Virat Kohli says India will go out "to enjoy" their cricket as they aim to defend their Champions Trophy crown against the backdrop of a row over money with the international board.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) backed out of a threat to boycott the 50-over tournament in a revenue-sharing dispute with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
But they only named a squad two weeks after the original deadline for the tournament which starts on June 1.
Kohli said the team were determined to keep their hunger for success.
"The hunger to win and ruthlessness is what we speak about all the time," Kohli told reporters before India left for England.
"The first challenge is to not think about that you are defending the title. When we went out there the last time we just wanted to enjoy," said Kohli.
"We were a young unit. We ended up winning the tournament and creating a team which has done so well so far."
The BCCI are angry at the new ICC revenue model agreed last month that reduced the powers of cricket's "Big Three" -- Australia, England and India.
The BCCI believes it will lose $277 million in revenue over the next eight years.
Former India captain Kapil Dev said he hoped the row would not affect performances on the field.
"I hope all this talk doesn't impact the players. But today, media putting so much focus on everything it must be having some effect on them when they read and see the news," Kapil, the 1983 World Cup winning captain, said.
"As a sportsman I just want to be bothered about cricket on the field.
"Whatever happens otherwise, let the administrators take care of that," the legendary all-rounder said.
The BBCI are seeking a better deal before the ICC ratifies the new structure at its annual conference next month.
"See, we are just trying to get the board its rightful share," a senior board official said on condition of anonymity. "But trust me the revenue matter had nothing to do with the Champions Trophy.
"We work for the best interest of the players and our wishes are with them to defend the title and play the brand of cricket that they have been playing."
India, who beat England in the 2013 Champions Trophy final, are on a roll, winning 10 of the 13 Tests played against New Zealand, England, Bangladesh and Australia in a marathon home season.
The side also won their three-match one-day series against England 2-1 and most of their players have just been involved in the high-octane Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament.
India are in Group B along with South Africa and Sri Lanka and start their campaign with a mouth-watering clash against fierce rivals Pakistan at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on June 4.
Despite taking 5-83 in the first innings at Headingley, Bumrah went wicketless in the second as England chased down a target of 371, with opener Ben Duckett scoring 149.
INDIA will take a last-minute call on whether to include Jasprit Bumrah in the second Test against England, starting Wednesday at Edgbaston in Birmingham, as they look to level the five-match series.
Bumrah, currently the top-ranked Test bowler, would usually be a straightforward selection after India’s five-wicket defeat in the opening Test at Headingley. However, the fast bowler is returning from a back injury and had earlier said he expected to play only three of the five Tests.
Despite taking 5-83 in the first innings at Headingley, Bumrah went wicketless in the second as England chased down a target of 371, with opener Ben Duckett scoring 149. The rest of India’s bowling attack struggled to support Bumrah during the chase.
“Bumrah is ready to play,” India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said on Monday. “It's how we manage these four Tests. So if we feel like there's value in playing him in this Test, we'll make that call at the very last minute.”
Kuldeep Yadav could return; batting collapses hurt India
India, who have now lost seven of their 11 Tests under head coach Gautam Gambhir, may consider changing the balance of their bowling line-up. Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who did not play at Headingley, is an option. He has taken 56 wickets at an average of 22.16 in 13 Tests.
India’s defeat in the first Test came despite scoring five individual hundreds. Batting collapses of 7-41 (from 430-3) and 6-31 (from 333-4) proved costly. The team also dropped several straightforward catches. Harry Brook, who was dropped off a no-ball before scoring, went on to make 99 after further chances on 46 and 82.
Shubman Gill, leading India for the first time, scored 147 in the first innings. India were without former captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul, both of whom also scored centuries, were seen actively directing field placements during the match.
“At one point I felt there were too many captains,” former India spinner Murali Karthik told Cricbuzz. “I just couldn't understand that. KL Rahul was making hand movements, Rishabh Pant was also doing it... There is only one captain.”
England name unchanged team for Edgbaston Test
England, after completing the tenth-highest successful fourth-innings chase in Test history, have named an unchanged team for the second Test.
Jamie Smith, who hit the winning runs in the first Test and finished 44 not out, said during a media interaction with series sponsor Rothesay: “I think the really important thing is for the team to be quite ruthless and once you're on top, try to put them to bed.”
While England’s bowlers were ineffective with the new ball in the first innings at Headingley, they improved as the match progressed. Despite speculation, Jofra Archer was not recalled to the playing XI. He remains in the Edgbaston squad, but his Test return will wait.
Chris Woakes will lead the bowling attack on his home ground in the absence of retired pacers James Anderson and Stuart Broad. Woakes, 36, has taken 182 wickets in 58 Tests.
“I played a lot of my England games with Jimmy and Broady so it is different not having them around but also it's a great opportunity for myself,” Woakes said. “I've enjoyed that role so far and it's good to pass on some knowledge to the younger guys that haven't played as much Test cricket.”
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Raducanu and Jack Draper are making most of the headlines
Emma Raducanu defeated fellow Briton Mimi Xu 6-3, 6-3 in the Wimbledon first round.
Xu, 17, was making her Grand Slam debut and appeared overwhelmed early on.
Raducanu dropped just three points on serve in the first set.
Despite a series of breaks in the second set, Raducanu regained control to seal victory.
She described the all-British clash as “difficult” but was pleased with the result.
The biggest home assault on Wimbledon for 41 years got off to a great start on Monday when Emma Raducanu triumphed in an all-British clash.
British tennis is enjoying a buoyant period, and although former U.S. champion Raducanu and Jack Draper are making most of the headlines, 23 local players started in the men's and women's singles this week, the most at Wimbledon since 1984.
With Draper not in action until Tuesday, British women's number one Raducanu was the main attraction, although home loyalties were somewhat split as she faced 17-year-old Welsh wildcard Mimi Xu, making her Grand Slam debut.
Xu had not beaten a top 50 player and never looked likely to break that duck on Number One court as she went down 6-3 6-3. Raducanu, desperate for a deep run in her home slam after a previous best of two fourth-round exits, did not have to do anything too extraordinary against a rival who for a while seemed intimidated by the occasion.
After Xu swung wildly for a rare air shot and then tumbled to the pristine turf after a slip, the 318th-ranked teen got what no young player wants to hear – some sympathy applause.
Raducanu swept to the first set, dropping only three points in her four service games, and with a lack of tension on court, the obligatory “come on Britain” shout drew the usual ripple of Wimbledon laughter usually reserved for any lingering pigeon.
Xu settled in the second set, however, finally getting to grips with the Raducanu serve during a run of five successive breaks, but the favourite got back on track to come through.
Raducanu moves into round two
Home favourite Emma Raducanu claimed a 6-3 6-3 win over fellow Briton Mimi Xu, who was making her Grand Slam debut."I'm super pleased to have come through that match. It is so difficult playing against another Brit in the first round," Raducanu said after her victory on Court One.
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In an industry long regarded as a boys’ club, Sharma brings a refreshingly unapologetic approach
As the world prepares for the second edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), one of its most exciting franchises, the Meteora England Champions, is being led by a compelling force. Mahima Sharma is not just making her mark in cricket – she is quietly redefining leadership in a male-dominated industry.
In an industry long regarded as a boys’ club, Sharma brings a refreshingly unapologetic approach. She is strategic, deeply rooted in her love for the game, and proudly feminine. “Cricket has always felt like home to me,” she says. “I come from a culture where cricket is an emotion, and stepping into this role carries a great deal of responsibility. Growing up, I saw very few women leaders in cricket. To now find myself in this position 15 years later feels like coming full circle.”
As co-owner and the driving force behind the Meteora England Champions, Sharma is part of a small group of women leading professional cricket teams. For her, this is not about tokenism, it’s about legacy. “I do not want to be the exception,” she says. “I want to be part of a movement where women leading in sport is normalised. As more women step into leadership, we must not only create space but also change the environment so others can thrive.”
The journey has not been without its obstacles. Sharma recalls the doubt she encountered in the early days. “You walk into certain rooms and feel it – the unspoken question of how a twenty-something woman is in charge,” she says. But instead of backing away, she leaned in. “I chose not to internalise that doubt. I focused on proving myself through action.”
Each branding move, player decision, and strategic step has helped reshape perceptions. “We are not here to just participate. We are here to lead – with vision, knowledge and authenticity.”
Sharma’s leadership story is closely tied to her family. She co-owns the team with her father, a self-made entrepreneur who built the wider Meteora Group. Their dynamic is one of mutual respect. “We do not always agree – and that is our strength. We challenge each other, and that leads to better decisions.”
This blend of tradition and innovation shapes how she runs the team. From revamping fan experiences to reviving iconic rivalries, Sharma brings together nostalgia and bold new energy. “We are embracing history while writing new chapters,” she says. “Through storytelling, digital content and match-day experiences, we are bringing legends back into the spotlight in meaningful ways.”
Those legends include the likes of Eoin Morgan and Alastair Cook – cricketing greats now representing Meteora. “It has honestly been a dream,” Sharma says. “These players are not just icons – they are grounded, inspirational, and passionate about the future of the game.”
The team is also shaped by dynamic women behind the scenes. One key figure is Bhakti Bansal, the team’s creative strategist. “Her leadership has helped shape how the Meteora brand speaks and connects,” Sharma says. “It is not about having women in leadership for the sake of it – it is about having the right leadership.”
Empowerment runs through Sharma’s journey. She is not content with simply climbing the ladder – she wants to rebuild it. “As more women take on leadership roles, we carry the responsibility not just to make space, but to transform the environment so others can thrive.”
As WCL enters its second season, Sharma is scaling upwclegends.uk
For Sharma, inclusivity and creativity are core values. “It starts internally. Our team is deliberately diverse – not just in terms of gender or ethnicity, but in background and thinking styles.” This inclusivity informs every decision, from interns to executive planning. “Everyone has a seat at the table.”
As WCL enters its second season, Sharma is scaling up. “The challenge is in the scale and speed – logistics, player schedules, fan engagement, sponsorships. But the challenges are real, and so is our drive.”
Asked what message she would give young women pursuing careers in sport or business, Sharma is clear. “You do not have to choose between being passionate and being powerful. You do not need all the answers on day one – but you do need to believe you belong.”
Her approach is grounded in authenticity. “Resilience and self-awareness are everything. You must know who you are and hold your ground, even when you do not see yourself reflected in the room.”
She adds, “You can be assertive without being abrasive, strategic without being cold, and emotional without being weak.”
Despite the pace and pressure of running a franchise, Sharma’s love for cricket keeps her grounded and ambitious. “It is still my greatest passion,” she says. But she is open to other opportunities if they align with her values.
At the heart of her leadership is a principle passed down from her father: “Build long-term relationships based on trust.” It is a value she holds close as she navigates partnerships, negotiations and team dynamics.
When she needs inspiration, she turns to her support system. “My family, my friends, my dog Lexi – and the fans. Just being in a packed stadium, hearing the cheers, wearing your team’s jersey – that feeling is unmatched.”
Sharma closes with a simple yet powerful philosophy: “We walk into the room each day with a game plan, positive energy, and a clear vision.”
As the second season of WCL approaches, it is clear that Mahima Sharma is building more than a cricket team – she is building a legacy. One that says, without apology: the future of sport belongs to everyone. And yes, that includes the women who dare to lead.
The World championship of legends cricket 2025 takes place from July 18 – August 2. wclegends.uk
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Mahmood, a pace bowling allrounder, played 143 one-day internationals and 21 Tests for Pakistan. (Photo: Getty Images)
PAKISTAN on Monday appointed former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as the interim head coach of the men’s Test team. He is the fourth person to hold the position in the past 18 months.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the 50-year-old will remain in the role until January.
Mahmood, a pace bowling allrounder, played 143 one-day internationals and 21 Tests for Pakistan. He has been serving as assistant coach since last year.
“The PCB announces Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach of the Pakistan men’s team,” said a PCB press release.
Mahmood replaces Aaqib Javed, who was interim head coach for the Test series in South Africa in December-January and the home series against the West Indies.
Javed stepped down after Pakistan lost all four Tests and finished ninth and last in the third cycle of the World Test Championship.
Before Javed, former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie had taken over but quit six months into his stint in December 2024 following differences with the PCB.
Prior to Gillespie, former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez was the team director and had overseen a 3-0 Test defeat in Australia.
Monday’s appointment is part of a series of changes by the PCB aimed at improving the national team’s performance following a difficult two years.
Last month, New Zealand’s Mike Hesson was named white-ball head coach for two years.
Pakistan will host South Africa in October in their first series of the new World Test Championship cycle. They will then play Sri Lanka at home in December-January.
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Indian cricket head coach Gautam Gambhir. (Photo by PUNIT PARANJPE/AFP via Getty Images)
GAUTAM GAMBHIR is under growing pressure ahead of the second Test against England after India's loss at Headingley made it seven defeats in 11 red-ball matches since he became coach last year.
The 43-year-old former opening batsman is facing flak from some quarters for his selections, man management and how he carries himself in press conferences.
India are ushering in a new era following the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, with Gambhir widely reported to have played a part in the exit of at least one of the two veteran stars.
Led by new captain Shubman Gill, the visitors were beaten by five wickets in the opening Test of the five-match England series, adding to a growing sense of alarm.
The second Test at Edgbaston starts on Wednesday (2) and patience is wearing thin back home.
"Gautam Gambhir is under significant pressure. The situation is becoming increasingly tense," former India batsman Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
"He has managed two wins against Bangladesh and one against Australia, but we've lost three matches to New Zealand, three to Australia and now one to England.
"He has been losing and losing."
Gambhir, who as a player had a key role in India's ODI World Cup triumph in 2011, succeeded Rahul Dravid in July last year.
Dravid signed off a largely successful three-year tenure by winning the T20 World Cup.
Gambhir was chosen as his successor almost exactly a year ago but he and his side suffered a significant bloody nose when they went down 3-0 to New Zealand.
It was India's first Test series defeat at home in 12 years.
Along with chief selector Ajit Agarkar, Gambhir was criticised for leaving middle-order batsman Sarfaraz Khan out of the squad for England.
Karun Nair was picked ahead of Sarfaraz, who had scores of 68 not out and 56 against a visiting England last year, and made 150 versus New Zealand in Bengaluru.
Gambhir's detractors say he is hot-headed and accuse him of acting too much on instinct.
Speaking ahead of the series, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik said that "tactically, Gauti (Gambhir) is a very good coach.
"Man management is the area that I am sure he would be looking at," he told Sky Sports' cricket podcast.
"But one thing about him is that he is looking out for his players, which is massive.
"What I feel at times is that the way he is aggressive as a captain, you can't be as a coach."
Critics don't like Gambhir's press conferences. Following the defeat at Headingley, Gambhir looked ruffled and snapped in reply to a question about Rishabh Pant's centuries in each innings.
The visiting batsmen scored five centuries in the match but still lost.
Former batsman Sanjay Manjrekar has said that Gambhir should be kept away from the media, after the coach bit back at Ricky Ponting ahead of the tour to Australia last year.
India went on to lose the series 3-1.
On the last day of the first England Test, when the hosts chased down 371, senior batsman KL Rahul and Gill's deputy Pant were seen making the fielding changes, rather than the skipper.
In the final overs it appeared pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah rejected Gill's idea of bringing him back into the attack.
Bumrah, who will only play two more Tests in the series to manage his workload, returned figures of 5-83 in England's first innings of 465 but went wicketless second time around.
A fit, firing and content Bumrah is key to India's chances.
South African great AB de Villiers questioned whether it was "mismanagement" or injury that was the cause of Bumrah being rested at a crucial point of the match.
Lack of bowling support for Bumrah and India's lower-order collapses -- from 430-3 to 471 all out in the first innings and 333-4 to 364 in the second -- also hurt the team in Leeds.