The Times of India

India's Commonwealth Games gold medallist Ashwini Ponnappa has criticised badminton's new 15x3 scoring system, saying it removes the drama, momentum shifts and memorable comebacks of the traditional 21-point format. While acknowledging players must adapt, she suggested adding extra breaks instead of changing the scoring system, arguing shorter matches could hurt the sport's appeal.

The Chennai Grand Masters 2026 will be held from July 16-22 in Chennai, featuring World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju, Arjun Erigaisi, Hans Niemann and other top grandmasters. The eight-player single round-robin tournament offers a Rs 75 lakh prize pool and crucial FIDE Circuit points. Organisers have confirmed there will be no Challengers section this year.

The 35-year-old will bring the curtain down on an international career that began in 2009.

ISL clubs set for big test on and off the field

Argentina looked on the verge of elimination after falling 2-0 behind in the 67th minute. But the defending champions scored three goals in the final 13 minutes, with Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez finding the net to complete the turnaround.

Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has died aged 38 after battling the rare immune disorder HLH. The Afghanistan Cricket Board and ICC Chairman Jay Shah paid tribute, hailing him as a pioneer of Afghan cricket. Shah remembered Zadran's match-winning heroics in Afghanistan's first-ever World Cup victory in 2015. He played 80 international matches between 2009 and 2020.

The strike came just before what was expected to be a major occasion for football fans in Gaza, where many had gathered to watch Egypt face defending champions Argentina.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni broke down in tears after his side's dramatic 3-2 World Cup comeback win over Egypt, walking away from a live TV interview after apologising. Argentina overturned a 2-0 deficit with late goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernndez. Scaloni later said, I cried because I'm too emotional, praising his team's fighting spirit.

The AIFF has clarified that signing Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) players for the 2026-27 ISL season is optional, with any OCI recruit counting towards the six-player foreign quota. It also confirmed that fielding an Indian striker for the full 90 minutes is only a recommendation, not a mandate, leaving team selection and tactics entirely to individual clubs and coaches.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have agreed to a four-year club-led model for India's top football league, with a special purpose vehicle managing its commercial operations. The AIFF will receive annual administration fees and 10% of net profits while overseeing governance matters. The agreement resolves key disputes, includes a two-year exit option for clubs, and leaves the door open for Genius Sports' involvement.

The Egyptian camp was unhappy with several refereeing decisions during the match. These included a goal ruled out after a VAR review and a penalty appeal that was not reviewed in the build-up to Argentina's winning goal.

Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma hold the top two T20I batting rankings. Shreyas Iyer surged 425 places to joint 93rd in the batting rankings. England's Jacob Bethell climbed seven places to number eight in the rankings. Sam Curran rose twelve places to number 108 among batters. Adil Rashid returned to the top three T20I bowling rankings.

In the last six months, Ashok Sharma has caught everyone's attention with his raw pace. He shattered an 11-year-old Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy record by picking up 22 wickets for Rajasthan. He impressed everyone in the IPL with his pace for Gujarat Titans. A couple of weeks ago, he was picked for India A as an injury replacement, and now he has earned his maiden India call-up for the Zimbabwe tour, starting on July 23.

'Virat, AB adapt across formats, Bumrah's skillset is special': Wiaan Mulder Exclusive

In today's Offside, we see Lionel Messi give us the footballing version of the Book of Exodus while Switzerland down Colombia in a shootout.

Novak Djokovic won a record-breaking Wimbledon quarterfinal match. He joked about Lionel Messi's shorter football games after his own marathon. Messi inspired Argentina to a dramatic 2026 FIFA World Cup comeback victory. Djokovic battled for over five hours to reach his eighth semifinal. Both sporting icons proved their enduring high-level competition.

Neymar leaves as Brazil's greatest goalscorer, one of the finest footballers the country has produced and perhaps the last great Brazilian superstar whose game was built as much on joy as on efficiency. He never won the trophy that defines footballing immortality, but he gave Brazil moments that will endure for generations.

Argentina achieved a remarkable comeback victory against Egypt in their World Cup match. The team overturned a two-goal deficit in the final thirteen minutes of play. Lionel Messi and his teammates celebrated the intense and emotional win extensively. This incredible revival keeps Argentina's World Cup dream alive for now. The team now prepares for their next quarter-final match against Switzerland.

Dinesh Karthik questioned the team management's batting order choice. Harshit Rana was promoted ahead of Shivam Dube during a batting collapse. India suffered their biggest T20I defeat by runs against England. The team's performance was described as atrocious by the captain. India now trails England two-nil in the series.

Four defeats into India's new T20I cycle, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has once again leaned on the idea of a eset and transition to explain the team's struggles. As results worsen, the head coach's recurring narrative has returned, raising questions about India's direction after their World Cup triumph.

Jofra Archer feels English conditions offer a return to normal cricket. He believes bowlers have a larger margin for error here. England secured a significant 125-run victory over India in the third T20I. Archer dismissed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after their IPL rivalry resurfaced. India seek their first T20I win in the ongoing series.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre met at a NATO summit. The leaders exchanged light-hearted banter while wearing their national football team jerseys. They discussed their countries' upcoming FIFA World Cup quarterfinal match. Norway's Prime Minister recalled a past victory against England in qualification. Both leaders anticipate a great and exciting football match.

Ticket prices for the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals have seen a notable decrease. This decline follows the unexpected eliminations of co-host United States and Portugal from the tournament. Spain's quarterfinal match against Belgium now has significantly lower ticket prices available. France's game against Morocco is currently the least expensive last-eight fixture. Other quarterfinals include Norway versus England and Argentina against Switzerland.

Thierry Henry believes Cristiano Ronaldo has nothing left to prove. His football legacy is considered untouchable and will stand the test of time. Ronaldo's dedication to fitness and professionalism serves as an example. He concluded his World Cup career with 27 appearances and 11 goals. His impact extends beyond trophies and records in the sport.

Lionel Messi achieved a historic World Cup milestone by scoring in six consecutive knockout matches. Argentina secured a dramatic 3-2 victory against Egypt after trailing by two goals. Messi's equaliser in the 83rd minute ignited a remarkable turnaround for his team. Enzo Fernandez then completed the stunning comeback in stoppage time to advance Argentina.

Gautam Gambhir explosive press conference: On dropping Sanju Samson, losing four and more

The FIFA World Cup 2026 enters its crucial quarterfinal stage with eight teams remaining. France faces Morocco, and Spain plays Belgium in the initial high-stakes matches. Norway, after eliminating Brazil, will compete against England in a thrilling encounter. Defending champions Argentina are set to meet Switzerland in their quarterfinal clash. These four games will determine the semifinalists competing for football's ultimate prize.

Few cricketers have witnessed the evolution of modern cricket quite like AB de Villiers. From the rise of T20 leagues to the changing aspirations of young cricketers, the South African legend has lived through the sport's biggest transition.

Argentina secured a dramatic 3-2 victory against Egypt in the World Cup Round of 16. Lionel Messi delivered a match-defining performance, scoring the crucial equalizer for his team. He extended his World Cup scoring streak to nine consecutive matches, a new tournament record. Messi also equaled a long-standing Argentina record for goals in a single World Cup. His influential play kept Argentina's title defense hopes alive after a challenging start.

Lionel Messi and Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan clashed after Argentina's victory. A member of Egypt's staff received a red card for confronting the Argentine captain. This incident overshadowed Argentina's dramatic 3-2 comeback win in the tournament. Egypt's coach expressed strong dissatisfaction with the match officiating. The confrontation sparked debate regarding FIFA's anti-racism protocols.

FIFA is investigating content creator IShowSpeed for alleged racist abuse. This incident occurred during Argentina's World Cup match against Cape Verde. Argentina secured a dramatic extra-time victory over Egypt in another thrilling game. The defending champions came back from two goals down to win. Argentina will now face Switzerland in the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan sparked controversy during Egypts dramatic 3-2 FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 defeat to Argentina after making an X gesture toward referee Franois Letexier. While the gesture is recognised by FIFA as a signal against racist abuse, its meaning in this context remains unclear. FIFA has not confirmed any investigation, though Hassans actions may face disciplinary review.

Lionel Messi admitted feeling he let his team down after missing a crucial penalty. Argentina faced elimination trailing two goals before a stunning comeback unfolded. Cristian Romero, Messi, and Enzo Fernandez scored within thirteen minutes to secure victory. Messi's late equalizing goal provided immense relief and happiness for the squad. This remarkable fighting spirit propelled Argentina into the World Cup quarter-finals.

Novak Djokovic battled past Felix Auger-Aliassime in a record-breaking Wimbledon quarter-final. The Serbian star secured a thrilling five-set victory after more than five hours of play. Djokovic will now face defending champion Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals. Sinner advanced easily after defeating Jan-Lennard Struff in his quarter-final match. This highly anticipated rematch promises another compelling tennis contest.

Argentina secured a dramatic 3-2 victory against Egypt in the World Cup Round of 16. Egypt's camp expressed strong dissatisfaction with several officiating decisions during the match. A disallowed Egyptian goal and the build-up to Argentina's winner fueled their anger. Coach Hossam Hassan stated his team suffered clear injustice and unfair treatment. Argentina advanced to the quarter-finals after this controversial and exciting encounter.

FIFAs decision to appoint a full Argentine officiating team for Frances FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Morocco has sparked debate among fans. Referee Facundo Tello and four fellow Argentine officials will oversee the Boston clash, making it the first all-Argentine on-field crew at the tournament. The appointment has renewed scrutiny around FIFAs refereeing decisions and World Cup controversies.

India captain Shreyas Iyer called the team's performance atrocious after a record defeat. England secured an unassailable 2-0 series lead with their victory. India was bowled out for 76 runs chasing England's total of 202. The top order collapsed within the powerplay, losing five wickets early. Iyer admitted the team must accept the loss and analyze their mistakes.

Egypt's Mostafa Ziko accused officials of unfair play after their World Cup loss. He claimed the tournament was fixed following a dramatic Argentine comeback. Egypt led two-nil before Argentina scored three late goals. A disallowed Ziko goal early in the second half proved pivotal. The forward apologized to fans, stating players gave their best effort.

Gautam Gambhir clarified Sanju Samson's position within the team's plans. He stated that player discussions remain strictly private between them. Current player form influences selection decisions for the national side. International cricket demands that players consistently earn their places. India suffered a record defeat against England in the third T20I.

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan accused FIFA and match officials of treating his side unfairly after their dramatic 3-2 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 defeat to Argentina. Furious over key refereeing decisions, Hassan suggested external influences helped keep Lionel Messi and the defending champions in the tournament, insisting Egypt had been cheated after surrendering a two-goal lead.

Former India captain MS Dhoni celebrated his 45th birthday at Trent Bridge. He was seen in the hospitality stands during the India versus England T20I match. Broadcasters showed the legendary wicketkeeper-batter on the big screen, drawing a large crowd cheer. Sunil Gavaskar wished Dhoni a happy birthday and commented on his youthful appearance. Dhoni's presence at the match quickly went viral across social media platforms.

Switzerland reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals after defeating Colombia 4-3 on penalties following a tense 0-0 draw in Vancouver. Gregor Kobel produced several crucial saves before the Swiss held their nerve in the shootout, with Rubn Vargas converting the winning penalty. Murat Yakin's side now faces defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi in the last eight.

In a thrilling Round of 16 showdown, Argentina emerged victorious, defeating Egypt 3-2. Lionel Messi was visibly overcome with emotion, shedding tears of joy at the end of the match. He played a pivotal part in Argentinas comeback, contributing both a goal and an assist. This win fuels Argentina's aspirations for a consecutive World Cup triumph, underscoring Messi's unwavering dedication to his nation's success.

Lionel Messi has officially surpassed Diego Maradona to become the holder of the World Cup assist record. This landmark achievement occurred during Argentina's thrilling comeback against Egypt, where Messi not only registered a vital assist but also scored a pivotal goal. His continual excellence on the world stage enhances his legend in the football realm, adding yet another accolade to his already impressive World Cup legacy.

England secured a commanding 125-run victory over India in the third T20I. Philip Salt's fluent 70 anchored England's imposing total of 201 runs. India's chase faltered dramatically, collapsing to just 76 runs. Josh Tongue and Jofra Archer were instrumental in dismantling the Indian batting lineup. This defeat continues India's challenging tour after previous series losses.

Argentina staged one of the greatest comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring three goals in the final 11 minutes to beat Egypt 3-2 and reach the quarter-finals. After falling 2-0 behind and seeing Lionel Messi miss a penalty, late strikes from Cristian Romero, Messi and Enzo Fernndez completed a remarkable turnaround to keep the champions' title defence alive.

The Argentina captain failed from the spot during his team's round-of-16 match against Egypt in Atlanta.