Overview
- Pakistan’s board, in a Sunday press conference, moved PSL 2026 behind closed doors, cut venues to Lahore and Karachi, and warned it will pursue legal action against players who exit for IPL deals.
- Two squads locked in late replacements, with Kolkata Knight Riders naming Saurabh Dubey for injured Akash Deep and Sunrisers Hyderabad signing David Payne for sidelined Jack Edwards.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad expect to start without Pat Cummins due to a back issue, with Ishan Kishan set to lead until he returns, according to multiple team updates.
- The BCCI has barred full match-day practice sessions, limited teams to set nets and one range-hitting area, banned fitness drills on the main square, tightened travel rules, and imposed a stricter presentation dress code.
- Franchises are bracing for staggered arrivals and early absences, with cases such as Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc awaiting Cricket Australia clearance as Royal Challengers Bengaluru prepare to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the March 28 opener.