The Economic Times

Pakistan Cricket Board has paused preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026 due to uncertainty over Bangladesh's participation. Pakistan supports Bangladesh's demand to shift matches away from India over security concerns, threatening its own involvement if the issue isn't resolved.

India's T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav needs to find form against New Zealand. This series is a final World Cup tune-up. India has a strong record under Suryakumar. New Zealand is a tough opponent. Player selections like Shreyas Iyer or Ishan Kishan are key. Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah return. Varun Chakravarthy is an important factor.

New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson believes the upcoming T20I series against India is perfect preparation for the T20 World Cup. He is eager to join the team and experience Indian conditions. Ferguson is recovering from a calf injury and aims to contribute significantly. He also plans a short paternity break during the World Cup.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to introduce a revised central contract system, under which the Grade A+ category will be discontinued. If the new model is approved by the board, Team India veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are expected to be placed in Grade B, according to BCCI sources.

Gautami Naik's stellar 73 guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a commanding 61-run victory over Gujarat Giants, securing their top-three finish in the Women's Premier League. This fifth consecutive win propelled RCB into the knock-out stage, with Sayali Satghare taking three wickets to seal the dominant performance.

Senegal's thrilling Africa Cup of Nations win has been dimmed by controversy, as a walk-off protest during their final against Morocco looms over celebrations. Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw made the dramatic decision to lead his team off the field following a debatable VAR penalty call, although they did return to finish the game.

GG W vs RCB W Live Streaming: Gujarat Giants Women will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women in the 12th WPL 2026 match on January 19 in Vadodara. RCB Women, currently leading the table with four wins, will look to extend their dominance against a Gujarat Giants side aiming to improve their head-to-head record.

Bangladesh's T20 World Cup participation hangs in the balance. A final decision is due January 21. The team's travel to India remains uncertain. The ICC has refused schedule changes. Scotland is the likely replacement if Bangladesh withdraws. The tournament is just three weeks away.

New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell hailed his team's calm approach and collective belief after their historic ODI series win in India. Despite a strong Indian chase led by Virat Kohli, New Zealand held their nerve. Mitchell emphasized the significance of the victory, calling it a testament to the team's growth and preparation.

Sunil Gavaskar believes India's ODI series loss to New Zealand stemmed from poor starts, urging batters to learn from Virat Kohli's situational approach. Kohli's lone century wasn't enough as the team struggled to build partnerships. Gavaskar highlighted Kohli's adaptability and never-give-up attitude as crucial lessons for younger players aiming for consistency.

Women's Premier League: Reigning champions Mumbai Indians are desperate to turn the tide against a beleaguered Delhi Capitals. Both squads are eager to shake off their recent woes as they face off in this vital Women's Premier League showdown.

Senegal clinched the Africa Cup of Nations title by defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time. The final saw dramatic scenes as Senegal protested a late penalty awarded to Morocco. Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, and Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in the 94th minute.

Virat Kohli's 54th ODI century was not enough as New Zealand secured a historic 2-1 series victory over India. Despite Kohli's valiant effort in a chase of 338, wickets tumbled around him, ultimately leaving India 41 runs short. This marks New Zealand's first-ever ODI series win in India in a bilateral contest.

Virat Kohli achieved a record 54th ODI century against New Zealand. He held India's innings together in the third match of the series. Kohli reached his ton in the 40th over. He partnered with Nitish Kumar Reddy for an 88-run stand. India was chasing a target of 337.

Sri Lanka secured a commanding victory over Japan in the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup. Openers set a new record partnership for the tournament. Sri Lanka's bowlers then restricted Japan, showcasing the team's depth. This win positions Sri Lanka strongly for the next stage of the competition.

As the T20 World Cup kicks off at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Saurabh Netravalkar, a fast bowler born in Mumbai and now representing the USA, can't help but feel a surge of nostalgia. His path has been unconventionaltransitioning from cricket in India to delving into computer science in the States and finding his way back to the international scene.

Investors can now bid for co-ownership of Srinagar Ke Veer, a successful franchise in the Indian Street Premier League. The team, co-owned by Akshay Kumar, has shown strong performance. This offers a chance to partner with the league and Akshay Kumar. Bids for this investment opportunity close on January 31.

India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI Live Streaming: The India vs. New Zealand ODI series is tied 1-1, with the final match in Indore on Sunday deciding the winner. India aims for a home series victory, while New Zealand seeks their first ODI series win on Indian soil. The Holkar Stadium pitch is expected to favor batsmen, leading to a closely contested decider.

India have not lost a bilateral ODI series at home since March 2019, when Australia overturned a 0-2 deficit to win 32, including the decider in Delhi. But that history is now firmly on the line. The Black Caps have toured India for bilateral ODIs since 1989 but have never won a series in India and this is arguably their best opportunity to break that barren run.

Africa Cup of Nations final: Its a clash of titans as Morocco faces Senegal in the ultimate battle for the Africa Cup of Nations trophy. With both teams eyeing their second victory, Morocco enjoys the advantage of local supporters, while Senegal's Teranga Lions are steeled for the contest. Key figures include Brahim Diaz and Sadio Mane.

Carlos Alcaraz will aim to conquer the Australian Open, the only Grand Slam title he has yet to win, without his longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. Ferrero has been by Alcaraz's side since the player was 15, guiding him to all six of his major championships. Alcaraz holds a 10-6 advantage over his Italian opponent in their head-to-head matches.

The Australian Open transcends tennis, emerging as a culinary hotspot that tempts food lovers from around the world. Star athletes return, not just to battle on the court but to conquer delicious local cuisine. From tantalising food trucks to upscale dining experiences, this event showcases an impressive array of flavours.

UP Warriorz secured a commanding 22-run victory over defending champions Mumbai Indians in the Women's Premier League. Dominant half-centuries from Meg Lanning and Phoebe Litchfield propelled UP Warriorz to 187 for 8. Mumbai Indians struggled in their chase, falling short despite late resistance.

A delayed cricket match between India and Bangladesh saw captains Ayush Mhatre and Zawad Abrar forgo the traditional handshake. This unusual moment follows a period of strained relations between the two nations. Recent events have impacted both political and cricketing ties, leading to significant discussions. The International Cricket Council is currently reviewing requests regarding future match venues.

Pakistan Cricket Board is exploring a new player recruitment system for the Pakistan Super League. This new concept, called 'drauction', aims to resolve franchise disagreements. It may involve a draft for local players and an auction for overseas talent. The Pakistan Super League's eleventh edition is scheduled to begin on March 26.

Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn is home after a serious meningitis attack. He was in an induced coma for eight days. Doctors gave him a 50/50 chance of survival. Martyn has now recovered and is thankful for the support received. The experience has made him realize the fragility of life and the preciousness of time.

Shreyanka Patil made history by becoming the youngest bowler to achieve a 5-wicket haul in the WPL, finishing with figures of 5 for 23 against Gujarat Giants. Her stellar performance secured Royal Challengers Bengaluru's third consecutive win, placing them at the top of the league standings.

The Sports Authority of India is hiring 323 assistant coaches nationwide. This recruitment drive aims to boost athlete support across 26 sports. Shooting, athletics, swimming, and wrestling will see significant additions. The selection process involves a written test and a coaching ability test. Applications are open for individuals aged 30 and above with relevant coaching qualifications.

India and New Zealand are set for a thrilling series decider in Indore. The three-match ODI series is locked at one win apiece. India aims to continue its strong home record. New Zealand eyes a historic first-ever bilateral ODI series win in India. Both teams are under pressure to perform in this crucial encounter.

Saurashtra and Vidarbha are set for a close Vijay Hazare Trophy final. Both teams have performed as a unit, reaching the final without star players. Their batters and bowlers have been consistent throughout the tournament. Key players for Saurashtra include Harvik Desai and Vishvaraj Jadeja. Vidarbha's batting is led by Aman Mokhade and Dhruv Shorey.

At 45, Venus Williams is set to become the oldest player in Australian Open women's singles history. She expressed surprise at the record, focusing instead on her comeback and the attitude required in sport. Williams, a seven-time major winner, will face Olga Danilovic in her first-round match.

Zimbabwe has bolstered its preparations for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 by appointing West Indies legend Courtney Walsh as bowling consultant. Walsh, with extensive subcontinent experience, will mentor the team as they aim to perform strongly after missing the previous edition. This strategic inclusion aims to enhance the team's bowling prowess for the upcoming global tournament.

Steve Smith's explosive 41-ball century, including a record 32 runs in one over, powered the Sydney Sixers to a thrilling five-wicket victory over David Warner's Sydney Thunder. Warner's unbeaten 110 had set the Sixers a target of 190. Smith's remarkable innings, featuring nine sixes, stole the show despite Warner's century.

Shreyanka Patil's five-wicket haul powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a 32-run victory over Gujarat Giants. Patil credited a crucial century partnership between Radha Yadav and Richa Ghosh for instilling the confidence to push for a win. The bowlers' effective performance, despite dew, was also highlighted as a key factor in securing the win.

FC Goa: The Goan club said in a Thursday night statement on 'X' that it had honest and difficult conversations with the players and support staff about the challenges ahead in view of the turmoil in Indian football.

India, the five-time champions, are firm favorites against Bangladesh in their second ICC U-19 World Cup match. After a dominant win against the USA, India's star-studded batting lineup will look to extend their impressive form. Bangladesh, however, boasts experienced players and a potent bowling attack, making them a tricky opponent.