The big news this week was a possible era-defining moment for women's cricket - the women's IPL, now to be known as the WPL, got its first franchises, with the bids for teams fetching an unprecedented US$ 572 million, and no one was more excited than the players themselves. With the WPL set to run from March 4 to 24, and player auctions still to go, expect anticipation to build to fever pitch in the next few weeks. Elsewhere, South Africa are gearing up to host England, India will face up to a full-bore Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and more. Here's a round-up of this week.
Rohit and Gill outdo Conway as India go No. 1 with 3-0 win
India swept New Zealand in the ODI series, Shardul Thakur's three-wicket burst proving crucial in the final ODI after the three openers scored tons in an Indore run-fest. For India, who moved up to the No.1 spot on ICC's rankings after the win, there were happy takeaways from the series ahead of the World Cup later this year, among them Mohammed Siraj's ability to lead the pace attack in the absence of Bumrah, Gill sealing his place as opener and more. Deivarayan Muthu has the list. And as the T20I series kicks off, Shiva Jayaraman looks at how Suryakumar Yadav is in a league of his own in the format, with no other batter combining consistency and aggression like him.
Owners of Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, RCB win bids to own Women's Premier League teams
Four current franchises and Adani Group and Capri Global now own WPL teams and Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Lucknow will be the home venues. How big were the bids for the teams? Which city got the most bids? Nagraj Gollapudi has all the numbers from the auction.
Ryana MacDonald-Gay is living the dream at Under-19 World Cup
India and England will meet in the Women's Under-19 World Cup final after India beat New Zealand and England squeaked past Australia in the semis. For England allrounder Ryana MacDonald-Gay, irrespective of the result, it's been a dream ride. She spoke to Annesha Ghosh about her six-for against the senior India team, and what she learnt during her time at the Hundred.
Why Indian players need to be more aware of caste privilege and oppression
Sidharth Monga looks at how a recent incident tells of the need for education in this area.
Which bowler has dismissed the most batters for 99 across formats?
And how many batters' first three or more hundreds have come in defeats? Steven Lynch has the answer to every cricket question.
Eoin Morgan: 'In the shorter format, every batter has the ability to play aggressively'
One of the masterminds of England's recent white-ball success, Morgan spoke to Firdose Moonda about his batting philosophy, and the effect of Bazball on Test cricket.
Australia's T20I future: who has stood out from the BBL?
It's a while until the men's team plays T20Is again but there could be a few spots up for grabs. Tristan Lavalette rounds up the candidates after the group stage wrapped up.
Ebony Rainford-Brent aims even bigger with ACE
Three years on, the African-Caribbean Engagement programme's goals are growing with its impact on the game. Vithushan Ehantharajah spoke to the ACE chair about its successes and future.
Jitesh Sharma didn't want a career in cricket but he got one anyway
The Punjab Kings and Vidarbha batter spoke to Syed Hussain about his unusual journey to the highest level.
Did Klusener prefer batting with Kallis or Boucher?
South Africa's former big-hitting allrounder tells us if he'd rather face a bouncer or a yorker, bat or ball in the final over, coach or commentate, and more.