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The Karnataka State Cricket Association: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have expressed gratitude towards the authorities and the state government after the smooth conduct of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener played at their home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday. This was the first big match held at the ground after the drastic incident occurred on June 4, 2025, when eleven lives were lost after a stampede due to thousands of
Debutante Reyneke: Kayla Reyneke struck a last-ball six on her ODI debut to seal a dramatic two-wicket victory for South Africa over New Zealand in the series opener at the Hagley Oval on Sunday. Player of the Match Kayla finished unbeaten on 42 off 32 balls and guided the Proteas home after Ayabonga Khakas career-best 6-56 had restricted the hosts to 268. Annerie Dercksen top-scored with 72 from 93 deliveries, while Sune Luus added 53, which kept the chase alive before Kayla took them home. New
Indian Premier League: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has picked his strongest playing 12 for five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of their opening clash in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Mumbai have been dealt an early blow as two key overseas players, Will Jacks and Mitchell Santner, will miss the opening match. Their absence has forced a rethink in team combination, especiall
Indian Premier League: Veteran right-handed batter Manish Pandey, whos one of only four players to feature in every edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008, says his 19-season journey feels like it has gone by in a flash. Pandey will be turning out for three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2026, when they open their campaign against five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium. In 174 IPL games, Pandey has made 3,942 runs at a str
A historic landmark awaits the Mumbai Indians as they gear up for their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener against Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Beyond the immediate goal of ending a five-year title drought, the five-time champions will mark another feather in their cap, becoming the first IPL franchise to play 300 T20 matches. MI will be only the third team to reach 300 or more T20 matches, after Pakistan and Somerset, each with 303. Among IPL teams, MI is
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Sunrisers Hyderabads (SRH) struggles in the powerplay with the bat and ineffective bowling led to their six-wicket loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2026 opener played at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. Reflecting on the defeat, Pathan pointed out that SRH failed to capitalise on the powerplay after losing early wickets, which hampered their ability to post a truly imposing total. Ishan Kis
Former South Africa: Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn has hailed Virat Kohlis evolution as a batter in the Indian Premier League (IPL), pointing out that his enhanced six-hitting ability over the last two seasons of the competition has been a standout factor. At the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Kohli left everyone spellbound by hitting an unbeaten 69 and helping RCB begin their title defence by chasing down a target of 202 in 15.4 overs. Kohli entered IPL 2026 after a ten-month break from T2
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Batting alongside Virat Kohli in a run chase is less about pressure and more about clarity, a sentiment Devdutt Padikkal summed up after Royal Challengers Bengalurus commanding win to open their IPL 2026 campaign. For Padikkal, Kohlis presence at the other end influences how a chase develops, giving him the freedom to play more openly while feeling confident that the pace is managed. In a format where chasing 200-plus totals often demands both aggression and composur
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper heaped praise on former captain Virat Kohli after his unbeaten 69-run knock helped the team register a dominant 6-wicket win against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Kohli smashed an unbeaten 69 off 38 balls, laced with five fours and five sixes, as he registered his 64th IPL fifty and became the first batter in IPL history to cross 4000
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has lauded Virat Kohli's consistency and suggested a red ball return for the 37-year-old after his unbeaten 69-run knock helped the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) register a dominant 6 wickets win against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) played at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium on Saturday. Virat's innings included five fours and five sixes, as he registered hi
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Former India off-spin great Ravichandran Ashwin has reserved special praise for the energy Virat Kohli brought to his batting, saying he finds him quite bizarre at this age after the 37-year-old enthralled the home crowd with an unbeaten 69 balls in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2026 opener at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Kohli, returning to playing T20 cricket after ten months, scored an unbeaten 69 off 38 balls, la
Indian Premier League: New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy made an immediate impact on his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut but remained grounded about his place in the star-studded Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) setup, reiterating that his primary role is to support and step into Josh Hazelwoods' shoes in his absence. After picking up an impressive 3-22 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in RCBs commanding six-wicket win in the IPL 2026 opener on Saturday, Duffy reflected on both the experience of stepp
New York City Half Marathon: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted Jammu and Kashmir's tremendous passion for sports and lauded the historic strides made by J&K in the Ranji Trophy, stating that such success has ignited a powerful wave of sporting energy across the youth in the region. Jammu & Kashmir had scripted history last month by winning the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final on the basis of a massive first-innings lead against eight-time champions Karnataka, marking their first title
Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey, who once shared the dressing room with MS Dhoni and now works alongside him, believes that the veteran wicketkeeper-batters greatest strength lies not in experience alone, but in his refusal to stand still. At 44 and deep into a legendary T20 career, Dhoni continues to defy the passage of time not just with his presence, but with an unrelenting desire to evolve, a trait that still shapes the culture of CSK. Even after years of success and a retur
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) head coach Daniel Vettori did not shy away from calling out his sides bowling shortcomings after a heavy six-wicket loss to defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. Despite posting a competitive 201/9, powered by a blistering 80 from Ishan Kishan and a late surge from Aniket Verma, SRH were outplayed by a dominant RCB batting unit led by Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikka
Indian Premier League: As countdown to the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League has ended with defending champion Royal Challengers Bengaluru beating Sunrisers Hyderabad, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia expressed his excitement for what promises to be another thrilling season of the tournament. Saikia was in attendance at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium along with ICC chair Jay Shah, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal and other BCCI officials. Veteran Telugu actor Venkatesh Daggubati was also present during
England's Jos Buttler insists he still has the hunger for runs, saying a complete break from cricket in the Alps has rejuvenated him for the Indian Premier League after a horror T20 World Cup. The wicketkeeper cut a downcast figure opening the England batting in the global showpiece, scoring just 87 runs in eight matches up to the semi-final defeat to eventual champions India this month. It's great to have a nice break, Buttler, whose Gujarat Titans team will begin their campaign against Punjab
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: After guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to emphatic six wickets win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener, Virat Kohli expressed love towards his wife Anushka Sharma with a flying kiss. Kohli turned to the stands and blew a kiss to Anushka Sharma, who was accompanied by RCB women's team players including captain Smriti Mandhana. The crowd responded with cheers, adding a personal touch to an already unforgettable night.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar hailed the collective effort in his sides season-opening win over Sunrisers Hyderabad, adding that everyone chipping in to get their campaign off to a flying start was a positive sign for the rest of the season. At the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, RCB chased down SRHs 201 with 26 balls to spare, beginning their title defence in emphatic fashion. The way boys played and everybody chipped in was a positive sign. First of all,
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) began their IPL 2026 campaign with a statement six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad on competitive crickets return at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. Put into batting first on a two-paced pitch, SRH rode on captain Ishan Kishans sparkling 80 off 38 balls and a late blitz from Aniket Verma (43 off 18 balls) to post 201/9. Kishans fluent strokeplay, laced with eight fours and five sixes, and Anikets fearle
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) launched their title defence in style with a commanding six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2026 opening game at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. Chasing 202, RCB made light work of the target, galloping home in just 15.4 overs, thanks to fluent half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal. Kohli, playing a T20 game after ten months, remained unbeaten on 69 off 38 balls, laced wi
MI vs KKR Match 2, Cricket Tips :The five-time champion, Mumbai Indians, finished third last season. They are in search of their sixth title and will face three-time champion Kolkata Knight Riders in their first game. This contest will begin at 7:30 PM IST on Sunday at Wankhede Stadium. KKR don't have a good record against MI. In fact, their record at Wankhede Stadium is also not good. But this is a new season, and they have some good players like Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Rachin Ravindra, wh
Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are awaiting clearance from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for pacer Matheesha Pathirana to join the squad, with assistant coach Shane Watson saying the franchise was hopeful of him arriving sooner rather than later. Pathirana was signed for an astonishing Rs 18 crore at the auction in Abu Dhabi last year and has been recovering from a left calf injury which cut short his time in the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup. With SLC yet to give Pathirana a clearance,
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Sunrisers Hyderabad rode on captain Ishan Kishans fluent 80 off 38 balls and a blazing late flourish from Aniket Verma (43 off just 18 balls) to post 201/9 in their 20 overs against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 opening game at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. Asked to bat first on a two-paced pitch, SRH lost three wickets in power-play, but then a solid 97-run stand off 53 balls between an in-form Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen (
The Karnataka State Cricket Association: Players, officials and fans observed a minutes silence at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday ahead of the IPL 2026 season opener between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad, in memory of eleven supporters who died in a stampede during RCBs title celebrations last year. Both teams took the field wearing black armbands as a mark of respect, while RCB also warmed up in jerseys bearing the number 11. In a symbolic gestu
Indian Premier League: Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) will start their campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against the three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. MI head into the 2026 season with a clear goal- to lift their sixth title in the tournament. The side will once again be captained by Hardik Pandya, who is leading the team for the third consecutive year and will be eager to deliver a successful campaign this time aro
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) left-handed opener Travis Head said he was focused on settling in and taking it one ball at a time as the IPL 2026 season gets underway when they take on defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. SRH are appearing in the IPL opening game for the second time after 2017, which also came against the same opponent. The 2016 winners will be keen to put up a better performance after finishing a
The Indian Premier League: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium saw fans return with excitement and relief, praising improved arrangements while soaking in the electric atmosphere. Supporters from across the globe, including India, Ireland, and the United States, gathered to cheer, hopeful of a great start to the season and confident of a smooth, enjoyable matchday experience. Saturdays game also marks t
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have handed debuts to pacers Abhinandan Singh and Jacob Duffy as captain Rajat Patidar elected to bowl first against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2026 opening clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. Saturdays game also marks the return of competitive cricket to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for the first time since May 17, 2025, especially after a stampede during RCBs title winning celebrations on June
Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium: Ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is all set to become the first Indian playing to feature in Major League Cricket (MLC) after signing with the San Francisco Unicorns for the 2026 season. Ashwin was a member of the Indian team winning the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. In all, he picked 765 international wickets from 287 matches across all three formats and remains the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test crickets history. The MLC has proven ov
Indian Premier League: Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene praised captain Hardik Pandya for his development in leadership skills ahead of the team's opening match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to be played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. The first time I met Hardik was in 2017. Young, raw talent with a lot of energy, and that is something I have admired in Hardik. Even today, with that energy to play the game,
Sri Lankan Matheesha Pathirana: Five-time champions Mumbai Indians will launch their campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 with a clash against three-time winner Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, hoping to add another title to their tally. Mumbai Indians, who jointly hold the record with Chennai Super Kings as the most successful team of IPL, won their fifth title five years back in 2020 and have struggled to impose themselves and reach the final since then. The
New Delhi: Amid growing speculation and criticism over his late arrival for IPL 2026, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has spoken out to clarify his circumstances and counter the false reports circulating in the media. Starc, who is contracted to play for Delhi Capitals, has been sidelined with an injury to his shoulder and elbow, an issue he only fully understood after the Australian summer. His absence from the teams early matches had fuelled rumours and harsh judgments from fans and the
Indian Premier League: Gujarat Titans wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler said the Indian Premier League (IPL), whose 19th edition starts from Saturday, has had the biggest influence on his cricketing career, adding that conversations he has had during his time in the tournament have served him well while representing England in all three formats. Buttler has played 121 matches and scored 4,120 runs at an average of 40, a strike rate of 149.38, including hitting seven hundreds and 24 fifties. He enj
New Zealand Test: England captain Ben Stokes has confirmed that his return to competitive cricket has been delayed until May due to complications from a cheekbone injury. The 34-year-old all-rounder, who was hit by a ball during a training session with Durhams academy players in early February, underwent surgery a week later to repair the fractured cheekbone. Stokes had originally intended to return during Durhams County Championship opening game against Kent this Friday. However, the club is st
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz: Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah is under scrutiny from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after a controversial social media post, since deleted, appeared to criticise Punjab (province of Pakistan) Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during the opening match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The post, which originated from Naseems official X account, quote-tweeted a PCB media update from the PSL opener between Quetta Gladiators and Hyderabad Kingsmen in Lahore. It read, Why
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has picked his strongest playing XI for the 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of their opening clash against the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. Sunrisers Hyderabad have been dealt a major blow ahead of IPL 2026 as their captain Pat Cummins is set to miss the opening matches. India's T20 World Cup 2026 champio
ODI World Cup: South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt remains optimistic, aiming to e a lot better in the upcoming three-match ODI series after her sides 1-4 loss to Amelia Kerr-led New Zealand in the T20I series. The three ODIs have significant importance for the teams qualification for the 2029 ODI World Cup. Ahead of the first ODI in Christchurch on Sunday, Wolvaardt expressed confidence in their preparations. Weve had some good reflections and a couple of good meetings. Obviously, we want to
The Indian Deaf Cricket Association: The 7th IDCA Women T-10 National Cricket Championship for Deaf 2026 wrapped up, with Andhra Pradesh Womens Team crowned as champions and Delhi Womens Team finishing as runners-up. In the final played on Friday, Andhra Pradesh Womens Team, batting first, scored 73/4 in 10 overs. Delhi Womens team put up a strong fight but fell short by five runs, ending their innings at 68/4 in 10 overs. The Championship trophy was later awarded by former Indian cricketer Gurs
Chennai Super Kings: Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has picked his strongest playing XI with Impact Player options for the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after their stalwart MS Dhoni was subsequently ruled out for the first two weeks of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, which will commence on Saturday. MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026, the franchise said in a statem
Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan: Bangladesh has cleared the way for the telecast of the Indian Premier League, with the newly appointed Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan confirming there are no restrictions on broadcasting the tournament in the country. In a significant policy shift, Swapan said the government does not intend to mix politics with sports and will instead evaluate the matter from a commercial perspective. He noted that broadcasters willing to air th
West Indies Women: Australia Women rode on a strong all-round batting effort and a disciplined bowling display to register a convincing 103-run victory over West Indies Women in the first ODI, taking a 1-0 lead in the series despite a fighting century from Stafanie Taylor. Opting to bat, Australia piled up a formidable 341 in 49.5 overs, built on key contributions across the order. Phoebe Litchfield anchored the innings with a fluent 77 off 72 balls, while Georgia Voll provided early impetus wit
Chennai Super Kings: Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has sustained a calf strain and has been subsequently ruled out for the first two weeks of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, the franchise said in a statement. The 19th edition of the tournament is set to begin on Saturday, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the curtain-raiser at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. CSK are set to play their campai
Ben Duckett is determined to show just how important playing for England is to him following a woeful Ashes campaign. England have insisted they are ready to adapt under coach Brendon McCullum, who remains in charge despite a 4-1 series loss in Australia marred by poor preparation and off-field incidents that led to questions about the team's professionalism. Opening batsman Duckett, who averaged 20.2 in Australia with a top score of just 42, was also filmed seemingly drunk during a controversia
Josh Tongue is looking forward to becoming the latest England paceman to benefit from the guidance of veteran fast-bowling coach Troy Cooley. Tongue was a rare shining light for England during a recent 4-1 Ashes series loss in Australia where he was omitted for the first two Tests but took 18 wickets in the last three. The 28-year-old quick is optimistic of improving his game still further under Cooley, the fast-bowling coach of England's 2005 Ashes-winning team. Cooley has also worked with the
Virat Kohli is hungry and at the peak of his powers, with his IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru set to start their title defence, coach Andy Flower said Friday. The 37-year-old and Bengaluru face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League season opener on Saturday. They ended their long wait for a maiden IPL title last season at the 18th attempt. Former captain Kohli, who has retired from Tests and T20 internationals, now represents India in just the 50-over format. Virat is in a really
RCB vs SRH Match 1, Cricket Tips :It is time for the cricket carnival to start in India. The IPL 2026 will kick off with a blockbuster contest between the defending champion and the 2016 winner. Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad will be taking on each other on Saturday. This contest will start at 7:30 PM IST at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. RCB will aim to win their second consecutive title. They will miss Josh Hazlewood, who has joined the team but will not play. They h
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are all set to play the season opener of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. Ahead of the fixture, head coach Andy Flower said the team is approaching the new campaign with a fresh outlook despite entering the tournament as the defending champions. Of course, we are the holders from last year, but this is a brand new year, and
Indian Premier League: As the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season approaches, Sunrisers Hyderabad face the same dilemma that has plagued them for a long time an intimidating batting lineup that has been boosted by new players, backed by a weak bowling unit. They still have doubts about whether they will be able to cope with the fragility of their bowling. Strengths: There is little doubt that SRH have one of the most destructive batting lineups in the entire tournament. The opening pair of
Indian Premier League: Five-time champions Mumbai Indians will look for dominance as they enter the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 with their core squad and some new faces. Several key players, including former captain Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, are leading a settled squad and hope that experience will help them find their way back to having a winning formula through stability and some smart additions. Strengths: The MI's main advantage is that they have well-defined roles on a well-estab

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