The Economic Times News

England's aggressive 'Bazball' cricket approach has failed in Australia. The team suffered a significant Ashes defeat after a three-year run. Coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes may seek to revive the style. However, the team's preparations and performance have drawn criticism. England now aims to win a single test match after a series of losses.

Pakistan clinched the Under-19 Asia Cup title in commanding fashion against India, with Sameer Minhas leading the charge by scoring a staggering 172 runs. The bowling depth of Pakistan proved too much for India, who stumbled to a mere 156 runs. Analysts noted the inconsistencies in India's bowling lineup as pivotal to their downfall.

Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia criticized the chaos at Lionel Messi's Kolkata event, advocating for sports to take priority over political formalities. He emphasized that fans attend to watch the sport and players, not for lengthy speeches or VIP delays. Bhutia hopes the incident serves as a lesson for future sporting events.

Australia has secured the Ashes trophy, defeating England with two matches remaining. Despite pre-series predictions, the Australian team proved resilient. Key players stepped up to fill gaps due to injuries. The team's ability to adapt and overcome challenges was highlighted. Australia aims for a clean sweep in the remaining matches.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has pushed back the deadline for new Pakistan Super League franchise bids by two days. The new date for initial bids is December 24. This is the second extension. The PCB aims to attract stronger bids for the two new franchises. The final auction is scheduled for January 6.

IND-W vs SL-W 1st T20I Live Streaming Telecast When and Where How to Watch: India women's cricket team is set to commence their five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka women's cricket team on December 21. The opening match will be held at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Vizag, with the game scheduled to start at 7:00 pm IST.

England's Ashes hopes ended in Australia after a third test defeat. Captain Ben Stokes expressed disappointment but pledged his team will fight in the final two matches. Australia secured an unassailable 3-0 series lead. England aims to avoid a whitewash and salvage pride in the upcoming games. The team showed resilience in passages of play.

Australia has secured the Ashes cricket series as they defeated England in the third test match. This victory means Australia retains the Ashes with two matches still to play. The win came after a tense final day where Mitchell Starc took crucial wickets to seal the result.

Women's sports experienced a monumental year in 2025, marked by record-breaking attendance at the Women's Rugby World Cup and India's historic Women's Cricket World Cup victory. The WNBA saw unprecedented viewership and expansion, while athletes like A'Ja Wilson and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone delivered dominant performances, propelling women's sports into 2026 with significant momentum.

Spectacular as his career has been, the Spanish Superstar is still only 22 and has never had another confidant to lean on. Ferrero wasnt just the man refining his on-court game; he was the father figure shaping all the decision-making in Alcarazs professional life.

Australia is close to retaining the Ashes. Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon took key wickets against England on day four of the third test. England is 207 for six, needing 228 more runs. Australia leads the five-test series 2-0. England's batters struggled, contributing to their difficult position. Australia needs only a draw to keep the Ashes.

Aston Villa are the Premier League's form side. Unai Emery's men are now title contenders alongside Arsenal and Manchester City. Villa have won 15 of their past 17 games in all competitions. This includes 10 of 11 in the Premier League. The Birmingham club have not won a league title since 1981.

The T20 World Cup squad selection sparked debate over Shubman Gill's exclusion, highlighting potential friction between selectors and team management. Despite Gill's past prominence, his recent T20 form and the need for team balance led to his omission, with Ishan Kishan's domestic success and Rinku Singh's inclusion bolstering the batting order.

Shubman Gill's T20 World Cup omission stemmed from a strategic selection puzzle, not a single incident. A toe injury, though minor, led to a cautious approach, while Sanju Samson's strong performances at the top of the order tilted the balance against Gill's inclusion.

Satadru Dutta, the main organizer of the Lionel Messi event in Kolkata, has revealed the football star was unhappy with being touched and hugged by fans. Messi reportedly left the Salt Lake Stadium before his scheduled time due to the overwhelming crowd.

India faces Sri Lanka in a T20I series starting Sunday in Visakhapatnam. The series is crucial for identifying new talent to support the team until next year's World Cup. Youngsters like G Kamalini and Vaishnavi Sharma will be closely watched. Established players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana will also aim for strong performances.

India clashes with Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup final. India aims for a record 12th title. The Indian team has shown dominance, winning all group matches. Pakistan reached the final after defeating Bangladesh. India's batting and bowling have been strong. Young talents like Abhigyan Kundu and Vaibhav Suryavanshi have impressed. Pakistan's pace attack is a key strength.

India announced its squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 and T20I series against New Zealand. Shubman Gill was surprisingly left out despite his vice-captaincy. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited form and the need for two wicketkeeping options at the top. Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson will be the wicketkeeping choices. Abhishek Sharma will open with Samson.

India Squad for T20 World Cup was announced today. Suryakumar Yadav will captain India's 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The team, which recently secured its eighth successive T20I series win, includes key players like Axar Patel as vice-captain and Jasprit Bumrah. India begins its campaign against the USA on February 7.

India's T20 World Cup squad selection is imminent, with Shubman Gill's recent form a major talking point. The selectors are also debating between all-rounder Washington Sundar and batter Rinku Singh. Gill's place is under scrutiny due to a dip in scores, while Suryakumar Yadav also faces challenges.

South Africa's tour of India concluded with coach Shukri Conrad deeming it successful. Despite losing the T20 series, Conrad expressed optimism for a future T20 World Cup final clash against India. He acknowledged India's strength as a team. The tour provided valuable preparation for the upcoming World Cup. South Africa aims to challenge the reigning champions.

Hardik Pandya hit a cameraman with a six during a T20 match. He showed great sportsmanship by apologizing, hugging the cameraman, and applying ice to his arm. Pandya also achieved significant batting milestones, including his 2000th T20I run and a rapid fifty. India won the match and the series.

Celebrating six years at the helm, Mikel Arteta expresses confidence in Arsenal's pursuit of silverware. With the Gunners currently at the top of the Premier League, their sights are set firmly on clinching the title. As contenders for both the league and the Champions League, they face a challenging festive fixture list.

Head's unbeaten 142 in front of an adoring home crowd of 53,696 pushed Australia to 271 for four at stumps and a 356-run lead after England were bowled out for 286 in the morning.

India secured a 3-1 victory in the Twenty20 series against South Africa. The final match saw India post 231-5, powered by fifties from Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya. South Africa's chase faltered despite a strong start. Jasprit Bumrah's bowling proved crucial in restricting the opposition. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma provided a rapid opening partnership.

Rishabh Pant will captain the Delhi Senior Men's Team for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, with Virat Kohli, Ishant Sharma, and Navdeep Saini also confirmed. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, Ajinkya Rahane, and Shivam Dube will miss Mumbai's initial matches as the selectors focus on blooding young talent.

Ishan Kishan led Jharkhand to their first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. He emerged as the tournament's top scorer with 517 runs. Kishan now finds peace in reading the Bhagavad Gita. This spiritual practice has brought him maturity and a calmer approach to his game. The Jharkhand team received a Rs 2 crore reward for their historic win.

India vs South Africa 5th T20I Pitch Report: The final T20 International between India and South Africa is set for Ahmedabad. India holds a 2-1 series lead. This match will determine the series winner. Both teams will use this game to prepare for the T20 World Cup. Jasprit Bumrah returns for India. The Narendra Modi Stadium is known for high scores.

Australian batter Josh Inglis secured a large bid from Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2026. This comes despite prior communication from the BCCI stating his limited availability due to marriage. The BCCI and IPL Governing Council are monitoring the situation. Inglis was released by Punjab Kings before the auction. The episode raises questions about potential exploitation of the situation.

Ishan Kishan's career has seen dramatic highs and lows, culminating in a period of reflection and a renewed focus on his game. Inspired by the Bhagavad Gita, he found inner peace and a disciplined approach, leading Jharkhand to a maiden T20 title. This transformation marks a significant turning point, as he aims to reclaim his place in the Indian team.

India vs South Africa 5th T20I Live Streaming: India and South Africa clash in a high-stakes T20I decider in Ahmedabad. With India leading 2-1 and a previous match washed out, this final encounter is crucial for South Africa to level the series. Both teams also use the game as a T20 World Cup dress rehearsal, with Jasprit Bumrah returning for India and Shubman Gill's fitness uncertain.

India vs South Africa 5th T20I Playing 11 Prediction: India will make a late decision on their playing eleven for the fifth T20I against South Africa. Shubman Gill's availability is uncertain due to a toe injury. Sanju Samson is a strong contender if Gill is ruled out. India leads the series 2-1 and aims for a series win. This is India's final international match of the year.

After a challenging outing in Adelaide, England's aspirations for reclaiming the Ashes are hanging by a thread. The Australian bowlers unleashed a relentless attack, leaving England reeling at 213 for eight. While Captain Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer displayed tenacity, the gap to Australia looms large. With just a draw needed to hold onto the Ashes, the pressure mounts.

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner engaged in a fierce rivalry, each securing two Grand Slam titles. Alcaraz triumphed at the French Open and US Open, while Sinner claimed glory at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Meanwhile, the women's circuit celebrated a diverse year, crowning four distinct champions.

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly is suing an Argentina fan club founder for 50 crore over defamatory remarks linking him to the chaotic Lionel Messi GOAT tour event in Kolkata. The fan club chief accused Ganguly of being a stooge and financially ruining Bengal cricket. The Messi event at Salt Lake Stadium saw fan anger and vandalism.

India's football future was debated in the Rajya Sabha. A Congress member highlighted Curacao's World Cup qualification to question the Sports Minister about long-term plans. The Minister stated that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is responsible for football development and has plans for both men's and women's teams.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is now co-owner and mentor for Tiigers of Kolkata. This is for the upcoming Indian Street Premier League season. The tournament is set to take place in Surat. It will run from January 9 to February 6, 2026. Ganguly aims to develop raw street cricket talent. He will help players build match-winning habits.

HAR vs JHK SMAT 2025 Final Prediction: Jharkhand and Haryana clash in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final on December 18 in Pune, both vying for their maiden title. Haryana enters with a dominant win, while Jharkhand secured their historic spot despite a recent loss. The match promises an exciting contest between two determined sides.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant faces a ban from AFC club competitions until 2027-28 and a hefty fine of over $100,000 for refusing to travel to Iran for an AFC Champions League Two match. Citing security concerns for international players, the club's withdrawal led to disqualification and compensation payments. The AFC also fined the AIFF and FC Goa for separate incidents.

India faces South Africa in the final T20I in Ahmedabad. India holds an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series. Captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill are battling form and injury issues. Sanju Samson is poised to replace Gill. India's bowling attack shows promise. South Africa seeks to draw the series and find form for key batters.

Geopolitics overshadowed cricket in 2025 as India-Pakistan tensions disrupted tournaments, with India refusing to accept the Asia Cup trophy. India also won the Champions Trophy, while their women's team secured a maiden World Cup title. South Africa shed their 'bridesmaids' tag, winning the World Test Championship and a historic Test series in India.

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe, who along with his federation's decision-making Council, has been Ukraine's most high-profile supporter among sports governing bodies by imposing a blanket ban on Russian athletes, admitted the battle against doping was never-ending but there is a recognition amongst athletes -- and this is an important recognition -- that you know there is no fear or favour.

Eleven-year-old karting prodigy Atiqa Mir is challenging stereotypes in motorsport, aiming for Formula 1 despite its male-dominated nature. She has overcome bullying from competitors and is motivated by Max Verstappen's driving, having recently achieved a top-nine finish in the RMC Euro Trophy.

Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed former India fielding coach R Sridhar as their new fielding coach until the T20 World Cup in March 2026. Sridhar, who previously held a similar role with India for seven years, will focus on enhancing the team's fielding standards.

The IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi saw franchises invest heavily in young, uncapped talent. Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants were prominent in signing emerging players, aiming to build depth and secure future stars for the T20 arena. Several new faces earned lucrative contracts, marking their debut on the grand IPL stage.

Football legend Lionel Messi concluded his 'GOAT India Tour' with a visit to Delhi, expressing gratitude for India's love. He met ICC Chairman Jay Shah, receiving Indian cricket jerseys and an autographed bat. The tour, which included stops in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, saw memorable interactions and some fan chaos.

Punjab Kings approach the IPL 2026 mini-auction with a clear objective: to define their identity by filling four crucial slots. With a substantial purse and a focus on targeted, high-impact additions, they aim to secure an explosive middle-order batter, reliable wicketkeeping cover, and an Indian bowling option. This strategic approach seeks to address persistent gaps and avoid past miscalculations.

Rajasthan Royals enter the auction with a focused strategy. They aim to secure an Indian spinner and bolster their pace attack. Key retentions and smart trades have provided a strong foundation. The franchise seeks to fill specific gaps rather than make major changes. Their top order appears settled, with batting buys likely for cover.

IPL Auction 2026: Gujarat Titans secured West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder for 7 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. Holder, the West Indies' all-time leading T20I wicket-taker, brings significant international experience and lower-order firepower to the Titans' squad for their 2026 campaign.