The Economic Times

The Indian Super League faces an uncertain future. The new season begins today after a hurried setup. Media rights value has sharply dropped. Clubs will absorb significant losses. The league's clash with the T20 World Cup impacts ad revenue. Despite challenges, broadcasters remain confident in football's growth in India. Fan bases and communities are key to future monetization.

India and Pakistan face off in a T20 World Cup clash. India's powerful batting lineup faces a challenge from varied bowling conditions. Pakistan also experienced early scares. Both teams are adapting their strategies. India's batting depth and Pakistan's spin attack will be key. The match promises an intense contest as neither team can afford complacency.

Young cricket sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi is returning to his studies. After an outstanding performance in the ICC Under-19 World Cup, he will now focus on his 10th class board examinations. His school principal confirmed he will receive no special treatment. Suryavanshi achieved remarkable feats in the tournament, including a record-breaking innings and numerous sixes.

The Supreme Court has called for reforms in state cricket associations. These reforms aim to make district associations more professional and transparent. Player selection and contract execution need to be clear. The court emphasized good governance and avoiding conflicts of interest. This directive comes as the court hears a plea regarding voting and membership rights.

With this win, the UAE is in third place in Group D with one win and one loss, behind New Zealand and South Africa, who have won both their games. With matches left against South Africa and Afghanistan, the UAE is still in contention for a Super Eight spot. However, that outcome is far less likely for Canada, which has lost both of its matches so far.

This development comes after former RR skipper Sanju Samson was traded to five-time IPL winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK), in exchange for two all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

Brad Evans and Brian Bennett starred in a massive victory for Zimbabwe over the 2021 T20WC champions, boosting their chances of a Super Eight qualification by giving them two victories in two matches. They still have to play Sri Lanka and Ireland in the remaining Group Stage fixtures. In the defence of 170 runs, Muzarabani bowled a spell he would remember for a lifetime, taking 4/17 in four overs, getting precious wickets of Josh Inglis, Tim David and half-centurion Matt Renshaw as well.

Pakistan's Usman Tariq left his cricket ambitions back home to start a salesman's job in Dubai, before a biopic about India great Mahendra Singh Dhoni changed his life. Tariq talked about the Dhoni biopic that changed everything.

Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium will host IPL matches. The Karnataka government has given in-principle approval. This comes after a stampede incident last year. The Karnataka State Cricket Association must meet safety recommendations. A committee will oversee match conduct. Increased police personnel will be deployed. Future celebrations at the venue will be decided separately.

Bengaluru FC has announced a new partnership with Radisson Hotel Group. Radisson will serve as the club's Official Hotel Partner for the upcoming Indian Super League season. This collaboration aims to enhance player preparation and wellbeing. It will also manage travel and accommodation logistics for the team. The partnership signifies the growing importance of hospitality in modern sports.

Zimbabwe secured a stunning 23-run victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup. Batting first, Zimbabwe posted a strong total. Australia's chase faltered despite some resistance. Blessing Muzarabani starred with the ball for Zimbabwe. This marks the first upset of the tournament. Zimbabwe's performance was exceptional.

Ireland captain Paul Stirling will miss the rest of the Twenty20 World Cup. He sustained knee ligament damage during the match against Australia. Stirling was injured while fielding and later limped off the field. Uncapped batter Sam Topping has been named as his replacement. Ireland has lost both their matches so far and will play Oman next.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar predicts a bowling change for the high-profile T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan. He believes leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav will come in for pacer Arshdeep Singh. Gavaskar suggests this shift is due to Sri Lankan pitches favoring spinners and Arshdeep's performance in the previous match.

Indian spinner R Ashwin has advised batters for the upcoming match against Pakistan. He suggests moving away if Pakistan's Usman Tariq pauses before bowling. This tactic could create pressure on Tariq and the umpire. Tariq's unique bowling action has drawn attention. Ashwin believes real-time testing is needed to check elbow straightening rules. This approach aims to win within the rules.

Zimbabwe faces a major setback as veteran wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor is out of the T20 World Cup. Taylor sustained an injury during a group match earlier this week. He retired hurt after scoring 31 runs against Oman. The exact nature of his injury remains unclear. Captain Sikandar Raza confirmed Taylor's absence.

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma is expected to be fit for the T20 clash against Pakistan on Sunday. Sharma missed the game against Namibia due to a stomach infection. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy stated Sharma is recovering well and has resumed practice. His readiness will be assessed during a training session in Colombo. India remains unbeaten in the tournament.

Riyan Parag is set to captain Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026 following Sanju Samson's trade to CSK. Parag previously led RR in 2025, securing two wins in eight matches. His promotion follows head coach Kumar Sangakkara's interviews and Rahul Dravid's departure after a disappointing 2025 season.

Usman Tariq, a Pakistani spin bowler, is making waves at the T20 World Cup with his unusual bowling style. His pause and sling action have drawn attention and accusations of illegal bowling. Despite being reported twice, he has been cleared. Tariq's unique approach has already flummoxed top batsmen. He aims to win matches for Pakistan, potentially against India.

India achieved a commanding win against Namibia in the T20 World Cup. Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan provided a strong start with quickfire fifties. Hardik Pandya contributed with bat and ball. Varun Chakravarthy impressed with his bowling. Namibia struggled in their chase and were bowled out. India's performance was a significant improvement.

Ukraine's skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the Milano Cortina Winter Games for using a helmet honoring fallen Ukrainian athletes. The IOC offered alternatives, but no agreement was reached, preventing his Olympic race. His team plans to appeal the decision.

Cricket matches will resume at Chinnaswamy stadium. The state government has set conditions for safety. These include selling tickets based on capacity and installing larger gates for quicker exits. Ambulances will also be deployed. The Karnataka State Cricket Association must follow Justice Michael DCunhas committee recommendations. This decision follows a suspension after an incident last year.

Defending champions India secured a dominant 93-run victory over Namibia in the T20 World Cup. India posted a strong total of 209 for 9, with Ishan Kishan scoring a rapid 61. Namibia's bowling effort, led by Gerhard Erasmus, was not enough to chase the target. India's bowlers then restricted Namibia to seal a commanding win.

The Madras High Court has directed cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni to pay Rs 10 lakh by March 12 for transcribing a CD related to his case against retired IPS officer Sampath Kumar.

Namibia will host the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup games. ICC Chairman Jay Shah is credited for the construction of a new stadium. Cricket Namibia president Rudie van Vuuren praised Shah for empowering associate nations and improving cricket infrastructure. The ICC has also developed high-performance facilities to help Namibia grow as a cricketing nation.

Aamir Kaleem of Oman is now the oldest player in a T20 World Cup at 44. He aims to keep pushing for his country's success. Kaleem believes age is just a number and he can still compete. He also highlighted the need for associate nations to play more against top teams. Oman is determined to improve in upcoming matches.

Thomas Tuchel's contract as England men's head coach is extended through UEFA EURO 2028. This move by the Football Association aims to bring stability and boost the team's chances of winning major titles. Tuchel will continue with his existing technical staff. The FA is also focused on developing local coaching talent for future national team roles.

Pakistan Super League (PSL) auction: A franchise owner confirmed initially that players like Mujeeb ur Rehman, Seddiqullah Atal, Muhamad Nabi, Waqar Salamkheil, Fazal Haq Farooqi had registered for the auction held in Lahore on Wednesday.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya revealed 1342 athletes exited the Khelo India programme in three years. Reasons included poor performance and doping violations. Over 23000 athletes are currently supported. The government is strengthening anti-doping measures, involving agencies like CBI. India has a high positivity rate for banned substances.

Afghan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has been fined and received a demerit point. This follows an incident where he argued with umpires over a bowler's wristband. The offense breached ICC Code of Conduct rules. Nabi accepted the sanction. The match saw South Africa narrowly defeat Afghanistan in a thrilling contest.

Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam will be in Colombo for the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match. He expects to resolve recent tensions with the BCCI. The ICC invited representatives from five Asian countries to foster dialogue. This meeting aims to strengthen relationships between cricket boards. Bangladesh will prepare a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize agreements.

Australia plays Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup. Captain Mitchell Marsh's fitness is a concern after an injury. Steve Smith joins as cover. Australia aims for a win to move closer to the Super Eights. Zimbabwe has capable bowlers and experienced players. The match starts at 11 am IST.

West Indies captain Shai Hope lauded Sherfane Rutherford after the latter's match-defining contributions with the bat for his team against England in both teams' second group-stage match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, on Wednesday at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.

Japan coach Nils Nielsen said his team want to make new history by winning next month's Asian Women's Cup as he named 16 England-based players in his squad on Thursday. Japan are the only Asian country to have won the Women's World Cup but they have only lifted the Asian Cup twice in 20 editions of the competition.

England faced a 30-run defeat against West Indies in the T20 World Cup. Captain Harry Brook stated the team was too cautious while chasing a large target. West Indies spinners proved effective, restricting England's chase. Despite a strong start, England faltered, losing wickets at crucial junctures. The loss places England third in their group.

Ahead of Indias second T20 World Cup match against Namibia, team concerns center more on player fitness than the opposition. Abhishek Sharma has rejoined after a stomach bug, Washington Sundar is back from a side strain, and Jasprit Bumrah has recovered from illness, bowling at full intensity in nets.

Sikandar Raza is back at the top of the ICC T20I All-Rounder rankings. This follows Zimbabwe's strong start in the T20 World Cup. Raza's performance against Oman secured his number one position. Teammate Brian Bennett also made significant gains in the T20I batter rankings.

South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup: South Africa secured a thrilling victory over Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup. The match went into two Super Overs after both teams scored 187. South Africa posted 187 for 6, with Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton scoring fifties. Afghanistan also reached 187, forcing a Super Over.

Abhishek Sharma continues his impressive form, holding the top spot in T20I batting rankings. The latest ICC rankings show a dynamic shift in the global T20 landscape. New talents are emerging, and established players are seeing their positions change. Sharma's consistent performances have propelled him to elite status.

Australia's T20 World Cup campaign faces an early setback. Captain Mitchell Marsh will miss the opening match against Ireland due to a groin injury. He sustained a direct blow during training. Batsman Steve Smith is joining the squad as cover. Travis Head will lead the team in Marsh's absence. Marsh requires rest and rehabilitation for internal testicular bleeding.

India plays Namibia today in the T20 World Cup. Abhishek Sharma's stomach infection is a concern for India's future matches. Namibia is not expected to challenge the dominant Indian team. The match offers Sanju Samson a chance to regain form. India's bowling attack is expected to be too strong for Namibia's batters.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara announced a February 12 meeting to decide on M Chinnaswamy Stadium's clearance for cricket matches. The decision hinges on the Karnataka State Cricket Association's compliance with safety requirements following a fatal stampede last year. A committee is reviewing the KSCA's adherence to the Justice Cunha Commission's report and safety recommendations.

Former batting coach Sanjay Bangar suggests India should not overanalyze their batting against the USA. He believes their aggressive style has brought success. Bangar notes a balance of maturity and fearlessness in the batting lineup. He also discusses Washington Sundar's fitness and potential team changes for the upcoming match against Namibia.