The Times of India

Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz expressed deep disappointment over BCB director M Nazmul Islam's recent comments, which he believes fuel a misleading narrative about player compensation and disrespect the team's efforts. Miraz emphasized that player earnings are generated through performance and participation in tournaments, not from taxpayers' money, highlighting the financial realities of the sport.

South Africa's captain Laura Wolvaardt has been named ICC Women's Player of the Month for December after a stellar performance. She led her team to series victories against Ireland, scoring three centuries across T20I and ODI formats, including an unbeaten 115 in a T20I and back-to-back ODI centuries. This marks her second Player of the Month award in three months.

Because of the delayed start to the season, Indian clubs will not be able to complete the mandatory 24 matches across the top-tier league and domestic cup required for direct entry into AFC club competitions.

Mitchell Starc has been crowned ICC Men's Player of the Month for December, celebrating his stellar Ashes performance. The Australian speedster claimed 16 wickets and amassed 139 runs in December alone, contributing significantly to his team's iconic series victory. Starc's all-round prowess was key, earning him this prestigious award over strong contenders like Justin Greaves and Jacob Duffy.

Suryakumar Yadav, the captain, has best horoscope | Greenstone Lobo predicts

India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate acknowledged Nitish Kumar Reddy's struggle to impress despite opportunities, while noting Rohit Sharma's lack of recent match practice. The team might have misjudged conditions, potentially needing an extra spinner. KL Rahul's strong form offers batting order flexibility, and Ravindra Jadeja's bowling is deemed improving despite recent wicket scarcity.

Bangladesh Cricket Board director M Nazmul Islam has been removed from all his duties. This decision came after cricketers demanded his resignation. The controversy erupted over his remarks regarding player remuneration and the country's potential withdrawal from the T20 World Cup. Players threatened to boycott cricket if he did not step down.

India's T20 World Cup hopes face a significant setback as all-rounder Washington Sundar is battling a serious injury. He is set to miss the upcoming T20 series against New Zealand and faces a race against time for the World Cup. A thorough assessment at the BCCI Centre of Excellence will determine his recovery timeline.

With the Candidates Tournament approaching, seasoned chess titans Hikaru Nakamura, Fabiano Caruana, and Anish Giri face what could be their final realistic shot at the world chess title. Despite their experience, younger players' vigour and complete skillsets pose a significant challenge, making this a pivotal moment for the established stars.

Hardik Pandya's festive kite-flying with Mahieka Sharma in Jaipur went viral, sparking discussions about his fitness. Despite being sidelined from the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand due to bowling workload concerns, Pandya showcased strong all-round form in domestic cricket. He is expected to return for the upcoming T20I series, crucial for India's T20 World Cup preparations.

11 foreign players have departed their respective ISL clubs in January and more could be on their way out. The truncated 2025-26 season will get underway on February 14, for which a one-time AFC exemption was granted. With revenues and commercials significantly hit, clubs have been forced to take steps to cut costs.

Al Ittihad president Anmar Al Haili revealed Lionel Messi rejected a staggering 1.4 billion euro offer per year from the Saudi club. Messi prioritised his family over the immense financial package, opting instead for a move to Inter Miami. Saudi Arabia's ambition to attract top talent remains strong, with Cristiano Ronaldo already a key figure.

ISPL | Bengaluru Strikers' Sumeet Dhekale on unique rules of the competition

Bangladesh cricket faces turmoil as a board director's controversial remarks about national cricketers sparked a boycott threat. The Bangladesh Cricket Board issued a show-cause notice and expressed regret over the comments, urging players to reconsider their stance. The BPL faced immediate disruption, with match toss delays reported amid the escalating crisis.

Stephen Fleming press conference: How JSK are dealing with absence of Faf du Plessis

Senuran Muthusamy press conference: 'Aiming to carry momentum into playoffs' | SA20

KL Rahul's composed century against New Zealand showcased a newfound clarity and control, a stark contrast to his career's past uncertainties. Batting at number five, he displayed classic ODI prowess, proving old-school techniques still hold value. This assured knock, his first ODI ton since the World Cup, highlights his dedication to establishing a stable role in the team.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape sealed a playoff berth with a dominant 63-run bonus-point win over Joburg Super Kings at St Georges Park. Debutant James Coles starred with an unbeaten fifty and two wickets, while Senuran Muthusamys spin strangled JSK.

Japanese wrestling champion Yui Susaki, a four-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist, expressed her desire to face Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat again after a surprising defeat. Susaki views the loss as a crucial learning experience, fueling her ambition for future Olympic gold medals and inspiring others with her resilience.

Danish badminton player Anders Antonsen withdrew from the India Open for the third consecutive year due to extreme air pollution in Delhi, citing hazardous air quality readings. The world No. 3's decision resulted in a $5,000 fine from the Badminton World Federation. Meanwhile, a monkey was spotted in the stadium stands, drawing attention but not disrupting play.

India's U-19 World Cup campaign kicks off with 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi poised to break Virat Kohli's Youth ODI run record. Sooryavanshi, already with 973 runs in 18 innings, needs just six more to surpass Kohli's mark. This prodigious talent is a key player for the favoured Indian squad, aiming for a record sixth title.

Former India batter Kris Srikkanth has voiced concerns over India's ODI team balance, questioning Axar Patel's continued exclusion. He highlighted Ravindra Jadeja's inconsistent form and the team's need for a reliable sixth bowling option, especially after their recent loss to New Zealand. Srikkanth believes Axar's inclusion would strengthen the bowling attack.

Bangladesh cricket faces turmoil as a BCB director's remarks spark player boycott threats and jeopardize World Cup participation. The board distanced itself from the comments, emphasizing player welfare, while security concerns over playing in India persist. Former players and associations condemned the public criticism, highlighting damage to the sport's image.

India captain Shubman Gill admitted that his team failed to seize control in the crucial middle overs during their seven-wicket loss to New Zealand in the second ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Wednesday. Gill felt that the inability to pick up wickets during that phase made defending the total extremely difficult.

An inexplicable batting collapse in the death overs limited UP Warriorz to a below par 154 for eight. The Meg Lanning-side lost as many as six wickets in the last five overs and managed just 24 runs.

Kiwi batter Daryl Mitchells unbeaten 131 eclipsed KL Rahuls 112 as New Zealand beat India by seven wickets in the second ODI at Rajkot, levelling the series 1-1. Chasing 285, the visitors finished at 286/3. Mitchell and Will Young added 162, while New Zealands spinners outbowled Indias on a slow pitch.

Mohammad Rizwan's 'retired out' decision in the BBL sparked debate in Pakistan, with some calling it disrespectful. Former cricketer Kamran Akmal acknowledged the situation but stressed the need for modern T20 players to adapt their strike rate to evolving league demands.

Meg Lanning became the third player to cross 1,000 runs in WPL history during WPL 2026, reaching the milestone against Delhi Capitals. With 1,050 runs, she is the tournaments second-highest run-scorer behind Nat Sciver-Brunt. Formerly Delhi Capitals captain, Lanning now leads UP Warriorz. The WPL 2026 runs from January 9 to February 5, with the final in Vadodara.

The AIFF has unveiled a 21-year roadmap for Indian football, drawing from top leagues in Spain, Germany and England. It plans a new governance structure for the ISL and I-League with a powerful governing council and management committee. The bodies will oversee operations, regulation and development, while the AIFF awaits AFCs decision on continental slots despite a shortened ISL season.

The Badminton Association of India has refuted claims of poor playing conditions at the India Open 2026, calling it a test event for the upcoming World Championships. BAI's general secretary defended the arrangements, attributing player complaints to individual health issues and politics, while Danish shuttlers cited pollution and unhygienic facilities.

Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy reached the mens singles second round at the India Open 2026 with gritty wins, while 16-year-old Tanvi Sharma impressed despite a narrow loss. Malvika Bansod advanced in womens singles, but PV Sindhu exited early. Prannoy capitalised on a late entry, while Srikanth relied on experience to prevail.

Rahul brought up his eighth ODI hundred in the 49th over by hitting Kyle Jamiesons full toss for a six. He reached the landmark in 87 balls and remained not out on 112, scoring 11 fours and one six.

Despite a lean run in 2025, Indias T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav has been backed strongly by Harbhajan Singh, who called him the No.1 player in T20Is and tipped him to shine at the World Cup. Harbhajan also expressed confidence in India defending the title, praised Virat Kohlis impact across formats, and voiced concern over the lack of quality off-spinners in Indian cricket.

Kidambi Srikanth defended the playing conditions at the India Open, saying he faced no major issues and that minor problems occur everywhere. His comments came after Denmarks Mia Blichfeldt criticised the venue. P V Sindhu also backed the facilities, calling the event a good trial ahead of the World Championships, while other players shared mixed but balanced views.

Virat Kohli's dismissal in the second ODI against New Zealand echoed his World Cup final exit, losing his stumps to a delivery close to his body. Despite the early setback, Kohli achieved a significant milestone, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar to become India's highest ODI run-scorer against New Zealand. He now trails only Ricky Ponting globally.

Shreyas Iyer revealed he only realised the seriousness of his spleen injury from the Australia ODI after being hospitalised, calling the pain excruciatingly painful. The setback forced him to slow down and reflect. Following medical advice, he recovered well and returned strongly, scoring 49 against New Zealand while trusting his instincts and focusing on team balance.

Virat Kohli has reclaimed the No.1 spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings after a stellar 93 against New Zealand. This marks his 11th stint at the top, underscoring his enduring dominance and a remarkable sequence of recent performances. The Indian great continues his pursuit of Sachin Tendulkar's records, solidifying his legacy as a premier run-scorer.

Despite Bangladesh Cricket Board's refusal to send its team to India for the T20 World Cup 2026 due to security concerns, a Bangladeshi umpire is officiating in an ongoing ODI series on Indian soil. This highlights the ICC's independent appointment process for neutral match officials, even amidst strained bilateral relations.

Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma expressed devastation after learning of his T20 World Cup 2026 omission, admitting the news came as a shock without prior communication. Despite initial heartbreak, he accepted the selectors' reasoning after discussions. Jitesh found solace in family and guidance from Dinesh Karthik to move past the disappointment.

David Miller press conference: On Paarl Royals squad, strategy and team composition | SA20

Former chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has fiercely criticised Ayush Badoni's ODI call-up, questioning the selection basis and hinting at favouritism. Srikkanth argued against Badoni's all-rounder status and highlighted inconsistent selection criteria. The team management, however, defended the move, citing Badoni as a like-for-like replacement for the injured Washington Sundar to ensure team balance.

SA20: Lance Klusener on where Durban's Super Giants lost to Paarl Royals

Ayush Badoni joins the Indian ODI squad for the New Zealand series. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak highlighted Badoni's consistent performances for India A and in the IPL. He offers a valuable sixth bowling option. Badoni's inclusion provides flexibility to the team's bowling attack. He has a strong record in List A and IPL cricket.

ISPL | Abhishek Dalhor takes 3 wickets in losing cause for Majhi Mumbai vs Delhi Superheros

Four US cricketers of Pakistani origin are awaiting visa clearance to participate in the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. They completed their appointments at the Indian High Commission in Colombo, with the process involving additional scrutiny due to their origins. The US squad is currently in Sri Lanka for a preparatory camp.

The Indian cricket team is adapting to new batting strategies for ODIs following a rule change allowing only one ball per innings after the 34th over. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak highlighted the need for a new approach, especially for the death overs, as older balls become softer and harder to hit.