DRS Nov 15: Chahal to RCB for Rs 12 crore, 550cr loss to PCB for ICC Champions Trophy & Shami in BGT

Nothing much happened on November 14 (Thursday), a day after Team India recorded a great victory in the third T20I in Centurion on the back “centurion” Tilak Varma. Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen raised their stocks as well, with legend Dale Steyn even stating that Jansen could breach the 10 crore mark at IPL 2025 mega auction as well. Apart from this, we had multiple updates on the ICC Champions Trophy as well, with ICC allowing a trophy tour in Pakistan, including the mountain range K2. Moreover, if PCB doesn’t accept the hybrid model, they could incur massive, massive loss of around PKR 1805 crore! On that note, let us look at top stories from November 14, Thursday.

Yuzvendra Chahal back to RCB?

In a mock IPL 2025 mega auction, fans predicted Yuzvendra Chahal’s return to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Chahal, with a base price of ₹2 crore, sparked a bidding war among Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, Chennai Super Kings, and RCB. RCB ultimately secured the leg spinner for ₹12 crore, six times his base price. Chahal, IPL’s most successful wicket-taker, played 8 seasons with RCB before joining Rajasthan Royals in 2022. Released by RR, Chahal’s potential return to RCB has excited fans ahead of the actual auction on November 24-25 in Jeddah.

Incredible Champions Trophy loss for PCB!

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is caught between India’s refusal to play in Pakistan and potential ICC sanctions. India has made it clear they won’t visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, while PCB insists on hosting the tournament fully, rejecting the hybrid model. If Pakistan remains rigid, they risk ICC sanctions, funding cuts, and a $65 million (INR 558 crore) loss in host fees. PCB has upgraded stadiums and assures security, citing successful England and New Zealand tours. A government-backed boycott of future ICC events featuring India is also possible if India doesn’t participate. The schedule remains unannounced amidst the impasse.

Mohammed Shami to play BGT?

Mohammed Shami’s successful return to competitive cricket, picking up four wickets and bowling 19 overs for Bengal, has boosted his chances for India’s Test squad. After a 360-day layoff, Shami may join India in Australia as early as next week. The BCCI is satisfied with his progress, but he must bowl well in the second innings to confirm his fitness. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, will assess his performance. If cleared by the NCA medical team, Shami may play the second IND vs AUS Test in Adelaide from December 6. It will be a day-night pink ball Test.

All-time Ranji Trophy record!

In a historic Ranji Trophy performance, Goa’s Snehal Kauthankar (314) and Kashyap Bakle (300*) forged an unbeaten 606-run partnership against Arunachal Pradesh. This feat ranks second in first-class cricket history, behind Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara’s 624-run record. The duo’s masterclass included 84 boundaries and six sixes, propelling Goa to 727/2 declared in 92 overs at a staggering 7.90 run rate. Arjun Tendulkar’s 5-wicket haul restricted Arunachal Pradesh to 84 in their first innings. This unprecedented batting display cemented Kauthankar and Bakle’s names in Indian domestic cricket history and helped Goa win the clash by an innings and 551 runs!

New T20 league for Shikhar Dhawan

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan, who retired from international cricket in August, will play for Karnali Yaks in the inaugural Nepal Premier League (NPL) season. Dhawan, 38, remains passionate about cricket, participating in Legends League Cricket and the Big Cricket League. The T20 veteran is the 18th-highest run-scorer in T20 cricket and needs 203 runs to reach 10,000. As the IPL’s second-highest scorer after Virat Kohli, Dhawan’s presence will boost the NPL’s profile and Karnali Yaks’ title chances. The eight-team tournament runs from November 30 to December 21, featuring 32 matches and a playoff format.

Champions “Trophy” in Pakistan

In order to delight the Pakistani fans, the ICC has sent the Champions Trophy trophy on a tour of Pakistan, visiting Murree, Hunza, Muzaffarabad, Skardu, and even the summit of K2. This ambitious tour aims to promote tourism and cricket in Pakistan. However, the future of the Champions Trophy itself is uncertain, with India’s refusal to tour Pakistan and the PCB’s insistence on hosting the entire tournament domestically causing a deadlock. The trophy tour, from Nov 16 to Nov 24, itinerary is designed to showcase Pakistan’s diverse landscapes.