29 C The Times of India
Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
FIFA confirmed ongoing discussions for media rights in India for the 2026 World Cup, with no official broadcaster yet announced. The Delhi High Court has issued notices regarding the broadcast, as talks in other territories like China also remain unsettled. Fans await confirmation on television and digital platform coverage for the expanded tournament.
Gujarat Titans secured a commanding 82-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. This win propelled Gujarat Titans to the top of the Indian Premier League 2026 standings. Half-centuries from Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar set a strong total. Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder then dismantled the Sunrisers Hyderabad batting lineup. Gujarat Titans achieved their fifth consecutive win.
Gujarat Titans secured a dominant 82-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar built a crucial partnership to set a competitive total. The Gujarat bowling attack then dismantled Hyderabad's batting order. Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder were instrumental in restricting the opposition. This win propelled Gujarat Titans to the top of the IPL 2026 standings.
Kagiso Rabada's exceptional IPL 2026 bowling has reached historic heights, with his latest powerplay demolition of Sunrisers Hyderabad taking him to 16 wickets for the season. This feat places him alongside IPL legends for most powerplay wickets in a single edition. Rabada's fiery spell crippled SRH's chase, ensuring Gujarat Titans secured a crucial victory.
Chennai Super Kings are reportedly set to sign Karnataka's Macneil Hadley Noronha as an injury replacement for Ramakrishna Ghosh for the remainder of IPL 2026. Noronha, who had a stellar C.K. Nayudu Trophy campaign, impressed during trials with multiple franchises. This move comes as CSK faces a season heavily disrupted by injuries to key players.
FC Barcelona's Lamine Yamal displayed a Palestinian flag during the team's La Liga title parade. The young player's gesture drew global attention amid the ongoing conflict. Manager Hansi Flick acknowledged Yamal's maturity in making his own decisions. The club celebrated its domestic triumph with thousands of fans. Yamal is seen as a rising football star.
Kolkata Knight Riders face a must-win IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with star spinner Varun Chakravarthy's fitness a major concern. Assistant coach Shane Watson expressed optimism about the team's recent form and potential playoff push, highlighting Angkrish Raghuvanshi's impressive skill development.
Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to field as Sunrisers Hyderabad faced Gujarat Titans. The Titans sported a special lavender jersey to support cancer awareness. Both teams, with identical points, retained their playing XIs for the crucial IPL 2026 encounter. Captains Cummins and Gill expressed confidence in their strategies.
Pakistan faced severe online backlash after a crushing 104-run defeat to Bangladesh, marking their third consecutive Test loss to the hosts. Despite a late fightback led by debutant Abdullah Fazal, Bangladesh's Nahid Rana's exceptional bowling secured a historic home victory. The loss also saw Pakistan drop two places in the World Test Championship standings.
Mohammad Kaif criticized Axar Patel for publicly singling out teammate Kuldeep Yadav during Delhi Capitals' challenging IPL 2026 season. Kaif emphasized that experienced captains avoid public criticism, especially of proven performers like Kuldeep, advocating for team-focused accountability instead. Despite this, Axar played a crucial captain's knock in a recent win.
IBL's eight foundation cities announced alongside NBA legends
India's javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra will miss the Rome Diamond League due to ongoing rehabilitation for a back injury. His absence opens the door for fellow Indian Sachin Yadav, who impressed at the World Championships, to make his Diamond League debut. Chopra aims for full fitness for the Asian Games, having recently parted ways with coach Jan Zelezny.
Former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh stated that Vinesh Phogat's participation in wrestling trials is under the current WFI administration's purview. He defended his tenure, asserting the WFI never barred athletes without valid reasons. Phogat was declared ineligible by the WFI until 2026 due to ongoing disciplinary proceedings, a decision she disputes, citing international clearance.
Bangladesh secured a commanding 104-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test, taking a 1-0 series lead. Nahid Rana's exceptional bowling spell dismantled Pakistan's chase after a promising start by debutant Abdullah Fazal. This historic win marks Bangladesh's first home Test triumph against Pakistan, signaling a significant shift in red-ball cricket.
In a Zimbabwe domestic cricket match, Scorpions Cricket Club achieved an astonishing 822/4, powered by centuries from Winfed Mutende (203 off 75 balls) and Takunda Madembo (302). Methane Lions collapsed to 28/7, resulting in a record 794-run victory for Scorpions. This score dwarfs previous high totals in List A cricket.
The India Basketball League (IBL) is launching with a unique approach, focusing on building passionate, engaged communities rather than competing directly with cricket. Drawing lessons from Australia, where Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger has origins, the league emphasises entertainment, inclusivity, and local-player development
Vinesh Phogat controversy: WFI breaks silence, explains rules
South Africa women's national cricket team have announced their squad for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, with veteran pacer Shabnim Ismail making a surprise return from retirement. Led by Laura Wolvaardt, the Proteas will aim for their first ICC title after back-to-back runner-up finishes. Experienced players like Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk also feature in the squad.
Krunal Pandya continues to be a vital all-rounder for RCB in their IPL 2026 title defence, recently scoring a match-winning 73 despite severe cramps against Mumbai Indians. He also achieved his 100th IPL wicket and draws inspiration from Virat Kohli's unwavering intensity and dedication, having previously won Player of the Match in two IPL finals.
Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik has backed Vinesh Phogat in her dispute with the Wrestling Federation of India over returning from retirement. Sakshi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya to intervene, saying many countries support athletes after motherhood. Vinesh, now a Congress MLA and mother of a 10-month-old, is challenging WFIs six-month comeback rule.
Former captain Tamim Iqbal, now heading an interim BCB committee, expressed disappointment over Bangladesh's mishandled exclusion from the T20 World Cup 2026. He believes the previous administration failed to find a compromise with the ICC, costing the country a valuable opportunity. Tamim also emphasized the strong relationship between the BCB and BCCI, assuring India of Bangladesh's safety for future tours.
Delhi Capitals' Madhav Tiwari reflects on his brilliant all-round performance
Punjab Kings coach Sairaj Bahutule explains what went wrong against Delhi Capitals
German model LizLaz claimed journalists offered her money to make false allegations against Virat Kohli after his Instagram account appeared to like one of her posts. Calling Kohli her favourite cricketer, she refused the offers, saying, Why would I say bad things about him for money? LizLaz admitted the sudden attention felt overwhelming and later shared photos wearing a Royal Challengers Bengaluru jersey.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's stellar IPL 2026 form for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, marked by 21 wickets and a match-winning performance against Mumbai Indians, fuels speculation about an India return. Despite the buzz, the veteran pacer remains focused on his team's success, stating he's not setting long-term goals but cherishes his career achievements.
Sanjay Manjrekar expresses concern over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's limited role as an Impact Player in IPL 2026. He argues that restricting the 15-year-old to just batting hinders his overall cricketing development, emphasizing the importance of fielding experience and pressure situations for a complete cricketer.
Axar Patel was fined Rs 12 lakh after Delhi Capitals maintained a slow over rate during their thrilling three-wicket IPL 2026 win over Punjab Kings. Axar scored 56 while David Miller added 51 in Delhis successful chase of 211. Madhav Tiwari starred with two wickets and a calm finishing cameo as Delhi kept their playoff hopes alive.
Thirteen Years After His T20I Debut, The 36-Year-Old Is Still Adapting, Still Succeeding In A Format Increasingly Hostile To Bowlers
Punjab Kings' bowling strategy faced criticism after Yuzvendra Chahal was not utilized in their three-wicket loss to Delhi Capitals. Despite a strong start, PBKS suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, with dropped catches and a strong partnership from Axar Patel and David Miller proving costly. The team's spin-bowling coach cited seaming conditions favoring pacers for Chahal's omission.
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes Virat Kohli is very sensitive to criticism despite often saying he ignores outside noise. Manjrekar revealed Kohli sometimes became cold towards him after negative remarks. He added criticism may motivate Kohli to perform better. Manjrekar also praised Kohlis aggressive leadership in Test cricket, calling him one of Indias greatest captains during his successful tenure.
British cricketer Jamie Spence, 28, died in a car crash in New Zealand alongside French national Raphael Jean-Gabriel Roellinger. Jamies club, Hull Strikers, paid tribute to his energetic and passionate personality, saying his spirit brought life to the team. Days later, the club played with 10 men and dedicated a seven-run victory to him, calling Jamie one of the biggest supporters of the club and Forever a Striker.
With 15 league games left, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans are favourites for IPL playoffs with nearly 88% qualification chances. Punjab Kings remain well placed despite slipping to 64.4%. Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals hover around 54%, while Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals face slim hopes. Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians are eliminated.
Half-centuries from Axar Patel and David Miller helped Delhi Capitals chase 211 against Punjab Kings and stay alive in the IPL playoff race. Young all-rounder Madhav Tiwari starred with two wickets and a calm finishing cameo. Madhav credited team support and coach Amay Khurasiya for shaping his all-round game, saying he stayed in the zone during the tense chase.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a dramatic last-ball victory against Mumbai Indians, propelling them to the top of the IPL 2026 table. Despite a shaky start and a golden duck for Virat Kohli, the team displayed remarkable resilience. Krunal Pandya's heroic 73 and Bhuvneshwar Kumar's stellar bowling performance were pivotal in the thrilling chase, bringing RCB closer to a playoff berth.
Punjab Kings suffered their fourth straight IPL 2026 loss, falling by three wickets to Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala. Despite a strong 210/5, their bowling and fielding faltered, allowing DC to chase the target with aggressive half-centuries. Captain Shreyas Iyer expressed disappointment, highlighting execution lapses as the key issues.
Delhi Capitals secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over Punjab Kings, chasing a massive 211 in Dharamsala. Counterattacking half-centuries from David Miller and Axar Patel were pivotal in the highest successful run chase at the venue. This crucial win keeps DC's IPL 2026 playoff aspirations alive, while PBKS suffered their fourth consecutive loss.
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat was denied entry to a domestic tournament in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, her planned comeback event. Citing pending disciplinary proceedings and a notice she hadn't responded to, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) declared her suspended. Phogat, who accused former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment, claims this is a conspiracy to force her retirement.
Tim David faces a 30% match fee fine and two demerit points for an offensive gesture during RCB's nail-biting win over Mumbai Indians. The incident, captured during celebrations after RCB's elimination of Mumbai, saw David breach the IPL Code of Conduct. He accepted the sanction from the match referee, with the IPL confirming the penalty.
Punjab Kings posted a formidable 210/5 against Delhi Capitals, with KL Rahul's early dismissal by Arshdeep Singh drawing a jubilant reaction from coach Ricky Ponting. Despite Priyansh Arya's explosive start, Delhi's bowlers fought back. Shreyas Iyer anchored Punjab's innings with a half-century, setting a challenging target.
Shreyas Iyer etched his name in IPL history with his third consecutive 50+ score against Delhi Capitals, joining Virat Kohli and Rahul Dravid. His unbeaten 59 anchored Punjab Kings, building a vital partnership and showcasing his consistent dominance over his former franchise. Iyer's stellar form against DC continues to impress.
Delhi Capitals faced a penalty for slow over-rate against Punjab Kings, allowing PBKS to post a massive 210/5. Priyansh Arya and Shreyas Iyer starred for Punjab, while Mitchell Starc endured his most expensive IPL spell. Notably, Delhi Capitals employed an all-pace attack throughout the innings.
Young batting sensations Priyansh Arya and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are electrifying the IPL with their aggressive T20 style. Sooryavanshi, the youngest IPL centurion, and Arya, known for his rapid centuries, are leading a new generation of fearless batsmen, dominating powerplay overs and setting new benchmarks for strike rates and quick-fire fifties.
Priyansh Arya made IPL history by hitting Mitchell Starc for six off the first ball in Dharamsala, marking his third such feat. This places him second behind Yashasvi Jaiswal, who also hit Starc for an opening ball six earlier this season. The match saw Delhi Capitals opt to field after winning the toss.
Harbhajan Singh supports Jasprit Bumrah amidst a quiet IPL 2026. He points to the Mumbai Indians' bowling attack lacking confidence and relying too heavily on Bumrah. The team's overall belief and body language have also dropped significantly this season. A leader is needed to inspire the squad and change their fortunes on the field.
Delhi Capitals, desperate for a win, made five changes for their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings, opting to field first. Young all-rounder Madhav Tiwari, retained for his pace and batting, is among the new faces. Punjab Kings, currently fourth, aim for a victory to potentially top the table.
Zabeel Palace, the official residence of Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is a priceless landmark in the heart of the city. This ultra-luxurious mansion, estimated to be worth billions, showcases traditional Emirati aesthetics with modern Arabian luxury and boasts extensive landscaped grounds, private stables, and advanced security.
Sunil Gavaskar proposes rewarding bowlers with an extra over for taking three or more wickets in their spell, aiming to rebalance T20 cricket heavily favouring batters. He believes this encourages attacking bowling, citing recent high-scoring IPL matches as evidence of the need for change. Gavaskar suggests testing the idea in domestic tournaments first.