The Times of India

Protesting wrestlers, led by Bajrang Punia and Sangeeta Phogat, are launching the 'Orka Wrestling League' this November. This rebel professional league will feature eight franchise-based global teams, including prominent Indian wrestlers. Aiming to provide recognition and financial security, the league will be a mixed-gender competition with substantial sponsorship and rewards, despite potential opposition from the WFI.

The BCCI and BCB both erred in the Mustafizur Rahman IPL release dispute. BCB's safety concern pretext for avoiding India, fueled by social media, allowed PCB to create unnecessary drama. ICC chairman Jay Shah prioritised cricket, ensuring the tournament proceeded despite Bangladesh's absence, highlighting the distinct economic value of India-Pakistan matches.

India's bowlers are intensifying their training to adapt to sluggish tournament pitches, particularly in Colombo. The team is also adjusting batting strategies, moving away from an all-out aggressive approach to incorporate more technique. This shift comes as they prepare for challenging conditions and a crucial match against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup.

Mumbai Indians have denied Royal Challengers Bengaluru permission to use DY Patil Stadium for IPL 2026, citing catchment area restrictions that require an NOC from MI. With Navi Mumbai ruled out, RCB are exploring Raipur and Indore while KSCA continues to push for a return to Chinnaswamy.

Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has vowed to play attacking cricket against India. The arch-rivals will face off in Colombo on February 15. Farhan's confidence stems from his player-of-the-match performance against the USA. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha highlighted the team's balanced batting approach. The team aims to improve its powerplay bowling before the big match.

February 11 brings three key T20 World Cup 2026 matches: Afghanistan vs South Africa, Australia vs Ireland, and England vs West Indies. Afghanistan aim to bounce back against a strong Proteas side, while Australia begin their campaign against upset-prone Ireland. England and West Indies, both two-time champions, clash in a high-profile encounter, with both teams in good recent form.

Sachin Tendulkar met Rahul Gandhi and invited him, along with President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, to Arjun Tendulkar and Saaniya Chandoks wedding. Arjun, now with Lucknow Super Giants, has had a mixed IPL career and represents Goa domestically. Saaniya is from the Graviss Group family and a longtime friend of the Tendulkars.

Sri Lankas Bhanuka Rajapaksa clarified his controversial comments on Indian bats, saying his words were misunderstood and meant as praise, not an accusation of bat-tampering. He lauded Indias advanced cricket system and top bat manufacturers, admitting he should have given clearer context. His earlier remarks triggered online debate, but no ICC complaint was filed.

Pakistan defeated the United States by 32 runs in a T20 World Cup match. Sahibzada Farhan starred with a rapid 73, setting a strong total. Pakistan's spinners then restricted the USA. Shubham Ranjane and Shayan Jahangir showed fight for the USA. The win places Pakistan at the top of Group A.

Sri Lanka and New Zealand face significant blows as key all-rounders Wanindu Hasaranga and Michael Bracewell are out of the T20 World Cup due to injuries. Hasaranga's hamstring tear and Bracewell's calf issue have led to replacements Dushan Hemantha and Cole McConchie joining their respective squads. Both teams must now adapt their strategies mid-tournament.

Inside Indias net session ahead of T20 World Cup match vs Namibia

Exclusive: Hungary No. 1 Richrd Rapport on Hungarian Chess, GCL, Candidates 2026, and more #chess

India say they were always mentally prepared to face Pakistan on February 15, with assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate stressing off-field issues never affected preparations, though Pakistan may have a logistical edge in Colombo. Opener Abhishek Sharma missed training due to illness and could be rested, with Sanju Samson a possible replacement.

India opener Abhishek Sharma missed training in New Delhi due to stomach illness, putting his availability for the Namibia match in doubt. He had a golden duck against the USA and did not field, with Sanju Samson replacing him. Mohammed Siraj said, Abhishek Sharma has an upset tummy, that's why he didn't field. He will be back fine. India may rest him ahead of the Pakistan clash, recalling Samson if needed.

New Zealands Tim Seifert and Finn Allen smashed an unbeaten 175-run opening stand to chase down UAEs 173/6 with a 10-wicket win in just 15.2 overs. Seifert made 89* and Allen 84*, dominating UAEs bowlers. Earlier, Muhammad Waseem (66 not out) and Alishan Sharafu (55) had lifted UAE to their highest T20 World Cup total, but NZs explosive chase sealed their second straight win.

Norway Chess has confirmed Alireza Firouzja for its 2026 event in Oslo, while India No. 1 Arjun Erigaisi is still not in the announced lineup. Firouzja, a former prodigy who became a GM at 14 and the youngest to reach 2800 rating, has twice played the Candidates and finished runner-up at Norway Chess before. India will be represented by world champion Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa, with more names to be revealed.

Bas de Leede delivered a match-winning all-round performance against Namibia in Delhi, a venue where he previously set an unwanted ODI record. His unbeaten 72 and two wickets secured Netherlands' first T20 World Cup win, erasing the memory of a tough outing against Australia in 2023.

Virat Kohli announced his T20I retirement after Indias seven-run win over South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, saying it was time for the next generation. He was Player of the Match for his 76 and finished with 4,188 T20I runs. India ended an 11-year ICC trophy drought with an unbeaten campaign, celebrated nationwide with major rewards and honours.

Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych will compete with a black armband after the IOC granted an exception, but his custom helmet honoring fallen Ukrainian athletes was banned. Officials cited Olympic regulations against political statements, calling the armband a compromise. Heraskevych expressed confusion over the helmet's rejection, emphasizing it was a tribute to the Olympic family.

Bengal secured a commanding innings and 90-run victory over Andhra to advance to the Ranji Trophy semifinals. Sudip Kumar Gharami's exceptional 299 laid the foundation for Bengal's dominance. The team will now face Jammu and Kashmir in the next round. Shahbaz Ahmed's bowling proved crucial in dismantling Andhra's second innings.

Museum tour at the Wankhede Stadium | Ft. MCA President Ajinkya Naik

Former Pakistan bowler Mohammad Asif warns the national team against the United States in their upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 match, predicting another upset. He recalls the dramatic Super Over loss in the 2024 edition, where USA secured a historic victory. Asif believes history could repeat itself, putting Pakistan's campaign at risk.

Former captain Sourav Ganguly expressed his enthusiasm for India's upcoming T20 World Cup encounter against Pakistan on February 15. He believes India, a strong team, will pose a significant challenge. Ganguly also highlighted his admiration for Abhishek Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ishan Kishan within the current squad, noting the tournament's exciting start.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky backs skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych. Heraskevych faced a ban from the International Olympic Committee for his helmet design. The helmet featured portraits of Ukrainian athletes killed in the war with Russia. Zelensky stated the helmet's message is a reminder of modern Russia's actions. Heraskevych aims to keep global attention on the conflict.

Bas de Leede starred with bat and ball as the Netherlands bounced back from their narrow loss to Pakistan to register their first win of the T20 World Cup, beating Namibia by seven wickets in Delhi. Asked to bat first, Namibia scored 156 for eight. In reply, Netherlands chased down the target of 157 in 18 overs

England cricketer Jos Buttler has lauded Indian prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, calling the 14-year-old the est player I've ever seen after his record-breaking 175 in the U-19 World Cup final. Sooryavanshi's explosive innings secured India's sixth title and ignited discussions about cricket's next generational superstar.

In a record-breaking deal, Walee Technologies has acquired the Multan Sultans for $8.8 million annually, making it the most expensive Pakistan Super League franchise. The team will be rebranded as Rawalpindi. This significant sale follows the PSL's expansion to eight teams and marks a new era for the league, with the former owner stepping down after disagreements with the PCB.

The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match is confirmed, averting significant financial losses. Back-channel talks between the ICC, PCB, and BCB secured the fixture's continuation. This clash is a commercial powerhouse, generating millions in advertising and impacting broadcast rights negotiations, making its potential cancellation a major concern for all stakeholders.

Pakistan face immense pressure in their T20 World Cup encounter against the United States, still haunted by a past upset. The American side, bolstered by a near-shock against India and insider knowledge from a former Pakistani player, feels confident. Pakistan, having narrowly escaped defeat in their opener, acknowledges the rising threat of emerging teams.

Fast bowler Harshit Rana underwent successful knee surgery on Monday, ruling him out of the T20 World Cup and a significant portion of the upcoming IPL season. The injury occurred during a warm-up match, and Rana will now begin rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

T20 World Cup: Lungi Ngidi press conference after South Africa vs Canada

National coach Jaspal Rana was sidelined from the Field of Play during Manu Bhaker's 25m pistol event due to a dress code violation. Despite this, Bhaker secured a silver medal. Meanwhile, a junior shooter named Anjali Bhagwat, inspired by the Olympian, clinched her first international bronze in the same event.

Dhakshineswar Suresh delivered crucial wins for India in the Davis Cup Qualifiers, notably defeating World No. 88 Jesper De Jong and Guy den Ouden with his powerful serve. The 25-year-old, standing 6'6, has honed his booming serve through years of consistent practice, a trademark that has seen him defeat several top-ranked opponents.

Gary Kirsten, the celebrated former India coach, is lending his expertise to Namibia as a consultant for the T20 World Cup. His presence brings a winning mentality and invaluable knowledge of Indian conditions. Captain Gerhard Erasmus highlights Kirsten's player-first approach, emphasising his ability to connect deeply with the squad, a crucial element for a team balancing aspirations with semi-professional realities.

Pakistan, after a shaky win against the Netherlands, faces a confident USA in their next T20 World Cup match. The USA, with roots in Pakistan, aims to replicate their past Super Over success. Pakistan's faltering middle order, including Babar Azam's struggles, remains a key concern as they prepare for this crucial encounter.

How PCB, ICC, BCB reached a resolution on India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match

Robot dogs will aid police in Mexico during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These robotic units will enter high-risk areas, sending live video to officers. This allows for remote assessment of situations. The robots can also issue commands via loudspeaker. Their deployment aims to protect police officers during confrontations. Guadalupe city council purchased these advanced machines for enhanced security.

India's T20 World Cup campaign faced an early jolt with a surprisingly difficult Wankhede pitch against the USA. The team management expressed displeasure to the BCCI, as the sluggish track challenged their aggressive batting plans. Team India prefers high-scoring games and must adapt to varying conditions to succeed in the tournament.

Dhumketu XI, featuring Mustafizur Rahman, clinched the Odommo Bangladesh T20 Cup title after a thrilling seven-run victory over Durbar XI. Tanzid Hasan's unbeaten 88 was the cornerstone of Dhumketu's imposing 208/3. Despite strong efforts from Durbar's batsmen, Mustafizur's crucial wickets in the death overs secured the championship for his side.

Pakistan has agreed to play India in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on February 15th in Colombo, reversing their boycott. This decision followed extensive talks involving the ICC and Bangladesh Cricket Board. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the directive, emphasising the outcomes of multilateral discussions and requests from friendly nations.

Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Al-Nassr is under scrutiny following a Saudi Pro League statement emphasizing no player is bigger than the club or league. This comes as Ronaldo missed recent matches amid reported frustration with club funding, particularly after rival Al-Hilal's signings. Despite his absence, Al-Nassr secured a key victory.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 14-year-old prodigy, stunned the cricketing world with a record-breaking 175 in the U19 World Cup final, leading India to victory. His performance has reignited the debate on fast-tracking young talents, with Shashi Tharoor drawing parallels to Sachin Tendulkar. However, ICC regulations prevent Sooryavanshi from playing international cricket until March 2026.

USA fast bowler Jasdeep Singh has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 with a shoulder injury sustained during a warm-up match against New Zealand. The ICC approved former Pakistan player Ehsan Adil as his replacement. Jasdeep, a key USA bowler with 54 ODI and 31 T20I wickets, was part of their historic 2024 World Cup win over Pakistan. His absence is a big setback for the team.

The BCCI's central contracts for 2025-26 see several prominent names like Mohammed Shami and Ishan Kishan excluded, with the A+ category abolished. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are moved to Group B, while Shubman Gill enters Group A alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja. Sai Sudharsan is the sole new male entrant.

The standoff is over. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a U-turn over their boycott of the February 15 game against India at the T20 World Cup. The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash at the T20 World Cup will go ahead as scheduled.

Aiden Markram's explosive 59 powered South Africa to a commanding 213/4 against Canada. Despite a valiant 64 from Navneet Dhaliwal, Canada fell short, finishing at 156/8. Lungi Ngidi's 4/31 and a late surge from David Miller and Tristan Stubbs secured a dominant 57-run victory for the Proteas in their T20 World Cup opener.