The Times of India

Indias disastrous AFC Womens Asia Cup campaign, marked by three losses, including a humiliating 011 defeat to Japan, has exposed the All India Football Federations chronic mismanagement. Frequent coaching changes, rushed appointments, and opaque decision-making reflect a lack of planning, leaving the team directionless.

Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu is adhering to a rigorous diet for the 48kg category, foregoing local delicacies to maintain peak performance for upcoming Asian and Commonwealth Games. Despite a Paris Olympics setback, her record-breaking national performance fuels confidence for the Asian Championships. Chanu also champions grassroots talent through initiatives like the Khelo India Tribal Games.

The BCCI has unveiled the IPL 2026 schedule, with the 19th season commencing on March 28 and concluding on May 31. A total of 74 matches will be played, featuring a home and away format for each of the 10 teams. The top four teams will advance to the playoffs after the league stage.

The T20 Powerplay has transformed from a tone-setting phase to a game-deciding period, with teams now relentlessly attacking to maximize scoring. This aggressive intent, evident in record-breaking scores, forces bowlers to adapt strategically, while captains face a difficult choice in deploying their best resources early. The first six overs have become the most crucial swing phase in T20 cricket.

Riyan Parag steps into IPL 2026 as Rajasthan Royals captain amid intense scrutiny and past trolling. Backed by the franchise after a rigorous selection process, the 24-year-old faces a defining season. Inspired by Hardik Pandyas journey and focused on team success, Parag aims to silence critics and revive his chances of returning to the Indian team.

Punjab Kings, last season's runners-up, boast a high-potential, high-variance squad packed with all-rounders, aiming for their maiden IPL title under Shreyas Iyer. While their batting depth and left-arm pace are strengths, a lack of a consistent domestic opener and potential over-reliance on key players pose challenges.

Punjab Kings enter the new IPL season with renewed purpose after a narrow six-run loss in last year's final. Led by skipper Shreyas Iyer, the team boasts a balanced squad with a strong Indian core, including explosive openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya. They aim to leverage their experience and a potent all-rounders' department to finally clinch their maiden title.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is unperturbed about not hosting a Test match during the upcoming India-Australia series, expressing happiness to host an ODI between India and Zimbabwe. MCA president Ajinkya Naik stated that all matches are important and the association will continue working for the betterment of cricket in Mumbai.

Lahore Qalandars kicked off the Pakistan Super League 2026 with a dominant win, but the match was overshadowed by a bizarre incident where the ball inexplicably turned pink. Despite the unusual occurrence and broadcast glitches, the focus remains on the cricket and the viral online buzz surrounding the unexpected colour change.

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, now 15, is making waves as a destructive hitter in Indian cricket and the IPL. His rapid rise includes an India A debut and a strong bond with captain Jitesh Sharma, who highlights his natural power and the fear he instills in bowlers. Sooryavanshi is poised for a key role with Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026.

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill is focused on winning the IPL 2026 title. He stated that personal achievements are secondary to team goals. Gill believes his past performances speak for themselves and he has nothing to prove. He aims to help his team achieve consistency and secure another championship. Gill's priority remains the team's victory in every match and tournament.

India secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Pakistan in the SAFF U20 Championship. Omang Dodum scored twice, with Vishal Yadav adding another goal. This win guarantees India a spot in the semi-finals. Pakistan has been eliminated from the tournament. India will face Bangladesh next to determine the group leader.

Hardik Pandya fulfilled a promise to reward Wankhede groundstaff who supported his late-night World Cup training, earning praise for his humility. The two-time T20 World Cup winner acknowledged their behind-the-scenes efforts while continuing to shine on the field. Reflecting on life, he said, Jab se Mahieka aayi hai, life mein bas jeet hi jeet hai.

Mohammed Shami is training hard ahead of IPL 2026, aiming to return to Indias squad. The 35-year-old impressed LSG coach Justin Langer with his yorkers, who called them breathtaking. Langer also praised Shamis leadership among younger players. With selectors overlooking him, the IPL offers Shami a crucial chance to prove himself and push for a comeback.

The IOC will bar transgender women from womens Olympic events starting 2028, allowing only biological females with a one-time gene test. The move aims to ensure fairness, citing physical advantages linked to male biology. Backed by president Kirsty Coventry, the policy also impacts some DSD athletes and is expected to draw criticism despite calls for uniform global rules.

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill has voiced concerns about the IPL Impact Player rule. He believes it reduces the skill element in cricket. Several other Indian players share similar sentiments. The rule allows an extra player, impacting the traditional balance of the game. Gill feels it makes matches more predictable. The rule is set to continue until 2027.

Carolina Marin has retired from professional badminton due to recurring injuries, opting out of the European Championships despite a wild card. The Olympic champion said she didnt want to risk her body for a final match. Marin bows out with an illustrious career, including Olympic gold and three world titles, and now looks ahead to a new chapter.

Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara will miss the Indian Premier League. Sri Lanka Cricket denied him a No Objection Certificate. This follows a new strict fitness policy. Players must meet new physical benchmarks for overseas leagues. Thushara reportedly fell short of these standards. This could cost him his contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The IPL 2026 season resumes on April 13, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India unveiling the schedule for the remaining 50 league matches. The tournament will span across 12 Indian venues until May 24, featuring eight double-headers. This revised plan ensures the league progresses despite earlier election date uncertainties, with no reduction in matches planned.

Indias womens football team had to endure a disappointing 2026 AFC Womens Asian Cup campaign, losing all three matches in the competition. In an exclusive interview, midfielder Sangita Basfore reflected on missed opportunities, limited preparation time, and tactical instability, while urging improved grassroots development and longer domestic leagues to strengthen future performances.

Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka has ended rumors about Rishabh Pant's captaincy for IPL 2026. Goenka publicly backed Pant, calling the speculation baseless. Pant faced criticism after a disappointing IPL 2025 season. The team begins its IPL 2026 campaign against Delhi Capitals on April 1. Pant's performance will be closely watched.

Shaheen Shah Afridi drew attention at a PSL 2026 event by avoiding questions on Pakistans poor international form, asking reporters to focus only on the league. In a viral moment, he said, Dont ask about Pakistan ask questions on PSL only. The incident comes amid criticism after Pakistans early T20 World Cup exit, while Lahore Qalandars prepare to start their title defence.

Irfan Pathan emphasizes IPL 2026 as a crucial season for Mayank Yadav, urging him to repay Lucknow Super Giants' faith after injuries hampered his progress. LSG's strong pace attack, led by Mohammed Shami and supported by a talented Indian unit, is highlighted. Pathan also notes LSG's ongoing search for a distinct franchise identity.

Former India spinner Nilesh Kulkarni assesses India's spin legacy transition, highlighting the need to groom future match-winners for red-ball cricket. He discusses challenges for batters against spin, the impact of pitch conditions, and the role of T20 and AI, advocating for balance and adaptability.

Iga Swiatek admitted she is going through a difficult phase after her Miami Open loss, calling it the worst nightmare as her level drops. Despite her success, pressure has led to overthinking and self-doubt, worsened by a past suspension and losing the No 1 ranking. Though she won Wimbledon, inconsistency remains. She has now split with coach Wim Fissette and aims to regain confidence and control of her game.

CSKs decision to sign Spencer Johnson as a replacement for injured Nathan Ellis has raised questions, with the Australian pacer still recovering from a back injury. Despite pulling out of the PSL and not playing competitive cricket recently, Johnson is gradually returning to bowling. His delayed arrival and fitness status highlight the growing challenge of finding replacements during IPL 2026.

Aakash Chopra believes Ajinkya Rahane has a point to prove in IPL 2026, particularly regarding his post-powerplay scoring, despite a strong IPL 2025. Chopra also highlighted Rinku Singh's potential as a future captain and urged Varun Chakaravarthy to regain his wicket-taking form after a dip in the T20 World Cup.

Team India gears up for a massive 2026-27 home cricket season, hosting West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Australia in 22 matches across 17 cities. The packed schedule features ODIs, T20Is, and culminates with a five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, promising thrilling contests nationwide.

FIFA Vice-President Victor Montagliani downplayed concerns surrounding the upcoming World Cup, stating political and security issues are common before every tournament. He emphasized FIFA's priority is fan safety and coordination with host governments, asserting these challenges are inherent to organizing global events. Montagliani believes once the tournament begins, focus will shift to the football.

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has expressed concern for Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2026, suggesting Trent Boult may have lost pace and effectiveness. De Villiers warned that this could be an area opposition batters might target, despite the team's otherwise strong squad. However, Abhinav Mukund remains optimistic about Mumbai's depth and balance.

Kylian Mbappe has refuted claims that Real Madrid mistakenly scanned the wrong knee following his injury last year. He acknowledged that a lack of communication might have fueled speculation. Mbapp confirmed his rehabilitation was managed effectively, with the team performing well in his absence. He expressed relief that the injury is now behind him.

Virat Kohli's unwavering mental fortitude was evident even in his Under-17 days. Despite facing opposition from a coach, a young Kohli responded to challenges with fierce determination. He famously vowed to eat the living hell out of these people before smashing a double century against Punjab, showcasing the resilience that propelled his career.

Gautam Gambhir secured a major win as the Delhi High Court ordered tech giants like Google, Meta, and Amazon to remove content misusing his identity for commercial gain. The court's directive protects his personality and publicity rights, demanding takedown of AI-generated deepfakes and unauthorized merchandise, while also seeking details of offenders.

Former India cricketer Yograj Singh has sharply criticised young opener Abhishek Sharma following India's T20 World Cup 2026 victory. Singh questioned Abhishek's focus and discipline, citing off-field distractions and an inconsistent tournament performance. He emphasised the need for rigorous training and a disciplined approach, drawing parallels with his son Yuvraj Singh's work ethic.

Virat Kohli, IPL's leading run-scorer, finally achieved his dream of winning the IPL trophy with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025. Now, unburdened by expectations after relinquishing captaincy, he enters IPL 2026 with a rare sense of freedom, potentially unleashing his most dangerous form yet.

Former South African captain Faf du Plessis lauded Gautam Gambhir's leadership, calling him a 'villain' for rivals but a respected figure for his team. Du Plessis highlighted Gambhir's high standards and accountability, evident in his successful stints with KKR and India's recent limited-overs triumphs, despite Test match struggles.

IPL 2026: Ishan Kishan steals the show at captains meet

Former RCB owner Vijay Mallya expressed his emotions following the franchise's record sale, stating it remains in his DNA. He recalled his initial INR 450 crore investment in 2008, which has now grown to an astounding INR 16,600 crore. Mallya highlighted his decision to pick a young Virat Kohli as a significant memory, thanking fans for their unwavering support.

PSL 2026 kicks off March 26 with Lahore Qalandars facing Hyderabad Kingsmen, but without spectators due to regional issues and rising costs. The tournament will be broadcast-first, held in Lahore and Karachi. Despite the challenges, eight teams and international stars promise exciting cricket, with the opening match at 7:30 PM IST.

In a poignant tribute to the 11 victims of last year's Bengaluru stampede, the BCCI has cancelled the IPL 2026 opening ceremony. Instead, a grand closing ceremony is planned for the final on May 31. This decision marks a solemn remembrance of the tragedy that occurred during RCB's title celebrations, prioritizing respect over pre-match festivities.

Australia captain Pat Cummins is targeting a mid-IPL 2026 return after resuming bowling following a back injury. He confirmed a structured rehabilitation plan aimed for his availability for the latter half of the tournament and finals. In his absence, Ishan Kishan will lead Sunrisers Hyderabad, a decision Cummins fully supports.

CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad confirmed he will open the batting with new recruit Sanju Samson for IPL 2026, addressing the team's top-order struggles from last season. While Gaikwad's opening partner is set, MS Dhoni's batting position remains a mystery until the first match. The team also saw promising performances from youngsters Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis as replacements last year.

IPL captains have been warned about strict enforcement of fielder movement rules during catches, with officials emphasizing complete control before celebrations. The Impact Player rule will also remain for at least another season, despite concerns from players like Axar Patel about its impact on all-rounder development.

TOI presents a formidable IPL 2026 Dream XI designed to challenge the Suryakumar Yadav-led T20 World Cup champions. This squad features a potent mix of four overseas stars and Indian talent, boasting explosive openers, a stable middle order, and versatile bowlers capable of dismantling any opposition.

Imran Khan, imprisoned for nearly three years, remains resolute, his sons reveal. Despite health concerns and his wife's alleged mistreatment, Khan states authorities will never break him. He finds strength in meditation, viewing his incarceration as a trial. His sons, awaiting visas, last spoke to him for 28 minutes, noting his unwavering principles.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, known for their explosive batting lineup, face a crucial season after mixed results. With a potent top order featuring Head and Sharma, they aim to finally breach the 300-run mark. However, their pace attack faces pressure early on due to Cummins' absence, relying on Unadkat, Patel, and Carse to step up.

Virat Kohli displayed explosive form with a 19-ball 45 in RCB's practice match, earning praise from mentor Dinesh Karthik. Kohli's consistent intent and drive to improve were highlighted. He was also seen bowling to struggling opener Phil Salt, showcasing team support. The IPL 2026 season opener is set for March 28.

Returning to the IPL after a year's absence, Prithvi Shaw appears more focused and mentally stronger, having learned from past excesses. The break from cricket, coupled with personal reflection, has allowed him to rebuild his confidence and dedication, as he now prioritises his passion for the game and harbours hopes of an India comeback.

Sivaramakrishnan, who played 25 international matches for India in a five-year career, said the struggles became severe during the IPL held in the UAE during the Covid-19 lockdown. I was down completely and I didnt want to see myself in the mirror. I would have a couple of drinks and go to sleep because I could not bear anything. Whenever I was awake, I thought I was going to die.

Gujarat Titans enter IPL 2026 with continuity, retaining 20 players. After a third-place finish last season, they aim to refine their squad, adding five new faces including Jason Holder and Tom Banton. With a strong core featuring Sai Sudharsan and Rashid Khan, GT is poised for another playoff run.