The Times of India News

The New Zealand whitewash also marked the end of Indias dominant Test era, which had been safeguarded by leaders like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma for over a decade. The loss cost a once well-settled Indian side a place in the ICC World Test Championship 2025 final. The latest setback against South Africa could similarly jeopardize Indias berth in the marquee one-off Test championship clash, depending on upcoming results.

Kolkata has become a vibrant hub for world chess, hosting an elite rapid and blitz tournament with roots tracing back to a Dutch steel company's initiative in 1938. This annual spectacle, now in its seventh edition, showcases top international and Indian talent, fostering a strong sporting culture and engaging a passionate audience.

Travis Head's explosive 163 and Steve Smith's steady 129 powered Australia to a commanding 134-run lead over England on day three. Head's third century of the series, coupled with Smith's maiden hundred, put Australia in a dominant position. England, already having lost the Ashes, struggled to contain the Australian batsmen.

Australia's Steven Smith has become cricket's highest run-scorer against England, surpassing Don Bradman with his 37th Test century. This remarkable achievement places him behind only Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli in all-time international runs against a single opponent. Smith's masterclass at the SCG further solidified his dominance in the Ashes.

SA20 breakout star Nqobani Mokoena opens up on his journey

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman is unlikely to get paid by Kolkata Knight Riders after his IPL contract termination. Despite being a high-value signing, his release, not due to injury or misconduct, leaves him unprotected by insurance and contractual clauses. This situation highlights player rights issues and potential legal avenues for the bowler.

Following the BCCI's directive to release Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, Bangladesh have announced their withdrawal from the T20 World Cup 2026 in India due to security concerns. The government has also suspended IPL broadcasts, sparking debate about separating politics from cricket.

Arjun Tendulkar's stint as an opener for Goa in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has yielded disappointing results, with the young cricketer struggling to make an impact. Meanwhile, Yograj Singh, Yuvraj's father, claims Arjun is being miscoached, emphasizing his batting prowess over bowling, and alleges past opportunities were denied.

India's anti-doping agency has provisionally suspended footballer Ratanbala Devi Nongmaithem for metandienone. Cricketer Rajan Kumar also faces suspension for multiple steroids. Sprinter Dhanalakshmi Sekar received an eight-year ban for a second doping offense. Several other athletes across disciplines are also listed for various prohibited substances.

India's World Cup star Kranti Goud's success has led to her father's reinstatement in the Madhya Pradesh Police after a 13-year suspension. The state government fulfilled a promise made to Kranti, restoring her father's dignity and ensuring his honorable retirement. This humane gesture highlights the government's respect for athletes and their families.

Indian cue sports mourns the loss of Manoj Kothari, a former world champion and coach, who passed away at 67 after a liver transplant. Kothari, who won the World Billiards Championship in 1990 as a wildcard, inspired his son Sourav, a current world champion. His legacy in popularising cue sports in India is significant.

SA20s fourth season continues to draw packed houses across South Africa, and the reason goes well beyond the cricket. From braais and live music to interactive fan zones and post-match player access, the league has transformed matchdays into immersive entertainment experiences.

Mumbai's Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign receives a significant boost with the return of Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shivam Dube. Iyer will captain the side in the absence of an injured Shardul Thakur, marking his comeback after a spleen injury. Sarfaraz Khan is also expected to rejoin the squad, bolstering Mumbai's chances in their upcoming crucial league matches.

Shubman Gill returns to the 50-over format for Punjab's Vijay Hazare Trophy match, aiming for crucial game time. Having missed the T20 World Cup squad, Gill is set to lead India's ODI series against New Zealand. His participation in these domestic games is vital for Punjab's qualification and his own preparation.

The Australian Open has announced a record Aus$111.5 million prize pool, a 16% increase from last year. Singles champions will each receive Aus$4.15 million, with significant boosts for early-round and qualifying players. This move aims to ensure financial sustainability for all competitors.

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi shattered Rishabh Pant's record, smashing a 15-ball fifty to lead India U-19 to an eight-wicket win over South Africa U-19. His explosive 68 off 24 balls, including 10 sixes, set up the chase before rain revised the target. This dominant performance seals the series for India.

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Adelaide International, citing he is not physically ready to compete. The Serbian star, who planned to use the tournament as a warm-up for the Australian Open, expressed disappointment but is focusing on his preparation for Melbourne. This comes after a period of reduced tour-level play and a recent departure from the PTPA.

Harbhajan Singh backs Shubman Gill's appointment as ODI captain, believing he is ready for big challenges and future leadership. He also feels Gill will get more T20 opportunities despite his World Cup omission. Harbhajan praised the T20 World Cup squad as a 10/10 team and highlighted the strength of India's spin attack.

Bangladesh Cricket Board has formally requested the ICC to relocate their T20 World Cup matches from India, citing security concerns following the IPL squad release of Mustafizur Rahman. BCB president Aminul Islam emphasized that their next steps depend entirely on the ICC's response, clarifying this is an ICC event, not a bilateral matter.

Ricky Ponting backs India's Suryakumar Yadav for the T20 World Cup. He praises Axar Patel's selection as vice-captain. Ponting is surprised by Shubman Gill's exclusion from the squad. This highlights India's strong player depth. Ponting believes in trusting natural game and backing instincts for success.

Ruben Amorim's sacking by Manchester United has exposed the dismal lack of progress since Jim Ratcliffe's arrival as co-owner promised a new dawn. Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte have largely been peripheral figures since being signed under the managerial regime of Erik ten Hag, Amorim's predecessor.

David Miller hails Paarl Royals all-round display after dominant bonus-point win

Corbin Bosch reflects on MI Cape Towns tough night after record low at Newlands

Enforcement Directorate conducted fresh searches on social media influencer Anurag Dwivedi's properties in a money laundering probe linked to illegal online betting. Authorities seized luxury vehicles and froze assets worth 3 crore. Dwivedi, reportedly in Dubai, is accused of promoting betting platforms and using hawala channels for illicit funds, including real estate investments abroad.

Smith backed away to hit a shoulder-high short ball over the off side but found Scott Boland at deep cover. He was dismissed by part-time pacer Marnus Labuschagne for 46 off 76 balls. The new ball was taken five to six overs after his dismissal.

Ten years ago, 15-year-old Pranav Dhanawade etched his name in cricket history with an unbeaten 1009 in a Mumbai school match, shattering a 117-year-old record. This extraordinary feat, achieved over two days with 129 fours and 59 sixes, captivated the cricketing world, despite the humble setting. The innings highlighted immense stamina and a relentless pursuit of runs.

SG Pipers, featuring three Candidates 2026 qualifiers, defied expectations to win the Global Chess League Season 3. Coach Pravin Thipsay revealed that overconfidence on the top boards led to struggles, with the lower-ranked players ultimately carrying the team to victory.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 14-year-old captain, unleashed a blistering 68 off 24 balls, including ten sixes, to power India's chase against South Africa Under-19. His explosive start set the tone after South Africa posted 245, anchored by Jason Rowles' 114. This performance highlights Sooryavanshi's formidable form ahead of the U-19 World Cup.

He said, Hey Virat Kohli, I'm trying to film with you, while also highlighting India as one of his biggest audience bases.

Marnus Labuschagne shone on Day 2 of the fifth Ashes Test, impacting the game with both bat and ball. He engaged in a brief verbal spat with England captain Ben Stokes before being dismissed for 48. Labuschagne also claimed a crucial wicket, showcasing his bowling prowess which his teammates acknowledge as a practiced skill.

Joe Root's commanding 160 at the Sydney Test propelled England to a strong position, holding a significant lead over Australia. The captain emphasized creating positive experiences for young teammates touring Australia for the first time, aiming to build confidence and break past tour baggage. Root's century also saw him equal Ricky Ponting's record for overseas Test centuries in Australia.

Star batter Virat Kohli has withdrawn from Delhi's Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Railways, a decision confirmed by Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh. Kohli had previously met the BCCI mandate by playing two games, scoring impressively. His absence means he won't face pacer Himanshu Sangwan before joining the India squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.

Fifty-five years ago, a rain-hit Test match unexpectedly birthed One-Day International cricket. England posted 190, and Australia, chasing 191, secured a five-wicket victory at the MCG. This accidental innovation, witnessed by 46,000 fans, paved the way for the World Cup and revolutionised the sport, leading to today's T20 era.

The 1-1 draw at Elland Road was Amorims final match of his 14-month spell in charge. The result left Manchester United sixth in the Premier League after 20 matches.

Joe Root scored a magnificent 160, equalling a record for England. However, his brilliant innings became a solitary highlight. Jamie Smith's rash shot led to his dismissal, triggering a familiar batting collapse. This moment shifted focus from Root's achievement to criticism of England's approach. The team was bowled out for 384.

Former Proteas star AB de Villiers believes Mohammed Siraj's T20 World Cup snub stems from team balance, not form. He highlighted India's preference for all-rounders like Harshit Rana and a spin-heavy strategy, seeing Siraj as unlucky but crucial for future ODI plans. De Villiers feels India's bowling depth covers all bases for championship success.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has decided not to send its team to India for the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026, citing security concerns. Following Mustafizur Rahmans IPL exit, the BCB has requested the ICC to shift Bangladeshs matches to Sri Lanka. The global body stares at a logistical nightmare before the multi-nation event.

With Englands next Ashes tour of Australia scheduled in four years time, Joe Root would be 39, leading many to believe that this might have been his final appearance Down Under. His acknowledgement of the crowd as he left the field added to that sentiment, but Root was quick to play down such interpretations.

Bangladesh seek T20 WC match shift from India after Mustafizur Rahman's IPL exit

The year 2025 was remarkable for Rohit Sharma. He not only amassed huge scores but also broke several records, including becoming the top-ranked ODI batter in the ICC rankings for the first time. He also reached the milestone of 20,000 international runs and led India to ICC Champions Trophy glory.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh commented on Bangladesh's request to relocate T20 World Cup matches from India due to safety concerns. He stated that while India welcomes all teams, the final decision rests with Bangladesh and the ICC. This follows Bangladesh's suspension of IPL broadcasts after Mustafizur Rahman's IPL release.

Wasim Akram, Nikhil Chopra on the evolution of UAE Cricket during ILT20 Season 4

Bangladesh has indefinitely banned all Indian Premier League broadcasts and promotions. This drastic step follows the removal of Bangladeshi bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad, a move the government deems inexplicable and angering to its citizens.

Dwayne Bravo revealed MS Dhoni's astute man-management, recalling an instance where Dhoni advised him against diving to field, emphasizing his bowling value over saving runs. This insight highlights Dhoni's ability to leverage players' strengths, fostering trust and a consistent team culture. Bravo felt Dhoni valued his specific contributions, leading to greater confidence on the field.

Joe Root scored a brilliant 160 for England, reaching 384. Australia fought back strongly with Travis Head's unbeaten 91. Despite losing two wickets, Australia ended the day at 166 for 2. Roots masterful knock his 41st Test century, drawing him level with Ricky Ponting finally ended when Michael Neser pulled off a superb caught-and-bowled, the seamer finishing with figures of 4 for 60.

Sikandar Raza press conference: Zimbabwe all-rounder opens up about tragic loss of his brother

Joe Root's magnificent century in the fifth Ashes Test brought him closer to cricket's most revered records. His 41st Test hundred, equalling Ricky Ponting, and 17th score of 150-plus, place him among legends like Bradman and Tendulkar. Root's modern-era dominance is undeniable, with more centuries since 2021 than any peer.

Mustafizur Rahman was bought by KKR for Rs 9.20 crore at the auction last month, a move that underlined his value in T20 cricket. However, the franchise later released him following directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amid political tensions related to minority issues in Bangladesh.