The Times of India

SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith says the tournament is enjoying its strongest commercial year yet, driven by record ticket sales, rising viewership and improved cricket quality. Despite rain interruptions, Smith credits IPL franchise backing, youth development and strong fan engagement for SA20s rapid growth, while hinting at future expansion and a possible womens league.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women began their WPL 2026 campaign with a thrilling three-wicket win over Mumbai Indians in Navi Mumbai. Chasing 155, Nadine de Klerk starred with an unbeaten 63 and hit the winning boundary off the last ball. It was De Klerk's night in Navi Mumbai, the commentator roared. Earlier, MI posted 154, with Sajeevan Sajana and Nicola Carey leading the charge.

IOA president P T Usha praised the Gujarat governments efforts to build world-class sports infrastructure to support Indias bid for the 2036 Olympics. After a detailed presentation at the IOA AGM in Ahmedabad, Usha said the city is emerging as a future sports hub. Officials expressed satisfaction with developments, with Ahmedabad also set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

The start of the 2026 T20 World Cup is less than a month away and Smith wants his team to beat India in the final of the multi-nation tournament. Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing SA20, league commissioner Smith said the Proteas have all bases covered with their squad.

After Englands 4-1 Ashes loss to Australia, Kevin Pietersen called for changes in the coaching setup and backed former coach Andy Flower as a possible replacement for Brendon McCullum. Calling it a wild thought, Pietersen said Flower has evolved and understands modern players. Flower previously led England to major successes and has since won titles in the PSL, The Hundred and IPL.

Bangladesh have asked the ICC to move their T20 World Cup matches out of India after the BCCI instructed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Mustafizur Rahman, due to the recent developments.

WPL 2026 began with a glitzy opening ceremony at DY Patil Stadium, highlighted by Honey Singhs surprise entry that caught captains Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur off-guard and went viral. On the field, RCB won the toss and chose to bowl against MI. The season-opening clash marked a lively start to the JanuaryFebruary edition of the league.

Rohit Sharma smiled with pride after ICC chairman Jay Shah referred to him as Indias captain at a public event, despite him no longer holding the ODI role. The moment went viral online. Rohit led India to the T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025. Now retired from Tests and T20Is, he is set to play in Indias upcoming ODI series starting January 11.

To win a Cricket World Cup, all your elements batting, bowling and fielding need to collectively work well. Consistency in team efforts, along with a few individuals standout performances, makes a team the World Champion. But sometimes a decision, technical or tactical, during the buildup to such a mega event turns out to be a trump card for the team, leading them to massive success.

Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues recalled a scary childhood incident where she fell from the first floor during a church programme while playing with cousins, making them think she had died. Luckily unharmed, the story is now a fond memory. Today, Jemimah is a World Cup hero and the newly appointed Delhi Capitals captain.

At 58, veteran striker Kazuyoshi Miura, affectionately known as 'King Kazu,' is embarking on his 41st professional season. He has joined third-division side Fukushima United on loan, aiming to score and assist. Miura, a pioneer of Japanese football, remains driven by a desire to play, even for a fleeting moment, showcasing his enduring passion for the game.

Bangladesh cricket faces uncertainty as Indian sponsorship deals for players like Litton Das are at risk following the Mustafizur Rahman controversy. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has requested the International Cricket Council shift T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns, impacting players and coaching staff.

PV Sindhu has advanced to the Malaysia Open Super 1000 semifinals, marking a strong comeback after an injury layoff. Her quarterfinal opponent, Akane Yamaguchi, retired hurt after the first game, with Sindhu dominating the initial set. This victory underscores Sindhu's growing confidence as she progresses in her return to peak form.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra strongly advocates for Shreyas Iyer's immediate inclusion in the T20I squad. He believes Iyer is the ideal replacement for the injured Tilak Varma, emphasising the need for middle-order stability and experience ahead of a crucial white-ball calendar. Chopra sees Iyer as the most logical choice, even over other contenders like Riyan Parag.

Defending champions Mumbai Indians, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, are set to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the WPL 2026 opener. MI, considered favorites with a strong squad, will clash with RCB, captained by Smriti Mandhana, in a highly anticipated match that kicks off the tournament and teams' T20 World Cup preparations.

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal urged the BCB to carefully consider the national team's T20 World Cup participation, warning against hasty decisions driven by public emotion. He emphasized prioritizing Bangladesh cricket's long-term future and suggested dialogue over public pronouncements. Iqbal stressed the BCB's need for independent decision-making while acknowledging government involvement.

Ex-Bangladesh Cricket Board official Syed Ashraful Haque criticised political meddling in cricket administration, saying the Mustafizur Rahman row reflects how World Cup matters are being driven by immature, election-linked politics rather than sporting logic, potentially jeopardising Bangladeshs participation

The Indian government is monitoring the Bangladesh situation regarding the T20 World Cup and will follow its sports policy of welcoming all participating nations. Bangladesh's decision to withdraw or relocate matches remains solely theirs, with India awaiting their final stance. Unlike Pakistan, where a specific sports policy exists, Bangladesh will receive full security if they choose to participate.

India batter Virat Kohli's brother, Vikas, has defended the cricketer against critics, suggesting some use Virat's name for relevance. This comes after former player Sanjay Manjrekar's comments on Kohli's Test career. Meanwhile, Kohli is preparing for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, aiming to continue his exceptional recent form.

The Women's Premier League begins with a clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Star players Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana lead their respective teams. Both outfits have a history of thrilling contests. Other teams like UP Warriorz, Delhi Capitals, and Gujarat Giants also feature with new strategies and player line-ups for the upcoming season.

The Pakistan Super League is expanding to eight teams for the 2026 season, with two new franchises sold for a combined $12.75 million. This figure highlights a significant financial disparity compared to the Indian Premier League, where even individual player salaries and franchise valuations far exceed these new PSL team prices, underscoring the IPL's immense economic power.

A national shooting coach, Ankush Bharadwaj, has been charged under the POCSO Act for allegedly sexually assaulting a 17-year-old trainee at a 5-star hotel in Surajkund. The incident occurred after a match during the national championships. Bharadwaj has been suspended by the National Rifles Association of India (NRAI) following the FIR.

Bangladesh Cricket Board has formally requested the ICC to shift their T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns. The team has refused to travel to India, escalating uncertainty just weeks before the tournament. The BCB's stance has hardened following the IPL release of Mustafizur Rahman.

A controversial moment dominated Day 2 of the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid in Kolkata when R Praggnanandhaa stopped the clock with one second left, leading to a disputed draw against Wesley So. Arbiter Chris Bird said it should have been a loss under chess laws. Elsewhere, Viswanathan Anand rebounded to joint lead with Nihal Sarin, while Kateryna Lagno topped the womens standings.

Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand recovered from an early setback to register two victories and emerge as joint leader with Nihal Sarin after six rounds of the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid here on Thursday. Rounds four to six produced fighting chess and frequent shifts at the top of the standings in both the Open and Women's sections.

Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa questioned the need for hosting an ICC tournament every year, saying the novelty of multi-nation events is wearing off. Speaking during the SA20 in Durban, he urged administrators to revisit scheduling to preserve value for fans. Uthappa also reminisced about Durban and the 2007 T20 World Cup bowl-out win against Pakistan, calling it a special and well-prepared moment for the Indian team.

Indian batter Tilak Varma has undergone emergency abdominal surgery in Rajkot and will miss the first three T20Is against New Zealand. The 23-year-old is recovering well and has been discharged from the hospital. His availability for the remaining matches and the T20 World Cup opener remains uncertain as he begins his return-to-training process.

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua paid a moving tribute on Thursday to the two close friends killed in a car crash in Nigeria, labelling them rothers and great men. Ayodele, the personal trainer of the former two-time unified heavyweight champion, and Ghami, Joshua's long-time strength and conditioning coach, both died at the scene of the crash on December 29.

Former England opener Geoffrey Boycott has sharply criticised England after their Ashes defeat, accusing Brendon McCullum, Rob Key and Ben Stokes of promoting a flawed, consequence-free philosophy. Boycott said players lacked accountability despite early success under McCullum-Stokes. Selection issues and injuries hurt Englands bowling, while Jacob Bethells Sydney hundred showed the promise.

India and New Zealand renew their competitive ODI rivalry with a three-match series kicking off January 11 in Vadodara. With a history of close contests and iconic performances, India holds a slight edge in their 120 encounters. Key players like Tendulkar and Kohli for India, and Taylor and Williamson for New Zealand, have shaped this enduring battle.

JP Duminy has backed Ottneil Baartmans character and resilience after the fast bowler was overlooked for South Africas T20 World Cup squad, praising his strong SA20 performances despite the setback. With Dale Steyn also questioning the omission, Baartmans form has reignited debate around selection margins as the World Cup approaches.

Auqib Nabi produced a sensational unbeaten 114 to lead Jammu and Kashmir to a stunning three-wicket win over Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Rajkot. J&K were reeling at 90/7 before Dar and Vanshaj Sharma (69*) added an unbroken 182-run stand. Dars maiden List A century, off 65 balls, overturned Hyderabads strong total and sealed one of the tournaments most memorable comebacks.

India batter Tilak Varma is expected to resume training within seven to ten days after undergoing minor surgery, his childhood coach has confirmed. The 23-year-old is unlikely to miss the T20 World Cup and could return for the New Zealand T20I series. Tilak remains Indias designated No. 3 in the shortest format.

Ruturaj Gaikwad smashed a brilliant 134 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, reaching his 20th List A century in a record 95 innings. He also became the fastest to 5,000 List A runs. Despite stellar domestic form and a recent ODI century, Gaikwad's omission from the upcoming India squad raises eyebrows. He will lead CSK in IPL 2026.

Englands last Ashes win in Australia came in 201011 under Andrew Strauss, achieved through control, discipline and belief rather than bravado. Arriving as the worlds No.1 side, England set the tone early, with Alastair Cooks epic 235 in Brisbane and dominant wins in Adelaide and Perth. A draw in Melbourne and Graeme Swanns decisive spell in Sydney sealed a commanding 31 series victory that reshaped English crickets belief in Australia.

Former Multan Sultans owner Ali Khan Tareen has withdrawn from the PSL auction for two new franchises being held in Islamabad. Announcing his decision on X, Tareen said his PSL journey was about representing South Punjab, not business. He plans to watch as a fan this year but hinted at a return if Multan is sold again. Nine bidders remain in the race.

The Women's Premier League 2026 kicks off in Navi Mumbai with a grand opening ceremony. Yo Yo Honey Singh and Jacqueline Fernandez will perform. The tournament features defending champions Mumbai Indians against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the first match. The schedule includes matches in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara, culminating in a final on February 5.

The Women's Premier League returns for its 2026 season on January 9. Defending champions Mumbai Indians face former winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match. The tournament features a double round-robin format with five teams competing. Top three teams advance to the play-offs. Matches will be held in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.

FIDE and Freestyle Chess ended a long-running dispute over world championship authority by agreeing to stage the first official FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship. The conflict began in late 2024 over title rights, sparking public clashes and player concerns. A renewed dialogue in 2025 led to reconciliation, aligning Freestyles tour with FIDE governance and creating a unified championship framework.

Sarfaraz Khan smashed the fastest fifty in Vijay Hazare Trophy history. His explosive 62 off 20 balls was a highlight. Mumbai narrowly lost to Punjab by one run. Punjab finished top of Group C. Both teams qualified for the quarter-finals.

Steve Smith expressed uncertainty about his 2027 Ashes participation due to age, despite Australia's dominant home series win. Mitchell Starc and Travis Head shone in the 4-1 triumph. Smith praised Alex Carey's wicketkeeping and highlighted the squad's sustained consistency and depth, acknowledging the team's ambition to win the Ashes in England.

England captain Ben Stokes candidly admitted his team's Ashes campaign fell significantly short, losing 4-1 to Australia. He highlighted a lack of execution with bat, ball, and in the field, allowing Australia to repeatedly seize momentum. Stokes acknowledged the team's performance was well below the required standard for winning Test matches in Australia.

England's white-ball captain Harry Brook has publicly apologised for a nightclub altercation in New Zealand, admitting his behaviour was wrong and caused embarrassment. The incident, which occurred before the Ashes tour, resulted in a fine and a final warning. This apology surfaces as the ECB begins a thorough review of the team's disappointing Ashes campaign, with off-field conduct under scrutiny.

Mitchell Starcs Ashes heroics capped a series that underlined both his durability and evolution. As the left-armer moves closer to the games all-time highest wicket-takers, his childhood coach Neil de Costa recalls the defining philosophy that shaped Starcs career: bowl fast, swing hard and ignore anyone who tells you otherwise.

Following a disappointing 4-1 Ashes series defeat, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has launched a thorough review of the men's tour. Chief executive Richard Gould acknowledged the campaign fell short of expectations, citing a lack of consistency and the need for necessary changes to regain the Ashes in 2027.

Bhopal-born cricketer Rahila Firdous, inspired by Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, has earned an engineering degree while honing her cricket skills. After impressive domestic performances, she was picked by Mumbai Indians for Rs 10 lakh in the WPL auction, a significant career leap. Rahila is eager to learn from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and leverage the WPL platform for growth.

Magnus Carlsen's repeated emotional outbursts, including slamming boards and scattering pieces, have sparked debate about sportsmanship in elite chess. While FIDE prioritizes commercial success, critics argue that unaddressed behavior sends the wrong message to young players who idolize the world champion.

In a misty Newlands thriller, Jason Smith produced a match-defining 22 off seven balls to keep MI Cape Towns SA20 title defence alive. Chasing 39 off 19, Smiths fearless assault on Richard Gleeson turned the tide before Karim Janat and Corbin Bosch finished the job, sealing a crucial win and underlining why Smith is World Cup-bound.