The Times of India News

Football legend Lionel Messi's arrival in India for the GOAT India Tour 2025 has ignited unprecedented fan fervor. Thousands greeted him, showcasing immense popularity. The tour includes fan engagements, football events, and high-profile meetings across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi, culminating in a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Lionel Messi's 'GOAT India Tour 2025' kicked off in Kolkata with thousands braving the cold for a midnight welcome. Despite tight security, fans experienced 'Messi mania' as the football icon arrived for a whirlwind tour across four cities, meeting dignitaries and participating in events.

India's T20I leadership faces a crisis as captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill struggle for runs. Their prolonged slumps raise concerns about their place in the playing XI, despite the team's aggressive new style. Management's attempts to address batting depth have led to unconventional tactics, leaving questions about faith in established batters.

Quinton de Kock is back and playing with renewed hunger. His break from international cricket has revitalized his game. De Kock admits he was losing his drive but now feels a fresh energy. He is focused on winning every match. This comeback shows his skills are still sharp. He believes playing all formats helps sustain careers.

Gujarat Titans coach Ashish Nehra has backed captain Shubman Gill amidst a lean patch in T20Is, urging against judging him by recent statistics. Nehra also defended all-rounder Washington Sundar, highlighting his valuable all-round skills and potential for improvement despite recent struggles. Both players are crucial to the franchise's plans.

India's 14-year-old cricket sensation, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, has become the nation's most searched personality on Google, even surpassing Virat Kohli. His remarkable 171 off 95 balls in the U19 Asia Cup propelled him to global fame. Despite the immense attention, Suryavanshi remains grounded, focusing solely on his game and taking the newfound popularity in stride.

Mohammed Siraj showcased exceptional bowling prowess in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, claiming three crucial wickets against a formidable Mumbai lineup. Despite the presence of several Indian stars, Mumbai faltered, setting a modest target. Hyderabad comfortably chased it down, securing a dominant nine-wicket victory, with Siraj earning the Player of the Match award for his stellar performance.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's explosive 171 off 95 balls, featuring a record 14 sixes, powered India to a massive 234-run victory over UAE in the U19 Asia Cup opener. Half-centuries from Vihaan Malhotra and Aaron George also contributed to India's record 433/6. Sooryavanshi's brilliant knock is the second-highest by an Indian in youth ODIs.

JioStar has confirmed its commitment to its USD 3-billion deal with the International Cricket Council, refuting reports of withdrawal. The media company stated that preparations for upcoming ICC events, including the T20 World Cup, are proceeding as scheduled. Both JioStar and the ICC emphasized their ongoing partnership and the agreement remaining fully in force.

A complaint has been filed with FIDE against Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha, the youngest FIDE-rated chess player. The complaint alleges unfair means were used to secure his rating. His father and coach dismiss the claims as factional politics. Kushwaha secured victories against higher-ranked players in recent tournaments. Concerns are raised about opponents being from the same academy and tournament irregularities.

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa views the upcoming Chess World Championship Tour as an opportunity for players, not a threat to the traditional World Championship. He believes the World Championship remains the ultimate priority, especially with the tour winner qualifying for the Candidates. Praggnanandhaa also highlighted the growing excitement and interest in chess across India.

Why the cricket maidaans of Mumbai are dying | Bombay Sport Exchange with Nadim Memon

The Global Chess League's third season kicks off in Mumbai with the American Gambits featuring Hikaru Nakamura as their Icon player. The team, boasting a strong lineup including World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin, faces PBG Alaskan Knights in their opening match, a highly anticipated duel against World Champion Gukesh D.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed an incredible 171 off 95 balls, including fourteen sixes, setting a new U-19 world record in India's 433/6 against UAE. The 14-year-old's dominant innings, marked by a witty exchange with the wicketkeeper, propelled India to a commanding position. His performance also secured a tournament record for most sixes in a single U-19 Asia Cup innings.

As LSG head into the IPL 2026 Auction with Rs 22.95 crore purse, they are entering a tricky stage of building their squad. They have released two key players at the same time. David Millers exit has left a clear gap in the finishing role, while letting go of Ravi Bishnoi has created a big hole in their spin attack.

Lionel Messi is set to visit India for the 'GOAT India Tour 2025', his first trip since 2011, but this time without any competitive matches. The tour focuses on promotional events and appearances across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, including meetings with dignitaries and a charity fashion show.

Legendary pacer James Anderson, 43, has officially taken the reins as Lancashire's County Championship captain. Following a distinguished international career, Anderson, who debuted for Lancashire in 2002, will lead the Division Two side full-time after a successful stint as interim captain. He expressed honour and excitement for the upcoming season, with promotion to Division One being the primary goal.

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan believes Shubman Gill is under immense pressure due to his recent T20I struggles, with the T20 World Cup approaching. Pathan emphasized that Gill must score runs to secure his place, especially with Sanju Samson waiting in the wings. Gill's form is crucial for the team's powerplay starts and his leadership role.

Ashish Nehra interview: Gujarat Titans head coach backs out of form Shubman Gill

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi starred with a record-shattering 171 and a spectacular diving catch as India U19 began their Asia Cup campaign with an overwhelming 234-run victory over UAE. Sooryavanshi's explosive batting, supported by strong partnerships, propelled India to a massive 433/6. The UAE chase faltered early, with only skipper Uddish Suri offering significant resistance.

India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate expresses unwavering confidence in Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, despite their recent batting struggles. He believes the duo's class and past performances, particularly Gill's IPL record, assure their return to form ahead of the T20 World Cup. Ten Doeschate emphasised the team's absolute faith in their ability to deliver when it matters most.

India suffered a significant 51-run T20I defeat to South Africa, leveling the series and marking their most losses against any opponent. South African pacers achieved a rare feat, taking all ten wickets. India's inability to chase over 210 and the large margin of loss highlight persistent challenges ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Exciting news for cricket fans. Ticket prices for the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan are set to be very affordable. Entry-level tickets for this highly anticipated match will start as low as Rs 438. The International Cricket Council aims to make the tournament accessible to more fans.

India's T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav acknowledged a far from good enough performance after a significant defeat to South Africa. He highlighted early wickets and a muddled batting strategy, admitting the team's over-reliance on Abhishek Sharma. Despite acknowledging bowling struggles with dew, Yadav stressed the team's commitment to learning and improving for future matches.

India's U-19 Asia Cup campaign faces scrutiny over whether players will shake hands with Pakistan, a gesture previously omitted in senior tournaments. The BCCI's stance on this sporting courtesy at the junior level remains a key point of attention, with the ICC preferring to keep politics separate from youth cricket.

India suffered a 51-run defeat to South Africa in the second T20I, raising concerns over Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav's form. The team's bowling discipline also faltered, with numerous full tosses and expensive overs contributing to South Africa's 213/4. India's chase collapsed early, falling short at 162 despite Tilak Varma's 62.

South Africa leveled the T20I series 1-1 after defeating India by 51 runs in the second match. Quinton de Kock's explosive 90 powered South Africa to 213, a target India couldn't chase, faltering at 162 despite Tilak Varma's valiant 62. South Africa's bowlers consistently took wickets, stifling India's momentum. Baartman took four wickets for South Africa.

The IOC has taken a bold step, urging sports organizations to let young athletes from Russia and Belarus compete while representing their national identities. This decision emphasizes athletes' inherent right to participate in sports and seeks to mitigate their predicament of sporting exclusion.

GM Bibisara Assaubayeva Exclusive: Sindarovs World Cup win, Candidates ambitions, and more #chess

A thrilling Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy Super Four clash awaits as Yashasvi Jaiswal's Mumbai faces Mohammed Siraj's Hyderabad. Jaiswal, fresh off an ODI century, joins a Mumbai side that topped its group. Siraj, returning to T20s, aims to prove his mettle for Hyderabad, who also dominated their league. This encounter promises fireworks.

India's gamble of sending Axar Patel at number three backfired in the second T20I against South Africa. Patel struggled to find form, scoring 21 off 21 balls as wickets tumbled. South Africa posted a formidable 213/4, powered by Quinton de Kock's explosive 90. Varun Chakaravarthy was India's standout bowler with two wickets.

Levon Aronian clinched the 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam title in Grootbos. He defeated Magnus Carlsen in the Grand Final. Aronian secured the win with a 1.5-0.5 score. He earned $200,000. Magnus Carlsen had already won the overall Grand Slam Tour. Vincent Keymer secured third place. Fabiano Caruana finished fifth. Hans Niemann took seventh place.

Shubman Gill's T20I struggles persisted with a golden duck against South Africa, drawing criticism. Meanwhile, Quinton de Kock's explosive 90 powered the visitors to a formidable 213/4. India's bowlers, including Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah, faced a tough outing, conceding heavily in the death overs, leaving the hosts with a challenging chase.

Arshdeep Singh endured a difficult outing in the second T20I against South Africa, bowling an unprecedented 13-ball over. This lengthy spell, featuring seven wides and a six, conceded 18 runs and drew visible frustration from coach Gautam Gambhir. The pacer's struggles coincided with Quinton de Kock's dominant 70 off 35 balls, as South Africa reached 108/1.

Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant are among Delhi's probables for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Kohli confirmed his participation following a BCCI directive, showcasing his continued passion for the game. His recent stellar performance against South Africa, including two centuries, has seen him climb to second in ICC ODI rankings, demonstrating his enduring class and inspiring young cricketers.

New Chandigarh Stadium celebrated cricket stars Yuvraj Singh and Harmanpreet Kaur on Thursday. Stands were named in their honour. Yuvraj Singh, a 2011 World Cup hero, and Harmanpreet Kaur, who led India to a Women's World Cup win, attended the ceremony. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was also present. Yuvraj Singh inspired the Indian team before a match.

Paris Saint-Germain's team bus sustained damage from thrown stones outside their hotel in Bilbao. Local authorities apprehended two individuals in connection with the incident. The PSG team and staff departed safely for Paris. The club is reportedly considering legal action. The match itself ended in a goalless draw, with PSG's players expressing frustration over missed chances.

Cricket legend Yuvraj Singh energised Team India's pre-match moments ahead of the second T20I against South Africa. Following a dominant 101-run victory in the opener, where Hardik Pandya starred with an all-round performance and Jasprit Bumrah reached 100 T20I wickets, the squad received a motivational boost. Yuvraj's presence aims to sustain India's winning momentum in Mullanpur.

U-19 Asia Cup press conference: What Ayush Mhatre said before the tournament

Ticket sales for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 have opened with entry-level prices starting at Rs 100 in India and LKR 1,000 in Sri Lanka. Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the tournament aims for unprecedented accessibility with over 2 million tickets available. The event will feature 20 teams playing 55 matches across eight venues.

Chaos erupted after a National Games football semi-final in Karachi, with Pakistan Army and WAPDA players and officials involved in a violent brawl. The altercation, captured on live broadcast and social media, saw punches and kicks exchanged. Frustration over a penalty kick reportedly fueled the post-match aggression, leading to injuries and a pursuit of the referee.

Kapil Dev dismissed the idea of split coaches for Indian cricket following their Test series loss to South Africa. He emphasized that the BCCI should adopt the system best suited for Indian cricket. Dev also commented on the unchanging nature of sporting challenges and player priorities regarding T20 leagues versus national duty.

Twelve Indian Super League clubs have urged the AIFF to amend commercially restrictive clauses in its constitution, threatening to demand long-term league rights if changes aren't made. The AIFF cited Supreme Court limitations, while clubs expressed urgency to prevent Indian football's collapse. Executive Committee members raised concerns about bypassing procedures.

Bangladesh A team cricketer Tofael Ahmed Raihan faces sexual assault charges after a woman alleged he promised marriage before committing non-consensual acts. Police filed a charge sheet citing victim statements, hotel records, and medical reports. Raihan, who previously received anticipatory bail, failed to surrender and instead played in a tournament.

Pranavi Urs made history at the IGPL Invitational Mumbai, becoming the first Indian woman to win a professional golf event in an open field against men. Shooting a bogey-free 8-under 60, she overtook overnight leader Karandeep Kochhar to claim the title. Her breakthrough highlights the growing strength of womens golf in India and challenges longstanding gender norms in sport.

Abu Dhabi gears up for the IPL 2026 Auction on December 16, featuring 350 players. Teams can't arbitrarily boost funds, relying on player releases and trades. Kolkata Knight Riders boast the largest purse at Rs 64.3 crore, while Mumbai Indians have the smallest at Rs 2.75 crore. Notable names like Cameron Green and Venkatesh Iyer are up for grabs.

Former India batter Robin Uthappa expressed surprise at head coach Gautam Gambhir not mentioning Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's stellar performances after India's ODI series win. Despite their significant contributions, Uthappa found Gambhir's silence unusual, especially given the senior players' consistent form. He added that both senior players delivered strong performances.