The Times of India

Kuldeep Yadav married Vanshika Chadha in a ceremony in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, days after Indias ICC Men's T20 World Cup triumph. Several cricketers attended the celebrations, with a grand reception planned in Lucknow. Teammates including Yuzvendra Chahal and Tilak Varma expressed excitement while enjoying the wedding festivities before returning to cricket commitments.

Chennai Super Kings have begun preparations for the Indian Premier League 2026 season, with a viral video showing MS Dhoni and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad hitting big shots in the nets. After missing the playoffs recently, CSK aim for a sixth title. They start their campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 30.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting praised Indias decision to back Sanju Samson as opener in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Samson recovered from a slow start to score 321 runs, including key knocks against the West Indies national cricket team, England national cricket team and New Zealand national cricket team. Ponting credited captain Suryakumar Yadav and the team management for showing faith in him and guiding India to the title.

The National Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship at Sarla Birla University in Ranchi saw over 400 players compete. Abhimanyu Puranik won the Blitz title with 9 points, beating Sayantan Das on tie-break, while Madhavan N B finished third. In Rapid, Aronyak Ghosh remained unbeaten with 9.5/11 to claim the championship.

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav is set to tie the knot with Vanshika Chadha on March 14, 2026, in Mussoorie, following India's T20 World Cup victory. Pre-wedding rituals are underway at the historic Savoy Hotel. A grand reception in Lucknow on March 17 will host prominent figures from cricket, politics, and business.

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has stepped down as mentor of Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League, citing lack of time for the role. He will still appear as a commentator during the tournament. Pietersen joined the franchise in 2025 and previously played for several IPL teams during his career. The season begins March 28 in Bengaluru.

Pakistan's selectors are demanding an inquiry into how star players Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman sustained injuries, with concerns raised that fitness issues were not disclosed during the T20 World Cup. Aaqib Javed questioned if players would have been declared fit had Pakistan advanced, highlighting a lack of transparency. Younger players are now being given opportunities.

Pakistan selector Aaqib Javed sparked debate after comparing Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah to Usman Tariq, citing his unusual bowling action. Bumrah starred in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, finishing joint-highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets alongside Varun Chakravarthy. His 4/15 in the final against New Zealand national cricket team helped India secure a dominant 96-run victory.

Indian long jumper Lokesh Sathyanathan won gold at the NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships in Fayetteville, Arkansas with an 8.21m leap, setting a new Indian indoor record. The Tarleton State University athlete finished ahead of De'Aundre Ward and Tafadzwa Chikomba. Lokesh dedicated the milestone to his late mother, who died from COVID-19 in 2021.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has refuted claims of fining players for not reaching the T20 World Cup semifinals. A spokesperson clarified that while no fines have been imposed, the board is considering performance-linked incentives for players, who currently earn substantial amounts.

Pakistan batter Salman Ali Agha was reprimanded after the second ODI against Bangladesh national cricket team at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. He was controversially run out by Mehidy Hasan Miraz after trying to pick up a live ball. Frustrated, Agha threw his gloves and argued with Litton Das, leading to a Level 1 breach under the International Cricket Council Code. Pakistan still won by 128 runs via DLS.

IPL 2026 should be audition for the next India T20I captain

Suresh Raina advocates for Sanju Samson to bat at number three for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026, believing it will enhance team balance. He suggests Samson's experience at this position, alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre opening, will create a formidable top and middle order, with Samson also handling wicketkeeping duties.

Abrar Ahmed, the Pakistan spinner, was bought by Sunrisers Leeds, a franchise controlled by the owners of IPL's Sunrisers Hyderabad, for 190,000 (around PKR 7 crore) on Thursday during The Hundred. However, the mystery spinner may not receive a No Objection Certificate (NOC), as the Pakistan national cricket team is scheduled to tour West Indies for a two-match Test series during that period.

VVS Laxman reminisced about the 25th anniversary of India's historic Test victory against Australia at Eden Gardens in 2001. He highlighted the monumental partnership with Rahul Dravid, which saw India overcome a massive deficit and achieve one of cricket's greatest comebacks. Laxman's 281 and Dravid's 180 were pivotal in setting up the win.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan suggests the upcoming IPL season might be MS Dhoni's final appearance for Chennai Super Kings. While Dhoni's fitness is praised, his role is expected to shift towards mentoring, with Sanju Samson potentially benefiting from his guidance. The team aims for a sixth IPL trophy as a fitting farewell.

Suryakumar Yadav celebrates five years in international cricket, a journey marked by a remarkable T20 World Cup triumph. His impactful debut in 2022 paved the way for a career defined by explosive batting and astute leadership. Yadav's impressive stats and captaincy record highlight his significant contributions to Team India's success.

Pakistan Cricket Board is reportedly considering legal action against Zimbabwe's Blessing Muzarabani. He opted to play for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL instead of fulfilling his contract with Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League. This move, driven by IPL's lucrative opportunities, has angered the PCB, who aim to protect the integrity of their league contracts.

Kolkata Knight Riders unveiled their IPL 2026 jersey, themed 'Lines of Legacy,' inspired by iconic franchise moments. The design weaves these defining memories into abstract linear art forming the team's initials. KKR begins their campaign against Mumbai Indians on March 29 and will feature new signings like Cameron Green and Matheesha Pathirana.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, after a stellar IPL debut, faces heightened expectations and increased scrutiny in his second season. Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa suggests this year will be a crucial learning phase as opponents have analyzed his game. While expecting him to score, Uthappa believes the element of surprise has faded, making this season pivotal for his long-term development.

India's recent T20 World Cup triumphs highlight the IPL's transformative impact. Once criticized for player fatigue, the league now cultivates fearless, aggressive cricketers. This IPL generation thrives under pressure, consistently posting high scores, a stark contrast to earlier eras. The league has become India's biggest asset in white-ball cricket, bridging domestic and international gaps.

India achieved a historic Test win, following on against Australia, a feat accomplished only thrice before. This remarkable victory at Eden Gardens, marked by Sourav Ganguly's captaincy and the heroic partnership of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, defied expectations. The match became a symbol of redemption, with fans' support echoing through the stadium.

A controversial run-out of Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha by Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz reignited the 'spirit of cricket' debate. Agha, stepping out of his crease, bent to retrieve the ball, only for Miraz to swiftly dislodge the bails. While Agha felt he would have acted differently, he acknowledged the dismissal was within the rules, calling it a 'heat-of-the-moment' incident.

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif strongly criticised Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz for a controversial run-out of Salman Ali Agha. Kaif deemed the unsportsmanlike act unacceptable, emphasizing that no wicket-taking desperation justifies such a dismissal, even in a high-stakes match.

John Wright reflects on India's improbable 2001 Eden Gardens Test victory against Australia. He highlights the sensational partnership of VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid, and Harbhajan Singh's bowling heroics. The win injected immense self-belief into the team, paving the way for future overseas successes.

Harbhajan Singh urges Mumbai Indians to keep Rohit Sharma actively on the field, not as an Impact Player. He believes Rohit's leadership experience can significantly aid captain Hardik Pandya in crucial match decisions. Rohit's strong performance last season, including surpassing 7,000 IPL runs, underscores his value.

Despite a shaky start with three consecutive ducks, Indian opener Abhishek Sharma proved his mettle in the T20 World Cup 2026 final. He smashed an explosive 18-ball fifty, setting the stage for India's dominant victory. Former Australian keeper Brad Haddin lauded Sharma's 'rascal' mentality, highlighting his ability to perform under pressure.

Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath believes Chennai Super Kings management faces an immense challenge in dropping MS Dhoni from the playing XI. Despite Dhoni's role yet to be finalized for IPL 2026, Badrinath asserts that even coach Stephen Fleming would find it impossible to tell the legendary captain he's not playing or is just an impact player, given his stature.

Former cricketers Aakash Chopra and Harbhajan Singh believe Rohit Sharma should play full matches for Mumbai Indians, not just as an Impact Player. They argue his experience and leadership are too valuable to be limited to batting cameos. Chopra emphasizes maximizing his contribution, while Harbhajan highlights his support for captain Hardik Pandya.

Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmeds signing by Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred created a flutter, though the BCCI said overseas leagues are outside its control. Bought for 190,000 by the Sun Group-owned franchise, Abrars deal drew attention as Pakistani players remain absent from the IPL since 2009. Despite that, several Pakistan cricketers have played for IPL-linked teams in global T20 leagues.

Aakash Chopra has questioned the Rajasthan Royals' decision to host three IPL matches in Guwahati, citing the significant geographical distance and lack of historical connection. Despite Riyan Parag's Assamese roots, Chopra finds the move unusual for a team representing Rajasthan, as the franchise shifts a substantial portion of its home fixtures away from Jaipur.

Pakistan national cricket team beat the Bangladesh national cricket team by 128 runs (DLS) in the rain-hit second ODI in Mirpur to level the series 1-1. Maaz Sadaqat starred with 75 and three wickets. Bangladesh were bowled out for 114, with Haris Rauf also taking three wickets after Pakistan posted 274.

The India women's national field hockey team reached the final of the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup Qualifiers 2026 after defeating the Italy women's national field hockey team 1-0 in the semi-final. Manisha Chauhan scored the decisive goal in the 40th minute, while goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam made a key save. India will face the England women's national field hockey team in the final.

India secured a remarkable 208 medals at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix. Preeti Pal led the charge with two gold medals in sprinting events. Indian athletes also excelled in shot put and various track races. Meanwhile, para-sprinter Simran Sharma hopes to retain her World Championship medals despite her guide runner's suspension.

Hussain Talat was hospitalised after injuring his shoulder while fielding during the second ODI between the Pakistan national cricket team and the Bangladesh national cricket team in Dhaka. He crashed into advertising boards while stopping a boundary. The Pakistan Cricket Board said he received treatment and was taken for further medical evaluation.

Shivam Dube shared an emotional Instagram post after Indias ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 win, placing his medal around his fathers neck and calling him The real hero of my life. After contributing to the title triumph, including a quick 26 in the final against the New Zealand national cricket team, Dube returned home by train as flights were unavailable.

All-rounder Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the upcoming Indian Premier League season due to an injury sustained during a warm-up fixture. Kolkata Knight Riders are currently deliberating on a replacement for the injured player. This news follows KKR's earlier signing of Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani for the 2026 season.

Kolkata Knight Riders have signed Zimbabwe's towering fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani for IPL 2026. Muzarabani, known for his steep bounce and wicket-taking ability, brings significant T20 experience, having taken over 90 wickets in international T20s. He was also a top performer in the recent T20 World Cup, claiming 13 wickets.

Sohail Tanvirs winning run in the 2008 IPL final symbolically marked the last meaningful appearance of Pakistani players in the league. After the 2008 Mumbai attacks, political tensions led to their exclusion from IPL auctions. Though Azhar Mahmood later played as a British citizen, Pakistani players remain effectively barred due to visa issues, political risk, and commercial pressures.

Iran's national football team has firmly stated that no entity can prevent their participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, directly countering US President Donald Trump's safety concerns. The team emphasized that FIFA governs the tournament and their qualification was earned through merit, questioning the host's ability to ensure security if they cannot.

Two years ago, Gautam Gambhir was appointed Team India's coach after he mentored the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the Indian Premier League (IPL) title. With the next T20 extravaganza cycle underway, IPL 2026 should be the audition for India's next T20I captain. The selectors must keep their eyes open because choosing the right man for the captaincy will not be easy.

The BCCI has no say in Sunrisers signing Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed for The Hundred. This is an overseas league. The franchise faces social media criticism. Owner Kavya Maran is targeted. The official X account of Sunrisers Leeds was reportedly suspended. The BCCI cannot intervene in this matter. The franchise has not issued a statement.

Chennai Super Kings aim for a record sixth IPL title in 2026, bolstered by Sanju Samson's arrival. Experts believe Samson's aggressive batting and presence will ease pressure on captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and solve CSK's opening woes. The team also appears to be building for the future with a mix of youth and experience.

Luke Ronchi and Jacob Oram have been granted leave by New Zealand Cricket to coach Islamabad United in the 2026 Pakistan Super League. Ronchi will be head coach while Oram serves as assistant. They will miss New Zealands series against South Africa national cricket team and the Bangladesh tour, with NZC saying the experience will benefit the national setup.

Southern Braves' head coach Hemang Badani emphasised sticking to their auction plan, prioritising team balance over external narratives as debate rages over Pakistan players' involvement in The Hundred. While Pakistani players were considered, the franchise secured key overseas and local talent like Adil Rashid and Nikhil Chaudhary, focusing on acquiring the best available skill sets for their squad.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes this IPL season could be MS Dhoni's last for Chennai Super Kings. Pathan emphasized Dhoni's crucial role in team unity and grooming future leaders, even if his playing time is limited. He suggested CSK aims for a title win to give the legend a fitting farewell.

Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav will marry his longtime partner Vanshika Chadha on March 14 in Mussoorie. The couple, childhood friends from Kanpur, saw their friendship grow into a lifelong relationship. Vanshika works at the Life Insurance Corporation of India and maintains a private life away from the spotlight. Wedding festivities begin March 13, with cricket stars like Virat Kohli expected to attend.

Nitish Rana's return to Delhi Capitals for IPL 2026 was sealed after a swift three-second endorsement from Rishabh Pant. Rana, traded from Rajasthan Royals, felt Pant's deep understanding of the franchise and their personal connection made him the ideal confidant. Pant's immediate affirmation convinced Rana, making the move a clear 'yes'.

Yuzvendra Chahal arrived in Dehradun for Kuldeep Yadav's wedding in Mussoorie, expressing excitement for the festivities. The spinner is set to tie the knot with fiance Vanshika on March 14 at the Welcomhotel The Savoy Mussoorie. The event is anticipated to be a private yet star-studded affair with several prominent cricketers expected to attend.

Dinesh Karthik said London Spirit went all out for James Coles at The Hundred auction because of his rare all-round skill set. The 21-year-old was signed for 390,000 after a bidding war between five teams, with Karthik backing the Sussex youngster to handle the price tag and emerge as a future prospect for England.