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Rohit, Kohli BCCI contract, PSL date shift and Shreyas Iyer return - December 28 Cricket highlights

Soumyajit Dutta

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Mohsin Naqvi [Source: @pandora_franky/X]Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Mohsin Naqvi [Source: @pandora_franky/X]

The PCB advanced the start of PSL 2026 to March 23 to avoid clashing with IPL as they also named Wasim Akram as PSL brand ambassador. Shreyas Iyer was cleared to return via the Vijay Hazare Trophy and is set for India’s NZ ODI squad. In other news, reports suggest that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may be demoted in BCCI contracts.

Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news that emerged on Sunday, December 28.

PSL changes schedule; Wasim Akram named brand ambassador

The Pakistan Cricket Board has officially revised the start date of the Pakistan Super League 2026, advancing it from March 26 to March 23 to coincide with Pakistan Day. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the proposal is aimed at giving the league a symbolic opening, with a final call to be taken after consultations with franchises.

Meanwhile, former captain Wasim Akram was appointed PSL brand ambassador after he publicly praised the league’s shorter window at a London roadshow, where he took a swipe at longer leagues like the IPL.

Shreyas Iyer cleared for comeback after nasty injury: Report

India batter Shreyas Iyer is set to return to competitive cricket after being cleared by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence following his injury sustained in Australia. The right-hander will represent Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, with matches scheduled on January 3 and 6 in Jaipur.

Reports suggest Iyer is also in line for selection in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. Having not played any competitive cricket for several months, the comeback marks a crucial phase in Iyer’s career as he looks to regain form and secure his place in India’s limited-overs setup.

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli likely to be demoted in central contracts: Report

According to reports, the BCCI is set to announce major changes in its central contract list for the 2025-26 season, with senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli likely to be demoted from the A+ category to Grade A. The move is reportedly linked to their participation in only one format of international cricket.

In contrast, India captain Shubman Gill is expected to be promoted to the top bracket alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja. Ishan Kishan is also tipped to make a return to the contract list.

BCCI denies reports of Gautam Gambhir being sidelined as coach

The BCCI has categorically denied rumours suggesting that Gautam Gambhir could be removed as India’s Test head coach following recent red-ball setbacks. Secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed the speculation as baseless and confirmed that Gambhir will continue as per his contract.

Reports had earlier claimed that VVS Laxman was informally approached for the role, but the board has now clarified that no such discussions took place.

Pakistan announce T20I squad for Sri Lanka series

The PCB selection committee has announced Pakistan’s T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka, with notable exclusions of Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi. The series will serve as Pakistan’s final preparation phase ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.

All-rounder Shadab Khan makes a much-anticipated return after recovering from shoulder surgery, while Khawaja Nafay earns a maiden call-up to bolster the batting unit. With Naseem Shah leading the pace attack, Pakistan appear focused on reshaping their squad as they transition into a new phase of T20 planning.