The Economic Times

New Zealand cricketer Kane Williamson has retired from international cricket. The announcement came on Friday, ending a 16-year career. Williamson stated the decision was made after careful consideration. He led New Zealand to two World Cup finals and the World Test Championship title. He was a pivotal player for the team.

Dale Steyn has predicted that 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will surpass Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli in achievements. Steyn highlighted Sooryavanshi's exceptional ball-striking and urged careful management of the young talent to prevent burnout. He also discussed bowlers' challenges and the judicious use of variations in T20 cricket.

The Global Chess League is set for its fourth season in Bengaluru starting September 3. This edition will feature top global players in a team-based format. The league, a collaboration between Tech Mahindra and FIDE, has previously introduced innovations like franchise teams and mixed-gender lineups. India's chess prowess is highlighted as Bengaluru hosts this exciting event.

Indian shooting lost a legend with the passing of Jaspal Rana at 49. He was a trailblazing marksman and a dedicated coach. Rana inspired a generation and helped elevate shooting's profile in India. His influence extended to nurturing young talent and advocating for his athletes. His contributions shaped Indian shooting for years to come.

Mexico secured a 2-0 victory in their World Cup opener against South Africa. The United States and Canada are set to play their first matches today. Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored for Mexico. South Korea also won, with a 2-1 against Czech republic. Fans can watch all games on Fox or Telemundo.

Empty seats at a World Cup match in Guadalajara have sparked debate. Fans blame high ticket prices for the low attendance. FIFA defends its pricing, stating millions of tickets have been sold. However, fan groups argue prices have significantly increased, potentially excluding ordinary supporters from the tournament.

West Indies secured a seven-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the first Twenty20 match. Rovman Powell hit the winning six in the final over. Shai Hope remained unbeaten with 65 runs. Earlier, Kamindu Mendis scored 51 for Sri Lanka. Jason Holder and Shamar Joseph took three wickets each for the West Indies.

Jaspal Rana Death News: India mourns the loss of Jaspal Rana, a legendary shooter and coach. Rana, a former Asian Games gold medallist, passed away at 49. He was a pioneer in Indian pistol shooting and mentored many elite athletes. His contributions significantly shaped India's success in the sport. Rana received prestigious awards for his achievements.

South Korea secured a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in their World Cup opener, with substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu scoring the late winner. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, the Koreans were initially punished by a Czech goal. Hwang In-beom equalized before assisting Oh's decisive strike.

Mexico began their World Cup campaign with a strong 2-0 victory over South Africa. Julian Quinones scored the tournament's first goal, followed by a header from Raul Jimenez. South Africa faced a tough match, ending with nine players after two red cards. The co-hosts' performance at the iconic Estadio Azteca signals a promising start to their tournament bid.

Mohammed Siraj's withdrawal from T20I squads, despite reduced white-ball appearances, highlights his crucial role in India's Test side. He has emerged as the world's most heavily used fast bowler since January 2023, carrying a significant workload, particularly in Tests, to preserve Jasprit Bumrah. This move acknowledges India's need to manage his extensive bowling load ahead of a packed international schedule.

English cricket faces turmoil as captain Ben Stokes is dropped. He broke a team curfew after a victory. This incident follows a difficult Ashes tour. The team was already under scrutiny for player conduct. Joe Root takes over as interim captain. The situation raises questions about Stokes' future in the game.

Mexico kicks off the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup against South Africa in a rematch of the 2010 opener. El Tri, playing at home, are favored to secure a victory. Key players like Raul Jimenez and Edson Alvarez will lead Mexico's charge, while South Africa relies on Ronwen Williams and Lyle Foster to cause an upset.

Wimbledon has unveiled a record prize money fund of over 64 million pounds for this year's tournament. This represents a significant 20% increase, the largest ever for the event. Singles champions will now receive 3.6 million pounds. This move acknowledges player demands for a larger share of Grand Slam revenue.

Nikhil Chaudhary, an Indian-born all-rounder, has been selected for Australia's T20 squad. He will play against Bangladesh in an upcoming series. Chaudhary holds permanent residency in Australia. His selection marks a significant moment in Australian cricket history. He previously played in the IPL and BBL. The panel noted his impressive BBL form. Chaudhary will gain valuable international experience.

The ICC T20 Women's World Cup kicks off in Birmingham. India, England, and South Africa are poised to challenge Australia's strong record. This tournament is the most open yet, featuring 12 teams. Exciting young talent is emerging across all participating nations. India aims to hold both 50-over and T20 World Cups simultaneously. Underdogs could surprise.

The World Cup kicks off Thursday with record-high ticket prices across stadiums in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the costs, citing the North American market. While many games are sold out, seats remain for most matches, including some in higher-priced categories. Cheaper options are emerging on resale markets as the tournament approaches.

India and Dubai maintain their top spot in the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings. However, their lead over New Zealand has decreased. India's points have slightly dropped, while New Zealand has gained. Australia remains third. South Africa has moved up to fourth place, surpassing Pakistan. Other teams have also seen shifts in their rankings.

The FIFA World Cup is a global spectacle that transcends borders and even current global challenges. Despite predicted issues and high costs, the tournament promises unforgettable football moments. Fans will wake up early to witness potential magic from emerging stars and established players. This event consistently delivers the unexpected, making it the ultimate sporting celebration.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is poised to be a farewell stage for football legends like Messi and Ronaldo, potentially marking their sixth appearances. Veteran stars such as Modric, Ochoa, Neymar, and Salah also face a final opportunity to cement their legacies on the international scene.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino will address the media before the 2026 World Cup. Concerns linger over high ticket prices and United States immigration policies. Somali referee, Omar Artan was denied entry. Protests are also anticipated in Mexico City with the potential to disrupt the games. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi showed good form in Argentina's warm-up match.

Pakistan Cricket Board officials will meet this weekend to decide the fate of Test captain Shan Masood and head coach Sarfaraz Khan. Following a poor performance in Bangladesh, their positions are under review. Salman Ali Agha is being considered for the captaincy. Younis Khan and Mohammad Hafeez are potential candidates for the head coach role.

Sukhbir Singh Brar, a Punjab Police ASI, supported his son Gurnoor's cricket dreams. Gurnoor, a tall pacer, has been selected for India's Test and ODI squads. His father recounts Gurnoor's late start in cricket and his dedication. Gurnoor's impressive performances led to his national call-up. His father expresses immense pride in his son's achievements and grounded nature.

Harry Brook has reclaimed the top spot in the ICC Men's Test batting rankings. He replaced teammate Joe Root after a strong performance. Travis Head is now second, and Joe Root has slipped to third. Shubman Gill and Ben Duckett also made significant gains. In bowling, Gus Atkinson reached tenth place. Pakistan's Abrar Ahmed is now second in ODI bowlers.

Jemimah Rodrigues revealed Sachin Tendulkar's call helped her refocus for the Women's ODI World Cup final after a career-best knock. Tendulkar reminded her the job wasn't done, urging her to start fresh. Shafali Verma also drew motivation from her father's voice note, which fueled her match-winning performance in the final.

Iraq faced a 2-0 defeat against Venezuela in their last World Cup warm-up match. Venezuela scored twice to secure the win. Iraq will now prepare for their World Cup finals return after 40 years. In another friendly, Saudi Arabia played a goalless draw with 10-man Senegal. Both teams are gearing up for their tournament openers.

As anticipation builds for the Asian Games 2026, cricket fans around the world are eager to see the squads announced by Pakistan and India. Sahibzada Farhan steps up as Pakistans captain, ready to strategize his team's approach, while Shreyas Iyer will lead the Indian side with flair.

Hardik Pandya will miss the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan due to an injury. He was declared fit earlier but experienced issues after his final session. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli also face fitness concerns. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been included in the squad as a replacement for Kohli. The series begins on June 13.

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt wants her team to improve their plans. They lost a warm-up match to New Zealand. Now they face Australia in the Women's T20 World Cup. Wolvaardt believes this loss is a wake-up call. They need strong strategies for the Australia game. Chloe Tryon's strong batting performance is a positive sign for the team.

Security is heightened for the World Cup with a strict no-drone policy over stadiums. Law enforcement has new powers to disable or shoot down drones. The FBI is treating all drones as potential threats. Early detection is key, but some advanced tactics could bypass defenses. The government is investing in technology to counter this evolving threat.

India A narrowly defeated Sri Lanka A by eight runs in their tri-series opener. Ruturaj Gaikwad scored a century for India A. Sri Lanka A faltered in the final overs despite a strong chase. The match saw Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's debut for India A. India A will next face Afghanistan A.

England, ranked fourth, aims for glory after recent finals appearances. Croatia, ranked eleventh, has a strong World Cup history, reaching the final in 2018. Ghana, ranked seventy-fourth, seeks to advance past the group stage. Panama, ranked thirty-third, makes its second World Cup appearance. These teams prepare for the upcoming tournament.

Portugal, led by a veteran Cristiano Ronaldo, aims for World Cup glory despite a recent qualification scare. Colombia, with captain James Rodriguez, returns after missing the last tournament. Uzbekistan makes its historic debut under Italian World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, while Congo, previously Zaire, returns for the first time since 1974.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises is readying its streaming platform, Zee5, for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The company has enhanced its technology to handle millions of users simultaneously. It has also obtained a court order to combat online piracy in real time.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America contrasts sharply with the 1994 tournament. Ticket prices have surged dramatically. The competition has expanded to 48 teams, requiring more games. Venues are now exclusively NFL stadiums, and the geographic reach extends to Canada. Water breaks are a new feature.

India's women's cricket team is confident ahead of the T20 World Cup. Following their ODI World Cup victory, players believe they can win again. The team is in England for the tournament. They aim to make winning a habit. The squad combines experienced players with new talent. Their preparation has been intense. India plays Pakistan in their opening match.

Pacer Mohammed Siraj will miss the T20 series in Ireland and England. The BCCI has given him a break for workload management. Prasidh Krishna is his replacement for both tours. This decision ensures Siraj is fresh for upcoming challenges. India's focus on bowler workload is evident. The team management and medical staff made this call.

Iran's football federation states its World Cup ticket allocation has been cancelled. This leaves fans who planned travel unable to see their team play. The World Cup begins Thursday. Iran's matches are scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle. The federation calls the action contrary to international competition spirit. It questions non-sporting interference in the event. FIFA has not commented.

The biggest World Cup ever, begins with 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This tournament faces soaring ticket prices and political issues. FIFA predicts massive global viewership. The event unfolds amidst rising inflation and international conflicts. Fans are disappointed over high costs. The expanded format raises questions about game quality.

Lionel Messi will feature in Argentina's final World Cup warm-up match against Iceland. Coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Messi will play, managing his minutes carefully. Several players are returning from injury, boosting the squad. Argentina is preparing for their title defense in the FIFA World Cup 2026. The team opens their campaign against Algeria on June 16.

Saneeth Dayanand has qualified for the men's singles main draw at the Australian Open badminton tournament. He won his qualifying matches on Tuesday. P V Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist, will spearhead India's challenge in the main singles competition starting Wednesday. Several other Indian women's singles players are also competing.

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup starts soon with twelve teams. Defending champions New Zealand are back. India hopes for a World Cup double after their ODI win. Australia aims to re-establish their strong record. The tournament promises exciting competition as teams vie for the title.

Manav Suthar made a memorable Test debut against Afghanistan. He took wickets and contributed with the bat. Suthar revealed he practiced with the red ball during the IPL to stay ready. He believes Test cricket is the ultimate format. His performance helped India secure a massive victory. The young spinner's dedication is evident.

Cricket giant Virat Kohli took to X to share his triumph after the Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched their second IPL title in a row, besting the Gujarat Titans in an intense final match. He expressed gratitude for the team's incredible journey and the unforgettable experience of lifting the trophy at their home ground.

Star Indian cricketers Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma are both declared fit and cleared for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. They underwent a fitness assessment at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. While Pandya was battling back spasms, Rohit had a hamstring niggle. This is a significant boost for India's white-ball setup.

Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is fit and cleared for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. He underwent a fitness assessment at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Pandya bowled a full quota of 10 overs in match simulations. His fitness data has been approved by the Strength and Conditioning coaches. This is a significant boost for India's white-ball setup.

Legendary Viswanathan Anand lauded R Praggnanandhaa's competitive chess style. He suggested world champion D Gukesh learn from Praggnanandhaa's recent Norway Chess victory. Anand noted Praggnanandhaa's consistent fighting spirit and impressive concepts. He highlighted the strong competition among Indian Grandmasters, including Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi, pushing Indian chess forward.

Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, aims to defend their World Cup title. Algeria makes a return after a decade. Austria seeks to advance past the first round for the first time in decades. Jordan makes its debut. These teams are gearing up for the global football tournament.

Football fans gear up for the World Cup. France, a top contender, seeks a third championship. Norway enters the tournament with star striker Erling Haaland. Senegal, making its third consecutive appearance, faces a dispute over its African champion status. Iraq returns to the World Cup after a long absence. The tournament promises exciting matches and potential upsets.

Iran's World Cup squad arrived in Tijuana, Mexico, wearing lapel pins. These pins commemorated 168 victims, mostly children, of a missile strike on a school in Minab. The team had previously honored the victims before a warmup game. The incident has drawn international criticism. Iran's World Cup journey faces visa processing delays for entry into the United States.