Cricket

Sodhi ruled out of South Africa series with broken thumb

The legspinner was struck during training ahead of the opening match

Medvedev hands Alcaraz his first loss of the year, heads to Indian Wells final against Sinner

Daniil Medvedev handed top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz his first loss of the year and advanced to the final at Indian Wells with a 6-3, 7-6 (3) victory

Pakistan lodge official complaint about Bangladesh's review at end of chase

Pakistan's contention is that Bangladesh took the review after the replay of the delivery flashed on the big screen at the ground

3rd ODI: Tanzid, Taskin, Mustafizur Shine As Bangladesh Beat Pakistan To Clinch Series

Shere Bangla National Stadium: Tanzid Hasan struck a superb maiden century while fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed (4-49) and Mustafizur Rahman (3-54) shared seven wickets between them as they propelled Bangladesh to a series-clinching 11-run win over Pakistan in a tense third and final ODI at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday. Bangladesh had won the series opener by dismissing Pakistan for 114 in Dhaka before the visitors came back strongly to win the second game easily. But the hosts had the last laugh in the decider. Chasing Bangladeshs challenging 290/5 built on a run-a-ball 107 by Tanzid Hasan, Pakistan lost 5 wickets with only 82 runs on the board as the hosts' pacers came up with a superb performance. Their top batters, Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat, who scored a century in the second ODI, both fell cheaply, scoring just six runs each, while former skipper Mohammad Rizwan was out for 4, as Taksin Ahmad and Nahid Rana struck repeatedly. Pakistan were eventually all out for 279 in 50 overs, losing the match despite a fighting century by Salman Agha (106). Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan's T20 captain, fought back for the visitors, scoring a 98-ball 106, blasting four sixes and nine fours to take the visitors close to the target with Saad Masoon (38) and skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi (37) playing vital hands. Pakistan needed 30 runs from the last 15 balls, and things could have gone their way. But the seasoned Taskin Ahmed returned to action and sent back Salman Agha, before Mustafizur and Rishad snuffed out the tail and claimed a memorable series victory for the hosts. For the hosts, Taskin Ahmed claimed 4-49 off his 10 overs while Mustafizur Rahman bagged 3-54. Nahid Rana ended with 2-62 to hamper Pakistan's progress. Earlier asked to bat by Pakistan, Bangladesh opener Tanzid produced a scintillating century to help the Tigers post a formidable total in the decider. Asked to bat first, Tanzid Hassan led the charge with a sparkling 107, hammering six fours and seven towering sixes. The left-hander laid the foundation for a big total with fellow opener Saif Hassan (36), raising a solid 105-run opening partnership after Bangladesh were asked to bat first. Tanzid dominated the Pakistan attack, putting together another vital partnership of 53 runs with Najmul Hossain Shanto (27). After reaching his maiden century off 98 balls with a six, Tanzid was out just when he was looking to accelerate, falling to leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed (1-49). After his departure, skipper Litton Das contributed 41 off 51 balls, while Towhid Hridoy remained unbeaten on 48 as Bangladesh posted a challenging total. For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was the most successful bowler with 3 wickets for 52 runs. Tanzid dominated the Pakistan attack, putting together another vital partnership of 53 runs with Najmul Hossain Shanto (27). After reaching his maiden century off 98 balls with a six, Tanzid was out just when he was looking to accelerate, falling to leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed (1-49). Also Read: Live Cricket Score Bangladesh 290/5 in 50 overs (Tanzid Hasan 107, Towhid Hridoy 48 not out, Litton Das 41; Haris Rauf 3-52) beat Pakistan 279 all out (Salman Agha 106, Saad Masood 38, Shaheen Shah Afridi 37, Taskin Ahmed 4-49, Mustafizur Rahman 3-54, Nahid Rana 2-62) by 11 runs Article Source: IANS

Gill: 2027 ODI World Cup is the 'ultimate goal'

T20I captain Suryakumar calls 2024 T20 World Cup triumph as the spark that inspired the women team and men's teams to recent ICC titles

RCB's POCSO-accused Yash Dayal marries social media influencer Shweta Pundir in secret ceremony

RCB's Yash Dayal has married his longtime love interest Shweta Pundir in a secret marriage ceremony ahead of IPL 2026. Pundir is a social media influencer out of Delhi and recently shared a video of her and the RCB pacer on Instagram. Dayal has been under investigation after allegations of sexual assault.

Naman Awards: Winning A World Cup In Any Format For The Country Is The Ultimate Goal, Says Shubman Gill

ODI World Cup: India Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill said winning the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa is the thought that runs through his mind at times, adding that winning the global trophy is still the ultimate goal for him. India had come close to winning the 2023 Mens ODI World Cup, but finished runners-up to Australia. With the next edition of the mega event coming up next year, all eyes will be on whether Gill will be able to lead the team to glory in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Sometimes, definitely it does. I mean, that is the ultimate goal. I think we felt like we were so close last time when we were here in India. To be able to get another crack at it in South Africa, I think it's going to be a great opportunity for us. Winning a World Cup in any format for the country is the ultimate goal. So obviously that is something that sometimes runs in my mind, said Gill in a panel discussion during the BCCI's Naman Awards in New Delhi on Sunday. Gill also traced his own journey from a wide-eyed schoolboy watching India's 2013 Champions Trophy triumph in England to lifting the same trophy in Dubai in 2025 - a moment he described as nothing short of a dream becoming a reality. Definitely, watching that as a kid in 2013, all my idols, Virat bhai, Rohit bhai, Ash bhai, Mahi bhai, watching it on the screen and watching them win the final in England against England was a very special feeling. As a kid, you would want to replicate that feeling. When you think about playing for the country, you dream about winning ICC trophies for your country, and those are the moments that you really dream about. To be able to accomplish one of them obviously felt like a dream, and it was a very big moment for all of us. Winning the Champions Trophy, I think, after 12-odd years, would always be very special, he added. Definitely, watching that as a kid in 2013, all my idols, Virat bhai, Rohit bhai, Ash bhai, Mahi bhai, watching it on the screen and watching them win the final in England against England was a very special feeling. As a kid, you would want to replicate that feeling. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So I think if I'm able to score runs, then everything else falls in place. So that was my primary focus: how can I contribute to the team, how can I score runs? At the end of the day, you're playing the game to win the game, and you just have to focus on how you can make your team win the game. Article Source: IANS

Tried To Make As Few Changes As We Could Till The 2026 T20 World Cup Came, Says Suryakumar

T20 World Cup: India's 2026 Mens T20 World Cup winning captain Suryakumar Yadav said the bedrock of the recent title triumph was down to a deliberate policy of minimal selection changes and unflinching trust in a settled group of players. Speaking in a panel discussion at the BCCI Awards ceremony in New Delhi, Suryakumar laid out the thinking that underpinned two years of careful squad management. See, it was not that difficult. I think from where we left in 2024 under Rahul sir, from then, we knew that we needed to show a lot of trust, belief in the players. Because you see, sometimes in sport, you won't be seeing good things happening around. There'll be lots of ups and downs, but then you have to show a lot of trust in players, belief in them, and that's what we wanted to do when we started that new cycle for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Since then, till the T20 World Cup came, we tried to make as few changes as we could. When you come into a big tournament like this, I think it's really important to stand by the players who've done really well for you in the last two years. So you've got to stick with them, and we always knew that if we have created, as he always says, Gauti bhai, that we've created a super team, we've picked a super team, so let's stick to them, he said. That stability, Suryakumar said, was tested from the very first game of the tournament, when they had a batting collapse against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, before the Indian skipper rescued them with a fine 84. You rightly said we were favourites going into the tournament. But at the same time, when you know that you're going to play at home, in front of your home crowd, yes, there is going to be excitement. But there was a lot of pressure. We were having a lot of nerves, and you must have seen that in the first game when we started against the USA. But there was a lot of pressure. When you play at home, there is a lot of pressure. Suryakumar further credited the batting unit's collective selflessness as a key driver of totals that regularly breached 200, and singled out Sanju Samson's repeated willingness to sacrifice personal milestones for the team's cause to win. See, we were playing with eight batters. We always knew that someone or the other could do that job for us. But as I said, we played the same way in the last one and a half years. We tried to, whenever we got an opportunity, we tried to bat the side out. I think all the batters took their responsibilities. They didn't think about their personal milestones at 49s, 90s. If you had seen Sanju play, he got two 89s and one 97. He could have easily gotten a 100, but then he knew what responsibility he had towards the team and went for it. But all the batters had their own responsibilities, chipped in with good contributions. I think that helped us pass 200, 250 sometimes. On how quickly momentum can shift in T20 cricket, Suryakumar had a philosophical look. I mean, 10-15 minutes is still a long time. What you're saying changes in and over. But we tried to play our best cricket, put our best foot forward, and tried to keep things very simple and rest. I think the boys did it for me. Suryakumar also spoke warmly about the satisfaction of keeping head coach Gautam Gambhir smiling through a pressure-laden campaign. I think it was not that difficult. We tried our best throughout the tournament, which we played. Though not many games where he could smile and relax. But in the final post, we could see him smiling, but we tried our best to make him smile. With cricket set to feature at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, Suryakumar made no secret of his ambitions of adding an Olympic gold to their growing collection of ICC silverware. I mean, it's a great thing that a big event is happening, and cricket is getting an entry into that. Of course, it will be a special thing. There are two events in that year. There's a T20 World Cup as well that time, Olympics as well - so why not? If you've done two in a row, why not three in a row in T20s and definitely the Olympic gold? With cricket set to feature at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, Suryakumar made no secret of his ambitions of adding an Olympic gold to their growing collection of ICC silverware. I mean, it's a great thing that a big event is happening, and cricket is getting an entry into that. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I think that one step was important. That taste was important for everyone to understand what it takes to win an ICC trophy. But now there's no looking back. If this wonderful thing has started, let's try to collect as many as possible. Article Source: IANS

Winning Womens ODI World Cup Meant A Lot, Had Dreamt About Lifting ICC Trophy: Harmanpreet

ODI World Cup: India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said lifting the 2025 Womens ODI World Cup had fulfilled a dream that had driven every woman who had ever played cricket for the country and meant a lot to her team. In the final, India beat South Africa by 52 runs to lift the trophy for the first time at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Harmanpreet, who took the last catch of the final to seal the title in Indias favour, spoke with deep emotion about what the victory meant to a generation of cricketers who had waited years for the moment. It meant a lot to us because from the day women's cricket started, we have been dreaming about lifting the ICC trophy. All the women cricketers have been dreaming about that. But I think our team was able to do that, so I'm very, very proud of this team. So, I think it means a lot, and hopefully we'll continue winning ICC titles, and after winning, you feel amazed, and I think it's a great feeling. So, I'm really happy that as a team we were able to do that, she said in a panel discussion at the BCCI Awards in New Delhi on Sunday evening. She also recalled the nerve-shredding tension of the final moments before the win in the final was sealed. 100 percent. I think the last wicket that we were looking for, we were all just praying that we would just get that wicket. I think not only I, but everyone in the team, was waiting for that opportunity. I feel blessed that the last catch came to me. I took so many catches, but that was a catch that I will remember for the rest of my life, and I'm grateful that that last catch came to me. Harmanpreet also shed light on one of the more difficult tactical calls of the campaign - the decision to rest Jemimah Rodrigues for the clash against England in Indore. That was a very hard call for us because I think we knew that we had four, five batters, and all of them had to take the responsibility for the team. But when one batter is a little bit underconfident, and I think Amol (Muzumdar, head coach) sir and I, we had a very good discussion that sometimes that small break can always give you a lot of confidence. I think that was a great move, I would say, because I was still in a little bit of doubt whether we should give her rest or not, but I think Sir was very clear. I think that little break gave a lot of confidence because sometimes, as a batter, we overthink. I think that break gave her time to think about what she needs to do. I think after that, the way she came back, and I think the rest is the result. Credit goes to her for the way she handled the situation. I think as a player, we all have gone through this situation, and we know what we need to do for our team. I think all the credit goes to her and how she handled and how she performed when the team needed it the most. Looking beyond the trophy, Harmanpreet reflected on how dramatically the landscape had shifted for the next generation of women cricketers. Well, I think at least from now, girls don't need to go through the time that we went through in earlier days. We didn't know about women's cricket, but we were still playing cricket. But now, at least, there are so many opportunities, so many platforms. I hope that the time we went through, they are not going to go through that time. But now it's only about taking sport as a career and doing the things that you love. I think now opportunities are there. Now it's only about you going there and taking this sport seriously. On the role of the WPL in accelerating the transformation for womens cricket in the country, Harmanpreet said the tournament had been the catalyst in changing the entire landscape of women's cricket in India. I think that changed the entire women's sport. We were really waiting for that opportunity. But I think not only for us, but for all our domestic cricketers, I think it's a great platform for them. So we are really happy that we got this opportunity. I think we have seen in four years that we got the ICC title. Before that, we had been working hard, but sometimes you need that little push, and that little push really helped us. Now, as Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) said, there is no looking back, and hopefully we'll keep making the BCCI and our country proud. I think that changed the entire women's sport. We were really waiting for that opportunity. But I think not only for us, but for all our domestic cricketers, I think it's a great platform for them. So we are really happy that we got this opportunity. I think we have seen in four years that we got the ICC title. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He deferred it entirely, saying the women's team had earned the right to be judged on their own outstanding record. I mean, I think they've been doing so well. I don't think they need anyone's advice. They've been doing so well in the white ball, and we're very certain that they're going to do great in the World Cup as well. Article Source: IANS

Yash Dayal Marries Content Creator Shweta Pundir

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pace bowler Yash Dayal has married content creator Shweta Pundir in a private ceremony held in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, last month. According to media reports on Sunday, the wedding took place on February 4 and was attended only by close family members and relatives. The couple has not made any official announcement about the marriage on social media, though Pundir shared a short video reel featuring moments with Dayal on her Instagram account. Dayal's wife, Pundir, is a social media influencer and vlogger from Delhi, boasting over 587k followers on Instagram. She has also worked as a broadcaster for the Intercontinental Legends League and has built a substantial follower base. Dayal has steadily built a reputation as a reliable left-arm pacer in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). He first rose to prominence after being picked by the Gujarat Titans (GT) for the 2022 season, where he was part of the squad that lifted the title in the franchises debut campaign. The seamer later moved to RCB ahead of the 2024 season and has continued to feature in the teams pace attack. He was also part of the RCB squad that clinched its maiden IPL title last year. Dayal was retained by the franchise ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026, which will commence on March 28. His consistent performances also earned him a maiden call-up to the Indian squad for a home Test series against Bangladesh, although he is yet to make his international debut. The seamer later moved to RCB ahead of the 2024 season and has continued to feature in the teams pace attack. He was also part of the RCB squad that clinched its maiden IPL title last year. Dayal was retained by the franchise ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026, which will commence on March 28. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, Dayal is expected to play a big role as RCB commences their title defence campaign in the IPL 2026 campaign opener to be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28. Article Source: IANS

You All Know Where The 2036 Olympics Is Coming, So You Should Prepare For That Too: ICC Chairman Shah

ICC Chairman Jay Shah: ICC Chairman Jay Shah on Sunday dropped a hint over the country hosting the 2036 Olympics and added that India should prepare well for hosting the biggest event in the sporting world. Shah gave out this subtle hint at the Sports Journalists Federation of India (SJFI) National Convention in New Delhi on Sunday. You all know that when I was in BCCI, I prepared till 2028. Fortunately, I got a good result. But the team of BCCI is sitting here. You all should prepare for the Commonwealth Games of 2030. You all should prepare for the Brisbane Olympics of 2032, and you all know where the Olympics of 2036 is coming. You all should prepare for that too, he said. Shah, who moved from being the BCCI Secretary to heading ICC in 2024, used the occasion to reflect on a transformative period for Indian cricket from 2019 to 2026. From 2019 to 2026, that time was very important for BCCI and India. Today, I congratulate everyone. We won two Under-19 Women's World Cup titles and two Under-19 Men's World Cups. We were runners-up twice in the WTC (World Test Championship). We were runners-up once in the Mens ODI World Cup and won the womens one too. We won the T20 World Cup twice, and we also won the Champions Trophy. That is why the time from 2019 to 2026 was a golden time for all of us, and you all played a big role in that. Shah also paid tribute to India's stupendous performance at the recently concluded T20 World Cup, while extending congratulations to other teams who had distinguished themselves in the tournament. The T20 World Cup has just ended. India had a great performance. For that, I congratulate the entire Indian team. Along with that, England and South Africa were unbeaten before the semifinals, and for that, I congratulate those two teams. Also, to the New Zealand team, in front of South Africa, they achieved victory and reached the final, and we congratulate the New Zealand team for the character they have shown. He also reserved special praise for the associate nations putting in fantastic performances for significantly elevating the tournament's stature. This World Cup 2026 was very important for the associate country. India had won the World Cup, but you all know that India had almost lost in the game against the USA. The Netherlands was about to beat Pakistan. Nepal gave a tough fight to England, and Zimbabwe didn't let Australia win. So, through this, I want to thank all the associates for lighting up the World Cup because of the performance you all showed. The stature of this World Cup has improved a lot, as you all know. This World Cup concurrent views and viewership - all the records were broken in that too. I don't want to say the numbers because you all notice every word of mine. When the numbers come, I will tell you all through my tweets and ICC's media release. This World Cup numbers in 2026 - all the records of old numbers were broken, and I have complete faith in that, he elaborated. He also reminded everyone that today was the 25th anniversary of the iconic 2001 Test won by India at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. You all know that today is March 15, and though I am a little late, I will remind you all of the March 11-15, 2001 Test in Kolkata, which we won by 276 runs. VVS Laxman scored 281 runs, and Rahul Dravid scored 180 runs - because of that, we won the Test match, which looked lost. That is why today is very important for us. Shah further credited the media's diligent coverage as a key pillar of Indian cricket's success, recalling how reporters stayed back in Barbados after the T20 World Cup final to capture the moment of triumph. I know that when Rohit Sharma made India's flag fly high in Barbados, you all knew that a cyclone was around the corner. You all could have left Barbados after the match, but you didn't let go of it to capture that moment. I remember that you all came back to India with me. So, thank you all very much for seeing that winning moment. You all take so much care in how many players, how many runs were scored, how many wickets were taken. Even by mistake or if there is a mistake, you all will catch it properly. That's why the great performance of the team today, you all played a big role in that, and thank you very much for that. On his own relationship with the media, Shah was candid, saying he had deliberately kept his distance from journalists to ensure impartiality. I was in the BCCI since 2019, and after 2024, I have been in the ICC. I have not been able to talk much with any journalist as per my duty, but I have never favoured any journalist. You all take so much care in how many players, how many runs were scored, how many wickets were taken. Even by mistake or if there is a mistake, you all will catch it properly. That's why the great performance of the team today, you all played a big role in that, and thank you very much for that. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With all the ICC and BCCI members here, I was looking at the list of sponsors, and I felt I should learn how to get sponsors from you. There are so many lists. I think the whole board is full. There are many more that I have not been able to see, but this is a very good art. So, thank you all very much for being here. Article Source: IANS

North Inches Closer To JK Bose Title; DSJA-1, SJAM-1 To Clash In Table Tennis Final

Tamil Nadu Sports Journalists Association: North Zone inched closer to winning the JK Bose Inter-Zonal T20 Cricket Trophy title after Rishabh Singh blazed an unbeaten century to power them to a crushing 10-wicket victory over South Zone on day two of the tournament at the Roshanara Cricket Ground in New Delhi on Sunday. Rishabh's 100 not out off 54 balls headlined a dominant chase for North Zone as they overhauled South Zone's competitive 187/4 in 18.2 overs. Captain Akash Rawal contributed 38 before retiring hurt, while Amit remained unbeaten on 33 as North Zone cantered home with ease. South Zone had earlier posted a challenging total on the back of Shiva Krishna's 89 and VL Sashank's 50, but their effort proved woefully inadequate against a North side in imperious form. A win against East Zone on Monday will hand North Zone the trophy. The tournament is being played as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Sports Journalists Federation of India (SJFI) National Convention in New Delhi. In the day's second fixture at the Delhi Police Ground, West Zone similarly swept aside East Zone by ten wickets, completing the chase of 133 in just 12.2 overs without losing a wicket. Taus Rizvi struck an unbeaten 58 while Devendra Pandey made 50 not out to seal a comprehensive win. Pandey had earlier picked up two wickets with the ball as East Zone were restricted to 132/7, with Sandeep Mishra scoring 37 and Sakal Sandha making 35. In the table tennis team competition at Roshanara Club, DSJA-1 and SJAM-1 advanced to the final after winning their respective matches on Saturday. DSJA-1, comprising Kushan Sarkar, Bharat Sharma, and Norris Pritam, defeated the Sports Writers Association of Bengaluru (SWAB-1). Meanwhile, SJAM-1, having Amol Karhadkar, Ashwin Ferro, and Akush Dhavre, overcame the Tamil Nadu Sports Journalists Association (TNSJA-1). The two teams will again meet in the final on Monday at the same venue. On the sidelines of the two events, former BCCI President C.K. Khanna and former DDCA vice-president Shashi Khanna were felicitated by DSJA President Abhishek Tripathi at Roshanara Club. Brief scores: On the sidelines of the two events, former BCCI President C.K. Khanna and former DDCA vice-president Shashi Khanna were felicitated by DSJA President Abhishek Tripathi at Roshanara Club. Also Read: Live Cricket Score East Zone 132/7 in 20 overs (Sandeep Mishra 37, Sakal Sandha 35; Devendra Pandey 2/16) lost to West Zone 133/0 in 12.2 overs (Taus Rizvi 58, Devendra Pandey 50 not out) by ten wickets Article Source: IANS

'One Of The Nicest Cricketers On Circuit': Kaif Congratulates Kuldeep Yadav On Wedding

T20 World Cup: Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif congratulated Indias T20 World Cup 2026 champion Kuldeep Yadav after the left-arm wrist spinner married his childhood sweetheart Vanshika, calling him one of the nicest cricketers on the circuit. Kuldeep, a key member of Indias white-ball setup and a prominent figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL), began a new chapter in his personal life as he tied the knot with Vanshika in a private ceremony attended by close family members and friends at the Welcomhotel The Savoy on Saturday. Kaif, who also attended the wedding, shared a heartfelt message for the couple on X. The 45-year-old also posted a photo in which he is seen hugging the groom. Another big day in Vanshika & Kuldeep Yadavs life. One of the nicest cricketers on the circuit. Congratulations @imkuldeep18, Kaif wrote on X. Former India spinner Piyush Chawla also congratulated the couple with a post on social media in which he is seen with the bride and groom, along with other cricketers who attended the wedding. Congratulations, Kuldeep & Vanshika!! wishing both of you the best, he wrote in the caption. The wedding was attended by several current and former cricketers, including Suresh Raina, Kaif, Yuzvendra Chahal, Indias T20 World Cup champion player Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, along with fielding coach T. Dilip and others. The wedding marks the culmination of a long-standing relationship. Kuldeep and Vanshika are childhood friends from Kanpur, where their families lived just three kilometres apart. The wedding was attended by several current and former cricketers, including Suresh Raina, Kaif, Yuzvendra Chahal, Indias T20 World Cup champion player Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, along with fielding coach T. Dilip and others. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The couple got engaged on June 4 in a traditional ceremony in Lucknow. The wedding, planned for November, was postponed because of Kuldeeps commitments during the multi-format series against South Africa. Article Source: IANS

Virat Kohli Picks Chris Gayle Over Rohit Sharma As Best T20 Opener

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli has favoured his former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammate Chris Gayle over India's prime batter Rohit Sharma as the best opener in the shortest format of the game. Kohli, who also boasts a strong record as an opener in the Indian Premier League (IPL), played a game of This or That, where he was given two choices and he had to pick one each time. Kohli was asked about the best opener in T20 cricket. In a video released by the RCB on Sunday, Virat began by picking Adam Gilchrist over Sunil Narine, and the next comparison was between Gilchrist and Travis Head, in which Kohli chose the latter, as it specifically pertains to T20 Cricket. The game came down to the end, at which point the former RCB captain had a choice between Rohit and Gayle. After thinking for a bit, Virat chose the Caribbean star as the best T20 opener. West Indies former opener, Gayle, holds the record for the most total runs in T20 cricket history, with 14,562 runs in 455 innings across all T20 formats. He is widely recognised as the leading run-scorer in the format's history. He has scored 4965 runs in the IPL in just 142 matches. Gayle also holds the record of the highest individual score in the tournament's history. The West Indies legend remained unbeaten at 175 playing for RCB against Pune Warriors in 2013. West Indies former opener, Gayle, holds the record for the most total runs in T20 cricket history, with 14,562 runs in 455 innings across all T20 formats. He is widely recognised as the leading run-scorer in the format's history. He has scored 4965 runs in the IPL in just 142 matches. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, Virat will be back in action for RCB when they start their campaign as the defending champions against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2026 opener to be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28. Article Source: IANS

Pakistans Champions Trophy Winning Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed Retires From International Cricket

Asia Cup Rising Stars: Sarfaraz Ahmed, the wicketkeeper-batter who led Pakistan to 2017 ICC Champions Trophy triumph and remains the only captain to have won ICC titles at both junior and senior levels, announced his retirement from international cricket on Sunday, drawing curtains on a career spanning nearly two decades. Ahmed, 37, represented Pakistan in 54 Tests, 117 ODIs and 61 T20Is, amassing 6,164 runs across all three formats with six centuries and 35 half-centuries. Behind the stumps, he claimed 315 catches and 56 stumpings. Sarfaraz captained Pakistan in 100 international matches across formats and under his leadership the side had the top ranking in T20Is, as well as set a world record of 11 consecutive T20I series victories that included six clean sweeps against West Indies, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand and Scotland. His crowning moment as captain came at The Oval in London when Pakistan beat India by 180 runs in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. He had earlier led the national U19 side to the ICC Under-19 World Cup title in Sri Lanka in 2006, where Pakistan beat India in the final by 38 runs. In recognition of that Champions Trophy triumph, Sarfaraz was awarded the Pride of Performance in 2018, becoming the youngest Pakistan captain to receive the honour. It has been the greatest honour of my life to represent Pakistan. From leading the U19 team to a world title in 2006 to lifting the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, every moment in Pakistan colours has been special. I am grateful to my teammates, coaches, family and the fans for their unwavering support throughout my career. Captaining Pakistan across all formats was a dream come true. I always tried to play fearless cricket and build a united team, said Sarfaraz in a statement. Among his individual records, Sarfaraz holds the Pakistan mark of 10 catches in a single Test match, set against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2019. He also remains the only Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter to score an ODI century at Lord's, having achieved the feat against England in 2016. His captaincy era proved a fertile breeding ground for Pakistan cricket's next generation, with Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan among the players he backed early in their international careers. Sarfaraz made his international debut in an ODI in 2007 and played his final match - a Test against Australia in Perth - in 2023. Among his individual records, Sarfaraz holds the Pakistan mark of 10 catches in a single Test match, set against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2019. He also remains the only Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter to score an ODI century at Lord's, having achieved the feat against England in 2016. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Last year, the PCB had appointed Ahmed as manager and mentor of the Pakistan Shaheens and under-19 sides. He was also with the team in the U19 World Cup held this year in Zimbabwe and Namibia, as well as in the Asia Cup Rising Stars event and U19 Asia Cup. Article Source: IANS

Bowlers Grab Spotlight As SA Beat NZ By Seven Wickets In Low-scoring 1st T20I

Proteas Men: A clinical bowling display followed by a measured chase helped South Africa secure a comfortable seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the opening T20I of the five-match series on Saturday. Chasing a modest target of 92, South Africa reached 92/3 in 16.4 overs with Connor Esterhuizen anchoring the innings with a composed 35 not out off 44 balls. The right-hander fittingly sealed the win with a six off Kyle Jamieson, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead in the series. Earlier, South Africas bowlers dominated proceedings after New Zealand opted to bat first. Gerald Coetzee set the tone with the new ball, removing Devon Conway in the opening over before trapping Tom Latham lbw soon after. The early breakthroughs triggered a dramatic collapse. Ottneil Baartman struck twice in his opening over, dismissing Tim Robinson and Nick Kelly, while a sharp direct hit from Rubin Hermann ran out Bevon Jacobs. New Zealand were left reeling at 35/5 inside the powerplay. A brief attempt to rebuild came from Mitchell Santner and James Neesham. Santner struck a couple of boundaries during his 15-run knock before he was bowled by Keshav Maharaj, who extracted turn from the surface. Neesham provided the only real resistance for the hosts, top-scoring with 26 off 21 deliveries, including two fours and a six. However, once he fell to debutant Nqobani Mokoena, the innings quickly unravelled. Mokoena impressed in his first outing, claiming three wickets, while Coetzee, Baartman and Maharaj chipped in with two wickets each as New Zealand were bowled out for just 91 in 14.3 overs. Despite the small target, South Africas chase was not entirely straightforward. Zakary Foulkes struck early for New Zealand, dismissing Tony de Zorzi in the second over, while Jamieson later removed Rubin Hermann to leave the visitors at 28/2. Esterhuizen then steadied the innings, building useful partnerships in the middle overs. Jason Smith contributed 10 before he was stumped off Santner, but Esterhuizen continued to guide the chase with calm accumulation. He eventually found support from Dian Forrester, who added a valuable 15 as the pair ensured there were no further hiccups. Though the scoring rate slowed during the middle overs due to tight spells from Santner and Cole McConchie, the target never looked beyond reach. Esterhuizen then steadied the innings, building useful partnerships in the middle overs. Jason Smith contributed 10 before he was stumped off Santner, but Esterhuizen continued to guide the chase with calm accumulation. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: New Zealand 91 all out in 14.3 overs (James Neesham 26, Cole McConchie 15; Nqobani Mokoena 3-26, Gerald Coetzee 2-14) lost to South Africa 93/3 in 16.4 ov (Connor Esterhuizen 45*, Dian Forrester 16*; Mitchell Santner 1-8, Zakary Foulkes 1-8) by seven wickets. Article Source: IANS

SRH Will Have To Bully Opposition Bowlers, Out-bat Teams For Having A Successful Campaign, Says Du Plessis

Former South Africa: Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis believes Sunrisers Hyderabads (SRH) hopes of a successful 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign hinges on their ability to bully opposition bowlers and consistently out-bat rival sides. The 2016 IPL winners have shattered batting and six-hitting records across the last two seasons, yet they have fallen short of winning the title due to lack of firepower in their bowling line-up. When I look at Sunrisers, it almost reminds me of the West Indies at the T20 World Cup, an extremely powerful batting lineup. But when I look at the squad, I ask myself, who are my wicket-takers? From a captaincy point of view, who am I throwing the ball to? Obviously, Cummins is the captain, so he is the go-to option. But apart from him, who are the other guys? Who are the two or three bowlers that are my bankers at the death and who will get me wickets in the powerplay? Looking at the names, I am not entirely sure who those guys are. So if they are going to have a successful campaign, they will have to bully opposition bowlers and build scoreboard pressure by out-batting teams. Then when the opposition comes out to bat, they look at the scoreboard, chasing 260, they get out, said du Plessis on JioStar. That bowling imbalance was also pointed out by former India pacer Laxmipathy Balaji, who felt the trade of Mohammed Shami to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) was a blow to the side's resources with the ball. I was a bit surprised by Mohammed Shami's trade between SRH and LSG. Of course, Harshal Patel is another option and he has experience when it comes to death bowling. But apart from that, the bowling lineup looks very thin. They have tried Jaydev Unadkat in the past and he will bowl a couple of overs up front as well. Then there is Shivam Mavi, another bowler who has struggled with injuries over the years. In the spin department too, they do not have a recognised go-to option. Yes, Zeeshan Ansari, a domestic leg-spinner, has done well. That is probably why they may have to go pace-heavy, with Ansari as their primary spin option. England all-rounder Liam Livingstone is among the high-profile batting additions SRH have made heading into the new season, though du Plessis offered a cautious word on expectations around him, adding that hes yet to deliver on his considerable promise across several IPL stints. I think in this team, yes, there is an over-reliance on Pat Cummins, the bowler. If you look at the way they structured the team, when you spend so much money on someone in the auction, you are essentially saying, 'He is part of our playing XI.' So they've gone, 'We want to pick the most destructive batting lineup in the IPL when it comes to six hitting.' And they are all six-hitters. Liam Livingstone is an interesting one because if you look at his IPL career, he has not performed to his full potential in almost any of the teams he has played for. You would expect that he has a season in him where people in India can truly see what he can do, but he has not quite done it yet. So it is interesting that teams continue to back him as the overall package. I suppose that is also because of the element of spin that comes with it and all-rounders are worth their weight in gold in an auction. That is probably why he went for so much. At the top of the order, India opener Abhishek Sharma arrives after hitting a fifty in the T20 World Cup final win over New Zealand in Ahmedabad last week. Du Plessis, however, backed Abhishek to rediscover his best form swiftly, calling the lean patch before coming good in the final a natural part of any top batter's journey. So it is interesting that teams continue to back him as the overall package. I suppose that is also because of the element of spin that comes with it and all-rounders are worth their weight in gold in an auction. That is probably why he went for so much. Also Read: Live Cricket Score There will be a time when it shifts and things turn again, and then you have to make sure you ride that wave. Obviously for him, unfortunately, it happened on the world stage where everyone wanted him to do well. He had such an incredible year before the World Cup. But he is a good player, so I am sure he will find his feet again quickly in the IPL and dominate. Article Source: IANS

Keshav Maharaj Reaches 50-match Milestone In T20Is For South Africa

Among South African: Veteran left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj reached an important milestone in his international career as he completed 50 T20I appearances for the South Africa cricket team on Sunday. The landmark came during the opening match of the five-game T20I series against New Zealand played at Bay Oval. Maharaj is leading South Africa in the series as the team management has rested several senior players, giving younger cricketers an opportunity at the international level. The experienced spinner marked the occasion with a strong performance with the ball. Bowling his full quota of four overs, Maharaj returned figures of 2 for 25. His spell played a key role in restricting New Zealand to just 91 runs in 14.3 overs after they chose to bat first. Among the wickets he picked up were New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner and fast bowler Kyle Jamieson. The wicket of Jamieson also helped Maharaj reach another personal milestone, as he completed 50 wickets in T20Is. Since making his T20I debut against Sri Lanka in September 2021, the spinner has developed into a reliable option for South Africa in T20Is. In his 50 matches so far, Maharaj has taken 50 wickets with an average of 26.30 while maintaining an economy rate of 7.69. His best bowling performance in the format remains 3 for 24. Among South African spinners, only Tabraiz Shamsi and Imran Tahir have taken more T20I wickets than him. Apart from his bowling contributions, Maharaj has also shown his ability with the bat in difficult situations. He holds the record for the highest individual score by a South African batter coming in at number eight or lower in T20Is. The achievement came during a match against India in 2022 at Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. In his 50 matches so far, Maharaj has taken 50 wickets with an average of 26.30 while maintaining an economy rate of 7.69. His best bowling performance in the format remains 3 for 24. Among South African spinners, only Tabraiz Shamsi and Imran Tahir have taken more T20I wickets than him. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Maharaj played a vital role in South Africa's journey to the semi-finals of the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026. He finished the tournament with 8 wickets in 7 matches, highlighted by a match-winning spell of 3/24 against India in the Super Eight stage. Article Source: IANS

Pakistan bowl, make three changes for series decider

Bangladesh went with the same XI despite losing the loss in their previous game

Khawaja's first-class career ends as Queensland miss Sheffield Shield final

Incumbent Test opener Jake Weatherlad struck a rapid half-century after Tasmania's top order wobbled

Green signs off season by ending century drought

After taking 21 balls to open his account, Green launched five sixes in his first century in any format since last August

Once A Dilliwala, Always A Dilliwala, Says Delhi Capitals After Pietersen Steps Down As Mentor Ahead Of IPL 2026

Head Coach Hemang Badani: Delhi Capitals bid farewell to the teams now-former mentor Kevin Pietersen after the England veteran announced on Saturday that he was stepping down from his role, stating that he could not commit the time it requires. The 45-year-old, however, will be back in the commentary box for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. DC had appointed Pietersen for the role in February last year, for the 2025 edition of the tournament, as he worked alongside the support staff, which included Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao, Head Coach Hemang Badani, Assistant Coach Matthew Mott and Bowling Coach Munaf Patel. The England veteran took to X on Saturday to share the news, saying, I cannot be a mentor for Delhi Capitals in this IPL season. I can't commit to the time that the job requires. Best wishes to all the players for this season! However, I'll see you back in the commentary box! IPL is the world's best league, and I can't wait to see all of you soon! The franchise shared an edit for Pietersen on Sunday, captioning it, Once a Dilliwala, always a Dilliwala. Thank you for all the love & roars, KP. The former England cricketer also reacted to their post by dropping a heart emoji. Earlier this week, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the schedule for the first phase of IPL 2026, to be played from March 28 to April 12, 2026. As three states are scheduled to undergo State Assembly elections during this period, the full schedule of the tournament will be announced once the poll dates are announced, BCCI said in a statement. Earlier this week, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the schedule for the first phase of IPL 2026, to be played from March 28 to April 12, 2026. Also Read: Live Cricket Score A total of 20 matches will be played across 10 venues: Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati, New Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad. Article Source: IANS

Kellaway leads Victoria's graft as SA qualify for final on bonus points

Kellaway made 66 after Murphy's 4 for 67 as the game became inconsequential on day two after South Australia qualified for the final on bonus points

If Sanju Gets Going, He Can Win You The Game In The First 6 Overs: Gambhir

T20 World Cup: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has revealed that the teams decision to bring Sanju Samson back into the playing XI midway through the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 was driven by a clear attacking philosophy rather than tactical match-ups, stressing that the wicketkeeper-batter has the ability to decide games inside the powerplay. Speaking about the move, the India head coach emphasised that the team management wanted more firepower at the top of the order as part of the aggressive approach the side has adopted over the past 18 months. I know a lot of people will talk about how we wanted to break the three left-handers at the top, not at all. We just felt that we wanted to be more explosive because the ideology in the last one and a half years has been to go out there and be as explosive as we can be. The reason to bring in Sanju was not about managing the off-spinner from the other end. I believe that a quality batter will be good against any kind of bowler, whether it's an off-spinner or a left-arm spinner. It was about whether we could get even more firepower at the top and be more aggressive in the first six overs, Gambhir told JioStar. He highlighted Samsons game-changing ability with the bat, pointing out that the right-handers presence adds an extra dimension to an already powerful batting lineup. We know what Sanju can do, there was never any doubt about his talent and explosiveness. If he gets going, he can win you the game in the first six overs. Imagine having Abhishek, Sanju and Ishan as your top three, and then you have the likes of Surya, Hardik, Tilak, Shivam and Axar to follow. So, you can't ask for anything more, he said. The former India opener also shed light on how the conversation with Samson about his return to the side took place before Indias match against Zimbabwe, revealing the relaxed nature of their communication. I conveyed it to him in the gym. In fact, we were both training together and I just told him that you'll be playing against Zimbabwe, and he said, 'let it come.' That's the kind of casual conversation we have. It's not like a head coach and player's relationship. It's a relationship where most of our one-on-one conversations happen during practice sessions, he noted. Gambhir also spoke about backing young opener Abhishek Sharma despite his slow start in the tournament, urging him to remain fearless and focus on his approach rather than the scrutiny around his scores. I've had a worse experience than him in 2014 during the IPL, when I got three ducks in a row and then another in the fourth game as well. All I told him was that people will look at your scores and will talk about your form, but actually you are not out of form, you are just out of runs, Gambhir opined. Gambhir also spoke about backing young opener Abhishek Sharma despite his slow start in the tournament, urging him to remain fearless and focus on his approach rather than the scrutiny around his scores. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Encouraging the youngster to stay committed to his attacking mindset, Gambhir added, If you want to hit the first ball out of the ground, go and do it, and commit yourself to it 100 per cent because it really doesn't matter what the world thinks about you. All that matters is what those 30 people in the dressing room think about you, and that is exactly what should matter to all the boys. There was no doubt whatsoever about Abhishek. For anyone, to be honest, in that dressing room, we always had faith and trust in everyone who was selected to represent the country in the T20 World Cup. Article Source: IANS

New Zealand bat; South Africa pick four debutants

South Africa's XI looks almost entirely different to the one that lost to New Zealand in the T20 World Cup semi-final

Kerr, Devine Star As New Zealand Cruise Past South Africa In 1st T20I

For South Africa: A dominant all-round display led by captain Amelia Kerr and a four-wicket haul from former skipper Sophie Devine powered New Zealand to a commanding 80-run victory over South Africa in the opening T20I of the three-match series at Bay Oval on Sunday. With the comprehensive win, New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the series. After opting to bat first, the White Ferns piled up an imposing 190/7 in their 20 overs, riding on an explosive innings from Kerr and a fluent knock by opener Georgia Plimmer. The hosts suffered an early setback when Isabella Gaze was run out in the opening over, but Plimmer steadied the innings with a brisk 63 off 44 balls, striking five fours and three sixes. She shared a match-defining 146-run partnership with Kerr for the second wicket that put South Africa under sustained pressure. Kerr led from the front with a blistering 78 off just 44 deliveries, smashing 11 fours and two sixes to anchor New Zealands innings. After the partnership was broken in the 14th over, quick contributions from Sophie Devine (12), Brooke Halliday (13) and Maddy Green (10) helped the hosts maintain momentum and push the total close to the 200-mark. For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba picked up a wicket each, while Masabata Klaas bowled a tidy spell, conceding just 15 runs in her four overs. In reply, South Africa never recovered after a shaky start. Opener Sune Luus (10) fell early before captain Laura Wolvaardt (0) departed cheaply, leaving the visitors struggling at 17/2 in four overs. Tazmin Brits tried to rebuild the innings with a fighting 29 off 35 balls, while Chloe Tryon chipped in with a 12-ball nine and Nadine de Klerk made a run-a-ball 19. However, regular wickets prevented South Africa from mounting any meaningful challenge. In reply, South Africa never recovered after a shaky start. Opener Sune Luus (10) fell early before captain Laura Wolvaardt (0) departed cheaply, leaving the visitors struggling at 17/2 in four overs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Late resistance from Kayla Reyneke (24 not out) helped South Africa reach 110/7, but the target proved far beyond their reach. Article Source: IANS

Amelia Kerr and Georgia Plimmer steamroll South Africa

They put on a 146-run partnership, the fourth-highest for New Zealand in women's T20Is to seal victory

South Australia into Shield final after Queensland fail on bonus points

Queensland were bowled out for 178 in the first innings against Tasmania meaning they will not get the required bonus points to pass South Australia even with a win

BAN vs PAK 3rd ODI Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI

BAN vs PAK 3rd ODI , Cricket Tips :The first two ODIs have been one-sided, and both teams have produced dominating performances. Bangladesh had a great first game, and they recorded their biggest ODI win over Pakistan. Then, Pakistan leveled the series, with a thumping win by 128 runs. Pakistan suffered a batting collapse in both matches. But they had enough runs on the board to record a big win. Now, the final game between Bangladesh and Pakistan is all set to begin on Sunday at 1:45 PM IST at Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. Bangladesh looked clueless with the bat, and they need a strong batting display to challenge the strong Pakistani bowling unit. BAN vs PAK: Match Details Date : March 15, 2026 (Sunday) Time : 1:45 PM IST Venue : Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka BAN vs PAK: Live Streaming Details In India, fans can watch the live action of the final ODI on the FanCode streaming platform. BAN vs PAK: Head-to-Head in ODI Total Matches : 41 Bangladesh : 6 Pakistan : 35 No result/Tied: 0 BAN vs PAK: Ground Pitch Report The wicket at Shere Bangla National Stadium is good for batting. In both games, there has been grass covering on the wicket, which has produced bounce and pace. The toss can make an impact because chasing can be tough here. Early on, the batting will be better, because the wicket will be firm. BAN vs PAK: Possible XIs Bangladesh : Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Saif Hassan, Litton Das (wk), Najmul Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Afif Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana Pakistan : Sahibzada Farhan, Shamyl Hussain, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Abdul Samad, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi (c), Mohammad Wasim Jr., Haris Rauf BAN vs PAK: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Maaz Sadaqat played a blistering fifty in the previous game. He can take the game away in the powerplay. For Bangladesh, Litton Das has been the game-changer in the middle order. Probable Best Bowler Shaheen Afirid made a difference in the second ODI with early wickets. That is what he brings to the table. Nahid Rana had a tough second game, but he troubled the batters with his bounce and pace. That is where he will be a tough bowler to face. Today Match Prediction : Bangladesh were poor with their display in the second game. Pakistan were brilliant all around, and we predict them to win the final ODI. BAN vs PAK Match 3rd ODI, Today Match BAN vs PAK, BAN vs PAK Prediction, BAN vs PAK Predicted XIs, Injury Update for BAN vs PAK Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

MCA launches women's edition of T20 Mumbai League

The inaugural season will have three teams, operated by PRS Infraprojects LLP, Roadway Solution India Infra Ltd and World Star Sporting Private Limited

Rohit on India's World Cup wins: 'I hope this is just the start'

He wishes the men's and women's teams carry the momentum that they have built

Samson: India being in must-win territory 'fired me up'

I was absolutely broken because my dream was to win the World Cup and I was not even in the XI, Samson said

Former Athletes Should Return As Coaches To Strengthen Indian Sports, Says Anurag Thakur

AC Bali Table Tennis Tournament: Former Union Sports Minister and Member of Parliament (MP) Anurag Singh Thakur said there should be efforts made to ensure former athletes are brought back into the Indian sporting ecosystem as coaches and mentors, adding that the country is wasting a valuable resource by leaving experienced ex-players in administrative office roles. Thakur made the call while addressing sports journalists on day two of the Golden Jubilee National Convention of the Sports Journalists Federation of India (SJFI) at the Constitution Club of India - an event hosted by the Delhi Sports Journalist Association (DSJA). Many players who got jobs through sports are now working in offices, while many of them could be involved with the game again as coaches or mentors. They may contribute far more to sports in those roles, he said. Thakur also pressed for a data-driven approach to athlete development that would allow talent to be identified and nurtured from the earliest stages of a sporting career. We need to analyse data and create a proper tracking system for the entire journey of an athlete so that talent can be identified early and groomed with the right support, he said. Thakur also called on the state governments to shoulder greater responsibility for building the infrastructure and human resources that India's sporting ambitions require. Sports is largely a state subject, and states must increase their budgets, build infrastructure, and hire more coaches if we want better results in the future, he said. On institutional accountability, Thakur insisted that policy recommendations must translate into measurable outcomes. Institutions are very important. We must evaluate what has been achieved after recommendations are made and assess whether our systems are actually producing results, he said. DSJA president Abhishek Tripathi underlined the significance of the occasion for the federation and the broader sports journalism community. It is a proud moment as the SJFI celebrates its Golden Jubilee. We are delighted to welcome sports journalists from across the country to Delhi and grateful to Anurag Thakur ji for interacting with the fraternity, he said. Several figures from the sports and corporate world were felicitated during the day's proceedings - like Shivalika Chadha Malik of Hero MotoCorp, Manva Sudarshan Hunswadkar of KRAFTON India, and Udita Dutta, founder and CEO of Artsmith, in recognition of their contributions to the sporting ecosystem. DSJA president Abhishek Tripathi underlined the significance of the occasion for the federation and the broader sports journalism community. It is a proud moment as the SJFI celebrates its Golden Jubilee. We are delighted to welcome sports journalists from across the country to Delhi and grateful to Anurag Thakur ji for interacting with the fraternity, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In the AC Bali Table Tennis Tournament, DSJA-1 and the Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai (SJAM-1) advanced to Monday's final, where DSJA-1's trio of Kushan Sarkar, Bharat Sharma, and Norris Pritam will face SJAM-1's Amol Karhadkar, Ashwin Ferro, and Akush Dhavre. Article Source: IANS

Rishabhs Century Powers North Zone To A Big Win In JK Bose Inter-Zonal T20 Cricket

Tamil Nadu Sports Journalists Association: Rishabh Singh blazed an unbeaten century off just 43 balls to power North Zone to a commanding nine-wicket victory over West Zone in the JK Bose Inter-Zonal T20 Cricket Trophy on Saturday, as the Sports Journalists Federation of India's Golden Jubilee National Convention got off to a spectacular start. At the Roshanara Cricket Club, Singh was the centrepiece of a dominant North Zone chase, hammering 102 not out with 18 fours and two sixes as his side overhauled a target of 134 in just 11.1 overs. Captain Akash Rawal contributed a brisk 29 in support. West Zone, who opted to bat, were bowled out for 133 in 19.2 overs. Sanjeev Samyal top-scored with 30, with Taus Rizvi (24) and Ashwin Ferro (23) offering useful contributions. Vinay was the standout bowler for the North Zone by taking three wickets. At the Delhi Police Ground, the South Zone were equally emphatic in defeating the East Zone by eight wickets. Shiva Krishna set the platform with a devastating spell of 4-5, as the East Zone were bowled out for a paltry 49. Vijeth Kumar then finished the job with a rapid 26 off 15 balls as South Zone achieved victory inside five overs. North Zone will face South Zone in Sunday's first match, with East Zone taking on West Zone in the second game of the day at the Delhi Police Ground. Meanwhile, the day's programme at Roshanara Club featured the team events of the table tennis competition, drawing participation from sports journalists' associations across the country. Delhi Sports Journalists Association (DSJA-1) defeated the Sports Writers Association of Bengaluru (SWAB-1) in the opening tie, before the Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai (SJAM-1) saw off the Tamil Nadu Sports Journalists Association (TNSJA-1) to secure their place in the final. Meanwhile, the day's programme at Roshanara Club featured the team events of the table tennis competition, drawing participation from sports journalists' associations across the country. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The four-day SJFI convention, hosted by the Delhi Sports Journalist Association (DSJA), marks the return of the prestigious gathering to the national capital after more than two decades. Celebrating 50 years of the federation, the event has brought together sports journalists from across India in what is a landmark occasion in the federation's history. Article Source: IANS

Bumrah Doesn't Allow Batters To Find Their Rhythm Or Flow, Says Pakistan Selector Aaqib Javed

T20 World Cup: Pakistan selector and former fast bowler Aaqib Javed has lauded ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, saying that hes someone who doesnt allow the batters to find their rhythm or flow in a match. Bumrah recently picked 14 wickets and became the joint leading wicket-taker in Indias triumphant 2026 Mens T20 World Cup campaign. Javed, a member of Pakistan's 1992 World Cup-winning squad under Imran Khan, made his admiration clear for Bumrah, terming him the Usman Tariq of fast bowlers. In today's era, across this entire World Cup, there is only one bowler like that-Bumrah. Because he is different. He is not a normal bowler. Even his action is unusual. When he comes in to bowl, I always say he is like the Usman Tariq of fast bowlers. He bowls so quickly and in such a unique manner that a batter never really finds any flow or rhythm against him. He simply doesn't allow it, Javed told reporters in a press conference on Saturday. He also felt Bumrah carries the aura that ex-Pakistan pacers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis had in their playing days. Other than him, tell me one more bowler in this entire World Cup, from any team, whom you can look at and feel satisfied that he carries the reflection of a Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, or anyone like that. You won't find one anymore, added Javed. It was a press conference where Javed came out in support of Pakistan's recent performances in the last 18 months, where they have had early exits from the 2025 Champions Trophy and 2026 Mens T20 World Cup, including suffering defeats to India. He also felt Bumrah carries the aura that ex-Pakistan pacers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis had in their playing days. Other than him, tell me one more bowler in this entire World Cup, from any team, whom you can look at and feel satisfied that he carries the reflection of a Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, or anyone like that. You won't find one anymore, added Javed. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Set that aside - we qualified for the second round, and we lost only one game against England. Did anything else happen? It was not possible to win by that margin against Sri Lanka, which we required. We lost just one game and only missed out due to the net run rate. It's not so big an issue to say our cricket has been destroyed, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

NZ vs SA 1st T20I Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI

NZ vs SA 1st T20I , Cricket Tips :Ten days ago New Zealand kicked South Africa out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after beating them in the semifinal in Kolkata. Now these two sides will be up against each other in five T20Is, with several new faces. The first T20I will commence at 11:45 AM IST on Sunday. This game will be played at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. There are only seven players for New Zealand, including captain Mitch Santner, who played in the T20 World Cup 2026. Meanwhile, for South Africa, there are only three players who were part of the ICC event, and Keshav Maharaj will lead the Proteas in this series. NZ vs SA: Match Details Date : March 15, 2026 (Sunday) Time : 11:45 AM IST Venue : Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui NZ vs SA: Live Streaming Details The live action of the T20I series will be on Sony Sports Networks. Fans can also watch the live stream through the Sony LIV app or website. NZ vs SA: Head-to-Head in T20I Total Matches : 20 New Zealand : 08 South Africa : 12 No result/Tied: 0 NZ vs SA: Ground Pitch Report Bay Oval is known to be a good venue for batting. The wicket is flat with limited assistance for the bowlers. Early on, there will be swing with the new ball. The wicket offers good bounce, which helps the batters to time big shots. NZ vs SA: Possible XIs New Zealand : Tim Robinson, Devon Conway (wk), Tom Latham, Katene D Clarke, Bevon Jacobs, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Cole McConchie, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears South Africa : Jordan Hermann, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann (wk), Connor Esterhuizen, Wiaan Mulder, Jason Smith, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj (c), Ottneil Baartman, Nqobani Mokoena NZ vs SA: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Devon Conway is the most established batter from New Zealand in this format, and he is likely to perform in these conditions. For South Africa, Tony de Zorzi has been performing well in other formats. He will be the one to watch out for. Probable Best Bowler Kyle Jamieson has been the difference-maker in recent matches. His height and pace will be his big weapons in this game. For South Africa, Ottneil Baartman had a great SA20 and will be a tough bowler. Today Match Prediction : South Africa are very inexperienced in the batting unit, which can struggle under pressure. Hence, we predict New Zealand to beat South Africa in the 1st T20I. NZ vs SA Match 1st T20I, Today Match NZ vs SA, NZ vs SA Prediction, NZ vs SA Predicted XIs, Injury Update for NZ vs SA Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

Aaqib Javed on Pakistan's T20 World Cup exit: Have to move past 'scapegoating people'

The men's national selector said Pakistan missed out of the semi-final only because of net run rate and pushed back against criticism of the team and selection committee

Agha handed a demerit point after run-out incident

Agha threw his gloves and helmet in anger after his dismissal in the second ODI against Bangladesh

Indias Decision To Stick With Samson In Top Three Worked Out Really Well, Says Ponting

T20 World Cup: The legendary Ricky Ponting has identified India's decision to persist with wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson at the top of the order as one of the defining calls in their triumphant ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, saying the faith shown in him by captain Suryakumar Yadav and the coaching staff proved to be the difference on the biggest stage. Samson's tournament began in uncertainty he had made only 46 runs in five T20Is against New Zealand and only got to play in the league stage game against Namibia in New Delhi due to Abhishek Sharmas stomach infection. Samson was then recalled for a crucial Super Eights game against Zimbabwe, and from there, he responded with a campaign that ultimately earned him the Player of the Tournament award. A blazing 97 not out in a virtual knockout game against the West Indies in Kolkata was followed by 89 in the semifinal against England in Mumbai and another knock of 89 in the final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad. His 321 runs across five innings are the most runs made by an Indian batter in a single edition of the Mens T20 World Cup. For India to stick with him at the top there, that was a big call to make. A big decision, but one that worked out really well in the end. If you get the backing of the coaching staff and the captain, then that's all you need. Just a pat on the back or an arm around the shoulder to say, we're sticking with you, we believe in you. When you've got the quality that Sanju's got, and the confidence of the captain and coach behind you, that's when great things can happen, said Ponting on The ICC Review show. For Ponting, who captained Australia to the 2003 and 2007 ODI World Cup triumphs, Samson's resurgence, along with Abhishek coming good by hitting 52 in the final, also showed how good India captain Suryakumar Yadavs leadership skills were in bringing the best out of his players. It would have been really interesting to see how Surya has interacted with Abhishek (Sharam) and Sanju (Samson) over the last few weeks. Thats where the real stories will come out on true leadership. It would have been really interesting to see how Surya has interacted with Abhishek (Sharam) and Sanju (Samson) over the last few weeks. Thats where the real stories will come out on true leadership, he added. Ponting also noted that Suryakumar kept himself calm despite ups and downs in his batting returns. Beyond an 84 not out off 49 balls against the United States of America (USA) in the opening game in Mumbai, the Indian captain managed to amass just 158 runs in his remaining eight innings, yet steered India to winning the title on home soil. It would have been really interesting to see how Surya has interacted with Abhishek (Sharam) and Sanju (Samson) over the last few weeks. Thats where the real stories will come out on true leadership, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I know as a former captain, when youre not batting at your absolute best, captaincy can become really difficult. And when you are batting well, captaincy can become really easy, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Salman Agha Officially Reprimanded By ICC, Handed One Demerit Point For Code Of Conduct Breach (ld)

The International Cricket Council: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially reprimanded Pakistan batter Salman Agha and added one demerit point against his disciplinary record after he was found breaching the Code of Conduct during the second One-day International (ODI) against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Friday. Agha was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match. In addition to this, one demerit point has been added to Aghas disciplinary record, for whom it was the first offence in 24 months, said a statement from the ICC on Saturday. The incident occurred in the 39th over of Pakistan's innings when Agha, after being run out, threw his batting gloves and helmet to the ground in an inappropriate manner. Agha had added 109 runs with Mohammad Rizwan for the fourth wicket, but on the fourth delivery of the over, the latter played a gentle push down the ground off Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The ball rolled towards Agha, who was standing outside his crease at the non-strikers end after backing up. As the ball made contact with his pads, Agha bent down and picked it up before handing it back. Miraz quickly collected the ball and broke the stumps with Agha still outside the crease, appealing for a run-out. The on-field umpire upheld the appeal and referred the decision upstairs. The third umpire also ruled in Bangladeshs favour, confirming Aghas dismissal. Agha reacted angrily in the heat of the moment by throwing down his gloves and helmet, which led to him being sanctioned by the ICC. The ball rolled towards Agha, who was standing outside his crease at the non-strikers end after backing up. As the ball made contact with his pads, Agha bent down and picked it up before handing it back. Miraz quickly collected the ball and broke the stumps with Agha still outside the crease, appealing for a run-out. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a players match fee, and one or two demerit points. Pakistan levelled the three-match series with a 128-run victory (by DLS method) over Bangladesh and will take on the hosts in the decider to be played on Sunday. Article Source: IANS

'Need to do more to beat India' - Du Plessis, Kumble say WI 'played it safe'

West Indies also did not make India think too much about their sixth bowling option, which has been one of their areas of concerns

Du Plessis: Bumrah in the XI is 'like having a genie'

Jasprit Bumrah a superpower that any captain will dream of, Faf du Plessis says after India quick changes the T20 World Cup semi-final against England with a special 18th over

'Their Away Record Is Very Poor,': Pujara Flags Major Concern For SRH Ahead Of IPL 2026

Indian Premier League: Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara believes Sunrisers Hyderabad need to address their struggles in away matches despite possessing one of the most destructive batting line-ups as they prepare for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, which will commence on March 28. Pujara pointed out that while SRH have often piled up huge totals at their home ground in Hyderabad, they have found it difficult to replicate the same aggressive approach when playing at other venues. According to him, opposition teams have started identifying SRHs heavy dependence on their top-order batters and use that knowledge to restrict them in away games. SRH are a very destructive side and score a lot of runs when they play at home in Hyderabad. But away from home, their record is very poor. When they play away matches, they fail to maintain their destructive batting intent, Pujara told Jio Hotstar. That is because all the teams know that SRH rely on their batting power to set big totals. Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Heinrich Klaasen are their main batters. Once they get dismissed, SRH struggles to get going. That is where the opposition teams take advantage and prevent them from putting up big totals. That is something they will have to work on, he added. At the same time, Pujara also praised the opening duo of Abhishek and Head, calling them one of the most destructive pairs the league has seen. In the last couple of seasons, what we have seen from the openers of Sunrisers Hyderabad, Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, I can certainly say they are one of the most destructive opening pairs in IPL history. Both are batters who know how to attack from ball one, he said. SRH has consistently crossed the 250-run mark in the last couple of seasons thanks to them. No other team in the IPL has done that consistently. That is only because of the two openers. Smashing the ball all over the park and doing it regularlysp is what makes them special. In the last couple of seasons, what we have seen from the openers of Sunrisers Hyderabad, Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, I can certainly say they are one of the most destructive opening pairs in IPL history. Both are batters who know how to attack from ball one, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, SRH had a poor stint in the last season, where they won only six matches out of the 14 they played. Pat Cummins's team finished in 6th position, with their opening duo also struggling for runs. Article Source: IANS

'Were Going To Have Fun': Tilak Varma Arrives In Dehradun For Kuldeep Yadavs Wedding

ICC T20 World Cup: India's T20 World Cup 2026 winning player Tilak Varma arrived in the city on Saturday afternoon to attend the wedding of his teammate Kuldeep Yadav, who will be tying the knot with his fiance, Vanshika, in the hill station of Mussoorie. Speaking to IANS outside the Jolly Grant Airport, Tilak said that he will enjoy the wedding before getting into the preparation for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, where he will represent the five-time champions Mumbai Indians. We're going to Kuldeep's wedding to have fun. After that, we'll prepare for IPL, Tilak told IANS. Tilak also asserted his commitment towards the country and said that he will continue to perform well to win more trophies like the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for the nation. This will be our effort that whoever plays does so to help the country win, and whatever titles are at stake, we will try our best to win them for the country, he added. Tilak played an important role in India's victorious campaign in the T20 World Cup. The left-handed batter scored 207 runs, which include some good knocks against Zimbabwe and the Netherlands. Before Tilak, many current and former cricketers, including Suresh Raina, Rinku Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Mohammed Kaif, along with India's fielding coach T. Dilip, have arrived at the ceremony. The wedding is being hosted at the iconic Welcome Hotel The Savoy, which has reportedly been reserved for several days to accommodate the festivities and guests. Before Tilak, many current and former cricketers, including Suresh Raina, Rinku Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Mohammed Kaif, along with India's fielding coach T. Dilip, have arrived at the ceremony. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The wedding is expected to see several more prominent figures from the Indian cricket team in attendance. Reports suggest that players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah are among the high-profile guests likely to attend the marriage. Article Source: IANS

Kevin Pietersen Steps Down As Delhi Capitals Mentor Ahead Of IPL 2026

Ahead of the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has stepped down as mentor of the Delhi Capitals franchise, stating that he cannot commit the time the role requires. The 45-year-old, however, will be back in the commentary box in the cash-rich event. DC had appointed Pietersen for the role in February last year, for the 2025 edition of the tournament, as he worked alongside the support staff, which included Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao, Head Coach Hemang Badani, Assistant Coach Matthew Mott and Bowling Coach Munaf Patel. The England veteran took to X to share the news as he said, I cannot be a mentor for Delhi Capitals in this IPL season. I can't commit to the time that the job requires. Best wishes to all the players for this season! However, I'll see you back in the commentary box! IPL is the world's best league, and I can't wait to see all of you soon! With experience in 200 T20s and 5,695 runs, Pietersen participated in 36 IPL matches, scoring 1001 runs with teams like Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Pune. The South African-born cricketer, who captained England from 2008 to 2009, was awarded Player of the Series in the 2010 ICC T20 World Cup, a performance that contributed to England's first ICC trophy. Throughout his distinguished international career, Pietersen participated in 104 Tests, accumulating 8,181 runs, and played 136 ODIs, totaling 4,440 runs. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced the schedule for the first phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, to be played from March 28 to April 12, 2026. As three states are scheduled to undergo State Assembly elections during this period, the full schedule of the tournament will be announced once the poll dates are announced, BCCI said in a statement. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced the schedule for the first phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, to be played from March 28 to April 12, 2026. Also Read: Live Cricket Score A total of 20 matches will be played across 10 venues: Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati, New Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad. Article Source: IANS

Jay Shah, Suryakumar, Gambhir Offer Prayers At Shree Siddhivinayak Temple

Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple: Upon winning the ICC Mens T20 World Cup, Indias T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Jay Shah visited the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple with the trophy on Saturday. India beat New Zealand by 96 runs in the final of the tournament on Sunday, March 8, to script history, becoming the first-ever team to win the title thrice, win it on home soil, and be the only team to defend the crown. The day marks another important milestone for the Indian skipper, who completed five years in international cricket, having made his debut for Team India on this day, in March 2022, against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the same venue where he lef the Men in Blue to their historic T20 World Cup victory. The 35-year-old took a moment to reflect on his journey and penned an emotional note on his social media accounts, writing, 5 years ago, a dream turned into reality. Wearing the India jersey is a feeling I can still never fully put into words. Heres to many more memories that were going to create, for team India. Earlier on Thursday, Gambhir visited the Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in the national capital to offer prayers, continuing a series of spiritual visits during and after the tournament. Following their Sunday victory and the widespread celebrations across the country, Surya, Gambhir, and Jay Shah went to a Hanuman Temple next to the stadium in Ahmedabad, where they offered prayers and held the trophy. Earlier on Thursday, Gambhir visited the Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in the national capital to offer prayers, continuing a series of spiritual visits during and after the tournament. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gambhir, a vital part of Indias victorious 2007 ICC T20 World Cup team, has achieved another milestone by winning the tournament both as a player and as a coach. His recent success places him among a select group of coaches like Rahul Dravid and Lalchand Rajput, who have led India to T20 World Cup victory. Article Source: IANS

Shreyas Is Underrated, But Is An Exceptional Leader: Kumble

Indian Premier League: Former India captain and legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble has heaped praise on Shreyas Iyer, calling him an underrated yet exceptional leader in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The former coach believes Iyers leadership qualities are often overlooked despite the batter consistently delivering strong performances as a captain. Speaking about Iyers leadership journey, Kumble highlighted how difficult it is for a captain to succeed across different franchises in the highly competitive environment of the IPL. According to Kumble, the transition between teams often brings new challenges ranging from management dynamics to team culture. Shreyas Iyer is certainly an underrated skipper. It is not easy to win a trophy with one franchise and then go to another. There is a different management, atmosphere and a team. The pressure is also different. The new franchise he joined had not played in the final in the last 10 years and in just his first season with the Punjab Kings, he took them to the final, Kumble told JioStar while discussing Iyers impact at the Punjab Kings. Kumble also praised Iyers ability to lead from the front, emphasising that the batters contributions go beyond tactical decisions on the field, as he said, I was not just impressed by his captaincy, but the way he led the team from the front. There are some players who have to prove themselves every time. Shreyas is like that. Even after performing, questions still come up. I think he is underrated, but is an exceptional leader. The former India captain also turned his attention to Kolkata Knight Riders and their retention strategy, questioning the franchises decision to release key members of their title-winning squad. Two years ago, KKR won the IPL and lifted their third trophy. Two important cogs in that wheel were Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt. Both played crucial roles in helping them win. But KKR let both of them go. There is no consistency from them in terms of player retention, Kumble remarked. He further argued that letting go of a title-winning captain can significantly weaken a teams structure and leadership stability, saying, KKR took the wrong decision by letting Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt leave. That has left them without an IPL-winning Captain. Yes, Ajinkya Rahane is an experienced campaigner. He has led Mumbai in domestic cricket and Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. But he has not lifted the IPL title as Captain. Having a skipper who has won the trophy gives you an advantage. Two years ago, KKR won the IPL and lifted their third trophy. Two important cogs in that wheel were Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt. Both played crucial roles in helping them win. But KKR let both of them go. There is no consistency from them in terms of player retention, Kumble remarked. Also Read: Live Cricket Score KKR let go of that advantage. They need to learn how to keep hold of their key players. Otherwise, they will keep struggling and cannot be considered favourites to win the trophy, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Mark Wood Admits Post-cricket Future In Mind Due To Slow Recovery From Knee Injury

ODI World Cup: Tearaway England pacer Mark Wood said he is contemplating a future beyond cricket for the first time due to his slow recovery from the knee injury that cut short his Ashes tour in Australia. Wood, 36, returned to Test cricket in November 2025 after 15 months on the sidelines due to an elbow injury followed by knee surgery. But Wood broke down again during the first Ashes Test bowling just 11 overs before missing the second match with knee swelling and being ruled out of the tour entirely. It's real slow going with the stage I'm at in my career. It's quite a fine balance, where if I push this too hard, then that could be it, said Wood on his recovery on the BBC Tailenders podcast. Wood has picked 119 wickets in 38 games since making his Test debut in 2015. He was part of the England team winning the 2015 Ashes, the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup. He also said his recovery is being managed in six-week cycles, with specialists conducting scans at each interval. It's six-week blocks; it's not day by day. It's specialists and rescans every six weeks. It's been improving since what I got told had been an explosion in my knee in Australia. So every six weeks has been an improvement. I've started running now, and I'm hoping by the next block it's in a position where maybe I can start lightly bowling. Wood has picked 119 wickets in 38 games since making his Test debut in 2015. He was part of the England team winning the 2015 Ashes, the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup. He also said his recovery is being managed in six-week cycles, with specialists conducting scans at each interval. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With uncertainty hanging over his playing future, Wood said his thoughts had begun drifting beyond the boundary for the first time. I've started thinking about other things, doing podcasts and doing my coaching badges. I've now started to try and think for the first time about what I should do if this doesn't go well. Article Source: IANS

Special Olympics Golfers Shine At IGPL Invitational

The Indian Golf Premier League: The Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) marked a historic milestone at its Invitational 2026 Chandigarh Leg, held from March 11 to 13 at the Chandigarh Golf Club, by inviting three Special Olympics golfers, Ranveer Singh Saini, Kushagra Gaur, and Mohit Kumar, to compete alongside professional golfers. The occasion represented a major step towards inclusive sports. During the event, Indian golf legend and defending champion Gaganjeet Bhullar was crowned champion at the IGPL Invitational Chandigarh 2026, with Olympic golfers also witnessing the remarkable achievement. Ranveer Singh Saini from Gurgaon is the first autistic Indian and has won three medals at the Special Olympics World Games (gold in 2015 at Los Angeles, silver in 2019 in Abu Dhabi, and gold in 2023 in Berlin). He is also a 13-time National Champion and has received the National Award in Sports from the President of India. Mohit Kumar, 21, from Hisar, is an emerging talent who took second place at the Special Olympics Bharat National Golf Championship and is a likely candidate for the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Santiago, Chile. On the momentous occasion, Ranveer Sainis father, Kartikeya Saini, said, IGPL has taken this initiative to invite these young golfers to play on their tour with some of the finest Indian golfers. The moment you do that you have taken a giant step by playing alongside them. Ranveer, Kushagra, and Mohit have bonded very well. IGPL has made them come together high fives, hugging each other after a good putt. It was great camaraderie that IGPL has brought amongst players with disabilities, Kartikeya added. Kushagra Gaur, from Gurgaon, is an international gold medallist at the Macau Special Olympics Golf Masters and has competed on the IGU North India Feeder Tour against professional players. Both he and Ranveer train at DLF Golf and Country Club and are listed in the Limca Book of Records. Kushagra's path to golf started with cricket; his mother notes that his ease in hitting boundaries led the family to explore a sport emphasising individual skill and technical expertise, making golf a perfect choice. Kushagras mother, speaking on her sons natural transition from cricket to playing golf, shared, He used to hit boundaries very easily during his school days, so we felt golf is all about hitting. And there was nobody to judge him. We never made him feel he had some limitation; we used to say, we can break it. Let's try. Reflecting on Kushagras journey from Macau to the IGU North Feeder and expressing her gratitude to IGPL, Shweta Gaur, mother of Kushagra Gaur, said, Since 2018 he started playing the IGU Feeder. He was playing really good golf and competing with regular golfers. His score became from double-digit to single digit. So, if there were 60 or 65 athletes, from that position he went to like 10 or 12. He felt he had the potential. The game of 18 holes requires a lot of discipline and a lot of determination. I felt my son Kushagra has the potential, and when IGPL approached us, we couldnt have been happier, shared Kushagras mother. Reflecting on Kushagras journey from Macau to the IGU North Feeder and expressing her gratitude to IGPL, Shweta Gaur, mother of Kushagra Gaur, said, Since 2018 he started playing the IGU Feeder. He was playing really good golf and competing with regular golfers. His score became from double-digit to single digit. So, if there were 60 or 65 athletes, from that position he went to like 10 or 12. He felt he had the potential. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Supported by its collaboration with LIV Golf, the IGPL is establishing a true pathway for Indian golfers, including pathway athletes, to join an international golf series. For Special Olympics golfers who have already competed globally, this partnership represents an unprecedented chance: to be recognised not as a separate category but merely as golfers. Article Source: IANS

Main Focus On Playing As Much T20 Cricket As We Can Ahead Of WC: Wolvaardt

T20 World Cup: South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt said that every game of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand carries the purpose of playing as many games as possible in preparation for the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup 2026, to be played in England from June 12 to July 5. The Proteas women will open the series against the White Ferns on Sunday in Mount Maunganui in an afternoon game, followed by their male counterparts facing off against each other in the evening. It's great. I think while we're here, we might as well play a couple of extra games, especially with the World Cup right around the corner. That's obviously the main focus, playing as much T20 cricket as we can. Five games sort of give you the chance to try a few things as well. You have enough games to tweak a few things here or there. It's a great initiative and hopefully we can win the series, said Laura on the eve of the series opener, in a Cricket South Africa (CSA) statement. This arrangement is part of a historic double-header that marks the first time both South African teams playing a full series of back-to-back games against the same nation, something which has left Laura very excited. You sort of feel like one big team over here, sharing knowledge and chatting to them. And just seeing how they go about things is cool for me as well. It doesn't happen a lot that you sort of tour side by side but I think it'll be very cool cricket-wise as well to watch their game after ours, she said. Stand-in men's captain Keshav Maharaj echoed the sentiment around rise of women's cricket worldwide. Women's cricket has come along in leaps and bounds, and it's wonderful for them to have the stage as well. Theyve played some amazing cricket and some very exciting cricket games that have gone down to the wire - It's also exciting for us to be able to witness it live. The last time Proteas Women faced the White Ferns was in the T20 World Cup 2024 final in Dubai, where the latter won the trophy. Meanwhile, the Proteas Men met the Blackcaps earlier this month in the semi-final of the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup 2026 in Kolkata, where they lost by nine wickets. The Proteas mens squad features five uncapped players - Connor Esterhuizen, Dian Forrester, Jordan Hermann, Nqobani Mokoena and Prenelan Subrayen. Its always been a wonderful rivalry. Good cricket played on the field, but there's still that respect that's between both sides. New Zealand are a really strong side, obviously coming off a really big high coming from India. But I think with the squad that we have, there's a lot of energy within the environment being a lot younger. So hopefully it will be a good, strong series. And fingers crossed we come on top. We also want to try and win with a really young side. Shuks said the other day, what a story it would be to tell when you get on that flight to go back home and be like, wow, that was amazing and special to be a part of, added Maharaj. The opening game on Sunday will also mark Maharajs 50th T20I appearance. He made his T20I debut in 2021 and has since become one of the Proteas most dependable performers. Whats it been, five years? I made my debut in Sri Lanka as captain and here I am in my 50th. I've got the same buzz and energy, and I try to stay true to what I do. And fingers crossed we come on top. We also want to try and win with a really young side. Shuks said the other day, what a story it would be to tell when you get on that flight to go back home and be like, wow, that was amazing and special to be a part of, added Maharaj. Also Read: Live Cricket Score And I try to emulate that style, not just as a captain, but just from a senior player within the environment, taking guys under my wing and basically just sort of being that father figure to them, concluded Maharaj. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: 'Samson's Role Will Be More Important As Number Three For CSK', Says Raina

ICC T20 World Cup: Former India batter Suresh Raina believes that Sanju Samson should bat at No. 3 for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, saying the position would provide balance to the teams batting order. Samson is coming to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on the back of some great knocks in the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup, where the wicketkeeper batter scored back-to-back half-centuries in the Super8s match against the West Indies, the semi-final vs England and the Summit clash against New Zealand while opening the innings. However, despite Samson's great form as an opener, Raina suggested that CSK should open the innings with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre, while placing Samson at No.3 to anchor the batting unit and link the top order with the middle order. He was the captain of the Rajasthan Royals for so many years. I think his role will be clear here. Will Sanju Samson or Ruturaj open Matre? Or will Ayush play as number three? If Sanju plays as number three, it will be good according to me, because then Dewald Brevis will come at number four, Raina told Jio Hotstar. Shivam Dube will come at number five. At number six, it depends on who you bring. Will Prashant Veer be there? Will Akhil Hussain be there? Will Noor Ahmed be there? It will be important to know how many fast bowlers play overseas, he said. Raina also backed Samson to take up wicketkeeping duties for CSK ahead of veteran skipper MS Dhoni, highlighting the Kerala-born batters growing popularity among fans while again insisting that Samson should be placed at number three to guide the innings. But Sanju will be there as a keeper. We saw the atmosphere he created when he played in the World Cup. He welcomed everyone there. I think his role will be more important as number three. If you allow Ayush Mhatre and Ruturaj Gaikwad to bat at the top, the middle order looks more experienced and stronger, he said. Raina also backed Samson to take up wicketkeeping duties for CSK ahead of veteran skipper MS Dhoni, highlighting the Kerala-born batters growing popularity among fans while again insisting that Samson should be placed at number three to guide the innings. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Samson has been traded from the Rajasthan Royals to CSK in place of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran before the IPL 2026 auction. Samson has played 177 IPL matches and scored 4707 runs at an average of 30.95. Article Source: IANS

Rocchiccioli boosts Test claims with five-wicket haul

WA's offspinner took his second five-wicket haul of the Sheffield Shield season, helping bowl NSW out for 232

We Chose Belief, Patience & Resilience: VVS Recalls Iconic Partnership With Dravid On 25th Anniversary Of Historic 2021 Eden Test Vs Aus

Australia Eden Gardens Test: VVS Laxman, former India batter and current head of the BCCI Centre of Excellence, reflected on the 25th anniversary of the iconic fourth day of the historic India vs Australia Eden Gardens Test of 2001, a match remembered for producing one of crickets most extraordinary turnarounds. On March 14, 2001, India were staring at a crushing defeat on home soil. Having already suffered a heavy loss in the opening Test of the series, the hosts were made to follow on in the second match at the Eden Gardens. When play began on the fourth morning in Kolkata, the situation looked bleak for India. The scoreboard read 254 for 4 in their second innings, which effectively meant they were still 20 runs behind with six wickets remaining. Australia appeared firmly in control and defeat seemed almost certain. However, Laxman produced a performance for the ages. Already batting on 109 overnight, the stylish right-hander launched into a masterclass that turned the match on its head. By stumps, he had surged to an incredible 275 not out, scripting what is widely regarded as one of the finest innings in Indian Test history. At the other end, Dravid played the perfect supporting role. Resuming on just seven runs, he crafted a monumental 155, forming a legendary partnership with Laxman that ultimately changed the course of the Test and secured its place in cricket folklore. 25 years ago at Eden Gardens Rahul and I shared a partnership that will forever remain special. In a moment when the game looked beyond us we chose belief, patience and resilience. That stand was not just about runs but was about trust, teamwork and fighting for every session. Grateful to have shared that journey with Rahul and to be part of a Test that reminded us all that in cricket comebacks are always possible, Laxman wrote on X while sharing a picture of him and Dravid. At the other end, Dravid played the perfect supporting role. Resuming on just seven runs, he crafted a monumental 155, forming a legendary partnership with Laxman that ultimately changed the course of the Test and secured its place in cricket folklore. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Set a daunting target, Australia faltered in the fourth innings and were bowled out for just 212. Harbhajan Singh starred with the ball, claiming six wickets to seal a remarkable victory for India. Article Source: IANS

Not 114, the other one - Bangladesh, Pakistan hope batters come good in decider

Both the ODIs so far have been one-sided affairs, and an even contest to decide the series will work best for the fans... but the weather might have a say again

PCB Set To Take Legal Action Against Muzarabani For Ditching PSL For IPL

The Pakistan Cricket Board: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to take legal action against Zimbabwe bowler Blessing Muzarabani after the pacer withdrew from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the very last minute to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Muzarbani has joined the three-time IPL champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, who was released from the squad following the instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Muzarabani, who has represented Zimbabwe in 89 T20Is, was earlier roped in by three-time champions Islamabad United for 11 million PKR as his West Indies counterpart Shamar Joseph's replacement for the PSL 11, scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3. According to a report in Geo Super, the fast bowler's decision to ditch the PSL drew a stern reaction from the PCB, which is set to take legal action against Muzarabani. This marks the second consecutive year that a player initially contracted to a PSL franchise has opted to join an IPL team, with both tournaments running concurrently. Last season, South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch was selected as a Diamond Pick by Peshawar Zalmi but later joined the Mumbai Indians as an injury replacement. Bosch's subsequent withdrawal from the PSL led to the league imposing a one-season ban on him. Muzarabani arrives after a strong showing in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where he was the leading wicket-taker for the Zimbabwe national team, claiming 13 wicketsthe fourth-highest in the tournament overall. Last season, South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch was selected as a Diamond Pick by Peshawar Zalmi but later joined the Mumbai Indians as an injury replacement. Bosch's subsequent withdrawal from the PSL led to the league imposing a one-season ban on him. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Muzarbani is set to join the KKR for the preparation on March 17. Article Source: IANS

Dravid, Binny, Mithali To Receive Lifetime Achievement Honour As BCCI Reveals Full List Of Naman Awards Recipients (Ld)

Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement: The Board of Control for Cricket in India will celebrate outstanding achievements across Indian cricket at the BCCI Naman Awards 2026, scheduled for March 15 in New Delhi. The annual ceremony recognises excellence in international, domestic, and age-group cricket while honouring individuals who have made lasting contributions to the sport in India. Former India greats Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid will receive the prestigious Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for their long-standing service to Indian cricket. Meanwhile, former India womens captain Mithali Raj will be honoured with the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women in recognition of her immense role in elevating womens cricket in the country. Binny is being recognised for his contributions as a player in Indias historic 1983 Cricket World Cup triumph, where he finished as the tournaments leading wicket-taker, and for his later roles as a coach, selector, and BCCI president. Dravid will be honoured for his outstanding playing career, scoring over 24,000 international runs, and his influential work as a mentor and coach, including guiding India to victory in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. Among other award winners, Indias Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill will receive the Polly Umrigar Award for the 202425 season, while Smriti Mandhana will win the Best International Cricketer (Women) award for the fifth time. India opener Shafali Verma and the recent U-19 World Cup winning captain Ayush Mhatre will also receive awards for their standout performances during the 202425 domestic season. The Mumbai Cricket Association will also be recognised for the best performance in BCCI domestic tournaments. A major highlight of the ceremony will be the recognition of five Indian teams that recently won ICC titles, including victories in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, and the mens and womens ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup events, spotlighting a historic period of success for Indian cricket. Full list of winners: Polly Umrigar Award Best International Cricketer in 2024-25 - Men - Shubman Gill Best International Cricketer in 2024-25 - Women - Smriti Mandhana Highest Wickets in One Day Internationals - 2024-25 - Women - Deepti Sharma Highest Run Getter in One Day Internationals -2024-25- Women - Smriti Mandhana Best International Debut in 2024-25 - Women - N Sree Charani Best International Debut in 2024-25 - Men - Harshit Rana Best Performance in BCCI Domestic Tournaments of 2024-25 - Mumbai Cricket Association Best Umpire In Domestic Cricket in 2023-24 - Ulhas Gandhe Madhavrao Scindia Award: Highest Wicket-Taker In The Ranji Trophy in 2024-25 - Elite Group - Harsh Dubey (Vidarbha) Madhavrao Scindia Award: Highest Wicket-Taker In The Ranji Trophy in 2024-25 - Plate Group - Suchith J (Nagaland) Madhavrao Scindia Award: Highest Run Getter In The Ranji Trophy in 2024-25 - Elite Group - Yash Rathod (Vidarbha) Madhavrao Scindia Award: Highest Run Getter In The Ranji Trophy in 2024-25 - Plate Group - Snehal Kauthankar (Goa) Lala Amarnath Award for the Best All-Rounder In Domestic Limited-Overs Competitions, 2024-25 - Ayush Mhatre (Mumbai) Lala Amarnath Award for the Best All-Rounder in the Ranji Trophy, 2024-25 - Harsh Dubey (Vidarbha) Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy: Best Woman Cricketer (Jr Domestic) of 2024-25 - Ira Jadhav (Mumbai Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy: Best Woman Cricketer (Sr Domestic) of 2024-25 (Sr Women One Day) - Shafali Verma (Haryana) Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy: Highest Wicket-Taker In (U16) Vijay Merchant Trophy in 2024-25 - Elite Group - Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan (Madhya Pradesh) Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy: Highest Wicket-Taker In (U16) Vijay Merchant Trophy in 2024-25 - Plate Group - Kishan Sarkar (Tripura) Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy: Highest Run Getter In (U16) Vijay Merchant Trophy in 2024-25 - Elite Group - Shanthanu Singh (Uttar Pradesh) Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy: Highest Run Getter In (U16) Vijay Merchant Trophy in 2024-25 - Plate Group - Pritam Raj (Bihar) M.A. Chidambaram Trophy: Highest Wicket-Taker In (U19) Cooch Behar Trophy in 2024- 25 - Elite Group - Hemchudeshan J (Tamil Nadu) M.A. Chidambaram Trophy: Highest Wicket-Taker In (U19) Cooch Behar Trophy in 2024- 25 - Plate Group - Arkajit Roy (Tripura) M.A. Chidambaram Trophy: Highest Run Getter In (U19) Cooch Behar Trophy in 2024- 25 - Elite Group - Nitya J Pandya (Baroda) M.A. Chidambaram Trophy: Highest Run Getter In (U19) Cooch Behar Trophy in 2024- 25 - Plate Group - Ragavan Ramamoorthy (Pondicherry) M.A. Chidambaram Trophy: Highest Wicket-Taker In (U23) Col. C K Nayudu Trophy in 2024-25 - Elite Group - Vicky Ostwal (Maharashtra) M.A. Chidambaram Trophy: Highest Wicket-Taker In (U23) Col. C K Nayudu Trophy in 2024-25 - Plate Group - Dipjyoti Saikia (Assam) M.A. Chidambaram Trophy: Highest Wicket-Taker In (U23) Col. C K Nayudu Trophy in 2024-25 - Elite Group - Vicky Ostwal (Maharashtra) Also Read: Live Cricket Score M.A. Chidambaram Trophy: Highest Run Getter In (U23) Col. C K Nayudu Trophy in 2024-25 - Plate Group - R Jashwanth Shreeram (Pondicherry) Article Source: IANS

'Lines Of Legacy': KKR Unveils New Jersey Ahead Of IPL 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders: Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have unveiled their new jersey ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, designed in the theme of Lines of Legacy. At the heart of the design are the defining moments that have shaped KKRs journey over the years. From the unforgettable opening night when Brendon McCullum smashed 158* back in 2008, to Rinku Singhs five sixes in the final over, KKR have produced many such moments that have become part of IPL folklore. Each iconic moment forms a line in the franchises star-studded story, and when these lines come together, they create the initials (K) (K) (R) in the style of abstract linear art. This season, those lines are not just remembered - they are woven into the jersey itself, allowing fans to wear a piece of the teams story, KKR said in a statement. Speaking on the jersey reveal, Venky Mysore, Chief Executive Officer, Knight Riders Sports, said, The Lines of Legacy captures the essence of KKR's storied history and celebrates the journey of the team over the years. Each line represents a pivotal moment of brilliance, reflecting the energy and spirit that weaves together to form our identity. We are proud of this legacy that we have built and want to carry it into the upcoming season while creating more memories for our fans to cherish. As per the first 20-match schedule released by the BCCI, Kolkata Knight Riders will start their campaign in an away game against the five-time champions Mumbai Indians to be played at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29. Their first home game is against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 2. The iconic Eden Gardens can be expected to be painted purple with tons of fans pouring in with their jerseys to show their support. As per the first 20-match schedule released by the BCCI, Kolkata Knight Riders will start their campaign in an away game against the five-time champions Mumbai Indians to be played at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29. Also Read: Live Cricket Score KKR have strengthened their squad during the IPL 2026 auction. The team secured marquee players including Cameron Green, Matheesha Pathirana, and Finn Allen, while also signing West Indies all-rounder Rovman Powell to fill the gap left by Andre Russell. Article Source: IANS

Hunt, Manenti half-centuries help South Australia's chase for the final

Hunt made a patient 81 and Manenti 53 as South Australia posted 295 for 9 on the opening day with Boland and Murphy taking three wickets each

New-look New Zealand and South Africa begin road to 2028 T20 World Cup

Just ten days ago these two sides met in the T20 World Cup semi-final, but the five-match series offers an opportunity to begin early auditions for the next big event

Rahul Dravid, Mithali Raj and Roger Binny win BCCI Lifetime Achievement awards

Shubman Gill and Smriti Mandhana have been named India's best international cricketers among men and women respctively for the 2024-25 season

'A Feeling I Can Still Never Fully Put Into Words': SKY Pens Special Note On Completing 5 Years In Int'l Cricket

Narendra Modi Stadium: Indias T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav took a moment to reflect on a remarkable milestone, celebrating five years in international cricket. His journey with the national team began on March 14, 2022, when he debuted against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the very ground where he recently led India to a historic third triumph at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup against New Zealand earlier this week. 5 years ago, a dream turned into reality. Wearing the India jersey is a feeling I can still never fully put into words. Heres to many more memories that were going to create, for team India, he wrote on X. His rise to international cricket was not immediate. Unlike many players who break through early, Suryakumar spent years excelling in domestic competitions and the Indian Premier League before finally receiving his opportunity with the national side. Once the door opened, he made sure to leave an unforgettable impression. One of the defining highlights of his career came during the 2024 edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, hosted in the United States and the West Indies. As a key member of the squad, he contributed significantly to India finally ending their long drought for a global ICC trophy. Ever since his debut, the Mumbai-born batter has established himself as one of the most destructive players in the shortest format. Across 113 T20 Internationals, he has scored 3,272 runs at an average of 36.35 while maintaining an extraordinary strike rate of 162.94, figures that only partially capture the flair and unpredictability he brings whenever he walks out to bat. One of the defining highlights of his career came during the 2024 edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, hosted in the United States and the West Indies. As a key member of the squad, he contributed significantly to India finally ending their long drought for a global ICC trophy. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Beyond his exploits with the bat, Suryakumar has also grown into a strong leader for India in the format. Taking charge in 52 T20 Internationals, he has guided the team to 40 victories while suffering only eight defeats, numbers that highlight the composed yet attacking mindset he brings to his role as captain. Article Source: IANS

BCCI To Honour Binny, Dravid, Mithali With Lifetime Achievement Awards At Annual Gala; Gill, Mandhana Named Best Internationals

Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will honour excellence throughout Indian cricket at the Naman Awards 2026, taking place on Sunday in the national capital, with the former BCCI chief Roger Binny, ex-captain & coach Rahul Dravid and former women's captain Mithali Raj to be honoured with the prestigious Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. The Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award honours a career marked by service, integrity, and lasting contributions to Indian cricket. A key highlight of the Naman Awards 2026 will be honouring all five Indian teams that have won ICC trophies, marking a historic milestone for Indian cricket. The BCCI will recognise the senior mens team for their victories in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026, the senior womens team for winning the ICC Womens Cricket World Cup 2025, the mens Under-19 team for securing the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, and the womens Under-19 team for their win at the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2025. At this years ceremony, Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid will be bestowed with the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, the BCCIs highest honour recognising outstanding service to Indian cricket, the BCCI said in a statement. Mithali Raj will receive the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women, recognising her extraordinary contribution to the growth and global stature of womens cricket in India, the statement read further. This annual event celebrates outstanding achievements and lasting contributions in international, domestic, and youth cricket, while recognising individuals who have significantly influenced the development and prestige of the sport in India. A prominent member of Indias legendary 1983 World Cup-winning team, Binnys impact on cricket has spanned decades as a player, mentor, and administrator. Famous for his skilful seam bowling and crucial breakthroughs, he was the top wicket-taker in the 1983 World Cup, playing a key role in a defining moment in Indian cricket history. As part of the Indian team that won the 1985 World Championship of Cricket, Binny is also the first Indian cricketer to open both bowling and batting in a single ODI. After retiring from playing, Binny dedicated himself to Indian cricket with equal distinction. As coach of the Indian Under-19 team, he led them to win the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2000, helping young players begin their professional careers. He also served as a national selector from 2012 to 2016, significantly influencing the team's composition during a crucial period in the sport's development. Recently, Binny has maintained his long-standing involvement in Indian cricket through administrative roles. He was the 36th President of the BCCI from 2022 to 2025, leading the organization during a period of notable growth and increased global recognition for Indian cricket. During his tenure, the BCCI enhanced its focus on excellence throughout the cricketing ecosystem. His leadership demonstrates a lifelong commitment to the sport. Dravid will be recognised for his profound impact on Indian cricket, both as one of the most talented batters the sport has seen and as a coach who helped usher in a new era. His distinguished international career was characterised by a textbook batting style, unwavering resilience, solid defence, and overall mastery. He scored over 24,000 international runs, led Indias batting order across formats for more than ten years, and played a key role in many of the teams most memorable wins as both a batter and captain. After retiring from playing, Dravid smoothly moved into a position that contributed to shaping Indian cricket's future. As the Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), he significantly enhanced Indias player development systems, mentored emerging cricketers, and helped establish a strong talent pipeline for the national teams. His impact was particularly notable when he led Indias Under-19 team to win the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2018. His influence expanded when he became the head coach of the Indian mens team. He carried the same clarity of purpose and focus on discipline that marked his playing days. Under his leadership, India won the ICC Mens T20 World Cup in 2024, showcasing resilience, preparation, and dominance internationally. Mithali, one of womens cricket's most iconic figures, will be honoured with the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women, acknowledging her remarkable role in promoting the womens game worldwide. Throughout a distinguished international career lasting over twenty years, Raj set new standards of excellence through her grace, reliability, and leadership. As the top scorer in womens ODIs with 7805 runs at an average of 50.68, she established benchmarks that changed the perception of womens cricket in India and motivated many young girls to pursue the sport. Her inspiring captaincy was equally important, leading India to two ICC Womens World Cup finals and establishing the team as a strong international contender. Through her outstanding accomplishments and enduring impact, Raj has been pivotal in elevating Indian womens cricket to new heights. The Naman Awards will also honour exceptional performances in international, domestic, and age-group cricket throughout the 202425 season. Indias Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill will receive the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) for the 202425 season for the second time. Ms Smriti Mandhana will receive the Best International Cricketer (Women) award for the fifth time in her career, the board stated. Among domestic performers, Ms Ira Jadhav of Mumbai will receive the Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for Best Woman Cricketer (Domestic) following a prolific season with the bat. Ms Shafali Verma of Haryana will be honoured with the Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for Best Woman Cricketer (Senior Domestic One Day) for the 202425 season. Indias Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill will receive the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) for the 202425 season for the second time. Ms Smriti Mandhana will receive the Best International Cricketer (Women) award for the fifth time in her career, the board stated. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Mumbai Cricket Association will once again receive the award for Best Performance in BCCI Domestic Tournaments, having won four trophies and finished runner up in two during the season, the board added. Article Source: IANS

Dhoni Carried Responsibilities For Years, Time To Pass On The Baton To Youngsters: Irfan Pathan

Chennai Super Kings: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes the upcoming generation of players at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have a valuable opportunity to grow by observing and learning from the experience of veteran wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni. With the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) approaching, Dhonis continued presence in the CSK setup remains one of the biggest talking points. Pathan pointed out that while the franchise is clearly transitioning towards a younger core, the former skippers influence in the dressing room could prove crucial in guiding the next generation of leaders. Highlighting the veterans preparation and fitness ahead of the season, Pathan said Dhoni appears ready to once again contribute both on and off the field. As soon as the IPL comes around, we start seeing Mahendra Singh Dhoni again, which means he is fully prepared for it, and he is looking very fit as well, he told JioStar. CSK, one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, have gradually begun refreshing their squad while maintaining their traditional emphasis on experienced leadership. With players like Ruturaj Gaikwad stepping into leadership roles and emerging talents such as Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube expected to play prominent roles, the franchise appears to be balancing continuity with transition. We have seen him take responsibility for a number of years now, but I think this is the time for the baton to pass on to the likes of Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is a young captain as well. CSK's ideology has changed. It will be key for the youngsters to learn from MS Dhoni's experience, and for him to take the players ahead alongside him. It is a very exciting team on paper. In terms of six-hitting ability and intent, I am really looking forward to seeing the fearlessness from this young CSK side, Pathan added. Shifting his focus to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Pathan also weighed in on developments concerning the franchise, particularly the challenges surrounding the availability of their fast-bowling resources ahead of the season. The former pacer suggested that squad balance and injury concerns could influence selection decisions, especially regarding overseas players and the wicketkeeper slot. Choosing one between Seifert and Finn Allen will be a good headache, but the biggest issue for KKR and the think tank after the auction would be the availability of their fast bowlers. They would be worried about Pathirana's injury. Harshit Rana is also a big miss. But looking at the schedule, KKR will feel a little relieved as they will be playing three out of their four games at home. Shifting his focus to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Pathan also weighed in on developments concerning the franchise, particularly the challenges surrounding the availability of their fast-bowling resources ahead of the season. The former pacer suggested that squad balance and injury concerns could influence selection decisions, especially regarding overseas players and the wicketkeeper slot. Also Read: Live Cricket Score KKRs home venue, Eden Gardens, has historically provided them with a strategic advantage, and Pathan believes the schedule could help the franchise manage its squad concerns more effectively in the early stages of the tournament. Article Source: IANS

'Love, Happiness And Beautiful Memories': Raina Pens Heartfelt Message As Kuldeep Sets For New Beginning

T20 World Cup: Former India cricketer Suresh Raina shared a heartfelt message for spinner Kuldeep Yadav and his bride-to-be Vanshika Chadha as the couples wedding celebrations gathered momentum in Mussoorie. Raina took to Instagram on Saturday to post a picture from the festivities, where he was seen posing alongside Kuldeep, Vanshika and India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, offering his best wishes to the soon-to-be-married couple. Along with the photograph, Raina penned a caption celebrating the couples new journey. He wrote, Wishing Kuldeep and Vanshika a lifetime of love, happiness and beautiful memories together. God bless this beautiful journey ahead. The post quickly gained attention, giving fans a glimpse into the vibrant pre-wedding celebrations ahead of the ceremony. Kuldeep, who recently played a key role in Indias triumphant campaign at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, is set to marry his childhood friend Vanshika Chadha in the hill town of Mussoorie on Saturday. The wedding is being hosted at the iconic WelcomHotel The Savoy, which has reportedly been reserved for several days to accommodate the festivities and guests. Photos and videos circulating on social media have offered glimpses of the colourful sangeet ceremony held on Friday evening. In the images shared by Raina and Chahal, the bride and groom are seen dressed in coordinated traditional outfits that drew considerable attention online. Vanshika opted for an intricately embellished lehenga set that shimmered under the lights. The ensemble featured a flowing layered skirt paired with a matching blouse and a delicate embroidered dupatta. She completed the look with statement jewellery, including a choker-style necklace that added a regal touch to the attire. Kuldeep, meanwhile, chose a royal navy-blue velvet sherwani adorned with subtle embroidered motifs. The outfit was paired with classic black trousers, while a richly embroidered multi-coloured shawl draped over one shoulder added a traditional flourish to his appearance. Earlier, Chahal also shared clips from the Haldi ceremony on social media. The videos showed several members of the Indian cricket fraternity enjoying the festivities, including Indias assistant coach T Dilip, as music and dance became central to the celebrations. Kuldeep, meanwhile, chose a royal navy-blue velvet sherwani adorned with subtle embroidered motifs. The outfit was paired with classic black trousers, while a richly embroidered multi-coloured shawl draped over one shoulder added a traditional flourish to his appearance. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, fellow Indian cricketer Rinku Singh also shared glimpses from the sangeet ceremony on his Instagram story, posing with T Dilip as the celebrations continued late into the evening. Article Source: IANS

Indian Wells: Aryna Sabalenka reaches finals for the third time in 4 years, will face Elena Rybakina

Aryna Sabalenka, a two-time runner-up at Indian Wells, will get another shot at winning event after beating Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-4 in the semifinals

Pakistan Thrash Bangladesh by 128 Runs in Rain-Hit Second ODI

Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 128 runs via the DuckworthLewisStern (DLS) method in the rain-affected second ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday. Maaz Sadaqat was the stand-out performer of the game, blasting a rapid 75 for Pakistan before picking up three wickets. Chasing a revised target of 243 in 32 overs after a two-hour rain and hailstorm delay, Bangladesh collapsed for 114 in 23.3 overs despite a brief counterattack from Litton Das. Bangladesh had already been in trouble before the weather halted play. Tanzid Hasan fell early for one, caught at backward square leg off Shaheen Shah Afridi, while Saif Hassan departed for 12 after offering a catch to short mid-off off Mohammad Wasim Jr. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was bowled by Afridi for a duck, leaving the hosts reeling at 27 for 3 in 6.3 overs when a sudden thunderstorm accompanied by hail forced the players off the field. When play resumed, Litton attempted to revive the chase with a series of boundaries including two sixes. He was eventually trapped lbw for 41 by part-time spinner Maaz Sadaqat. Tawhid Hridoy made 28 off 38 balls before falling lbw to Haris Rauf, while Afif Hossain added 14 before becoming Sadaqats second victim. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz managed just one run as Bangladeshs innings folded quickly. Rauf and Sadaqat claimed three wickets each to complete a dominant bowling performance for Pakistan. Earlier, Bangladesh had fought back with the ball to bowl Pakistan out for 274 in 47.3 overs after a blistering start by the visitors. Pakistan raced to 103 for the opening wicket inside 13 overs through an aggressive partnership between Sahibzada Farhan and Sadaqat. Sadaqat struck 75 off 46 balls with six fours and five sixes, while Farhan scored 31 before falling to Taskin Ahmed. Salman Agha later top-scored with 64 from 62 balls and shared a 109-run stand with Mohammad Rizwan (44), though Aghas innings ended in a dramatic run-out by Mehidy Hasan Miraz at the non-strikers end that sparked animated reactions on the field. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain finished as the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 56 as Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 274, a total that proved more than enough on a rain-shortened night in Mirpur.

Inside Kuldeep Yadav's wedding: Mehendi, haldi in Mussoorie, wedding card goes viral; Rinku Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal dance

Several photos and videos from the pre-wedding festivities of Indian cricket team's World Cup-winning star spinner Kuldeep Yadav with Vanshika in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, have gone viral. Kuldeep Yadav is set to tie the knot with Vanshika in Mussoorie.

Agha calls for 'sportsman spirit' after controversial dismissal

Batter seeks to clear the air after heated incident during Pakistan's 128-run victory

Blessing Muzarabani , IPL 2026

(Blessing Muzarabani (PSL) (Islamabad United) (KKR) 2026 (13 ) 17 9.2 , 26 , , 11 , , A new Blessing in Purple & Gold pic.twitter.com/p31V3LsGfm KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 13, 2026 , ' ' , , Also Read: Live Cricket Score -20 8 6 13 , 4

IPL 2026: KKR Sign Zimbabwe Pacer Blessing Muzarabani

Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders have signed Blessing Muzarabani for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026. The 6 ft 8 right-arm quick has emerged as one of Zimbabwes leading pace bowlers in the shortest format, known for his steep bounce and ability to strike in key phases of the innings. Muzarabani brings significant T20 experience, having claimed over 90 wickets in more than 80 T20 Internationals at an average of around 21, with best figures of 3/8, the franchise said in a release. He is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata on March 17. His pace and consistency across global leagues and international cricket add further depth to KKRs pace attack heading into the season. Muzarabani arrives after a strong showing in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where he was the leading wicket-taker for the Zimbabwe national team, claiming 13 wicketsthe fourth-highest in the tournament overall. The tall fast bowler played a crucial role during the Sri Lanka leg of the competition, achieving match-winning performances against Australia and Sri Lanka. The 6-foot-8 pacer previously joined Islamabad United as a replacement for Shamar Joseph in the Pakistan Super League 2026 season. However, he has now withdrawn from that tournament to take this IPL opportunity. Muzarabani's experience in subcontinental conditions and his recent form could be valuable for the three-time IPL champions. He was part of the title-winning squad for Royal Challengers Bengaluru last season, although he did not play any matches during that campaign. Earlier, KKR released Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been from their IPL squad following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to do so. The call was taken amid excessive controversy and debate surrounding the players participation in the cash-rich event. The decision was made following reports of violence against members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh in December. Additionally, critics had voiced their disapproval of Rahman's involvement in the IPL. Rahman drew significant attention after KKR acquired him for a record Rs 9.20 crore at the December mini-auction, making him the highest-paid Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history. He was purchased from a starting bid of Rs 2 crore amid a fierce bidding war between the Chennai Super Kings and the Delhi Capitals. The decision was made following reports of violence against members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh in December. Additionally, critics had voiced their disapproval of Rahman's involvement in the IPL. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He represented DC in IPL 2025 after being named as Jake Fraser-McGurks injury replacement. Article Source: IANS

Sadaqat, Agha fifties lift Pakistan before Mehidy sparks collapse with a run-out

Pakistan were bowled out for 274, but will feel they were well positioned to post a bigger score

Agha left fuming after unusual run-out by Mehidy in second ODI

Agha tried to pick up the ball at the non-striker's end while still being outside the crease and was out when Mehidy picked it up and got a direct hit

'He's ready to deal with it' - Why London Spirit broke the bank for James Coles

Several factors combined to make uncapped 21-year-old the most-expensive buy at the Hundred auction

IPL 2026: 'Rohit Sharma Should Be On Ground For 40 Overs,' Says Aakash Chopra

Indian Premier League: Former India cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra believes that Rohit Sharma should remain on the field for the entire duration of a T20 match instead of being used as an Impact Player by the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Chopra said it makes little sense for a fully fit player like Rohit to feature only as a batter when he can contribute throughout the match. Logically, if you are fit, you should play the whole game and not be substituted. Especially when you are batting second, you shouldn't come in as an impact player. An opener is not used to watching 20 overs of the match from the dugout, Chopra told Jio Hotstar. Cricketer turned commentator, Chopra, also explained that opening batters are accustomed to being involved in the game from the start and preparing accordingly before walking out to bat. Opening batters are used to staying on the field, preparing accordingly and then hitting the ground running. Rohit Sharma is the fittest, meanest and maybe the strongest at this point in time, so he should be on the ground for all 40 overs. That's actually how Mumbai Indians will be able to make full use of Rohit Sharma, he added. Meanwhile, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh also felt Rohit should not be restricted to a substitute role and highlighted the value of his experience on the field. Rohit Sharma has been used as the 12th man who just bats, but I feel that the kind of leader he has been, a player like him should be on the field. In tough matches, when you need to take certain calls, when a captain sometimes needs a shoulder to lean on, Rohit Sharma can do that for Hardik Pandya, Harbhajan said. Meanwhile, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh also felt Rohit should not be restricted to a substitute role and highlighted the value of his experience on the field. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rohit had a poor stint in the last season, where he scored just 240 runs. The opener would like to change the course and contribute more with the bat in the upcoming season. Article Source: IANS

'Why Do Indians Love Pakistan So Much': Aniruddhacharya Over IPL Team Facing Backlash

Indian Premier League: Indore, (March 13) IANS Spiritual leader and orator Aniruddhacharya has criticised Kavya Maran, co-owner of Sunrisers Leeds, for buying Pakistan leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed in the inaugural men's Hundred auction 2026 and said that why do Indians love Pakistan so much. Sunrisers Leeds, which is owned by the same group that runs Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL), bought the 27-year-old leg-spinner for 190,000. Speaking to IANS at the 'Sanatan Premier League' in Indore, Aniruddhacharya said, They (Pakistan) will throw missile on us using that money, after taking tax. Money should stay within our country. India should become self dependent, 'Aatmnirbhar Bharat'. Instead of Pakistani cricketers there should be Indian cricketers. That Pakistan which is asking your religion before killing, why so much love for them? These kids (Indian cricketers) who are playing here should be picked. While emphasising that the 'Sanatan Premier League' is happening for the first time, the spiritual leader said, Other cricket leagues were already happening so why not this. He also added that with events like this children are moving towards a bright future. Lord Krishna also had played the game of 'gyaan'. We all should play sports, this will keep us healthy. He asserted that religious leaders do everything in favour of the country. Children from villages who were not known to anybody, have got a platform here. Religious leaders have arranged such a beautiful event, it will certainly be beneficial for the future of these children. These kids will then be able to serve the nation with the money they earn through this. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Leeds' X account has been suspended hours after the IPL franchise completed the signing of Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed during The Hundred 2026 auction held on Thursday. Abrar became the first Pakistani player signed by an Indian-owned franchise in the tournament. The move to sign Abrar didn't go down well with fans, who took to X to criticise the IPL team's owner and the franchise, terming them anti-national. Nearly hours after the IPL team signed Abrar for 190,000 pounds (Rs 2.3 crore), Sunrisers Leeds official X account was suspended. The move to sign Abrar didn't go down well with fans, who took to X to criticise the IPL team's owner and the franchise, terming them anti-national. Also Read: Live Cricket Score No Pakistan player has featured in the IPL since 2009, and IPL franchise owners, who have invested in franchise T20 leagues worldwide, have generally avoided signing cricketers from the country. Article Source: IANS

Motie to pull out of PSL; Lahore Qalandars set to sign Wellalage as replacement

Defending champions will open the new season on March 26 with a game against Hyderabad Kingsmen

'It's For League In England, This Is Franchise's Own Decision: Rajeev Shukla On Sunrisers Leeds Signing Pakistan Spinner In The Hundred

Indian Premier League: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla has clarified that the Indian cricket governing body has no say in the acquisition of Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed by franchise Sunrisers Leeds in the Hundred Auction, saying the move pertains to an overseas league and not the Indian Premier League (IPL). Speaking on the matter, Shukla emphasised that the decision lies entirely with the franchise involved, as the signing and the matter are linked to a league outside India. Look, this is their own decision because this is not our league. This has not been done for the IPL; it has been done for a league outside India. It is entirely their own decision. There is some league in England for which they are doing this, Shukla told IANS The move to sign Abrar by the Indian-owned Sunrisers Leeds didn't go down well with the fans, who took to X to criticise the team's owner and the franchise, terming them anti-national. Due to the backlash, the team's X account was also suspended for a brief time, but now it has been restored. Sun TV, which also owns Sunrisers Hyderabad and Sunrisers Eastern Cape, completed its acquisition of the franchise previously known as Northern Superchargers by buying a 49 per cent stake from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the remaining 51 per cent from Yorkshire for about 100 million pounds last year. Earlier reports suggested IPL franchise-owned teams would avoid bidding for Pakistan players, and the early stages of Thursdays auction appeared to support that expectation till Abrar was picked. No Pakistan player has featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2009, and IPL franchise owners who have invested in franchise T20 leagues worldwide have generally avoided signing cricketers from the country. Earlier reports suggested IPL franchise-owned teams would avoid bidding for Pakistan players, and the early stages of Thursdays auction appeared to support that expectation till Abrar was picked. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Abrar was the second Pakistan player sold in the auction on Thursday morning after mystery spinner Usman Tariq was bought by Birmingham Phoenix for 140,000 pounds. Several other Pakistan players like Saim Ayub, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan went unsold. Article Source: IANS

RCA Seeks Public Trust Registration For Tax Exemption, Opposition Questions Legality

The Rajasthan Cricket Association: The Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) has sparked a fresh controversy after applying for registration as a public trust with the states Devasthan Department, with the Opposition questioning the timing and legality of the move. According to documents submitted to the department, RCA Ad-hoc Committee Convenor Deendayal Kumawat has filed an application seeking to register the cricket body as a public trust under the Rajasthan Public Trusts Act, 1959, naming himself as the acting or principal trustee. Speaking to IANS, Kumawat said the application was submitted primarily to obtain tax exemptions. He said the move followed a notice issued by the Income Tax Department on February 19, asking why the RCA had not registered under the states public trust law despite presenting itself as a charitable organisation. The notice reportedly pointed out that the RCA was not administered by any authority under the control of the state government and had not been granted tax exemption through any specific notification. It advised the Association to register under the Rajasthan Public Trusts Act, 1959, if it intended to claim benefits available to charitable institutions under the Income Tax Act, 1961. Kumawat also cited directions of the Supreme Court, stating that societies, trusts and NGOs seeking income tax exemptions under Sections 12 and 80G must obtain registration with the relevant authority, such as the Charity Commissioner. He said that since such a regulatory framework exists in Rajasthan through the Devasthan Department, registration was necessary for the RCA to claim tax benefits. However, the development has triggered a political and legal debate, with critics arguing that the RCA -- an elected, member-based sports body -- cannot be converted into a trust without approval from its General Body and other statutory authorities. Sources said the issue could also have financial implications. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly has dues of around Rs 65 crore payable to the RCA. Experts say that if the Association is not treated as a charitable entity, nearly Rs 20 crore could be levied as tax on the funds once they are disbursed. Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully raised the issue in the Rajasthan Assembly, questioning how an ad-hoc committee -- meant to be a temporary arrangement -- could take a decision that may fundamentally alter the structure of the association. The Rajasthan Cricket Association can be governed only by its General Body, which alone has the authority to make decisions regarding its structure, assets or existence. Deendayal Kumawat had applied to register the RCA as a public trust under the Rajasthan Public Trusts Act, 1959, while declaring himself acting trustee and listing RCA assets as trust property. This move is illegal and beyond jurisdiction, as a cooperative society cannot be converted into a trust without dissolution and approvals. Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully raised the issue in the Rajasthan Assembly, questioning how an ad-hoc committee -- meant to be a temporary arrangement -- could take a decision that may fundamentally alter the structure of the association. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Speaking to IANS, Jully also questioned whether the development reflected proper sports administration or political interference, and sought clarity from the state government on the issue. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: 'Chennai Wicket Will Suit Samson's Game,' Says Piyush Chawla

ICC T20 World Cup: Former Indian spinner Piyush Chawla feels that Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) home ground MA Chidambaram Stadium's pitch will suit the batting style of Sanju Samson, who is gearing up for his first season with the five-time champions. Samson is coming to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on the back of some great knocks in the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup, where the wicketkeeper batter scored back-to-back half-centuries in the Super8s match against the West Indies, the semi-final vs England and the Summit clash against New Zealand. According to Chawla, Samson getting in good touch before the IPL 2026 is a blessing for CSK. Sanju Samson is a match-winner in himself. He proved his doubters wrong with three back-to-back impactful knocks against West Indies, England and New Zealand in the T20 World Cup. CSK will be very happy with his form because Samson has peaked right before the start of the IPL. That is great news for their fans. Coming to Chennai, the way the wicket plays there will definitely suit his game, Chawla said on JioHotstar. Samson has been traded from the Rajasthan Royals to CSK in place of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran before the IPL 2026 auction. Samson has played 177 IPL matches and scored 4707 runs at an average of 30.95. Sanju Samson is a match-winner in himself. He proved his doubters wrong with three back-to-back impactful knocks against West Indies, England and New Zealand in the T20 World Cup. CSK will be very happy with his form because Samson has peaked right before the start of the IPL. That is great news for their fans. Coming to Chennai, the way the wicket plays there will definitely suit his game, Chawla said on JioHotstar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Opening the innings, his aggressive style will benefit CSK a lot. Last season, they struggled to get quick starts. Only after Ayush Mhatre arrived did CSK start scoring runs in the powerplay. Now, with Samson in, their opening problems will finally be solved. They need that experienced opener alongside Ayush Mhatre. Samsons trade move to CSK is going to be a blockbuster one, he said. Article Source: IANS

Former AIFF General Gecretary Kushal Das Dies At 66

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal: Former general secretary of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Kushal Das passed away here on Friday at the age of 66. He is survived by his wife and two sons. Das, who served the federation for 12 years, took charge as the AIFF general secretary in November 2010. Before joining AIFF, Das served as the chief financial officer of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Dubai. He oversaw landmark events and structural changes that helped raise the profile of the sport in India. The country successfully hosted the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup. Womens football also witnessed important progress during this period with the launch of the Indian Women's League in 2017. Towards the end of his tenure, India successfully hosted major international tournaments, including the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup. In 2022, the seasoned administrator had resigned from his post at AIFF, citing health reasons. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey condoled the passing ofone of the longest-serving General Secretaries , saying, Kushal Das played an important role in the administration and development of Indian football during his tenure as General Secretary of the AIFF. His efforts towards Indian football will always be remembered. On behalf of the entire Indian football fraternity, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones in this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace. AIFF deputy secretary general M. Satyanarayan added, It is indeed sad to hear of Mr Dass demise. He was one of the longest-serving General Secretaries of the AIFF, serving for over 12 years. During his tenure, the administration at Football House saw many changes and several new departments were created. I had personally reached out to him on numerous occasions, and his demise leaves a huge void in sports administration. May his soul rest in peace. A chartered accountant by profession, Kushal Das brought extensive experience in sports management and administration to Indian football. In his early professional years, he worked with several international organisations, including PwC, GSK, and Shell. In 1996, he joined IMG as Chief Financial Officer when the global sports marketing and television production company entered the Indian market. AIFF deputy secretary general M. Satyanarayan added, It is indeed sad to hear of Mr Dass demise. He was one of the longest-serving General Secretaries of the AIFF, serving for over 12 years. During his tenure, the administration at Football House saw many changes and several new departments were created. I had personally reached out to him on numerous occasions, and his demise leaves a huge void in sports administration. May his soul rest in peace. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Beyond the boardroom, his commitment to youth development and building a modern roadmap for the sport leaves a lasting legacy. During this time of immense grief, my heartfelt condolences are with his family and the football fraternity he served with such distinction. May his soul rest in eternal peace, he added. Article Source: IANS

'CSK Is Incomplete Without Dhoni, This Season Might Be His Last': Pathan

Indian Premier League: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) could mark the final appearance of legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni in the yellow jersey for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Highlighting Dhonis importance to the five-time champions, Pathan said it is difficult to imagine both CSK and the IPL without the iconic wicketkeeper-batter. CSK is incomplete without MS Dhoni. This season might be the last time we see him in the yellow jersey, and its tough to imagine CSK and the IPL without him. This season, Dhoni will play an important role in bringing everyone together. Im not sure how many games he will play. But his presence in the dressing room will help a lot. Ruturaj Gaikwad is the leader. But as a group, two or three guys are being groomed for the future. That is where MS Dhoni comes in. I hope he makes a difference, Pathan told Jio Hotstar. According to Pathan, CSKs management is likely to take a careful approach regarding Dhonis workload throughout the season and will also try to give a good farewell to their stalwart by winning the sixth title. Questions about his fitness, batting position, and whether he will play all games will still come up. The CSK team management will take it step by step. They will definitely look to give him a perfect farewell by lifting their sixth IPL trophy, he added. Dhoni is one of the most influential players in the CSK ranks and is a core member of the leadership group. He has won five titles for the team during his captaincy stint. Questions about his fitness, batting position, and whether he will play all games will still come up. The CSK team management will take it step by step. They will definitely look to give him a perfect farewell by lifting their sixth IPL trophy, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Dhoni is still one of the finest batters in IPL history, with 5,439 runs in 278 matches and 242 innings at an average of 38.80, a strike rate of 137.45, and 24 fifties, with a best score of 84 not out. Article Source: IANS

Unchanged Bangladesh bowl first; Haris Rauf in for Pakistan

Abrar, the wristspinner, was left out of the Pakistan XI

'Let's Take Whatever We Can To Create Something This Season...': LSG Skipper Pant's Pep Talk To New Faces In Squad For IPL 2026

South African Anrich Nortje: Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant shared a pep talk with the new joinees in the franchise ahead of the IPL 2026, saying that let's take whatever we can from all these gentlemen here and try to build something for this season. During the mini auction held last December, LSG signed six players; Sri Lankan sensation Wanindu Hasaranga, South African Anrich Nortje, Mukul Choudhary, local boy Naman Tiwari, Akshat Raghuwanshi and Josh Inglis, to complete their squad with a blend of experience and potential. They also traded Arjun Tendulkar from Mumbai Indians and Indian pacer Mohammad Shami from Sunrisers Hyderabad. A lot of people are from last year. A few new faces for sure. Welcome, everyone. Let's look to build the relationships. If we don't talk about cricket, we're not going to improve. As an individual, let's take whatever we can from all these gentlemen here and try to build something for this season to look forward to, Pant said in a video shared by LSG. Pant-led LSG only managed six wins. Despite hitting an unbeaten 118 in LSGs final league game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, it didnt help the sides cause as they finished seventh in the points table. When we come into a season, every time there is a thought in our mind that lets's build something; let's look to win. But at the same time to be clear in your thought process, what do you want to do? What do you want to achieve as an individual and as a team... And this is the best time to have that clarity. This is kind of a season camp, but still a pre-season camp because the rest of the squad will join from March 15-16, mostly, he added. Pant-led LSG only managed six wins. Despite hitting an unbeaten 118 in LSGs final league game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, it didnt help the sides cause as they finished seventh in the points table. Also Read: Live Cricket Score LSG will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against Punjab Kings on April 1 at the Ekana Stadium. They will then travel to Hyderabad for their game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 5. Article Source: IANS

Sunrisers Leeds 'X' Account Suspended Amid Backlash Over Abrar Ahmed Signing For The Hundred

Wales Cricket Board: Sunrisers Leeds' 'X' account has been suspended hours after the franchise completed the signing of Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed during The Hundred 2026 auction held on Thursday. Abrar became the first Pakistani player signed by an Indian-owned franchise in the tournament. The move to sign Abrar didn't go down well with fans, who took to X to criticise the team's owner and the franchise, terming them anti-national. Just hours after the team signed Abrar for 190,000 pounds (Rs 2.3 crore), Sunrisers Leeds official X (formerly Twitter) account was suspended. While the platform hasnt provided a specific reason, users attempting to access the account are met with a pop-up message stating, Account suspended. X suspends accounts that violate the X rules. Sun TV completed its acquisition of The Hundred franchise, previously known as Northern Superchargers, by buying a 49 per cent stake from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the remaining 51 per cent from Yorkshire for about 100 million pounds Earlier reports suggested IPL franchise-owned teams would avoid bidding for Pakistan players, and the early stages of Thursdays auction appeared to support that expectation till Abrar was picked. No Pakistan player has featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2009, and IPL franchise owners who have invested in franchise T20 leagues worldwide have generally avoided signing cricketers from the country. The ECB said last month that selections in the auction would be based solely on cricketing performance, availability, and the needs of each team.' Nine Pakistan players have appeared across the competitions first five seasons, though none of the female cricketers from the country were picked in the womens auction on Wednesday. Abrar was the second Pakistan player sold in the auction on Thursday after mystery spinner Usman Tariq was bought by Birmingham Phoenix for 140,000 pounds. Several other Pakistan players like Saim Ayub, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan went unsold. The ECB said last month that selections in the auction would be based solely on cricketing performance, availability, and the needs of each team.' Nine Pakistan players have appeared across the competitions first five seasons, though none of the female cricketers from the country were picked in the womens auction on Wednesday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The 2026 Hundred will run from July 21 to August 16 and will feature 34 mens and 34 womens matches. Article Source: IANS

The Governing Body Is FIFA, Not Any Individual Country : Iran Fires Back At Trump For Suggesting It Should Skip WC 'for Safety'

The Iran National Soccer Team: Iran national football team responded sharply to American President Donald Trump for advising their soccer team not to participate in the World Cup for heir own life and safety, stating that o country can prevent them from participating in the World Cup, which is organised by FIFA, not by any single nation. Trump on Thursday posted on Truth Social that The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really dont believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP. In response, Irans national soccer team official account stressed that no one can exclude Iran from the tournament and added that a US should be held accountable if it carries only the title of host but cannot ensure the safety of participating teams. The World Cup is a historic and international event and its governing body is FIFA - not any individual, country. Iran's national team, with strength and a series of decisive victories achieved by the brave sons of Iran, was among the first teams to qualify for this major tournament. Certainly, no one can exclude Iran's national team from the World Cup; the only country that could be excluded is one that merely carries the title of host yet lacks the ability to provide security for the teams participating in this global event. Iran, qualified for their fourth successive World Cup by topping Group A in the third round of Asian qualifying last year, are scheduled to play three matches in the US, but their participation has been in doubt amid an escalating regional war. On Wednesday, FIFA chief Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday that he met with American President Donald Trump, who assured him Iran are welcome to take part in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19. But later, the Iranian sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, said that Iran cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup following airstrikes against the country by the United States and Israel. Given that this corrupt government has assassinated our leader and created extreme insecurity, we cannot participate in the World Cup. The players have no safety, and the conditions for participation simply don't exist, said Donyamali on Iranian state television. In just eight or nine months, they have dragged us into two wars, killed thousands of our people, and committed grave atrocities. Under these circumstances, attending the tournament is impossible, he added. Given that this corrupt government has assassinated our leader and created extreme insecurity, we cannot participate in the World Cup. The players have no safety, and the conditions for participation simply don't exist, said Donyamali on Iranian state television. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Following the start of military action, the president of the Iran Football Federation, Mehdi Taj has reportedly stated, What is certain is that after these attacks, it's hard to look at the World Cup with hope. Article Source: IANS

'This Trophy Belongs To Every Indian, We Exist Because Of Your Support & Blessings: SKY

ICC T20 World Cup: Captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed heartfelt gratitude to fans across the country after Indias triumphant campaign in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, dedicating the title to millions of supporters who stood besdie the team throughout the tournament. In an emotional message, Suryakumar thanked Indian fans for their unwavering support, saying the teams success would not have been possible without their prayers and encouragement. Dear Team India fans, first of all, a heartfelt thank you. We exist because of your support and blessings. This World Cup trophy belongs to the whole of India, Suryakumar said in a video released by the BCCI on Friday. The skipper emphasised that the victory was not just the teams achievement but a shared dream of cricket lovers across the country. When we win, it is not just our victory. It is the dream of those children who grow up with a bat and ball and dream of playing for the country. It is for the fans who fill stadiums and make them feel like home, and for the millions who support us from their homes, he added. Suryakumar further acknowledged the role of fans prayers and unconditional love in inspiring the players during challenging moments in the tournament. Your prayers and unconditional love give us strength. Words are not enough to express our gratitude to all of you. In the end, cricket is not just a game in India; it is an emotion. And this victory is for all of you, Suryakumar concluded. Suryakumar further acknowledged the role of fans prayers and unconditional love in inspiring the players during challenging moments in the tournament. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With this win, Suryakumar has also joined a special club with MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, who have won the T20 World Cup silverware as captains. Article Source: IANS

Sheffield Shield: Bartlett available, Green set to play last round for WA

All the latest team news, as South Australia and Queensland battle to join Victoria in the final

New Zealand Assistant Coaches Ronchi, Oram Granted Leave For PSL Stint

New Zealand Cricket: Assistant coaches Luke Ronchi and Jacob Oram have been granted leave by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) to take up coaching roles with Islamabad United in the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026, which begins later this month. Ronchi, who represented the franchise from 2017 to 2021, will return as the head coach of Islamabad United, while Oram has been appointed as one of his assistants. With the PSL scheduled to start on March 26 and run until late April, including the finals, both coaches will miss New Zealand's upcoming series against South Africa as well as the tour of Bangladesh in April. New Zealand performance manager Mike Sandle said the team management and NZC were supportive of the duo pursuing the coaching opportunity. This is a great chance for Luke and Jake to further their coaching experience and grow their skills outside of the New Zealand cricket environment, Sandle said in a statement. Just like our players, our coaches are in demand around the world and we believe Luke and Jake will not only personally benefit from their time at the PSL, but they will also be able to bring back knowledge and IP that can aid the BLACKCAPS and NZC in the future, he added. Sandle added that Jonny Bassett-Graham, head coach of the Wellington Blaze, and NZC network coach Graeme Aldridge will assist head coach Rob Walter during the upcoming series against South Africa. Meanwhile, Brendon Donkers from the Canterbury cricket team will join the support staff for the Bangladesh tour. One of the added bonuses of Luke and Jake heading to the PSL is the opportunity it affords other coaches in the NZC network, Sandle said. It will be great to have Jonny, Graeme and Brendon join the BLACKCAPS and Im sure they will get a lot of out their time in the environment and the experience of working alongside our players and support staff, he added. One of the added bonuses of Luke and Jake heading to the PSL is the opportunity it affords other coaches in the NZC network, Sandle said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score New Zealand will face South Africa in the first match of the five-match T20I series at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday, with the series set to be played as double-headers alongside matches featuring the New Zealand women's cricket team and South Africa women's cricket team. Article Source: IANS

Rajasthan Royals To Begin Pre-season Training Camp In Jaipur From March 17

Indian Premier League: Rajasthan Royals will commence their first pre-season training camp in Jaipur from March 17 for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season. The squad will assemble at Pink City, kicking off the camp with training, fitness and nets sessions at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, marking the first time the Royals' full squad, including new recruits like Jadeja and Sam Curran, coming together ahead of the season. Under the guidance of Head Coach and Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara, the camp will focus on fostering team bonding, intensive training and planning along with strength and training sessions. Earlier, a smaller group of players, including Ravi Bishnoi, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sandeep Sharma, and recently Ravindra Jadeja had attended a short camp cum fitness assessment session at franchises High Performance Centre in Nagpur. Inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals, who will be led by captain Riyan Parag in the upcoming season, will play their first three home matches of the IPL 2026 season at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati - their alternate home ground. The franchise is likely to travel to Guwahati on March 26 for its season opening match-up against CSK on March 30, as per the fixtures announced by the IPL Governing Council. Royals will then travel to Ahmedabad for their second match, where they will face the Gujarat Titans on April 4 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The clash against the Titans will be the Royals first away game of the season. They will return to Guwahati for their third and fourth matches of the season where they will take on the Mumbai Indians and reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 7 and 10, respectively. Royals will then travel to Ahmedabad for their second match, where they will face the Gujarat Titans on April 4 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The clash against the Titans will be the Royals first away game of the season. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Royals fixtures at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur will be announced with the next trench of the schedule. Article Source: IANS

WI Name Unchanged Squad For Women's T20Is Against Australia

Arnos Vale Cricket Ground: Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced womens squad for the T20I series against Australia, set to take place from March 1923 at Arnos Vale Cricket Ground in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The West Indies will use the same 15 players that were in action during their recent T20I series against Sri Lanka. The squad blends proven match-winners with exciting young talent. Senior stars Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, and captain Hayley Matthews bring experience and firepower, while wicketkeeper-batter Shemaine Campbelle stands on the verge of a milestone, expected to earn her 150th T20 International cap during the series. Emerging prospects Eboni Brathwaite (17) and Jahzara Claxton (19) add youthful energy as the West Indies look to challenge Australias dominance and build momentum in a pivotal year of white-ball cricket. The series forms a key part of the teams build-up to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup later this year in the United Kingdom, offering the perfect opportunity for the regional side to test their strength against one of the games most dominant teams. Head Coach Shane Deitz welcomed the opportunity to face the worlds best in Caribbean conditions. We're really excited about the opportunity to play the number one ranked ODI and T20 team in the world. It's just before the World Cup, so it's a great opportunity to see where we are in our preparation. Playing against the best team in the world, we can see where our deficiencies are and where things are working well as we look forward to the tournament in June in England, Deitz said. It's going to be a very tough series, but the players are up for the challenge. We haven't played them in a competitive match since October 2023, so it'll be good to see the progression of the team since that last meeting, namely in how much we've improved in certain areas and where we still need to improve moving forward, he added. We're really excited about the opportunity to play the number one ranked ODI and T20 team in the world. It's just before the World Cup, so it's a great opportunity to see where we are in our preparation. Playing against the best team in the world, we can see where our deficiencies are and where things are working well as we look forward to the tournament in June in England, Deitz said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score West Indies squad: Hayley Matthews (c), Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Eboni Brathwaite, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Shawnisha, Hector, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor Article Source: IANS