Photo: Roston Chase © Calistemon, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Roston Chase has been named the new captain of the West Indies men’s Test cricket team, succeeding Kraigg Brathwaite. The appointment follows a revised selection process introduced by Cricket West Indies (CWI), which included updated evaluation criteria for leadership roles.
Chase’s selection marks a leadership change aimed at strengthening the team’s direction in the longest format of the game. He brings experience from previous stints as vice-captain and has represented the West Indies in multiple Test matches since his debut in 2016.
The new selection process implemented by CWI incorporates a broader assessment of leadership potential, team dynamics, and performance under pressure. It was designed to ensure that leadership appointments align with both performance data and strategic planning for future tours and competitions.
Brathwaite, who had led the Test side since 2021, is expected to remain an important member of the squad. The transition comes as the West Indies prepare for upcoming international fixtures, with the leadership change intended to build momentum for future Test series.
Sources: Windies Cricket, ESPN Cricinfo
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season was suspended for one week on May 9 due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. This decision was made following cross-border hostilities, including drone activity and missile strikes, which raised significant security concerns for players, staff, and spectators. The suspension was announced shortly after the Pakistan Super League relocated its remaining matches to the United Arab Emirates for similar reasons.
In response to the suspension, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is evaluating options to resume the tournament. Potential measures include compressing the remaining schedule and relocating matches to southern Indian cities like Bangalore and Chennai, which are considered safer. Sixteen matches, including four playoff games, are yet to be played.
Several IPL franchises have initiated ticket refund processes for canceled matches. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) announced full refunds for their home games against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders, originally scheduled for May 13 and 17 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Ticket holders are advised to retain their physical tickets or await digital refund instructions via email or phone.
Before the suspension, the Gujarat Titans led the league standings, followed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, and Mumbai Indians. The Orange Cap race for the top run-scorer was highly competitive, with Suryakumar Yadav (510 runs), Sai Sudharsan (509), Shubman Gill (508), Virat Kohli (505), and Jos Buttler (500) all in close contention. In the Purple Cap standings for leading wicket-takers, Prasidh Krishna of Gujarat Titans and Noor Ahmad of Chennai Super Kings both had 20 wickets, with Krishna leading due to a better economy rate.
The IPL's suspension underscores the broader impact of geopolitical tensions on international sporting events, affecting players, franchises, and fans alike.
Sources: Hindustan Times, ABP Live, MSN News, Reuters, Al Jazeera, The Times of India.