The Economic Times

Mumbai Indians' all-rounder Shardul Thakur addressed fan concerns regarding skipper Hardik Pandya, confirming that his absence is solely due to injury. Thakur hinted at a possible return for Pandya in the upcoming match against Kolkata Knight Riders and reassured fans, quashing rumors about the skipper's future with the team.

Three seeded Indian entries, including Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty (1), PV Sindhu (6), and Lakshya Sen (7), advanced to the quarterfinals of the Thailand Open on Thursday.

The U-15 girls spearheaded the campaign with a stellar 7 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze medals, while the U-15 boys contributed 2 gold, 4 silver and 7 bronze medals

Tickets in South Korea for a football match against a visiting North Korean team sold out within half a day, Seoul'on Friday. Seoul's unification ministry said it will provide 300 million won ($200,000) to support South Korean civic groups planning to cheer both teams at the match.

Mumbai Indians secured a six-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in their IPL clash. Tilak Varma's unbeaten 75 guided MI to chase down 201 with one ball remaining. Will Jacks also contributed with a quickfire 25. Earlier, Shardul Thakur took four wickets for MI, but Punjab Kings still posted 200 for 8.

Mexico City gears up for the World Cup this summer. Visitors can explore historical sites like Zocalo and Chapultepec Park. The city boasts a diverse food scene from street tacos to fine dining. Eighteen public fan zones will broadcast matches for free. Public transport is recommended for reaching the Azteca stadium. Be mindful of traffic, pollution, and the high altitude.

Iran's football team faces uncertainty for the 2026 World Cup in the United States. Federation chief Mehdi Taj reports no visas have been issued yet. The team awaits guarantees from FIFA regarding the visa process. Players are expected to travel for fingerprinting. Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Los Angeles and other US cities.

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is now an official supporter for the 2026 World Cup in North America and Asia. This move strengthens the country's connection with global football. Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup. The partnership supports various football initiatives worldwide. This includes grassroots programs and youth development. The fund's commitment to international sports investments remains strong.

Jannik Sinner is on the verge of a historic win at the Italian Open. He is just two victories away from becoming the first Italian man to claim the title in fifty years. Sinner has also set a new record for consecutive wins in Masters 1000 events.

Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been selected for the India A squad. They will compete in a tri-nation 50-over series in Sri Lanka. The tournament features hosts Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A. This series provides a platform for young talent. India A aims to perform well in the upcoming matches.

Delhi Capitals Cricket Academy is expanding its global reach. A new centre has opened in Seattle, USA. This academy will follow Delhi Capitals' coaching methods. It partners with Seattle Thunderbolts Academy. This collaboration aims to develop young cricketers. It also seeks to create pathways for players and coaches. This move strengthens Delhi Capitals' international presence.

The United States is easing travel rules for World Cup fans. Foreign visitors from countries that qualified for the tournament and bought tickets will no longer need to pay large visa bonds. This change applies to citizens from Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia.

Chris Wood will lead New Zealand's football team at the World Cup. The squad aims to make history by securing their first-ever win. Wood, a prolific striker, expressed confidence in the team's ability to compete. The tournament begins next month. New Zealand faces Iran, Egypt, and Belgium in Group G.

Chennai Super Kings have signed Dian Forrester as a replacement for injured Jamie Overton. Forrester, a South African all-rounder, joins CSK for Rs 75 lakh. He made his international debut in March 2026. CSK hopes Forrester will contribute with bat and ball as the tournament enters its crucial phase. The team is currently fifth and faces Lucknow Super Giants next.

Canada's soccer team is set for a major moment in the 2026 World Cup. The nation hosts matches, aiming to build on its growing popularity. With a strong squad featuring stars like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, the team targets success. This event is expected to boost soccer's profile across Canada. The team believes in its potential to compete.

Thousands gathered in Tehran for Iran's World Cup send-off. Players showcased their new kit and made patriotic statements. However, concerns linger about the team's entry into the United States for the tournament. Iran's FA is relying on FIFA to resolve visa issues. The team will train in Turkey before the competition.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has revealed the India A squad for an upcoming ODI tri-series in Sri Lanka. This tournament is scheduled for June 2026. Tilak Varma will lead the team as captain. Riyan Parag has been appointed as the vice-captain. The squad includes promising young cricketers.

FIFA World Cup India Match Timings: Football fans eagerly await the FIFA World Cup 2026. The tournament begins June 11 and ends July 19. It will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. For the first time, 48 teams will compete. Indian viewers can watch matches early morning or late night.

Virat Kohli delivered a masterclass with an unbeaten century against Kolkata Knight Riders. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar lauded Kohli's performance, highlighting his ability to chase targets. Kohli silenced critics and proved his enduring skill in the IPL.

Disastrous IPL campaigns are putting three captains in the hot seat, with sources indicating potential job losses at season's end. Axar Patel, Ajinkya Rahane, and Rishabh Pant have struggled to lead their teams to playoff contention for two consecutive seasons. Will leadership changes be on the horizon for these franchises?

Global music stars Shakira, Madonna and K-pop group BTS will headline the first-ever halftime show at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on July 19, with proceeds supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund aimed at expanding access to education and football for children worldwide

Virat Kohli's dropped catch proved expensive for Kolkata Knight Riders. He went on to score an unbeaten century, guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a six-wicket win. KKR coach Abhishek Nayar acknowledged the costly mistake. He also cited the absence of Varun Chakravarthy as a factor. RCB's Devdutt Padikkal praised Kohli's remarkable performance.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America faces a significant risk from soaring temperatures. Scientists warn that many matches could be played in dangerous heat conditions, potentially impacting player welfare and performance. Some games may even require postponement. FIFA is implementing heat-management measures, but concerns remain for players and spectators, especially in non-air-conditioned stadiums.

In a thrilling encounter, Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr team clinched a 1-1 draw against rivals Al-Hilal thanks to a last-minute own goal. With the Saudi Pro League title hanging in the balance, Al-Nassr remains in the lead by a five-point margin, needing only a win against Damac to claim the championship.

IPL 2026: Virat Kohli achieved this milestone against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), scoring 105* in 60 balls, with 11 fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 175.00.

Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh voiced disappointment after his removal as junior men's team coach. His 17-month tenure saw five medals in five tournaments, including a Junior World Cup bronze. Sreejesh questioned Hockey India's continued reliance on foreign coaches, citing a preference for overseas expertise over Indian talent for national development.

Virat Kohli scored his ninth IPL century. Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by six wickets against Kolkata Knight Riders. This victory moved RCB to the top of the IPL points table. Kohli's innings was crucial for the chase. He holds the record for most IPL centuries. The win highlights RCB's strong performance.

The 108th PGA Championship begins this week at Aronimink Golf Club. Top golfers will compete for glory. Indian-origin players Akshay Bhatia, Sahith Theegala, Aaron Rai, and Sudarshan Yellamaraju are also participating. They bring skill and craft to the major championship. Their presence signifies an expanding global reach in golf. The championship tests skill, timing, and patience.

Chennai Super Kings have signed promising all-rounder Macneil Hadley Noronha as a replacement for the injured Ramakrishna Ghosh for the remainder of the 2026 IPL season. Noronha, who was the highest run-scorer in the 2024-25 Colonel C.K. Nayudu Trophy, joins CSK to bolster their squad depth as they push for a playoff spot.

Sooryavanshi has wowed one and all with his fearless hitting in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, having made 440 runs in 11 innings at an average of 40.00 and a strike rate of 236.55, including two centuries and two fifties. His audacious take-down of world-class pacers like Jasprit Bumrah, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar etc has opened up the talks about him being fast-tracked to the Indian T20I side.

Zoravar Singh Sandhu, Asia's No. 1 trap shooter, has been omitted from the Indian team for the Asian Games. Despite a bronze at the World Championships and a world ranking of No. 6, his scores in domestic trials led to his exclusion.

The NEET-UG examination and its cancellation prompted the Students Federation of India (SFI) activists to continue their protests across Kerala. Protestors raised slogans against the Centre and National Testing Agency (NTA), took down barriers in many places and on Tuesday barged into the office of the Principal Accountant General in Thiruvanathapuram. A N Shamsheer, who is an MLA from SFI's parent organisation CPI(M) requested Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to faciliate a swift and

Russia has successfully tested its Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile. President Vladimir Putin called it the world's most powerful missile system. This advanced weapon is designed to penetrate any missile defense. The Sarmat is expected to be operational by the end of the year. Russia continues to develop its strategic deterrence capabilities with new weapons.

IPL 2026: Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins faced a penalty of INR 12 lakh. This fine was imposed for maintaining a slow over rate during their IPL match against Gujarat Titans. The Sunrisers Hyderabad team experienced a significant defeat in the game.

The Supreme Court has halted a Madras High Court decision that barred TVK MLA R Sreenivasa Sethupathi from a floor test. The apex court found the high court's action unusual. Sethupathi had narrowly won his seat against a DMK leader. The Tamil Nadu government subsequently won its vote of confidence.

Kolkata's Maidan circles mourn the passing of Swapan Sadhan Bose, 'Tutu Babu', a former Mohun Bagan President. He died at 79 following a cardiac arrest. Bose was a significant figure in Indian football administration for over three decades. His leadership saw Mohun Bagan embrace foreign players and corporate partnerships.

Virat Kohli seeks to regain form against Kolkata Knight Riders after facing two consecutive ducks this season. Kohli has a strong record against KKR. Sunil Narine presents a significant challenge as he has dismissed Kohli multiple times. Kohli's current IPL season has seen him score runs at a high strike rate. KKR and RCB squads are also listed.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Vijay TVK Floor Test: Chief Minister Joseph Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government successfully passed a floor test, securing the support of 144 MLAs. The vote of confidence saw backing from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML, while the BJP remained neutral and the PMK abstained. This victory solidifies Vijay's majority in the state assembly.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Vijay TVK Floor Test: CM Joseph Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam successfully passed a floor test in the State Legislative Assembly, securing a majority of 121 seats. This victory follows the party's strong performance in the recent elections and support from allied parties. The event also coincides with emerging speculations of a split within the AIADMK party.

The Gujarat Titans soared to victory against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, winning by 82 runs in an electrifying IPL clash. The bowlers from Gujarat put on an exceptional performance, effectively pinning Sunrisers down to just 86 runs. Daniel Vettori, the head coach for Sunrisers, commended the Titans' impressive bowling lineup.

Jason Holder has been a game-changer for Gujarat Titans, leading them to five wins in six matches since his inclusion. His exceptional bowling, with 13 wickets at an impressive average and strike rate, has been instrumental. Holder's all-round contributions, including fielding, have significantly boosted GT's performance, propelling them to the top of the table.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged citizens to adopt austerity measures to combat the West Asia crisis. He called for work-from-home twice a week, reduced vehicle usage in official convoys, and a 50% cut in ministerial fleets. The CM also promoted public transport, cycling, and electric vehicles and called for a weekly no-vehicle day.

Chennai is set for a crucial floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday. The C Joseph Vijay-led TVK government needs to prove its majority. The ruling party has secured support from various allies and a faction of AIADMK MLAs. The outcome will determine the stability of the new government.

New research indicates that stronger grip strength and the ability to easily stand from a chair are powerful predictors of a longer, healthier life for older women. A study found that greater muscle strength was linked to significantly lower mortality risk, even when accounting for physical activity and other health factors.

Jordan Spieth makes his 10th attempt to complete a career Grand Slam at this week's PGA Championship, trying to snap a nine-year major win drought. In nine prior tries to complete a career Slam at the PGA, his best finish was third in 2019.

Nahid Rana's career-best 5-40 powered Bangladesh to a commanding 104-run victory over Pakistan in the first test. Chasing 268, Pakistan crumbled to 163 all out, with Rana's devastating spell after tea proving decisive. Bangladesh had earlier declared their second innings at 240-9, setting the challenging target.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insists his team feels no extra pressure despite needing a win against Crystal Palace to keep their Premier League title hopes alive. Five points behind leaders Arsenal with three games remaining, City's failure to secure three points could allow Mikel Arteta's side to clinch the title.

Large companies must pay micro and small enterprises on time. This eases their working capital and reduces funding costs. Managing the current account, financing it, and preventing currency depreciation are key macroeconomic goals for FY27. The West Asia crisis presents a balance of payments stress test.