He is the Deputy Editor of mid-day. He has been a cricket writer since 1988 and covered the cricket World Cups of 1996 and 2003 apart from a host of international series in England, Australia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, UAE, and Bangladesh. Twitter: @ClaytonMurzello
Exactly a quarter century ago on this day, India won a Test match against an all-conquering Australian team despite following on at the Eden Gardens, where Harbhajan Singh (13 wickets including a hat-trick), VVS Laxman (59 & 281) and Rahul Dravid (25 & 180) had cricket lovers shaking their head in disbelief. Clayton Murzello recaptures it... [Read More]
15 March,2026 08:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Clayton MurzelloWhile India’s fast bowling great will be coy to rate himself, England’s Fred Trueman was never hesitant to state that he was the greatest... [Read More]
12 March,2026 08:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Clayton MurzelloSanju Samson didn’t just bludgeon his way to a match-winning 89 for India during Sunday’s T20 World Cup final against New Zealand, but put a lot of thought into his strokeplay and blended that with his God-given ability. mid-day gets Zubin Bharucha, the coach who worked with the Player of the Tournament at Rajasthan Royals, to describe some Samson ... [Read More]
10 March,2026 10:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Clayton MurzelloWith the ICC 2026 T20 World Cup’s thrills and spills engaging cricket lovers, we recall Kenya stunning two-time champions West Indies in the 1996 World Cup at Pune, through the eyes of their senior pro and then future captain AASIF KARIM in this exclusive chat with Clayton Murzello ... [Read More]
01 March,2026 08:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Clayton MurzelloPolly Umrigar’s March 28 birth centenary needs to be celebrated by the bodies he served in more than just a few capacities... [Read More]
26 February,2026 06:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Clayton MurzelloMumbai is currently experiencing warm, dry and sunny weather with temperatures ranging between 26 degC and 32 degC, with the real-feel temperature touching nearly 38 degC to 39 degC due to humidity. The India Meteorological Department has warned of higher-than-usual, heatwave-like conditions expected in April and May 2026, raising concerns over increasing urban heat stress in the city (PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI)... [Read More]
07 March,2026 07:18 PM ISTIn the T20 World Cup 2026 match against England, New Zealand posted a total of 159 runs. Here`s all you need to know (Pics: X)... [Read More]
27 February,2026 08:39 PM ISTDelhi breathed `very poor` air on Friday as the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 370, a marginal drop from 391 the day before, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). (Pics/PTI)... [Read More]
21 November,2025 02:14 PM ISTThe national capital woke up to a blanket of toxic smog on Thursday, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 399 at 9 am in the "very poor" category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). (Pics/AFP)... [Read More]
20 November,2025 02:31 PM ISTIn the ODI Women`s World Cup 2025 match against Team India, Australia set a target of 339 runs. Here`s all you need to know (Pic: AFP/X/File Pic)... [Read More]
30 October,2025 07:24 PM ISTDipika Kakar turned 39. The actress had been currently battling Liver cancer, and she has finally begun healing with the target therapy. Now, on her birthday, lets look at her too cute to handle family pictures with Shoaib and little Ruhaan. ... [Read More]
06 August,2025 02:17 AM ISTHuma Qureshi turns 39 today. Here`s a look at the diva`s fashion game as she often picks quirky designs to stand out. The actress is seen donning casual and formal outfits that become a trendsetter for her fans... [Read More]
28 July,2025 01:50 PM ISTThe 11th batch of 6,639 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on Saturday to pay obeisance at the holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas, officials said. (Pics/PTI)... [Read More]
12 July,2025 03:24 PM ISTU.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Tuesday that a U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone in the Arabian Sea. The engagement occurred approximately 500 miles from the southern coast of Iran as the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) approached the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).... [Read More]
04 February,2026 06:12 PM ISTAfter nearly 5 years, 39,000 video files, 600 tips, and 1,000+ interviews, the FBI has finally identified and arrested the suspect accused of planting two pipe bombs near the DNC and RNC headquarters on January 5, 2021 — just hours before the Capitol riot. What clues finally cracked the case and why the search took nearly 5 years? Take a look.... [Read More]
05 December,2025 12:49 AM ISTUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has exposed a massive Russian drone attack involving 339 Shahed drones launched overnight in a bid to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defenses. He also warned of Russia’s use of “Shahed-imitator” drones, which mimic real threats to exhaust Ukrainian resources.... [Read More]
13 July,2025 04:12 PM ISTFebruary 19th saw Maharashtra come alive with exuberant celebrations, marking the 395th birth anniversary of the fearless and visionary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The streets echoed with the powerful beats of Dhol, as people from all corners of the state participated in vibrant processions and festivities, celebrating the life and legacy of one of India`s greatest rulers. In a grand tribute to the iconic warrior king, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, gathered at the historic Shivneri Fort in Junnar, where Shivaji Maharaj was born. The fort, steeped in history, served as the perfect backdrop for this momentous occasion. The dignitaries paid their respects, remembering Shivaji Maharaj’s unparalleled leadership, courage, and contributions to the Maratha Empire.... [Read More]
19 February,2025 11:54 AM ISTOn January 8, President-elect Donald Trump visited the Capitol Rotunda to pay respects to the late President Jimmy Carter. This was his first visit to the US Capitol since the January 2021 Capitol Hill Riot, which happened after the contested 2020 election results. After honoring Carter at the Capitol, Trump is set to meet with Senate Republicans, who currently have a 53-47 majority in the Senate. Trump is also expected to attend Carter`s funeral in Washington, D.C. on January 9. This visit comes as Trump prepares for his return to the White House, with his official inauguration as president scheduled for January 20. His visit highlights the significant moments during his transition period to the presidency.... [Read More]
09 January,2025 12:50 PM ISTHeartthrob of B-town Sidharth Malhotra was seen celebrating his 39th birthday with fans. His special day was marked by a heartwarming celebration as his fans came to make it unforgettable. Sidharth who is widely loved for his movie `Shershaah` cut cakes with his fans. The actor received a shower of gifts and hugs, which made his birthday a truly special and memorable occasion.... [Read More]
17 January,2024 12:15 PM ISTKarishma Tanna hosted her star-studded birthday bash on Sunday, December 17, which was attended by many celebrities. The actress` actual birthday is on December 21. The diva celebrated her pre-birthday bash with husband, Varun Bangera. It was a star-studded affair as several celebrities from Bollywood and television turned up at the bash looking their best. A-list celebrities like Jasmin Bhasin, Sunny Leone and others were spotted at the event in their glamorous avatars! Take a peek inside Karishma Tanna`s birthday bash in this video... [Read More]
19 December,2023 07:51 PM IST | MumbaiThe 39th anniversary of Operation Blue Star was observed at the Golden Temple, Amritsar on June 6. Several people were seen wearing black turbans to mark the anniversary. Security across Amritsar was tightened in view of the anniversary of Operation Blue Star. Notably, Operation Blue Star was carried out by the Indian Army in June 1984. Its aim was to capture Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his supporters hiding in the Golden Temple. On the operation’s 39th anniversary, police forces in civil clothes were deployed inside the Sikh shrine’s premises. Pro-Khalistan slogans were openly raised by people inside the Gurudwara’s premises. People were also carrying Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s posters. DCP (Law & Order) Amritsar said that the deployment was made to avoid any untoward situation. Guru Granth Sahib damaged during Operation Blue Star was taken out for public display.... [Read More]
06 June,2023 05:18 PM IST | MumbaiAmol Muzumdar, Head Coach of India's Women's World Cup Team, talks about his cricketing highs, lows, a phenomenal 260 on his first-class debut for Bombay in 1993-94, and his experience of playing under some of the best names in Indian cricket - all spelt out in an anecdotal fashion.... [Read More]
24 September,2021 07:05 PM IST | MumbaiMoving from Vidarbha to Mumbai in the early 1970s, leg-spinning all-rounder Rakesh Tandon quickly became a part of the city’s cricketing ecosystem and Ranji Trophy team. His acumen was good enough for him to become the first captain of the formidable Nirlon team in 1977 before Sunil Gavaskar joined them the following year. Tandon was part of four Mumbai Ranji Trophy teams in 1972-73, 1974-75, 1975-76 and 1976-77.... [Read More]
24 January,2025 01:31 PM IST | MumbaiSachin Tendulkar’s first senior division Kanga League captain, Hemant Kenkre, who represented Sassanian CC and Cricket Club of India (CCI) on the club scene, shares the story of his cricket journey which involved several seasons of the Kanga League, a tournament which is played in the monsoon months. Kenkre rubbed shoulders with the cream of Mumbai cricket in his premier division club cricket days with the CCI from the late 1970s to the early 1990s.... [Read More]
30 August,2024 03:53 PM IST | MumbaiStarting his club cricket at Rajasthan Sports Club, for whom he got a hundred in the Kanga League, and graduating to Dadar Union Sporting Club, Sunil Gavaskar’s local cricket journey was nothing short of memorable. Throw in his school and college cricket at the St Xavier’s institutions and you’ll get a feel of Mumbai cricket’s tapestry. The tough, ruthless and at times, not-so-fair world of city cricket is displayed in the form of a two-year gap between his two first-class games for Mumbai (1967-68 to 1969-70). But runs mattered finally, runs which became the main act in the Sunil Gavaskar story. This special episode of the Mumbai Cricket Podcast with Clayton Murzello, to coincide with Sunil Gavaskar turning 75 on July 10, is not to be missed. ... [Read More]
05 July,2024 02:13 PM IST | MumbaiA school cricket hero in 1974-75, Nakul Rege went on to play junior cricket for the city as well as represent the Bombay University team. He was a promising batsman and able leg-spinner, parading his skills for PJ Hindu Gymkhana, a team he was part of during their ‘A’ division Dr HD Kanga League triumph in 1981. Nakul talks about rubbing shoulders with the best names in Mumbai cricket and how he benefited from the likes of Test players Eknath Solkar and Ashok Mankad. In 1984, he migrated to the USA, from where he continues his love affair with cricket.... [Read More]
10 May,2024 12:28 PM IST | MumbaiA keen interest in cricket saw a young Prof Shetty handle junior cricket affairs in city cricket, which earned him a post in the Mumbai Cricket Association managing committee in 1990.By 1996, he was the association’s secretary, graduating soon to holding key positions in the BCCI. A sought-after and trusted administrator among present and former players, Shetty has gone down as one of the pillars of cricket administration in this country. Mumbai cricket is at the heart of his interests and he spells out why in this podcast.... [Read More]
23 March,2024 08:38 AM IST | MumbaiFrom a young Ruia College student, itching to be a cricketer, Dr CT Patankar rose to be an India stumper, who impressed no less a personality than India’s first Test captain CK Nayudu, in the 1950s. Despite being a fine wicketkeeper and sound batsman who could adjust to different situations, Patankar, the oldest living Mumbai-based Test player at 93, played only one Test and 10 Ranji games for Mumbai. He took things in his stride and moved to Maharashtra in 1966-67. At the age of 50, Patankar decided to do his PhD in Materials Management. In 1998, Patankar accompanied the Indian team on their Test and one-day tour to Zimbabwe.... [Read More]
27 February,2024 05:46 PM IST | MumbaiStarting off as a leg-spinner and lower-order batsman in Pune, Milind Gunjal rose to become a key batsman for his state’s Ranji team, Tata Sports Club and PJ Hindu Gymkhana on the Mumbai club scene. He rubbed shoulders with the best names in Mumbai cricket and came close to being picked for India’s 1986 tour of England. He revisits his up and down first-class cricket journey which culminated with Maharashtra reaching the Ranji Trophy final against victors Punjab in 1992-93.... [Read More]
13 January,2024 07:29 PM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
