The Times of India

Englands last Ashes win in Australia came in 201011 under Andrew Strauss, achieved through control, discipline and belief rather than bravado. Arriving as the worlds No.1 side, England set the tone early, with Alastair Cooks epic 235 in Brisbane and dominant wins in Adelaide and Perth. A draw in Melbourne and Graeme Swanns decisive spell in Sydney sealed a commanding 31 series victory that reshaped English crickets belief in Australia.

Former Multan Sultans owner Ali Khan Tareen has withdrawn from the PSL auction for two new franchises being held in Islamabad. Announcing his decision on X, Tareen said his PSL journey was about representing South Punjab, not business. He plans to watch as a fan this year but hinted at a return if Multan is sold again. Nine bidders remain in the race.

The Women's Premier League 2026 kicks off in Navi Mumbai with a grand opening ceremony. Yo Yo Honey Singh and Jacqueline Fernandez will perform. The tournament features defending champions Mumbai Indians against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the first match. The schedule includes matches in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara, culminating in a final on February 5.

The Women's Premier League returns for its 2026 season on January 9. Defending champions Mumbai Indians face former winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match. The tournament features a double round-robin format with five teams competing. Top three teams advance to the play-offs. Matches will be held in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.

FIDE and Freestyle Chess ended a long-running dispute over world championship authority by agreeing to stage the first official FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship. The conflict began in late 2024 over title rights, sparking public clashes and player concerns. A renewed dialogue in 2025 led to reconciliation, aligning Freestyles tour with FIDE governance and creating a unified championship framework.

Sarfaraz Khan smashed the fastest fifty in Vijay Hazare Trophy history. His explosive 62 off 20 balls was a highlight. Mumbai narrowly lost to Punjab by one run. Punjab finished top of Group C. Both teams qualified for the quarter-finals.

Steve Smith expressed uncertainty about his 2027 Ashes participation due to age, despite Australia's dominant home series win. Mitchell Starc and Travis Head shone in the 4-1 triumph. Smith praised Alex Carey's wicketkeeping and highlighted the squad's sustained consistency and depth, acknowledging the team's ambition to win the Ashes in England.

England captain Ben Stokes candidly admitted his team's Ashes campaign fell significantly short, losing 4-1 to Australia. He highlighted a lack of execution with bat, ball, and in the field, allowing Australia to repeatedly seize momentum. Stokes acknowledged the team's performance was well below the required standard for winning Test matches in Australia.

England's white-ball captain Harry Brook has publicly apologised for a nightclub altercation in New Zealand, admitting his behaviour was wrong and caused embarrassment. The incident, which occurred before the Ashes tour, resulted in a fine and a final warning. This apology surfaces as the ECB begins a thorough review of the team's disappointing Ashes campaign, with off-field conduct under scrutiny.

Mitchell Starcs Ashes heroics capped a series that underlined both his durability and evolution. As the left-armer moves closer to the games all-time highest wicket-takers, his childhood coach Neil de Costa recalls the defining philosophy that shaped Starcs career: bowl fast, swing hard and ignore anyone who tells you otherwise.

Following a disappointing 4-1 Ashes series defeat, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has launched a thorough review of the men's tour. Chief executive Richard Gould acknowledged the campaign fell short of expectations, citing a lack of consistency and the need for necessary changes to regain the Ashes in 2027.

Bhopal-born cricketer Rahila Firdous, inspired by Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, has earned an engineering degree while honing her cricket skills. After impressive domestic performances, she was picked by Mumbai Indians for Rs 10 lakh in the WPL auction, a significant career leap. Rahila is eager to learn from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and leverage the WPL platform for growth.

Magnus Carlsen's repeated emotional outbursts, including slamming boards and scattering pieces, have sparked debate about sportsmanship in elite chess. While FIDE prioritizes commercial success, critics argue that unaddressed behavior sends the wrong message to young players who idolize the world champion.

In a misty Newlands thriller, Jason Smith produced a match-defining 22 off seven balls to keep MI Cape Towns SA20 title defence alive. Chasing 39 off 19, Smiths fearless assault on Richard Gleeson turned the tide before Karim Janat and Corbin Bosch finished the job, sealing a crucial win and underlining why Smith is World Cup-bound.

Daryl Mitchell, buoyed by his World Cup century against India, is ready to leverage his subcontinent experience against spinners. New Zealand is prioritizing their current ODI series over the upcoming T20 World Cup, emphasizing present challenges. Henry Nicholls sees playing India at home as a significant opportunity for young players, akin to an 'IPL carrot'.

Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn is on the mend after a serious health scare involving meningitis, which led to him being hospitalised and placed in an induced coma. He has now been discharged and is recovering at home, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from the cricketing community. His journey continues, but his progress is described as amazing.

Shai Hopes record hundred, Lungi Ngidis hat-trick and Jos Buttlers unbeaten 97 made for a riveting SA20 night at Kingsmead. Buttler nearly pulled off a sensational 202-run chase for DSG, but Roston Chases nerveless final over sealed a thrilling 15-run win for Pretoria Capitals, whose tactical calls proved decisive.

Australia solidified their WTC lead with a dominant Ashes win, while England's struggles continue, impacting their standings. This shift offers India a glimmer of hope, as they sit sixth and can capitalise on England's slide. The race for the WTC final is heating up with New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka also in contention.

A significant setback for India's T20 World Cup preparations, middle-order batter Tilak Varma has suffered an abdominal injury requiring surgery. The 23-year-old's potential absence from the upcoming T20I series and the mega event next month opens doors for a T20 comeback for Shreyas Iyer. Varma's crucial role in the Asia Cup final is highlighted.

Australia clinched a dominant 4-1 Ashes series victory, defeating England by five wickets in the final Test. Despite a late wobble chasing 160, Cameron Green and Alex Carey secured the win, giving retiring opener Usman Khawaja a fitting farewell. England's tour ended on a disappointing note, with questions arising about their 'Bazball' strategy.

Fourteen-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is making waves in cricket with astonishing performances. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted his recent scores, calling his talent inexplicable. Sooryavanshi recently captained India U19 to a series win against South Africa with a century, showcasing his immense potential ahead of the U19 World Cup.

Bangladesh's government has hardened its stance on playing the T20 World Cup in India, citing national dignity and cricketer security concerns. Dhaka will urge the ICC to relocate their matches to Sri Lanka, believing the global body misunderstands the gravity of the situation. Participation will not come at the cost of humiliation or compromised safety.

Former Bangladesh batter Rajin Saleh recalled receiving crucial batting advice from Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly during a difficult 2004 series against India. Tendulkar advised him to mentally reset after each innings, while Ganguly urged him to play fearlessly. Saleh then scored in the 80s in the next match, crediting their support.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stole the show in the third India vs South Africa U19 ODI, despite an emotional moment at the toss after losing it. The 14-year-old captain bounced back with a stunning 127 off 74 balls, becoming the youngest skipper to score a Youth ODI century. Supported by Aaron Georges 118, India posted 393/7 and crushed South Africa by 233 runs to sweep the series.

West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder expressed discomfort with the India-Pakistan rivalry's intensity, citing excessive on-field theatrics and the trophy incident after the Asia Cup final. He also lamented Pakistani players' limited franchise league opportunities due to political dynamics. Holder believes the rivalry has crossed a line, impacting cricket beyond the pitch.

Lionel Messi has said he would rather become a club owner than a coach after retiring from football. The 38-year-old, who has extended his Inter Miami contract until 2028, said ownership appeals to him most. Messi is already a part owner of Uruguays Deportivo LSM and will also hold a future minority stake in Inter Miami, where he continues to shine in MLS.

Pakistan began their T20 series against Sri Lanka with a strong six-wicket victory. Shadab Khan's impressive bowling set the tone. Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan's quick start ensured a comfortable chase. This win signals Pakistan's readiness for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka faces challenges after this opening loss.

Star boxers Nikhat Zareen and Minakshi Hooda advanced at the National Boxing Championships. However, the event faced fresh controversy. One bout was abandoned after a disruption. Another saw a boxer accused of biting his opponent. These incidents follow previous officiating concerns. The championships continue with other boxers progressing.

India vs New Zealand ODIs preview: Captain Shubman Gill, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer in focus

Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand showed he remains a force to reckon with in a field increasingly dominated by youngsters, notching up two wins to emerge joint leader with 2.5 points after three rounds of the Rapid games on the opening day of the Tata Steel Chess India here on Wednesday.

Eleven months is a long time even longer in sport. It was a period that nearly derailed young all-rounder Shreyanka Patils career. Having missed key moments with both the Indian team and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Shreyanka is set to return in RCB colours this week as the Womens Premier League (WPL) season gets underway.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Aaron George starred with centuries as India U-19 thrashed South Africa by 233 runs to complete a 3-0 series whitewash. Sooryavanshi's 127 and George's 118 powered India to 393, a target South Africa couldn't chase, ending at 160. Sooryavanshi was named Player of the Match and Series.

Bangladesh's Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul expressed disappointment with the ICC's response to security concerns for their T20 World Cup matches in India. He cited Mustafizur Rahman's IPL release as evidence of an unsafe environment, demanding matches be moved to Sri Lanka. Nazrul stressed no compromise on player security and national dignity.

Virat Kohli's arrival in Vadodara for the ODI series against New Zealand sparked a frenzy, with fans overwhelming the airport. Despite the chaotic reception, Kohli, in stellar ODI form after recent centuries, heads into the series brimming with confidence. His consistent performances have made him a sought-after figure, drawing massive crowds wherever he appears.

The BCB has warned the ICC that Bangladesh will not play T20 World Cup matches in India unless safety concerns are addressed following Mustafizur Rahmans IPL exit. Director Asif Akbar said Bangladesh could take walkovers if matches are not shifted to Sri Lanka. The ICC has responded positively, assuring cooperation and security planning.

Cricket's next generation is stepping into the spotlight as legends near retirement. Australian great Mark Waugh has tipped Indian prodigy Yashasvi Jaiswal as the future Test superstar, citing his impressive early career stats. Meanwhile, former England captain Michael Vaughan champions England's Harry Brook for the same honour, highlighting his exciting potential. Both experts agree the game's future is bright.

Joe Root has begun 2026 with a century, his second of the ongoing Ashes in Australia. The 35-year-old needs another 1,978 runs to surpass Sachin Tendulkars long-standing record of 15,921 Test runs, achieved across 329 innings and 200 Tests. Root has so far amassed 13,943 runs from 298 innings in 163 Tests.

Seven years ago, India achieved a historic feat by winning a Test series in Australia. This marked the first time an Asian team secured a Test series victory Down Under. The Virat Kohli-led side won both the Test and ODI series. Cheteshwar Pujara and Jasprit Bumrah were key performers. This triumph ended a 71-year wait for India.

New Zealand is not dwelling on the T20 World Cup, which is still a month away, and is instead focused on the immediate challenge of facing the Indian bowlers in the upcoming white-ball series, batter Daryl Mitchell said on Wednesday. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in their ranks, India will take on the Kiwis in a three-match ODI series starting on Sunday followed by a five-match T20I series.

Moeen Ali criticized how politics is harming cricket after Mustafizur Rahman was released from KKR due to India-Bangladesh tensions. He said the game is in danger, felt sorry for Mustafizur, and blamed powerful boards for pushing agendas. Moeen added that fans suffer most while other major cricket nations stay silent.

Ruturaj Gaikwad's omission from India's New Zealand squad, despite a recent century, has sparked debate. Former player Robin Uthappa expressed bewilderment, highlighting the mental strain on players in Indian cricket's 'survival mode.' He emphasized the need for resilience and persistence, especially for those not from traditional cricketing hubs, to navigate selection challenges.

Arjun Tendulkar, son of legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, is set to marry Saaniya Chandok in March. The couple, who got engaged last August, come from prominent families. Saaniya is involved in entrepreneurship and hails from a business family with interests in food and hospitality. Arjun is building his own cricket career as a bowling allrounder.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continued his exceptional form, scoring a rapid 127 off 74 balls in the third U-19 ODI against South Africa. This century, following a blistering 68 in the previous match, highlights his dominance as he leads the Indian side. His explosive batting reinforces his reputation as a top young talent.

Pakistan's T20 captain Salman Ali Agha expressed hope for Shaheen Shah Afridi's recovery for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Afridi is undergoing rehabilitation for a knee injury sustained in Australia. The team believes this Sri Lanka series will aid players in adapting to local conditions for the tournament, where all their matches will be held.

Jacob Bethell's magnificent maiden Test century, an unbeaten 142, anchored England's fightback on Day 4 of the fifth Ashes Test. Despite losing key wickets, the young batsman's composure helped England build a slender 119-run lead. The match remains delicately poised heading into the final day, with Bethell's remarkable knock a highlight.

Jacob Bethell achieved a significant milestone by scoring his maiden first-class century against Australia in the Ashes Test. The 22-year-old's composed knock at the Sydney Cricket Ground places him in elite company, joining legendary England batters and a rare group of cricketers with maiden centuries in both first-class and List-A international matches.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah questioned the IPL's decision to release Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman, citing strained India-Bangladesh ties. He argued that removing a single player wouldn't resolve diplomatic issues and could negatively impact the upcoming T20 World Cup, with Bangladesh potentially boycotting India as host.

Bangladesh Cricket Board has received a formal response from the ICC regarding security concerns for the T20 World Cup 2026 in India. The ICC reiterated its commitment to Bangladesh's participation and assured that their inputs on security planning will be considered. The BCB has denied any ultimatum was issued, calling such reports false and unfounded.

Indian presenter Ridhima Pathak clarified she voluntarily withdrew from the Bangladesh Premier League due to the political climate, refuting reports of being dropped. This comes amid heightened India-Bangladesh tensions, including a ban on IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh following a player dispute. The situation has led to significant BPL panel changes.