Australia captain Pat Cummins has strongly denied claims made by Usman Khawaja regarding the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. Cummins asserted that he did not know about the plan and has consistently maintained that stance over the years. Khawaja's autobiography brought renewed attention to the incident, prompting severe reactions from Cummins. Despite the allegations, Cummins has decided against taking legal action and hopes to move on from this controversy.

The controversy has returned to the spotlight after former Australia batter Usman Khawaja made fresh claims in his autobiography, "Sabr". Khawaja alleged that all members of the Australian team on the 2018 South Africa tour knew about the plan to tamper with the ball.

India lead the five-match series 2-0 after winning the first two games. The third ODI in Hamilton was abandoned due to rain. Brett Randell has played 145 professional matches, including five for New Zealand A. He recently returned from a stint with English county side Derbyshire in the County Championship.

Stuart MacGill has acknowledged using sandpaper on the ball during his cricket career, indicating it was not a deliberate cheating strategy. His admission follows recent statements made by Usman Khawaja in his memoir, which has reopened discussions on Sandpapergate. Cricket Australia maintains that the wider team was unaware of any wrongdoing during the 2018 Cape Town Test.

Auqib Nabi had a quiet start to the five-match series, returning figures of 0/33 in the first ODI, which India won by five wickets (DLS method). He bounced back in the second match, dismissing New Zealand openers Will Young and Tim Seifert to help India register a four-run victory (DLS method). The third ODI in Hamilton was abandoned due to rain, with India leading the series 2-0.

Hardik Pandya has moved from Mumbai Indians (MI) to Punjab Kings for Rs 18 crore. In return, PBKS have traded fast bowler Arshdeep Singh to Mumbai Indians. The trade has been completed ahead of the 2027 IPL season. Pandya's new fee of Rs 18 crore is higher than his earlier fee of Rs 16.35 crore.

Mumbai Indians, the five-time champions, have signed the left-arm fast bowler in exchange for their captain Hardik Pandya, who will now play for Punjab Kings. Arshdeep shared his first message after joining Mumbai Indians in a video posted by the franchise on social media.

Rawalpindi is already hosting the first Test of the series. The second match will also be played at the same venue from November 17 to 21. The dates have not been changed.

India will play the fourth and fifth ODIs at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15. The two-match Test series will begin on November 19 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. The team will have a change in leadership for the final two ODIs. Shreyas Iyer will captain India after Shubman Gill led the side in the first three matches.

The move brings an end to Hardik Pandya's second stint with Mumbai Indians. He won four IPL titles with the franchise. Pandya first joined MI in 2015 and played an important role in their title wins in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020 with his performances with both bat and ball. He returned to the team in 2024 and took over as captain from Rohit Sharma. In 162 IPL matches, Pandya has scored 2,955 runs at a strike rate of 146.28. He has also taken 82 wickets.

Lee Fortis had also been in the news in 2025 after an argument with India head coach Gautam Gambhir. The two had a disagreement over the Oval pitch. During the exchange, Gambhir told Fortis: "You’re just a groundsman, nothing beyond that." India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak later called Fortis "arrogant".

Usman Khawaja has canceled his remaining media interviews to promote his autobiography, Sabr. His decision follows a challenging interview with Sarah Ferguson where he faced questions about the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. Khawaja expressed concerns that future discussions would mainly revolve around this controversy rather than other aspects of his book. He emphasized the need for the entire team to accept accountability for the incident.

The opening Test of the two-match series will be played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington from November 19. The second match will take place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch from November 27. Tom Latham will lead the New Zealand side.

Anshul Kamboj has been highlighted by Ravi Shastri as a key player for India's upcoming Test series against New Zealand. Kamboj showed promise in ODIs despite a difficult Test debut, earning his place in the squad. Shastri emphasizes Kamboj's ability to bowl long spells and support teammates during challenging conditions. His capacity to move the ball and surprise batters strengthens India's fast bowling unit.

Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja's participation in the third unofficial Test was limited due to rain interruptions. After three days of rain delays, all matches in the series concluded in draws with no winners. Yashasvi Jaiswal excelled with two centuries, highlighting his form ahead of the upcoming Test series. Bumrah will join the senior team in Wellington for training sessions before the first Test starts.

Salman Butt faced an embarrassing moment while giving a pitch report for the first Test match. He repeatedly apologized as he struggled to maintain his composure on live television. The camera crew attempted to assist him by reminding him that they were live on air. This awkward moment quickly gained popularity on social media, leading to widespread sharing of the video.

The third ODI clash between India and New Zealand was marred by rain, resulting in its cancellation. Indian captain Shubman Gill opted to bowl after winning the toss. However, persistent rain caused major delays and eventually forced the game to be called off. India holds a 2-0 lead in the series, with New Zealand needing to secure victories in the upcoming matches scheduled for Mount Maunganui.

Shubman Gill leads India in his final match of the ODI series against New Zealand at Seddon Park. He will miss the fourth and fifth ODIs due to workload management before the Test series. India are ahead in the series, leading series 2-0. Shreyas Iyer will take over as captain for the final two matches.

Ravi Shastri expressed that coaching is more challenging than playing or commenting due to its immense responsibility. He mentioned the inability to control outcomes once players are on the field. Shastri reflected on the pressure to win consistently, regardless of conditions. He highlighted the satisfaction of achieving successful results and earning respect. His passion for cricket has kept him involved in the sport throughout his career.

Ryan ten Doeschate has voiced his bewilderment regarding Yashasvi Jaiswal's absence from India's ODI lineup. With an impressive record of two centuries in merely six matches, Jaiswal's exclusion raises questions, especially as the ODI World Cup looms. His notable performance against Mitchell Starc during the 2024 Test tour further strengthens his case. All eyes now turn to the forthcoming Test series against New Zealand.