Chakaravarthy Ruled Out as Pakistan Face ICC Sanctions in Packed Day of Cricket Developments

September 14 delivered a wide-ranging set of stories across the international game, with injury setbacks, disciplinary rulings, selection uncertainty and franchise signings all commanding attention.

India’s T20I series against Afghanistan has been disrupted by another injury to Varun Chakaravarthy. The 35-year-old spinner, who had impressed on his return to national duty with 1 for 16 from four overs in Delhi, has been withdrawn from the remainder of the three-match contest. His comeback had followed nearly two months of rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, making the fresh setback a significant frustration for both player and team.

Pakistan’s World Test Championship campaign has been further complicated by sanctions from the International Cricket Council. The punishment followed the third Test against England at Edgbaston, where Babar Azam’s side were found to have bowled 11 overs short of the required rate. The team was deemed to have breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct. Each Pakistan player was fined 50 per cent of his match fee—the maximum permitted under the regulations—although the consequences extend beyond the financial hit.

India Women’s Asia Cup triumph has also been accompanied by disciplinary action against fast bowler Kranti Gaud. The 23-year-old was fined 10 per cent of her match fee and given one demerit point after being found in breach of Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. The charge related to Article 2.5, which covers gestures or behaviour capable of provoking an aggressive reaction from a dismissed batter. Gaud’s animated celebration after dismissing Sri Lanka opener Imesha Dulani in the first over of Sunday’s final brought the incident to the match officials’ attention.

In administrative matters, the BCCI is expected to determine Ajit Agarkar’s future as chairman of the senior men’s selection committee within the next 48 hours. Agarkar, who took up the post in July 2023, was recently granted a three-month extension. Talks over a further term are believed to be moving in a positive direction, with only minor details reportedly left to be settled.

On the franchise front, Melbourne Stars have pulled off an unusual double signing ahead of BBL 16 by bringing English twins Jamie and Craig Overton into the same squad. Jamie, who previously spent three seasons with Adelaide Strikers, has moved to Melbourne for the 2026-27 BBL season, while Craig will make his first appearance in the competition. Their arrival will create a notable piece of league history: the first twins to feature in the Big Bash League.