Kumar Joins Notts as County Championship Race Intensifies

India seamer Mukesh Kumar has signed with Nottinghamshire for two County Championship matches, bolstering their title defense. Kumar, who was the leading wicket-taker in the Duleep Trophy, joins a Nottinghamshire side currently in a tight three-way race for the championship with Somerset and Warwickshire. The three counties are separated by just five points with two matches remaining in the season.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's struggles in England have led to an 11-point deduction and a 50% match fee fine for a slow over-rate during their Test series. This penalty, accepted by captain Babar Azam, further impacts their World Test Championship standing after a 3-0 series defeat. In other domestic news, Brabourne Stadium has been confirmed as the Railways' home venue for the Ranji Trophy in the 2026-27 season, marking a return of first-class cricket to the iconic ground.