The Times of India

Pakistan has decided not to send its fencers to the Asian Senior Fencing Championships in New Delhi despite receiving an invitation from organisers. The event, being hosted by India for the first time, will feature participants from over 30 countries. Meanwhile, some nations, including Hong Kong and Australia, are facing visa-related issues, though authorities are working to resolve them before the tournament.

England's batting order collapsed spectacularly against New Zealand at Lord's, being bowled out for just 140. Iceland Cricket humorously commented on the situation, suggesting Zak Crawley's spirit remained with the team despite his absence from the squad. Harry Brook was the lone fighter with 56 runs.

Bhutan's Ritshi Choden became the first woman batter to be timed out in international cricket after taking more than 90 seconds to reach the crease during a T20I against Nepal in the ACC Premier Cup. Nepal's appeal was upheld, leaving Bhutan 0 for 2. Although the dismissal was legal, Nepal's cricket board later apologised, saying it went against the spirit of the game. Bhutan eventually lost by 51 runs.

Serena Williams will return to professional tennis after nearly four years away, competing in doubles at the Queens Club tournament in London. The 44-year-old will partner 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko, who called the opportunity an honor. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, retired in 2022. She has not yet confirmed whether she will play Wimbledon or the US Open in 2026.

Rajdip Gupta on T20 Mumbai League's vision, young talent & growth

India spinner Kuldeep Yadav says he is fully focused on Test cricket ahead of the one-off Afghanistan Test. After Delhi Capitals' early IPL exit, he used the extra time to prepare for red-ball cricket, admitting the transition from T20s is tough. With Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel rested, Kuldeep will lead the spin attack and has backed youngsters Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar to perform well.

Murali Kartik lauded Ajinkya Rahane as IPL 2026's top captain, highlighting his leadership of a depleted Kolkata Knight Riders squad. Despite injuries and early criticism, Rahane guided the team to playoff contention until the final league day, a remarkable turnaround from a winless start. Kartik emphasized Rahane's ability to rally the side against adversity.

Former selector Saba Karim suggests India's T20 team may see a major transition before the 2028 World Cup, with Suryakumar Yadav's place under scrutiny due to inconsistent form. Karim also backs Rajat Patidar for captaincy, citing his IPL success, while questioning Hardik Pandya's leadership. Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is also highlighted as a potential national selection candidate.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature mandatory three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half, effectively splitting matches into four quarters regardless of weather conditions. The change gives coaches extra tactical time and allows broadcasters to air commercials, adding over 10 hours of stoppage time across the tournament. While some coaches support the move, others fear it could disrupt footballs traditional flow and rhythm.

India's ODI squad for the Afghanistan series faces potential changes. Fitness concerns for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could open doors for new players. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, and Devdutt Padikkal are strong contenders. Their List A and IPL performances highlight their readiness. Selectors have proven options if senior players are unavailable.

As India fine-tune preparations for the one-off Afghanistan Test, Devdutt Padikkal emerges as a strong contender for the vacant No. 3 spot, while one of Harsh Dubey or Manav Suthar looks set to make a Test debut.As India fine-tune preparations for the one-off Afghanistan Test, Devdutt Padikkal emerges as a strong contender for the vacant No. 3 spot, while one of Harsh Dubey or Manav Suthar looks set to make a Test debut.

Jose Mourinho could return to Real Madrid, but the move depends on Florentino Perez winning the clubs upcoming presidential election. Perez has named Mourinho and Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate as his priority signings if re-elected. He also dismissed speculation over Vinicius Juniors future, insisting the Brazilian wants to stay and remains a key part of Madrids plans.

India's upcoming Test against Afghanistan highlights emerging talent, with Ravichandran Ashwin particularly keen to watch all-rounder Harsh Dubey. Kuldeep Yadav is set to lead the spin attack in Ravindra Jadeja's absence, supported by Washington Sundar. Mohammed Siraj is expected to spearhead the pace attack, potentially alongside uncapped Gurnoor Brar, offering a glimpse into India's future stars.

Aryna Sabalenkas French Open title hopes ended after a dramatic quarterfinal collapse against Diana Shnaider. The world No. 1 led by a set and 4-1 in the second before losing 3-6, 7-5, 6-0. A devastated Sabalenka admitted she felt like quitting tennis after another major setback. Shnaider advanced to her first Grand Slam semifinal as Roland Garros continued to witness several shock upsets.

England players wore black armbands and observed a moment of silence before the first Test against New Zealand at Lords to honour former England cricketers who have died since the teams last home international. The pre-match tributes also marked 10 years since New Zealand great Martin Crowes passing, with his daughter Emma ringing the traditional five-minute bell.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has electrified the IPL 2026, smashing records with 776 runs and earning Orange Cap, MVP, and Emerging Player awards. His astonishing strike rate and six-hitting prowess have drawn praise from legends like Alastair Cook, who marvels at his instinctive batting. The young sensation is now set for India A duty.

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Virat Kohli might miss the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. He reportedly sustained a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate acknowledged this would be a significant blow. Kohli enjoyed a strong IPL season, scoring 675 runs. He is currently holidaying in Europe after Royal Challengers Bengaluru's title win.

Virat Kohli's unwavering intensity and work ethic were instrumental in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's second consecutive IPL title in 2026. Finishing as the franchise's top scorer, Kohli's leadership and champion mindset, even after facing early setbacks, inspired teammates like Krunal Pandya. Pandya highlighted Kohli's consistent hunger to perform and win as a personal source of motivation.

The decision comes after FIFA had earlier said that empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles would be permitted at venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, the updated Stadium Code of Conduct, which came into effect on Tuesday, now bans them.

Virat Kohli was in sublime form during IPL 2026, scoring 675 runs at an average of 56.25 and top-scoring with an unbeaten 75 in the title clash. He had reportedly felt discomfort in his right hamstring while batting during the final. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma is yet to report to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence for a fitness assessment. With both players dealing with hamstring issues, the selectors could be forced to explore additional options ahead of the upcoming assignments.

Sindhu, who had also gone down to the South Korean in the quarterfinals of last week's Singapore Open, lost 17-21, 14-21 in the round of 16 match.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered a record-shattering IPL 2026 campaign, highlighted by a 97 off 29 balls in the Eliminator. His sensational batting, including 72 sixes, earned him the Orange Cap and MVP award. Sooryavanshi's adaptability impressed opponents, with Liam Livingstone noting his rapid development against various bowling tactics.

Krunal, who played a key role in RCB's successful IPL 2026 title defence, contributed with both bat and ball during the season. He scored 226 runs at a strike rate of 145.80 and picked up 14 wickets at an economy rate of 8.41 as RCB won their second consecutive IPL title.

Five-time IPL champion Krunal Pandya's journey to success was forged in the crucible of early life struggles. Before cricket stardom, he navigated the world of paperwork, affidavits, and brokering second-hand cars, lessons that instilled resilience and a craving for tough challenges. These experiences shaped his approach to cricket, teaching him to embrace pressure and never give up.

Sri Lanka secured a 41-run victory over the West Indies in their opening ODI, thanks to stellar performances from Pathum Nissanka (79) and Kusal Mendis (72). Their crucial partnership propelled Sri Lanka to 303/7. Despite a spirited chase led by Shai Hope, the West Indies were bowled out for 262, with Dushmantha Chameera taking four wickets.

Fresh off back-to-back IPL titles, Krunal Pandya reflects on his journey, emphasizing resilience and reinvention. He discusses his evolution as a bowler in the high-scoring T20 era, the influence of his late father, and his unwavering hunger for success. Pandya also shares insights on his son's unique cricket critiques and his hopes for an India recall.

In an exclusive conversation with TimesofIndia.com following his retirement announcement, former India allrounder Vijay Shankar reflected on the emotional decision to step away, the injuries that altered his career, handling public criticism, his love for all-round cricket and why he still wants to continue playing overseas leagues.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi electrified IPL 2026 with a stunning 776 runs at a 230+ strike rate. His fearless batting dismantled top bowlers, including Australia captain Pat Cummins. Cummins admitted the teenager's power and confidence made him incredibly tough to bowl to, calling his ball-striking ability exceptional, regardless of age.

Former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi has claimed that match-fixing persists in cricket, though he expressed uncertainty about its presence in the IPL due to the tournament's immense financial stakes. Modi suggested that smaller, less regulated domestic and regional leagues are more susceptible to manipulation and corruption, highlighting the massive betting market in cricket.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar urges patience for young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, despite his record-shattering IPL 2026 season. Tendulkar advises the 15-year-old to embrace his natural game and develop organically, emphasizing that challenges are part of any career. He believes selectors should manage his progression, encouraging fans to enjoy his talent without undue pressure.

As BCCI looks for successors, India T20I skipper unlikely to be called up for selection meeting

Gujarat Titans faced Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 final. A surprising move saw Nishant Sindhu bat ahead of Jos Buttler after Shubman Gill's early dismissal. Head coach Ashish Nehra explained it was a tactical choice to involve Sindhu more. The decision did not yield the desired results, contributing to Gujarat's defeat.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is optimistic that Lamine Yamal will be fit for the team's World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15 despite a hamstring injury suffered in April. Yamal will miss the warm-up match against Iraq, while Nico Williams and Vctor Muoz are also sidelined. Spain are aiming to improve on recent World Cup performances.

Rajat Patidar captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a second successive IPL title in 2026, scoring 501 runs at a strike rate of 192.69. Former Australian captain Michael Clarke highlighted Patidar as an underrated performer, emphasizing his leadership and middle-order batting prowess. Clarke believes Patidar's consecutive title wins warrant consideration for the Indian T20 and potentially ODI teams.

England captain Ben Stokes has defended Jofra Archer after criticism over the fast bowler missing the first Test against New Zealand following his IPL stint with Rajasthan Royals. Stokes said modern cricket offers players more opportunities than before and insisted Archer remains committed to England. He also warned that mishandling such situations could risk losing talented players from international cricket.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka suffered a stunning French Open quarterfinal defeat, blowing a set lead and a 4-1 advantage in the second set before losing to Diana Shnaider. Meanwhile, unseeded Polish player Maja Chwalinska continued her dream run, defeating Anna Kalinskaya to reach the semifinals after coming through qualifying and exceeding all expectations.

Jakub Mensik suffered a painful leg cramp during his post-match French Open press conference after reaching the semi-finals with a straight-sets win over Joao Fonseca. The Czech youngster revealed he battled discomfort in his left leg during the match but was relieved it was only a tight muscle. Mensik now faces world No. 3 Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals.

Former England batter Mark Butcher expressed bewilderment over Jofra Archer's exclusion from the first Test against New Zealand, despite a stellar IPL season. Butcher questioned the decision, highlighting Archer's value as a premier fast bowler and the limited home Test schedule. He also pondered Ben Stokes' move to bat at number seven.

Ayush Shetty kept Indias hopes alive at the Indonesia Open with a remarkable comeback win over Chinas Weng Hong Yang, reaching the pre-quarterfinals. Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Gadde also progressed in mixed doubles. However, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty retired hurt from their opening match due to Satwiks shoulder injury, while HS Prannoy suffered a first-round exit.

Haiti's sole home-based soccer star, Woodensky Pierre, has secured his US visa for the FIFA World Cup 2026, overcoming travel restrictions. The young midfielder, hailing from a troubled Port-au-Prince neighborhood, will now join his overseas teammates in Florida for the tournament. This marks Haiti's second World Cup appearance, with fans facing their own travel uncertainties.

Punjab Kings experienced a dramatic IPL 2026 collapse, losing six straight after a perfect start. Despite a strong coaching team, they missed playoffs. Sachin Tendulkar attributed Punjab's downfall to a shift from process to results. He also lauded Gujarat Titans' consistent performance, highlighting their ability to manage volatility throughout the season.

India stepped up preparations for the Afghanistan Test with an intense training session in challenging heat. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna bowled lengthy spells, easing concerns over fitness after the IPL. Gurnoor Brar impressed with his bounce, while Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar were closely monitored in the spin battle. Mayank Yadav focused on fitness work as he continues his comeback.