The Times of India

Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan dreams of international cricket returning to his homeland, a sentiment echoed by passionate fans. Despite enduring hardships, Afghans' love for cricket fuels their aspirations. Fans debate whether Rashid or former captain Mohammad Nabi is the greater inspiration, both having significantly impacted the sport's growth in the nation.

Mohammed Siraj made a surprise return to India's T20I side, taking 3-29 to help them defeat the USA by 29 runs in their 2026 T20 World Cup opener. Called up as a replacement for an injured all-rounder, Siraj initially thought the offer was a joke before being convinced by his captain. He expressed philosophical acceptance of his unexpected opportunity.

Nepal's valiant effort against England in the T20 World Cup opener, pushing the champions to the final ball, garnered widespread admiration. Former pace great Dale Steyn even offered his services, highlighting Nepal's impressive rise. Despite a narrow four-run loss, Nepal's courageous chase and spirited performance have captured global attention.

Italy's cricket team is making its T20 World Cup debut against Scotland at Eden Gardens, a moment skipper Wayne Madsen admits will bring nerves. Despite playing on artificial wickets back home, the Italians are confident after winning practice matches. Coach John Davison noted the good batting pitch, a contrast to their usual surfaces.

ICC deputy chairman Imran Khwaja flew to Lahore Sunday to meet top Pakistan board officials in a bid to end the standoff over Pakistans announced boycott of the February 15 T20 World Cup match against India in Colombo. Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Amin Ul Islam Bulbul also attended the meeting at Gaddafi Stadium.

Italy's Thomas Draca dreams of meeting his idol Hardik Pandya at the T20 World Cup, aiming to emulate his fearless approach and charisma. Draca, mentored by legends Dennis Lillee and Carlos Brathwaite, is eager to represent Italy in their maiden World Cup appearance and learn from Pandya's game.

US President Donald Trump has voiced strong support for the American cricket team in the ongoing T20 World Cup, with the nation backing their journey. Despite being a developing cricket nation, the USA squad, largely of Indian origin, is gaining global attention. Defending champions India recently defeated the USA by 29 runs in a closely contested match.

While Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2026 squad was announced, fast bowler Haris Rauf was notably absent, sparking online debate. A video of Rauf flying kites surfaced amidst this, drawing criticism. Head coach Mike Hesson cited the versatility of the selected pace attack as the reason for Rauf's omission. Pakistan secured a narrow win in their opening match.

Gautam Gambhir hosted a special dinner for the Indian cricket team at his New Delhi residence ahead of their T20 World Cup match against Namibia on February 12, with BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla also attending. India began their campaign with a 29-run win over the USA, scoring 161/9 thanks to Suryakumar Yadavs unbeaten 84. The USA were restricted to 132/8 by Indian bowlers

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has dismissed rumors of any tension between head coach Gautam Gambhir and star batter Virat Kohli, describing their relationship as cordial. Despite past IPL run-ins and speculation surrounding Kohli's career phases, Saikia stated he's never witnessed them fighting. Their successful partnership in India's 2025 Champions Trophy win further underscores unity.

Dhakshineswar Suresh emerged as India's Davis Cup hero, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory against the Netherlands. The 25-year-old clinched the decisive fifth rubber, marking his second Davis Cup appearance with a remarkable three-win haul. This historic win propels India into Qualifiers Round 2, their first since the format's revamp.

Sri Lanka launched their T20 World Cup campaign with a 20-run victory over Ireland. Kamindu Mendis starred with an unbeaten half-century, guiding Sri Lanka to 163. Ireland faltered in their chase, with spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga taking three wickets each, restricting the visitors to 143 and securing a dominant win.

Special dinner for Team India at Gautam Gambhirs house in Delhi | T20 World Cup

Namibia are banking on the experience of 2011 World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten as they prepare for their fourth straight T20 World Cup. With Kirsten on board as a consultant, the Gerhard Erasmus-led side has begun preparations in Delhi, focusing on conditions, range-hitting, and adapting to the conditions ahead of their tournament opener against the Netherlands.

Rafael Nadal sent support to Lindsey Vonn after her shocking crash in the Winter Olympics downhill event, calling her an inspiration and urging her to stay strong. Vonn was injured just seconds into her run and taken to hospital by helicopter. Teammate Breezy Johnson won gold but expressed concern for Vonn, while her sister called the crash heartbreaking. Vonn had been attempting a comeback despite a ruptured ACL.

India finished sixth at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships with five medals, including one gold by Tejaswin Shankar in the mens heptathlon. Shankar scored 5993 points, breaking his national indoor record. Pooja and Tajinderpal Singh Toor won silvers, while Ancy Sojan and Aadrash Ram Jothi Shankar took bronze. China topped the table with 34 medals, but India showed strong performances and progress in athletics.

India's Davis Cup Qualifiers tie against the Netherlands is heading to a decisive fifth rubber after Sumit Nagal lost his reverse singles match. Despite an earlier dramatic doubles win for India, Jesper de Jong defeated Nagal, leveling the tie at 2-2. Dhakshineswar Suresh now faces Guy de Ouden in the winner-takes-all decider.

Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus spoke about the challenges of limited exposure, the growth of cricket back home, and why the tag of Associate no longer fits in T20 cricket. Namibia will start their campaign against the Netherlands at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Team India lands in New Delhi for T20 World Cup match

Nepal impressed the cricket world despite a narrow four-run loss to England in the T20 World Cup. Former stars Yuvraj Singh, Ashwin, Irfan Pathan, and Dale Steyn praised their fighting spirit and potential. England scored 184, while Nepal chased bravely but ended on 180/6. Rohit Paudel, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Lokesh Bam led the chase, showing Nepals growing strength in international cricket.

England narrowly defeated Nepal by four runs in their T20 World Cup opener, a match that saw the associate nation push the former champions to the brink. Captain Harry Brook expressed surprise at Nepal's aggressive batting against spinner Adil Rashid. Nepal skipper Rohit Paudel lauded his team's effort, stating they aimed to compete strongly and weren't just participating.

England narrowly defeated Nepal by four runs in their T20 World Cup opener at the Wankhede Stadium. Despite a valiant chase from Nepal, who needed ten runs in the final over, England's Sam Curran held his nerve. Earlier, half-centuries from Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook propelled England to 184 for seven.

Jagannath Sarkar on ISPL season 3 win, MVP award and special moment with Sachin Tendulkar

Suryakumar Yadavs unbeaten 84 off 49 balls helped India recover from 77/6 and post 161/9 against the USA in their T20 World Cup opener, winning by 29 runs. Virender Sehwag called it one of Suryakumars best innings, praising his composure under pressure and the USA bowlers for challenging India. USA were restricted to 132/8 by Indias bowlers.

Babar Azam's position in Pakistan's T20 team is under scrutiny. A slow innings against the Netherlands has led to sharp criticism. Former player Basit Ali suggested Babar might be dropped for the next match. Concerns about his T20 suitability were highlighted by past Big Bash League struggles. Team management had previously indicated that reputation would not guarantee selection.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, born on March 27, 2011, will turn 15 on March 27, 2026. Despite his record-breaking performances in U19 and domestic cricket, he cannot play senior international cricket yet due to the ICCs minimum age rule of 15. He is also ineligible for future U19 World Cups due to BCCI rules. Once he turns 15, he will be eligible for Indias senior team, with huge expectations around him.

Team India began their T20 World Cup title defence with a victory over the United States. Suryakumar Yadav's crucial innings guided India to a competitive total. The bowlers then secured the win. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar lauded both teams for their efforts. The USA team showed great energy and spirit throughout the match.

Chess will debut as an esports title at the Esports Nations Cup 2026 in Riyadh, running November 28. The event features 128 players in group and knockout formats, with rapid games and Armageddon tie-breakers. Players qualify via rankings, regional qualifiers, and wildcards. The tournament highlights chesss growing esports presence and global reach, following its successful Esports World Cup debut in 2025.

It is also learnt that Imran Khawaja and Mubashir Usmani, two ICC representatives, reached Lahore on Sunday morning.

New Zealand secured a five-wicket victory against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup. Tim Seifert played a crucial role with a commanding 65 runs. Afghanistan posted 182 for six, with Gulbadin Naib scoring 63. Seifert's innings, supported by Glenn Phillips, ensured New Zealand chased the target with minimal fuss. Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner finished the game.

How Mohammed Sirajs February plans were changed after dream T20 World Cup call

The ICC has announced its Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament, featuring three players from champions India, including Player of the Tournament Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Runners-up England also secured three spots, with Thomas Rew named captain. The squad highlights outstanding individual performances from across the globe.

The ICC and PCB have resumed discussions regarding Pakistan's potential boycott of their T20 World Cup match against India. The PCB invoked 'force majeure' after the Pakistan government instructed them not to play, citing solidarity with Bangladesh. The ICC has warned of significant financial repercussions for the PCB if the boycott proceeds.

India's U-19 World Cup victory was a testament to their deep talent pool, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's dazzling 175 in the final being a highlight. The team's success was built on range, resilience, and crucial contributions from across the squad, showcasing a generation ready for future success.

Keshav Maharaj called Ottneil Baartman the 'best death bowler in the country.' Legendary Dale Steyn, who has coached him for three years, has sung his praises. On the field, he took 20 wickets in the recent SA20 season, including a five-wicket haul. Yet, the seamer has not traveled to India for the T20 World Cup.

Suryakumar Yadav's heartwarming gesture towards Rohit Sharma preceded his match-winning 84, rescuing India from a collapse against the USA. A disciplined bowling performance, led by Siraj, secured a 29-run victory in their T20 World Cup opener.

Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's extraordinary 175 off 80 balls powered India to a record-extending sixth ICC Under-19 World Cup title, crushing England by 100 runs. His stellar performance, featuring 15 fours and 15 sixes, overshadowed England's Caleb Falconer's century. Sooryavanshi expressed gratitude and acknowledged the journey ahead.

Mohammed Sirajs quiet February plans, featuring family time, Ramadan and a Real Madrid match, were upended by a sudden SOS from Indias T20 leadership. Drafted into the World Cup squad after an injury crisis and Siraj delivered at the Wankhede.

Washington Sundar last played a competitive fixture nearly a month ago during the ODI series vs New Zealand. The all-rounder injured himself while bowling in the 1st ODI in Vadodara and went on to miss the remainder of the series, and the five T20Is which followed

T20 World Cup: 'That was the difference' - USA's Shadley Van Schalkwyk on Suryakumar Yadav

T20 World Cup: 'God changed my destiny' - Mohammed Siraj on emotions of lucky comeback

India start their T20 World Cup with a 29-run win over the USA, recovering from 77/6 thanks to captain Suryakumar Yadavs unbeaten 84 off 49 balls. SKY admitted, We could've batted a little better, praising his Mumbai experience and coach Gautam Gambhirs advice. Bowlers Siraj, Arshdeep, and Axar restricted the USA to 132/8, securing a hard-fought victory.

Barcelona extended their La Liga lead to four points with a dominant 3-0 win over Mallorca. Lamine Yamal starred, scoring a spectacular long-range goal after an earlier miss, while Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring and Marc Bernal sealed the victory with his first senior goal. The result provides a significant boost to Barcelona's title aspirations.

Manchester United's resurgence under Michael Carrick is gaining momentum, marked by a fourth consecutive Premier League win against Tottenham. Captain Bruno Fernandes credits Carrick's deep club connection for the turnaround, reigniting Champions League hopes. This victory propels United up the table, surpassing last season's points total and showcasing a revitalized team spirit.

India secured a 35-run victory against the USA in their T20 World Cup opener. Despite a shaky batting performance, Suryakumar Yadav's unbeaten 84 guided India to 161. Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj then dismantled the USA's top order, setting up a comfortable win for the hosts.

Shadley Claude van Schalkwyk delivered a stunning performance, taking three wickets in a single over against India in the T20 World Cup 2026 opener. The South African-born all-rounder dismissed Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, and Shivam Dube, leaving India reeling at 45 for 4 after the powerplay.