Sports / The Times of India
Ace shooter Manu Bhaker will lead a 35-member Indian contingent at the ISSF World Cups in South America, kicking off the international shooting season. The team includes Olympians and will compete in Buenos Aires and Lima. A training camp at Karni Singh Range will prepare them for the events, aiming to exceed their Paris Olympic achievements.
India's vice-captain Shubman Gill suggested that a score of 300-325 would be ideal for the upcoming Champions Trophy match against Pakistan, noting the absence of dew influences. He emphasized that the team batting second will face more pressure, accentuating the need for strong performances in the middle overs.
India and Pakistan will clash in the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai, with India nearly guaranteeing a semi-final spot with a win. India triumphed in their previous ODI against Pakistan in the 2023 World Cup. Key players include Rohit Sharma for India and Babar Azam for Pakistan, with both teams aiming for victory.
At the 2025 Champions Trophy in Lahore, the Indian national anthem was accidentally played before the England vs Australia match, causing widespread confusion and criticism of the event organisers. India are not playing in Pakistan due to political tensions, adding to the controversy that began with India's flag missing in Karachi and a branding glitch during the India-Bangladesh match.
Former India captain Rahul Dravid and his son Anvay played together for Vijaya Cricket Club in a Third Division match. Rahul scored 10 runs, while Anvay impressed with 58 runs. The team's total reached 345 for 7, with Swapnil's 107 being the highlight.
Indian bowler Mohammed Shami, 34, maintains his fitness by eating only one meal a day and avoiding cravings for delicacies. Sidelined for 14 months due to an ankle injury, he lost nine kgs during rehabilitation. Despite his regimen, he occasionally enjoys biryani. Shami's standout performance includes becoming the fastest Indian to 200 ODI wickets.
India and Pakistan are set to face off in a crucial ICC Champions Trophy match on Sunday. India aims to secure a semifinal spot following their win over Bangladesh, while Pakistan needs a victory to stay in the tournament after a loss to New Zealand.
Arch-rivals India and Pakistan clash in the ICC Champions Trophy match on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium. India, led by Rohit Sharma, secured a six-wicket win against Bangladesh, while Pakistan suffered a defeat to New Zealand in their tournament openers. A win for India would almost assure their semifinals berth, whereas Pakistan faces a must-win scenario.
Australia's Alex Carey pulled off a sensational one-handed catch to dismiss England's Phil Salt in the second over of their Champions Trophy 2025 match. This spectacular play set the tone for Australia's strong start, following skipper Steve Smith's decision to bowl first, citing dew and early swing advantages. Carey's catch was celebrated for its athleticism and timing.
Former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has praised Shubman Gill for his century against Bangladesh in the ICC Champions Trophy. Gills performance solidifies his place in India's one-day format. Despite previous doubts, Ashwin believes Gill has proven himself in white-ball cricket. India's upcoming match against Pakistan will be crucial, with Gill as a key player.
Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria thinks Pakistan will struggle against India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He cites Pakistan's recent losses and India's strong performance with key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami as factors. Kaneria also highlights Indias superior spin attack and Pakistan's weak response on Dubai's slow, dry pitches.
Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin criticizes Pakistani batter Babar Azam's lack of intent during the ICC Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand. Ashwin points out Babar's conservative approach and highlights how it negatively impacted Pakistan's chase. With elimination looming, Pakistan must defeat India in their next match to stay in the semi-final contention.
India and Pakistan are set to clash in the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai, with India aiming for a semifinal spot and Pakistan looking to avoid early elimination. India enters the match with confidence from a victory over Bangladesh, while Pakistan needs a win after a loss to New Zealand.
Sunil Gavaskar is concerned about Virat Kohli's recurring issues with getting out due to an open bat face. Kohli's recent struggles include a disappointing performance in India's first Champions Trophy match.
The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2024 are set to celebrate elite Indian athletes, para-athletes, and coaches in Lucknow today. Categories like Sportsperson of the Year include top performers such as Neeraj Chopra and Jasprit Bumrah. Additionally, the Coach of the Year category will spotlight mentors who have greatly impacted Indian sports.
Who is this cricketer helping Pakistan prepare for big match vs India | Champions Trophy update from Dubai
India face Pakistan in a crucial ICC Champions Trophy match in Dubai on Sunday. Pakistan, after a heavy loss to New Zealand, must win to stay in contention for the semi-finals. India's recent form and previous victories at this venue favour them. With historical rivalry and high stakes, this match promises excitement for fans.
Pakistan's cricket team trained at the ICC Academy in Dubai, focusing intensely under former cricketer Mudassar Nazar's guidance. The team is preparing for a crucial match against India, hoping to learn from their mistakes in their opener against New Zealand to keep their tournament hopes alive. Former Pakistan cricketer Mudassar Nazar got everyone in a circle of sorts and had a long chat before the players got down to business in the middle. Nazar is not just a former cricketer but someone who
Pakistan face a crucial match against rivals India in the Champions Trophy to keep their hopes alive after losing their opener to New Zealand. Former cricketer Basit Ali considers Pakistan the underdogs and criticizes the cricket board's approach, emphasizing the need for strategic improvements in the team's formation.
As the India-Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy clash nears, Yuvraj Singh lauds Indian captain Rohit Sharma as a 'dangerous' player even when not in top form, highlighting his match-winning abilities. Rohit has an impressive record against Pakistan and remains pivotal for India, who aim to equalise their head-to-head record in the tournament.
The Champions Trophy format leaves little room for mistakes, with even one loss potentially leading to elimination. In Group A, India stands strong after defeating Bangladesh, while Pakistan is under pressure following their defeat against New Zealand. Pakistan's upcoming clash with India is critical for their survival in the tournament.
South Africa triumphed over Afghanistan with a 107-run victory in their ICC Champions Trophy opener, powered by Ryan Rickeltons century. An imposing total of 315/6 set up the win, bolstered by strong contributions from Temba Bavuma and disciplined bowling by Kagiso Rabada and others. Rahmat Shahs valiant effort wasn't enough as Afghanistan fell short at 208.
India and Pakistan will face off in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai. Throughout history, their ODI clashes have been unforgettable, including Miandad's last-ball six in 1986, Ganguly's ton in 1998, and Zaman's special century in 2017. These matches are iconic moments in cricket history.
India's decision to include Harshit Rana over Arshdeep Singh as the second pacer paid off in their win against Bangladesh, with both him and Shami excelling. Ahead of their crucial match against Pakistan, speculation exists about bringing in Arshdeep Singh to provide variety with his left-arm pace, but former India spinner Piyush Chawla anticipates no changes to the winning team.
Shubman Gill, the new world No.1 ODI batter, scored a century to lead India to victory against Bangladesh in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener. Praised by Ricky Ponting for his consistency and leadership potential, Gill's performance and aggressive style highlight his dominance in white-ball cricket, further strengthening India's batting lineup.
The UAE has been a historic venue for iconic India-Pakistan ODI clashes, featuring epic contests such as India's 38-run victory in the 1985 Rothmans Cup, Javed Miandad's famous last-ball six in the 1986 Austral-Asia Cup final, and Sachin Tendulkar's memorable century in the 1996 Pepsi Sharjah Cup. These matches have seen thrilling last-ball finishes and stellar individual performances.
India and Pakistan cricket rivalry shaped some of the most memorable moments in ODIs through the 1980s, 90s, and early 2000s. The fantasy XI includes legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Imran Khan, and Wasim Akram, celebrating those who had the most significant impact in these head-to-head encounters.
Babar Azam and the Pakistan cricket team engaged in a rigorous practice session in Dubai ahead of their Champions Trophy match against India. Azam faced multiple bowlers for extended periods, while key pacers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi each delivered seven overs. Interim coach Aaqib Javed and captain Mohammad Rizwan led a detailed strategy meeting to optimize their performance.
Former cricketer Atul Wassan expressed a desire for Pakistan to beat India in the upcoming Champions Trophy match, emphasizing the potential excitement it would bring to the tournament. He also criticized India's decision to exclude Rishabh Pant in favor of KL Rahul, suggesting it undermines Pant's impact on the opposition.
Harmanpreet Kaur and Amanjot Kaur led Mumbai Indians to a thrilling four-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a Women's Premier League match. Notable contributions came from Ellyse Perry for RCB and crucial partnerships during MI's chase ensured their win.
Pakistan team trains ahead of Champions Trophy clash vs India | EXCLUSIVE VISUALS
MS Dhoni, 43, remains committed to the Indian Premier League, feeling capable of rigorous training for six to eight months to perform at the highest level. Despite retiring from international cricket, Dhoni's dedication to fitness and the game continues as he leads Chennai Super Kings, emphasizing the importance of effort and enjoyment.
Ryan Rickelton scored his first ODI century, leading South Africa to a commanding total of 315-6 against Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy. The South African bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada, restricted Afghanistan to 208 runs, securing a convincing 107-run victory in the Group B match.
Steve Waugh is confident Virat Kohli will overcome his form slump, emphasizing that great players find ways to rectify issues. He also discusses the unpredictability of the upcoming India-Pakistan match, the importance of having interests outside cricket, and the continued relevance of ODIs. Waugh identifies India, New Zealand, Australia, and England as strong contenders for the Champions Trophy semifinals.
Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Indias ability to handle pressure gives them an edge over Pakistan in the upcoming Champions Trophy clash. Pathan highlights India's superior talent in one-day cricket and praises Mohammed Shami's recent performance, which boosts the team's confidence. Pathan said the Indian side is better placed to handle pressure situations.
Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith is confident about their performance in the upcoming Champions Trophy despite the absence of key players. Smith sees this as an opportunity for younger players to prove themselves on a global stage. He stressed the importance of being focused from the start of the tournament as every match is crucial.
Sourav Ganguly supports KL Rahul over Rishabh Pant as India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in the Champions Trophy due to Rahul's impressive ODI statistics. Ganguly believes India, with its incredible depth in batting, is well-positioned for success. He also remains positive about Virat Kohli overcoming leg-spin difficulties and predicts strong performances from India and New Zealand in Group A.
India secured a win against Bangladesh, while Pakistan faced a setback with a loss to New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With their upcoming match, former cricketer Shahid Afridi considers India as the favourites due to their stronger middle and lower order.
Fast bowler Haris Rauf emphasises Pakistan will treat their Champions Trophy match against India like any other, focusing on victory. Despite losing to New Zealand and missing key players Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, he remains optimistic about their chances. Rauf, fit and ready, draws confidence from previous wins against India in Dubai.
The Champions League round of 16 draw on Friday resulted in exciting matchups such as a Madrid derby between Real and Atletico, a German top-tier clash of Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich, and a showdown between Liverpool and PSG. The new format allows same-country teams to meet at this stage.
India is looking to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and include all disciplines dropped from the 2026 edition. The sports ministry aims to start the process before the March 31 deadline. The goal is to maintain India's medal tally, with key sports like hockey and wrestling among those proposed. India also eyes the 2036 Olympic Games hosting rights.
India started their Champions Trophy with a decisive six-wicket win against Bangladesh. Shubman Gill praised Mohammed Shami for his remarkable 5/53 spell, lauding his comeback after a lengthy injury. Gill also scored an unbeaten 101, guiding India to victory, with Shami expressing hopes for continued strong performances. India set to take on Pakistan on Sunday.
Law enforcement raided a bungalow in Pilerne, Goa, arresting three men from Gujarat involved in illegal betting on a cricket match. Seized items included mobile phones, a laptop, and a router valued at Rs 1.1 lakh. The suspects face charges under the Goa Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act as the investigation continues.
Kerala made history by qualifying for their first Ranji Trophy final, narrowly defeating Gujarat with a two-run first-innings lead in a dramatic semifinal. Key performances included M Azharuddeens 177 runs and a crucial final moment involving Arzan Nagwaswalla and Salman Nizar. Kerala will now face Vidarbha in the final, carrying the hopes of their state.
Mohammed Shami: 'I just go for wickets; don't care about the economy rate at all'
Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah believes they can defeat India by bringing their best performance to the upcoming Champions Trophy clash. Despite a rough start, he emphasises that handling pressure will be crucial. He also addressed criticism about his selection, urging fans to continue their support. Pakistan face a must-win situation after losing to New Zealand.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting praised Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami for his remarkable five-wicket haul in India's Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh. Ponting highlighted Shami's resilience and determination following his recovery from a long injury layoff. Shami's achievement of 200 ODI wickets underscores his consistency and dedication, earning appreciation for his performance amidst adversity.
India chased down Bangladesh's total of 228 with 21 balls remaining in their ICC Champions Trophy opener, despite some mild concern at 144/4. Virender Sehwag dismissed Bangladesh as a serious threat, suggesting that the win could have been swifter if more wickets had been preserved. India secured victory with 21 balls remaining, thanks to a significant partnership between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, with the latter reaching his century.
South Africa's star wicketkeeper-batter missed the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against Afghanistan due to an elbow injury. Captain Temba Bavuma won the toss, opting to bat first. Afghanistan made their Champions Trophy debut with a three-man spin attack led by Rashid Khan. This match marks Afghanistans debut in the Champions Trophy.