The Economic Times

Delhi Capitals revealed their new jersey for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. The design reflects the team's tiger spirit. For the first time, both men's and women's team captains are featured together. The franchise also appointed John Mooney as its new fielding coach. Mooney becomes the first Irish coach in the IPL. The team aims for an exciting season ahead.

Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag stated Sanju Samson's departure cannot be filled. Parag, now captain, emphasized better planning and finishing close games for the upcoming season. He thanked the franchise for their support. Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara backed Parag, citing his maturity and suitability for leadership after a thorough selection process.

Iran's football team plans to participate in the World Cup but will boycott the United States. Talks are underway with FIFA to relocate matches from the US. Mexico has offered to host Iran's games. US President Donald Trump raised safety concerns for Iranian players. Iran's participation was in doubt due to the Middle East conflict.

Sanju Samson's exit from Rajasthan Royals marks a major shift. Former captain Faf du Plessis highlights Samson's iconic status. Yashasvi Jaiswal now faces increased responsibility. Lakshmipathy Balaji expresses surprise at Riyan Parag's captaincy appointment. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi aims for consistency in his second season. Kumar Sangakkara's guidance will be key for the team.

IPL 2026: Ai+ Smartphone has partnered with Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders for the upcoming IPL season, aiming to boost fan engagement. The India-built brand will integrate across team platforms and digital activations, creating new ways for fans to connect.

IPL 2026: England batter Jos Buttler is ready for a new chapter with Gujarat Titans in the IPL. He took a break after the T20 World Cup. This time away helped him reflect and recharge. Buttler aims to perform well for his new team. The Gujarat Titans begin their campaign on March 31. He is looking forward to the upcoming season.

Lionel Messi achieved his 900th career goal in Inter Miami's CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Nashville. The prolific scorer found the net in the seventh minute with his signature left foot. Despite this individual milestone, Inter Miami was eliminated from the tournament on away goals after a 1-1 draw.

Sunrisers Hyderabad has named Ishan Kishan as interim captain for the start of IPL 2026. Abhishek Sharma will serve as his deputy. This decision comes as Pat Cummins recovers from a back injury. Cummins will miss several matches while he heals. Kishan's leadership experience includes captaining Jharkhand to a title. He also performed well in the T20 World Cup.

AB de Villiers sees the revitalized Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad as a game-changer for Virat Kohli, easing the pressure cooker environment that often surrounds him. This teamwork could be the key to their success in reclaiming the IPL 2026 crown. Kohlis tireless work ethic ensures he remains in top form.

The Kerala High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation challenging the BCCI's use of the name Indian Premier League for its T20 cricket tournament. The court found no merit in the petitioner's claim that the name was illegal, noting the petitioner's recent realization about the league's status.

Waaree Energies Limited is the new Title Sponsor for Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming Indian Premier League. Their branding will be on the team's kits. This partnership aims to promote clean energy across India.

Global investment firm KKR is injecting up to $310 million into Allfleet India and PMI Electro Mobility Solutions. This strategic partnership aims to significantly expand electric public transport fleets across India. The investment will bolster Allfleet's operations and enhance PMI Electro's manufacturing capabilities. This move supports India's drive for cleaner urban mobility and decarbonisation.

Former South African captain Faf du Plessis sees Varun Chakravarthy as key for Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming IPL. He suggests Eden Gardens pitches should favor spinners like Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine. Cameron Green is also highlighted as a vital player despite his high price tag. Lakshmipathy Balaji recommends Ajinkya Rahane bat in the top order for KKR's success.

World Anti-Doping Agency may ban US officials from major sports events. This action follows the US refusal to pay annual dues. The US owes 7.3 million dollars. This dispute involves WADA's handling of doping cases. The proposed ban could affect future events like the LA Olympics. US officials call the idea ludicrous.

AB de Villiers has proposed that MS Dhoni should elevate his batting position within the Chennai Super Kings lineup. On another note, Anil Kumble has endorsed the idea of integrating Sanju Samson into the team's leadership structure, praising his stellar form and rapport with supporters.

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav contrasted India's 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cup victories. He noted the 2024 squad possessed experienced enthusiasm, while the 2026 team was fueled by the fiery passion of youth. Yadav explained the 2024 team had more defined roles and experience. The 2026 team, though less experienced, had immense enthusiasm for a home triumph.

Indian batter Pratika Rawal champions women's Test cricket, calling it the ultimate test of character. She recently scored a fighting half-century on her Test debut in Australia. Rawal received a cash award of Rs 51 lakh from the Delhi and District Cricket Association. She also spoke about the BCCI Naman Awards 2026 and her focus on upcoming T20 tournaments.

Kolkata Knight Riders face a setback as pacer Harshit Rana is expected to miss a large portion of the upcoming IPL. He is recovering from knee surgery. This adds to KKR's existing fitness concerns. Matheesha Pathirana is also nursing a calf strain. Mustafizur Rahman is unavailable. Blessing Muzarabani has been signed as a replacement.

Former India and Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Rohit Sharma has officially joined the five-time champions' squad ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Indian speedster Harshit Rana faces a significant absence from the IPL 2026 season. He underwent knee surgery in February. Rana suffered a knee strain during a T20 World Cup warm-up match. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation. Kolkata Knight Riders will also be without Mustafizur Rahman. Blessing Muzarabani has been signed as a replacement.

Suryakumar Yadav desires to play Test cricket. He finds One Day Internationals difficult. T20 cricket is his forte. He has played red-ball cricket for years. He had one Test inning against Australia. He also played in the ODI World Cup final. He acknowledges the different charms of all formats.

Bengaluru will host the 2026 Indian Premier League matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Karnataka government has given formal approval. Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play their opening match here. The stadium will also host the RCB Unboxing event and the tournament's opening ceremony. RCB will play seven home matches, with five in Bengaluru and two in Raipur.

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav selected Ishan Kishan for the T20 World Cup based on gut feeling. He felt Kishan possessed the X-factor to win matches. This decision was tough on Jitesh Sharma. Suryakumar also highlighted Sanju Samson's crucial role in the team's victory. Samson's inclusion changed the game's momentum. His performance earned him player of the tournament.

India's T20 cricket depth is immense, according to captain Suryakumar Yadav. He believes the country can now produce two or three international-level teams simultaneously. This strength stems from a robust domestic structure and the Indian Premier League. Yadav credits this talent pipeline for India's consistent dominance in the shortest format.

Mumbai Indians have begun their pre-season training for the Indian Premier League 2026 season. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene led the first session. Players are focusing on fitness and conditioning. The team is preparing for the upcoming tournament with a mix of experienced and new faces. More squad members are expected to join soon.

Indian cricket is achieving global dominance. Mithali Raj sees men's, women's, and junior teams winning major titles. She credits BCCI and Jay Shah for transforming women's cricket. Rahul Dravid and Roger Binny also received awards. Binny shared his journey from player to administrator. This marks a proud era for Indian cricket.

India's ODI captain Shubman Gill has set his sights on winning next year's World Cup in South Africa. He expressed that securing the 50-overs prize is the ultimate goal for the team. This follows their defeat in the 2023 final on home soil. T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav highlighted the importance of recent trophy wins in inspiring further success.

Pakistan has officially complained to the match referee. The complaint concerns an LBW review taken by Bangladesh during the third ODI. Pakistan believes the review was influenced by a replay shown on the big screen. This incident occurred on the second-last ball of the 50th over. Bangladesh won the match by 11 runs and secured the series 2-1.

The 19-year-old Italian pulled clear of an entertaining battle between Russell and the two Ferraris to take a commanding win at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday and share the podium with his teammate and Hamilton, the seven-time champion he replaced last year. Im speechless. Im about to cry, to be honest, Antonelli said, holding back tears. Thank you so much to my team because they helped me to achieve this dream.

Shubman Gill and Smriti Mandhana received top honours at the BCCI Naman Awards 2026. They were named Best International Cricketers for their outstanding performances in the 2024-2025 season. India's five trophy-winning teams were also celebrated. Former stars Roger Binny, Rahul Dravid, and Mithali Raj received the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Indian men's football team will play their final AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifier against Hong Kong in Kochi on March 31. This match marks the team's return to Kochi after a decade. Although the game is a dead rubber for qualification, it offers FIFA ranking points.

Youngster Kimi Antonelli shattered records, clinching pole position at the Chinese Grand Prix, leading a stunning Mercedes front-row sweep. George Russell secured second despite qualifying challenges, while Ferrari's Hamilton and Leclerc will start from the second row. Max Verstappen faced a difficult session, qualifying eighth. Russell extended his championship lead after winning the earlier sprint race.

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir supported batter Abhishek Sharma during a tough phase in the T20 World Cup. Gambhir stated Sharma was merely 'out of runs' and not 'out of form'. He encouraged Sharma to play aggressively and fearlessly. The team had full faith in all selected players. India successfully defended their T20 World Cup title.

Kerala will honor cricketer Sanju Samson with an official reception in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. Samson was instrumental in India's ICC Men's T20 World Cup victory and was named Player of the Tournament. The event will be held at Central Stadium. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the function.

Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli has made history by becoming the youngest Formula One driver to secure pole position for a Grand Prix. He achieved this feat in China for Mercedes. His teammate George Russell encountered significant car issues during qualifying. Lewis Hamilton secured third place for Ferrari, setting up an exciting race ahead.

India's 2026 T20 World Cup victory underscores the Indian Premier League's impact. Players developed in the IPL formed the core of the winning squad. This franchise league now serves as a talent pool and tactical testing ground. The IPL generation is comfortable with high-pressure situations and aggressive cricket.

The study found that the proportion of women who say they play cricket has risen from 5% in 2020 to 10%. Participation among young women aged 15 to 24 has grown even more sharply, with 16% now saying they play cricket compared with 6% in 2020.

The BCCI will host the Naman Awards 2026 in New Delhi on March 15, 2026. Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid will receive the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. Mithali Raj will be honoured with the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women.

Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav marks five years in international cricket. He made his debut on March 14, 2021. Yadav has achieved significant milestones, including leading India to a T20 World Cup title. He holds numerous batting records and has a strong winning record as captain. His journey showcases remarkable growth and success in the shortest format of the game.

During high-stakes international sports events, athletes occasionally embark on the brave journey of seeking asylum. In a striking recent example, Iranian women's football players opted for Australia, turning their backs on the uncertainties of home.

The new jersey follows Punjab Kings' signature red and blue brand colours, a combination that has come to represent the energy, pride and fearless attitude of the franchise. The updated design introduces a distinctive pattern that begins with the lion motif at the centre, the symbol of Punjab Kings, and gradually transitions into diamond-shaped elements across the fabric

Players from South Africa and the West Indies have finally left India after being stranded post the T20 World Cup. Their departure was delayed due to the closure of airspaces amid the West Asia conflict. The International Cricket Council confirmed the safe travel of all remaining players. This concludes a complex logistical operation under challenging global travel conditions.

The Indian Premier League 2026 season is confirmed to proceed as planned. The Board of Control for Cricket in India will release the full schedule for the remaining matches once the Election Commission of India announces state election dates. The tournament begins March 28, 2026, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad.

On March 15, the BCCI awards night will shine the spotlight on Shubman Gill as he takes home the prestigious Cricketer of the Year title, celebrating his stellar performances in both Tests and ODIs. Additionally, cricket legend Rahul Dravid will be celebrated with the Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his invaluable contributions to the sport.

Gujarat Titans have appointed Vijay Dahiya as Assistant Coach for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. This move strengthens their coaching staff. Dahiya brings extensive experience from his playing and coaching careers. The IPL 2026 season will begin on March 28, 2026. The first phase schedule has been announced by the BCCI.

In a recent ruling, the BCCI Ethics Officer cleared former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni of any conflict of interest regarding his involvement in the IPL. It was determined that Dhoni's cricket academies were established prior to the BCCI's guidelines, and there was no proof of bias or favoritism. Consequently, the complaint has been officially dismissed.

Kolkata Knight Riders Indian Premier League 2026 Full Schedule: As fans gear up for an electrifying IPL 2026 season, the Kolkata Knight Riders will launch their journey with a much-anticipated clash versus the Mumbai Indians on March 29. Following this high-stakes opener, the team will host a trio of home matches at Eden Gardens, taking on the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, and the Lucknow Super Giants.

IPL 2026 Schedule: The countdown to the 2026 Indian Premier League has begun! Opening the season, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru will go head-to-head with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in an epic clash. This year boasts a record 84 matches, raising the stakes higher than ever. Keep your eyes peeled for the complete match schedule dropping soon.

Cricket fans, get ready for an expanded Indian Premier League 2026. The tournament kicks off on March 28 in Bengaluru. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play Sunrisers Hyderabad. This season is the largest ever with 84 matches. The league runs for over two months, concluding on May 31. Playoffs begin May 26.

Team India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir has spoken out against social media's negative influence. He believes protecting players from outside distractions was key to their T20 World Cup victory. Gambhir stressed that players need freedom to make mistakes without fear of online criticism. His focus remains on supporting his team and genuine fans, not social media opinions.