Mark Sands has written a superb book on the history of the John Player League called "Stars on Sunday" Soaked in cricketing nostalgia it reminds us that some issues that were affecting the game nearly sixty years ago have not gone away...but also of a great time watching exciting matches on free-to-air tv.

Mark Sands has written a superb book on the history of the John Player League called "Stars on Sunday" Soaked in cricketing nostalgia it reminds us that some issues that were affecting the game nearly sixty years ago have not gone away...but also of a great time watching exciting matches on free-to-air tv every Sunday afternoon.

Mark Rhydderch-Roberts is the Chairman of Glamorgan CCC and also co-Chair at Hundred franchise team Welsh Fire. After participating in the inaugural players' auction held in London, Mark joins us to give his thoughts on how it went and the effect all this new IPL money will have on the domestic game.

Lifelong Lancashire supporter Craig Tranter joins me to talk about his club's prospects for the upcoming season. With lots of activity both on and off the field, Craig gives a brilliant and forthright view on everything going on!

Welsh Fire has signed Joe Root, Jordan Cox and Sophie Devine among others for the 2026 campaign in The Hundred. It's an eye-catching line up and I ask Fire co-Chair Mark Rhydderch- Roberts if the side can finally achieve success in the tournament. And what are the knock-on effects of IT billionaire Sanjay Govil's investment in the franchise to Glamorgan County Cricket Club and indeed cricket in Wales.

Sam Blackman from Saffron Walden CC has written 150 poems in 150 days to celebrate 150 years of Essex Cricket. In this episode, he tells us about this splendid achievement and read out some of his favourite pieces.

Also a look at India's inevitable victory at the Men's T20 World Cup Final, the difficulties West Indies had in returning home plus all the details from the player auctions for this year's edition of The Hundred, where the new owners have been fixing their financial muscle!

News also from the England camp and a look at how troubles in the Middle East are affecting the plans of cricket teams in the region.

Lots to talk about with the teams for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup now decided, ahead of Sunday's Final.

Debate about Pakistan players in The Hundred continues, with statements being made by the great and the good, but is the door still open for IPL-owned franchises to exclude players, as they do in other parts of the world?

Essex continue their 150th anniversary celebrations with an event in East London, there's a full report, as well as an interview in "The Cricketer" with Jordan Cox - is he England's forgotten man?

Plus all the latest from around the counties and updates as the troubles in the Middle East disrupt pre-season arrangements.

There's a breaking story this week that The Hundred teams now owned by IPL franchises would chose not to select any Pakistan players that have entered next month's auction. This would mirror a situation in the IPL, this possibly bringing subcontinent politics onto English Soil.

Chris Stocks from The iPaper joins me to discuss this situation and I ask hi kid the ECB has ability to stand up to the IOPL and/or the BCCI.

There's a breaking story this week that The Hundred teams now owned by IPL franchises would chose not to select any Pakistan players that have entered next month's auction. This would mirror a situation in the IPL, this possibly bringing subcontinent politics onto English Soil.

Chris Stocks from The iPaper joins me to discuss this situation and I ask hi kid the ECB has ability to stand up to the IOPL and/or the BCCI.

The T20 World Cup has reached the Super 8s stage and on this week's show I ponder England's progress and ask how far can they go.?

The politics between India and Pakistan has already influenced the tournament and now threatens to spill into The Hundred, with reports of Pakistan players being deemed ineligible for the IPL franchise-owned teams - is the ECB powerless to do anything about it?

Plus a deep dive into all the ins and outs at the English counties so far this winter.

And a reminder that the "98 Not Out" radio show broadcast every week on Phoenix FMhas moved to a new time slot on Thursdays, now going out from 7-8pm. Listen in on 98FM in Essex, online at phoenixfm.com, via your smart speaker and also on DAB.