![Josh Hazlewood and Naseem Shah [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1774633881418_JoshHazlewoodandNaseemShah.jpg?type=hq)
Josh Hazlewood and Naseem Shah [Source: AFP]
Josh Hazlewood is set to miss the opening match of the IPL 2026 season for the RCB. Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah has been punished by the PCB. In other news, Mitchell Starc to delay his return to competitive cricket for the Delhi Capitals franchise.
Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news that emerged out of Friday, March 27.
Josh Hazlewood to miss IPL 2026 opener for RCB
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of RCB’s opening match of the IPL 2026 season. RCB coach Andy Flower confirmed the development just a day prior to the launch of the tournament. Incidentally, Hazlewood has already landed in India and has joined the RCB franchise for the season.
Also Read- RCB New Owner Releases First Statement On Virat Kohli's IPL Future
The legendary Australian paceman is still expected to make his return to competitive cricket later in IPL 2026, as he last played any form of competitive cricket back in November last year during the 2025-26 Sheffield Shield Trophy season.
Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue turn down IPL 2026 offers
The IPL 2026 season has turned out to be event of several injuries and late pull-out of overseas players. England Test opener Ben Duckett was one of those international stars, who opted himself out of the tournament despite being signed up to play for the Delhi Capitals franchise.
As per reports, two more England players have now turned down lucrative IPL 2026 offers to play the season as replacement players. The players, namely Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue, have both rejected the offers to remain in England.
PCB punishes Naseem Shah for PSL 2026 tweet
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), led by Mohsin Naqvi, has issued a show-cause notice to Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah. The board issued the notice for “violating the terms of the PCB central contract and media policy and regulations”.
The PCB has taken such a drastic action against the speedster after he posted a controversial tweet, targeting Punjab chief minister Maryam Nawaz on the opening day of the PSL 2026 season.
Mitchell Starc to not join Capitals at the start of IPL 2026, confirms Healy
Mitchell Starc will not be joining the Delhi Capitals franchise at the start of the IPL 2026 season. His wife, and former Australian Women’s team captain Alyssa Healy confirmed the same on social media during an interaction with a fan.
The legendary Australian paceman is scheduled to turn up for the Capitals this IPL 2026, but is currently in his recovery phase after missing the entire 2026 T20 World Cup for Australia. Interestingly, fellow injured Australian fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have at least joined their respective franchises in India for the tournament.
IPL 2026 commentary panel announced by Star Sports
The official broadcasters of the IPL 2026 season, the Star Sports Network, has assembled a huge commentary panel, involving over 150 commentators for 12 languages. The network named as many as 27 commentators for English language alone, which includes several prominent Indian names like Ravi Shastri, Harsha Bhogle and Sunil Gavaskar as well as overseas voices like Kevin Pietersen, Dale Steyn, AB de Villiers, Eoin Morgan, Michael Clarke among others.
As one can expect, not a single commentator from Bangladesh or Pakistan has been named in the ensemble, likely owing to India’s prevailing geo-political tensions with the two countries.
Also Read- [Watch] Usman Tariq Laughs At Azam Khan's Face After Epic Showdown In PSL 2026
