5 Key BCCI Cricket Stories for Indian Cricket Fans
According to Press Monitor's tracking of Indian publications, media monitoring of today's print editions reveals 5 key BCCI cricket stories for Indian cricket fans. From the women's team's no-handshake policy to team selection dilemmas and T20 series victories, these stories define the current cricket landscape.
1. India Women's No-Handshake Policy
A front-page report in Indian Express says India's women's cricket team refused to accept the Women's Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council President Mohsin Naqvi, continuing the men's team's no-handshake policy against Pakistan. The policy began after the Pahalgam terror attack and has now extended to avoiding Pakistani officials at presentation ceremonies. The BCCI says the decision aligns with prevailing national sentiments, though the government has not publicly mandated such actions.
Why it matters: The Indian women's cricket team refused to accept the Women's Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council President Mohsin Naqvi, continuing the men's team's no-handshake policy against Pakistan. This decision reflects BCCI's alignment with prevailing national sentiment and marks a significant moment in sports diplomacy.
Key detail: The policy began after the Pahalgam terror attack and now extends to avoiding Pakistani officials at all presentation ceremonies.
Source: Indian Express, reported by Mihir Vasavda, 18 July 2026.
2. Rohit Sharma and Team Selection Dilemma
A front-page report in Deshbandhu says senior cricket selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar will finalise India's squad for the three one-day international series against West Indies starting 27 September. The committee faces uncertainty over whether former captain Rohit Sharma and fit-again all-rounder Hardik Pandya will be selected, as well as the second wicketkeeper-batsman role between Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel. BCCI honorary secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed Rohit wants to play the 2027 one-day World Cup in South Africa, but selectors are also managing fitness concerns for leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
Why it matters: Senior cricket selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar will finalise India's squad for the three ODI series against West Indies starting 27 September, with major implications for the 2027 World Cup cycle.
Key detail: BCCI honorary secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed Rohit Sharma wants to play the 2027 one-day World Cup in South Africa, but selectors face tough calls on Hardik Pandya's fitness, the second wicketkeeper-batsman role between Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel, and leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav's availability.
Source: Deshbandhu, Habu Satyendra Pal Singh, New Delhi, 5 September.
Next step: This selection news on cricket strategy will shape India's ODI future. Which of these moves matters most for your portfolio?
3. India Clinches First T20 Against Afghanistan
A front-page report in Aaj Tak says that on Tuesday, 5 September, the Indian cricket team defeated Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi by 7 wickets to take a firm grip on the series. Afghanistan were restricted to 59 runs in 20 overs, while India chased the target comfortably with a 88-run opening stand between Abhishek Sharma and Sunju Samson.
Why it matters: India defeated Afghanistan by 7 wickets at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, taking a firm grip on the bilateral T20 series and showcasing the depth of the Indian cricket squad.
Key detail: Afghanistan were restricted to 59 runs in 20 overs, while India chased comfortably with an 88-run opening stand between Abhishek Sharma and Sunju Samson.
Source: Aaj Tak, Delhi, 5 September.
4. Sanju Samson's Match-Winning 57
A front-page report in Rajasthan Patrika says India defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in the second T20 match to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. Opener Sanju scored 57 runs off 20 balls, including his seventh T20I half-century, while Ajit Sharma added 38 runs off 38 balls. Jasprit Bumrah became the first full-member bowler to bowl the most maiden overs in international T20 careers, breaking Richard Ngarava's record.
Why it matters: India defeated Afghanistan by 7 wickets in the second T20 to clinch the series, with Sanju Samson's explosive innings and Jasprit Bumrah's historic bowling milestone making headlines.
Key detail: Samson scored 57 runs off 20 balls, including his seventh T20I half-century, while Bumrah became the first full-member bowler to bowl the most maiden overs in international T20 careers, breaking Richard Ngarava's record.
Source: Rajasthan Patrika, Saurabh Kumar Gupta, New Delhi, 18 July 2026.
Next step: This performance exemplifies media intelligence in tracking cricket milestones. Which performance stands out most to you?
5. Rohit Sharma's Record-Breaking Sixes
A front-page report in Navbharat Times says Rohit Sharma played a innings of runs against Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup match in 2022. This is the highest individual score by any batter in Twenty20 International matches between these two nations.
Why it matters: Rohit Sharma's innings featuring six-ball fours against Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup remains the highest individual score by any batter in T20 International matches between these two nations.
Key detail: This print media monitoring highlight showcases India's batting dominance in the bilateral fixture and Rohit's enduring impact in crunch matches.
Source: Navbharat Times, Delhi.
Tracked by Press Monitor — Indian print media monitoring for cricket and sports. Which of these moves matters most for India's cricket future? Tag the selectors and players in your comments to join the conversation.