The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not held any talks with Scotland about possibly replacing Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup 2026, according to a report.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not held any talks with Scotland about possibly replacing Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup 2026, according to a report by BBC. Media reports claimed that the ICC has asked Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on decide on their World Cup participation by January 21, and if they refuse to travel to India, Scotland will be included as the replacement. Earlier, Bangladesh requested the ICC to shift their matches from India to Sri Lanka citing ‘security concerns’. Scotland are the highest-ranked side not taking part in the competition and according to the media reports, they will be the ones who can replace Bangladesh if the ICC decides to take that step.
However, BBC reported that the ICC has not contacted Cricket Scotland regarding any such decision. Sctoland cricket officials are also not planning to initiate any talks with ICC “out of respect to their counterparts at the Bangladesh Cricket Board”.
Back in 2009, Zimbabwe withdrew from the T20 World Cup in England for political reasons and were replaced by Scotland who were the ‘next best’ team in a global qualifying tournament.
Despite the back and forth between ICC and BCB, no solution has been found to the crisis that was triggered by the removal of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the 2026 Indian Premier League on BCCI’s instructions for unspecified “developments all around.” “The BCB officials have been told to decide on the participation by January 21. If they refuse to travel to India, then they should be ready to be replaced by another team as per rankings,” said an ICC source.
Saina Nehwal opened up on her plans and broke her silence on her absence from the badminton court for three years. The London Olympics bronze medalist opened up speculation over her retirement. Nehwal last played a competitive match in June 2023.
Saina Nehwal ended the speculation over her playing future amid rumours of her retiring from the sport, following a long hiatus from the sport. The Indian sporting legend has not stepped on the court for a competitive match since June 2023 during the Singapore Open, but has not made any announcement on her plans for the future.
Saina finally opened up about her absence and confirmed that she has retired from the sport. The 35-year-old explained that injuries had made it difficult for her to continue playing despite her best efforts. She claimed that she had informed her close ones that her playing career is over and did not feel the need to make a public announcement.
“No, no, I have stopped playing. I have stopped playing 2 years back actually. I used to think that I entered with my own will and left with my own will, so there is no need to announce much. You are not capable of playing anymore, that’s it, it’s fine. Your cartilage has totally degenerated. Arthritis has happened. That’s what my parents needed to know that. My coaches needed to know that. And I just told them that I might not be able to do it. It’s difficult and slowly people will also know when I am not in the circuit that Saina is not playing,” said Saina in an interaction with Subhojit Ghosh.
“Obviously, but I didn’t think that it is such a big matter to say that I am retiring or anything. But I just thought that my time is up because I can’t push much. My knee is not able to push as much as before. You train for 8-9 hours to be the best in the world. Now my knee was giving up in 1-2 hours because it was swelling and it was very tough for me to push after that. So I thought that it’s enough, I can’t push it anymore,” she added.
The Pakistan Cricket Board paused T20 World Cup 2026 preparations, backing Bangladesh’s demand to move matches from India. ICC’s decision on Bangladesh’s request is awaited.
Mohsin Naqvi extends supports to Bangladesh in boycotting travel to India for T20 World Cup
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has halted its team’s preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held next month in India and Sri Lanka, in line with its threat to withdraw from the tournament in support of Bangladesh’s demand to move its matches out of India.
Following Pakistan’s threat to pull out of the T20 World Cup if Bangladesh’s demand to relocate its matches was not met, the PCB instructed its team to ease up on preparations for the event.
“All preparations for the national team ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 have been put on hold, with the team management being briefed about the plans,” top PCB sources told www.telecomasia.net.
On Saturday, during a discussion between Dhaka and Islamabad, Pakistan expressed its full support for Bangladesh’s decision not to travel to India due to security concerns. Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and a Senator, played a key role in these talks.
“Naqvi participated in the discussions between the Pakistani and Bangladeshi governments, affirming that Pakistan fully supports Bangladesh and would reconsider its own participation in the event if Bangladesh’s demands are not met,” sources told www.telecomasia.net.
Sources indicated that the PCB has informed the government that withdrawing from the tournament would be challenging, as it would require presenting the government’s advice and a valid reason. Failure to provide a valid reason could result in a fine of up to two million dollars for breaching the Member’s Participation Agreement, which all members sign with the ICC.
The PCB has also offered to host Bangladesh’s fixtures if Sri Lanka’s venues are unavailable.
Bangladesh has requested that its matches be relocated to Sri Lanka after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked the Kolkata Knight Riders to release pacer Mustafizur Rahman from his contract for the upcoming IPL 2026.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to make a final decision on Bangladesh’s request by January 21. This follows a meeting between the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board, where both parties maintained their positions.
Bangladesh also proposed swapping places with Ireland, which plays its group matches in Sri Lanka, to move to Group B. However, the ICC has reportedly assured Ireland that no such move will occur.
Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips smashed spectacular centuries as New Zealand piled up a massive total of 338 against India in the third ODI in Indore on Sunday. Despite taking two wickets in the first two overs, India failed to capitalize on the early momentum, as Mitchell and Phillips stitched a 219-run partnership, batting together for nearly 30 overs. At the mid-innings break, former India Test captain Ajinkya Rahane criticised Shubman Gill’s captaincy, stating that he had missed a trick on the field. In an interesting turn of events, India spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja only bowled six overs each, with all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy bowling eight overs in the middle despite not picking up a wicket.
“Personally, I think Shubman missed a trick by bowling only three overs of Kuldeep in the middle overs, and then he was waiting till the 37th-38th over. Even Jadeja being held back till the 30th over, those are the guys who can get you the wickets. That is where India went slightly wrong,” Rahane said, speaking on Cricbuzz.
Legendary India pacer Zaheer Khan expanded on Rahane’s criticism, stating that Jadeja, in particular, should’ve been bowled earlier.
“More than Kuldeep, it is Ravindra Jadeja’s inclusion in the bowling attack very late that was the problem. Maybe the thought was to give Nitish Reddy a bit more game time and overs under his belt in a match situation, but because of that, you get a bit hamstrung with your options,” Zaheer added.
Turkish qualifier Zeynep Sonmez paused her opening-round match at the Australian Open to help a fainting ball girl, before securing a three-set win on Sunday, January 18. Sonmez created history with her win, but it was her selfless act that won hearts of the fans.
Sonmez rushed to the aid of the ball girl (Courtesy: AFP)
Turkiye’s Zeynep Sonmez progressed to the second round of the Australian Open after a dramatic first-round encounter that saw her provide immediate assistance to a ball girl who collapsed during the match. In a contest marked by soaring temperatures in Melbourne, Sonmez, ranked 112th in the world, stopped play in the second set to help the unwell ball girl, drawing widespread appreciation from both the crowd and the tennis community.
The Turkish player ultimately prevailed over Russia’s 11th seed, Ekaterina Alexandrova, with a 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 scoreline, becoming the first woman from Turkiye to reach the second round of the year’s opening Grand Slam.
As play paused, spectators watched as Sonmez ran towards the ball girl when she fell beside the chair umpire. The girl tried to regain her footing but stumbled again. Sonmez placed the girl’s arm over her own shoulder and guided her to a seat for medical attention. The intervention was met by applause from the crowd, who witnessed both competitive spirit and sportsmanship.
Despite the interruption and losing the second set, Sonmez kept her composure to secure the match. Her reaction to the incident was clear.
“I always say it’s more important to be a good human being than a good tennis player. It was just my instinct to help her and everyone would do the same. I’m happy I got to help,” told Sonmez to BBC.
Organisers later confirmed the ball girl had returned home after treatment.
Sonmez’s victory capped a milestone moment, as she waved to supporters and left the court wrapped in the Turkish flag, with fans celebrating her achievement in the stands of the 1573 Arena at Melbourne Park. When asked about the ball girl, Sonmez added,
“If I see her tomorrow or later in the tournament I’d love to speak to her.”
“She was really struggling. She said she was fine but it was really obvious she was not fine,” and, “So I went to grab her and said ‘sit down and drink something, you’re not fine’. As we were walking she fainted so luckily I grabbed her. She was really shaking.”
Controversy erupted during the U-19 World Cup 2026 match between India and Bangladesh when the two captains did not shake hands after the toss. India captain Ayush Mhatre and Bangladesh vice-captain Zawad Abrar, who attended the toss in place of captain Azizul Hakim, did not shake hands. There was a lot of chatter on social media over the incident considering the political tensions between the two teams. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said that the absence of a handshake was “completely unintentional and resulted from a momentary lapse in concentration”.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken note of an inadvertent and unwarranted action that occurred at the toss prior to the opening match of the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026, Zimbabwe & Namibia, between Bangladesh and India,” the official press release read.
“Due to illness, regular captain Azizul Hakim was unable to attend the toss, and vice-captain Zawad Abrar represented the team on the occasion. The BCB wishes to clarify that the absence of a handshake with the opposition captain was completely unintentional and resulted from a momentary lapse in concentration. There was no intent whatsoever to show discourtesy or disregard towards the opposition.”
Senior Bangladesh cricketer Mohammad Mithun, who has led the boycott protests against the country’s cricket board following disparaging remarks by top official M. Najmul Islam, has revealed that he has received life threats amid the unrest
Senior Bangladesh cricketer Mohammad Mithun, who has led the boycott protests against the country’s cricket board following disparaging remarks by top official M. Najmul Islam, has revealed that he has received life threats amid the unrest. He added that throughout the episode – which saw two Bangladesh Premier League matches and several Dhaka League fixtures postponed due to the boycott – he never said anything offensive. “It’s true (that I received life threats), and I’ve never had an experience like this. It’s the first time in my life. I don’t remember ever being involved in any controversial talk. It’s going over my head – when have I ever spoken against the country?” Mithun, president of the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), told Cricbuzz.
“I don’t know how to take this or describe it, as it has happened to me for the first time. I haven’t used any word that goes against the country; I only spoke in the interest of cricket and the players. There is no personal issue here. Since I’m the president of an organization, if I don’t talk about players’ rights, what’s the point of me being in this position? No one is above the country.”
He added that the threats came through voice notes. “To be honest, I am not picking up calls from unknown numbers on my mobile. But I can’t stop messages or voice notes on WhatsApp. I was asked about this there. It’s not just me; my number is available to people because it goes to the press on behalf of CWAB. That’s why I receive more calls and messages. But I’ve heard from other players too that they have received threats – different kinds and in different ways,” he said.
What Is Bangladesh Cricket Board’s Stand
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has promised to investigate the threats and the claims made by the protesting players and CWAB president Mohammad Mithun, who said he received threatening calls.
BCB director Iftekhar said he had instructed the board’s security team to assist Mithun and others who received such calls. “Everyone knows we have a security department. I have just heard about the concerns from players, the calls and so on – we will tell the security department to handle it. We are taking this seriously.”
Why Are Bangladesh Cricketers Protesting
The BCB director added that the board was reviewing the comments made by M. Nazmul Islam after he labelled former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal an “Indian agent.”
Tamim Iqbal was derided as an “Indian agent” by M. Najmul Islam after Iqbal called for dialogue to resolve tensions in cricket ties between the two nations, following Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s release from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad for the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The internet user never expected a reply from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). However, to his surprise the PCB emailed back asking for his KYC documents.
Fan Applies To Buy PSL’s Multan Sultans As Joke, Gets Official Reply From Pakistan Cricket Board | X
What started as a harmless prank has now turned into an unexpectedly serious cricket business moment. A social media user jokingly applied to bid for the controversial Pakistan Super League (PSL) team Multan Sultans. The internet user never expected a reply from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). However, to his surprise the PCB emailed back asking for his KYC documents.
PCB sent a formal acknowledgement expressing delight at receiving his Expression of Interest, along with KYC forms and a request for official documents needed to continue the bidding process. Suddenly, a light-hearted prank was one KYC form away from becoming a real PSL franchise conversation. The incident left the prankster stunned, amused and borderline panicking.
Yesterday, I applied to bid for the PSL team Multan Sultans jokingly Today, I actually got a reply from the Pakistan Cricket Board 😭😭😭🙏 pic.twitter.com/rA4iTRbFEe
The user identified as “@PantasticNoah” on social media platform X shared the screenshot of the email conversation between him and the Pakistani cricket board. He shared the post with the caption, “Yesterday, I applied to bid for the PSL team Multan Sultans jokingly Today, I actually got a reply from the Pakistan Cricket Board.”
Yesterday, I applied to bid for the PSL team Multan Sultans jokingly Today, I actually got a reply from the Pakistan Cricket Board 😭😭😭🙏 pic.twitter.com/rA4iTRbFEe
The user also attached the KYC form which included sections for registering a bidding entity, trading names and supporting identification proofs – the kind of serious stuff that makes you rethink your own joke.
Yesterday, I applied to bid for the PSL team Multan Sultans jokingly Today, I actually got a reply from the Pakistan Cricket Board 😭😭😭🙏 pic.twitter.com/rA4iTRbFEe
He also admitted that he never expected the prank to go past the “send email and laugh about it” stage. Instead, he accidentally walked straight into the world of franchise cricket ownership, which is a world usually filled with businessman, corporates and investors, not fans pulling pranks for a laugh.
Yesterday, I applied to bid for the PSL team Multan Sultans jokingly Today, I actually got a reply from the Pakistan Cricket Board 😭😭😭🙏 pic.twitter.com/rA4iTRbFEe
The most hilarious part of the conversation is how formal the reply was from PCB. It did not suspect that it was a joke and they processed it like a legitimate application. This shows that in modern cricket leagues, new franchise bidders can come from all corners of the world.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has issued a revised schedule of the country’s flagship T20 league – BPL – after players’ boycott led to cancellation of matches on Thursday.
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2026 has been thrown into a scheduling disarray following a high-profile player boycott that forced the removal of a senior board official, M Nazmul Islam. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed a revised fixture list on Thursday after matches were abandoned when players refused to take the field, demanding a public apology from Nazmul along with his resignation.
Under the new arrangements, the Bangladesh board issued a notice, highlighting the revised schedule of the country’s top T20 league.
In the release, the BCB said: “The BPL 2026 matches scheduled for 15 January 2026 will now be played on Friday, 16 January 2026. The matches originally scheduled for January 16 and 17 will be shifted by a day and will be held on 17 and 18 January respectively. The Eliminator and Qualifier 1, scheduled to be held on 19 January, have been shifted to January 20.”
The crisis was ignited by shock remarks made by Nazmul Islam, the BCB’s Finance Committee Chairman and a Board Director. Islam sparked outrage across the cricketing community after calling Tamim Iqbal, the country’s former captain, an ‘Indian agent’ over his comments urging on the importance of dialogue with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the T20 World Cup 2026 venue row.
Led by the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), senior internationals, including Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, launched an immediate boycott. The impact was felt instantly at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Thursday, as teams for the scheduled afternoon and evening fixtures failed to arrive for the toss.
Facing a total collapse of its flagship T20 tournament, the BCB held an emergency meeting and announced that Islam had been “released from his responsibilities” as Chairman of the Finance Committee.
“The decision is aimed at ensuring the continued smooth and effective functioning of the board’s affairs,” the BCB stated. “The board remains fully committed to upholding the honour and dignity of all players under its jurisdiction.”
Despite M Najmul Islam’s removal from the key BCB post, two matches of the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) scheduled for the day were postponed
Bangladesh cricket is on the boil. If the controversy surrounding the country’s cricket board refusing to travel to India for the T20 World Cup was not enough, its now-sacked finance committee head M. Najmul Islam added fuel to the fire by calling former captain Tamim Iqbal an “Indian agent” for advocating dialogue between the BCCI, ICC, and the BCB. He did not stop there, stating that Bangladesh players would not be compensated if they missed the T20 World Cup, as they had “not justified the support so far,” having failed to win a single ICC event.
Following outrage over the comments, the BCB removed Najmul as chairman of the board’s finance committee, though he remains a board director-a position that can be taken away on disciplinary grounds.
Despite Najmul’s removal from the key BCB post, two matches of the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) scheduled for the day were postponed, and the tournament itself appeared in disarray due to the players’ firm stance. In fact, the BPL may be indefinitely postponed if the official does not issue a public apology.
“We have informed the BCB that if he apologises publicly and the process regarding his directorship continues, we will be ready to return to cricket from Friday,” a Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) press release said.
“We are continuing discussions among ourselves regarding the ongoing complications in Bangladesh cricket. Through our discussions, we, the cricketers, have realised that our women’s national team are currently playing in the World Cup qualifiers in Nepal, the men’s national team have the T20 World Cup ahead of them, and the men’s Under-19 team are currently taking part in the World Cup. The impact of suspending all forms of cricket could affect all these teams.
An unverified video from the IND vs NZ 2nd ODI in Rajkot has gone viral, claiming the stadium DJ played the meme track “Krrish Ka Sunega Gaana?” during the drinks break. Though unconfirmed by officials or broadcasters, the clip appears light-hearted and has gained widespread attention online, entertaining fans as an amusing but unverified moment.
Image: BCCI/X
An unverified video circulating on social media has sparked amusement among cricket fans, claiming to show the stadium DJ playing the popular meme track “Krrish Ka Sunega Gaana?” during the drinks break of the IND vs New Zealand 2nd ODI at the Rajkot stadium.
The short clip, which has not been officially confirmed by match authorities or broadcasters, appears to capture a light-hearted moment as the song plays over the stadium speakers.
While the authenticity of the video remains unverified, it has quickly gained traction online, with users sharing and commenting on the DJ’s alleged pop-culture-inspired song choice. Until official confirmation emerges, the video continues to be viewed as a fun but unconfirmed moment from the match.
IND vs NZ, 2nd ODI: Virat Kohli Gets Dismissed For 23 Runs By Kristian Clarke, Rajkot Fans Hold Their Heads In Disbelief; Video
India suffered an early setback during the second One-Day International against New Zealand at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Wednesday, as star batter Virat Kohli was dismissed for 23 runs off 29 balls. The former India captain, who had come into the match as the world’s No. 1 ranked ODI batter, was clean bowled by New Zealand pacer Kristian Clarke, sending a hush through the packed stadium.
Kohli looked composed during his stay at the crease, playing cautiously and attempting to anchor the innings after India were put in to bat. However, just as he appeared to be settling in, Clarke produced a sharp delivery that breached Kohli’s defence and crashed into the stumps. The dismissal marked a crucial breakthrough for New Zealand, lifting their intensity in the field.
The moment sparked visible disappointment among fans in the stands, many of whom were seen holding their heads in disbelief. Expectations were high for Kohli to deliver a big knock, especially after his recent return to the top of the ICC ODI batting rankings and India’s strong start to the series.
USA cricket official says India did not deny visas to their four players for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Ali Khan (in picture) had claimed four Pakistani-origin players have been refused visas. (AFP Photo)
A United States cricket official has refuted claims that India has denied visas to four Pakistani-origin players ahead of the 2026 Twenty20 World Cup, clarifying that the visas are delayed, not denied.
In a social media video, USA pacer Ali Khan stated that he, Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin, and Ehsan Adil were refused visas to travel to India for the Men’s 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted with Sri Lanka starting February 7. However, an official from USA Cricket, speaking anonymously, clarified that the visa issue is being managed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and that the refusal was mistakenly conveyed by one player.
According to reports, the four players were born in Pakistan but are now US citizens. Under India’s visa regulations, individuals born in Pakistan must apply for visas using their country of birth passports. One of the players named by Ali Khan confirmed to the publication that their visas are delayed and in process, not rejected.
As India and Sri Lanka prepare to co-host the Twenty20 World Cup from February 7 to March 8, the visa delays are expected to garner significant attention. This issue could affect players from eight other countries besides the US, including the UAE, Oman, Nepal, Canada, England, Zimbabwe, and the Netherlands, and potentially Italy.
India is blessed with immense cricketing talent but there aren’t many specialist finishers the team can put its faith in. Then emerged Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicket-keeper batter Jitesh Sharma, who brought plenty of promise with his selection in India’s T20I team. But, for some reason, Jitesh was sidelined as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) picked the India squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. While Jitesh refrained from sharing an immediate reaction on social media, he claimed that there was no prior communication from the selectors about his snub.
In a chat with CricTracker, the wicket-keeper batter revealed that he was heartbroken seeing his name not being included in the squad. It was only when Ajit Agarkar, the selection committee chief, explained the reason behind the changes in the squad, did Jitesh come to know what had happened.
“I wasn’t aware of my omission until the squad was announced. After that, I agreed with the explanation given by the selectors in the press conference; it was a valid reason. Later, I had discussions with the coaches and selectors, and I felt their reasoning was fair. I completely understood what they wanted to explain to me, and I agreed with it.”
Along with Jitesh, the selection committee also left out Test and ODI skipper Shubman Gill from the team while handing returns to Rinku Singh and Ishan Kishan. Jitesh said that he spoke to former India and RCB star Dinesh Karthik to help himself move on.
The statement comes amid growing backlash from cricketers, with the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) issuing an ultimatum demanding the resignation of BCB Director M Nazmul Islam over his remarks.
Bangladesh board director had called Tamim Iqbal ‘India Agent’
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has expressed regret over controversial remarks made by director, M Nazmul Islam, clarifying that the comments do not reflect the Board’s official stance and warning of disciplinary action for conduct that disrespects players or harms the reputation of Bangladesh cricket. According to a release, the statement comes amid growing backlash from cricketers, with the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) issuing an ultimatum demanding the resignation of BCB Director M Nazmul Islam over his remarks targeting senior players, including former captain Tamim Iqbal.
“The Board expresses its sincere regret for remarks that may be deemed inappropriate, offensive, or hurtful. Such comments do not reflect the values, principles, or official position of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, nor do they align with the standards of conduct expected from individuals entrusted with the responsibility of serving Bangladesh cricket,” the release stated.
“The BCB reiterates that it does not endorse or take responsibility for any statement or remark made by any director or Board member unless issued formally through the Board’s designated spokesperson or the Media & Communications Department. Any statements made outside these authorised channels are personal in nature and should not be interpreted as representing the views or policies of the Board,” it added.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board also assured that it will take appropriate disciplinary action against any individual whose conduct or comments show disrespect towards cricketers or cause harm to the reputation and integrity of Bangladesh cricket.
“The Board unequivocally reaffirms its full support for and respect towards all cricketers, past and present, who have represented the country with dedication and pride. Players remain at the heart of Bangladesh cricket, and their contributions and welfare continue to be a top priority. The BCB remains committed to protecting the interests, dignity, and well-being of its players and to upholding professionalism, accountability, and mutual respect across all levels of the game,” as per the release.
Earlier, former Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal was derided as an “Indian agent” by none other than BCB director M Najmul Islam after Iqbal called for a dialogue to resolve current tensions in cricketing ties between the two nations due to the release of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad for the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Amid uncertainty about Bangladesh’s visit to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, former men’s team captain Tamim Iqbal said the BCB should resolve the issue through dialogue, keeping the country’s cricketing interests and future at the forefront. Tamim made this statement on the sidelines of the trophy-unveiling ceremony of the Zia Inter-University Cricket Tournament at the City Club ground on January 9.
“Since I am not involved [with the BCB], like any other regular person, I am finding things out through the media. But I am sure those dealing with these matters have a lot more information. So in that regard, I should not suddenly be making comments. What I am saying, however, is that Bangladesh cricket’s interest, future and everything else must be considered before making such a decision. There is nothing better than if something can be resolved through dialogue,” Tamim had earlier said as per The Daily Star.
Bangladesh’s visit to India for their T20 WC fixtures is uncertain as of now, with the BCB putting forth a request to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate its matches outside India due to keeping “safety, security concerns” of players in mind. This request came after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release pacer Mustafizur from their IPL 2026 squad, and the move was carried out, amid atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.
Tamim Iqbal said that sensitive issues should be discussed internally within the board before any public comments, as statements can be hard to retract. He again emphasised that Bangladesh cricket’s future takes priority, and since most funding comes from the ICC, decisions should focus on what benefits the sport in the country.
“What I feel, and I think I would have done the same if I were there, is that since this is a sensitive issue, before making public comments, we would discuss the matter ourselves [within the board]. Because when you make a public comment, right or wrong, it becomes difficult to step back from that position. Bangladesh cricket’s future comes before everything else, and 90 to 95 per cent of the finances come from the ICC, so decisions have to be made based on what will help Bangladesh cricket,” Tamim added.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has remained firm in its stance to not play its T20 World Cup matches in India following a video conference with the International Cricket Council officials on Tuesday.
“The BCB reaffirmed its position regarding the decision not to travel to India, citing security concerns,” the BCB said in a media release. “The board also reiterated its request for the ICC to consider relocating Bangladesh’s matches outside India.”
The BCB said its position remains unchanged despite the ICC highlighting the tournament itinerary has already been announced and requested the board to reconsider its stance.
“Both parties agreed that discussions will continue to explore possible solutions. The BCB remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of its players, officials and staff while engaging constructively with the ICC to address the matter.”
The T20 World Cup is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from Feb. 7-Mar. 8. Bangladesh is scheduled to play three T20 World Cup group matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.
Bangladesh requested that the ICC shift its World Cup venue from India after the Board of Control for Cricket in India instructed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from its squad for this year’s tournament.
The lack of gametime for all-rounder Nitish Reddy has led to former India cricketer Aakash Chopra raising a question mark on whether the selection committee is aligned with the coaching staff.
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has questioned whether the Indian team management – led by captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir – are not aligned with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee, which is headed by Ajit Agarkar. Chopra brought up the curious case of all-rounder Nitish Reddy to raise his concern, stating that the 22-year-old gets picked in nearly every India squad, but hardly gets an opportunity. Even when he does, Chopra stated that he isn’t utilised to his full potential.
“Are selectors and coaching staff not aligned? I don’t understand what is going on with Nitish Reddy. He is selected in every format. When he plays, he does not bat, and gets very few deliveries to bowl,” Chopra said, in a video on his official X account
“In white-ball cricket, selectors are selecting him, but he is not getting any games. In the South Africa series, there was plenty of dew. Fast bowlers were being used, but still no Nitish Reddy,” he added.
Chopra questioned whether there is a difference in perspective between the selection committee and the team management.
“Why do selectors think that Nitish Reddy provides a balance to the team, and want to make him ready for the future in case Hardik Pandya gets injured, but the team management does not think the same? What exactly is going on? If he has to sit outside, it’s better he plays the Vijay Hazare Trophy,” Chopra further said.
Since impressing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Test series Down Under, Reddy’s chances have been few and far between. The all-rounder’s performances in Test cricket waned in 2025.
Xabi Alonso’s exit from Real Madrid stunned the world of football, with reactions coming from top athletes in other sports too. Khabib Nurmagomedov, an MMA icon, couldn’t hold back his frustration seeing Alonso, a man he called one of the ‘top three coaches’ in the world, being let go from the manager’s position at Real Madrid after just 6 months in charge. Khabib, in an epic rant on social media, asked for “capricious players” behind this mess at Real Madrid to be let go from their contract and not Alonso.
“I think Xabi Alonso is one of the three best coaches in the world today. If this team did not work well with him, we have to change the players not the coach. I’m sure no coach can handle this lineup at Real Madrid. We have to get rid of the capricious players,” he said.
Khabib, who also remains an ardent football fan, feels the sacking of a coach like Alonso shows that all isn’t well at Real Madrid.
“If you come to the gym or the field, it doesn’t matter if they are fighters or football players, the boss is the head coach. But if you have such an aura in your team that not everyone meets your requirements, then you are definitely not on the right track,” he concluded in the first story he uploaded to his profile.
🚨 UFC LEGEND KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV ON IG:
“If you walk into a gym or onto a pitch, it doesn’t matter whether they’re fighters or footballers, as the head coach, you are in charge.
But if there’s an environment in your team where not everyone follows your demands, then you’re… pic.twitter.com/7GMHRs1dfH
Alonso was unarguably the most wanted to coach in world football last summer, after he led German club Bayer Leverkusen to an almost unbeaten season in all competitions. The likes of Liverpool and Bayern Munich were also reportedly after the former Spain midfielder. Hence, his early exit from Real Madrid has shocked world football.
“There is nothing like loyalty. A year ago they were begging him, and now they are sacking him for the spoiled children. Xabi you are the best,” he said.
Australia pacer Mitchell Starc made a heartwarming post on social media after his wife Alyssa Healy announced her retirement from international cricket.
Australia pacer Mitchell Starc made a heartwarming post on social media after his wife Alyssa Healy announced her retirement from international cricket. Wicket-keeper batter Healy, who has won six T20 World Cups, two 50-over World Cups and a Commonwealth Games gold in women’s cricket, announced that she would retire following Australia’s series against India in February and March. Starc captioned his post with a three-word phrase. The two have been married for nearly a decade, having tied the knot in April 2016.
“Proud of ya,” wrote Starc in a post on his Instagram story, along with a heart emoji. The 35-year-old pacer also made a separate post, celebrating Healy’s Australia career.
Healy made the announcement on the Willow Talk podcast she co-hosts, drawing curtains on a 16-year international career.
Healy has also been one of the most productive all-format run-scorers, with her 7,106 behind only Meg Lanning (8,352) and Ellyse Perry (7,607) for Australian women.
“It’s with mixed emotions that the upcoming India series will be my last for Australia,” Healy said in a statement. “I’m still passionate about playing for Australia, but I’ve somewhat lost that competitive edge that’s kept me driven since the start, so the time feels right to call it a day.”
“Knowing I won’t be going to the T20 World Cup this year and the limited preparation time the team has, I won’t be part of the T20s against India, but I’m excited to have the opportunity to finish my career and captain the ODI and Test side at home against India – one of the biggest series on the calendar for us,” she added.
Healy’s retirement from the shortest format is immediate; she won’t take part in the three T20Is that kick off India’s multi-format tour in February. It means she will miss the chance of a hometown farewell with the first T20I the only match of the series to be played in Sydney.
Healy had frequent battles with injury in the twilight of her career, most recently a fractured thumb that sidelined her at the start of the WBBL season, while she also missed Australia’s final two ODI World Cup group games with a calf strain.
“The last few years have been probably more mentally draining than anything else. A few injuries, (I had) to dive into the well a couple of times and that well was getting less and less full of water, so it was getting harder to dive back in there.
“I’ve always felt like I’ve had a competitive edge in that I want to compete, I want to win and I want to challenge myself on the park. I’ve felt as I’ve got a little bit older, I’ve not necessarily lost all of it, but I’ve lost some of that,” Healy said.
She continued, “I never really wanted to do it like this; I never wanted to announce it. I just wanted to get to the end of the Test match and hang up my boots and celebrate.
An injured Washington Sundar came out to bat in the 1st ODI between India and New Zealand on Sunday, leaving many questioning the Gautam Gambhir-led management’s approach. Sundar remained unbeaten on 7 off 7 in the series opener, as KL Rahul finished off the tricky chase of 301 runs in Vadodara. But, soon after the game concluded, the spin-bowling all-rounder was ruled out of the series and replaced by Ayush Badoni. Seeing Sundar being risked despite the injury, former India batter Mohammad Kaif slammed the management for its double standards, citing Shubman Gill’s recent example.
Kaif reminded Gambhir and the Indian team management that Gill was ‘protected’ when he sustained an injury during the South Africa Test series. Surprisingly, however, the approach in Sundar’s case was different.
“You will remember when Shubman Gill was injured, he did not come out to bat in that Test match, the Kolkata Test. It was a high-scoring game and people thought that even 20 or 30 runs from him could help India win, but he still did not bat. That was done to give full protection to the player so the injury would not aggravate. But the same approach was not applied with Sundar. That is why I feel it was a wrong call. KL Rahul’s running between the wickets was affected. Even though India won the match, I feel there were higher chances of aggravating the injury in yesterday’s game,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
Though the Sundar stunt paid off and India won the match, Kaif feels the decision was risky as it could prolong the player’s absence from the team.
“If he is injured and you need runs at a run-a-ball, you should first try someone else. When a player is injured and you send him in under pressure, the injury can worsen. He couldn’t run doubles even though the ball was going to deep point or square leg, and he was only managing singles. Although the required run rate was around a run-a-ball and the match was under control, I felt that sending an injured player was risky. What might have been a one-week or ten-day injury could stretch to 20, 25, or even 30 days,” he added.
Virat Kohli broke yet another massive record of Sachin Tendulkar during the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara.
Virat Kohli Becomes Fastest Batsman To Score 28000 Runs In International cricket (AP)
Virat Kohli added another feather to his already illustrious career, going past Sachin Tendulkar in a rare list during the first ODI against the Stadium at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. Kohli came at the wicket after the fall of Rohit Sharma and looked in sublime form from the word go. He smoked six boundaries within a span of a few deliveries to show how good a form he’s in. The wicket of Rohit Sharma put some pressure on India in a chase of 200, but Kohli’s fluent innings turned the pendulum back in favour of India.
Virat Kohli Scripts History
Kohli needed just 25 runs to become the fastest batsman to reach 28000 runs, and the first to do it in less than 630 innings, and he reached the landmark with a thumping boundary off Adithya Ashok on his 19th delivery. He became the third player, after Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara, to score 28000 or more runs in international cricket. Tendulkar achieved the feat in 644th innings while Sangakkara took 666 innings to score 28000 runs. Kohli, so far, has played 624 innings, scoring 28000+ runs, including 84 centuries.
Virat Kohli’s Record In All Formats
Format
ODI
Test
T20Is
Innings
296
210
117
Runs
14557
9230
4188
100s/50s
53/76
30/31
1/38
Meanwhile, Kohli also went past Kumar Sangakkara to become the second leading run scorer in ODIs. Sangakkara ended his career with 28016 runs in 666 innings, including 63 centuries and 153 fifties. Tendulkar, on the other hand, sits at the top, with 34357 runs, including 100 centuries and 164 fifties.
In the aftermath of the Mustafizur Rahman controversy, the BCB has already showed its unwillingness to send the senior national team in India for its T20 World Cup matches.
In the aftermath of the Mustafizur Rahman controversy, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has already showed its unwillingness to send the senior national team in India for its T20 World Cup matches. Notably, Indian Premier League (IPL) side Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur from their squad on the advice of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) last week. The decision led to a massive row and the BCB decided to request the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift their T20 World Cup 2026 games from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns.
Bilateral tensions between India and Bangladesh has escalated over the past few weeks after a Hindu man was lynched and burned to death. Since the first incident a few weeks ago, a number of Hindu minorities have been attacked and killed in Bangladesh. Since the first incident was reported, KKR and their co-owner Shah Rukh Khan were being targeted on social media, with the BCCI finally taking the decision to release Mustafizur.
It was the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia who announced the big decision on Saturday. He said: “Due to the recent developments that are going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad.”
Now, a report in Geo Super has claimed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has now shown its interest in hosting the Bangladesh games, in case the matches are not arranged in Sri Lanka. Quoting a PCB source, the report added that all the venues in Pakistan are fully prepared to stage World Cup matches.
Earlier, Bangladesh government sports advisor Asif Nazrul cited image of the country and security of its players as the reasons behind the move of seeking a venue shift from India.
The ICC head Jay Shah will meet BCCI officials on Sunday, hoping to find a solution to the immediate problem of Bangladesh’s reluctance to travel to India for the T20 World Cup
The ICC Chair, Jay Shah, will meet BCCI officials on Sunday, hoping to find a solution to the immediate problem of Bangladesh’s reluctance to travel to India for the T20 World Cup. Jay Shah will meet BCCI officials in Vadodara on the sidelines of the first India vs New Zealand ODI. He is in the city as a special invitee of the Baroda Cricket Association. What started as a standard request has steadily escalated into a sensitive standoff. In its first communication to the ICC, the Bangladesh Cricket Board asked for a change of venue, preferring that its matches be shifted out of India, with Sri Lanka mentioned as a possible alternative. The second letter, however, altered the landscape.
What Is Bangladesh’s Demand From ICC
Bangladesh made it clear that the issue now went beyond logistics. The board spoke of national pride being hurt – a sentiment widely linked to the fallout surrounding Mustafizur Rahman’s abrupt ouster from the IPL – and demanded man-to-man security for every member of its World Cup contingent if travel to India was unavoidable. Players, coaches, support staff, and officials were all included. The subtext was unmistakable: this was no longer just about safety, but about dignity.
That is the challenge now sitting on Jay Shah’s desk. The ICC has still not officially responded to the Bangladesh Board.
His first task will be internal – reviewing the existing tournament and security plan with the BCCI and the ICC’s operations team. That means identifying where Bangladesh feels ignored or inadequately reassured, and whether the ICC’s responses so far have sounded procedural rather than empathetic.
But a paper review alone will not solve this.
Why An Easy Solution Is Not In Sight
The harder work lies in engaging directly with the Bangladesh board to shape a plan they can accept without feeling pressured. Any solution must allow Dhaka to claim agency – whether through clearly defined security guarantees, transparent communication, or limited flexibility in match logistics – while still preserving the integrity of the World Cup.
Bangladesh’s importance in this equation cannot be overstated. They have qualified for the tournament, and excluding them would open a legal and political maze. Such a decision would require a vote of the ICC Board and risk destabilising equations within both the ICC and the Asian Cricket Council. It would also set a dangerous precedent for future tournaments.
Strikers Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams grabbed second-half goals as Nigeria powered to a deserved 2-0 victory over Algeria in Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final to set up a meeting with hosts Morocco in the last four.
Osimhen steered home a long cross from the left by Bruno Onyemaechi two minutes into the second half as Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane made a bizarre jump to try and stop the effort but ended up getting his angles wrong and conceding an easy goal.
Adams increased Nigeria’s lead 10 minutes later as Osimhen unselfishly fed him the ball and he took it round Zidane before placing it into an empty net.
It was an impressive performance by Nigeria, who two months ago missed out on World Cup qualification, as they overwhelmed their opponents from the start at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, looking more determined, quicker around the field and stronger in the challenges, and denying their opponents a single scoring chance.
“The victory was deserved. The match was fantastic, and I am very happy with the win,” said Nigeria coach Eric Chelle.
Algeria were already hanging on grimly in the first half with Nigeria having good chances to be ahead at the break.
Algeria centre back Ramy Bensebaini cleared off the line in the 29th minute from Calvin Bassey after the depth of Ademola Lookman’s free kick was misjudged by Zidane and the Nigeria full back was able to steer an effort goalward from a tight angle.
NIGERIA MISS CHANCES TO SECURE BIGGER VICTORY
Bensebaini hooked it clear, although television replays looked to show the whole circumference of the ball had crossed the line. A VAR check in the absence of goalline technology, however, did not award a goal.
In the 37th minute, a poor clearance from Zidane to full back Aissa Mandi was intercepted by Alex Iwobi who quickly fed the ball to Adams, but the Sevilla striker‘s left-footed effort missed the target with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Adams also headed against the upright in the 82nd minute as Osimhen’s enterprise and persistence again set him up with a clear chance.
Algeria had been forced to play extra time before winning their last-16 clash against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday and the exertion could have been the reason many of their key players turned in listless performances. In contrast, Nigeria had a comfortable 4-0 win over Mozambique on Monday.
“What’s the point of all that I achieved?” wondered MC Mary Kom as she opened up to PTI about the “darkest phase” of her life, which included a painful divorce, near bankruptcy, and a quiet emotional collapse. A six-time world champion, an Olympic bronze medallist, and the owner of numerous global titles and accolades, the 43-year-old Mary Kom said she has decided to speak up as the “slander has gone too far” on social media and in news reports, making a “mockery” of her situation.
“I have been called greedy by people who know nothing about what I went through. Yes, I am now separated from my husband Onler, and it all happened more than two years ago,” she told PTI in a telephonic interview from Ahmedabad, where she was attending an IOA event.
Mary Kom and fellow Manipuri Onler were married for over two decades, and their divorce in 2025 shocked close family and acquaintances.
“Things were fine till I was competing and had very little involvement in my finances, but when I got injured before the 2022 Commonwealth Games, I realised I was living a lie.
“I was bedridden for several months and needed a walker after that. It was then that I realised that the man I had trusted was not what I believed him to be. I did not want it to be a spectacle for the world, so I sought a divorce after several attempts to resolve it between us.
“I informed my family and his family that it could not continue, and they understood. I was hoping that it would stay private, but then a concerted attempt has been made to slander me for the last year. I thought I would not respond, but then my silence was being misread and the attacks kept increasing,” she recounted.
The former Rajya Sabha member, who now lives in Faridabad, alleged she has been cheated of crores and lost possession of land she bought with her own hard-earned money.
“He kept taking loans, mortgaging my property, which he transferred in his name. He borrowed money from locals in Churachandpur, and to recover it from him, they have seized the land through underground groups,” she said.
When contacted, Onler denied the charge and said he has “not been involved in any wrongdoing.”
Mary Kom expressed her anguish at being slandered in the media.
“…there are news reports that call me the greedy one, who forced him to contest elections (2022 in Manipur). I did not do any of it. Things which were only discussed between me and him are being fed to tabloids to paint me as the villain, and my character is being questioned. I had to react at some point.
“What is the point of my achievements? Kya fayda, I have been left broken, but I can’t even afford to grieve. Because I have four kids to take care of, parents who are dependent on me,” she said.
“I haven’t and don’t wish to take any police action, but just leave me alone, stop slandering me.” Mary Kom has three sons, including twins, and a daughter, who is the youngest.
The diminutive flyweight boxer, who also heads the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) Athletes Commission, said she has managed to gather herself for her children and is now busy rebuilding her finances through endorsements and commercial appearances.
“I work hard for my kids. God knows how difficult it has been, but can you afford to stay down when you have children? You have to pick yourself up,” she said.
Nicknamed ‘Magnificent Mary’ by the international boxing body back in 2012, Mary Kom is arguably the most successful Indian boxer of all time.
Virat Kohli was unable to control his smile after meeting a young fan who closely resembled him. Watch the video here.
Virat Kohli was unable to control his smile after meeting a young fan (Screengrab – X)
Virat Kohli is leaving no stone unturned in being prepared to the best of his ability for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, beginning January 11. The 37-year-old experienced batter has been sweating it out in the nets as he looks to build on his form in the 50-over format. In his last four ODIs for India, Kohli has smashed two centuries and two fifties, and he’ll look to march on against the Kiwis. However, amid the build-up for the first match of the three-game series, the former India captain was involved in a heartwarming moment with a young fan in Vadodara.
Taking a break from a training session, Kohli managed to make some time to interact with his fans and sign autographs. It was then that a young fan made his presence felt as he had an uncanny resemblance to a young Kohli.
Pictures and videos from the session showed Kohli smiling as he interacted with the kids, and it was clear that he, too, was amused by the uncanny similarity of the young fan to a Kohli from childhood.
The internet is now filled with reactions, and several fans are calling the youngster a “mini Kohli.” Many users are comparing the child to Kohli’s old childhood picture.
Reacting to the pictures, one fan wrote, “19-20 ka bhi farak nahi hai. (There is very little difference between the images).”
Another fan commented, “Really looking like same to same.”
“Mini VK,” wrote another user.
“Very funny, King Kohli. Same to same copy,” commented another user.
After the ODIs against South Africa, Kohli also played for Delhi in the first two matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring a century and a half-century. He was also expected to play the fixture against Railways on January 6, but at the last minute, he was deemed unavailable for the contest.
After retiring from Tests, questions were raised about Kohli and whether he would be able to make the trip to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia for the 2027 World Cup. However, after the failures in the first two ODIs against Australia, Kohli roared back, hitting two centuries and two fifties.
Bangladesh requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift its T20 World Cup games out of India after the BCCI instructed IPL franchise KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman from its roster
The BCCI top brass on Friday took stock of operations at its Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, while also discussing the streamlining of India U-19 and India A tours going forward, board secretary Devajit Saikia told PTI. Following the meeting, Saikia was asked about Bangladesh requesting the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift its T20 World Cup games out of India after the BCCI instructed IPL franchise KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman from its roster, given the prevailing relations between the two countries.
Saikia replied: “The meeting was about CoE and other cricketing matters. It’s not our domain to talk about that (as the ICC has the final say on Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup).”
The meeting in Mumbai was also attended by BCCI president Mithun Manhas, vice-president Rajeev Shukla, and head of cricket at CoE VVS Laxman. Key technical posts remain vacant at the CoE, which became fully operational in April last year. The positions include head of education and head of sports science.
“We assessed the vacancies at CoE and decided to go ahead with the recruitment process soon. There is an acute shortage of technical personnel worldwide, but we are trying to fill the positions at the earliest,” said Saikia.
Reviewing the operations at CoE and the way forward, Saikia added: “We thought it was an appropriate time to review the preparations and activities of CoE.
Neymar has extended his stay with Santos until the end of 2026. Neymar’s Santos secured its survival in Brazil’s Serie A with a 3-0 win over Cruzeiro, and the 33-year-old soccer star later confirmed he will undergo surgery on his left knee. Playing its last league match of the season, Santos – which achieved a global following with all-time great Pele – avoided what would have been the club’s second relegation in its history. Santos was relegated in 2023 for the first time, almost a year after the death of Pele.
Neymar flaunts his luxury fleet.
Recently, Neymar also flaunted his luxury fleet, which included a replica of the Batmobile used by the DC Comics superhero in The Dark Knight Returns (valued at 1.3 million euros), a Dassault Falcon 900LX private jet with his initials engraved on it (market value around 40 million euros), and an Airbus H145 helicopter (8 million euros). According to Spanish publication Marca, the total cost of the fleet is 50 million euros (approximately Rs 525 crore). The video was shot at his luxury mansion in Mangaratiba (Rio de Janeiro).
Neymar underwent minor surgery on his left knee, his club Santos said on Monday.
The 33-year-old Neymar previously said he wanted to address the pain that has sidelined him from several matches this year. The arthroscopy was performed by Rodrigo Lasmar, who also works with the Brazil squad. The procedure was minimally invasive and treated problems inside the joint.
Last weekend, the striker said during a music event in Sao Paulo that he still hoped to play in the World Cup and score in the final. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, appointed in May, has yet to pick Neymar.
The International Cricket Council has rejected Bangladesh’s demand of moving its T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka, NDTV sources have confirmed.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected the venue change demand from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in the wake of the pacer Mustafizur Rahman controversy.. The BCB, upset over Mustafizur Rahman’s release from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad for the Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign this year, decided to ban IPL telecast in the country this year, while also requesting ICC to shift its T20 World Cup 2026 matches to Sri Lanka. The top cricket body, chaired by Jay Shah, however, has rejected Bangladesh’s request, NDTV sources have confirmed
Sources have told us that a virtual call took place on Tuesday, where the ICC told BCB that it was rejecting its request to play Bangladesh’s matches in Sri Lanka due to security concerns. The ICC is said to have warned the BCB that the Bangladesh men’s national team is obliged to travel to India to play the T20 World Cup. A failure to do so could see them forfeit points in the showpiece event.
An official notification on Tuesday’s call is yet to be issued by either the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the BCB or the ICC.
The T20 World Cup this year is set to take place across India and Sri Lanka, spanning from February 7 to March 8. Bangladesh, competing in Group C, will begin their campaign with a three-match stint in Kolkata, facing the West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14. They will then travel to Mumbai to wrap up the group stage against Nepal on February 17.
The entire controversy started after BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia revealed that the Knight Riders have been instructed to release Mustafizur from his Rs 9.20 crore contract amid the volatile political situation between the two countries.
It has also been reported that IPL Governing Council and other top officials in the BCCI never met to discuss the matter of Mustafizur’s release. The decision, in fact, is said to have been relayed from the absolute top of the BCCI management.
What Happened In BCB Emergency Meeting
A BCB emergency meeting was held following the announcement by KKR that they had removed Mustafizur from their IPL 2026 roster in response to a directive from the BCCI regarding atrocities committed against minorities in Bangladesh.
“An emergency meeting of the Board of Directors of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) was held this afternoon to discuss recent developments related to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka,” the BCB release said.
“The Board reviewed the situation in detail, taking into account developments over the last 24 hours, and expressed deep concern over the overall circumstances surrounding the participation of the Bangladesh National Team in matches scheduled to be played in India,” it added.
6 teams, including the USA and the UAE, have approached ICC with help of getting an India Visa for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan-origin players have a history of facing delays in getting visas. Fearing the same, the associate nations have approached the ICC to intervene. In the past, England’s Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Bashir, while Australia’s Usman Khawaja have all faced visa delays.
Jay Shah Launches ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour From Ram Setu As Paramotor Carries Silverware | X
Several teams participating in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 next month has reached out to the ICC to secure India Visa. The reason – presence of Pakistan born players in their roster for the tournament. Countries such as Oman, UAE, Italy, Canada, USA and the Netherlands all have players with Pakistan passports in their ranks.
Historically, players with Pakistan origin have faced delays in getting their India Visa. As per Indian External Ministry rules, despite having another country’s nationality, if someone is born in Pakistan or their parents or grandparents were born in Pakistan, they have to apply for a visa on a Pakistani passport.
The report by Telecom Asia Sport states that UAE have taken the lead in asking ICC for help on the matter. The Emirati side have as many as 6 players of Pakistani origin in their squad including captain Muhammed Waseem. Players from UAE and Oman have applied for Visa, but the report states they fear their request will be rejected unless the ICC intervenes.
Players of Pakistani origin have often faced visa delays or rejections for India. In 2024, England off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, UK-born, saw his visa delayed due to his father’s roots in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. A similar issue affected spinner Rehan Ahmed last year. Reports also said Australia’s Pakistan-born batter Usman Khawaja faced a visa delay during the 2023 Test tour of India. Netherlands-born brothers Sikander and Saqib Zulfiqar had their visas stalled because of their Pakistani heritage in 2019.
BCB president Aminul Islam states that Bangladesh’s participation in T20 World Cup 2026 depends on ICC’s response regarding security concerns in India.
Mustafizur Rahman in action against Sri Lanka in the first ODI in Dhaka.(x images)
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam on Monday said the board’s next move on the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will hinge on the International Cricket Council’s response, after Bangladesh formally asked for their matches to be shifted out of India, citing security concerns.
“You know that we, along with all the directors of the cricket board, held two meetings before taking this decision, and at this moment we do not feel secure sending our team to India to play the World Cup,” Aminul said as quoted by Cricbuzz.
The BCB’s request to the ICC comes in the aftermath of a flashpoint involving Bangladesh pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman, who was released from the Kolkata Knight Riders’ squad ahead of the Indian Premier League as a directive from the BCCI. The episode, in Bangladesh’s reading, sharpened concerns around the travel and participation logistics for an ICC event hosted in India.
Aminul said Bangladesh had put its position to the world body in writing and is now waiting for formal engagement.
“So we wrote a letter to the ICC, and in the letter we clearly stated what we wanted to say. Because to us, security appeared to be a major concern, and that is what we are following. We have sent an email to the ICC, and we are expecting them to tell us to have a meeting with them soon, where we will express our concern,” he said.
He added that the BCB isn’t treating this as a bilateral matter with India’s board. “But what our next step will be depends on the reply to the email we have sent. We do not know what feedback will come, but the clauses we have given are within the MPO. We are not communicating with BCCI because this is an ICC event. We are communicating with the ICC,” he said.
The development also lands amid expectations that India may be reluctant to tour Bangladesh for a scheduled white-ball series in September, given strained relations between the two countries. Aminul, however, sought to separate cricketing ties from Bangladesh’s stated security concerns around the World Cup.
“Look, cricket between two countries, like playing a bilateral series or playing in the World Cup, is one thing, and security concern is another matter. So for now, we are thinking about the World Cup issue,” he said.
Separately, the Bangladesh Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has instructed broadcasters to stop airing the IPL, with Aminul indicating the board would not overstep a government directive.
Novak Djokovic, has decided to pull out of next week’s Adelaide International, the build-up event for the year’s first Grand Slam tournament, the Australian Open.
Former World No.1 and the world’s most successful player, Novak Djokovic, has decided to pull out of next week’s Adelaide International, the build-up event for the year’s first Grand Slam tournament, the Australian Open. Djokovic, who has won 24 Grand Slam titles so far, claimed he is not physically ready to compete in the Adelaide International and therefore has pulled out of the event. “To all my fans in Adelaide, unfortunately, I’m not quite physically ready to compete in the Adelaide International next week,” said Djokovic in a statement issued via social media on Monday. “It’s personally very disappointing as I have such great memories of winning the title there two years ago. I was really excited about returning as it truly felt like playing at home,” Djokovic further said in his statement.
Djokovic said his focus now is on getting ready for the Australian Open. The 38-year-old Serbian has won the Australian Open title 10 times, lifting the crown in 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023.
“My focus is now on my preparation for the Australian Open, and I look forward to arriving in Melbourne soon and seeing all the tennis fans in Australia,” said Djokovic in his statement on social media.
Earlier in the day, Djokovic said he has “stepped away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association, which he co-founded, citing concerns regarding “ongoing transparency and governance.
Djokovic and Canadian tennis player Vasek Pospisil founded the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) as a not-for-profit corporation to ensure players have a unified, independent voice in shaping the future of professional tennis.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to step away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association. This decision comes after ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented,” Djokovic posted on X.
“I am proud of the vision that Vasek and I shared when founding the PTPA, giving players a stronger, independent voice – but it has become clear that my values and approach are no longer aligned with the current direction of the organisation,” the post read.
Explaining his decision to quit PTPA, Novak Djokovic said: “my values and approach are no longer aligned with the current direction of the organization.”
Novak Djokovic is cutting ties with the Professional Tennis Players Association, a group he co-founded that sued the sport’s governing bodies last year, writing on social media Sunday that “my values and approach are no longer aligned with the current direction of the organization.” The 24-time Grand Slam champion announced at the 2020 U.S. Open that he and now-retired Canadian player Vasek Pospisil were launching the PTPA. They said they were aiming to offer representation for players who are independent contractors in a largely individual sport.
One of the goals made clear along the way was to become a sort of full-fledged union that negotiates collective bargaining agreements like those that exist in team sports, although that sort of thing hasn’t happened.
Djokovic said Sunday on X that he had “ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented.”
The PTPA filed a class-action lawsuit in March against the women’s and men’s tours, the International Tennis Federation and the sport’s integrity agency, accusing the organizations of “systemic abuse, anti-competitive practices, and a blatant disregard for player welfare.” The four Grand Slam tournaments were later added as defendants.
After careful consideration, I have decided to step away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association. This decision comes after ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented.
I am proud of the vision that Vasek and I shared when founding the PTPA, giving players a stronger, independent voice – but it has become clear that my values and approach are no longer aligned with the current direction of the organization.
Djokovic was not listed as a plaintiff when the suit was filed; Pospisil and other players were.
That’s because, Djokovic said in March, “I want other players to step up.”
The lawsuit says players should gain access to more earnings, arguing that the governing bodies that oversee the four Grand Slam tournaments — Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, the French Open and the Australian Open — and other professional events “cap the prize money tournaments award and limit players’ ability to earn money off the court.”
Kolkata Knight Riders asked by BCCI to release Mustafizur Rahman amidst India-Bangladesh tensions, with Shah Rukh Khan and KKR facing political criticism.
Mustafizur Rahman was picked by KKR for Rs 9.2 crore at IPL auction. (PTI Photo)
In what might come as a major blow to the Kolkata Knight Riders, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on Saturday said that the board has asked the franchise to release Mustafizur Rahman, the Bangladesh pacer, with tensions soaring between India and its neighbour.
KKR bagged Rahman for Rs 9.2 crore, up from a base price of Rs 2 crore, after a fierce bidding battle with the Chennai Super Kings and the Delhi Capitals at the December players’ auction.
The BCCI said that KKR will be permitted to name a replacement cricketer if needed.
“The BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from its squad. They can ask for a replacement if needed. And upon request, BCCI will allow a replacement player,” Saikia said while speaking to the media in Guwahati.
Asked why the BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to do so, he replied, “Because of recent developments all across.”
Pressure on the BCCI had been mounting over Rahman’s participation after the recent killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh and India’s raised concerns about the safety of minorities in the nation.
Criticism has also targeted KKR co-owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, with some BJP politicians questioning the decision to include Rahman, given the current circumstances.
Rahman has featured in eight IPL editions since 2016, missing the tournament only in 2019 and 2020.
Rahman has represented teams including the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and the Rajasthan Royals. The upcoming edition would have marked his debut for three-time IPL champions KKR.
Captain of Punjab Kings Shreyas Iyer addresses a news conference on the eve of the final match of Indian Premier League at Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad, India, Monday, June 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki, File)
Shreyas Iyer was provisionally named in India’s squad on Saturday for the home one-day international series against New Zealand starting Jan. 11.
India will host the Black Caps in a white-ball engagement — three ODIs and five T20s — in the build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Iyer returns to the international fold after sustaining a spleen injury during an ODI against Australia in Sydney last October.
His selection is subject to fitness clearance from BCCI’s medical team and he will return as India’s vice-captain for the three-match series.
Skipper Shubman Gill also returns, after he missed the ODI series against South Africa in December. He had a neck spasm in the test series earlier, and subsequently played in the T20s against the Proteas.
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Verma missed out. Gaikwad had scored a maiden ODI hundred against South Africa in Visakhapatnam.
Rishabh Pant is retained as second keeper-batter behind Lokesh Rahul, who had stood in as captain against the Proteas.
Star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma had both participated in the domestic List A tournament — Vijay Hazare Trophy — and return to the international stage for the ODIs.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya is fit, but not sufficiently enough to bowl 10 overs in an ODI. Thus, he has been rested further ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup (in India and Sri Lanka) starting Feb. 7. Nitish Kumar Reddy is included in the squad.
In a significant move that highlights the intersection of sport and geopolitics, the BCCI has formally requested that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) release Bangladesh pace spearhead Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. The announcement was made by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, who confirmed the board’s directive to the franchise following a period of intensifying public and political pressure. While the BCCI had initially maintained a “wait and watch” policy, Saikia noted that the decision was taken in light of “recent developments all across.” This appears to be a direct reference to the deteriorating diplomatic situation and reported civil unrest in Bangladesh, which has sparked widespread protests within India.
The pacer recently became a lightning rod for controversy after KKR secured him for a record Rs 9.20 crore at the December auction, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in the league’s history.
“Due to the recent developments that are going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad,” Saikia said in a chat with news agency ANI. BCCI has also said that if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement.”
What BCCI’s Directive Means For KKR
The BCCI’s directive to release Mustafizur represents a significant tactical and financial setback for Kolkata Knight Riders. By committing Rs 9.20 crore to the Bangladeshi pacer, KKR had clearly designated him as their premier death-overs specialist. His world-class “cutters” and ability to exploit the slower nature of the Eden Gardens pitch provided a unique left-arm angle that is difficult to replicate. Losing him this close to the season leaves a gaping hole in their bowling attack and places immense pressure on Matheesha Pathirana to shoulder the burden of the final overs alone.
From a strategic perspective, KKR’s overseas balance has been thrown into disarray. The franchise had likely planned to rotate their international slots around a core featuring Sunil Narine, Cameron Green, and Pathirana, with Mustafizur acting as the bowling anchor.
Without him, the team may be forced to rely more heavily on their Indian pace battery, including Harshit Rana and Umran Malik, or pivot their strategy to include an extra overseas batsman like Rachin Ravindra.
Financially, the situation is equally complex. KKR will be desperate for the IPL Governing Council to credit the Rs 9.20 crore back into their purse to facilitate a high-quality replacement. If they are unable to recoup these funds, they may be forced to obtain a replacement at a ‘bargain’ price. The BCCI has already agreed to give KKR a replacement player, but there’s no clarity on the return of funds yet.
Algeria kept up their winning run at the Africa Cup of Nations finals, making it three out of three in Group E as they beat Equatorial Guinea 3-1 on Wednesday to affirm their status among the tournament favourites.
Goals in the first half from Zineddine Belaid, Fares Chaibi and Ibrahim Maza saw a second-string side register a comfortable victory at the Stade Moula El Hassan, with veteran Emilio Nsue pulling one back for Equatorial Guinea after the break.
Algeria were already confirmed as group winners after beating Burkina Faso on Sunday to set up a last-16 clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo, enabling them to make nine changes for Wednesday’s game.
In spite of key players rested, the depth at Algeria’s disposal looked impressive as Belaid had them ahead in the 18th minute with a glancing header from Anis Hadj Moussa’s corner.
Maza was the provider six minutes later with a pass from deep to Chaibi who cut inside and rifled home from close range.
The 20-year-old Maza netted Algeria’s third in the 32nd minute to popular acclaim as he got a head to Hadj Moussa’s cross.
Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Owono made a superb stop on the stroke of halftime to deny Moncef Bakrar and then a minute later another difficult save at the base of the post.
NO MORE GIANT-KILLING HEROICS
The 36-year-old Nsue, who had been top scorer at the last Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast two years ago, scored from long range in the 50th minute to pull one goal back for Equatorial Guinea. They finished last in the group without any points, unable to reprise their giant-killing heroics of the last Cup of Nations.
Equatorial Guinea were without three suspended players on Wednesday – Basilio Ndong after a red card in their first game and Carlos Akapo and Josete Miranda banned for swearing at the referee after their last outing.
Wednesday’s result helped expunge a bitter memory for Algeria, who as defending champions at the 2021 edition in Cameroon had suffered a shock loss to Equatorial Guinea and went on to finish last in their group.
A New Year brings new possibilities. All around the world, people are celebrating the start of a new year with the hope that it brings joy and peace. Virat Kohli also rang in the New Year 2026 with wife Anushka Sharma by his side and a special post. “Stepping into 2026 with the light of my life @anushkasharma,” he posted on Instagram. The post received close to four million likes in less than an hour. Kohli is spending some quality time with his family currently, before he returns to action with the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the India vs New Zealand ODI series.
Kohli is just 25 runs away from breaking a sensational world record held by Sachin Tendulkar. He needs 25 runs to complete 28,000 runs in international cricket, and he could become the fastest cricketer to achieve this milestone. The star batter will be in action for India in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11. Kohli will become only the third batter to reach the feat, after Sachin and legendary Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara. While Sachin achieved it in 644 innings and Sangakkara in his 666th, Kohli has already scored 27,975 runs in just 623 innings. As a result, he has ample opportunity to surpass Sachin’s record, and it is expected that the Indian star will reach the milestone during the ODI series against New Zealand.
Kohli was in good form in the first two games for Delhi, smashing 131 and 77 respectively.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has injured his left knee, the Spanish club said on Wednesday. Madrid said in a brief statement the France superstar had been diagnosed with a sprain but did not provide a timeline for his recovery.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has injured his left knee, the Spanish club said on Wednesday. Madrid said in a brief statement the France superstar had been diagnosed with a sprain but did not provide a timeline for his recovery. French sports daily newspaper L’Equipe said Mbappe would be unavailable for at least three weeks, without quoting a source. L’Equipe added that Mbappe had been suffering for several weeks from an issue with the lateral ligament in his knee, and an MRI carried out on Wednesday morning revealed a lesion that requires treatment and rest.
The striker has been in great form. Earlier this month, Mbappe scored his 59th goal for Madrid in 2025, tying the club record for the most in a year held by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Arjun Erigaisi made history at the World Blitz Championship in Doha after securing a bronze medal, becoming only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand in 2017 to achieve a rare feat. After leading the standings before the semi-final, Arjun lost to Nodirbek Abdusattorov.
Arjun Erigaisi created history Photo : PTI
Indian Grandmaster (GM) Arjun Erigaisi created history at the World Blitz Championship and emulated legendary Indian chess player Viswanathan Anand by securing the Bronze medal on Tuesday (December 30) in the event taking place in Doha, Qatar, after settling for a bronze medal post a defeat to Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov.
The 22-year-old looked in prime form for a gold but faced disappointment in the semi-finals. In the three games, the two players played, Abdusattorov won two games, while one ended in a draw. This meant the Indin star lost by a 0.5-2.5 mag margin. He shared the bronze medal with Fabiano Caruana, who lost to Magnus Carlsen in the semi-final by a 3-1 score.
The Norwegian won the title by beating Abdusattorov in the final 3-1 to add yet another feather to his endless list of achievements.
Arjun Erigaisi Creates History
Arjun etched his name in the history books by becoming only the second Indian to win a medal in both the rapid and blitz editions in the same year. Viswanathan was the only other GM from the country to achieve the feat, back in 2017.
Arjun also won the bronze medal in the Rapid championships, where he finished third. The gold over there was also won by Magnus, widely regarded as the greatest Chess player of all time.
Novak Djokovic, the undisputed king of men’s tennis with a record 24 Grand Slam titles, opened up in a refreshingly honest manner about the challenges of breaking into the sport’s elite level during the height of the Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal rivalry.
Novak Djokovic, the undisputed king of men’s tennis with a record 24 Grand Slam titles, opened up in a refreshingly honest manner about the challenges of breaking into the sport’s elite level during the height of the Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal rivalry. Speaking at the World Sports Summit in Dubai, the 38-year-old Serbian shared insights into his journey, emphasising resilience, self-acceptance, and an enduring love for the game. One of the most striking admissions came when Djokovic reflected on his early years on tour. “In the Federer-Nadal era, there was no room for a third,” he said on Monday.
The Serb elaborated on how he initially tried to fit in-doing impersonations of other players for laughs and attempting to be more likeable-only to realise that authenticity was his true strength. Djokovic described the pressure of inserting himself into what felt like an exclusive duopoly, but ultimately, he carved out his space and helped create the legendary Big Three era.
Djokovic also spoke profoundly about how adversity has shaped him. He explained that “challenges strengthen you,” drawing directly from his upbringing in war-torn Serbia, where resources were scarce and nothing came easily. This belief underscores his entire career: obstacles are not roadblocks but opportunities to build mental and physical toughness.
He expanded on this idea by noting that “if everything is handed to you, you get comfortable. If you’re forced to solve problems, you grow.” For Djokovic, the constant need to innovate-whether adapting his diet, refining his technique, or overcoming injuries-has been the driving force behind his longevity and dominance, preventing the complacency that can derail even the most talented players.
On handling defeat, Djokovic revealed a deeply introspective side: “When I lose, I need to be alone and reflect on how to improve.” He illustrated this with his 2024 Wimbledon final loss to Carlos Alcaraz, describing it as a humbling experience that forced him to confront weaknesses and emerge stronger. This solitary reflection has been a hallmark of his approach, turning painful setbacks into catalysts for improvement.
Looking to the future, Djokovic remains defiantly motivated, stating simply: “As long as my body holds up and I keep loving hitting the ball, why not?” At an age when most players have long retired, he continues to compete at the highest level, with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in his sights as a potential guiding star. There is no fixed retirement date; he is still pushing his limits and reinventing himself in a post-Federer-Nadal era.
After months of speculation over his fitness, form, and future, the 35-year-old fast bowler is back on the selectors’ radar, with the 2027 ODI World Cup now emerging as a clear reference point for his potential return. According to NDTV’s conversation with a BCCI source, Shami’s domestic performances are being “closely tracked”, and a recall is no longer a distant possibility.
“Mohammed Shami is being discussed on a regular basis. He is not out of reckoning. The only concern is about his fitness. A bowler of his calibre will get wickets. It is wrong to say he is out of the selection radar. He is looking good for the New Zealand One-Day series. Do not be surprised if he is picked, given his experience and ability to take wickets at will. Even the 2027 World Cup is a possibility.”
It is a significant shift in tone for a player who has not represented India since the ICC Champions Trophy in March 2025, despite finishing that tournament as India’s joint-highest wicket-taker with nine scalps. His last ODI came against New Zealand in that competition, while his most recent Test appearance dates back even further – the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023.
Shami’s case has refused to fade away, largely because his numbers have kept the conversation alive. He has taken 17 wickets in his last six matches (three Vijay Hazare Trophy games and three in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy). In the Ranji Trophy, he picked up 20 wickets in just four matches this season, underlining that his ability to strike remains intact.
Former India cricketers have also questioned his continued exclusion. Mohammad Kaif publicly expressed surprise at Shami being left out of recent ODI squads, particularly when senior quicks Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were rested. With India experimenting in their pace department, Shami’s absence stood out more sharply given his proven record in high-pressure tournaments.
The issue, however, has never been skill. It has been fitness.
Shami has battled recurring ankle and knee injuries since the 2023 World Cup, undergoing surgery and long rehabilitation spells that disrupted his rhythm and availability. That uncertainty has been central to the selectors’ caution, even as Shami insisted he was fit enough to play, pointing to his availability for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy.
That tension spilled into the open earlier this year when Shami took a public dig at the selection panel after being ignored for India’s white-ball tour of Australia. He argued that it was not his responsibility to keep updating selectors about his fitness if he was already playing domestic cricket.
Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, responded to those remarks at the NDTV World Summit 2025 in October, striking a measured but firm tone.
“He has been an incredible performer for India,” Agarkar said. “If he said something, maybe that is a conversation for me to have with him or him to have with me. But even before England, we said if he was fit, he would have been on that plane. Unfortunately, he wasn’t.”
Agarkar underlined that the selectors had been eager to bring Shami back, including during the Australia tour, but fitness concerns repeatedly stalled those plans.
“Our domestic season has just started, so we will see if he is fit enough,” he added. “This is the first round of Ranji games that is going on. We will find out in a couple more games. If he is bowling well, why would you not want to have someone like Shami?”
Bowlers produced a spotless effort after skipper Harmanpreet Kaur led the way with a doughty 68 as dominant India defeated Sri Lanka by 15 runs in the fifth T20I to complete a 5-0 whitewash in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. Harmanpreet’s first fifty of the series came at an important juncture in the game when India were left struggling at 77 for five, as her 43-ball knock took the hosts to 175 for five. Sri Lanka responded with half-centuries from opener Hasini Perera (65) and Imesha Dulani (50) but failed to find the flourish towards the end, finishing at 160 for seven. India thus capped an exceptional World Cup-winning year on a bright note.
Despite losing their skipper Chamari Athapaththu (2) early in the chase, Sri Lanka responded with a second-wicket partnership of 79 runs between Perera and Dulani which kept them in hunt.
Both Perera and Dulani batted with conviction to regularly find boundaries and rotated the strike well, but the failure to clear the ropes during their 56-ball association also meant that Sri Lanka remained slightly behind the asking rate.
Sri Lanka No. 3 Dulani cracked eight fours in her 39-ball innings and Perera held one end strongly with her 42-ball knock, but a slip-up in the form of wickets in cluster saw the required run rate moving past 13 per over.
Sri Lanka needed a big finish in the second half which they could not produce, as Indian spinners Deepti Sharma (1/28) and Vaishnavi Sharma (1/33) bowled stifling spells.
Amanjot Kaur (1/17) dismissed Dulani in the 12th over to give India the opening and Deepti capitalised on it.
Deepti trapped Nilakshika Silva leg-before in the 14th over to become the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20Is with her 152nd dismissal in 134 matches at 18.62, going past Australia’s Megan Schutt (151 wickets in 123 matches at 16.57).
🚨 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗗 🚨
Deepti Sharma now holds the record for most wickets in women’s T20 internationals 👏
Perera’s fall in the 17th over shut the doors on the Islanders.
Earlier, a resolute knock from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (68) and a late assault from Arundhati Reddy (27 not out) took India to a competitive 175 for seven.
India were left tottering at 77 for five after 10 overs, but Harmanpreet stood tall with her first impactful knock of the series.
Later, Arundhati smacked four fours and a six to make a vital 11-ball 27 not out to push the hosts past the 150-mark.
Harmanpreet struck nine fours and a six in her 43-balls knock and dazzled with some powerful hits on both sides of the wicket, while her 61-run sixth wicket stand with Amanjot Kaur (21) was equally important.
For the large part of her knock, Harmanpreet kept losing partners which also dented India’s hopes for a bigger total but with Amanjot, the Indian skipper ensured her bowlers had a total on board to defend.
Using the long handle to a good effect, Harmanpreet also pierced the field deftly on the off-side for a few boundaries.
It wasn’t an ideal start for India with the new opening pair of debutant G Kamalini and Shafali Verma falling cheaply after vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was rested from this match.
Coming off three consecutive fifties, Shafali (5) looked to attack from the beginning but she was caught at long-on by Imesha Dulani off Nimasha Meepage in the second over.
Having hit a couple of fours in her maiden outing, Kamalini (12) missed connecting on an attempted sweep off Kavisha Dilhari (2/11) and was pinned in front, as an attempt to overturn the decision through DRS proved futile.
Gautam Gambhir has managed to win only 7 out of 19 Tests played so far as the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team.
Rajeev Shukla gives big update on Gautam Gambhir’s future as head coach. (Picture Credit: PTI)
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not planning to part ways with Gautam Gambhir despite India’s poor show in the five-day format of the game since his appointment for the top job. The former left-handed batter from Delhi took charge of the Indian team in July 2024 after Rahul Dravid’s tenure came to an end, but since then Gambhir has only managed to win seven out of 19 Tests played so far as India’s head coach.
Under his guidance, India won one Test in Australia last year and two in England this year but also suffered humiliating 0-3 and 0-2 defeats against New Zealand and South Africa, respectively, in front of home fans.
Gambhir has lost five home Tests so far, which is the most for any India head coach, and he is also the only Indian head coach to get whitewashed twice in a home Test series.
Since India suffered humiliating defeats in both the Tests against South Africa last month in front of home fans, there are calls for Gambhir’s removal as head coach of Team India, at least from the five-day format of the game. But the BCCI is not looking to part ways with Gambhir.
A day after BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed the reports of the board planning to line up VVS Laxman as Gambhir’s replacement in Tests, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has also denied reports of Gambhir’s exit.
According to Shukla, there is no plan to remove Gambhir or bring in a new head coach for India.
“I want to make it very clear regarding the speculation circulating in the media about head coach Gautam Gambhir. The BCCI secretary (Devajit Saikia) has also made it very clear that there is no plan to remove or bring in a new head coach for India,” Shukla told ANI.
#WATCH | Delhi: Dismissing reports that the BCCI board is considering replacing or appointing a new head coach in the Test format in place of Gautam Gambhir, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla says, “I want to make it very clear regarding the speculation circulating in the media… pic.twitter.com/PKNQYpilP5
The Dubai Sports Council, led by Vice Chairman Khalfan Belhoul, is focusing on building a sustainable, community-driven sporting culture with cricket as a central pillar.
The Dubai Sports Council has long been at the forefront of transforming the United Arab Emirates into a global sporting hub. Under the leadership of Vice Chairman H.E. Khalfan Belhoul, the council is now shifting its focus towards deeper community integration and long-term sustainability. By leveraging Dubai’s world-class infrastructure and its unique cultural mix, the council aims to move beyond hosting major spectacles to fostering a homegrown sporting culture that resonates locally and internationally. During the World Sports Summit in Dubai, Belhoul spoke to NDTV in an exclusive interview where he outlined how important cricket is to the Dubai Sports Council’s ultimate objective.
Central to this strategy is the recognition of cricket’s unparalleled popularity among the city’s vast South Asian population. Rather than viewing regional competition as a hurdle, Belhoul sees an opportunity to “connect the dots” between passionate fans, aspiring young athletes, and the professional stage, ensuring that Dubai becomes the beating heart of global cricket.
Considering the significant South Asian population residing in Dubai, how vital is cricket to your overall strategic objectives at the Dubai Sports Council?
It is massive. Cricket is absolutely massive here. The fan base is huge, and the athletes residing in Dubai are constantly participating in various events. Our primary objective at the Dubai Sports Council, particularly through the World Sports Summit, is to establish a comprehensive talent development scheme and a robust grassroots system for the sport.
One of the great advantages of cricket is that we don’t need to manufacture a connection between the sport and the fans; that bond is already there in abundance. Our current focus is to build the right infrastructure to convert that fan passion into a structured pathway. We want to connect grassroots talent with professional opportunities, developing more athletes while simultaneously ensuring Dubai remains a premier home for major international cricket matches.
Mandhana has played a total of 32 international matches for India in 2025 and, with the help of 6 centuries and 7 fifties, has amassed a total of 1703 runs.
Smriti Mandhana breaks her own record of most runs in a calendar year in women’s cricket. (Picture Credit: X/@BCCIWomen)
Smriti Mandhana was on fire for Team India on Sunday (December 28) against Sri Lanka. In the fourth T20I of the ongoing five-match series, the left-handed batter from Sangli opened the innings for the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side at Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram and scored 80 runs from 48 balls. During her stay at the crease, the 29-year-old top-order batter hammered 11 fours and 3 sixes and also added 162 runs in 92 balls for the first wicket with Shafali Verma (79 runs from 46 balls; 12 fours and 1 six).
The 80-run knock by Smriti on Sunday helped her win the Player Of The Match award, and it also helped her enter her name in the history books by becoming the first player in the world to score more than 1700 runs in a calendar year in women’s cricket.
The previous record of scoring the most runs in a calendar year in women’s cricket was also in the name of Mandhana. The vice-captain of the Indian women’s cricket team amassed a total of 1659 runs in 35 matches across formats last year, and in the ongoing calendar year 2025, she has scored 1703 runs in 32 matches played so far.
In 2025, Mandhana has scored 1362 runs in 23 ODIs and 341 runs in nine T20I matches. She is the only cricketer in the world to score more than 1000 runs in a calendar year in women’s ODIs.
Smriti Mandhana in 2025
In 2024, Smriti amassed a total of 149 runs in one Test, 747 runs in 13 ODIs and 763 runs in 23 T20Is.
In the list of batters with the most runs in a calendar year in women’s cricket, Smriti is followed by South Africa’s captain, Laura Wolvaardt. Wolvaardt, who finished as the highest run-getter in the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 and also slammed a century in the semifinal and final of that tournament, scored 1593 runs in 37 matches played across formats last year.
In addition to breaking her own record of scoring the most runs in a calendar year in women’s cricket on Sunday, Mandhana also broke Harmanpreet Kaur’s record of hitting the most sixes for India in the 20-over format of the game.
Since the Asia Cup in September, the Indian men’s and women’s teams have refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts in international matches, in solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has opened up regarding India’s “no-handshake” policy, stating that Pakistan is fine with not reciprocating gestures if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) continues its current stance. Since the Asia Cup in September, both the Indian men’s and women’s teams have refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts during international matches. This gesture is reportedly a show of solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. India maintained this stance most recently during the U19 Asia Cup earlier this month.
Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Naqvi-who also serves as the Interior Minister of Pakistan-clarified that the PCB has no intention of forcing handshakes or other formal gestures with India.
“Our belief remains the same even today, and believe me, the Prime Minister himself has told me twice that we shouldn’t let politics come into all of this. From day one, our stance has been that cricket and politics should remain separate. On that day, Sarfaraz must have told you what kind of attitude was shown, and what it was like,” said Naqvi.
Naqvi suggested that while Pakistan will respect whichever path India chooses to take, they will compete with their neighbors on an equal basis.
“If they don’t want to shake hands, then we have no particular desire to do so either. Whatever happens, it will happen on an equal footing with India. And you will see, this approach will continue going forward. It’s not possible for them to do one thing and for us to back down – that simply won’t happen,” he added.
Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios won 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition match in Dubai that bore little resemblance to the era-defining 1973 encounter between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.
Nick Kyrgios beat women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the “Battle of the Sexes” on Sunday.
Nick Kyrgios beat women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the “Battle of the Sexes” on Sunday, in a highly-publicised showdown with modified rules that divided tennis fans. Former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios won 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition match in Dubai that bore little resemblance to the era-defining 1973 encounter between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Back then, there was more at stake with the nascent women’s professional tour, set up by King, fighting for its legitimacy and prize money for female players still far lower than for the men. King, one of the all-time greats of the women’s game who was at the peak of her powers, saw off the 55-year-old Riggs, a top player in his day, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in Houston.
On Sunday, each player received only one serve and the dimensions of Sabalenka’s side of the court were nine percent smaller, in an attempt to restrict Kyrgios’ power and speed advantage.
Kyrgios has dropped to 671 in the rankings after playing just six ATP matches over the past three seasons, but the 30-year-old Australian still had enough to see off four-time Grand Slam singles champion Sabalenka.
During the recent Boxing Day Test, Australia’s Steve Smith surpassed Allan Border to become the second-highest run scorer in Ashes history, behind Sir Don Bradman.
Steve Smith surpassed Allan Border in an elite list after the AUS vs ENG Boxing Day Test (Credit: AP) Photo : AP
During the Boxing Day Test against England, Australia’s stand-in skipper Steve Smith overtook Allan Border on an exclusive list. Despite his cheap scores of 9 and 24* in the first and second innings, respectively, he became the Baggy Greens’ second-highest run scorer in Ashes history. Now, the only person behind him on the list is Sir Don Bradman.
In the first innings, Josh Tongue, an England seamer, rattled Smith’s wickets. Despite the difficult ground to bat on, Smith managed to stay undefeated on the second occasion. Overall, Australia’s batting performance was subpar as they were unable to score more than 200 runs in either of their two innings.
Smith’s consistency in the series over the years has seen him amass 3,553 runs against England in Tests, despite his inability to live up to expectations in the current Ashes. In 40 Test matches, the 36-year-old has scored 12 hundreds and 14 fifties. With 3,548 runs from 47 Test matches, including 8 hundreds and 21 fifties, he surpassed Border on the list.
Most runs for Australia in The Ashes –
1. Sir Don Bradman – 5028 runs
2. Steve Smith – 3553 runs
3. Allan Border – 3548 runs
4. Steve Waugh – 3173 runs
5. Clem Hill – 2660 runs
Smith, however, expressed disapproval of the Melbourne pitch, where the Boxing Day Test was finished in just two days. None of the hitters were able to reach a half-century, making the track nothing less than a nightmare for them. Twenty wickets were taken on the first day, and sixteen wickets were taken on the second.
“Yeah, I think a little bit too much. It was tricky; no one could really get in. I think when you see 36 wickets across two days, that’s probably too much. So, probably it did a little bit more than they (the curators) would have wanted. Maybe if we drop it (the grass) down to 8mm, it’d be about right, potentially,” Smith said during the post-match presentation.
India’s chess ace D Gukesh had said ahead of the FIDE World Rapid Championships that he didn’t have a lot of expectations from the season-ending event in Doha.
India’s chess ace D Gukesh had said ahead of the FIDE World Rapid Championships that he didn’t have a lot of expectations from the season-ending event in Doha. But two days into the competition, the classical world champion proved himself wrong as he remained among the frontrunners after nine rounds of the the showpiece competition on Sunday. The teenager was joint seventh on 6.5 points with 12 others, while Russian Grandmaster Vladislav Artemiev, on 7.5 points, emerged as the joint leader with Hans Niemann after inflicting a rare defeat on world No 1 and five-time world rapid champion Magnus Carlsen (seven points), who slipped to joint third with three others.
On Saturday, Gukesh’s fighting spirit stood out as he, along with Arjun Erigaisi (6.5 points), remained just one point adrift of the leaders even as R Praggnanandhaa dropped to joint 20th along with young Nihal Sarin (both six points).
Gukesh, playing black in the sixth round — the day’s first — warded off a strong challenge from Anish Giri to split the point after the Dutch Grandmaster seemed to have cornered the Indian’s king with a superior rook formation. Gukesh, however, managed a draw in 57 moves.
The Indian was then involved in a stalemate with former European champion Alexey Sarana, before going on to earn a full point against Spaniard David Anton in the penultimate round of the day.
However, the Indian ace suffered his only defeat so far in the competition when he blundered on the 34th move with white to go down to former world rapid champion from Uzbekistan, Nodirbek Abdusattorov.
On a day when giant-killer Artemiev was on the rampage, the 27-year-old defeated Erigaisi in the opening round, with the Indian a pawn and a bishop down.
Artemiev then achieved a rare victory over Carlsen — the Norwegian’s only defeat in the nine rounds so far — as he went top of the table.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace as Al-Nassr sealed their 10th straight win in the Saudi Pro League with a 3-0 victory over Al Akhdoud on Saturday, as per Goal.com. Joao Felix also found the net as Al-Nassr moved four points ahead of Al-Hilal at the top of the table, taking 30 points from their first 10 matches of the 2025-26 season. With the brace, Ronaldo took his overall goals tally to 956, 60 goals ahead of arch-rival Lionel Messi.
Al-Nassr dominated from the opening minutes, putting constant pressure on the Al Akhdoud defence in search of an early breakthrough. After not utilising on a few chances, the hosts finally opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark when Cristiano Ronaldo finished clinically. The goal came from a Joao Felix corner, which Angelo Gomes flicked on at the near post, allowing Ronaldo to tap in from close range at the far post, as per Goal.com.
Just before half-time, Ronaldo completed his brace by doubling Al-Nassr’s lead with another classy finish. Marcelo Brozovic carried the ball into the box and passed it to his captain, who flicked it into the net.
Early in the second half, Al-Nassr went close to a third when Kingsley Coman hit the crossbar. Al Akhdoud appealed for a penalty in the 55th minute after Blaz Kramer went down, but a VAR review ruled the striker offside.
Ronaldo thought he had completed his hat-trick in the 66th minute, but the goal was disallowed after VAR showed Sultan Al-Ghannam was offside in the build-up. Joao Felix later sealed the win with a goal late in the match.
Navjot Singh Sidhu has made an emotional appeal for Virat Kohli’s Test return. Citing Kohli’s elite fitness and form, Sidhu believes a comeback would unite and uplift Indian cricket fans nationwide.
Virat Kohli’s last Test hundred came in Perth Test vs Australia. (AP Photo)
Former India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has sparked fresh conversation around Virat Kohli’s Test retirement after sharing an emotional message on social media, expressing his wish to see the former India captain return to red-ball cricket. Sidhu suggested that Kohli’s comeback would be a moment of collective joy for the nation, underlining the batter’s unmatched fitness and enduring aura.
Kohli officially retired from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, bringing an end to one of the most influential red-ball careers in Indian cricket history. Speaking through an Instagram post, Sidhu said Kohli’s presence in Test cricket would uplift the entire country and insisted that the 37-year-old’s physical conditioning remains elite, comparable to a player much younger in age.
“If God granted me a wish I’d say bring Kohli out of his retirement & make him play Test Cricket . Nothing would give more joy and ecstasy to a country of 1.5 billion ! His fitness is that of a twenty year old – he himself 24 carat gold,” Sidhu wrote.
Kohli’s Test retirement earlier this year followed his decision to step away from T20 Internationals after India’s World Cup triumph in Barbados in 2024. With that, the former captain transitioned into a single-format international player, committing himself fully to One Day Internationals.
Despite retiring from two formats, Kohli’s ODI form has shown little sign of decline. After India’s Champions Trophy victory in March, he endured a rare lean patch in Australia, registering back-to-back ducks in the opening two ODIs, the first such instance of his international career. The response, however, was emphatic. Kohli struck an unbeaten 74 in Sydney as India chased down the target with ease, alongside Rohit Sharma’s commanding century.
The resurgence continued in South Africa, where Kohli hammered successive centuries in the first two ODIs before finishing the series with an unbeaten 65 to seal a 2-1 win. He ended the year with 651 ODI runs from 13 innings at an average of 65.10.
Stunning Dorgu volley enough for Man Utd to beat Newcastle
As a football idealist, Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has specific beliefs about how the game should be played – and the best way to win.
But his usual philosophy was not the one that brought the Christmas present of a 1-0 Premier League win over Newcastle.
For one thing, there was the formation switch.
Amorim joked in September that not even the Pope could persuade him to change, but for the first time since he took charge 13 months ago, he fielded a back four.
For another, victory was achieved with 33.4% possession, their lowest in any game this season. It was United’s lowest percentage of possession in a victory since the 29.4% they had when beating against Manchester City in January 2023.
They had nine shots at Old Trafford compared to Newcastle’s 16. The visitors had 43 touches in their opponents’ box. Amorim’s men had 15.
Yet it was Manchester United who prevailed, thanks to a combination of Patrick Dorgu’s first goal for the club – which was a sublime first-half volley from the edge of the area – and only a second clean sheet of the season.
It wasn’t pretty. But even for Amorim, sometimes there are days when substance trumps style.
“Yes,” was the unequivocal reply when asked if this was one of the ‘most satisfying’ wins of his, at times, tortuous 13 months in charge.
“The feeling is good. If you compared to other games, we suffered so much more today but in certain moments we put everything on the line.
“We are defending every cross. Especially if you see the second half, sometimes we managed to defend with a back six.
“We had so many games when we controlled the opponent so much better, but it is a good feeling to have a clean sheet. We suffered together. If we always have this spirit, we are going to win so many games.”
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe headed back to the north-east of England reflecting on yet another disappointing away performance. He admitted his side failed to turn their territorial advantage into the type and volume of meaningful chances that would have earned maximum points.
But for the home side, the outcome felt significant.
Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven are at other ends of the experience scale.
One is a World Cup winner, albeit one just returning from the latest in a sequence of bad injuries. The other is a 19-year-old with 15 senior appearances under his belt – who has now extended the longest playing sequence of his first-team career to five games.
Paired together in the middle of a revised back four, with Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot as full-backs and Dorgu switched to the right side of Amorim’s attack, Martinez and Heaven were immense.
“He [Martinez] is a guy with a lot of character,” said Amorim.
“He is really good on the ball – and has won a World Cup, so he is used to that stress – but he showed today he is a top player.
“He is a small guy but today he did well against a team with tall players.”
The sight of 5ft 9in Martinez leaping high to win a header against 6ft 6in Nick Woltemade in the first half was impressive.
Even though there was an element of Amorim having to protect a player starting for the first time since February following his recovery from cruciate knee ligament surgery, there must have been concern when Martinez left the field two minutes from time and 20-year-old Tyler Fredricson came on in his place.
Virat Kohli is letting his bat do the talking amid constant speculations over his ODI future and chances of making the cut in India’s squad for the 2027 World Cup. Having made his long-awaited return to competitive cricket during the Australia tour with back-to-back ducks, Kohli has ever since been on a productive run that has seen him score two centuries and as many half-centuries in his last four international matches.
He has also carried that fine form into domestic cricket where, representing Delhi, he scored 131 against Andhra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy opener and followed that with an aggressive 77 vs Gujarat today.
The veteran batter has retired from Tests and T20Is with ODI now the only format that he plays for India. His childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma believes that the ex-India captain is fully prepared for the next ODI World Cup to be held in Africa.
“He (Kohli) is in brilliant form and has continued his form. He batted very well and ensured Delhi’s victory. He played domestic cricket after a long time and played a brilliant knock. He has scored hundreds in his previous two matches and is the most consistent player of the Indian team. For me, he is fully ready for the World Cup,” Sharma told news agency ANI.
Sharma also defended Kohli’s quiet return to international cricket earlier this year, citing his incredible record while stating a couple of innings won’t make him a bad player.
Amid the debate over Brendon McCullum’s future, a former England cricketer named Ravi Shastri as the ideal candidate to take over as England head coach.
In Ravi Shastri’s tenure, India beat Australia in Australia twice(AFP)
Current England head coach Brendon McCullum faces intense scrutiny after the team’s another forgettable tour Down Under. The Ben Stokes-led side lost the Ashes inside 11 days, raising doubts over his strategy and the much-discussed ‘Bazball’ approach. Amid the debate over McCullum’s future, former England bowler Monty Panesar named Ravi Shastri as the ideal candidate to take over as England coach.
McCullum was appointed by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) men’s managing director Rob Key in 2022, following the team’s 4-0 Ashes defeat. Alongside captain Ben Stokes, the duo breathed fresh life into England Test cricket, guiding the team to 10 wins in their first 11 matches.
However, England’s form has since stagnated. They have failed to win any of their marquee five-match series against Australia or India, losing 16 of their next 33 matches. This includes the ongoing Ashes, where they are trailing 0-3 with two games remaining.
Speaking to journalist Ravi Bisht on his YouTube channel, Panesar said he believes Ravi Shastri would be the right candidate to coach England, as he understands what it takes to beat Australia in their own backyard. He said: “You have to think: who exactly knows how to beat Australia? How do you take advantage of Australia’s weaknesses, mentally, physically, and tactically? I think Ravi Shastri should become England’s next head coach.”
Under Shastri, India beat Australia twice on Australian soil in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The first came in 2018/19, India’s maiden series win Down Under. They repeated the feat in 2020/21, overcoming the infamous ‘36 all out’ in the Adelaide pink-ball Test and managing a squad riddled with injuries.
Despite the outside noise, McCullum stressed his desire to continue in the role but conceded that his future is no longer in his control following the Ashes defeat. The former New Zealand captain is contracted with the ECB until the conclusion of the 2027 ODI World Cup, a tenure that also includes the next home Ashes series in the same year.
“I don’t know. It’s not really up to me, is it? I will just keep trying to do the job, try to learn the lessons that I haven’t quite got right here and make adjustments. Those questions are for someone else, not for me,” McCullum had told the reporters in Melbourne when asked if he believes he will be in charge for the home summer next year.
Calling the role a “pretty good gig”, McCullum said he remains motivated despite the heavy criticism.
Yash Dayal’s lawyer, Kunal Jaiman, has argued that he only met the girl in public places, never alone, that she presented herself as an adult, took money from him citing financial problems.
Cricketer Yash Dayal has suffered a major setback as a Jaipur POCSO court has rejected his anticipatory bail plea in a case of alleged rape of a minor girl. According to the order by Judge Alka Bansal of Jaipur Metropolitan Court (POCSO Court-3), the material on record does not suggest that Yash Dayal has been falsely implicated and the investigation so far indicates his possible involvement, so he cannot be granted anticipatory bail at this stage.
An FIR is registered at Sanganer Sadar police station in Jaipur, where the minor complainant has alleged that Dayal lured her with promises of helping her cricket career, emotionally blackmailed her and raped her repeatedly over about two-and-a-half years, including at hotels in Jaipur and Kanpur. Chats, photos and videos recovered from the girl’s mobile, along with call records and hotel stay records, are being treated by the police as key evidence under POCSO provisions.
One of the finest talents in the country, a popular face among fans, yet Rishabh Pant hasn’t achieved the heights in his career that he would’ve desired at the age of 28. Since making his debut for India in 2018, Pant has produced some incredible match-winning performances, especially in the whites, but hasn’t shown the consistency the team expects from him. At present, Pant remains an active part of the Indian team only in Tests, with opportunities in ODIs and T20Is being limited.
As Pant looks to navigate this phase of his career, former India spinner Amit Mishra has urged him to “modify his game” or risk getting dropped from the team.
“I have very high expectations from Rishabh Pant. Given the kind of player he is, he will also have to modify his game. Now, you can’t really call him a youngster anymore – he has been in the team since 2018. That’s what I’m saying: after a certain point in time, it becomes very important to modify your game,” Mishra said during a chat on the Men XP podcast.
“The opposition teams are watching you closely. They are observing you, understanding your game, and planning against you – where you hit fast bowling, which balls you don’t attack, they notice everything. So you also need to be aware of that. You can’t keep saying, ‘I got out the same way again here.’ That’s something you must avoid,” Mishra added.
Pant has often been criticised of throwing away his wickets by playing reckless shots. On multiple occasions, he got dismissed trying to execute similar shots without learning from past mistakes. Mishra, hence, has warned Pant that a change in his approach and batting style is a must at this stage of his career.
Mohsin Naqvi said on Monday that he would raise the matter with the ICC over what he described as “provocative behaviour” by Indian players.
Mohsin Naqvi was present during the India vs Pakistan U19 Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday(AFP)
After Pakistan under-19 team mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed accused the Indian side of misconduct during the Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi said on Monday that he would raise the matter with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over what he described as “provocative behaviour” by Indian players.
Pakistan produced a dominant performance in the final against India on Sunday at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. After posting 347 for eight, they bowled India out for 156 in 26.2 overs to seal a thumping 191-run victory. The win earned Pakistan their first Under-19 Asia Cup title in 13 years and only the second in the tournament’s history.
Speaking to the media at a reception for the Under-19 team hosted by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Naqvi called out the conduct of the Indian players and said the board would “formally” approach the ICC, urging the council to keep sport and politics separate.
“Indian players kept provoking Pakistani players during the Under-19 Asia Cup final,” Naqvi said. “Pakistan will formally inform the ICC about the incident. Politics and sports should always be kept separate.”
Earlier, during the same media interaction, Sarfaraz, who had previously won the Champions Trophy as captain in the 2017 final against India, criticised India’s conduct during the final, terming it “unethical.”
“India’s behaviour during the game was not appropriate, and their conduct was against the spirit of cricket,” Sarfaraz said. “Despite that, we celebrated our victory with sportsmanship. Cricket should always be played in the right spirit; what India did reflects their own actions.”
This is not the first time player conduct during an India–Pakistan clash has made headlines. Earlier, during the senior men’s T20 Asia Cup in September in Dubai, both boards raised concerns and lodged complaints with the ICC over on-field behaviour across three matches, including the final.
The star-studded Indian cricket team, which had IPL players like Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre, reached the U-19 Asia Cup final unbeaten but lost the title clash against Pakistan
The U-19 Asia Cup did not end well for the Indian team. The star-studded side, which had IPL players like Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre, reached the final unbeaten but lost the title clash against Pakistan by a huge 191-run margin. Once Pakistan posted a mammoth 347/8, riding on Sameer Minhas’ 172 (113b, 17×4, 9×6), India needed a lion-hearted chase to clinch a ninth title in the tournament. But the tall Pakistan pace troika – Ali Reza (4/42), Mohammad Sayyam (2/38) and Abdul Subhan (2/29) – hurried through the top order with consistent hard lengths as India folded for 156 in 26.2 overs. Suryavanshi, who began the tournament with a 171 against UAE, scored 26, while Chennai Super Kings player Mhatre was out for 2.
According to a report in Cricbuzz, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will review the Mhatre-led side’s performance in the continental event after the loss to Pakistan in the final.
“The decision was taken at an online Apex Council meeting on Monday (December 22) evening, where members discussed the team’s overall showing in the tournament and felt there was a need to seek explanations from the team management,” the report stated.
While generally the team manager always submits a report to BCCI after any tournament, this time the BCCI is likely to “go beyond the usual review process” and hold discussions with head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar and captain Mhatre.
The final match saw heated moments, with Mhatre and Suryavanshi engaging in a heated altercation with their rivals from Pakistan. Whether player conduct will be part of the review is not yet known.
Mohsin Naqvi handed over the trophy to the Pakistan team during the post match presentation ceremony. However, Team India is still waiting for their Asia Cup 2025 trophy since their victory in the finals against Pakistan in September this year.
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Congratulates U19 Team On Asia Cup Final Win Over India | X | Facebook
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday showered praise on the Under-19 Team for winning the Asia Cup final against India. Pakistan U-19 team beat India by 191 runs in the Asia Cup final to lift the trophy. PM Shehbaz Sharif also praised Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi over the victory.
Mohsin Naqvi handed over the trophy to the Pakistan team during the post match presentation ceremony. However, Team India is still waiting for their Asia Cup 2025 trophy since their victory in the finals against Pakistan in September this year.
An electrifying performance by Team Pakistan 🇵🇰
Shahbash 👏🏻
Heartiest congratulations to our Under-19 team on winning the ACC U-19 Asia Cup 🏆 2025, defeating India in the final.
The nation is proud of you.
My deep appreciation to Chairman PCB @MohsinnaqviC42 and his team for…
Shahbaz Sharif said, “An electrifying performance by Team Pakistan Shahbash Heartiest congratulations to our Under-19 team on winning the ACC U-19 Asia Cup 2025, defeating India in the final. The nation is proud of you. My deep appreciation to Chairman PCB @MohsinnaqviC42 and his team for their dedicated efforts.”
Pakistani opener Sameer Minhas scripted history in the Asia Cup U19 final with his 172 runs off 113 balls which helped Pakistan to gain victory against India. His century got Pakistan to an invincible total of 347 runs.
India’s T20I vice-captain, Shubman Gill, incurred a huge shock on Saturday as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. Gill’s omission left many surprised, considering he was recently elevated as the deputy to Suryakumar Yadav while also being given the opening spot alongside Abhishek Sharma. However, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee hit the panic button after witnessing Gill’s poor run of form in the format and decided to reallocate the second opening spot to Sanju Samson.
While questions were being raised over Gill’s continuity in the playing XI, ahead of Samson, not many had predicted that he would be dropped from the squad entirely. As per a report in the Indian Express, Gill wasn’t informed about his removal from the T20 squad until the roster was announced on Saturday. But the BCCI selection committee had made up its mind a few days ago.
Why Was Shubman Gill Dropped?
According to the report, the nature of the pitches being set up for the T20 World Cup 2026 played a big role in the decision. With India playing every match at a different venue, pitches are expected to get slower as the tournament progresses. This means that runs in the powerplay become more crucial in deciding the fate of the game.
The selectors, hence, put more faith in Samson, Abhishek, and Ishan Kishan’s explosive power at the top to do this job than Gill. This was the area where Gill lost the race to the trio.
With India’s over-reliance on Hardik Pandya to play the finisher’s role also being exposed over the last few games, the selectors deduced that handing Rinku Singh a recall is important. Rinku is expected to take some load off Hardik’s shoulders in the finishing department.
Kylian Mbappe matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record for goals in a calendar year and Jude Bellingham also scored as Real Madrid beat Sevilla 2-0 on Saturday in La Liga.
Kylian Mbappe matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record for goals in a calendar year and Jude Bellingham also scored as Real Madrid beat Sevilla 2-0 on Saturday in La Liga. French superstar Mbappe levelled Ronaldo’s tally of 59 goals in 2013 by stroking home a late penalty, after Bellingham sent Madrid ahead with a first half header. The victory allowed Los Blancos, second, to cut the gap on leaders Barcelona to one point before the Catalans visit Villarreal on Sunday.
“To do like Cristiano did, my idol, the best player in Real Madrid’s history and a world great, it’s an honour for me,” said Mbappe, who turned 27 on Saturday.
Gaining a third consecutive win across all competitions, after managing just two in the previous eight games, marginally eases the pressure on coach Xabi Alonso even though the performance was still underwhelming.
“We’ve got some time now to analyse and reflect where we are now,” Alonso told reporters ahead of the winter break.
“We want to do better, we’re self-critical, we got the three points and now we’ll use this time and try to start the year better.”
Sevilla, who thrashed champions Barcelona 4-1 in October, started strongly with veteran Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez heavily involved.
Odysseas Vlachodimos made a fine save to thwart Fran Garcia at the other end, and as the minutes ticked by Madrid began to find more of a foothold.
Bellingham headed the hosts in front at the Santiago Bernabeu after Rodrygo Goes whipped in a dangerous free-kick.
The Brazilian forward was booked for diving before the break as he tumbled in the box under little pressure.
Sanchez landed the ball on the roof of Thibaut Courtois’s net before the break with an acrobatic effort.
Sevilla coach Matias Almeyda was sent off at half-time for dissent, but his team plugged away in search of an equaliser regardless.
Courtois twice denied Isaac Romero early in the second half, while Mbappe intensified his search to emulate Ronaldo’s record.
Mbappe headed against the crossbar and whipped a shot narrowly wide, while Vlachodimos fended off another effort from the forward.
Sevilla defender Marcao clumsily slid in to foul Bellingham after 67 minutes and was sent off for a second yellow card, hampering his side’s chances of adding to Alonso’s struggles.
Madrid almost scored a second when Mbappe teed up Rodrygo, who lifted the ball into the air and then lashed it towards goal, but Vlachodimos superbly tipped it onto the crossbar.
Mbappe’s 59th
Eventually Mbappe got the goal he craved from the penalty spot, after Juanlu clumsily brought down Rodrygo.
The forward sent Vlachodimos the wrong way as he stroked in his 59th of the year, to match Ronaldo’s record.
Mbappe copied Ronaldo’s trademark celebration and said it was a nod to the Portuguese great, Madrid’s all-time top goalscorer.
“I wanted to give him a wink because he’s always been kind to me,” said Mbappe.
“He was my idol as a kid, I have a very good relationship with him, he’s a friend now.”
Madrid were awarded another penalty when Bellingham went down in the box but it was ruled out after a VAR review showed Sevilla defender Oso got the ball.
The referee then gave Madrid another penalty as Sow fouled Rodrygo on the edge of the box, but the offence was just outside the area and it was again scrapped.
Mbappe whipped the free-kick narrowly over the top corner as he battled in vain to go beyond Ronaldo’s mark, but he will have to try again in 2026.
Chakravarthy (4/53) removed the dangerous Aiden Markram and Donovan Ferreira off consecutive deliveries in the 13th over to take the fight out of the South Africans by reducing them to 135 for 5 from 118 for 1 in 10 overs.
Indian players celebrate after their victory in the fifth T20 International cricket match against South Africa, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Credit: PTI
Hard-hitting India batters Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya hammered fine half-centuries while spinner Varun Chakravarthy snared four wickets as India defeated South Africa by 30 runs to clinch the five-match T20I series 3-1 here on Saturday.
With Varma (73 off 42 balls) and Pandya (63 off 25 balls) in full flow, India scored a competitive 231 for 5 and then restricted the visitors to 201 for 8.
The Proteas were in the match till opener Quinton de Kock (65 off 35 balls) and Dewald Brevis (31 off 17) were at the crease, but the visitors lost wickets quickly once the two departed in successive overs.
Chakravarthy (4/53) removed the dangerous Aiden Markram and Donovan Ferreira off consecutive deliveries in the 13th over to take the fight out of the South Africans by reducing them to 135 for 5 from 118 for 1 in 10 overs.
Earlier, skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s poor run with the bat continued as he scored just five runs but India still put up a big total with Varma and Pandya sharing a 115-run stand for the fourth wicket.
After the fourth T20I between India and South Africa was abandoned due to excessive fog and poor visibility, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said that the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) is the “competent authority” to oversee a full refund for ticket holders.
After the fourth T20I between India and South Africa was abandoned due to excessive fog and poor visibility, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said that the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) is the “competent authority” to oversee a full refund for ticket holders. The abandonment of the match sparked frustration among spectators, who are expecting a refund for their tickets. Under the BCCI’s refund policy, spectators are eligible for reimbursement (minus fees) if a match is cancelled or abandoned before a single ball is bowled. “That is under the domain of the state cricket association, which is UPCA. So, this game’s hosting state is the UPCA. So, they will be able to tell you about this, and they are the competent authority.
“Everything in ticketing is done by the state association, as the BCCI just gives them the hosting rights and all these things are taken care of and are under the domain of the state association,” Saikia told IANS on Thursday.
Repeated inspections by on-field umpires K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan and Rohan Pandit, along with reserve umpire J.R. Madanagopal, didn’t yield the desired outcome as the game was eventually called off at 9.30 pm.
Due to the match being abandoned at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, India holds a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, with the fifth and final game set to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday.
The abandonment of the fourth T20I has reignited debate over the BCCI’s scheduling of international games in winter months, particularly with this series against South Africa seen as a part of vital preparation ahead of the Men’s T20 World Cup in February-March.
This was the first time a T20I was staged in Lucknow in December, and it now carries the unwanted distinction of hosting India’s first major international match abandoned due to excessive fog.
India’s seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya was even spotted wearing a mask in the middle, underscoring the severity of fog and the Air Quality Index (AQI), which remained hazardous. The scheduling of fixtures in North Indian winters has long been a contentious issue, and Saikia felt Wednesday’s game being abandoned in Lucknow was just an exceptional situation.
“No, it is a solitary weather situation. Normally we have this kind of weather in the month of January. This time it is quite early, number one, and number two, we had a match in Dharamsala also the other day. Dharamsala is a much colder place. So you cannot predict fog, and rain. Nowadays cricket is a throughout the year annual event for 12, and we have to have the matches.
“When we saw that there were big disturbances from fog in northern India in the month of January, we already restructured our domestic cricket matches. That’s why there is a big gap between Ranji Trophy matches in North India. If you look at our schedule, we have bifurcated the Ranji Trophy matches into two parts.
“During the first part of January, we are not scheduling any matches in North India from last year onwards, if you follow that. This Lucknow incident is an exceptional weather condition. We had three matches in North India – one in Chandigarh, Dharamshala and one in Lucknow – all are in the same build,” he elaborated.
Saikia also gave an example of how prior advice on smog affecting New Delhi after Diwali had led to the national capital hosting the second Test against the West Indies in October, instead of the originally decided series opener against South Africa.
“If we had got any sense that there will be something like this, you can take the example of rescheduling or swapping of the Test match in New Delhi. If you look at the West Indies match, the second Test was played in New Delhi. In fact, the second Test was scheduled to happen in Kolkata.
Shubman Gill’s vulnerability against straight deliveries has emerged as an area of concern and the India opener needs to improve his footwork to counter the issue, former batting coach Sanjay Bangar said. Gill, India’s vice-captain in the T20 format, has managed 291 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 137.3, and Bangar pointed out that the opener’s scoring rate drops noticeably against deliveries pitched on a straight line. “In the beginning, his footwork was very positive. But if you remove three or four boundaries over 28 games, the issue has been on straighter lines. Against straight deliveries, his strike rate has fallen quite low,” Bangar said, urging the young opener to improve his footwork to counter this weakness,” Bangar said on Game Plan on JioStar.
“Outside the off stump, his strike rate is good, but there have been a few edges as well. Overall, he has scored runs, but straight-line play is something he will want to improve.
“In the second (T20) game (against South Africa), the ball that got him out was a very good delivery. It could have dismissed any batter. His footwork has improved, and if he continues to play with clear footwork, he will be able to hit the same shots consistently, like the three or four boundaries we’ve seen.” Abhishek’s attacking mindset is a key factor
Bangar praised young opener Abhishek Sharma for his attacking approach, particularly his ability to hit big sixes over the covers.
The former batting coach noted that Abhishek’s high backlift and powerful swing give him excellent reach, enabling him to clear the infield with ease.
“His attacking mindset is a key factor. He has the ability to strike the ball cleanly, especially over the covers, which is a special skill,” Bangar added.
Messi’s grand visit only underscored the harsh truth: India cheers for icons, not the sport itself, as domestic football crumbles under neglect, stalled leagues, and a system unwilling to reform.
The money put in for Lionel Messi’s tour of India could have been put in to improve Indian football. (PTI Photo)
Lionel Messi’s visit to India has been the flavour of the week. And yet, I found myself strangely unmoved.
Don’t get me wrong—I have been a devoted admirer of the diminutive Argentinian for years and would jump at the chance to see him up close. But under the circumstances, a self-imposed boycott felt more honest. Because how does one celebrate a footballer while the sport itself lies in the ICU in this country?
It is estimated that the promoters who brought Messi to India spent close to Rs 120 crore to make the trip happen. That figure reportedly includes Messi’s appearance fee, the cost of a private jet, and other operational expenses. The recovery plan was predictable: corporate sponsorships, government tie-ups, steep ticket prices (Rs 10,000– Rs 30,000), private meet-and-greets reportedly costing Rs 10 lakh per person, and television rights. A heady cocktail of money, power and glamour ensured that an ambitious nation could afford 72 hours of footballing royalty.
Now contrast that spectacle with the state of football back home.
The last year has arguably been the darkest phase in Indian football’s history. The country’s top league, the Indian Super League (ISL), is in limbo, with no takers for its commercial rights. The season remains stalled, leaving nearly 300 Indian footballers effectively jobless. The crisis has deepened to the point where icons like Sunil Chhetri and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu have had to issue public SOS messages on social media, pleading for intervention.
Reliance ran the league for nearly a decade before pulling the plug, citing sustained losses and irreconcilable differences with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Matters are no better lower down the pyramid. Even the tender to operate the I-League, India’s second-tier men’s competition, failed to attract a single bidder this year. While much of this reflects chronic mismanagement and incompetence within the AIFF, it also points to a deeper, more uncomfortable truth: widespread apathy towards the sport itself.
Here’s the stark arithmetic. While the total operating cost of one full season of ISL is 100 odd crores, currently the AIFF is demanding a minimum guarantee of around 37.5 crore from any entity that would like to own and market one season of the ISL— that’s marketing and controlling rights for three full seasons of India’s premier football competition for roughly the same amount spent on Messi’s three-day joyride through the country.
Yet, there are no corporates dipping into marketing budgets, no state governments offering “partnership” fees, no wealthy patrons paying for the sport, and not even a strong middle-class rush to buy tickets for domestic matches. Even the central government appears to have stepped away. A Times of India report quoted the sports ministry as saying in no uncertain terms that it “cannot help in funding and running the ISL” and that the responsibility lies entirely with stakeholders. This, even as India prepares to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and eyes a potential Olympic bid in 2036.
Then there’s the national team. The Indian men currently languish at 142 in the FIFA rankings—their worst position in over a decade. Recent defeats have come against Bangladesh and Afghanistan, teams that were once considered walkovers. From being regarded as Asian giants in an earlier era to struggling even at the SAFF level, Indian football’s decline has been steep—almost as steep as the rupee’s fall against the dollar.
Consider this: India has failed to qualify for next year’s AFC Asian Cup. So forget the FIFA World Cup. Indian football doesn’t even feature among the top 24 teams in Asia anymore—on a continent widely regarded as the weakest in the footballing universe. This marks a dramatic fall from a time when India featured in each of the last three editions of the same tournament.
All of which reinforces a belief I have long held about sports in this country: Indians don’t love sport; they love sportstars.
The opening tie, on a sunny afternoon in Cubbon Park, saw VB Realty Hawks defeat Aussie Mavericks Kites 25-21.
Kites’ Nick Kyrgios (left) and D Suresh in action during a men’s doubles match of the WTL at SM Krishna Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Credit: DH Photo/ B K Janardhan
For the Indian players in fray at the World Tennis League, it is a four-day crash course on ‘what you need to do to chase your dreams’ while rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s best.
For the international stars at the franchise-based event, it is four days of active rest sessions during off season and an opportunity to give back to the sport as mentors.
Such exchange of pro tips, light-hearted conversations in between some serious and some playful serves, backhands and forehands were on display at the decked-up SM Krishna Tennis Stadium as the fourth edition of the WTL got underway here on Wednesday.
The opening tie, on a sunny afternoon in Cubbon Park, saw VB Realty Hawks defeat Aussie Mavericks Kites 25-21. India’s young talent Maaya Revathi teamed-up with world No. 14 Elina Svitolina to get the Hawks to a winning start as the duo beat world No. 26 Marta Kostyuk and the country’s seasoned pro Ankita Raina of the Kites 7-5. Ukraine’s Svitolina extended Hawks’ lead by downing her fellow country-woman Kostyuk 7-5.
Nick Kyrgios and Dhakshineswar Suresh pulled one back for the Kites by beating Denis Shapovalov and Yuki Bhambri (6-4). Going into the fourth and final one-set tie with a tiny lead, world No. 23 Shapovalov got the better of Suresh (7-5) to help Hawks fly away with a win.
With the floodlights now lighting up the facility, AOS Eagles edged past third edition winners Game Changers Falcons 18-16. Even though Eagles’ and world No. 25 Paula Badosa lost the opener 4-6 to less fancied Magda Linette, the Spaniard joined forces with India’s top-ranked male singles player Sumit Nagal to win the mixed doubles 6-1 against Falcons’ former world No. 1 doubles specialist Rohan Bopanna and partner Linette.
Falcons then captured the men’s doubles ties (Daniil Medvedev/ Bopanna beat Gael Monfils/ Nagal 6-2) before 39-year-old Frenchman Monfils outclassed Medvedev 6-3.
In a tournament meant to entertain through tennis, there was also drama when a section of the crowd began protesting at the beginning of the first contest. The jazzed up player tunnel entry blocking their view of the court angered the ones seated behind it as play was suspended for a few minutes before moving the crowd to the adjacent centre stands.
As for on court theatrics, the normally poker-faced Medvedev flashed a beaming smile for the fans, chair umpire Jon Blom disciplined Kyrgios’ tantrums saying ‘Nick, please sit down!’
and Monfils bounced, danced and got the crowds on their feet. The ‘Tennis-tainment’ also had Bollywood stars offering their two cents on the sport during their two minutes stay at the stadium. Right!
Lionel Messi embraced Indian culture and performed various rituals during his visit to Vantara in Jamnagar. Clips have come out of the Argentine performing the Shiv Abhishek as well as chanting various mantras and praying.
Lionel Messi embraced Indian culture |Courtesy – screengrab
Lionel Messi won hearts as he took up local traditions on his visit to India over the week alongside Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, as the Argentina footballers visited four Indian cities with events at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, and Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium before visiting Jamnagar, where he visited Vantara, a wildlife rescue and conservation centre operated by Anant Ambani
In visuals released by Reliance Industries of the visit, Messi was seen taking a tour of the facility and having a fun interaction with the animals. Moreover, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also visited temples in the city alongside Anant and his wife, Radhika, and performed religious rituals.
In visuals that have gone viral on social media, Messi was seen praying and chanting various mantras like ‘Jai Mata Di’ and ‘Har Har Mahadev’ while also performing Shiv Abhishek.
Lionel Messi’s Special Words For India
After leaving India and going to Argentina for a holiday during his off-season before he returns to Miami, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner took to Instagram and expressed gratitude towards Indian fans and wished that the country’s football sees a bright future.
“Namaste India! What incredible visits to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Thanks for the warm welcome, great hospitality and all the expressions of love throughout my tour. I hope football has a bright future in India!,” wrote Messi on Instagram while posting a clip of events he did in the four cities.
During the last event in Delhi, Messi also gave a speech to the fans and promised to return while expressing his delight at seeing the love of Indian fans.
“Well, I just want to thank everyone for the love and affection during these days in India. In fact, it was a truly beautiful experience for us to be able to share it. And although it was short and intense, it was wonderful to receive all this love that I knew existed, but receiving it directly was amazing. It was a crazy experience, everything they did for us these days. So, we carry all this love with us, and we will definitely return, hopefully one day to play a match or on another occasion, but we will definitely return to visit India. Thank you very much,” said Messi in an event.
After Matchday 4, Mumba Masters and Triveni Continental Kings are both on nine match points but the former at the top of the leader board with 51 game points as against 43 for the defending champions. In the first clash of Matchday 4, Alpine SG Pipers once again chose to play white after winning the toss for the second straight match.
Alpine SG Pipers stormed their way into title contention by registering their second consecutive victory while leaders upGrad Mumba Masters and defending champions Triveni Continental Kings also registered comfortable wins to maintain their advantage in the Global Chess League (GCL), a joint initiative of Tech Mahindra and FIDE, on Wednesday.
The Pipers beat Fyers American Gambits 10-4, upGrad Mumba Masters registered a dominating 18-2 win over PBG Alaskan Knights while Triveni Continental Kings got the better of Ganges Grandmasters 11-6 at the Royal Opera House here on Wednesday.
After Matchday 4, Mumba Masters and Triveni Continental Kings are both on nine match points but the former at the top of the leader board with 51 game points as against 43 for the defending champions.
In the first clash of Matchday 4, Alpine SG Pipers once again chose to play white after winning the toss for the second straight match, looking to build on their victory over overnight leaders upGrad Mumbai Masters.
There was not much to separate the two teams on the top four boards but Mendonca came up with another clinical performance to beat World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin on the prodigy board to give his team the advantage. Opting for a Closed Catalan, the GM from Goa gained the upper hand with a bishop sacrifice on the 18th move and maintained the pressure and his Russian opponent running out of time on move 46.
In the women’s clash between Nino and Injac Teodara, the former was under pressure for a major part of the 61 move clash but turned things around with three advancing pawns and forced Teodara to resign and take her team to the top of the table for a brief period.
Nina, who registered her third win in four matches, said, “I played all in and pushed my pawn and at some point (I had a chance to win).”
Later, upGrad Mumba Masters rode on wins from Koneru Humpy and D Harika to register a dominating win over PBG Alaskan Knights with black pieces to cement their place on the top of leader board. Humpy lived dangerously against Kateryna Lagno but pounced on her opponent’s mistake as the Russian failed to correctly follow up after sacrificing her queen and resigned after 33 moves.
On the adjacent board, Player of the Match Harika defeated Sara Khadem in 43 moves while Alaskan Knights Arjun Erigasi lost to Wesley So after running out of time. On the icon board, world champion D Gukesh’s wait for a win got longer after he was held to a draw by Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in 31 moves. Bardiya Daneshvar completed Mumba Masters tally with a win over Daniel Dardha.
In the last match of the day, Triveni Continental Kings defeated Ganges Grandmasters 11-6 after Alireza Firouzja defeated Viswanathan Anand in the icon clash and GM Wei Yi got the better of Vincent Keymer on the second board.
Lionel Messi’s India tour moved through chaos and calm, heartbreak and joy. Across four cities, fans waited, erred, celebrated and found fleeting magic in the presence of football’s greatest.
Lionel Messi’s tour of India was a wild ride to say the least. (Image: PTI)
Lionel Messi’s G.O.A.T Tour in India was more than just a visit. It was a rollercoaster journey that saw the many faces of the country. Across the four cities, the tour swung like a pendulum, hovering between disappointment, delight, missteps and moments that felt truly special.
For fans, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of football’s finest live and in the flesh. For organisers and political leaders, it became an opportunity to enhance their optics. For Messi, it was a short and intense visit filled with overwhelming affection, even when things did not always go according to plan.
Each city told a different story. Together, they formed a tour that will be remembered as much for its contrasts as for the presence of the GOAT himself.
Kolkata: Chaos in India’s footballing Mecca
Kolkata, often regarded as the footballing Mecca of India, was meant to be the blockbuster opener for Lionel Messi’s G.O.A.T India Tour. Instead, the city that has lived and breathed football for generations witnessed a shocking spectacle that left fans angry and heartbroken.
Thousands of supporters packed the Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan in Salt Lake, many paying Rs 4500 and upwards for tickets. For some, it meant months of saving. For others, it meant travelling long distances. They came with hope to see the legendary Argentine up close rather than from a television screen. But what followed was confusion.
Messi stepped onto the field, but it did not take long for the moment to go sour. He was immediately surrounded by politicians, officials, celebrities, their families and photographers. Space disappeared within seconds. Security struggled to cope. The planned lap of the ground never happened. Within minutes, Messi was escorted away.
His time on the field lasted under ten minutes.
As the realisation sank in, frustration spread through the stands. Fans who had waited for hours felt cheated. Bottles were thrown. Hoardings were damaged. Security personnel rushed in as protests broke out inside the stadium. Videos of the unrest flooded social media, replacing the excitement that had surrounded Messi’s arrival earlier that day.
The anger ran deeper because of where it happened. In a city that prides itself on its football culture, fans felt ignored and sidelined. Many openly questioned why they were invited at all when access appeared reserved for VVIPs.
Earlier, Kolkata had welcomed Messi warmly. He arrived after midnight on December 13, greeted by fans outside the airport. That excitement carried through the day, only to collapse by night.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee later issued a public apology and announced an enquiry. The tour organiser was detained. Refunds were promised. A political blame game followed.
But none of it changed one truth. The fans lost. In India’s football heartland, the tour began with disappointment and national embarrassment.
Hyderabad: A fresh start with football in focus
After the chaos that ensued in Kolkata, the Hyderabad leg felt like a reset.
Fans arrived at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium with tempered expectations. They were not asking for perfection. They wanted visibility, order and respect. This time, they got it.
Crowd movement was controlled. Sightlines were clear. The atmosphere felt calm and planned.
The programme began with a friendly match involving Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. His enthusiasm was evident, even if his footballing skill was not. Clips of his misplaced passes during a kickabout with Messi went viral, with football fans poking fun online. Reddy took it in good spirit and did not try to steal the show.
What mattered more was what he did next. Unlike Kolkata, he ensured that Messi was not crowded. At one point, he asked people to move away so fans could see clearly. That simple act earned praise and set the tone for the evening.
When Messi arrived with Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, the stadium erupted. The difference was immediate. Messi was not swallowed by VIPs or layers of security. Fans enjoyed uninterrupted views as he walked onto the pitch smiling.
What followed were the moments supporters had hoped for. Light kickabouts, interactions with children, multiple laps of the ground and footballs kicked into the stands. Messi took his time acknowledging fans and soaking in the atmosphere.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was also present and struck a different note. He stayed in the background, allowing children to share the spotlight with Messi. When Messi later gifted him an Argentina jersey, it felt like a footnote rather than the headline.
Messi addressed the crowd briefly, thanking fans for their love. The applause reflected a crowd that finally felt heard.
Hyderabad did not erase Kolkata, but it steadied the tour. It showed that when egos step aside, even a tightly scheduled event can feel genuine.
Mumbai: Emotion, order and a night that worked
The December 14 event at the Wankhede Stadium felt like everything coming together. The organisation was sharp. Fans were disciplined. The mood was joyful.
There were no chaotic scenes. Messi had space. He moved freely. The event flowed naturally.
One of the most emotional threads involved Sunil Chhetri. Recently retired from international football and nursing an injury, the former India captain still showed up. The crowd responded instinctively, chanting his name with warmth and pride.
Messi spent time with Chhetri and exchanged jerseys with him. It was a quiet but powerful moment. Two footballers from different worlds acknowledge each other.
Mumbai also delivered one of the tour’s most unforgettable images. Lionel Messi and Sachin Tendulkar standing together at the Wankhede. Two icons from different sports sharing the same stage drew a roar that felt historic.
Messi played with children, took part in a friendly penalty shootout and interacted with youngsters from Project Mahadeva, a five-year, state-backed grassroots football initiative launched in Mumbai to identify and train 60 young boys and girls through a structured scouting and scholarship programme aimed at developing future international-level players. Suarez and De Paul joined in, keeping things light. Suarez getting nutmegged drew laughter and cheers.
There was a brief interruption when Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the crowd and faced boos. He sensed the mood quickly, used a familiar chant and restored calm.
Mumbai showed what the tour could be when planning, restraint, and respect guided the evening.
Delhi: Delayed arrival, brief magic and a fitting farewell
The final leg in Delhi began with uncertainty. Fog delayed Messi’s flight from Mumbai, pushing his arrival into mid-afternoon. The schedule shrank.
Fans waited anyway.
By the time Messi arrived at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, he had only about 30 minutes to give. It did not matter.
The stands were full. Chants were loud. Argentina jerseys were everywhere.
Messi walked out smiling. He waved freely. He took a lap of the ground. He kicked balls into the stands with Suarez and De Paul as confetti fell. He played briefly with children and felicitated the Minerva Academy team.
Then he spoke.
In Spanish, he thanked fans, described the visit as short but intense, and promised to return someday. Most did not understand the words, but everyone understood the feeling.
Jay Shah presented Messi with a ticket to India’s opener in the T20 World Cup 2026, an Indian cricket team jersey bearing No. 10. Suarez and De Paul received jerseys, too. Rekha Gupta’s arrival drew AQI chants, a reminder that Delhi crowds always speak their mind.
Fans waited nearly five hours for minutes of Messi. As they left, disappointment gave way to quiet fulfilment. Seeing Messi live was enough.
A missed football moment amid cricket’s familiar shadow
For all the emotion and spectacle, the tour also raised an uncomfortable question.
In a country where football is struggling for structure and stability, Messi’s visit was a rare opportunity to place the sport firmly at the centre. Instead, cricket once again found a way to share, and at times dominate, the narrative.
From symbolic jersey exchanges to the presence of cricketing icons and administrators at centre stage, several moments felt like crossover events rather than football first occasions. Cricket’s ecosystem remains so strong that it naturally draws attention, even during a football icon’s visit.
There were glimpses of what could have been. Interactions with children. Academy recognitions. Grassroots symbolism. But too often, football felt secondary to optics.
Here’s what Suryakumar Yadav had to say about his lack of form for India in T20Is.
India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav plays a shot during the third T20I(PTI)
India captain Suryakumar Yadav admitted that he is “definitely out of runs” after failing to get going for the third game in a row against South Africa in Dharamsala on Sunday. The right-handed batter has had a horrid time in the Indian colours in 2025, failing to hit a single fifty and averaging less than 15. Suryakumar, known as India’s Mr.360, scored 717 runs for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL this year; however, his form for India has been woeful, and this is now becoming a significant concern for the team ahead of the all-important World Cup.
In the 20 matches he has played this year, Suryakumar has gone past the 30-run mark just twice – once against Pakistan in the Asia Cup and then in the T20I against Australia in Canberra. His highest score so far in 2025 is 47 not out against Pakistan in the Asia Cup in Dubai.
Making matters worse, time and time again, Suryakumar has been falling prey to his favourite pick-up shot. This was once again his undoing in the third T20I against the Proteas in Dharamsala.
Speaking at the post-match presentation after India’s seven-wicket victory, Suryakumar emphatically stated that he’s “not out of form” but definitely “out of runs.”
“See, the thing is that I have been batting beautifully in the nets. I am trying everything that is in my control. When the game comes, when the runs have to come, they will definitely come. But yes, I am looking for runs,” Suryakumar said at the post-match presentation.
“Not out of form, but definitely out of runs,” he added.
‘Sport teaches you a lot of things’
His own form aside, Suryakumar’s captaincy record is quite impressive in 2025, and he is yet to lose a series ever since taking over the T20I captaincy last year. After a hammering in the second T20I, the hosts bounced back strongly in the Dharamsala match, registering a win by seven wickets.
Speaking about the victory, the 35-year-old said, “I think this sport teaches you a lot of things. How you come back into the series is more important. And we did the same thing, we wanted to go back to basics, do the same things we were doing in Cuttack, and the results were on our side.”
The city of Mumbai turned up in numbers to get a glimpse of Lionel Messi at the Wankhede Stadium. The event went smoothly, and produced several memorable moments, prompting the Maharashtra CM to tweet that Mumbai has the GOAT fans.
Lionel Messi has a gala time in Mumbai. (PTI Photo)
“Thank you Mumbai, you are the real GOAT crowd,” tweeted Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis after the successful completion of the GOAT Tour in Mumbai. On December 14, the iconic Wankhede Stadium hosted what turned out to be a near perfect event, as Lionel Messi, Sunil Chhetri, and Sachin Tendulkar came together on one stage. The evening was dedicated to celebrating one of the greatest footballers of all time, Lionel Messi, in front of an adoring Indian audience.
Unlike the event in Kolkata, where the crowd lost their cool and vandalised the Salt Lake Stadium, the Mumbai crowd and organisers displayed remarkable discipline and respect. Fans showered love and admiration on Messi, allowing the event to unfold smoothly as the football legend went about his appearances and interactions at the Wankhede Stadium without any disruptions.
During the event, Messi played a few passes with children, participated in a friendly penalty shootout, and exchanged jerseys with Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. The crowd remained on their feet throughout the evening, cheering loudly for every moment involving the stars. Their energy and enthusiasm helped turn the event into a memorable night for fans, and for all the right reasons.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appeared to take a subtle dig at the Kolkata crowd and the local administration following the smooth execution of the Mumbai event. He took to social media to praise the city, stating that Mumbai had shown why it deserved to be called the best crowd of all time.
“Thank You Mumbai, you are the Real G.O.A.T crowd!” the Chief Minister wrote on Sunday.
Earlier, chaos had ensued in Kolkata when fans grew angry with the organisers. With Lionel Messi surrounded by politicians and VIPs inside the stadium, large sections of the crowd were unable to get even a glimpse of their favourite star. Frustration soon boiled over, as fans left their seats and forcefully entered the pitch by breaking gates and toppling barricades. The angry crowd also ripped off seats inside the stadium, causing significant damage.
The unrest forced Messi to cut his Kolkata appearance short and leave the city earlier than planned. Despite the unpleasant experience, he went on to attend two subsequent events, honouring his commitment to fans across the country. The events in Hyderabad and Mumbai proceeded smoothly after the Kolkata incident, with improved security and crowd management. However, following the Kolkata disaster, the chief organiser of the tour, Satadru Dutta, was arrested by the police on charges of negligence in ensuring adequate security.
Fadnavis Booed
Amid what was otherwise a largely successful and well received event, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis found himself facing an unexpected backlash from a section of fans during the closing stages of the evening. Taking the microphone, he announced Project Mahadev, a grassroots initiative aimed at promoting and developing football across the country.
However, in the backdrop of the events that had unfolded the previous day and Maharashtra’s complex and often polarised political landscape, the announcement failed to strike a positive chord with everyone present. As Fadnavis began his address and attempted to greet the audience, loud and sustained boos rang out from parts of the stands, briefly disrupting the proceedings.
December 13 was an unforgettable day for Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, which hosted football icon Lionel Messi. Fans in huge numbers made it to the stadium, paying whopping ticket prices just to get a glimpse of the Argentine superstar, but left dejected over the turn of events at the venue. Messi could remain for only 20 to 25 minutes before being escorted out. As he appeared on the ground, Messi was swarmed by more than 100 people, including several politicians, dignitaries, and security personnel. As fans failed to see him, they turned violent, forcing the player to leave the ground.
Former India midfielder Lalkamal Bhowmick, who was one of the players in the exhibition match that took place between Mohun Bagan Messi XI and the Diamond Harbour Messi XI, revealed that the Argentine superstar got irritated and lost his cool over what traspired at the venue.
“Everything was going fine at the start as Messi walked into the stadium. He seemed relaxed, smiling, and shaking hands with all of us. He even gave autographs without hesitation,” Bhowmick told Sports Now.
“The moment too many people rushed onto the field and started clicking pictures, he became visibly uncomfortable,” he added.
As the situation turned from bad to worse, Messi failed to keep his cool.
“It got overcrowded very quickly, and we could see his reaction change as everyone around him started clicking pictures. He began showing signs of irritation, lost his cool, and everything went out of control,” Bhowmick said.
Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata to launch the GOAT India Tour 2025, drawing huge midnight crowds, ecstatic fans and heavy security as he begins a packed three-day schedule across four Indian cities.
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata on Saturday to start the GOAT India Tour 2025.
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata on Saturday to start the GOAT India Tour 2025, setting off a wave of excitement that swept through the City of Joy before dawn.
The Argentine legend touched down after travelling from Miami via Dubai, and even at the late hour, thousands of fans packed the airport perimeter for a glimpse of the World Cup winner.
Crowds chanted his name, waved Argentina flags and climbed onto barricades as police tightened a heavy security ring around the terminal. “There’s a great atmosphere of joy that Messi is coming to India after 14 years,” tour organiser Satadru Dutta said. “Football’s connection to India is growing again. Never before have so many sponsors come to Indian football.”
FANS WAIT FOR HOURS
Supporters who rushed to the airport long before his flight landed said the moment felt surreal. “We have been waiting for two hours. If needed, we will wait for even four. We can’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” one fan told ANI.
Another called the night “truly magical,” adding, “He’s a magician, the GOAT. We’re here just to catch a glimpse. Love you, Messi.”
Messi will travel to Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi during the three-day tour.
A PACKED DAY AHEAD
Messi’s Kolkata schedule begins with a private meet-and-greet from 9.30 to 10.30 am, an exclusive window for select guests and organisers. He will then switch online to virtually inaugurate a statue dedicated to him, a gesture marking the city’s deep affection for the World Cup winner.
Eight years of love, partnership, and tiny moments that feel larger than sport – that’s the story of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma. And on December 11, 2025, as the two celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary, Royal Challengers Bangalore decided to gift fans a throwback that was impossible not to smile at. The franchise posted a short, emotional video on Instagram – a montage centred around their win moment from June 3 this year – the night RCB finally ended their wait for an IPL title. As the fireworks lit up the skies over the Narendra Modi Stadium, Anushka rushed to Virat, threw her arms around him, and held on like she never wanted to let go.
Story:
“Anniversary special, featuring Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli. Ishq hai,” RCB captioned the clip. The video shows Anushka’s eyes welling up as she plants a gentle kiss on Virat’s cheek, one hand on his back, steady and proud. Virat, who was visibly emotional, sunk into the moment – the pressure of a season giving way to the comfort of the one person who has been there through every high and low. Anushka seems to whisper, “So proud of you.”
Virat and Anushka – or “Virushka,” as fans lovingly call them – tied the knot in a dreamy ceremony in Italy on December 11, 2017. It was intimate, pastel, and instantly iconic. Four years later, they announced they were expecting their first child, and in 2021, baby Vamika arrived, completing their world.
What has always stood out about this couple is how effortlessly they support and empower each other while handling two of the most high-pressure careers in the country. Earlier this year, in a chat with Dinesh Karthik for Sky Sports Cricket, Kohli spoke about how naturally he blended into Anushka’s family.
“The acceptance from day one was so beautiful,” he shared. “I never felt out of place.” He even revealed that he and his father-in-law, Ajay Kumar Sharma – a former Army officer – are “like friends.”
Bhavani Thekkada Nanjunda, of India, Khadijah Ismail, of Malaysia, and Mariana Cabrita, of Portugal, from left, compete in the cross-country women’s 7.5 km Interval Start Classic qualification race at the Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim, Norway, Feb. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)
Most of Bhavani Thekkada’s competitors grew up on skis. She grew up on a coffee farm — in southern India.
So as a cross-country skier, she’s a little behind.
Thekkada has been hitting European tracks in recent weeks trying to keep her Olympic dream alive. She’s a longshot to qualify for the Milan Cortina Winter Games, but she’s reaching some other goals along the way.
“I will be really grateful and happy if even one person out there in India is inspired by my journey and wants to do skiing, which already people are — I’ve been getting a lot of messages,” the 30-year-old Thekkada told The Associated Press in an interview.
Thekkada is chronicling her journey on social media and making headlines back home. Her bronze medal in a 5-kilometer race in Chile in September, even though just a handful of athletes competed, was hailed as India’s first international medal in women’s cross-country skiing.
Last month’s 10-kilometer World Cup race in Finland was a reality check. In an elite field, Thekkada finished last among 81 athletes, more than 16 minutes behind the winner, Frida Karlsson of Sweden. U.S. star Jessie Diggins finished fifth.
“The top 80 girls who were competing with me had a whole team with them. They had coaches, they had wax technicians, they had managers,” said Thekkada, who has won several national titles in India. “I was standing there with a few years of skiing (experience)… a couple of hours of training with some coaches.”
Being an Olympic qualification season, eligibility is flexible enough that Thekkada could get on the start line. The goal is not beating opponents — rather it’s closing the time gap to improve her score.
“I may not be the best in the world but I’m really trying to be there,” she said. “I might be a couple of minutes behind the top athletes, but then I’m also a couple of years behind (in the) training they’ve had.”
Diggins cheers her on
Thekkada had a similar result at last weekend’s 10-kilometer World Cup race in Trondheim, Norway, which leaves the upcoming event in Davos, Switzerland, as her last chance to unlock an Olympic quota spot for India.
Largely self-funded, Thekkada operates mostly independently, so she was grateful when several national teams lent a hand in Trondheim. The Canadians and Chileans helped with waxing and training, and the Italians transported her equipment, she said.
And during the race, she heard from Diggins.
“Jessie was out there cheering the loudest for me during the race. It really meant a lot to me,” Thekkada said in an update on Instagram.
India takes notice
Besides media coverage in India, a member of Parliament from her Karnataka region, Tejasvi Surya, wrote on X: “Her feats make her an inspiration for the young generation.”
Thekkada has used her growing public profile to nudge Indian leaders. After her podium finish in Chile, she wrote on X: “I hope at least now the government starts noticing (and) supporting the winter sports athletes,” and tagged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Alpine skier Arif Khan was the only Indian to compete at the 2022 Beijing Games.
Only two Indian women — Shailaja Kumar and Neha Ahuja — have competed at the Winter Games, according to the Olympics’ website.
MICHIGAN head coach Sherrone Moore has been FIRED after an urgent investigation.
The football chief has been the leader of the team – who are 9-3 on the year – for two seasons.
Moore has been part of the football setup at Michigan for a number of yearsCredit: Getty
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement that “credible evidence was found that Coach Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
“The conduct constitutes a clear violation of University policy, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior,”
The announcement was made on Wednesday afternoon.
Michigan has now named Biff Poggi as their interim head coach.
Moore is married to his wife, Kelli.
The pair have been married since 2015.
They have three daughters together.
He is yet to comment on the announcement.
Moore has been head coach of Michigan since 2024.
That was after Jim Harbaugh left for the Los Angeles Chargers.
The team went 8-5 in his first season, and won the ReliaQuest Bowl.
The Wolverines have had a solid year at 9-3 throughout 2025.
However, they did lose to bitter rivals the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Moore has also been the team’s tight ends coach from 2018 to 2020.
Smriti Mandhana has gone through a lot in the past month. She played a pivotal role in India winning the Women’s World Cup but then had to overcome a tumultuous time in her personal life
Smriti Mandhana has gone through a lot in the past month. She played a pivotal role in India winning the Women’s World Cup but then had to overcome a tumultuous time in her personal life. The star batter, however, is now back to doing what she loves the most – playing cricket. Mandhana has been named vice-captain of the Indian T20I side that will play against Sri Lanka in a series starting December 21. It is India’s first bilateral contest since the Women’s World Cup final on November 2. On Wednesday, Mandhana reunited with India captain Harmanpreet Kaur for an event where she talked about her thought process.
“Well, to be fair, I mean, as Harman said, the love for the game, and I don’t think I love anything in life more than cricket. So, when you go out to bat or when you go out to represent your country, I don’t think any other thoughts are there in the mind. When you put on the Indian jersey, the only thing you want to do is represent India and win the match for the country,” Mandhana said at the event. Incidentally, this was Mandhana’s first public appearance since she called off her marriage with music composer Palash Muchhal.
“And yeah, I mean, the biggest motivation is that when you put on the jersey and India is written on it. I mean, I always tell everyone that once you put on the jersey, you just keep all your problems aside and just be on the field, because you have a responsibility and you are one among two billion people who are representing your country. And I mean, just the thought of that is enough for you to have that razor-sharp focus and do what you want to do.”
She was also asked about disagreements within the team. “Well, I think, firstly, I don’t look at it as issues because everyone is wanting to win the game for the country and everyone has their own opinion on how we will win the game for the country,” Mandhana said.
“But genuinely, if we don’t have those discussions or arguments, we aren’t winning on the ground. Because if we do not have those sorts of discussions where we are disagreeing about something, that means we are not passionate enough to win the match for the team. So, we definitely do have those sorts of discussions.”
Following a strong performance in the ODI series against South Africa, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh voiced out his support for senior stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, saying that the duo should be “first two names” on the list. ‘Ro-Ko had a blockbuster ODI series against South Africa. While Rohit produced two magnificent half-centuries in the first and final ODIs, Virat piled up two back-to-back tons at Ranchi and Raipur and followed it with an attacking, stroke-filled half-century at Visakhapatnam.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan said the Indian team management, comprising of head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, should not “lose experience in pursuit of youth” as it could prove costly in big matches.
“Are there bigger and better players than Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli? So you shouldn’t sideline them, but instead think about how to build the team around them. If you lose experience in the pursuit of youth, then it can be a problem from time to time in big matches. So they must play, and this will be a big World Cup because after that, it’s possible they’ll never play another World Cup,” he said.
“The way Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are batting, and how the batting order looks with them, it looks so solid that they should play. They will maintain their fitness. But the questions about whether they will or should play the World Cup, it is okay to look towards the younger players but do not ignore the players who are already proven performers with the ability to deliver in big matches,” Harbhajan said.
“In the last World Cup also, they missed it in the final, with the pitch being very slow. If there was a bitter pitch, India would have won. There was a lot of pressure, which is why Australia played better than India and won. But the way India played under Rohit Sharma was unbelievable. So the first two names should be Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and the rest of the team should be formed after that,” the former Indian spinner said.
Virat ended as the top run-getter in the series with 302 runs at an average of 151.00 and a strike rate of over 117, with two centuries and a fifty. Rohit also scored 148 runs in three innings at an average of 48.66, with an SR of over 110 and two fifties.
And so we start our rewind of 2025 with the French Open Final…
This was the match of the year, a true epic that saw Carlos Alcaraz defeat Sinner after five hours and 29 minutes. The Spaniard was down two sets to love and faced a stunning three championship points against him. Yet, he rallied to win the title. That final encounter became the country’s most-watched final since 2011, drawing over 5.1 million viewers.
YANNICK SINNER’S REVENGE
Sinner got his revenge quickly, though, clinching the Wimbledon title later in the summer. It was a fantastic year for both men, Sinner played some top tennis, bringing his efficiency to the fore despite sitting out three months due to an accepted ineligibility stemming from positive tests for banned substances.
The coveted year-end ranking. Despite Sinner’s incredible win percentage (90.6%), Carlos Alcaraz claimed the year-end World No. 1 ranking. Alcaraz ended the season with 12,050 live points to Sinner’s 11,500, having played the whole year and secured a 4-2 head-to-head record over his rival.
MADISON KEYS HAD THE KEYS TO THE SEASON OPENER
On the women’s side of the court, Madison Keys started the season with a bang.
She defied expectations at the Australian Open, starting the year’s first slam with a win in Adelaide before the tournament. Her semifinal comeback against second-seeded Iga Swiatek was unforgettable. Iga broke Keys to take a 6-5 lead in the deciding set, but Keys turned the match on its head by winning the next game and then taking the 10-point tiebreak. Keys pocketed her maiden Grand Slam, beating the No. 1 and two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
ANISIMOVA, THE BREAKTHROUGH OF THE YEAR
Speaking of American breakthroughs, Amanda Anisimova, finished the year World No. 4 after a remarkable ascent. Her season included two WTA 1000 titles in Doha and Beijing, as well as consecutive Grand Slam finals. Outside of the Top 400 in 2024 after taking a break for mental health issues, she made a stunning comeback. However, her first Major final at Wimbledon was a tough moment: she lost 6-0, 6-0 to Iga Swiatek. Anisimova was moved to tears, admitting later that she had “ran out of gas”.
SABALENKA THE STATISTICAL LEADER
Aryna Sabalenka ended 2025 with one slam at the Flushing Meadows. But in 2025 season she was the undeniable statistical leader, finishing the year as world No. 1 for the second time in her career, with 10,870 points. Sabalenka’s successful 2025 season included reaching the Australian Open and French Open Final too, where she lost against American Madison Keys.
MILESTONES FOR VETERANS:
Novak Djokovic set a new record by becoming the oldest male player to reach the quarters at all four majors in a calendar year And Venus Williams competed in the US Open main draw at the age of 45
TENNIS BUZZ: HARASSMENT FOR WTA PLAYERS
Here are some of the moments that got the world of tennis and sports talking-
The fear of harassment unfortunately plagued the WTA tour. Emma Raducanu was visibly upset during her match in Dubai when she spotted a stalker in the crowd, causing her to report the presence and break down in tears.
BODY BETRAYS DIMITROV
Grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire from his fourth-round match against Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon due to a pectoral injury, despite leading two sets to none.
MEDVEDEV FINED AFTER MELTDOWN
Daniil Medvedev lived up to his reputation at the US Open after a dispute involving a photographer and the chair umpire led to him losing it on court. He was subsequently hit with a massive fine of $42,500.
Shahid Afridi defended Indian veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, emphasizing their importance for the 2027 World Cup after impressive performances in ODIs against Australia and South Africa. He also criticized India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, for mixed results, noting that his initial confidence has not always translated into success.
Shahid Afridi Fires Fresh Shot at Gautam Gambhir, Declares Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli ‘Backbone of India’ Amid Doubts Over World Cup Spot (AP/PTI)
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi launched a fresh attack on India head coach Gautam Gambhir while backing veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the World Cup 2027. Afridi, while speaking to Telecom Asia, highlighted the duo’s strong performances in the recent ODI series against Australia and South Africa, and said they remain critical to India’s ODI plans. The Pakistan stalwart opined that India should use the greats efficiently, playing them in prominent series while allowing them to rest when up against lower-ranked teams.
“It’s a fact that Virat and Rohit are the backbone of the Indian batting line-up,” Afridi said. “The way they have played in the recent ODI series, it can confidently be said that they can play until the 2027 World Cup.
“You need to preserve both these stars. When India is playing against a weaker team, they can try some new players and rest Virat and Rohit.”
Afridi and Gambhir have shared a frosty relationship over the years, and the Pakistan all-rounder didn’t shy away from taking a sharp dig at the head coach. Notably, Gambhir has tasted mixed results with Team India. While the side has tasted success in the limited-overs cricket, having won the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup, the results in Tests have been equally poor, with series defeats to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. “The way Gautam started his stint, it looked like he thought that what he thinks and says is right, but after some time, it was proved that you are not always right.”
Meanwhile, Afridi also praised Rohit Sharma for breaking his record for most sixes in ODIs. Afridi, who played with Rohit during his stint with Deccan Chargers in IPL 2009, said he knew Rohit would make it big in international cricket.
R Praggnanandhaa during a Chess World Cup game.(Eteri Kublashvili)
R Praggnanandhaa secured a berth for the 2026 Candidates Tournament on Monday. He is the sole Indian in next year’s Candidates, and he qualified after winning the FIDE Circuit 2025. Praggnanandhaa secured his qualification after his performance in the eight-player London Chess Classic. He came joint-first, along with Velimir Ivic and Ameet K Ghasi, and then ended in third position after tie-breaks.
At the FIDE Circuit 2025, Praggnanandhaa registered 115.17 points, 34 points ahead of Dutch GM Anish Giri. Giri has also already secured his spot at the Candidates.
Speaking to ChessBase India, Praggnanandhaa said, “First of all, I want to be there 100 per cent. But overall, any candidates will be a tough tournament. If someone is there at the Candidates, that means they have showed what it takes to be there. It will be a difficult tournament for everyone.”
“In terms of ratings, I think it’s similar to last year. Maybe there was one below 2700 player last year. So it’s going to be extremely strong, and there’s no one that’s like a target.
“It’s good to have such experience. Assuming I make it, there will be short time to prepare. Not long time to prepare like have camps or something. I’ll just try to rest and see how to prepare,” he added.
Praggnanandhaa won the Tata Chess Masters this year, beating D Gukesh in the title-deciding tie-breaker round. He also won the Grand Chess Tour Superbet Chess Classic Romania and emerged victorious at the 2nd UzChess Cup 2025 in blitz tiebreaks.
Widely regarded as one of Asia’s best football stars, Son enjoys huge popularity in his home country and the region
A South Korean court has sentenced a woman who blackmailed football star Son Heung-min to four years in prison.
The woman in her 20s and her accomplice, a man in his 40s, were found guilty of blackmailing the former Tottenham captain by saying she was pregnant with his child.
The woman had approached Son sometime last year claiming she was carrying his child, when in fact she did not know whether that was the case, a Seoul district court heard, according to local media.
She extorted $300 million won ($200,000; £153,000) from him and threatened to go public with the allegation if he did not comply.
The woman spent the money on luxury and designer goods, AFP news agency reported.
“[The woman] insists she received the money as compensation and portrays herself as a victim,” prosecutors told the court on Monday. “But her claims do not fully match the facts,” they said, accusing her of planning the crime “thoroughly”.
The woman’s accomplice, who had threatened Son 15 times to get the money, was handed a two-year jail term for attempted blackmail.
When they demanded more money this year, Son went to the police.
The judge said the woman and her accomplice had abused Son’s celebrity for their crime, and that Son appeared to have gone through “intense mental anguish” after the case was reported in the media.
Son was in October named the second-highest paid footballer in Major League Soccer (MLS), North America’s top-tier football league akin to England’s Premier League.
Wasim Akram is one of the few Pakistan players who have been part of the coaching set-up in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has also been a commentator in the league. So, when Akram took a veiled dig at the T20 league, the internet was stunned. Speaking at an event promoting the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Akram said the short duration of the PSL made it lucrative for foreign players. He added that leagues running for “two-and-a-half to three months” are boring. He even went on to mention the IPL in a different context and said the PSL was No. 1 in terms of talent on show.
The IPL, which consists of 10 teams, generally runs for a little over two months. The IPL 2024 lasted 65 days, while the IPL 2025 was scheduled to be held for almost the same duration. However, due to the Pahalgam terror attack, it ended on June 3 after starting on March 22.
“The best thing about the league is that it is played for only about 34-35 days, maybe a little more next year. It’s not like three months, like the other league. Bacchey bade ho jate hain, woh league khatam hi nahi hoti. Foreign players, when they come to Pakistan, prefer to be here for 35-40 days. More than that – two-and-a-half to three months – is a bit too long for everyone. Even I get bored,” Wasim Akram said at the event promoting the PSL.
“Prime example is the BBL. They started off with two-and-a-half months. They realised after four or five years it wasn’t working. Now their duration is about 40 days. That’s it. That’s the beauty of the PSL. Of course, the talent. Everybody overseas, when I talk to them, they talk about bowling in the IPL and other leagues. They say the PSL, as far as talent is concerned, is definitely No. 1 because we have quality, not quantity.”
Akram’s comments were not taken well by the internet.
Wasim Akram said, “The best thing about PSL is that it lasts for 34 days or a bit more next year. It’s not three months long like other league. “Bachay baray ho jatay hain, woh league khatam hi nahi hoti.” pic.twitter.com/8yJ4VfaUFB
Wasim Akram said, “The best thing about PSL is that it lasts for 34 days or a bit more next year. It’s not three months long like other league. “Bachay baray ho jatay hain, woh league khatam hi nahi hoti.” pic.twitter.com/8yJ4VfaUFB
Wasim Akram said, “The best thing about PSL is that it lasts for 34 days or a bit more next year. It’s not three months long like other league. “Bachay baray ho jatay hain, woh league khatam hi nahi hoti.” pic.twitter.com/8yJ4VfaUFB
The remarks came amid the BCCI is using Vijay Hazare Trophy appearances as a criterion for selecting Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the World Cup
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were top two run-getters for India in last six ODIs(PTI)
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar delivered a pointed message to the BCCI, emphasising that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma deserve special consideration given their remarkable contributions over the years. He argued that their place in the ODI side should never have been questioned. Bangar’s remarks came in the wake of reports that the Indian board is using Vijay Hazare Trophy appearances as a criterion for selecting the senior players for the 2027 World Cup.
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir, has remained non-committal about including Rohit and Kohli in the World Cup plans for South Africa. Concerns revolve around whether the two veterans can maintain form and fitness over the next two years, given that they play only one international format. Consequently, the committee insists that if they are to be considered, both must prove their commitment by participating in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier List A tournament, scheduled to begin later this month.
Kohli and Rohit have been the driving forces behind India’s success in four of their last six ODI matches, combining for three centuries (two by Kohli) and five half-centuries (three by Rohit). Rohit claimed the Player of the Series award during the Australia tour, while Kohli earned the same honour in the recently concluded home ODI series against South Africa.
“I don’t think the place of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the team should have been a question. Look at what they have done over so many years,” Bangar said while speaking to JioStar.
“They have retired from two formats, so it’s obvious they might take just a couple of sessions to get back into action, because they have done it so often. They don’t need to play as many matches as a younger player. Once they are there, once they are hungry and fit, you want players of that quality. You have to treat them differently and give them space,” the former India batter said, clear about why there needs to be a different yardstick for the two white-ball legends.
In the South Africa contest that ended on Saturday in Vizag with India winning 2-1, Rohit scored 57 and 75 in the first and third games, while Kohli notched up 135, 102 and 65 not out. “When they are on song, you see the difference. Their sheer presence changes the dressing room atmosphere.”
In the just concluded series against South Africa, 38-year-old Rohit Sharma scored 57 and 75 in the first and third games while 37-year-old ‘Player of the Series’ Virat Kohli had stupendous scores of 135, 102 and 65 not out.
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has slammed those questioning Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s place in the ODI team, adding that the two deserve to be ‘given space’ considering their contribution to Indian cricket. His remarks came amid reports suggesting that the two stalwarts will have to play the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy to be selected in the team for the 2027 World Cup. With Rohit and Kohli no longer active in Test cricket and T20Is, the BCCI has reportedly raised concerns about whether they can maintain form and fitness till the showpiece in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Speaking on JioHotstar, Bangar urged the BCCI to give special exemptions to Kohli and Rohit, suggesting that players of their calibre shouldn’t be doubted.
“I don’t think the place of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the team should have been a question. Look at what they have done over so many years,” said Bangar.
“They have retired from two formats, so it’s obvious they might take just a couple of sessions to get back into action, because they have done it so often. They don’t need to play as many matches as a younger player. Once they are there, once they are hungry and fit, you want players of that quality. You have to treat them differently and give them space,” he added.
In the just concluded series against South Africa, 38-year-old Rohit scored 57 and 75 in the first and third games while 37-year-old ‘Player of the Series’ Kohli had stupendous scores of 135, 102 and 65 not out.
“When they are on song, you see the difference. Their sheer presence changes the dressing room atmosphere,” said Bangar
While Virat Kohli turned out to be the Player of the Series during India’s ODI contests against South Africa, two other players – Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal – also impressed with their respective centuries. Gaikwad scored 105 off 83 in the second game in Raipur, while Jaiswal shone in the series decider with an unbeaten 116, also bagging the Player of the Match award in the final. Interestingly, both are not ODI regulars for India and got their chance only because Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer missed out due to injuries.
When asked if the two players would be considered for India’s ODI World Cup squad in 2027, head coach Gautam Gambhir came up with a blunt reply.
“Look, first we have got to realise that ODI World Cup is two years away from now. The most important think is to stay in the present,” he said at the press conference after India’s nine-wicket win over South Africa in the deciding ODI in Visakhapatnam.
“It’s also important that young boys coming into the set-up are grabbing their opportunities. Someone like Ruturaj Gaikwad, who batted out of position. He is a quality player, we all know. We wanted to give him an opportunity in this series for the kind of form he was in with India A. He actually grabbed that opportunity with both hands, getting a hundred in the second game, when we were under pressure. We were 40 for 2 and then getting that kind of hundred was proper quality,” he added.
Gambhir also praised Jaiswal, who notched his first ODI century in his fourth game in the format.
2026 FIFA World Cup Draw Highlights: Forty-two of the teams have been determined and 22 are competing in playoffs for six berths that will be decided March 31
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw Highlights: Argentina and Lionel Messi will start their World Cup title defense against Algeria, while the U.S. was drawn Friday to open against Paraguay as soccer’s quadrennial championship returns to North America for the first time since 1994.Three-time champion Argentina also will play Austria and Jordan in Group J of the expanded 48-nation, 104-game festival, spread across 11 NFL stadiums plus three venues in Mexico and two in Canada. The ceremony included U.S. President Donald Trump receiving a peace prize awarded by FIFA, and balls with team names plucked famous North American athletes Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Aaron Judge and Wayne Gretzky. The U.S., which reached the semifinals at the inaugural World Cup in 1930 and the quarterfinals in 2002, starts Group D against Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood, California. The Americans play Australia six days later at Seattle, then faces Turkey, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo on June 25 back at SoFi Stadium.
Here are the Highlights of FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw –
FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw : Peace prize for Donald Trump!
‘FIFA Peace Prize 2025’ is being awarded to US President Donald Trump. FIFA president Gianni Infantino presents Mr. Trump the award, which includes a trophy, a medal and a certificate. Notably, this is the first time this award is being given by FIFA.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw : Event underway
The much-coveted event in Washington, DC has got underway. Currently, FIFA president Gianni Infantino is addressing the crowd. He has started with welcoming US President Donald Trump and First Lady of US Melania Trump.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw : Donald Trump in attendance!
As expected, US President Donald Trump is also there at the venue. He is sitting with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw : A look at the rules –
The top four teams in the FIFA ranking — Spain, Argentina, France and England — will be drawn in such a way that, should they win their groups, they would not face each other before the semifinals.
Other constraints during the draw include:
— Each group must have at least one European team, but no more than two.
— Aside from UEFA (Europe), no two teams from the same confederation can be in the same group. The other confederations are the AFC (Asia) and CAF (Africa), CONCACAF (North and Central America and the Caribbean), CONMEBOL (South America) and the OFC (Oceania).
Balls corresponding with the competing countries will be separated into four pots of 12, and each group will include one team drawn from each pot.
Former Asian Games gold-winning discus thrower Seema Punia has been handed a 16-month ban for failing a dope test. The 42-year-old Punia’s suspension came into force on November 10 as per the updated list of dope offenders by the National Anti-Doping Agency. NADA, however, did not specify the substance for which she has tested positive. The latest offence adds to her checkered doping record, which includes two previous violations, one of them at the junior level. Her last major competition was the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023 where she won a bronze medal. She is also a four-time Commonwealth Games-medallist, three of them being silver medals.
Her first and only Asian Games gold came in 2014, Incheon edition. At the junior level, she won a bronze in the world championships in 2002.
CEO of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Venky Mysore, has admitted that releasing the franchise’s star all-rounder Andre Russell was the decision of the team’s owner and superstar Shah Rukh Khan
CEO of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Venky Mysore, has admitted that releasing the franchise’s star all-rounder Andre Russell was the decision of the team’s owner and superstar Shah Rukh Khan, and appointing him as the team’s “power coach” was a “spur-of-the-moment” thought. Russell announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) on November 30. The all-rounder confirmed that he will join KKR’s support staff as the franchise’s new “Power Coach” for the 2026 season. Russell added that he will continue playing in T20 leagues around the world and will remain part of other Knight Riders teams globally.
During his IPL career, Russell played 140 games, scoring 2,651 runs, including 12 fifties, and taking 123 wickets, with one five-wicket haul. He made his IPL debut in 2012 for Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) before joining KKR in the 2014 auction. He won two titles (2014 and 2024) for the Purple and Gold. Russell also won the IPL MVP award twice during this run, in 2015 and 2019.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Mysore spoke about the decision to release Russell, who was retained at Rs 12 crore ahead of the last IPL season. The CEO said that the team management was “grappling with all combinations, ideas,” and releasing Russell added Rs 18 crore to their purse. Although Russell cost KKR Rs 12 crore, releasing him gave the franchise Rs 18 crore since he was the ‘Player 1’ in the list of KKR’s retainees last year, worth Rs 18 crore, and that amount was credited to the team’s purse ahead of the auction on December 16.
“I wish there was no auction every year because this just becomes very nerve-wracking many times, and some things that you don’t want to do, you end up having to do. But no, it wasn’t like a last-minute thing; we were grappling with all combinations, ideas, what to do and all that. Finally, we said, okay, this release is what we have to do,” said Mysore.
“But some people missed the fundamental point, which is the [purse] deduction for us was Rs 18 crore, not Rs 12 crore by releasing Dre. So, although his contract value was Rs 12 crore, the deduction from our purse was Rs 18 crore in 2025. A lot of people missed that and said, oh, why would KKR not see value in a person who is at Rs 12 crore? Rs 18 crore, which would be deducted from our purse if we had retained him, is a lot of money in the context of an auction. That was the trigger.”
“And in mini-auctions, you want to go with as much as you can to have the flexibility to look at options that might come your way. So from that perspective, if it were Rs 12 crore, I think the decision would have been very different,” he concluded.
Mysore admitted that parting ways with Russell was a “strange feeling” for both parties, as he had never been put into an auction before. He described Russell as an “emotional” person and admitted that it later hit Russell how used to the Purple and Gold franchise he was.
“It is a strange feeling for both of us. And he is always a very sensible and sensitive guy, easy to communicate with. Very emotional, but not clinical, like a few players I have dealt with. It hit him after a couple of days after that conversation. He came back to me and said, ‘Oh, I have really had a lot of sleepless nights wondering about where all of this could go. I am so used to the Purple and Gold, Knight Riders, and relationships I have built with the franchise, you and the owners,'” said Mysore.
“We jokingly discussed, and many people know that over the last 11 years that he has been with us, I have probably spoken with Dre more than I have spoken with my wife. We sent him to Dallas [to train with a local NFL team] twice to help him become fitter and stronger. When he was handed the year-long anti-doping ban in 2017, I was very much in touch and sent our physio from TKR – Trinbago Knight Riders – to Jamaica to work with Dre and help him with his fitness and, more importantly, just to keep him in the right spirits. It was a tough year for him when a cricketer was unable to play. Imagine one year was a very long time, but then right after that was a retention year in 2018….
“…We did not know what form he was in, what fitness level he was in, but we retained him. But he always acknowledges that and always says, ‘I have tears in my eyes because I got a million-dollar contract and retention decision on him.’ All that kind of hit him after about 48 hours of the initial conversation on releasing him. Then the auction discussions started in a way, to say, how do we handle it? What happens? And all that,” he said.
Mysore admitted that over the years he has been running the franchise, he has rarely experienced cricketers feeling that “they are done.”
“They always feel like, oh yeah, I have got cricket left in me – one year, two years, three years… that is where his [Russell’s] head was also. And he’s probably right, but he also realised by the time the 2026 IPL comes around, he will be 38. And for someone who is an all-rounder like him, a pace bowler who comes in at death, has to smash, has to run a lot, field like he does, his instincts take over once he is on the field. He is a natural athlete, but body and age do catch up. But somewhere that conversation [retiring from IPL] did come up as an option, and he gave it more thought. For a variety of reasons, it appealed to him and he said, yeah, why not? Let’s do this,” he stated.
Mysore said that when he shared with SRK that Russell was giving IPL retirement a thought, the owner suggested that he retire.
“I could see he was agonising over it, and so when I shared this with SRK [Shah Rukh, KKR lead owner], it was actually SRK’s suggestion. Because, see, a player is thinking somewhere at the back of his mind, what happens after I hang up my boots? But I do not think they want to think about it also so much because professional athletes are like that. They believe I am still good, and Dre still is – he is fantastic and playing other leagues,” said Mysore.
“During the ILT20 match between Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Sharjah Warriorz also, he came in and straightaway smashed that six, which are trademark Dre sixes, which hit the sight screen and the ball comes back to the middle of the pitch literally. You start thinking, oh my God! And even with the ball, runs in first ball, clean bowled DK [Dinesh Karthik].”
“It just felt like he was very free in his mind after making the retirement decision. Because the guy took a couple of catches, was sliding, diving, and throwing. I sent him a note later, saying ‘What is going on here, Dre? How you doing power coach?’ I was kidding him. Everybody has started calling him a power coach, and I think he loves it. We are very happy. I think he is very happy. He has completely accepted it, come to terms with it,” he concluded.
In Manipur, amidst ongoing conflict and division, two young footballers from different communities, Kuki and Meitei, exemplified unity by representing India in a significant AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifier against Iran.
football.
As Manipur still scarred by conflict, division and displacement, two young footballers — one Kuki, one Meitei — have shown the country what unity truly looks like. At a time when the state remains separated by buffer zones, checkpoints and deep emotional wounds, the boys stood shoulder to shoulder in India’s colours, helping the national side script a historic 21 victory over Iran in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers held in Ahmedabad.
The match, crucial for India’s qualification campaign, saw both youngsters play a key role in the team’s success.
Two goals for India, scored in a stadium hundreds of kilometres away from their troubled homeland, symbolised something larger than two communities at war back home, yet contributing together to one nation’s triumph.
In Manipur hills and valleys, where mistrust still lingers and people often look away from each other, these children are looking in the same direction as the goalpost. Their passion for football has bridged a divide that politics has failed to repair.
Their performance stands as a reminder that sport, especially football, carries the power to unite, heal and inspire.
Ravi Bishnoi broke into his trademark celebration, spreading his arms wide, and Hardik Pandya playfully joined in before giving him a hug.
Hardik Pandya attempted a big hit off Ravi Bishnoi but ended up holing out to Arzan Nagwaswalla.(X/Screengrab)
Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya delivered yet another strong performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, further lifting his confidence ahead of the upcoming T20I series against South Africa. After making an impact with the bat against Punjab, the all-rounder showcased his bowling skills on Thursday as Baroda faced Gujarat in Hyderabad. The seasoned campaigner sent down a miserly four-over spell, conceding only 16 runs and removing Gujarat captain and opener Urvil Patel at a key moment. His discipline, control, and ability to build pressure underlined the form he has steadily been building in the tournament.
Hardik’s showing was also a timely boost for the Indian camp ahead of the upcoming T20I series. With the current ODI bowling unit leaking runs in the first two games against South Africa, his sharp, disciplined spell in the SMAT came as a welcome reassurance for a side searching for stability and experience in the attack.
Meanwhile, a light-hearted moment from Pandya’s innings also went viral on social media during Baroda’s modest 74-run chase on Thursday. Looking to wrap up the match quickly, the all-rounder attempted a big hit off Ravi Bishnoi but ended up holing out to Arzan Nagwaswalla. Bishnoi broke into his trademark celebration, spreading his arms wide, and Hardik playfully joined in before giving him a hug, a gesture that instantly struck a chord online and had fans buzzing. He departed for 10, but it didn’t cause much of a problem for his team.
Hardik Pandya & Ravi Bishnoi cute moment🥰
Bishnoi took the wicket of HP and they hugged🫂 pic.twitter.com/88IfFhRLdS
The main issue raised by the X user “@ragav_x” is that while Australia invests heavily in state-of-the-art equipment and skilled crews, India relies on older systems that limit picture clarity, motion smoothness and overall viewing quality.
‘Indian Fans Deserve Better’: Netizen Exposes Shocking Quality Gap Between BCCI And Cricket Australia’s Broadcast | X
An internet user has exposed the shocking quality gap between the BCCI’s broadcast standards and Cricket Australia’s production setup. The netizen has highlighted why Indian cricket telecasts often look outdated despite the country being one of the world’s biggest cricket market.
The main issue raised by the X user “@ragav_x” is that while Australia invests heavily in state-of-the-art equipment and skilled crews, India relies on older systems that limit picture clarity, motion smoothness and overall viewing quality.
According to the points shared, Cricket Australia (CA) broadcasts every home game in native 4K HDR, offering sharper visuals, richer colours and smooth 50p progressive motion.
EXPOSING the real reason why Indian cricket broadcast suck :
Let’s compare BCCI with Cricket Australia because this is where the entire truth becomes clear.
CA broadcasts every home match in native 4K HDR, while BCCI still delivers India’s home cricket in old 1080i HD. CA uses… pic.twitter.com/JOZVTP3kFK
In contrast, BCCI still transmits India’s home matches in older 1080i HD, which uses interlaced video that often appears soft, shaky and less detailed.
CA’s outside broadcast trucks run on modern 12G-SDI and IP infrastructure designed for high-resolution workflows, while BCCI is said to depend on decade-old HD flypacks.
Camera technology also shows a clear gap. Australia uses Sony HDC-4300 and 5500 true-4K cameras, high-speed slow-motion gear up to 300 fps and even 600 fps ultra-motion cameras. Meanwhile, many BCCI productions reportedly use older HD cameras with fewer capabilities and slower frame rates.
This affects not just visuals but also ball-tracking and replay analysis. CA uses a six-camera high-speed system for seam and swing tracking and even deploys 100-camera 360-degree replay setups, whereas India often relies on basic HD angles with limited sampling, leading to flat-looking ball-tracking and fewer replay perspectives.
Broadcast quality is also influenced by manpower. CA employs larger, specialised teams for camera operations, replay, shading and engineering, ensuring consistent colour grading and high-quality footage. BCCI’s smaller crews struggle to match this standard, especially in fast-moving match situations.
CA produces everything in HDR, maintaining clean colours and natural lighting. BCCI still works in SDR, which can crush shadow details and blow out highlights. Even before reaching TV channels or apps, BCCI’s compressed 1080i feed reportedly loses detail.
One of the strongest arguments made is the difference seen during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 – also held in India. When ICC handled the production using its own teams and equipment, the same stadiums suddenly looked sharper and more professional, proving the issue is not the venues but the production quality.
The 37-year-old now has 751 ranking points, and trails former India skipper Rohit Sharma (783), who retained his top spot, New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell (766) and Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran (764).
Virat Kohli. Credit: X@BCCI
Star Indian batter Virat Kohli on Wednesday moved up to No. 4 in the latest ICC rankings with a match-winning hundred against South Africa in the first ODI at Ranchi boosting his ascend.
Kohli made his 52nd hundred in the 50-over format, a 120-ball 135 that propelled India to a 17-run win over the Proteas on Sunday.
The 37-year-old now has 751 ranking points, and trails former India skipper Rohit Sharma (783), who retained his top spot, New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell (766) and Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran (764).
Kohli overtook India ODI captain Shubman Gill, who moved down to No. 5 after missing the ongoing three-match series against South Africa with a neck injury.
Shreyas Iyer, who is also recovering from an injury that he sustained during India’s recent white ball tour to Australia, stood firm on 9th position.
Meanwhile, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav gained one place to move to sixth after picking up four wickets in the first match against the Proteas.
In the Test batter’s list, India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal continued to station at No. 9, while Gill slid one place down to 12.
Wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant was also on a downward spiral, moving down from 12th to 14th.
In the rankings for Test bowlers, India’s premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah remained on top of the pile with 879 points, well clear of New Zealand pacer Matt Henry (846).
The Indian cricketing fraternity was once again united in joy as star batter Virat Kohli brought up his 53rd ODI century against South Africa and his second successive ton of the series. Continuing where he had left off at Ranchi with a scorching 135 in 120 balls consisting of 11 fours and seven sixes, Virat delivered a more controlled knock this time around, with a 93-ball 102 consisting of seven fours and two sixes. The attacking intent, his control against spin and pace alike and running/judgement while running between the wickets looked as impeccable as in his prime years. (India vs South Africa 2nd ODI Updates)
Taking to X, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag wrote, “Virat Kohli ko 100 ka nasha hi alag hai. Hum log centuries gin rahe hote hain, woh bas routine ka kaam samajh ke kar deta hai. Back-to-back 100’s for the King. 53rd ODI hundred. Virat hai toh mumkin hai. A brilliant century from Ruturaj Gaikwad as well making batting look very easy.”
Virat Kohli ko 100 ka nasha hi alag hai. Hum log centuries gin rahe hote hain, woh bas routine ka kaam samajh ke kar deta hai.
Back-to-back 100‘s for the King. 53rd ODI hundred. Virat hai toh mumkin hai. A brilliant century from Ruturaj Gaikwad as well making batting look very… pic.twitter.com/afDYqC9N6k
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan also posted on X, “On Sunday king plays for sure but on weekdays he plays with your plans. Brilliant 100 by Virat Kohli.”
On Sunday king plays for sure but on weekdays he plays with your plans. Brilliant 100 by Virat Kohli. pic.twitter.com/YIMpQ4Zifo
Former Indian cricketer and Virat’s teammate in Delhi, Aakash Chopra, highlighted how Virat had his “beast mode activated”. “Back-to-back centuries. Beast mode activated #Kohli #IndvSA,” posted Aakash.
Back to back centuries. Beast mode activated 💪 #Kohli#IndvSA
Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif also wrote on X that without Virat, cricket is “nothing”. “Without Kohli cricket is nothing..pure vintage!,” posted Kaif.
Virat against South Africa in ODIs is a different beast, and that beast has gone notches above statistically against the Proteas. In 33 matches and 31 innings, Virat has scored 1,741 runs at an average of 69.64 against the Proteas at a strike rate of 88.51, with seven centuries and eight fifties. This is the most centuries against the Proteas in ODI format by a batter.
Also, with this second successive ton in ODIs, this is the 11th instance when Virat has had a streak of centuries in two or more successive ODI innings, with Proteas legend AB de Villiers being his distant rival with six such instances.
He has also had 13 different streaks of three or more successive innings with 50-plus scores in ODIs, the highest by any batter, and Rohit Sharma is second with 11 such streaks.
Notably, his last three ODI knocks against South Africa have been centuries, the 101* at Kolkata against them in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and two centuries in this series.
In 12 ODIs this year, Virat has scored 586 runs in 12 innings at an average of 58.60, with a strike rate of 92.72, including three centuries, three fifties and a best score of 135.
Notably, Virat stands just 90 runs away from joining Sachin Tendulkar and Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara in the 28,000-run club in international cricket. In 555 international matches, he has made 27,910 runs at an average of 52.46, with 84 centuries and 144 fifties in 622 innings and a best score of 254*. He is the third-highest international run-getter of all time, with Sachin (34,357 runs) at the top.
South Africa defeated India by four wickets in a high-scoring second ODI to level the series 1-1 in Raipur on Wednesday. Asked to bat, Virat Kohli (102, 93 balls) scored his 53rd ODI hundred and Ruturaj Gaikwad (105, 83b) notched his maiden ton in the format as India posted a strong 358 for five. In reply, SA overhauled the target, scoring 362 for six in 49.2 overs, riding on a century from Aiden Markram (110) and fifties by Matthew Breetzke (68) and Dewald brevis (54). For India, Arshdeep Singh (2/54) and Prasidh Krishna (2/85) snared two wickets. The series-deciding third and final ODI will be played in Visakhapatnam on Saturday.
This is the joint-highest target successfully chased down against India. South Africa matched the record of Australia (in Mohali, 2019) powered by Ashton Turner’s 84*(43). South Africa have now three successful run-chases of 350 or more, the joint-most in ODIs alongside India. This is also South Africa’s highest run-chase away from home.
Successful 350-plus run-chases for SA in ODIs
435 vs AUS, Johannesburg, 2006
372 vs AUS, Durban, 2016
359 vs IND, Raipur, 2025
India’s job was far from done even after putting a daunting total on board as heavy dew in the second half not only made spinners’ job tougher, but poor returns from Prasidh Krishna (2/79) did not help their cause. Prasidh, who had broken a second-wicket century partnership earlier by dismissing Temba Bavuma (46), got it right finally to pin Breetzke leg-before late in the game, and soon after, Arshdeep Singh (2/54) removed the dangerous Marco Jansen (2), but Corbin Bosch (29 not out off 15) and Keshav Maharaj (10 not out off 14) took the Proteas over the line with four balls to spare.
Markram was in his elements utilising a flat deck under lights to notch up his maiden century against India and providing South Africa a heavy contribution from the top to push on.
He took the initiative in the opening partnership and even though he lost Quinton de Kock (8) early with Arshdeep drawing first blood, Markram found a stable partner in Bavuma to put on 101 for the second wicket.
Markram had to remain the aggressor as Bavuma farmed the strike from the other end. Markram pierced gaps at will with brute force as well as some artistry.
He also hit through the line and over the bowlers’ head to clear the ropes while using the feet well against Indian spinners, with heavy dew making their job even more difficult as the innings progressed.
But the opener also had luck favouring him when a powerful hit off Kuldeep Yadav towards long on saw the ball going through Yashasvi Jaiswal’s hands for a six.
Had the catch been taken, Markram’s charge would’ve ended on 53.
Markram eventually fell off a short off-cutter from Harshit Rana (1/70) but his dismissal had Brevis and Breetzke teaming up, who waltzed to 92 off the next 64 balls to put South Africa in complete control.
While Brevis fell after his quick fifty which featured some massive sixes , Breetzke made a composed 68 for a second consecutive half-century.
Incidentally, it was only the second occasion where India lost an ODI despite scoring in excess of 350, with the first instance being against Australia in March 2019 when they lost by a similar margin of four wickets despite making 358/9 at Mohali.
Earlier, Kohli’s successive hundred, maiden century from Gaikwad (105) and KL Rahul’s quickfire 66 not out propelled India to a formidable 358 for five.
Kohli (102 off 93 balls, 7x4s, 2x6s) and Gaikwad (105 off 83 balls, 12x4s, 2x6s) reset the record for highest third-wicket stand for India in ODIs against South Africa as their 195-run association built the platform for the hosts to launch themselves into a big score.
And Rahul’s (66 not out off 43 balls, 6x4s, 2x6s) second fifty in a row ensured that, even as India continued to tinker with their batting line-up with the stand-in skipper coming in at No 5 ahead of Washington Sundar, who endured another failure.
Unlike at Ranchi where he did not look accustomed to batting in the middle order, Gaikwad emerged a perfect foil for Kohli as the two began racking up runs with ease.
With Ajinkya Rahane in tow, Kohli had put on 189 at Durban in February 2018 but perhaps on some counts, this partnership with Gaikwad was the one he may have enjoyed a little more as the Maharashtra batter matched his style of play.
The rotation of strike was deft, the singles were seamlessly converted into doubles and at times it was difficult for one to distinguish who had pierced the gap for those runs – not necessarily boundaries – as Gaikwad even appeared to be matching Kohli in terms of stroke-play.
If he was roughed up at the start, Gaikwad grew in confidence to post a fine half-century. Once past the milestone, he picked up pace.
Virat Kohli on Tuesday confirmed his availability to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, beginning on December 24, after initially refusing to participate in the domestic tournament. India coach Gautam Gambhir has laid down the condition that any player who wants to compete for the national team must play domestic cricket. A source informed NDTV on Tuesday that while Rohit Sharma has already confirmed his availability to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, Kohli had earlier declined to take part in the one-day tournament.
“The issue is with the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He (Kohli) simply doesn’t want to play. When Rohit [Sharma] is also playing, how can there be an exception for one player? And what do we tell the other players? That someone is different from all of you?” the source had told NDTV early on Tuesday.
However, the BCCI selectors have now convinced Kohli to play a few Vijay Hazare Trophy matches.
Kohli, now a one-format player for India, is currently busy with the ODI series against South Africa. After the ODIs, he will return to London, where his family resides, and then come back for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He is returning to the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time since appearing against Services in February 2010.
The 37-year-old racked up his 52nd hundred in the series opener at Ranchi, showing he remains as sharp as ever despite playing just one version of the game, having announced his retirement from Tests earlier this year.
Kohli had retired from T20 Internationals following India’s triumph in the 2024 World Cup in Barbados.
“He has confirmed his availability to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. How many games he will feature in is not clear yet. Obviously, his presence will be a massive boost to the Delhi dressing room,” Jaitley told PTI.
Delhi will open their Vijay Hazare campaign against Andhra in Bengaluru on December 24. In total, they will play six games.
Fans are expected to turn up in large numbers to watch the action when Kohli is around. Earlier this year, Kohli turned an otherwise drab Ranji Trophy game into a grand spectacle when he played his first first-class match in more than 12 years.
More than 12,000 people came to watch Kohli play-numbers unheard of for a domestic fixture in a long while.
He returned to the Ranji Trophy as part of his preparation for international duty but, in a surprise decision, announced his retirement from Test cricket ahead of the England tour.
The BCCI has made playing domestic cricket mandatory for contracted cricketers unless they are injured or on national duty.
Since Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma returned to the Indian ODI team for the three-match series against South Africa, which started on Sunday, the focus has been on whether the duo will be persisted with until the 2027 World Cup
Murmurs, rumours, and a lack of clarity surround the careers of two superstars: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. That has been the story of Indian cricket over the last few days. Since Kohli and Rohit returned to the Indian ODI team for the three-match series against South Africa, which started on Sunday, the focus has been on whether the duo will be persisted with until the 2027 World Cup. Form and fitness-wise, both are in top shape. Rohit was the Player of the Series in the ODIs against Australia in October. In the first ODI against South Africa, he slammed a half-century, while Kohli scored a fine ton-his 52nd in the ODI format.
Amidst this confusion, a report claimed that the relationship between Kohli and India head coach Gautam Gambhir has turned frosty. In fact, some reports also suggested that there would be a meeting between top BCCI officials and the Indian team management.
NDTV has learnt that BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar was supposed to meet Kohli ahead of the second ODI in Raipur on Wednesday. However, since the “situation was not good,” another selector, Pragyan Ojha, was sent as a mediator. Videos of the two having an intense chat at the airport have surfaced on social media.
Another clip emerged from the same setting in which Ojha could be seen speaking to Rohit Sharma while sitting alongside Gambhir. Kohli, however, was not part of this discussion. These visual cues, though open to interpretation, continue to intensify public focus on the alleged communication gap and discord among senior figures in the Indian dressing room.
The recent wave of speculation surrounding veteran players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma revolves around their relationship with head coach Gautam Gambhir. The players’ limited-overs future and a purported breakdown in communication have become a concern for Indian cricket’s well-wishers.
Virat Kohli received an adorable welcome in Raipur ahead of the IND vs SA 2nd ODI. The 37-year-old was visibly moved as a group of small children greeted him with rose flowers at the team hotel. Kohli comes into the game after a player of the match performance in Ranchi, with his century handing India a 1-0 lead in the series.
Virat Kohli received an adorable welcome in Raipur ahead of the IND vs SA 2nd ODI. The 37-year-old was visibly moved as a group of small children greeted him with rose flowers at the team hotel. Kohli comes into the game after a player of the match performance in Ranchi, with his century handing India a 1-0 lead in the series.
India arrived in the Chhattisgarh capital city late on Monday evening. The Men in Blue received a grand welcome in Raipur. Kohli was mobbed by young fans at the team hotel, who gathered around to give the former India captain flowers. Kohli to his credit, collected as many as he could as he made his way through with his luggage. A few of the kids were seen sobbing, having met their idol in person.
India will have an optional training session on Tuesday afternoon at the venue before the game on Wednesday. Given the short turnaround time and travel, the session has been made optional. However, given recent trend, both Rohit and Virat will be expected to have a few hits in the nets in the build up to the game.
Jemimah Rodrigues has opened up about the overwhelming wave of calls, messages and social-media attention she received after her match-winning knock in the World Cup semi-final
Jemimah Rodrigues has opened up about the overwhelming wave of calls, messages and social-media attention she received after her match-winning knock in the Women’s World Cup semi-final and how it pushed her to uninstall WhatsApp just days before the final. The India batter said she was flooded with nearly a thousand messages from unknown numbers, leaving her unable to focus. With emotions already running high from the dramatic semi-final, Jemimah decided to disconnect completely to prepare for the biggest match of her career.
Recalling the chaotic night, Jemimah said her phone “kept buzzing and buzzing” after the semi-final, with congratulatory calls coming from every direction. “I don’t know how random people started getting my number. I’m not even over-exaggerating, but I had 1000 WhatsApp messages. I couldn’t take it because firstly, a lot had happened in that game. A lot of my emotions itself were there. I’m preparing for a final and the tournament is not over. Yes, I played a knock. Yes, we won. Yes, India was in the final. But, we still had a World Cup final to win,” Jemimah told Cricbuzz.
Realising the distraction was too much, she uninstalled WhatsApp altogether. Before doing so, she informed only “4-5 close ones” to call or message her normally if needed. “Even if I was not reading the message, it was just buzzing. And I just knew that people were messaging me and I just wanted to prepare for the finals. So, till the finals, I didn’t install WhatsApp.” she said. Jemimah stayed off social media too, except for a single post-match update, and remained disconnected until after the World Cup final.
