The Economic Times

India's sports ministry has confirmed that bilateral sporting events with Pakistan remain suspended. However, athletes from both nations can compete in international tournaments, including those hosted in India. This decision aligns with India's broader diplomatic policy.

Sunrisers Hyderabad secured a commanding 41-run victory over Punjab Kings. Heinrich Klaasen and Ishan Kishan's strong batting performances set a high target. Punjab Kings struggled in their chase, with Cooper Connolly's century being a lone highlight. This win propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad to the top of the IPL standings. Punjab Kings faced their third consecutive defeat.

Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium will not host the IPL 2026 final or playoff matches. The BCCI shifted these games to Ahmedabad. The Karnataka State Cricket Association expressed disappointment. They had prepared the stadium after renovations. International matches are still scheduled for Bengaluru later this year.

The BCCI has officially shifted the location of the IPL 2026 finals to Ahmedabad, moving away from Bengaluru. This change stems from challenges related to local administrative requirements and the recent clamoring for ticket privileges by lawmakers. According to Karnataka's Deputy CM, the size of the stadium could have played a role in this strategic relocation.

IPL 2026 SRH vs PBKS Pitch Report: Expect a run-fest as Sunrisers Hyderabad host Punjab Kings on a batting paradise at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Both teams boast explosive Powerplay and middle-overs batting, with short boundaries promising a high-scoring affair. While SRH aim to bounce back, PBKS's bowling faces scrutiny on this flat track, where dew might favour the chasing side.

IPL 2026 SRH vs PBKS Live Stream: Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings are set to clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Wednesday in a crucial IPL 2026 encounter. Both teams are vying for playoff berths, with SRH third and PBKS leading the standings despite recent losses. The match begins at 7:30 PM IST.

SRH vs PBKS Head-to-Head Records: Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings are set for a high-scoring IPL 2026 clash in Hyderabad, with a flat pitch and short boundaries favoring aggressive batting. Both teams boast potent Powerplay and middle-overs offenses, making a run-fest likely. Punjab's bowling faces scrutiny after recent losses, while Hyderabad aims to rebound on their home turf.

IPL 2026 Playoff Scenarios: The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced the schedule for the Indian Premier League playoffs. The final match will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Other playoff matches will take place in Dharamshala and New Chandigarh. The race for the top four spots is currently intense as the league stage nears its end.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru seek to recover their batting form against Lucknow Super Giants. RCB, currently second, faces a struggling LSG side. RCB's batting faltered in their last match. LSG has lost five of their last six games. This encounter promises an exciting contest as both teams vie for crucial points.

Delhi Capitals coach Hemang Badani is backing spinner Kuldeep Yadav to find his best form. The team's playoff hopes are slim after a loss to Chennai Super Kings. Kuldeep's performance has been below par this season. Badani believes Kuldeep can turn his form around. The team needs to win all remaining matches to qualify for the playoffs.

CSK, MI IPL 2026 Playoff Qualification Scenarios: The IPL 2026 league stage is intensifying as only a few matches remain before the playoffs. Punjab Kings lead, but a tight race for the remaining top-four spots is underway with RCB, SRH, RR, and GT all on 12 points. Every win and net run rate will be crucial for teams aiming to secure a playoff berth.

Top tennis players are demanding more prize money at the French Open. Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff have stated players might boycott the tournament if their demands are not met. This comes as prize money increases at Roland Garros still lag behind other Grand Slams. Players feel they deserve a larger share of tournament revenue. Negotiations are ongoing.

Chennai Super Kings kept their playoff hopes alive with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals. Sanju Samson's unbeaten 87 powered the chase, supported by Kartik Sharma's 31 not out, as CSK successfully hunted down 156 with 15 balls to spare. Earlier, disciplined bowling restricted DC to 155/7.

DC vs CSK Live Streaming : Delhi Capitals face Chennai Super Kings in a crucial IPL clash, aiming to overcome a campaign of inconsistency. After a mixed home record, Delhi's recent road win against Rajasthan Royals offers a confidence boost. Both teams, level on points, seek to build momentum in the league's closing stages.

DC vs CSK Pitch Report Delhi Capitals are fighting for a playoff spot despite an inconsistent IPL season, currently sitting seventh. After a record-breaking batting performance followed by a collapse, they secured a crucial win by chasing 226. Team changes, including the impact of Pathum Nissanka and Mitchell Starc, have aided their recent turnaround.

DC vs CSK Head-to-Head Records: Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings face a crucial IPL 2026 clash at Arun Jaitley Stadium, with both teams needing a win to boost their playoff chances. Delhi, on a high after a recent victory, faces a strong historical record from Chennai, who have also performed well in New Delhi.

K.L. Rahul expressed pride in breaking the perception of being a Test specialist, highlighting his growth in white-ball cricket. He acknowledged that not everything goes his way but remains focused on giving his best and enjoying the journey. Fatherhood has brought him immense joy and a new perspective, positively impacting his approach to the game.

Punjab Kings face pressure to arrest a two-match losing streak against a confident Sunrisers Hyderabad. Punjab's top-order falters, exposing bowling frailties, while SRH aims to rebound after a loss, relying on strong batting performances from Head and Klaasen.

A rival bidder has publicly questioned the Rajasthan Royals ownership sale process. The US-based entrepreneur Kal Somani and his partners expressed deep disappointment after being excluded. They claim their consortium was the lead bid for six months. The sale saw a Mittal family-led group acquire a controlling stake for around $1.65 billion.

Mumbai Indians opener Ryan Rickelton shared insights on batting with Rohit Sharma. Rickelton and Rohit formed a strong partnership, guiding Mumbai Indians to a crucial win. Rickelton also spoke about the competition with Quinton de Kock. He mentioned not knowing about Hardik Pandya's injury status. The team heads to Raipur next.

Bharat Taxi will be the official mobility partner for Delhi Capitals in the 2026 IPL season. The ride-hailing firm will manage on-ground and digital campaigns. Dedicated travel support will be provided for fans attending matches in Delhi NCR. This partnership aims to enhance the fan experience and ensure timely stadium access.

Football fans anticipate exciting Champions League semifinal second legs. Paris Saint-Germain faces Bayern Munich after a high-scoring first match. Arsenal plays Atletico Madrid with the tie level. These matches could lead to a final in Budapest. Semifinals often provide more drama than the title deciders. Refereeing decisions, particularly penalties, are also a talking point.

In an unprecedented twist, soccer enthusiasts in India and China are bracing for a World Cup viewing crisis. Negotiations for broadcast rights in India remain unresolved, while China is yet to clarify its stance. With the tournament's kickoff just around the corner, legions of fans might find themselves cut off from the action they eagerly anticipate.

Gujarat Titans are winning matches despite not playing their best cricket. Jason Holder highlighted the team's collective effort in securing victories. The focus remains on accumulating points to build momentum for the IPL playoffs. Consistent performances are key as the team aims for further success.

A consortium led by the Mittal family and including Adar Poonawalla will acquire Rajasthan Royals for $1.65 billion. The Mittal family will hold a majority stake. This deal follows a previous failed sale. The transaction includes overseas franchises. Approvals are pending, with closure expected in the third quarter of 2026. New investors will join the board.

Arsenal rediscovered their attacking verve as they blew away Fulham with a first-half masterclass, with fit-again Bukayo Saka on song and summer signing Viktor Gyokeres delivering arguably his best performance for the Gunners.

Jannik Sinner has won the Madrid Open. He defeated Alexander Zverev in the final. This marks his fifth consecutive Masters 1000 tournament victory. Sinner's winning streak continues. Marta Kostyuk won the women's final. She beat Mirra Andreeva. This is a significant achievement for Sinner in the tennis world.

GT vs PBKS Head-to-Head: Punjab Kings seek to rebound from their first IPL 2026 loss against Gujarat Titans. Gujarat Titans aim to extend their winning streak. Potential team changes are discussed for both sides. The head-to-head record favors Punjab Kings slightly. Predicted playing XIs and full squads are also provided for this upcoming match.

The Mittal family, in partnership with Adar Poonawalla, is set to acquire a controlling stake in Rajasthan Royals. This significant deal values the franchise at around $1.65 billion. The acquisition includes the team's global footprint. Existing investors will retain a small stake. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.

Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals continue to hold the top three spots, while teams in the second half of the table will be eager to turn the tide. With key rematches lined up and plenty of unfinished business from earlier encounters, all of it sets the stage for a blockbuster next phase of the tournament.

The BCCI has revealed squads for upcoming cricket tours. India A women will tour England for T20s and ODIs. Anushka Sharma captains the T20s, Harleen Deol leads the ODIs. India's T20 World Cup squad is also announced, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur. A separate squad for a one-off Test against England has been named.

The Mittal family, led by Lakshmi N. Mittal and Aditya Mittal, is set to acquire a significant 75% stake in the Rajasthan Royals franchise. This deal, valued at approximately $1.65 billion, includes associated global teams. Adar Poonawalla will hold an 18% stake. The transaction is anticipated to conclude in the third quarter of 2026, pending necessary approvals.

Counting for the West Bengal Legislative Assembly election begins on May 4, 2026. Results will be declared across 77 centres. The election saw a historic voter turnout of 92.93 per cent. Ten constituencies are being closely watched, including Bhabanipur, Nandigram, and Diamond Harbour. Key leaders are contesting in these seats.

India's women's cricket team faces a challenge with Amanjot Kaur's injury ahead of the T20 World Cup in England. Head coach Amol Muzumdar confirmed the team is preparing well in Bengaluru, aiming to build on past successes against England. Jemimah Rodrigues expressed the team's hunger for more World Cup titles.

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has issued a stern warning to the Indian government regarding her safety at the upcoming National Open Ranking Tournament. She expressed apprehension about potential biased officiating at the Gonda venue, which she believes is influenced by former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Phogat seeks a fair competition environment for her comeback event.

Formula One is set to embrace V8 engines by 2031, with a potential shift to 2030. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed the move, aiming for simpler, louder engines. This change follows current V6 hybrid units. The sport seeks less complexity and improved sound. Manufacturers' approval could bring the V8s forward.

The Mittal Family and Adar Poonawalla are set to acquire a controlling stake in the Rajasthan Royals IPL franchise. The deal values the team at approximately $1.65 billion. This significant acquisition includes ownership of associated teams in South Africa and the Caribbean. The transaction is anticipated to finalize in the third quarter of 2026.

The Samrudhi SM-53 lottery results have now been released, offering participants a chance to win prizes ranging from a 1 crore jackpot to smaller amounts. Ticket holders can check their numbers for the draw, which features multiple prize tiers. The Kerala State Lotteries Department ensures transparency in the announcement and claiming process.

SRH vs KKR Pitch Report: Sunrisers Hyderabad are on a five-match winning streak. They face Kolkata Knight Riders at home. Hyderabad's batting is in strong form with key players scoring heavily. The pitch is expected to favour batsmen. Hyderabad's bowling has also been consistent. Kolkata Knight Riders are looking to improve their performance after recent wins.

Himanta Biswa Sarma is poised for a second term as Assam Chief Minister. The Bharatiya Janata Party is expected to win, bringing Sarma back to lead. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has emphasized the party's commitment to deporting infiltrators. Unlike the previous election, there is no uncertainty regarding the Chief Ministerial choice this time.

Diesel price today 24 April 2026 remains steady across major cities, with rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata showing no significant change. Fuel prices continue to be influenced by global crude oil trends, currency exchange rates and local taxes. Check the latest city-wise diesel prices to track daily updates and regional variations in fuel costs.

Garena Free Fire MAX players can snag free in-game items on May 3, 2026, by using special 12-character alphanumeric redeem codes. These codes, released regularly, offer a limited-time opportunity to claim rewards. Players must act fast to redeem them on the official Garena website before they expire. Log in and enter your code to claim your prizes.

Petrol price today :Indian petrol prices change daily. This dynamic pricing depends on global crude oil costs, the rupee's value against the dollar, and market supply and demand. Taxes, dealer commissions, and refining expenses also affect the final price. Consumers in cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, and Kolkata pay varying rates per litre.

Assembly Election Results 2026 date and time: West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry await their Assembly election results on May 4th. Vote counting begins at 8 AM, with initial trends expected within two hours. High voter turnouts were recorded across states, setting the stage for crucial contests, including the direct face-off in West Bengal and the UDF vs. LDF battle in Kerala.

Actor Archana Puran Singh explored buying a new home in Madh Island. The journey highlighted her past investments and current financial outlook. She reflected on her early days in Madh Island, recalling a time of limited resources but bold decisions. Her existing properties in Madh Island are valued at Rs 70 crore. She also maintains a farmhouse in Dehradun.

NEET UG 2026 Exam Timing : NEET UG 2026 is scheduled for today, May 3, with exams running from 2 PM to 5:20 PM. Candidates must bring their admit cards and valid ID for entry. Strict guidelines are in place regarding dress code, allowed items, and prohibited materials to ensure exam integrity.