Mumbai: A growing sentiment within the cricketing community is urging governing bodies such as the International Cricket Council (#ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (#BCCI) to review and potentially restrict the use of the “Impact Player” rule in the Indian Premier League (#IPL).

The rapid evolution of franchise-based T20 cricket has undeniably brought innovation, scale, and unprecedented commercial success to the sport. However, it has simultaneously sparked an intense debate within the cricketing fraternity over the delicate balance between entertainment and the foundational principles of the game.

At the centre of this debate lies the Impact Player rule—an innovation that allows teams to substitute a player mid-match. While introduced with the intention of adding tactical flexibility and excitement, the rule is increasingly being questioned by purists, analysts, and former players who believe it may be altering the very fabric of cricket.

Traditionally, cricket has been defined by balance, foresight, and adaptability. A team of eleven players competes under equal constraints, with success determined by how effectively these players contribute across batting, bowling, and fielding. The Impact Player rule disrupts this equilibrium by enabling teams to adjust their composition during the match—an option that was never part of the sport’s original design.

Supporters of the rule argue that it enhances strategy and viewer engagement. However, critics contend that it undermines the essence of competition by reducing the role of all-rounders—once considered indispensable to team balance—and encouraging hyper-specialization. Teams can now deploy an extra batter or bowler depending on match situations, thereby eliminating the inherent risks and strategic compromises that historically defined team selection.

Notably, prominent Indian cricketers such as #RohitSharma, #HardikPandya, and #AxarPatel have also voiced reservations about the rule. Expressing his personal view, Axar Patel remarked during a media interaction that he does not favour the concept, particularly from an all-rounder’s perspective.

“I don’t like this rule as I am an all-rounder myself (laughs). Earlier, we used to pick an all-rounder for this role (batting and bowling). Now, team management goes with a particular batter or bowler. They say why do we need an all-rounder? Being an all-rounder myself, I don’t like it. But at the same time, rules are rules—we have to follow them,” he said.

Axar’s remarks highlight a broader concern within the cricketing ecosystem—that the rule may be diminishing the relevance of multi-skilled players and reshaping team-building philosophies.

Meanwhile, addressing discussions around India’s recent dominance in T20 cricket, Axar downplayed comparisons with past great teams. Following India’s triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where they successfully defended the title and created history by winning it on home soil, comparisons were drawn with dominant teams of previous eras.

However, Axar maintained that such comparisons are subjective and era-dependent.

“I don’t believe in the tag of the greatest T20 team ever. It is all about time and era. If a team’s combination is set, they can do wonders,” he stated.

He further emphasized that India’s success has been built on a fearless and adaptive approach since 2022, suggesting that sustained dominance depends on evolving with the demands of the game rather than relying on labels.

Beyond individual opinions, the broader concern remains that the unpredictability which once defined cricket is gradually being replaced by calculated, almost mechanical decision-making. The ability to recover from setbacks with limited resources—a defining trait of great teams—is diminished when sides are allowed to “correct” their composition mid-game. This raises a critical question: is cricket evolving organically, or is it being engineered for outcome-driven entertainment?

Equally significant is the precedent such changes set for the future of the sport. If such innovations continue unchecked, cricket risks drifting away from its core identity and transforming into a format-driven spectacle driven largely by viewership metrics and revenue considerations. While commercial success is vital, it must not come at the cost of the values that have sustained the sport for generations.

If the Impact Player rule is to continue, some experts suggest adopting a more transparent structural approach—such as formally allowing a 12-player format—to align the rules with actual gameplay. However, this does not fully address the deeper philosophical concern: that cricket may gradually be evolving into a product where entertainment takes precedence over sporting authenticity.

This has led to a more provocative question within cricketing circles—if leagues prioritize spectacle and financial gains over the traditional spirit of the game, should they continue to be identified strictly as “cricket”? Or should they adopt a new identity, thereby preserving the sanctity and respect associated with the sport in its purest form?

As the most influential T20 league globally, the IPL carries a responsibility that extends far beyond its own success. Its decisions shape global cricketing trends and influence how the game is played and perceived worldwide. What may appear today as a minor innovation could, in the long run, redefine the structural and philosophical foundations of cricket.

At this critical juncture, the need for thoughtful introspection is paramount. Innovation and tradition must coexist—but not at the cost of the sport’s identity. The ICC and BCCI must carefully evaluate whether such changes strengthen the spirit of cricket or gradually erode it.

Many within the cricketing community maintain that cricket, at its core, is a contest between eleven players on each side, governed by equal constraints. Any deviation from this structure, they argue, risks diluting the authenticity of the game.
The current format, in their view, leans increasingly towards entertainment, prioritizing commercial appeal over sporting integrity.

As the IPL continues its rise as a global spectacle, stakeholders are faced with a defining question: should innovation reshape cricket, or should tradition guide its evolution?

Ultimately, the future of cricket will not be determined solely by its entertainment value, but by how faithfully it preserves the essence that has made it one of the most respected sports in the world.

The post Reassessing the ‘Impact Player’ Rule in IPL: Safeguarding the Essence of Cricket or Detrimental to Real Cricket? first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

The trophies for both tournaments were unveiled by #RohitSharma, face of the league, at a glittering event in Mumbai that was also attended by Mumbai star and India players Sayali Satghare, MCA President Ajinkya Naik, Cabinet Minister and former MCA President Ashish Shelar, and Rajdip Gupta, Chairman of the League Governing Council, joined by members of the Apex Council and the League Governing Council along with team operators.

Speaking at the launch of the T20 Mumbai League and T20 Mumbai Women’s League, Rohit Sharma said: “I’m very happy with how Mumbai cricket is shaping up—not just in the IPL team, but also with what the T20 Mumbai League has done for many young cricketers. We saw so many cricketers who played in the T20 Mumbai now go on to play for IPL teams and the national team as well. It is a big platform. I’m happy that we are doing this again after a very successful last season, I was involved last season. I saw it was a very tough task. I have to give credit to each and every member of the MCA for pulling it through. This year, there are three women’s teams as well, so it’s getting bigger.”

Elaborating on the significance of the T20 Mumbai Women’s League, Sayali Satghare said: “Mumbai has always been a city that lives and breathes cricket, and it means a lot to see a dedicated platform now being created for women as well. I would like to thank the Mumbai Cricket Association for taking this important step and investing in the future of women’s cricket. The T20 Mumbai Women’s League will give many young girls the opportunity to dream bigger, compete at a high level and believe that they too can represent Mumbai and India one day,”

MCA President Ajinkya Naik added: “Mumbai’s cricketing legacy has always been built on a strong grassroots structure and a culture that encourages players to push themselves and aim higher. The T20 Mumbai League reflects that philosophy by providing talented cricketers from across the city a professional stage to showcase their abilities. The launch of the T20 Mumbai Women’s League is an important milestone for us. Women’s cricket is growing rapidly, and it is essential that we create strong platforms that allow talented players to compete, develop and progress to higher levels of the game.”

Former MCA President and Cabinet Minister Ashish Shelar said: “I congratulate the entire MCA team, especially Ajinkya [Naik], Rajdip [Gupta], and all the MCA members, for such a wonderful T20 Mumbai launch. I still remember the day in 2018 when we were here and thought that we should have a league where we could give an opportunity to our young talent to showcase their abilities in a bigger way. And it has been demonstrated here, Ajinkya has rightly given that space. So the league has its own legacy. I welcome all the franchise owners who have shown confidence in our entire team. Wherever it is needed, the Government of Maharashtra and I, as an individual, will always be there because our Chief Minister always tells me to push the best. There are three women’s teams coming, so I think that is the best thing that has been done, the launch of the women’s league.”

Rajdip Gupta, Chairman of the League Governing Council, stated: “The T20 Mumbai League has consistently showcased the depth of talent in the city. With the addition of the women’s competition, the league enters an exciting new phase. Our aim is to create a professionally run tournament that not only delivers high-quality cricket but also strengthens the pathway for emerging players.”

An insightful and engaging panel discussion featuring Rohit Sharma and Sayali Satghare highlighted the significance of the women’s league and Mumbai’s deep cricketing culture.

The inaugural T20 Mumbai Women’s League will witness competition between three teams, operated by PRS Infraprojects LLP, Roadway Solution India Infra Ltd and World Star Sporting Private Limited.

Season 4 of the men’s competition will continue to feature eight franchises representing different regions of the city: Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs (World Star Premier League LLP), ARCS Andheri (ARCS Sports & Entertainment Private Limited), Bandra Blasters (PK Sports Ventures Private Limited), Eagle Thane Strikers (Eagle Infra India Ltd), Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals (Royal Edge Sports & Entertainment), North Mumbai Panthers (Horizon Sports India Private Limited), SoBo Mumbai Falcons (Roadway Solutions India Infra Ltd.) and Triumph Knights Mumbai North East (Transcon Triumph Knights Private Limited).

Since its launch in 2018, the T20 Mumbai League has established itself as one of India’s most competitive domestic T20 tournaments, providing a platform for emerging players to showcase their abilities. Several cricketers who featured in the league, including Shivam Dube and Tushar Deshpande, have gone on to represent Mumbai and India, and to play in the Indian Premier League, underlining the league’s importance in the country’s cricketing ecosystem.

As the city prepares for another exciting cricket season, the league promises to celebrate the depth of Mumbai’s cricketing talent while bringing high-voltage action for the fans.

By Keerti Kadam

The post MCA Announces T20 Mumbai League, Rohit Sharma Unveils Trophies! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

The show features a powerhouse lineup of comedians—#GauravSharma, #RohitSharma, #SumitaKeshva, and the seasoned #SubhashKabra—who promise to tickle your funny bone without crossing the line of decency. Designed as a wholesome laugh riot, the show aims to bring back the charm of witty, respectful comedy that audiences of all ages can enjoy together.

The debut show was staged on Friday, July 18 at ASPEE Auditorium, Malad West, Mumbai, and was a sold out in advance. With growing demand, the team plans to take Hasya Tonic to cities like Jaipur, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and even the UK.

Supported by PR manager Ritesh Tripathi, event planner Pratik Mehta, and business manager Bharat Ashar, Ashok Shekhar—son of the legendary Chandrashekhar—continues his 50+ year legacy with a mission to spread joy, one laugh at a time.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Ashok Shekhar Brings Back Clean, Feel-Good Comedy, ‘Hasya Tonic’! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

Jackie Shroff is seen hailing the cricket stars for their unwavering spirit and unapologetic on-field personality, and labelling them as ‘Bhidu’, ‘Bhai’, ‘Dada’, ‘Bantai’ and ‘Boss’. The actor dons the hat of a ‘spirit coach’ with his signature ‘gamla’, amping excitement around the upcoming IPL. As soon as the campaign made its way on social media, audiences have been flocking to the comment section to hail the collaboration between Jackie Shroff and the celebrated cricket players!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHIQuiYhgC2/?igsh=azUzcGZrajZraTIy

Apna Bhidu aka Jackie Shroff’s vibe falls in sync with the infectious energy of Mumbai Indians, including the Hitman Rohit Sharma, all-rounder Hardik Pandya, game-changer Jasprit Bumrah, unstoppable Suryakumar Yadav, and the force Tilak Varma. The recently released campaign has undoubtedly skyrocketed excitement surrounding the on-field performance of Mumbai Indians in the upcoming season of #IPL.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Jackie Shroff Turns Into the Coolest ‘Spirit Coach’ for Mumbai Indians! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

“We are doing the men’s range for the first time. Most leading top brands do not have a proper range for men. So basically like actors or anyone, when they want to use a foundation, they either have to go and buy a top brand and use a woman’s foundation, Or a concealer, but not anymore,” she smiles.

Noor has a range of foundations and concealers for men, among other things. “These products are different from those meant for women in texture, quality of the base etc. We’re quite excited to do this,” she explains.

Karishma reveals that the brand will also have hair perfume for men, which is a very important product. These hair perfumes are completely non-chemical and do not damage the hair, at the same time makes it feel fresh.

“Even for women we are making hair perfume,” she continues, “If you don’t wash your hair for three days and use the hair perfume you do not need to wash your hair, your hair doesn’t get oily, you don’t feel heavy over your head. So we bring some really different kinds of things via Noor. We are looking forward to hitting the market in September this year. We are launching a lot of different kinds of products which are not there in leading brands around the world. We want to make people beautiful outside so that they feel good within.”

The post Karishma Raj Soni to open flagship stores in London, Paris and Dubai for skincare products for men! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

Director Vivek Agnihotri announced the same on Twitter, early on Tuesday.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CnOoN8OpYwV/

The worldwide gross box office collection of The Kashmir Files is approximately 340 crores. It was the only Hindi film post the pandemic to cross the mark of ₹300-crore, and caused a sensational stir across the globe immediately after its release.

Rohit Sharma, music composer of The Kashmir Files, exclaims, “This is the best start one can have to the new year! I was on top of the world when I received the news.” The theme music of The Kashmir Files was recorded with musicians of Budapest Art Orchestra at East Connection Music Recording Studio, Budapest. It set the emotional stage of the entire film and touched the hearts of the audience, thus, successfully acing the essence of the film.

In the past, Rohit Sharma has composed music for titles such as Ship Of Theseus, Buddha In A Traffic Jam, Anaarkali of Arrah and The Tashkent Files, and has always received wide acclaim.

His forthcoming projects include a Hindi film, set in Chandigarh, the song-lyrics of which have all been written by renowned lyricist Shellee, who is attributed to having composed lyrics for titles such as Dev D, Udta Punjab, Mannmarziyaan, and Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat to name a few. Rohit Sharma has also composed the songs and background score of the film The Signature starring Anupam Kher & Mahima Choudhary, written and directed by Gajendra Ahire. Other upcoming releases that he has composed music for include Mansi (starring Rinku Rajguru of Sairat fame), written & directed by Ram Mahindra, and Dhatura by writer-director duo Vimal Chandra Pandey and Sandeep Mishra.

Besides The Kashmir Files, the reminder list for the Oscars also includes other Indian films namely, Kantara, Mi Vasantrao, RRR, Gangubai Kathiawadi, Chhello Show, Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, Iravin Nizhal and Vikrant Rona.

The post The Kashmir Files’ music composer Rohit Sharma is exilarated as the film makes it to the Oscars2023 Reminder list! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

The series features two tracks by this duo, namely, “Naraz Hum” sung by Arnab Dutta & Parul Mishra, and “Kadam Kadam Hai Rokta” sung by Arnab Dutta—both beautifully composed and written by Rohit Sharma and Dr. Sagar respectively. Before Flames, music composer Rohit Sharma and lyricist Dr. Sagar have worked together on widely acclaimed projects in the OTT space such as Maharani 2 and Nirmal Pathak ki Ghar Waapsi, which stood out distinctly for their music as much as for their remarkable scripts and direction.

Rohit enthusiastically shares his experience working on this project, “With Dr. Sagar, I always know that the poetry will flow seamlessly.” I also thank dear friend Arunabh Kumar (Founder – TVF) and the TVF team for their continued trust & support, and for presenting me with beautiful opportunities such as Yeh Meri Family, Aspirants, and now Flames. ”

Apart from OTT, the duo has also worked on Anaarkali of Aarah and is presently working on a couple of film projects together. Previously, music composer Rohit Sharma has worked on titles such as The Kashmir Files, Ship of Theseus, and Buddha in a Traffic Jam.

The post Music Composer Rohit Sharma and Lyricist Dr. Sagar come together, once again, for Flames S3! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

Web series Maharani 2 has caused much fervour in the audience ever since its release on the 24th of August. While the script & direction have created a remarkable impact, the music too is equally winning laurels for embodying the complete essence of Bihar, the city the series is set in. Amidst heaps of praise for music composer Rohit Sharma, the music has been notably acclaimed by renowned folk singer Padma Bhushan Sharda Sinha.

“Songs in Bollywood cinema play an eminent role in making Bollywood cinema a class of its own. In the breathtaking script of Maharani 2, Rohit Sharma has done fabulous work capturing the rusticity of culture. The music in itself personifies the feel called ‘Bihar’. He is indeed an immaculate music director with sharp and accurate perceptions for the script”, says Sharda Sinha, who has herself lent her voice to one of the tracks in the series, titled “Nirmohiya”. The track has been enacted by actress Huma Qureshi who plays the lead role of Rani Bharti in the series.

Padma Bhushan Sharda Sinha is a name that echoes in every household in Bihar. Her name is synonymous with the folk music of Bihar, especially with Chhath music, as she has lent her voice to a vast number of Chhath Puja songs. A Maithili singer, she has been rendering her voice to the folk music of Bihar since over 4 decades and has earned both the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards. Music composer Rohit Sharma is ecstatic at the praise received. “Nirmohiya is the song that Dr. Sagar has written and I have composed. Sharda Sinha ji’s voice is magical. Her voice has made my song immortal”, says Rohit Sharma.

Rohit is widely known for his versatility in music, as it spans across diverse genres and platforms. His work in the folk genre won him recognition also when he composed music for the film Anaarkali of Aarah and won the Best Music Director award for the same at the Jagran Film Festival. Aside from folk music, the composer has scored music for The Kashmir Files, The Tashkent Files, The Ship of Theseus and other prominent titles. In the OTT space, Rohit has worked on the popular web series Aspirants by TVF, besides Maharani 1 & 2.

At present, the composer is working on four film projects one of them is titled “Dhatura” by writer-director duo Vimal Chandra Pandey and Sandeep Mishra.

The post Padma Bhushan Sharda Sinha hails music composer Rohit Sharma’s music of Maharani 2! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

Speaking about the magnificent tunes given for the series by Rohit Sharma, Subhash Kapoor, the creator, and producer of the series expressed, “The music of Maharani is the soul of the story and its narrative, I wanted a real, meaningful, and rooted Bhojpuri feel to both lyrics and music. Rohit not only created that but actually helped to enhance the overall impact of the show. The joy of watching Maharani 2 would have been incomplete without Sagar’s lyrics and Rohit’s music.”

https://www.instagram.com/rohitsharmacomposer/

Rohit Sharma has always received wide acclaim for his music. Be it ‘The Kashmir Files’ or ‘Ship of Theseus’, his compositions have long been known to form an emotional connection with the audience. Besides these films, the music director also has other successful titles to his name, such as’ The Tashkent Files’, ‘Buddha in a Traffic Jam’, and the recent award-winning web series, ‘TVF – Aspirants’. At present, he is busy working on three films, one of which stars Rinku Rajguru of ‘Sairat’ fame, and has been written and directed by Ram Mahindra, a young and dynamic director from Chennai.

The post Producer of “Maharani 2” Subhash Kapoor lauds Rohit Sharma’s music! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

After the enormous success of Maharani Season 1, which received an overwhelming response from the viewers, the much-awaited Maharani Season 2 is finally here. Starring actors Huma Qureshi and Sohum Shah, Maharani Season 2 is a political drama. Directed by Ravindra Gautam, written by Umashankar Singh & Nandan Singh and created by Subhash Kapoor, the web series is soon set to release on streaming platform SonyLIV, in which all songs have been composed and produced by Rohit Sharma. The teaser for the show was released on 16th July and has caused a lot of anticipatory excitement in the audience.

Sharing his experience of working on this series, music composer Rohit Sharma says, “It has been an exhilarating experience. Season two did bring up some challenges but I had a great time composing the tracks for this show. There are a total of 7 songs in this series, and I hope that they are well-received by the audience as they were by Huma Qureshi, Sohum Shah and producer Subhash Kapoor. Immensely grateful to Subhash Kapoor sir for supporting and guiding me all through the series, and also to Dr. Sagar (lyricist) for the beautiful lines penned by him. Sincerely hoping that the audience will connect with, and cherish the music just as they have done in the past, with my earlier work.”

Rohit Sharma has always received wide acclaim for his music. Be it “The Kashmir Files” or “Ship of Theseus”, his compositions have long been known to form an emotional connect with the audience. His versatility comes through in his various projects, such as in “Anaarkali of Arrah” where he showcased remarkable talent in the folk genre, which went on to bag him the Best Music Director award at the Jagran Film Festival. Besides these films, the music director also has other successful titles to his name such as “The Tashkent Files”, “Buddha in a Traffic Jam” and the recent award-winning web series, “TVF – Aspirants”.

At present, he is busy working on three films, one of which stars Rinku Rajguru of Sairat fame, and has been written and directed by Ram Mahindra, a young and dynamic director from Chennai.

With such a talented team & cast, Maharani Season 2 looks promising for sure – watch out for it soon on SonyLIV.

The post “There are a total of 7 songs in Maharani S2, and I hope that they are well-received by the audience”, says music composer Rohit Sharma. first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.