The Times of India

Ireland secured a historic 34-run victory over reigning T20 World Champions India in the series opener. Despite India's strong start, Ireland's disciplined pace attack and a crucial counter-attacking partnership in the death overs proved decisive. Lorcan Tucker's fifty and a late surge from Gareth Delany and George Dockrell propelled Ireland to 182, a total India couldn't chase, falling for 148.

Mirabai, who has won three Commonwealth Games medals two gold and one silver will compete in the women's 48kg category.

Abhishek Sharma etched his name in T20I history, smashing a 19-ball fifty against Ireland, his fifth half-century off 20 or fewer deliveries. His explosive 50, featuring seven fours and two sixes, propelled India's chase after pacers restricted Ireland to 182. Though dismissed shortly after his milestone, Sharma's fearless innings cemented his status as a destructive opener.

Playing his first international match against India in Belfast on Friday, Moondra struck with the first delivery of his spell in the second over of India's innings.

Prasidh Krishna's return to India's T20I squad was marred by a costly spell against Ireland, where he conceded 27 runs in a single over, the most by an Indian against the hosts. Despite a strong start by India's bowlers, Ireland's middle order, led by Lorcan Tucker and Gareth Delany, fought back impressively. This resilience propelled Ireland to a competitive 182/9, leaving Prasidh with two unwanted records.

Shivam Dube celebrated his 33rd birthday with a remarkable T20I wicket on his special day against Ireland in Belfast. He became the fourth Indian bowler to achieve this rare feat, joining an elite club of Indian stars. Dube's impactful spell contributed to India's performance in the high-scoring match, showcasing his growing value as a dual-role player.

The decision was finalised on June 25 and approved by an 8-0 majority vote.

Born in Tonk, Rajasthan, Moondra moved to Ireland in 2021 to pursue a Master's degree in Electronics and Communication. After arriving, he joined Leinster Cricket Club in Dublin and worked his way into Ireland's domestic setup.

Artificial intelligence, player health, fan engagement and startup innovation are quietly becoming part of the NBA's long-term strategy. At the Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore, the league unveiled a dedicated Asia track for NBA Launchpad, signalling a shift from viewing the region as merely a market to seeing it as a source of ideas that could redefine basketball on and off the court.

When he walked out for the toss against Ireland in Belfast on Friday, Iyer had already captained 114 T20 matches across franchise and domestic cricket the most by an Indian before taking charge of the national side in the format.

Young batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to wait for his historic India debut. Captain Shreyas Iyer confirmed the 15-year-old was not in the playing XI for the first T20I against Ireland, citing team balance. Despite the delay, Sooryavanshi, who had a stellar IPL and India A season, remains on the cusp of becoming India's youngest international cricketer.

Nottinghamshire, currently second in the North Group after six matches, expects Amir to be available for Friday's T20 Blast fixture against Kent as the team looks to strengthen its push for the knockout stages.

Ben Stokes made a triumphant return to Test cricket, achieving a historic all-round milestone of over 7,000 runs and 250 wickets, a feat matched only by Jacques Kallis. His impactful bowling display against New Zealand, including a crucial breakthrough and four wickets, revitalized England's efforts after a challenging start. This performance followed a brief suspension for a curfew breach, showcasing Stokes' immediate influence on the field.

Team India has triumphed at the ISSF Junior World Championship 2026, topping the medal standings with an impressive 24 medals, including seven golds. Young talents shone across rifle and pistol disciplines, securing victories in individual, mixed, and team events. This remarkable achievement underscores India's growing prowess in world shooting, with the NRAI crediting effective grassroots programs for the widespread success.

Shreyas Iyer is set to lead India's T20I side against Ireland, marking a significant return to the national setup with added captaincy responsibility. Head coach Gautam Gambhir expressed confidence in Iyer's leadership, while the new skipper emphasized building a supportive and fun team culture. Iyer urged his teammates to play fearlessly and with belief, aiming to usher in a new era for the team.

A historic heatwave has put this weekend's Paris Diamond League athletics meet in doubt. French authorities have requested its cancellation, citing immense pressure on emergency services and extreme weather. While organisers initially planned a modified event for elite athletes, the police prefecture has warned of an enforced cancellation if organisers don't comply. This unprecedented heat has already broken national records.

Williams, a seven-time Wimbledon singles champion, accepted a wild-card entry into the tournament. She will also play doubles alongside her older sister Venus Williams, who turned 46 last week.

If selected, Sooryavanshi will be 15 years and 91 days old, younger than Sachin Tendulkar was when he made his international debut against Pakistan in 1989 at the age of 16 years and 205 days.

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif cautioned young Tilak Varma, newly appointed T20I vice-captain, that the role offers no job security. Kaif highlighted recent instances like Axar Patel and Shubman Gill losing their positions despite leadership roles, emphasizing that consistent performance is paramount in the current Indian team. He stressed that every player, regardless of designation, must continually prove their worth to retain their spot in the playing XI.

South Africa has made history by reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time, securing a crucial 1-0 win against South Korea. Coach Hugo Broos, at 74, became the oldest manager to win a World Cup match. Youngster Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal, showcasing the team's belief and tactical prowess. They now face Canada in the Round of 32.

Marcus Stoinis ignited the MLC 2026 clash between Seattle Orcas and Washington Freedom with a breathtaking display of power. After a quiet start, the Australian all-rounder unleashed five massive sixes in a single over against Ian Holland, amassing 30 runs. This explosive over dramatically shifted the game's momentum, propelling the Orcas into a commanding position at the Oakland Coliseum.

While Vinicius deserves accolades for four goals in three games and for becoming the fifth Brazilian to score in all three group matches, his composure stood out. This is where the Mister, Carlo Ancelotti, comes in.

FIDE's proposed First Rating Experiment could allow players to earn official rapid and blitz ratings through online games, bypassing traditional tournament requirements. While the initiative aims to make rated chess more accessible, it has divided India's Grandmasters. Critics fear it could undermine rating credibility and fair play, while supporters view it as a bold step toward expanding chess participation worldwide.

India's T20I opener against Ireland in Belfast faces potential rain disruptions, though conditions are expected to clear by the evening's scheduled start. All eyes are on 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who could debut after a stellar IPL season. This series also marks Shreyas Iyer's captaincy debut for India in the T20 format.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is set to debut in senior international cricket, a milestone former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes the young talent should simply enjoy. Ashwin lauded Sooryavanshi's exceptional ability to adapt against seasoned bowlers, emphasizing that the prodigy's current focus should be on having fun before the inevitable pressures of the sport take hold. Ashwin expressed his admiration for the teenager's special talent and composure.

The Netherlands secured top spot in Group F with a decisive 3-1 victory over Tunisia, earning a Round of 32 encounter against Morocco. Despite an early own goal and a subsequent strike from Brian Brobbey, Tunisia managed to pull one back. However, the Dutch quickly re-established their lead through Jan Paul van Hecke, concluding their group stage with confidence.

Sooryavanshi will be 15 years and 91 days old if he takes the field. Tendulkar was 16 years and 205 days old when he made his international debut against Pakistan in 1989.

All eyes are on 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as India faces Ireland in Belfast. The teenage sensation, who had a stellar IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals, could make history as India's youngest male international cricketer if he debuts. His call-up breaks Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record, fulfilling a lifelong dream for the young talent.

Teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will use separate changing rooms during India's tours of Ireland and England due to UK child safeguarding laws. While he can join teammates for meetings and strategy, he'll change elsewhere. His parents are accompanying him throughout the tour, a special arrangement for the 15-year-old, ensuring his well-being under strict protocols.

Tazmin Brits' career-best 114 powered South Africa to a massive 208/1 against the Netherlands, securing an 88-run victory. This win keeps their Women's T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive, placing them level with India in Group 1. Brits' century, the second-highest in World Cup history, and stellar bowling from Ayabonga Khaka and Shabnim Ismail were key. A crucial match against Bangladesh now awaits.

Speaking on the eve of the match, Kotak praised the teenager's ability but said team selection must also be fair to players who have already been scoring runs.

Shafali Verma's explosive 53 off 34 balls against Bangladesh secured her third Player of the Match award in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, placing her among India's elite. She also surpassed 500 career runs with an exceptional strike rate of 133.07, the highest in tournament history for batters with over 500 runs. India comfortably chased down Bangladesh's total, showcasing strong batting performances.

FIFA has issued a five-match suspension to Qatar's Assim Madibo following a dangerous tackle that caused a severe injury to Canada's Ismael Kone in a World Cup match. This shocking incident overshadowed Canada's landmark victory, and while the ban is harsh, it is lighter than the infamous nine-match suspension given to Luis Surez in the past. Canada's challenge grows as they prepare to compete without their important midfielder.

India kept their Women's T20 World Cup semifinal hopes alive with a commanding five-wicket victory over Bangladesh. Shafali Verma's explosive 53 off 34 balls set the tone for a comfortable chase, despite persistent fielding concerns. Radha Yadav and Shree Charani impressed with the ball, restricting Bangladesh to 136/8. The win sets up a crucial final group match against Australia.

Tom Latham and Devon Conway etched their names in New Zealand's Test history with a colossal 317-run opening partnership against England at Trent Bridge. This monumental stand, the second-highest for New Zealand in away Tests, saw Latham score 151 and Conway 157, leaving England's bowlers searching for answers on a placid pitch. The partnership shattered previous records, setting a new benchmark in the series.

Shree Charani etched her name in history, becoming India's leading wicket-taker in a single T20 World Cup edition with 12 wickets. Her stellar performance against Bangladesh, where she claimed two crucial wickets, propelled her past Poonam Yadav's record. Charani's exceptional bowling, coupled with Radha Yadav's three-wicket haul, restricted Bangladesh to 136/8, setting India up for a potential victory.

Justice Arun Mishra (rtd), the ombudsman, in an order dated June 24, stated that Menon's tenure ended on Dec 16, 2025, nine days after he assumed charge following the elections held on December 7.

Who is responsible for so many goals in this World Cup? The ball? Bad defending? Hydration breaks? Read this and more in today's OFFSIDE.

A fifteen-year-old prodigy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, has earned a private dressing room in Belfast, highlighting his extraordinary talent. Despite his IPL heroics, selectors face a dilemma: debut him and disrupt a winning team, or wait for a less challenging opportunity. His mere presence, however, signals the arrival of the next generation of Indian cricket stars, a phenomenon already here.

Pakistan's Gull Feroza received a reprimand and a demerit point for throwing her bat and gloves in frustration after dismissal during the T20 World Cup match against Australia. This disciplinary action comes as Pakistan suffered a significant defeat, marking their fourth loss in the tournament. Captain Fatima Sana acknowledged the team's poor performance, urging reflection ahead of their final game.

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana won the toss and chose to bat. India, coming into the match after a defeat against South Africa, made two changes, bringing in Radha Yadav and Renuka Thakur for Prema Yadhav and Arundhati Reddy. Bangladesh retained the same XI that beat Pakistan in their previous game.

Ireland captain Lorcan Tucker expressed awe at 15-year-old Indian batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's rapid rise, calling it pretty incredible for the modern era. Tucker highlighted the excitement Sooryavanshi generates, especially among Ireland's Indian community, and acknowledged his potential as a global role model. Despite facing a tough series against a formidable Indian side, Tucker believes early wickets will be crucial for Ireland's chances.

India A dominated the opening day of their unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A in Galle, reaching a strong 333/4. Sai Sudharsan led the charge with a brilliant 132, anchoring the innings. Captain Dhruv Jurel (68 not out) and Shaik Rasheed (53 not out) continued the momentum with an unbeaten 116-run partnership, putting India A firmly in command.

As excitement around the youngster continues to grow, former India coach and Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid has shared his thoughts on the teenager.