Cricket news roundup: Ishan Kishan’s 270, Babar Azam’s latest setback and major India updates

Ishan Kishan headlines a busy day in cricket

Ishan Kishan’s outstanding 270 for East Zone is the standout story in the latest cricket news. The innings helped East Zone build a commanding position in the Duleep Trophy final, with the side eventually reaching 708 against South Zone. Kishan’s performance also placed him among the small group of batters to score a double century in the competition’s final.

The Duleep Trophy coverage also focuses on Kishan’s stated red-ball ambitions, while Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar feature prominently in East Zone’s push for control. South Zone were reported to be struggling at 242/6 and trailing by 466 runs at the end of the third day.

Pakistan under pressure in England

Pakistan’s tour of England remains another major storyline. Captain Babar Azam was dismissed for seven at Edgbaston after earlier struggles to reach double figures, leaving Pakistan facing intense scrutiny as the series moved against them. Reports also describe turmoil around the touring squad, including phones being confiscated and players being sent home.

Former Pakistan figures have offered sharply different assessments of the team’s problems. Joe Root defended Pakistan against claims that they had shown no fight, while Wasim Akram predicted an England whitewash. Other former players, including Saeed Ajmal and AB de Villiers, criticised the state of Pakistan cricket and questioned the side’s hunger and decision-making.

India selection and scheduling stories

Hardik Pandya was named in India A’s squad for the home series against Australia A, with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devdutt Padikkal also among the players highlighted in the selection news. Washington Sundar was declared fit, while Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the Afghanistan series was still awaiting clearance.

India’s upcoming New Zealand tour has reportedly generated strong public interest, with more than 50,000 tickets sold in two weeks. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said Bumrah would be pivotal to the series and also discussed the threat posed by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Wider cricket developments

The day’s other headlines include Kevin Pietersen’s return to the England setup as a white-ball mentor, Afghanistan’s plans to host Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in the United Arab Emirates, and concerns from Ricky Ponting that the growth of T20 leagues could reduce the number of ODIs played in future.

The roundup also includes updates from women’s cricket, the Big Bash League’s move toward private investment, and continuing questions over governance and administration in Indian cricket.

This report consolidates headlines and summaries published on the Times of India cricket news page; the supplied material did not include the full text of the individual reports.