March 17 was an action-packed day in the cricketing world, with major developments across leagues and international circuits. From Josh Hazlewood’s arrival at RCB to Mohammad Rizwan’s club cricket move, here are the top five cricket stories you need to know.
Mohammad Rizwan Chooses Club Cricket Over National T20 Cup
Pakistan’s T20 captain, Mohammad Rizwan, has opted to play club cricket instead of participating in the ongoing National T20 Cup 2025. This decision comes after Rizwan was dropped from the Pakistan squad for the T20I series against New Zealand.
- Rizwan recently led Pakistan to a winless campaign in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where they suffered heavy defeats to India and New Zealand.
- With the National T20 Cup in full swing, images of Rizwan playing in a local club match surfaced on social media, sparking debate among fans and analysts.
Expert Take
Cricket experts believe this move signals frustration with PCB’s selection policies. Some view it as an effort by Rizwan to regain form, while others question his commitment to Pakistan’s domestic structure.
Read More :- Harry Brook Faces Two-Year IPL Ban After Pulling Out of Delhi Capitals Squad
Moeen Ali & Adil Rashid Support BCCI’s Ban on Harry Brook
England cricketers Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid have backed the BCCI’s two-year ban on Harry Brook following his last-minute withdrawal from IPL 2025.
- Brook, who was signed by Delhi Capitals in the auction, pulled out just weeks before the tournament’s start, citing personal reasons.
- Speaking on the “Beard Before Cricket” podcast, Moeen Ali stated that such late pullouts disrupt franchise planning.
- Adil Rashid added that players should be accountable for their commitments.
Why It Matters
This incident raises concerns about player commitments and IPL’s strict policies on last-minute withdrawals, setting a precedent for future seasons.
Josh Hazlewood Arrives in Bengaluru for IPL 2025
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has touched down in Bengaluru to join Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of IPL 2025. However, his fitness remains a concern.
- Hazlewood last played a competitive match in December 2024 during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India.
- Despite injury concerns, RCB secured him during the IPL 2025 mega auction.
- His last IPL appearance was in 2023, making his comeback a crucial moment for RCB’s pace attack.
RCB Fans React
RCB supporters are eager to see how Hazlewood performs, with many hoping he can form a lethal pace duo alongside Mohammed Siraj.
IPL Captains’ Meeting Set for March 20 in Mumbai
The BCCI has confirmed that the IPL Captains’ Meet will take place on March 20 in Mumbai, just days before the IPL 2025 season opener.
- The meeting will be held at the BCCI headquarters alongside the Taj Hotel.
- All 10 team captains and managers will attend the event.
- Five franchises are entering the season with new captains, adding intrigue to this year’s IPL.
What to Expect
The meeting will cover key topics such as tournament rules, umpiring standards, and player workload management.
Munaf Patel Joins Seattle Orcas for MLC 2025
Former Indian cricketer and Delhi Capitals’ bowling coach Munaf Patel has been appointed as the bowling coach for Seattle Orcas in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 season.
- The Seattle Orcas confirmed the appointment on March 17.
- Munaf will work alongside former England cricketer Ian Bell, who has been named the team’s batting coach.
- Despite his MLC role, Munaf remains focused on Delhi Capitals’ preparations for IPL 2025.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
With IPL 2025 fast approaching, cricket fans can expect more surprises and high-voltage action in the coming days. What are your thoughts on these developments? Share your opinions in the comments and stay tuned for more cricket updates!
