Samson In ICC XI, SL Coach And Babar’s Snub Explained- March 9 Cricket Highlights

Sanju Samson and Gary Kirsten [Source: @BCCI/x, AFP]

The ICC has named its best XI of the T20 World Cup 2026, picking four Indian players in the elite squad. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has named a new head coach of the national side in place of outgoing Sanath Jayasuriya. In other news, Pakistan coach Mike Hesson explained the ouster of Babar Azam from the national squad for the series against Bangladesh.

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 Monday, March 9.

Gary Kirsten named Sri Lanka head coach after Jayasuriya’s exit

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has named former South Africa cricketer Gary Kirsten as the new head coach of the national side. Kirsten was appointed as the replacement of legendary opener Sanath Jayasuriya, who stepped down following the conclusion of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Kirsten previously served the Indian team as head coach, and even guided the ‘Men in Blue’ to 2011 World Cup win. He joined the Pakistan team a couple of seasons ago, but left the set-up citing “creative differences” with the PCB.

MS Dhoni and coach Gambhir share pleasantries after T20 World Cup win

Former India captain MS Dhoni has congratulated the Indian team for winning the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Ahmedabad. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter also praised ex-teammate and current India head coach Gautam Gambhir, and jokingly asked him to “smile” for the occasion.

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In spite of rumours of a rift between the two, Gambhir responded back with a friendly comment on social media, indicating that the 2011 World Cup winning batchmates are still on talking terms with each other.

Mike Hesson explains Babar Azam’s ODI snub for BAN series

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has defended the team management’s decision of dropping senior batter Babar Azam from the national squad for the upcoming three-match away series against Bangladesh. While speaking with the reporters, Hesson said that he does not consider Babar or anyone else has been dropped from the side, but rather sees the series as an opportunity for the youngsters to “prove themselves” on the international stage.

The New Zealander also praised rising star Shamyl Hussain and claimed that he is looking forward to seeing the youngster in action against Bangladesh.

Varun Chakaravarthy humiliates Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan on social media

Varun Chakaravarthy was among the many India cricketers who took to social media in a bid to celebrate India’s 2026 T20 World Cup win. However, the ace spinner did so with much flair, as he trolled Pakistan cricketer Abrar Ahmed as well as his ‘Men in Green’ teammates.

Responding to Pakistan’s so-called ‘Tea is Fantastic’ running gag, Chakaravarthy shared a picture of himself enjoying a cup of tea with one hand and holding the World Cup trophy with another. It is worth noting that the 34-year-old also picked up 14 wickets to emerge as the joint highest wicket-taker of the competition.

Samson among 4 Indians in ICC T20 World Cup 2026 XI

Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan and Jasprit Bumrah, all made it to the ICC’s best XI of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The four Indian cricketers joined Pakistan opener and top-scorer Sahibzada Farhan, South Africa’s Aiden Markram and Lungi Ngidi, England’s Will Jacks and Adil Rashid, West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder and Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani in the playing XI of the tournament.

USA’s Shadley Van Schalkwyk also found a place in the team as a 12th man for his wicket-taking spree in the Group A stage.

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