FIFA's plan for a Super Bowl-style halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is expected to extend the interval beyond the usual 15 minutes, reportedly requiring an IFAB exemption. The break will include stage setup, a star-studded performance and pitch restoration, prompting debate over player welfare, match rhythm and football's growing focus on entertainment.
BCCI secretary dismisses speculation on Rohit Sharma's ODI future
Lord's ODI wont be his last match, says Devajit Saikia
Spain have eased concerns over Lamine Yamal's fitness after the teenager trained separately ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina. The RFEF and coach Luis de la Fuente insist the session was precautionary, with Pedro Porro also on an individual programme. Both players are expected to be fit as Spain chase a fourth World Cup title on Sunday.
'Rohit Sharma will continue to represent India; Lord's ODI won't be his last': BCCI
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has dismissed speculation about Rohit Sharma's ODI retirement. He confirmed that Rohit remains a regular member of India's ODI team. Rohit will continue to represent the country as long as he is in the scheme of things. The selectors are assessing all players for the 2027 World Cup preparations. Therefore, the Lord's ODI will not be Rohit's final match.
BCCI's Strong Reaction On Rohit Sharma's 'Last ODI In Lord's' Buzz
This comes after reports emerged that the series-decider against England could be Rohit Sharma's swansong, sparking retirement talks on social media among fans and experts alike.
French Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja Stuns World Champion D Gukesh At Chennai Grand Masters 2026
French Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja inflicted a shock defeat on reigning world champion D Gukesh to emerge as the sole leader after the second round of the Chennai Grand Masters 2026 in Chennai on Friday.
FIFA World Cup 2026 | Dani Olmo Spains orchestrator
The 54-year-old speaks of the obstacles the Netherlands womens team had to overcome to make their seemingly impossible dream of qualifying for the T20 World Cup a reality. The former Scotland international talks about the realities of associate cricket, the inspiring spirit of the Dutch women he coached and what batting with Rahul Dravid in 2003 was like
Neymar Returns To Santos With Questions Hanging Over His Future
Neymar returns to his home club Santos Friday with only a few months left in his contract and questions over his future after indicating he would no longer play for Brazil following the country's World Cup disappointment.
Sunil Gavaskar Pays Touching Tribute To 'Cricket's Brightest Jewel' Garry Sobers After Death
Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has paid rich tributes to Sir Garfield Sobers, the West Indies cricket legend who passed away in Trinidad on Friday
Kimi Antonelli Fastest For Mercedes In Second Practice At Belgian Grand Prix
World championship leader Kimi Antonelli topped the times for Mercedes ahead of defending champion Lando Norris of McLaren in Friday's second free practice ahead of this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.
Linda Noskova: the calm warrior with heavy artillery
The 21-year-old possesses the all-court game and emotional resilience to thrive on the biggest stage. But the new World No. 7 will also have a target on her back after Wimbledon. How she handles the pressures of success will determine just how far she goes in the game
Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues Prepared To Take Over India T20I Captaincy, Says Mithali Raj
Former India captain Mithali Raj on Friday backed youngsters Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues as future leaders of the national side in the shortest format.
Chennai Grand Masters | Firouzja beats Gukesh, takes lead
UTT | Ionescu and Ayhika shine in ThunderBlades win over Pipers
Irreplaceable Loss: Cricket Fraternity Mourns Death Of Sir Garfield Sobers
The cricket world paid glorious tribute to West Indies legend Sir Garfield Sobers who died in Barbados on Friday, describing him as the benchmark of excellence and terming his death an irreplaceable loss for the sport.
ODI World Cup Qualifier winner gains direct entry to 2027 main round
They will avoid the Super Series which will eliminate two of the four teams coming into the World Cup
West Indies cricket icon Gary Sobers dies at 89
Guwahati: Sir Garfield Sobers (popularly known as Gary Sobers), the legendary West Indies cricketer widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the game, has died at the age of 89. Sobers leaves behind a remarkable legacy that transformed world cricket. Among his many achievements, he became the first batter in [] The post West Indies cricket icon Gary Sobers dies at 89 appeared first on NorthEast Now .
15th Major Dhyan Chand School Cross Country Championship to be held at Noida Stadium on August 31
S. N. Verma Noida: The Association for Sports and Cultural Advancement (SSCA) has announced an annual inter-school cross-country championship on National Sports Day. This time the championship will be held on August 31 at the Noida Stadium. Teams from any school in Delhi-NCR can participate in this competition. Entry of individual players will not be []
Rishad Hossain stars as Bangladesh thrash Zimbabwe to level T20I series
Bangladesh secured a commanding victory over Zimbabwe by 34 runs. This win leveled the three-match series at one game apiece. Bangladesh displayed an improved performance in all aspects of the game. Zimbabwe players dropped multiple catches, allowing Bangladesh to post 186 runs. Rishad Hossain and Mahedi Hasan took seven wickets combined to seal the win.
'Less Opportunities': ICC Slammed Over Controversial World Cup Qualification Shake-Up
Under the revised format, the tournament will still feature 14 teams but will begin with a newly introduced three-team round-robin 'Super Series' involving the lowest-ranked qualifiers.
Legendary West Indian Cricketer Garry Sobers passes away
West Indies cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers passed away today at the age of 89. The death of the legendary cricketer was confirmed by his son Daniel. One of the finest all-rounders the game has ever seen, Sobers played 93 Tests and scored 8,032 runs at 57.78 with 26 centuries and 30 half-centuries between March []
Sir Garfield Sobers dies at 89, cricket loses its greatest all-rounder
Cricket has lost one of its greatest icons. Sir Garfield Sobers, the legendary West Indies captain and all-rounder, leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations.
Letting the right hand know that the left can do it too
A combination of nature and nurture may work in favour of the freak
Tribute: Sobers - crickets original superstar who redefined the sport
His 8,032 runs and 235 wickets in Tests are special numbers indeed, but more than the statistical heavy-lifting, it was the magic he lent to sport that drew in the crowds
FIFA World Cup: France, England vie for third place
HI launches ethics inquiry against Asunta Lakra; ex-India captain calls notice 'intimidation'
Hockey India's Ethics Committee has started an inquiry into complaints against Asunta Lakra. This follows a Ministry directive for a neutral probe into her allegations. Lakra has been asked to submit her defense by July 30, 2026. She claims the notice is an attempt to intimidate her during the process. Hockey India's vice-president supports Lakra and will monitor the federation's actions.
Former India Under-19 cricketer, one of the co-owners of Lanka Premier League franchise Jaffna Kings, was arrested in Sri Lanka on Friday for allegedly trying to induce a player into corrupt practice.
Rohit Sharma vs Ajit Agarkar And Gautam Gambhir: A Case Of Mutual Mistrust
Beyond his quintessential easy-going exterior, Rohit Sharma is one of the toughest blokes in the global cricket arena, someone who is not known to pull back punches.
SLC breaks silence after Manjot Kalra's arrest, vows zero tolerance for corruption
Sri Lanka Cricket reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on corruption following an arrest. Former India U-19 star Manjot Kalra faces allegations of corrupt practice during the LPL. The ongoing investigation will not impact the tournament's scheduled continuation. Sri Lanka Cricket pledged full cooperation with the police special investigation unit. Robust anti-corruption measures remain in place to protect the league's integrity.
6 Sixes, Countless Records: Gary Sobers Dies At 89. BCCI Leads Tributes
Former West Indies captain Sir Garfield Sobers (also known as Sir Gary Sobers) has died at the age of 89, as confirmed by his son Daniel.
Enzo Fernandez Mocks England With 'Wonderwall' Post After Argentina's Epic Comeback, Deletes Later
Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez has grabbed headlines for his recent trolling of England after his side's 2-1 win in the second semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Greaves and King return for final two ODIs against New Zealand
They will replace the injured Chase and Campbell respectively, while Pierre flies out after playing the three games in Guyana
Jude Bellingham Shares Team Bus Driver's Emotional Letter After FIFA World Cup Heartbreak
England midfielder Jude Bellingham on Friday wrote an emotional note on social media. Along with it, the player also shared a letter he received from the team's bus driver.
Are BCCI Selectors Making Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Feel Unwanted? R Ashwin Hits Bullseye
R Ashwin has strongly questioned the team management and national selectors over the prolonged uncertainty on future of veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
'A true icon of the game': BCCI pays tribute to Garry Sobers with throwback video
The BCCI honoured Sir Garfield Sobers, a true cricket icon, after his passing. He was remembered as one of the game's greatest all-rounders ever. Sobers left an enduring legacy which will continue to inspire many. Cricket West Indies also posted a heartfelt farewell to the legend. His remarkable career redefined greatness in the sport.
Rohit Sharma's international future hangs in the balance
India selectors tell 39-year-old batter he is not part of 2027 World Cup plans
Sir Garfield Sobers, legendary West Indies cricketer, no more
One of the finest all-rounders the game has ever seen, Sobers played 93 Tests and scored 8,032 runs at 57.78 with 26 centuries and 30 half-centuries between March 1954 to April 1974.
West Indies cricket legend Garry Sobers dies at 89
Cricket icon Garfield Sobers has passed away at the age of 89. He represented the West Indies in 93 Test matches during his career. Sobers scored 8,032 runs and took 235 wickets in Tests. He famously scored 365 runs in a single Test innings. Sobers also achieved six sixes in one over in first-class cricket.
Former West Indies allrounder passed away at his home in Barbados
I basically never got out in 2008: Taylor
The former England batter produced several brilliant innings in her 12-year-old international career
Almost two decades ago, photographer Joan Monfort didn't think much of his photo shoot of a teenage Lionel Messi bathing a cute baby boy in a plastic bathtub.
Sovereign King obliges in feature event
Oliver Kahn Says No Rivalry And No Duel Between Lionel Messi And Lamine Yamal, Gives reason
Legendary German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has dismissed suggestions that Sunday's FIFA World Cup final is a battle between Lionel Messi and Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
WC final in danger? Wildfire haze engulfs New Jersey as Spain train through toxic smoke
Wildfire smoke has created unhealthy air quality across New York and New Jersey. The FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain is scheduled for Sunday. Organisers are monitoring conditions closely for potential weather disruptions. Spain trained outdoors despite hazardous air quality levels on Thursday. Forecasts suggest improving conditions and rainfall may clear the smoke before the match.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Dallas Cowboys, AT & T Stadium and the Tendulkar connect
Big Blow For India As Star Player Ruled Out Of 3rd England ODI. Not Rohit Sharma
The India vs England ODI series is currenly tied at 1-1. The deciding game will be played at Lord's, London on Sunday.
Spanish PM, King to attend World Cup final as Argentine President stays home
Spain's Prime Minister and King will attend the World Cup final match. US President Donald Trump also confirmed his attendance at the New York stadium. Argentina's President Javier Milei will watch from home due to superstition. He believes his presence at home brings Argentina luck in matches. This decision follows a tradition of avoiding presidential attendance at crucial games.
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 | An improbable relationship that has overcome many obstacles
The relationship has always seemed improbable. Nearly 16,000 kilometres separate Buenos Aires from Dhaka or Thiruvananthapuram. There is little shared history, little common language and few cultural overlaps.
Injury replacements trial tweaked by ECB after consultation
Replacements for injury or illness now only permitted in both teams' first innings; like-for-like stipulation only applies to skillset
Knott four, Ballinger three as Blaze rout Surrey in semi
Blast holders eliminated as Kathryn Bryce and Tammy Beaumont steer comfortable chase
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Govt notifies two Anti-Doping Act for clean sport
AMN/ WEB DESK The government has notified the commencement of the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022 and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Act, 2025, with an aim to strengthen the countrys legal and institutional framework for clean sport. The legislation provides a comprehensive statutory foundation to prevent doping in sport, safeguard the rights of athletes, and uphold []
Badminton: PV Sindhu reaches semifinals of Japan Open in Tokyo
AMN/ WEB DESK Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has advanced to the semi-finals of the Japan Open 2026. Sindhu progressed after Japans former world champion Nozomi Okuhara withdrew from their womens singles quarter-final, giving the Indian shuttler a walkover. The quarter-final at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium was called off before the start of play. World []
Top IPL Coach Turns Down England Test Coach Job, Won't Replace Brendon McCullum
The two-time IPL winning boss previously coached England between 2009 and 2014, winning home and away Ashes series as well as a tour to India.
Series decider at Lords could well be Rohit Sharmas final chance
The veteran openers manner of scoring since being stripped of ODI captaincy has left much to be desired; In Jaiswal, the Men in Blue appear to have a readymade replacement
Hockey India slaps show cause notice on Asunta; latter calls it retaliation
Stranger than fiction: Messi, Yamal set for WC final 19 years after first meeting
Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will face each other in the World Cup final. Nineteen years ago, Messi bathed baby Yamal during a charity photoshoot event. Yamal has since become Spain's biggest football star at Barcelona. Messi left Barcelona in 2021, while Yamal emerged as a global superstar. This remarkable full-circle moment culminates in Sunday's biggest football match.
UTT | Largely positive feedback for TTR in its debut outing in India
FIDE Awards shortlists: Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Divya lead India's strong showing
Indian chess stars Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Divya Deshmukh are nominated for FIDE Excellence Awards. They will compete against global talent in multiple prestigious player categories. The All India Chess Federation also received a nomination for Best Federation. Indian national teams and ChessBase India Foundation earned recognition for their achievements. Winners will be announced at the Chess Olympiad.
Rohit Sharma vs 'The Two': Hitman Banks On 'Old Allies' To Rescue World Cup Dream
BCCI selectors no longer see Rohit Sharma in their scheme of things for next year's ODI World Cup, sources told NDTV.
Rohit Sharma's record at Lord's: The third ODI between India and England at Lord's Cricket Ground could be Rohit Sharma's last international match. Learn about his record at Lord's.Rohit Sharma Record at Lord's Cricket GroundThe news surrounding Rohit Sharma is disappointing his fans. It...
Indian T20 franchise owner arrested for bribing player in foreign league
Manjot Kalra Arrested in Lanka Premier League: An Indian cricketer has been arrested on charges of giving a bribe in Sri Lanka's Lanka Premier League.Former Indian cricketer arrested for allegedly bribing a playerAn Indian cricketer has been arrested by Sri Lanka's Sports Anti-Corruption...
Score 100 in the last match, friend... - Aakash Chopra's emotional message for Rohit Sharma.
Aakash Chopra on Rohit Sharma Retirement: Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has given a big and emotional statement on the rumours of Rohit Sharma's retirement.Rohit Sharma, please score 100 in the last match, friend.The retirement of former Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma remain...
World Cup 2026: Liverpool Legend On Argentina's Secret To Success And That Lionel Messi Debate
Lionel Messi is the central force driving Argentina forward in the FIFA World Cup 2026 but there's more to the defending champions than the 39-year-old, according to Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler.
Rohit Sharma's Parents Reach London Amid Final ODI Chatter: Report
Rohit Sharma has managed scores of 11 and 26 in the first two matches, raising concerns over his future with the Indian team heading into the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Andy Flower rules himself out of England Test job running
Flower has spoken with England men's managing director Rob Key but won't be in running
Washington out of India's third ODI against England
The India allrounder picked up an injury to his leg, leaving the door open for Kuldeep's return
India's U-19 WC-winning star arrested over alleged attempt to bribe player
Former India U-19 star Manjot Kalra was arrested in Sri Lanka on Friday. He faces allegations of attempting to bribe a player during the Lanka Premier League. Kalra, a co-owner of the Jaffna Kings, was taken into custody by investigators. The alleged bribery attempt was reported by several Jaffna Kings players. Sri Lanka Cricket stated it will cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
Vishmi Gunaratne back in Sri Lanka squad for Pakistan ODIs
Wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani and uncapped quick Rashmika Sewwandi earn recalls while promising seamer Malki Madara is left out
Cocaine, guns & a 'sex party': How FIFA's World Cup final referee was caught up in a police raid
Slavko Vincic will referee the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain. This prestigious assignment follows a past controversy involving a police raid. Vincic was questioned as a witness and cleared of any wrongdoing. He has previously officiated a match involving Argentina in 2022. His career has continued to flourish after the incident.
Japan Open: Sindhu enters into her first Super 750 semifinal
FIFA World Cup 2026: The winning team will receive Rs 470 crore, no one will return empty-handed
There is one final match left in the FIFA World Cup and after that, there will be a team in front of the world which will win the FIFA World Cup title. Now the final match will be between Spain and Argentina. Whoever wins this title will return with crores and billions of rupees. While both the team...
Joe Denly to retire from professional cricket at end of 2026 season
Former England batter announces retirement at age of 40 after more than 20 years in the game
Pakistan star suspended after failing dope test during T20 World Cup
Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz received a three-month ban for a doping violation. His suspension will reduce to one month upon completing a treatment program. Nawaz tested positive for a cannabis metabolite during the T20 World Cup. He admitted the offense, stating it was unrelated to sporting performance. His match records from February 7 to May 1 have been disqualified.
Why Argentina President is skipping the World Cup final despite Trump's presence
Argentine President Javier Milei will not attend the World Cup final in New Jersey. He believes his superstition, known as cbalas, ensures Argentinas victory. Milei will watch the match from his residence in Buenos Aires. Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino are expected to attend the final. This decision follows a long-standing presidential tradition of avoiding crucial matches.
PV Sindhu enters semi-finals of Japan Open
P V Sindhu reached the Japan Open semifinals after Nozomi Okuhara withdrew from their match. This marks Sindhu's first Super 750 semifinal appearance in nearly three years. She will now face Tokyo Olympic champion Chen Yufei in the last four. Chen Yufei secured her semifinal spot by defeating Sim Yu Jin. Sindhu's last win against Chen came at the 2019 World Championships.
Unchanged Zimbabwe put Bangladesh in to bat
Bangladesh brought in Rishad Hossain for Nasum Ahmed
Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz sanctioned after cannabis-related positive test
Nawaz admitted the violation and demonstrated that the substance had been used out of competition in a manner unrelated to sporting performance, said ICC
LPL hit by franchise owner controversy hours before 2026 season opener
SLC said it would cooperate fully with local authorities following reports that an owner of the Jaffna Kings franchise had been arrested
Daily Quiz | On FIFA controversies
FIFA World Cup: a quiz on FIFA controversies over the years
ICC hands Nawaz three-month ban for breaching anti-doping code
Nawaz's records from the match against the Netherlands on 7 February and in subsequent matches until 1 May 2026 have been disqualified, an ICC release said
Pakistan Star Mohammad Nawaz Sanctioned By ICC For Breaching Anti-Doping Code
Subject to Nawaz completing a substance of abuse treatment programme to the ICC's satisfaction, Nawaz will not be required to serve any further period of ineligibility, according to the ICC media release.
'Incredibly disappointing' - Associates criticise ICC's revamped ODI World Cup format
They argue that the newly introduced Super Series limits opportunities they have to compete and grow on the global stage
Kamaru Usman eyes one more run at UFC gold ahead of Dricus Du Plessis showdown
Kamaru Usman believes victory over former middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis could move him one step closer to another UFC title. In an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia. com, the former welterweight champion reflects on his lengthy layoff, his pursuit of a second world title, the challenge posed by Du Plessis, why every fight now has to be meaningful, and what he wants people to remember about his career.
After Root's 99, former India captain prompts him to Virat, Rohit
Joe Root anchored England's chase with an unbeaten 99 runs. He compiled a composed knock studded with nine boundaries. Anil Kumble praised Root's importance to the England team. Kumble compared Root's role to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for India. Root's old-school ODI mindset brought calmness to the chase.
WCA Raises Concerns Over Changes To 2027 ODI World Cup Format
The World Cricketers' Association (WCA) on Friday expressed deep concern over the ICC's decision to revise the format of the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup on the sidelines of its Annual Conference in Edinburgh.
Action Likely But FIFA Making Argentina Wait For Controversial Semifinal Win Celebration
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Downing Street office Thursday backed the calls by Business Minister Peter Kyle, who called the flag waving an egregious violation of FIFA rules which ban political symbols on the field of play.
Salima Tete To Lead India At FIH Women's World Cup In Netherlands And Belgium
Salima Tete will lead India at the FIH Women's World Cup 2026, as Hockey India announced the 20-member squad that chief coach Sjoerd Marijne has described as a well-balanced group.
Is Lionel Messi Above Diego Maradona In World Cups? Bhaichung Bhutia Gives His Take
Argentina face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final in New York on Sunday. Messi also led Argentina to title in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Root says England 'learning on the job' in ODIs after 99 not out against India
I think that's one of the biggest challenges for this team and the young guys coming through, Root, told reporters
