Vibes or fumes? England's McCullum era may have run out of road

Flawed but valiant T20 World Cup campaign offers scant proof that Brendon McCullum can recreate the magic

Devine, Bates and Tahuhu return to New Zealand squad for South Africa T20Is

Georgia Plimmer and Flora Devonshire have recovered from injuries and will be part of the series against South Africa

BCCI Congratulates Team India On ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 Triumph

ICC Chair Mr Jay Shah: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) congratulated Team India on winning the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026, defeating New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India secured a resounding 96-run victory in the summit clash to lift the trophy in front of a packed home crowd. Indias triumph marks a historic achievement as the team successfully defends the ICC Mens T20 World Cup title, becoming the first side in the history of the tournament to retain the trophy. The victory also carries special significance as India become the first nation to win the ICC Mens T20 World Cup on home soil, making the occasion even more memorable for millions of fans. Led superbly by captain Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian team displayed a brand of fearless and dynamic cricket throughout the tournament. Combining explosive batting, disciplined bowling and outstanding fielding, the team maintained consistency across all phases of the competition and rose to the occasion in the most demanding moments. The BCCI also appreciated head coach Gautam Gambhir and the entire support staff for their leadership, planning and preparation that helped shape a confident and well-balanced side capable of performing under pressure. The Board also commends the Mens Selection Committee for identifying and backing a group of players who combined experience with youthful energy, resulting in a formidable squad that delivered on the biggest stage. The BCCI also thanks all its affiliated State Associations for their continued contribution in helping achieve this vision, BCC said in a statement. Congratulating the team, BCCI president Mithun Manhas said, Winning the ICC Mens T20 World Cup is a moment of immense pride for the entire nation. To defend the title and achieve this feat on home soil makes it even more special. The team played outstanding cricket throughout the tournament under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav and the guidance of Head Coach Gautam Gambhir. I congratulate every member of the squad, the coaching staff and the selectors for this remarkable accomplishment. The Board also commends the Mens Selection Committee for identifying and backing a group of players who combined experience with youthful energy, resulting in a formidable squad that delivered on the biggest stage. The BCCI also thanks all its affiliated State Associations for their continued contribution in helping achieve this vision, BCC said in a statement. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rajeev Shukla, vice-president, BCCI, said, This victory is the result of collective effort, meticulous preparation and the commitment shown by the players and support staff throughout the tournament. The team has displayed remarkable composure and confidence in high-pressure situations, a hallmark of champion sides. To win the ICC Mens T20 World Cup in front of our home fans makes the moment even more special and memorable. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of ICC Chair Mr Jay Shah, whose strong leadership continues to strengthen the global growth of the game. We thank the ICC for organising such a wonderful tournament that showcased the very best of T20 cricket. This triumph will remain a historic milestone for Indian cricket and a source of immense pride for the entire nation. Article Source: IANS

IndiaNew Zealand Discuss Expanding Sports Cooperation As 2026 Marks 100 Years Of Sporting Ties

New Zealand Centenary Sports Cooperation: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday chaired a high level ministerial meeting with New Zealand sports delegation to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in sports and strengthening collaboration between the sporting ecosystems of the two countries. The year 2026 marks 100 years of sporting ties between India and New Zealand, tracing back to the historic 1926 Indian Army hockey tour to New Zealand, one of the earliest major sporting engagements between the two nations. Building on this legacy, both countries explored new initiatives to deepen cooperation and strengthen sports diplomacy. The Indian delegation included Shri Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports), along with senior officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Sports Authority of India, the Indian Olympic Association and representatives from national sports federations. Earlier in the day, Shri Rao led a delegation-level meeting with New Zealand officials to discuss expanding bilateral sports cooperation. The delegations identified priority sports for collaboration, including rugby, rowing, canoeing, sailing, athletics and cycling. The New Zealand delegation was led by Chris Bishop, Associate Minister for Sport and Recreation, and included Patrick John Rata, New Zealand High Commissioner to India, former international cricketer Ross Taylor, Raelene Castle, CEO of Sport New Zealand, and representatives from Hockey New Zealand, Athletics New Zealand and Paralympics New Zealand. The discussions focused on the IndiaNew Zealand Centenary Sports Cooperation Programme 2026, a year-long initiative designed to commemorate the centenary of sporting ties and expand collaboration in sports development, high-performance training, innovation and people-to-people engagement. Both sides discussed organising sports and cultural exchange initiatives, including a proposed IndiaNew Zealand Sports and Culture Week to be hosted across cities in both countries, bringing together athletes, coaches and communities while celebrating indigenous sporting traditions. A key focus of the meeting was strengthening collaboration in high-performance sports through joint training camps, coaching exchanges and knowledge sharing in sports science, analytics and athlete performance systems. The discussions also explored integrating New Zealands coach development framework into the curriculum of the National Institute of Sports (NIS), Patiala. A key focus of the meeting was strengthening collaboration in high-performance sports through joint training camps, coaching exchanges and knowledge sharing in sports science, analytics and athlete performance systems. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and New Zealand to deepen sports cooperation and translate the centenary partnership into tangible outcomes for athletes, coaches and sporting ecosystems in both countries. Article Source: IANS

Champions Samson, Bumrah Among Four Indians In ICC T20 WC Team Of The Tournament

ICC T20 WC: Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, the Player of the Tournament, leads the victorious team, having scored 321 runs in just five innings. Initially not part of the Indian XI, Samson distinguished himself with Player of the Match awards against West Indies and England. He then set the record for the highest individual score in a Mens T20 World Cup final with 89 runs against New Zealand on Sunday. He is accompanied by teammates Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah as Indias impressive home victory is celebrated. Kishan scored 317 runs, the fourth highest among all players, while leading India's batting at the top of the order with a remarkable strike rate of 193.29, anchoring the team's performance. He scored a masterful 77 as his opening innings against Pakistan, then moved to the number three spot, delivering key performances against England and New Zealand, including a half-century in the final. Pandya is the third Indian batter named, valued for his contributions with both bat and ball. He scored two half-centuries and delivered impactful spells when needed, such as a 52 off 28 against Namibia. Additionally, he took nine wickets overall. Bumrah is the fourth Indian player in the team, recognised as the Player of the Match in the final for his outstanding bowling. He was the joint-leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 14 wickets in eight matches. In the final, he took four wickets for 15 runs and maintained an economy rate of 6.21 overall. Pakistans Sahibzada Farhan tops the order, finishing as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 383 runs. He scored at an average of 76.60 and achieved two centuries, one against Sri Lanka and another against Namibia. Aiden Markram is one of two South Africans on the team, with the Proteas captain scoring 286 including three half-centuries - helping his team reach the semi-finals. Compatriot Lungi Ngidi is also featured, having taken 12 wickets at an average of 15.58. He claimed four wickets against Canada, three each against Afghanistan and the West Indies, and delivered an impressive economical spell against India, conceding only 15 runs in four overs Englands Will Jacks moves into the middle order due to his exceptional all-round performances as his team advanced to the semi-finals. Jacks consistently delivered key contributions to help England win, such as a vital unbeat 32 off 18 balls and a two for 23 spell against New Zealand, earning him one of four Player of the Match awards. He is joined in the team by teammate Adil Rashid, who took 13 wickets at an average of 14.15. Jason Holder from the West Indies secures his spot on the team through impressive contributions with both bat and ball. He took three wickets versus Scotland and four against Nepal before delivering a notable performance with the bat in the Super Eights. Zimbabwes Blessing Muzarabani completes the team, playing a crucial role in their impressive group stage performance. Muzarabani claimed four wickets for 17 runs in the match against Australia and ended the group stage with a total of nine wickets. Shadley van Schalkwyk, the teams 12th player, took 13 wickets for the USA, averaging 6.84 and maintaining an economy rate of 6.80. Selection panel: Ian Bishop, Natalie Germanos, Eoin Morgan (Broadcasters); Gaurav Saxena (ICC Representative); Rex Clementine (Sports Journalist) ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament Selection panel: Ian Bishop, Natalie Germanos, Eoin Morgan (Broadcasters); Gaurav Saxena (ICC Representative); Rex Clementine (Sports Journalist) Also Read: Live Cricket Score 12th player: Shadley van Schalkwyk Article Source: IANS

Sri Lanka appoint Gary Kirsten as men's head coach

Kirsten will take over the reins on April 15 on a two-year contract that runs until April 14 2028