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Exclusive: Would Litton or Soumya face same heat as Mustafizur? Ex-BCB official asks

Ex-Bangladesh Cricket Board official Syed Ashraful Haque criticised political meddling in cricket administration, saying the Mustafizur Rahman row reflects how World Cup matters are being driven by immature, election-linked politics rather than sporting logic, potentially jeopardising Bangladeshs participation

The Times of India 9 Jan 2026 10:50 am

'Ball in Bangladesh's court' - Indian govt assures warm welcome to all nations

The Indian government is monitoring the Bangladesh situation regarding the T20 World Cup and will follow its sports policy of welcoming all participating nations. Bangladesh's decision to withdraw or relocate matches remains solely theirs, with India awaiting their final stance. Unlike Pakistan, where a specific sports policy exists, Bangladesh will receive full security if they choose to participate.

The Times of India 9 Jan 2026 10:39 am

Daal roti nahi chalti ...: Kohlis brother hits back at critics as star readies for NZ ODIs

India batter Virat Kohli's brother, Vikas, has defended the cricketer against critics, suggesting some use Virat's name for relevance. This comes after former player Sanjay Manjrekar's comments on Kohli's Test career. Meanwhile, Kohli is preparing for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, aiming to continue his exceptional recent form.

The Times of India 9 Jan 2026 9:58 am

Mahboob Khan, Wahidullah Zadran in Afghanistan's Under-19 World Cup squad

The team makes its third appearance at the tournament with a strong spin-bowling group

Espn CricInfo 9 Jan 2026 9:54 am

Renewed hype surrounds WPL 4 after India's historic ODI WC triumph

The Women's Premier League begins with a clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Star players Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana lead their respective teams. Both outfits have a history of thrilling contests. Other teams like UP Warriorz, Delhi Capitals, and Gujarat Giants also feature with new strategies and player line-ups for the upcoming season.

The Times of India 9 Jan 2026 9:25 am

PSL Expansion: Two franchises sold for less than IPL superstars' paycheques

The Pakistan Super League is expanding to eight teams for the 2026 season, with two new franchises sold for a combined $12.75 million. This figure highlights a significant financial disparity compared to the Indian Premier League, where even individual player salaries and franchise valuations far exceed these new PSL team prices, underscoring the IPL's immense economic power.

The Times of India 9 Jan 2026 9:15 am

Teen shooter accuses coach of rape in Surajkund hotel, Pocso case filed

A national shooting coach, Ankush Bharadwaj, has been charged under the POCSO Act for allegedly sexually assaulting a 17-year-old trainee at a 5-star hotel in Surajkund. The incident occurred after a match during the national championships. Bharadwaj has been suspended by the National Rifles Association of India (NRAI) following the FIR.

The Times of India 9 Jan 2026 8:52 am

Head's Warner-like impact reshapes Australia's batting

A sliding-doors moment on just the second day of the Ashes produced one of the great batting performances

Espn CricInfo 9 Jan 2026 8:46 am

T20 WC: B'desh sends second letter to ICC, reiterates venue shift from India

Bangladesh Cricket Board has formally requested the ICC to shift their T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns. The team has refused to travel to India, escalating uncertainty just weeks before the tournament. The BCB's stance has hardened following the IPL release of Mustafizur Rahman.

The Times of India 9 Jan 2026 8:19 am

WPL 2026: Champions Mumbai Indians meet revamped RCB in blockbuster start

WPL 2026: Champions Mumbai Indians meet revamped RCB in blockbuster start

India Today 9 Jan 2026 7:07 am

'Outrageous': Starc, Australia's Ironman, pushes to new highs

The left-arm quick was still hurling them down at 145kph late in a series where he broke the 30-wicket mark

Espn CricInfo 9 Jan 2026 6:44 am

Arsenal and Liverpool play out 0-0 draw in Premier League

Arsenal's hopes of extending their lead at the top of the Premier League were thwarted as they played out a goalless draw against Liverpool.

NewsBytes 9 Jan 2026 3:58 am

Real Madrid beat Atletico in Spanish Super Cup semis: Stats

Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup.

NewsBytes 9 Jan 2026 3:06 am

MI face RCB in WPL 2026 opener: Preview and stats

The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 is set to witness an exciting clash as Mumbai Indians (MI) take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

NewsBytes 9 Jan 2026 2:21 am

Stokes vows ruthless reset after Ashes defeat

Ben Stokes conceded England have become predictable and said he will oversee change after a heavy Ashes defeat in Australia, blaming the series loss on damage England had done to themselves and warning underperforming players that he has a ruthless side. England lost the fifth Test at the SCG by five wickets to concede the [] The post Stokes vows ruthless reset after Ashes defeat appeared first on Caught At Point .

caughtatpoint 9 Jan 2026 1:24 am

Vince smashes 75 but lightning forces abandonment

Points shared in Johannesburg between Joburg Super Kings and Paarl Royals

Espn CricInfo 9 Jan 2026 12:54 am

Death of Bazball: Five things we learned from Ashes series

Australia triumphed emphatically with a 4-1 victory over England in the Ashes, revealing the vulnerabilities of England's aggressive 'Bazball' tactic on tough surfaces. The series sparked speculation regarding coach Brendon McCullum's tenure, celebrated Travis Head's ascendance in the batsman ranks, and underscored Australia's depth in bowling, alongside the enduring prowess of seasoned players Joe Root and Steve Smith.

The Economic Times 9 Jan 2026 12:28 am

Fourth edition of the Womens Premier League begins today: Here's an overview

The Women's Premier League kicks off today, with teams like Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants aiming for their maiden titles. Mumbai Indians retain their winning core, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru and UP Warriorz face challenges with squad balance and key absences. All teams are gearing up for a competitive season.

The Economic Times 9 Jan 2026 12:24 am

The Ashes aftermath Englands Test future at the crossroads

The line between carefree and careless often blurred, but not too many seemed to take notice, or be too bothered about it; it has happened far too often now for Bazball to not face serious scrutiny, if not downright condemnation, any longer

The Hindu 9 Jan 2026 12:00 am

Chess Controversy! Praggnanandhaa stops clock; draw call sparks uproar - Watch

A controversial moment dominated Day 2 of the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid in Kolkata when R Praggnanandhaa stopped the clock with one second left, leading to a disputed draw against Wesley So. Arbiter Chris Bird said it should have been a loss under chess laws. Elsewhere, Viswanathan Anand rebounded to joint lead with Nihal Sarin, while Kateryna Lagno topped the womens standings.

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 11:03 pm

Clinical Pakistan look to keep momentum going and wrap up series

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be hoping to fix their batting issues as they look to finetune preparations ahead of the T20 World Cup

Espn CricInfo 8 Jan 2026 10:38 pm

Vijay Hazare Trophy - Hyderabad falls apart as Nabi, Vanshaj turn it around for J&K

The two batters undo the efforts of the losing sides pace battery that initially reduces its opponent to 90 for seven; earlier Aman and Nitish help in stabilising a middle-order collapse; winning team is now fifith with Uttar Pradesh as the group topper Vidarbha enters the quarterfinals

The Hindu 8 Jan 2026 10:37 pm

Kolkata Rapid & Blitz: Nihal Sarin joins Anand at the top after Day 2

Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand recovered from an early setback to register two victories and emerge as joint leader with Nihal Sarin after six rounds of the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid here on Thursday. Rounds four to six produced fighting chess and frequent shifts at the top of the standings in both the Open and Women's sections.

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 10:31 pm

'The game needs to evolve': Robin Uthappa on ICC tournament every year

Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa questioned the need for hosting an ICC tournament every year, saying the novelty of multi-nation events is wearing off. Speaking during the SA20 in Durban, he urged administrators to revisit scheduling to preserve value for fans. Uthappa also reminisced about Durban and the 2007 T20 World Cup bowl-out win against Pakistan, calling it a special and well-prepared moment for the Indian team.

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 9:57 pm

Tilak Varma ruled out of first three T20Is vs NZ; BCCI issues injury update

Indian batter Tilak Varma has undergone emergency abdominal surgery in Rajkot and will miss the first three T20Is against New Zealand. The 23-year-old is recovering well and has been discharged from the hospital. His availability for the remaining matches and the T20 World Cup opener remains uncertain as he begins his return-to-training process.

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 9:34 pm

PV Sindhu storms into Womens Singles quarterfinals of Malaysia Open in Kuala Lumpur

AMN In badminton, Indias PV Sindhu has stormed into the womens singles quarterfinals of the Malaysia Open in Kuala Lumpur. She outclassed eighth seed Tomoko Miyazaki of Japan 21-8, 21-13 in just 32 minutes today. Sindhu progressed to the quarterfinal of the Malaysia Open for the fourth time. Sindhu will either take on Japans Akane []

The Indian Awaaz 8 Jan 2026 9:18 pm

'God kept me in the presence of great men': Joshua breaks down after tragic loss

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua paid a moving tribute on Thursday to the two close friends killed in a car crash in Nigeria, labelling them rothers and great men. Ayodele, the personal trainer of the former two-time unified heavyweight champion, and Ghami, Joshua's long-time strength and conditioning coach, both died at the scene of the crash on December 29.

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 9:17 pm

ICC Womens T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier fixtures announced

AMN ICC Womens T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier fixtures have been announced. 10 teams will vie for the last four spots in the tournament during the Global Qualifier tournament, scheduled in Nepal from 14th January to 1st of February. The matches will be held in Kathmandu across two venues- the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground []

The Indian Awaaz 8 Jan 2026 9:17 pm

Mumbai lose the unlosable; Nabi, Sarfaraz, Gaikwad sparkle

Karnataka, MP, UP, Vidarbha, Punjab, Mumbai, Delhi and Saurashtra qualified for the quarter-finals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26

Espn CricInfo 8 Jan 2026 9:16 pm

Shreyas Iyer cleared to join India squad for NZ ODIs

India batter will link up with the side on Friday, ahead of Sunday's ODI series opener against NZ in Vadodara

Espn CricInfo 8 Jan 2026 9:16 pm

CRICKET | Vellore-born Adithya excited to represent New Zealand against India

You always hear from players who have been here before about the atmosphere and the love for the game, so Im really looking forward to it

The Hindu 8 Jan 2026 9:05 pm

Major blow for India! Tilak Varma ruled out of first three T20Is against New Zealand following surgery; rehab to decide return

Tilak Varma has been ruled out of the first three T20Is against New Zealand, dealing a major blow to India. His availability for the remaining two matches will depend on recovery progress during the return-to-training and skill assessment phases.

DNA India 8 Jan 2026 9:03 pm

BCB Sends Another Letter To ICC Asking For Venue Change For Its T20WC Games

The World Cup gets underway on February 7 and Bangladesh are scheduled to play four games (three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai)

Deccan Chronicle 8 Jan 2026 9:02 pm

WOMENS PREMIER LEAGUE | Smriti recalls World Cup win as RCB readies to take on Harmanpreets MI

We are not satisfied with just one World Cup. Not just us, other players are also strategising with this mindset. That shows the impact the WPL has had, says the RCB skipper

The Hindu 8 Jan 2026 8:30 pm

Hazare Trophy: Jagadeesan, spinners power TN to a big win

Keralas quarterfinal hopes go up in smoke as the batters collapse on a slow surface; Madhya Pradesh puts an end to Karnatakas winning streak, makes it to the knockouts

The Hindu 8 Jan 2026 8:25 pm

India vs New Zealand in ODIs: Numbers, moments and the story so far

India and New Zealand renew their competitive ODI rivalry with a three-match series kicking off January 11 in Vadodara. With a history of close contests and iconic performances, India holds a slight edge in their 120 encounters. Key players like Tendulkar and Kohli for India, and Taylor and Williamson for New Zealand, have shaped this enduring battle.

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 8:18 pm

SA20: 'Ottneil Baartman has showed plenty of character' - JP Duminy

JP Duminy has backed Ottneil Baartmans character and resilience after the fast bowler was overlooked for South Africas T20 World Cup squad, praising his strong SA20 performances despite the setback. With Dale Steyn also questioning the omission, Baartmans form has reignited debate around selection margins as the World Cup approaches.

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 8:04 pm

Miracle at No. 8: Auqib Nabi pulls off unthinkable for J&K at VHT

Auqib Nabi produced a sensational unbeaten 114 to lead Jammu and Kashmir to a stunning three-wicket win over Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Rajkot. J&K were reeling at 90/7 before Dar and Vanshaj Sharma (69*) added an unbroken 182-run stand. Dars maiden List A century, off 65 balls, overturned Hyderabads strong total and sealed one of the tournaments most memorable comebacks.

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 8:00 pm

Hyderabad and Sialkot join PSL as two newest teams

FKS, an aviation and healthcare conglomerate based in the US, and OZ Developers, a real estate consortium, won out at the auction

Espn CricInfo 8 Jan 2026 7:54 pm

Tilak Varma fitness update: He is set to resume training in 7-10 days, confirms cricketers coach

India batter Tilak Varma is expected to resume training within seven to ten days after undergoing minor surgery, his childhood coach has confirmed. The 23-year-old is unlikely to miss the T20 World Cup and could return for the New Zealand T20I series. Tilak remains Indias designated No. 3 in the shortest format.

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 7:52 pm

Ruturaj creates history, breaks multiple records, surpasses Kohli and Babar

Ruturaj Gaikwad smashed a brilliant 134 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, reaching his 20th List A century in a record 95 innings. He also became the fastest to 5,000 List A runs. Despite stellar domestic form and a recent ODI century, Gaikwad's omission from the upcoming India squad raises eyebrows. He will lead CSK in IPL 2026.

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 7:25 pm

Mizoram cricketer dies after collapsing during a match

The States cricket association said K. Lalremruata, who represented Mizoram in Ranji and Syed Mushtaq Ali trophies, suffered a stroke while playing

The Hindu 8 Jan 2026 7:04 pm

The winter England conquered Oz Strauss, Cook and Ashes of 201011

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

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 6:59 pm

Hazare Trophy | Saurashtra wallops Gujarat to clinch quarterfinal berth

CRICKET | Vishvaraj notches up his second hundred of the tournament; Haryanas dreams crumble after a batting collapse against Delhi, a result which puts the latter on top of Group D

The Hindu 8 Jan 2026 6:27 pm

Drama at PSL auction! Ex-franchise owner withdraws: 'My heart is at South Punjab'

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

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 6:26 pm

Former Multan Sultans owner Tareen pulls out of PSL auction

The decision, which came at the very last minute, was announced by Tareen on Twitter

Espn CricInfo 8 Jan 2026 6:16 pm

Tilak Varma to miss at least two T20Is against New Zealand

Tilak complained of some pain in the groin and was taken to the hospital for scans. The necessary treatment has been provided, but the recovery period could force him to miss two matches of the upcoming T20I series, a team source confirmed.

The Hindu 8 Jan 2026 6:12 pm

Honey Singh, Jacqueline Fernandez and Harnaaz Sandhu to perform in WPL opening ceremony

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

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 5:46 pm

Dwarshuis, Edwards, Davies set up Sixers' comfortable win

The trio shared nine wickets as Stars were bowled out for 128 to suffer a third defeat on the trot

Espn CricInfo 8 Jan 2026 5:35 pm

Dream Seller and Bezalel impress

The Hindu 8 Jan 2026 5:22 pm

WPL 2026: Dates, schedule, venues, live streaming, squads and all you need to know

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

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 5:21 pm

Harry Brook apologises for nightclub incident in New Zealand before Ashes

Englands Harry Brook has apologized for clashing with a nightclub bouncer in October during the tour of New Zealand that preceded the Ashes series that Australia comprehensively won 4-1

The Hindu 8 Jan 2026 5:08 pm

National shooting team coach suspended for sexually assaulting minor shooter

New Delhi: The national shooting team coach, Ankush Bhardwaj, was suspended by the shooting federation on Thursday, January 8, after a minor shooter accused him of sexually assaulting her during the National Championships last month. NRAI (National Rifle Association of India) confirmed that a first information report (FIR) has been filed against Bhardwaj in Faridabad. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 8 Jan 2026 5:02 pm

Telangana to conduct second edition of CMs Cup from Jan 17

Hyderabad: The Sports Authority of Telangana will conduct the second edition of the Chief Ministers Cup 2025, comprising competitions in 44 sports disciplines, from January 17 to February 26. The competitions would be held at the village, mandal, Assembly constituency, district and state levels. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday released a poster for Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 8 Jan 2026 4:13 pm

Sri Lanka ropes in Vikram Rathour as T20 World Cup batting coach

Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour will guide Sri Lanka's batsmen. He joins the team as a consultant for the T20 World Cup. Rathour brings extensive experience from his tenure with India. He will focus on preparations for the upcoming tournament. His role begins soon and continues through March.

The Economic Times 8 Jan 2026 4:09 pm

Sarfaraz Khan hits fastest 15-ball fifty in Vijay Hazare Trophy, smashes 30 in Abhishek Sharma's over, but team still loses

Sarfaraz Khan Vijay Hazare Trophy: Mumbai's right-hand batsman Sarfaraz Khan smashed the fastest half-century in Vijay Hazare Trophy history, reaching fifty in just 15 balls against Punjab. Despite his explosive 62 off 20 balls, Mumbai narrowly lost the thrilling Group C match by just one run.

The Economic Times 8 Jan 2026 4:06 pm

Malaysia Open: PV Sindhu, Satwik-Chirag secure quarterfinal spots

In an electrifying display at the Malaysia Open, PV Sindhu has gracefully glided into the women's singles quarterfinals after a stunning win over Tomoka Miyazaki. Meanwhile, the men's singles hopes for India came to an end as both Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty faced defeat.

The Economic Times 8 Jan 2026 4:04 pm

Vikram Rathour joins Sri Lanka as consultant batting coach till end of T20 World Cup

Vikram Rathour will join the squad on January 18, four days before the start of Sri Lanka's white-ball series at home against England

Espn CricInfo 8 Jan 2026 3:55 pm

Sarfaraz scripts history, smokes 30 off Abhishek to record fastest-ever fifty

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

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 3:52 pm

Mohammad Ali joins Nottinghamshire for business end of 2026

Pakistan seamer set to play Championship, One Day Cup from start of August

Espn CricInfo 8 Jan 2026 3:51 pm

Sarfaraz Khan smashes fastest List A half-century by an Indian

He took just 15 balls to reach his fifty during Mumbai's game against Punjab, breaking the record jointly held by Abhijit Kale and Atit Sheth

Espn CricInfo 8 Jan 2026 3:31 pm

Malaysia Open: Sindhu crushes Japanese shuttler Miyazaki; secures quarters spot

Former world champion Sindhu, returning after a long injury lay-off, defeated the eighth-seeded Miyazaki 21-8, 21-13 in 33 minutes

The Hindu 8 Jan 2026 3:14 pm

'Lack of execution cost us': Stokes brutal Ashes admission after 41 hammering

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

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 3:11 pm

Khawaja 'grateful' after Test goodbye despite imperfect fairy-tale finish

Retiring Australia batter Usman Khawaja admits he struggled to control his emotions in his final Test

Espn CricInfo 8 Jan 2026 2:56 pm

'Sorry': Harry Brook's apology puts spotlight on England's off-field conduct

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

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 2:44 pm

'If any muppet tells you to slow down...': The advice that shaped Mitchell Starc

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

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 2:39 pm

'Deeply disappointing': ECB orders sweeping review of England after Ashes collapse

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

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 2:11 pm

Tilak Varma doubtful for T20Is against New Zealand after undergoing surgery

India batter underwent the procedure in Rajkot, where he was leading Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy

Espn CricInfo 8 Jan 2026 1:47 pm

Rahila Firdous' journey: Engineering degree, keeping gloves & Dhoni as idol

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

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 1:38 pm

'Kids look up to him': Why Carlsen's outbursts are casting a shadow over chess

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

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 12:57 pm

Tilak Varma undergoes surgery; star batter ruled out of NZ T20I series, doubtful for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Indian crickets middle-order batter Tilak Varma is doubtful for the 2025 ICC T20 World Cup and will miss the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand after undergoing testicular torsion surgery. The 23-year-old left-hander, a key player in Indias Asia Cup 2025 win, has scored 1,183 runs in 40 T20Is at an average of 49.29.

The Economic Times 8 Jan 2026 12:54 pm

WPL Preview: Title-hungry MI face RCB, DC challenge

India's women cricketers begin the fourth Women's Premier League. This tournament serves as preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Defending champions Mumbai Indians face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match. Teams from around the world will compete. Players aim to enhance their skills for the global event.

The Economic Times 8 Jan 2026 12:31 pm

Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers Live Streaming, Playing XI, players to watch, match info, pitch and weather report

Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers Playing 11: Melbourne Stars host Sydney Sixers in a Big Bash League 2025-26 encounter at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Stars aim to recover from recent losses, while the Sixers seek to build on a narrow victory. Overcast skies and a bowler-friendly pitch are expected. This match promises a challenging contest for both sides as they strive for crucial points.

The Economic Times 8 Jan 2026 12:26 pm

Jason Smiths late blitz breathes life into MI Cape Towns SA20 defence

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

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 12:15 pm

Daryl Mitchell to use World Cup positives in ODIs against India

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

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 12:12 pm

Novelty of ICC tournaments wearing off, says Uthappa

Former India batter Robin Uthappa believes ICC tournaments are losing their appeal. He suggests the game needs administrative changes to maintain fan interest. Uthappa feels there should be more gaps between ICC events. He also highlighted the SA20 league as a strong preparation platform for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

The Economic Times 8 Jan 2026 12:02 pm

BKT partners all five Womens Premier League teams

Balkrishna Industries Ltd. is the new Official Tyre Partner for all five teams in India's premier women's T20 championship. This partnership supports women's cricket growth. BKT's commitment to inclusion and high performance is highlighted. The company has existing global cricket associations. This move strengthens BKT's sports portfolio in India.

The Economic Times 8 Jan 2026 11:59 am

'Amazing recovery': Damien Martyn discharged, thanks cricketing world for the love

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

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 11:53 am

SA20: Hopes hundred, Ngidis hat-trick and Buttlers near-miss light up Kingsmead

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

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 11:31 am

NRAI suspends national coach after minor alleges sexual harassment

A prominent Indian shooting coach, Ankush Bhardwaj, faces serious allegations of sexual harassment from a minor shooter. The National Rifles Association of India has suspended Bhardwaj. An FIR has been filed against him. The coach is suspended on moral grounds pending an inquiry. He will not be involved in any coaching activities until the investigation concludes.

The Economic Times 8 Jan 2026 11:09 am

WTC: Australia tighten grip at top, England slip as India stay in contention

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

The Times of India 8 Jan 2026 10:58 am