’re partnering with communities, cricket boards, and institutions to create something truly special. Securing Sir Viv Richards as Thailand ambassador testifies to our vision. With Ravi’s cricket expertise, Roshan Mahanama and Russell Maduwantha’s operational brilliance, we’re building cricket’s future, not just hosting matches.”

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Abu Dhabi T10: Nafay fires Quetta to one-run thriller as Aspin Stallions defeat Titans by 15 runs

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The Quetta Qavalry maintained their unbeaten run in the 2025 Abu Dhabi T10 with a thrilling one-run win over the Deccan Gladiators in a top-of-the-table clash on Thursday.

Batting first, Quetta posted 112/3, powered by a rapid 39 off 14 balls from Khawaja Nafay, supported by Evin Lewis (20 off 9) and Liam Livingstone (20 off 12). Despite disciplined bowling spells from Noor Ahmad (1/9) and Jordan Thompson (0/12), the Qavalry’s late acceleration ensured a competitive total.

In reply, Deccan lost Nicholas Pooran early, but Tom Kohler-Cadmore (15 off 9) and David Wiese (32 off 15) rebuilt the innings before wickets from Abbas Afridi, Muhammad Jawadullah and Khawaja Nafay swung momentum back to Quetta.

A powerful unbeaten 39 off 19 from Marcus Stoinis kept the Gladiators in contention, but Khuzaima Tanveer’s three-run penultimate over left Deccan needing 22 from the final six balls. Stoinis cleared the ropes twice to bring the equation down, but Afridi held his nerve with the final delivery, sealing a dramatic win and extending Qavalry’s perfect start to the tournament.

Titans fall 15 runs short in chase against Aspin Stallions

In the day’s earlier fixture, the Aspin Stallions defeated the Ajman Titans by 15 runs after restricting them to 104/6 in pursuit of 120.

The Titans began aggressively through Rahmanullah Gurbaz (23 off 6), but lost momentum after his dismissal at 29/1. Akif Javed (2/11) removed Avishka Fernando (18 off 11) as the required rate climbed steadily.

The Stallions tightened control through Chris Green, who delivered an outstanding spell of 2/9, removing Leus du Plooy and Harbhajan Singh to leave the chase in disarray at 118/6. Sam Billings (13 off 9) attempted to stabilise the innings, but only six runs came from the final over, ending any chance of a late recovery.

The Stallions’ disciplined middle-overs bowling proved decisive in securing a comfortable victory.

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Abu Dhabi T10 2025: UAE Bulls clinch first win as Salt and Moores shine; Fletcher fireworks light up Stallions vs Titans clash

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The UAE Bulls finally lit up the Abu Dhabi T10 on Thursday night, clinching their first win of the season with a commanding five-wicket victory over the Vista Riders at Zayed Cricket Stadium.

Phil Salt and Tom Moores were unstoppable at the top, smashing the bowlers to all parts of the ground. Salt blazed a rapid 37 off just 13 balls, hammering five fours and two sixes, while Moores kept the charge going with a blazing 39 off 16, including three fours and three sixes, to wrap up the chase in just 5.3 overs.

Vista Riders’ batters never really found momentum after a slow start and finished on 75/4. Faf du Plessis (26 off 15) and Ben McDermott (17 off 11) showed a brief fight, but disciplined spells from Fazalhaq Farooqi (1/7) and UAE pacer Muhammad Rohid Khan (1/14) kept them contained throughout.

Reflecting on his performance, Rohid said: “Playing with the Bulls always feels like family, and that keeps me calm. T10 is all about fast decisions, and once you adjust, it gets easier.”

Stallions’ Fletcher blazes with 56 as Titans set steep target

In the day’s final clash, Andre Fletcher put on a show for the Aspin Stallions, smashing a 56 off 24 to set up a strong total of 120 for the Ajman Titans in the first innings. 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (23 off 6) kicked things off in style with three consecutive sixes, while Avishka Fernando (18 off 11) added support.

For the Titans, Chris Green (2/9) and Akif Javed (2/11) kept things tight with the ball, but Fletcher’s fireworks ensured a steep chase before rain interrupted the game, ending play after the first innings.

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