Stumped

Has Virat Kohli earned the right to decide when he calls time on his international career? Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss whether the 37-year-old needs to prove his worth to India’s selectors ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Kohli recently suggested he may not play if he needs to prove himself.
The Women’s T20 World Cup is just around the corner and will be bathed in orange, as the Netherlands make their tournament debut. Dutch captain Babette de Leede joins the show and explains how far the side have come since she made her international debut as a 14-year-old.
Plus, we discuss the rise of the Tigers, as Bangladesh created history by sweeping Pakistan in consecutive Test series’.
Photo: India's Virat Kohli reacts as he runs between the wickets during the third one-day international (ODI) cricket match between India and New Zealand at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on January 18, 2026. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)

On Stumped this week with Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma we discuss if IPL investment could be coming to the Big Bash League? It’s an issue that has divided cricket in Australia, but Charu feels Indian investors may not jump at the chance of buying a stake in a franchise.
What’s the point of one-off Test matches? We debate the pros and cons of short series after former Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews blasted the potential idea of one-off Tests in the next series of the World Test Championship.
And we hear from Brazil pacer Laura Cardoso, who stunned the cricket world with record-breaking T20 international figures of 9 for 4, the best ever in the format. Remarkably, Cardoso says she had no idea she’d made history.
Photo: The Scorchers celebrate with the trophy after victory in the Men's Big Bash League Final match between the Perth Scorchers and the Brisbane Heat at Optus Stadium on February 04, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Credit: Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

New Zealand’s Suzie Bates will retire from international cricket after this summer’s Women's T20 World Cup. It marks the end of an illustrious 20-year career and many records to be proud of. Suzie tells the podcast it was a difficult decision but feels it’s the right time and believes the future is bright for the White Ferns with the next generation of players.

Plus, Peshawar Zalmi beat Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets to win the 2026 PSL final in Lahore. Australian all-rounder Aaron Hardie starred with bat and ball to register the franchise’s second title in nine years. Cricket broadcaster Zainab Abbas joins Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma to reflect on the tournament in the impact of Babar Azam.

Photo: Suzie Bates of New Zealand reacts after the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Final 2024 match between South Africa and New Zealand at Dubai International Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Credit: ICC via Getty Images)

The Women’s T20 World Cup starts in June and England have included uncapped 18-year-old left arm spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman in their squad. The teenager impressed in the recent intra-squad matches in South Africa. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss her selection ahead of the tournament.
Kolkata Knight Riders chief executive Venky Mysore says the new Olympic stadium in LA has the potential to host IPL exhibition matches. The venue, in the southern Californian city of Pomona, will become the home of the new franchise Los Angeles Knight Riders and will also host Major League Cricket matches.
And we hear from award winning photographer Gareth Copley- Jones about his new book ‘A Picture of England’ where he’s followed the England men’s cricket team through his lens.
Photo:
Tilly Corteen-Coleman of Surrey poses for a portrait during the Surrey CCC photocall at The Kia Oval on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Credit: Getty Images)

Just weeks after they were brought in, the new rules allowing replacement players in England's County Championship could be changed at the end of the first block of fixtures. Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss how using substitutes in Australian, Indian and English domestic cricket is working and debate the merits of introducing them to international cricket.
The team also reflect on Smriti Mandhana becoming India's highest run scorer in International T20s.
Plus. we find out more about how the ICC is developing cricket across Europe. Esther de Lange, ICC European Development Officer, joins the team along with Scotland's Nayma Sheikh, who played in the recent ICC Europe XI v MCC at Lord’s.
Photo: Jonny Bairstow of Yorkshire receives medical attention during Day Four of the Rothesay County Championship Division One match between Somerset and Yorkshire at The Cooper Associates County Ground on September 11, 2025 in Taunton, England (Credit: Getty Images)