2018 – Star India Secures Cricket Rights

Star India bid US$944 million to retain the TV and digital rights to Indian cricket from 2018 to 2023, outbidding Sony, Facebook, and Google. This deal followed their $2.55 billion IPL rights bid and reinforced their dominance in India's cricket market. The per-match cost of $9.6 million surpassed NBA and MLB figures, securing Star’s monopoly over Indian cricket broadcasting.

1994 – England's Tour Match Humiliation

In a shocking defeat, England lost to a West Indies Board XI by eight wickets. They collapsed from 140 for 1 to 165 all out, with Rawl Lewis tearing through their middle order. This embarrassment came shortly after their infamous 46 all-out Test debacle against Curtly Ambrose. However, just eight days later, they staged a remarkable comeback to win at the Bridgetown fortress.

1991 – Waugh Twins Make Test History

Mark and Steve Waugh became the first twins to play together in a Test match, representing Australia against West Indies in Trinidad. Their combined cricketing careers spanned decades, and they played 107 Tests together. Both became key players for Australia, with Mark excelling as a batsman and Steve going on to captain Australia to historic successes in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

1974 – England's Thrilling Trinidad Win

England pulled off a tense 26-run victory against West Indies in Trinidad to level the series. Tony Greig’s all-round brilliance, taking 5 for 70 in the second innings and 8 for 86 in the first, played a crucial role. West Indies collapsed from 63 for 0 to 199 all out. This match also marked the end of two legends' careers—Garry Sobers and Rohan Kanhai—closing a golden chapter in cricket.

1953 – Birth of John Buchanan

John Buchanan, born on this day, had an unremarkable playing career but became one of the most influential cricket coaches. He led Queensland to their first Sheffield Shield win in 1994-95 before coaching Australia to 15 consecutive Test wins and World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007. His stint in the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders was controversial, and later, he took up a key role in New Zealand cricket.

1938 – Birth of Colin Bland

Colin Bland, one of cricket’s greatest fielders, was born in Bulawayo. Renowned for his exceptional agility and deadly accurate throws, he made jaw-dropping run-outs and catches. At Lord’s in 1965, he dismissed Ken Barrington and Jim Parks with direct hits. A skilled batsman as well, he averaged 49 in Tests, though curiously, he struggled to score in South African victories.