March 25: Imran Khan Leads Pakistan to 1992 Cricket World Cup Victory

Imran Khan lifting the 1992 Cricket World Cup trophy

Imran Khan lifts the World Cup trophy as Pakistan celebrates its maiden victory in 1992.

2025 – Reliance Jio Offers Free IPL Streaming

India's largest telecom operator, Reliance Jio, announced that subscribers recharging with ₹299 or more will enjoy free streaming of IPL matches on the new JioHotstar platform. This move, targeting the IPL season from March 22 to May 25, shifts from a fully free model to a hybrid one, introducing subscriptions after a certain content consumption threshold.

2025 – Sheffield Shield Final Relocated

Cricket Australia expressed disappointment as the AFL's access to Adelaide Oval was prioritized, leading to the relocation of the Sheffield Shield final to Karen Rolton Oval. Scheduled to begin on March 26, the final's venue change resulted from the AFL's rights to the stadium from March 15, conflicting with the cricket event.

2025 – Cricket Loses Venue Battle to AFL

Efforts to host the Sheffield Shield final at Adelaide Oval failed due to logistical challenges and AFL scheduling conflicts. Despite attempts by Cricket Australia and local authorities, the final was moved to Karen Rolton Oval, starting March 26, as quick venue transformation proved unfeasible.

2014 – New South Wales Wins Sheffield Shield

A draw with Western Australia in the Sheffield final gave New South Wales their first domestic title since 2008. Moises Henriques, who had earlier declared this match to be the most important of his career, rescued their batting with an assured 140 in the first innings, after which right-arm fast bowler Josh Hazlewood knocked over a tired WA for 180 with figures of 6 for 50.

2011 – South Africa's World Cup Heartbreak

South Africa were outplayed by New Zealand in the World Cup quarter-final in Mirpur. Despite having the best bowling attack, their batting collapsed while chasing 222, getting bowled out for 172. Jacob Oram took four wickets, and Nathan McCullum three. No South African batter reached a half-century.

1992 – Pakistan Wins the World Cup

Pakistan won the World Cup under Imran Khan, defeating England under Melbourne lights. Graham Gooch dropped Imran early, Derek Pringle trapped Javed Miandad, but Wasim Akram’s two magical deliveries to Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis sealed the match.

1992 – Meg Lanning Born

Meg Lanning, known as "The Megastar," is a six-time world champion, leading Australia in multiple World Cups. She broke records early, becoming the youngest Australian to score a century at 18, and retired as Australia’s leading run-scorer in women’s cricket.

1979 – West Indies vs. Australia Riot

Rioting after a rain delay caused the first day of the fourth World Series Cricket SuperTest in Georgetown to be abandoned. Damage was so extensive that the match started two days later and ended in an inevitable draw due to time loss.

1953 – Haroon Rasheed Born

Pakistani middle-order batter Haroon Rasheed was a powerful stroke maker but struggled in swinging conditions. He averaged 84.25 against England in Pakistan but only 5.67 in England. He hit six sixes in a 108-run innings against England in 1977-78.

1947 – Wally Hammond's Last Test

Wally Hammond played his last Test in Christchurch, a rain-affected match that saw the first-ever extra day added due to rain. Hammond scored 79 in England's only innings, while six New Zealand players, including Bert Sutcliffe, debuted.

1889 – Gobo Ashley's One-Test Wonder

South African bowler Gobo Ashley took 7 for 95 in his only Test against England in Cape Town. Despite his performance, South Africa lost by an innings and 202 runs, and Ashley was never selected again.

1885 – First Five-Test Series Ends

England played unchanged through the first-ever five-Test series, winning it 3-2 after an innings victory at the MCG. Fred Spofforth hit the first-ever fifty by a No. 11 in Test history.

1868 – Bill Lockwood Born

Fast bowler Bill Lockwood played 12 Tests for England and had a remarkable comeback after a near-death shark attack and personal tragedy. He took 11 wickets in a Test against Australia in 1902 but ended up on the losing side.