Delhi Capitals have appointed Faf du Plessis as their vice-captain for IPL 2025, surprising many as KL Rahul was expected to take the role. Du Plessis, who led RCB for three seasons, has scored 4,571 IPL runs at a strike rate of 136.36. DC begins their campaign against LSG on March 24 in Visakhapatnam.
Pakistani-origin cricketer Junaid Zafar Khan collapsed and died while playing in 41.7°C heat in Adelaide, Australia during Ramadan. The 33-year-old was fasting but drinking water for health reasons. The incident occurred during a match between Old Concordians and Prince Alfred Old Collegians. Despite paramedics’ efforts, Junaid couldn’t survive. Adelaide Turf rules allow match cancellations beyond 42°C.
Tanmay Srivastava, part of India’s 2008 U-19 World Cup-winning squad under Virat Kohli, is set to join IPL 2025 as an umpire. Having scored 1,728 runs in 44 List A matches, Srivastava played for KXIP, Deccan Chargers, and Kochi Tuskers. After retiring, he shifted to umpiring and now makes a sensational return to the IPL.
Rajasthan Royals named Riyan Parag as captain for their first three IPL 2025 matches, making him the youngest skipper in IPL history. Sanju Samson, recovering from finger surgery after a Jofra Archer injury, will play as a specialist batter. RR face SRH (March 23), KKR (March 26), and CSK (March 30) under Parag’s leadership.
Veteran umpire Anil Chaudhary, who officiated 483 matches including 131 IPL games, announced his retirement from IPL and international cricket. He’ll now umpire in UAE and US T20 leagues, commentate, and train umpires via his YouTube channel “Umpire’s Call”. Meanwhile, BCCI added seven new Indian umpires for IPL 2025.