The Times of India

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 12 is scheduled from March 18 to May 2, 2027, aligning with IPL 2027. The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed this timeline while maintaining the eight-team format. Notably, last season saw overseas players opted out in favor of IPL contracts, impacting the league's dynamics. In a fresh approach, this season will implement a player auction, enhancing fan engagement and building on last years success.

In this episode of Bombay Sport Exchange, Times Internet's Head of Content (Sports) K Shriniwas Rao speaks to sports lawyers Aahna Mehrotra and Riya Sharma as they take a deep dive into the business of Indian sport and question the growing tendency to package every sport as the next big league.From the economics of sports leagues and the pressure to replicate the IPL model to celebrity culture, foreign-player exposure and the sustainability of competitions, this conversation examines what it re

On October 13, officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will evaluate India's performance at the Asian Games. The nation secured far fewer medals than in previous tournaments, prompting a detailed review of financial allocations and the performance of seasoned athletes who fell short of expectations. Additionally, the existence of injuries before the Games has raised questions about the overall fairness of the competing teams.

At 36, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back in Indias T20I setup, four years after his last international appearance. His recall followed a 28-wicket IPL season for RCB and a strong UP T20 campaign, but the numbers tell only part of the story. His strength and conditioning coach reveals how Bhuvneshwar cut his body fat from 19% to 14%, spent up to seven hours a day training and rebuilt his fitness to force his way back.

In 2023, when India played New Zealand in a T20I at the same venue, Ajit Agarkar did the pitch report before the match. As part of the broadcast coverage, Agarkar assessed the playing conditions and pointed out the dimensions of the ground, the grass cover and the possible impact of dew.

Lionel Messi concluded his international career with a farewell match where he scored and assisted in a victory. Cristiano Ronaldo, his rival, honored Messi's achievements and expressed his respect in a social media post. More than 85,000 fans attended the match at Buenos Aires Monumental Stadium, celebrating Messi's legacy. Messi reflected on his 21-year journey representing Argentina and the emotions tied to his decision.

Virat Kohli expressed his condolences on social media after Nana Patekar's death due to cardiac arrest. Patekar was a prominent figure in Hindi and Marathi cinema, earning numerous accolades throughout his career. He made his mark with roles in films like Parinda and Prahar, and was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013. His recent works included Housefull 5 and ORomeo, showcasing his enduring talent in the industry.

Naman Dhir had scored 318 runs in IPL 2026 but did not bowl a single over during the tournament. His international debut showed that he can offer India another option with the ball. Former India cricketer and 1983 World Cup winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth believes Dhirs emergence could seriously hurt Washington Sundars chances in white-ball cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin asserts that Bhuvneshwar Kumars display in New Zealand might have a significant impact on his chances for World Cup selection. Having last participated in an ODI in 2022, Bhuvneshwar is set to make his return to international cricket. His capacity to swing the ball could enhance India's bowling lineup for next years championship.

Wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel has been included in Bengal's squad for their upcoming Ranji Trophy match. He was previously arrested on allegations of rape but has since been granted bail. The team has named a strong squad with senior pacers Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep included. Bengal's match against Delhi is set to take place in Kalyani to mark the season opener.

Facing a troubling drop in performance, with no scores exceeding 30 in his last ten T20I outings, Shreyas Iyer turned to Abhishek Nayar for help. Their two-hour conversation revolved around critical adjustments to Iyer's batting style. The results were evident as Iyer responded with a stellar 102 not out in the first T20I against West Indies, underscoring his tenacity and capacity to rebound from tough situations.

Pedro Rodriguez bids farewell to football after an illustrious 20-year journey, celebrated at clubs like Barcelona and Chelsea, where he amassed numerous trophies. A member of the victorious Spanish team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2012, he leaves behind a legacy of 794 club appearances and 197 goals. His retirement follows closely behind that of Lionel Messi, signaling the closure of a golden chapter in the sport.

Gary Lineker expressed his sadness over the conclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo's international journey, contrasting it with Lionel Messi's heartfelt farewell with Argentina. While Messi received an emotional send-off, Ronaldo's exit was steeped in controversy. Lineker advocates for a more fitting tribute to Ronaldo's legacy, recognising his significant impact on football.

Following inflammatory comments from football players, South Korea is rethinking its policy on military service exemptions for athletes. This reevaluation comes amidst public outcry over the equity of the existing regulations. Culture and Sports Minister Chae Hwi-young noted a shift in societal attitudes towards military service, leading the Defence Ministry to explore removing additional service requirements for athletes.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has urged the US Embassy in New Delhi to reconsider the cases. It has also requested the Embassy to grant visas to the wrestlers who are scheduled to appear for their appointments on Thursday.

India is set to unveil 'Rising Together' as its vision for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted how sports can significantly transform the nations future. The Indian Olympic Association, under the leadership of PT Usha, is thrilled at the chance to harness the vibrant energy of India.

Ganguly will take charge of an IPL team as head coach for the first time after replacing Hemang Badani at Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2027 season.

India's para-athletes will participate in the Asian Para Games from October 18 to 24 in Nagoya, Japan. Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel have been selected as the flag bearers for the Opening Ceremony. Patel expressed pride in carrying the Tricolour and hopes to inspire fellow athletes. The Paralympic Committee of India will send off the contingent at a ceremony on October 8.

The squads for the upcoming ODI series between India and New Zealand will be announced next week. Selectors are evaluating players during the unofficial ODI series featuring India A against Australia A. Key decision-makers are watching how potential ODI players perform against quality opposition teams. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has rejoined the T20I squad as they prepare for the New Zealand tour.

Shreyas Iyer has made a significant leap to seventh place in T20I batting rankings after his maiden century. Axar Patel has also joined the top 10 bowlers, moving up to seventh place following impressive performances. In ODI rankings, Shubman Gill extended his lead after scoring an unbeaten 223 against the West Indies. West Indies captain Shai Hope has climbed to sixth in the ODI batting rankings with his strong performance.

Indias recent run against Brazil, Uruguay and Panama offered plenty of lessons. With 2 goals scored and 11 conceded, heres a look at where India impressed, where they struggled and what the results reveal about the team.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's meteoric rise has now brought him a new challenge: waiting. With head coach Gautam Gambhir backing Sanju Samson for the West Indies T20Is, the 15-year-old teenage sensation must now learn to navigate a lonely wait on the bench in international cricket.

Gautam Gambhir expressed his gratitude to Ajit Agarkar after Agarkar's tenure as chief selector ended. During Agarkar's time, India achieved significant success in ICC tournaments, including three trophy victories. Pragyan Ojha has been appointed interim chairman of selectors while the BCCI invites applications for a permanent replacement. VVS Laxman will be present at future selection meetings to improve communication with the Centre of Excellence.

Naman Dhir reflects on his India debut, his first wicket and the importance of contributing with the ball. The all-rounder also opens up on how his IPL experience has prepared him for international cricket, his bowling development and his journey from a small town to representing India.

In the final installment of TimesofIndia.com's series looking back at India's medal-winning campaigns at the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Savitha Shri opens up about her remarkable breakthrough as India's only individual gold medallist. The 19-year-old recalls arriving as a reserve, playing all 10 rounds and delivering when India needed her most, while discussing her family's sacrifices, the team's bronze, Swayams Mishra's support and her goal of becoming a Grandmaster.