The Economic Times

Gujarat Titans dominated Chennai Super Kings by 89 runs. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan's record partnership set a high score. Titans' bowlers were effective, restricting CSK. This win moves Gujarat closer to playoff qualification. Chennai Super Kings are out of the playoff race for the third consecutive season.

The World Cup expands with more teams and games. This raises questions about quality and player fatigue. FIFA believes this growth makes the sport global. New teams debut, offering dream opportunities. Concerns exist about player health and the value of scarcity. More games mean more revenue for FIFA. Fan interest remains strong despite high ticket prices.

From a young fan of the Chennai Super Kings to a key figure in the Gujarat Titans lineup, Sai Sudharsan's story is one of passion and perseverance. Regularly outscoring his childhood idols, he has embraced every match as a canvas for his skill.

Indian cricketer Nitish Kumar Reddy has transformed his bowling. Inspired by Jofra Archer, his pace has increased significantly. This improvement has caught the eye of chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Reddy is now seen as a key player for India's future. Bowling coach Steffan Jones guided his development. This partnership aims for long-term success across all formats.

Hardik Pandya, captain of Mumbai Indians, was fined 10 percent of his match fee and handed one demerit point following an on-field incident during the IPL 2026 clash against Kolkata Knight RidersatEden Gardens. Pandya was penalized for forcefully knocking the wicket bails during the match and later admitted to the offense, leading to disciplinary action under the IPL Code of Conduct.

Manish Pandey's crucial 45 runs guided Kolkata Knight Riders to a four-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians. The win keeps Kolkata's playoff aspirations alive in the Indian Premier League. Assistant coach Shane Watson praised Pandey's significant value and experience. Pandey, a veteran of every IPL season, showcased remarkable fitness and form.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad clash in a vital IPL league match. Both teams aim for a top-two finish. RCB leads the points table, seeking a guaranteed first-place finish. SRH, placed third, needs a convincing win and favorable results elsewhere to break into the top two. The match promises an exciting contest between strong batting lineups and disciplined bowling.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set for a grand reimagining with 48 teams participating for the first time. The USA, Canada, and Mexico will jointly host this expanded tournament. A total of 104 matches will be played across 16 cities. The new format sees 12 groups of four teams advancing to a 32-team knockout stage.

UEFA is changing how European teams qualify for major tournaments. A new Champions League-like system will be used for the 2030 FIFA World Cup and upcoming European Championships. This aims to make matches more competitive. Top teams will play fewer opponents. Direct qualification spots are available, with playoffs deciding others. The UEFA Nations League will also be reshaped.

Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive by defeating Mumbai Indians by four wickets in a rain-affected IPL match. MI, already eliminated, posted 147/8, with Corbin Bosch top-scoring with 32 not out. KKR chased down the target in 18.5 overs, thanks to crucial knocks from Manish Pandey and Rovman Powell.

Indian football fans may see fewer numbers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Higher costs and visa issues are deterring many. Travel to the US, Canada, and Mexico presents new challenges. However, wealthy fans are expected to spend more on premium experiences. This shift means a smaller but potentially more valuable market for the tournament.

Pipped to a Champions League place by arch-rivals Tottenham on the final day of the 2021/22 campaign, it seemed unlikely to many Arsenal fans that Mikel Arteta would ever lead them out of the wilderness. Yet on Tuesday, Gunners boss Arteta completed his quest to take the club back to the promised land as Manchester City's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth sealed a long-awaited Premier League title.

Manav Shah has made history by qualifying for the 2026 US Open. He is the first player from the IGPL to achieve this milestone. Shah secured his spot at the demanding final qualifying event in Dallas. This achievement marks a significant moment for Indian-origin golfers globally. Shah's journey includes previous victories and consistent performances on various tours.

Major League Baseball is partnering with RISE Worldwide to expand baseball's reach in India, targeting the nation's young sports enthusiasts. This collaboration will involve marketing, social media, and commercial efforts, highlighted by a live baseball event in Mumbai in October 2026. The initiative aims to deepen MLB's presence in India, a market seen as crucial for its international growth strategy.

Kolkata Knight Riders face a must-win situation against Mumbai Indians, with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. A loss will eliminate them, while even a victory depends on other results. Five teams are currently vying for the final playoff spot.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has revealed the 2026-27 domestic cricket schedule. This season will host 1,788 matches for men and women across various age groups. The Duleep Trophy begins on August 23, 2026. The Ranji Trophy and Col. C.K. Nayudu Trophy will use a two-phase format.

KKR vs MI Pitch Report: Rain and thunderstorms threaten the IPL 2026 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians at Eden Gardens. Kolkata Knight Riders need a win to keep playoff hopes alive. A washout would severely damage their chances. Mumbai Indians are already out of contention. Match officials will monitor conditions closely.

Faf du Plessis believes the rise of the SA20 has significantly strengthened South Africas cricket talent pool, helping the country develop squad depth comparable to India. The former Proteas captain said the league has created more opportunities for emerging players, expanded the national talent pipeline, and provided a global platform for South African cricketers to showcase their skills.

Teen batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is rapidly emerging as a strong contender to surpass Chris Gayles all-time IPL sixes record, with former India captain Anil Kumble praising the youngsters fearless strokeplay and mature approach. Sooryavanshi has already smashed 53 sixes in IPL 2026, putting him on course for a historic milestone as Rajasthan Royals continue their campaign. Kumble believes the teenage stars exceptional talent, composure, and wide hitting range make him capable of rewri

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins is praised for his calm and clear execution of plans. Former coach Mark Boucher admires Cummins' leadership style. Boucher also lauded Heinrich Klaasen's exceptional batting performance against Chennai Super Kings. Klaasen's innings was described as a masterclass on a challenging pitch. His strategic approach and footwork were key to his success.

India celebrates sports in flashes, with non-cricket athletes often struggling for recognition and financial security. Despite government schemes, a robust ecosystem for all sports is missing. Cricket's dominance stems from its established infrastructure and commercial appeal. A cultural shift is needed, focusing on grassroots development, professional federations.

Lucknow Super Giants experienced a disappointing IPL season. Confused selections and questionable team combinations plagued the franchise. Despite a strong support staff, the team struggled to find its best XI. Key decisions, including a high-value player acquisition, seemed to imbalance the squad.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is striking fear into the hearts of bowlers with his power hitting. This IPL season, he has already smashed 53 sixes, closing in on Chris Gayle's iconic record of 59 from 2012.

Bangladesh secured a commanding 78-run victory over Pakistan in the second cricket test. This win completed a 2-0 series sweep for Bangladesh. Taijul Islam was the star bowler, taking six wickets. Pakistan's chase of 437 fell short despite a strong effort from Mohammad Rizwan. The series triumph marks Bangladesh's second consecutive series sweep against Pakistan.

Bangladesh has climbed to fifth in the World Test Championship rankings, surpassing India who have dropped to sixth. This shift occurred after Bangladesh secured a dominant 2-0 series victory over Pakistan at home. India, having not played a WTC match this year, now sits above only Pakistan among Asian teams.

Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag has requested TV commentators to focus on cricket. He urged them to respect players and avoid personal attacks. Parag stated that players work hard and make mistakes. He believes the focus should remain on the sport. He also praised Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's batting performance.

Lucknow Super Giants coach Justin Langer is impressed by 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The Rajasthan Royals opener is the league's highest scorer. Langer believes Sooryavanshi is a generational talent. He is already performing exceptionally well against elite bowlers. His continued development poses a challenge for bowlers worldwide. Selectors are monitoring his progress for the India A team.

IPL franchise values are soaring, projected to hit $15 billion by 2032. This growth rivals top European football clubs. Record media rights, strong sponsorships, and investor interest are driving this surge. Teams are expanding globally. This makes IPL an attractive institutional asset for investors.

Pep Guardiola is reportedly leaving Manchester City after ten years. This marks the end of a highly successful era for the club. Enzo Maresca is the expected successor. Guardiola's departure follows a season where City won two major trophies. He has secured twenty trophies during his tenure. The manager has remained tight-lipped about his future.

Rajasthan Royals secured a thrilling seven-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's explosive 93 off 38 balls was the highlight. Mitchell Marsh's 96 had earlier powered LSG to 220. RR chased down the target in 19.1 overs, with Sooryavanshi and Jitesh Sharma building a crucial partnership. This win keeps RR's playoff aspirations alive.

Tennis star Carlos Alcaraz will miss Wimbledon. He is recovering from a wrist injury. This also caused him to withdraw from the French Open. Alcaraz feels better but is not ready to play. He will also skip the grass-court swing at Queen's. His absence is a blow to fans. Jannik Sinner is now the favorite to defend his Wimbledon title.

Virat Kohli advised young cricketers to focus on long-term commitment to the sport. He highlighted the allure of instant fame and money from T20 cricket. Kohli stressed the importance of developing a drive to become true all-format players. He noted that modern players possess advanced power-hitting skills.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed KL Rahul's appointment as Test vice-captain is due to his experience and past leadership, not a succession plan. Agarkar emphasized Rahul provides crucial stability and leadership support for captain Shubman Gill, highlighting the need for an experienced deputy following recent injury concerns.

India has selected new talent for the upcoming Test against Afghanistan. Spinners Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey, along with pacer Gurnoor Brar, receive their first Test call-ups. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja are rested. KL Rahul is named vice-captain. Prasidh Krishna also returns to the squad. The Test is scheduled for June in Mullanpur.

Rishabh Pant is no longer the Test vice-captain. He has also been dropped from the ODI squad for the upcoming series against Afghanistan. KL Rahul will now be the Test vice-captain. Shubman Gill continues to lead the Test side. The selections were made by the BCCI senior mens selection committee. Ravindra Jadeja is rested for the Test.

Mumbai Indians have announced that Quinton de Kock and Raj Angad Bawa will miss the remainder of the IPL 2026 season. De Kock suffered a wrist tendon injury before the Sunrisers Hyderabad match. Bawa sustained a thumb ligament tear during the Punjab Kings game. Both players will undergo rehabilitation at home with franchise support.

Ravichandran Ashwin and Aaron Finch support Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. They acknowledge the pressure of leadership in the IPL. The team is in a transition phase after MS Dhoni's captaincy. Patience is urged for rebuilding the team. Gaikwad needs to rediscover his batting form. Sunrisers Hyderabad bowlers Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain are praised.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru maintains a hunter mindset after their IPL title win. Director of Cricket Mo Bobat emphasizes this approach to avoid complacency. The team is performing strongly in the current IPL season, aiming to finish at the top of the points table.

As the countdown to the T20 World Cup begins, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana says that the Indian women's cricket team is in peak form. With their training camp successfully completed, they're eager to hit the pitch in England, she adds.

Sunrisers Hyderabad secured a playoff spot with a five-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings. Assistant coach James Franklin lauded Ishan Kishan's match-winning 70 off 47 balls. Kishan's innings, alongside Klaasen's 47, proved crucial on a difficult pitch. Their partnership steadied the innings after early wickets. The bowlers conceded runs, but the batting partnership altered the game's momentum.

Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming stated Ruturaj Gaikwad is developing as captain. The team's playoff hopes are slim after a loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad. CSK faces Gujarat Titans in a must-win match. Fleming mentioned squad changes and injuries impacted the season. He also highlighted MS Dhoni's continued influence despite not playing.

Sunrisers Hyderabad clinched an IPL 2026 playoff berth. They defeated Chennai Super Kings by five wickets. Ishan Kishan scored 70 runs. Pat Cummins took three wickets. This victory propels SRH into the knockout stages. Other teams now face crucial matches to secure their playoff chances. The playoff race intensifies for several franchises.

Chennai Super Kings fans experienced significant disappointment as their team suffered a crucial defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium. This loss at their home ground has undoubtedly left the CSK faithful disheartened.

IPL 2026 Playoffs tickets will be available from May 20. RuPay cardholders receive a 24-hour priority access. Sales begin for Qualifier 1 and Eliminator on May 20. Qualifier 2 and the Final priority access starts May 22. Tickets can be bought on the official IPL website and District by Zomato.

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has allayed concerns about private investment in the Big Bash League. He stated that fears of Indian Premier League franchise owners taking control are overblown. Greenberg emphasised that Cricket Australia is seeking valuable partners, not selling the game to India. The decision on partners rests with the states.

Dhoni, who was ruled out for two weeks due to a calf strain before the season, has not shown up the entire season and has not featured in any competitive cricket for an year as an IPL-exclusive player. With CSK having two matches against SRH and later GT as crucial to their playoff chances, it would be interesting to see if Dhoni comes into the playing XI or does not disturb the combination at all.

Rajasthan Royals need a strong performance against Lucknow Super Giants in Jaipur. Their playoff chances are slim. The Royals have not won at their home ground this season. Lucknow Super Giants have won their last game against CSK. They will aim to finish their season on a positive note.