Sports News
Rickelton 113 in vain as DSG hang on in high-scoring thriller against MICT
Led by Devon Conway's 64, DSG posted 232, and MICT fell just 15 short in season opener
Kohli, Pant fifties carry Delhi to a tight 7-run win over Gujarat
Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant's fifties propelled Delhi to 254, but Gujarat faltered in their chase, collapsing to 247. Despite a strong start, Gujarat's batters succumbed to pressure, handing Delhi a narrow seven-run victory in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
At the end of the day, Australia was 4/0, with Scott Boland (4*) and Travis Head (0*) unbeaten. England was skittled out for 110 in reply to Australia's first innings total of 152 runs, with Neser (4/45) and Boland (3/30) being at their most unplayable. England trails by 46 runs.
Josh Tongue Becomes First England Bowler This Century to Take Five-Wicket Haul at Melbourne
In cricket, Josh Tongue scripted history after he became the first England bowler this century to claim a five-wicket haul in Mens Tests at the Melbourne Cricket Ground today. His 5 for 45 helped England bowl out Australia for 152 in their first innings of the Boxing Day Test. It was the first time an []
India Women Beat Sri Lanka by 8 Wickets to Take 3-0 Lead in T20I Series
In womens cricket, India beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the third Womens T20I to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series in Thiruvananthapuram tonight. Put into bat first, the visitors scored 112 for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. For the hosts, Renuka Singh Thakur picked up a four-wicket []
Hazare Trophy | All-round Mumbai gets the better of Uttarakhand
The side amasses 331 for seven thanks to Tamores brilliant unbeaten 93; Musheer (55), Sarfaraz (55) and Mulani (48) also chip in with crucial knocks; Yuvrajs 96-ball 96 goes in vain as the team goes down by 51 runs
'Inspiration for young athletes': Rajiv Shukla lauds Sooryavanshi
BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla congratulated 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after he received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar from Indian President Droupadi Murmu. The award recognises his rapid rise and record-breaking performances in age-group stages, domestic and IPL cricket, including becoming the youngest centurion in List A, T20 and IPL history.
'Unfair for the batters': Vaughan slams MCG pitch after Day 1 of 4th Test
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has strongly criticised the pitch used for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, saying it was too difficult for batters. The match saw an unusual amount of action on Day 1, with as many as 20 wickets falling, something that has not happened in an Ashes Test for 75 years.
Renuka, Deepti shine before Shafali Verma powers India to series win
India clinched the five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with an emphatic eight-wicket victory in the third match. Renuka Singh Thakur and Deepti Sharma's stellar bowling restricted Sri Lanka to 112, with Deepti reaching a T20I wicket milestone. Shafali Verma then unleashed a blistering unbeaten 79, powering India to an unassailable 3-0 lead.
Rabada misses SA20 opener with T20 World Cup selection looming
The South Africa fast bowler is expected to miss MICT's second game, but be fit in time for the third
VHT | Kohli, Pant star as Delhi pips Gujarat
Following WWE retirement, John Cena beats Cristiano Ronaldo
John Cena's WWE farewell saw a surprising heel turn and a WrestleMania main event victory over Cody Rhodes. He also secured the Intercontinental Championship, becoming a Grand Slam Champion. His final match ended in a submission loss to Gunther, which Cena described as a peaceful, natural ending. Beyond wrestling, Cena was voted 2025 Person of the Year, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo.
AIFF proposes new 20-season ISL framework, February start possible
AIFF proposed owning and operating the ISL for 20 seasons under a new structure with promotion and relegation from next season. A central operational budget, club participation fees, and revenue sharing are planned. Clubs will respond soon, with meetings ongoing. The first season budget is Rs 70 crore, and ISL may start in February.
HAZARE TROPHY | Shoreys second consecutive ton sets up Vidharbhas big win over Hyderabad
CRICKET | Openers Mokhade and Rathod set up the platform with a century-plus stand before Dubey leads the bowling effort; Limbanis five-for highlights Barodas four-wicket win over Bengal
Deepti, Renuka in as India bowl; Sri Lanka make three changes
Trailing 2-0, the visitors have brought in Meepage, Dulani and Snehani to try and turn the tide
Want to improve your quality of living in the new year? We speak to experts from different fields to find out what habits to let go off in 2025 and what to adopt in 2026
Record! Virat Kohli surpasses Australia legend to top the elite list
Virat Kohli smashed 77 for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to become the highest-averaging batter in List A history, surpassing Michael Bevan. His average now stands at 57.87. Amid doubts over his form, Kohli has scored 584 runs in six 50-over matches and has become the fastest to 16,000 List A runs.
Rohitstips helped me immensely:Tamore
Ashes 2025: Former England captain rips into MCG pitch after Boxing Day carnage
Former England captain Alastair Cook slammed the MCG pitch after a chaotic opening day saw all 20 wickets fall. He deemed it ot a great Test wicket, heavily favouring bowlers and making strokeplay a high-risk exercise. Despite acknowledging batting improvements needed, Cook felt conditions were unfair, with even Australia's Scott Boland proving unplayable at times.
Pragg, Giri or Nakamura? Rapport reveals pick for Candidates | Exclusive
Hungarian GM Richrd Rapport shared insights on the upcoming 2026 Candidates Tournament in Cyprus, saying experience will play a key role. He noted that veterans like Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana may play tight games against each other, while decisive results often come against struggling players. Rapport added that lower-seeded players can still create surprises in the round-robin format.
Mumbais Raghuvanshi stretchered off with injury during Vijay Hazare Trophy match
After investigations, he was discharged from the hospital. The doctors examined him, and all reports were normal. He suffered a concussion, but is now doing fine, a team source confirmed
Virat Kohli shines in last VHT game as Delhi edge Gujarat by seven runs in thriller
Delhi defeated Gujarat by seven runs in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match. Virat Kohli scored 77 and Rishabh Pant made 70 for Delhi. Gujarat faltered under pressure during their chase. Saurav Chauhan offered resistance with 49 runs. Prince Yadav took three wickets for Delhi. The win was sealed in the final overs.
Not enough balls! BPL team's coach walks out of training session
Khaled Mahmud walked out of Noakhali Expresss training ahead of the BPL opener, unhappy with team management and poor facilities. Pace coach Talha joined him after a reported argument over a lack of practice balls and alleged misbehaviour by the owner. Both later returned after being convinced, as BPL officials criticised the franchises unprofessional conduct.
Mumbai opener Angkrish Raghuvanshi was hospitalized after sustaining a shoulder and neck injury, along with a concussion, during a Vijay Hazare Trophy match. The incident occurred while attempting a difficult catch, leading to a nasty fall where his head hit the ground. He was taken to SDMH Hospital for observation and scans.
Boozeball or Bazball? The hangover of wannabe cricket Ultras reduced to ashes
Bazball arrived in Australia preaching fearlessness and fun, but will leave exposed by one of Test crickets harshest conditions. Amid losses, off-field indulgence and mounting criticism, Englands cult-like philosophy has lost its aura of credibility. As Australia dismantle method and mindset alike, Bazballs greatest challenge now isnt survival -- its relevance under pressure.
Mumbai City confirms exit of majority stakeholders City Football Group due to ISL's uncertainty
Mumbai City FC's majority owner, City Football Group, has sold its stake back to the club's founders. This move comes amid uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League's future. City Football Group, which owns Manchester City, had a 65 percent share since 2019. Mumbai City FC has achieved significant success during this period.
Harper 60-ball 110* and Curran, Siddle three-fors make it three in three for Stars
For Sydney Sixers, it was a third loss in four games this season, and for their premier quick Kane Richardson, a forgettable day as he conceded 41 from two wicketless overs
KKR star and Rohit Sharmas team-mate stretchered off after serious injury
Mumbai batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi was hospitalized after a serious head injury during a Vijay Hazare Trophy match in Jaipur. The 21-year-old, also an IPL player, was stretchered off, causing concern. Earlier, Mumbai posted 331/7, with strong contributions from Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, and Hardik Tamore. Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a duck.
After 20 wickets on Day 1, Broad: 'There is something really wrong'
Stuart Broad criticised the MCG pitch after 20 wickets fell on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test, calling the movement excessive for Test cricket. Josh Tongue starred for England with a historic five-wicket haul as Australia were bowled out for 152. A record 94,199 fans watched the dramatic opening day.
First since January 1902: Boxing Day Test rewrites 123 years of Ashes history
A historic Ashes Test unfolded at the MCG with a remarkable 20 wickets tumbling on Day One, a feat unseen since 1902. Australia, bowled out for 152, secured a first-innings lead after England collapsed for 110. The chaotic, old-school shootout captivated a record Boxing Day crowd, setting up a thrilling contest.
Not great: Carlsen on relations with FIDE ahead of World Rapid & Blitz
Magnus Carlsen has returned for the 2025 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships in Doha, held from December 26 to 30 with a 1 million prize fund. The world number one said personal and family ties with the Qatar organisers were central to his decision. His relationship with FIDE remains strained after last years jeansgate controversy.
IPL 2026: Venkatesh Iyer may not be in RCB playing eleven at the start of season, says Anil Kumble
Defending champions RCB bolstered their squad by securing Iyer, Jacob Duffy and Mangesh Yadav, among others during the auction held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi
'Venkatesh Iyer will not be in playing XI': Former RCB captain drops bombshell
Former India captain Anil Kumble believes Venkatesh Iyer won't start for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the upcoming IPL season. RCB aims for stability in their winning squad, prioritizing continuity over immediate changes. Experts suggest Iyer's inclusion might be gradual, despite his talent, to maintain team cohesion and trust in existing players.
'That pitch has too much life for Test cricket' - MCG surface under scanner
Stuart Broad and Glenn McGrath among former players to criticise Melbourne pitch after 20-wicket day
HIL 2026: Hardik Singh named captain of HIL Governing Council squad
Harmanpreet Singh and Hardik Singh are eyeing good performances in the Hockey India League, beginning early next year, to fine-tune their skills and build confidence ahead of a busy international season
Shorey equals record for most consecutive List A hundreds
His unbeaten 109 against Hyderabad was his fifth century in a row, equalling Jagadeesan's record
Hardik to lead HIL governing council squad in 2026
Hardik Singh will lead the HIL Governing Council team in the Hockey India League. The tournament begins January 3 in Chennai. The team features experienced players and promising youngsters. The league will have eight franchises competing in a single round-robin format. Playoffs and the final will be held in Bhubaneswar. The league aims to provide continuity for players.
'Fast-track him now': Ex-India captain compares Suryavanshi to Tendulkar
Former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth is urging selectors to fast-track teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into the senior Indian team. Citing Suryavanshi's maturity, technique, and dominance across age-group and domestic cricket, Srikkanth compares his rapid rise to Sachin Tendulkar's early career, advocating for bold backing of rare talent.
'I dreamt of this as a kid' - Neser emerges as Australia's unlikely Ashes hero
Michael Neser first scored a vital 35 and then picked up four wickets on the 20-wicket first day of the MCG Test
14-year-old Sooryavanshi honoured with PM Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Watch
Young batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, just 14, has been honored with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. His remarkable year includes an IPL contract, a 58-ball century for India U19, and breaking multiple records in T20 and List A cricket, including the fastest IPL hundred and fastest youth ODI century. His meteoric rise continues to captivate the nation.
Young Indian cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. The 14-year-old batter has achieved numerous records in age-group cricket and the IPL. His performances have drawn comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar. Suryavanshi's career has seen him break multiple batting records at a young age.
20 wickets fall on opening day: Boxing Day Test explodes into Ashes chaos
A dramatic opening day at the MCG saw 20 wickets fall as Australia were bowled out for 152, with Josh Tongue taking 5 wickets. England then collapsed to 110 all out, with Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser taking multiple wickets. Australia finished the day on 4/0, holding a slender lead.
Australia seize handy lead after Josh Tongue five-for on 20-wicket day
England were dismissed for 110 at the MCG with Michael Neser and Scott Boland rampant
Ashes 4th Test: 20 wickets fall on a record-breaking Day 1
Australia secured a 42-run first-innings lead over England on a dramatic day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Twenty wickets fell before a world-record crowd. Australia collapsed for 152, but England was bowled out for 110. Australia finished the day at 4-0 in their second innings, holding an overall lead of 46 runs.
Mumbai opener Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a golden duck by Uttarakhand pacer Devendra Bora in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Bora, playing his third List A match, removed Sharma in the opening over after Mumbai opted to bowl. Sharma's attempt at a pick-up pull shot resulted in a catch at deep square leg.
Gautam Gambhir's year as India coach ends like it started - on a chaotic note
Gautam Gambhir's year as India coach ends like it started - on a chaotic note
Pat Cummins sets sights on T20 WC in India & SL after being ruled out of last two Ashes Tests
Fresh off an Ashes victory, Pat Cummins, the Australian cricket captain, is taking some well-deserved time off to prepare for the T20 World Cup approaching next month. Unfortunately, veteran spinner Nathan Lyon will be absent for several months as he heals from hamstring surgery.
VHT: Why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi missed Bihars match against Manipur
Fourteen-year-old Bihar cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is being honored with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in New Delhi. This prestigious award recognises his exceptional talent, highlighted by a record-breaking 190 off 84 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Sooryavanshi's achievement marks a significant milestone early in his promising career.
Ashes 4th Test: Australia all out for 152 as England takes charge
Steve Smith looked to have weathered the storm, but he was cleaned up on nine by Tongue, who knocked back his middle stump to leave England's Barmy Army of fans in full voice.
Ashes: Josh Tongue's fifer helps England skittle Australia out for 152
England dominated Australia on day one of the fourth Ashes Test, bowling them out for 152 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Captain Ben Stokes won the toss, and his pace attack, led by Josh Tongue's five-wicket haul, seized early control. Despite Australia already securing the series, England aimed to salvage pride.
VHT: Virat Kohli falls for 77 off 61 balls; Rohit Sharma fails to open account
Ashes 4th Test: Tongue's fifer ends Australia's first innings for 152 runs at MCG on Day 1
England's bowlers dominated Australia on day one of the fourth Ashes Test. Josh Tongue took five wickets as Australia was bowled out for 152. England's pace attack showed accuracy and venom. Australia's batting collapsed early. Michael Neser top-scored with 35. England aims to end their winless streak in Australia.
Vijay Hazare Trophy Live Score: Delhi vs Gujarat
From whispered advice to silverware: Dhoni touch behind Jharkhand's SMAT win
MS Dhoni's quiet guidance was instrumental in Jharkhand's maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy triumph. The former India captain stayed in constant touch with players and management, offering advice on coaching appointments and player development. Dhoni's deep knowledge of domestic talent and commitment to Jharkhand cricket laid the foundation for this historic victory.
Ahead of key meeting, ISL clubs seek clarity on league structure from AIFF
The 2025-26 ISL season was put on hold in July due to disagreements over renewing the Master Rights Agreement
Vijay Hazare Trophy Live: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli once again in action today
2026 beckons: Can Rinku Singh finally boss India's T20I middle order?
2026 beckons: Can Rinku Singh finally boss India's T20I middle order?
Players can only leave if replacements come in Amorim
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is not willing to let any players leave in the January transfer window unless replacements come in. Players can only leave if replacements come in Amorim
Newcastle stadium plans in limbo Howe
Eddie Howe says Newcastle's stadium and training ground plans are in limbo and there is a 99.9% chance he will not be in charge when they are real... Newcastle stadium plans in limbo Howe
Head drags on as Atkinson takes early wicket
Gus Atkinson dismisses Travis Head for 12 as the ball is played onto the stumps, to leave Australia 27-1 on day one of the fourth Ashes Test in Melbou... Head drags on as Atkinson takes early wicket
Record! Sooryavanshi becomes first cricketer ever to reach this rare feat
Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made history by smashing 190 off 84 balls for Bihar against Arunachal Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He became the youngest to score a List A hundred and the first mens cricketer to hit centuries in both List A and T20 cricket before 15. His knock helped Bihar post a record 574.
Balaji is core member of team, can be considered for next tie: Rajpal
Rajpal explained that the choice was influenced by the need for a deuce-court specialist in the doubles pairing
Jeev wins in Colombo; Pukhraj claims IGPL Order of Merit, gets entry to International Series
As Jeev won his maiden IGPL title, Pukhraj Singh Gill, despite finishing T-12th, won the IGPL Order of Merit by a razor thin margin over Aman Raj and Gaganjeet Bhullar
Chelsea boosted by return of Delap and Estevao ahead of Villa test
Chelsea is fourth in the league, trailing third-placed Villa by seven points
Centrestageto wilderness and back again theKishansaga
Freed up in the mind and more driven than he has ever been, the flamboyant batter will be chomping at the bit, hoping for a chance to light up the international scene once more
ForTN, talent isnt the issue cohesion, mindset and clarity are:Bhagwandas
India vs Sri Lanka - Need to improve in all facets of the game, says Amol
India hopes to seal the series; Sri Lanka aims to mounta meaningful challenge
Robin Minz relishing the finishers role
'Not an ideal contest': Sooryavanshi's VHT knock raises concerns in Ashwin's mind
R Ashwin questioned the growing quality gap in Indian domestic cricket after Bihar smashed a record 574 runs against Arunachal Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. While praising Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ashwin said such one-sided matches hurt competition and confidence. He also lauded Ishan Kishans comeback, highlighting how hard work and form revived his career.
Watch: Hardik wins hearts after ignoring abusive fan during dinner date
Hardik Pandya stayed calm after a fan hurled abuse while he was leaving a restaurant with girlfriend Maheika Sharma following a Christmas dinner. The video went viral, drawing praise for his restraint. On the field, Pandya starred in Indias T20I series win over South Africa with explosive knocks, including a 16-ball fifty.
Silent protest in Indian football: What happened in FC Goa's ACL 2 match
FC Goa staged a silent protest before kick-off in their AFC Champions League 2 match against Istiklol to highlight the deepening uncertainty in Indian football. The symbolic gesture drew attention to administrative issues affecting domestic leagues. On the field, Goa led early but lost 2-1, finishing bottom of their group without a point.
Social Butterfly, Beast Mode and Lucky Diamond show out
Virat Kohli's childhood coach makes a big statement on 2027 ODI World Cup
Virat Kohli's childhood coach makes a big statement on 2027 ODI World Cup
Shreyas Iyer resumes batting, heads to BCCI CoE for further assessment
India's ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has begun batting practice sessions post-injury in Mumbai, showing no discomfort. The 31-year-old is now heading to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for further assessment. While a return date remains uncertain, Iyer is aiming for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, with clarity expected after assessment at the CoE.
Sansad Khel Mahotsav Producing Thousands of Talented Athletes: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the Sansad Khel Mahotsav is providing the country with thousands of talented athletes. Addressing the Sansad Khel Mahotsav through video conferencing today,Mr. Modi said, the scale of the Sansad Khel Mahotsav has grown significantly and also its impact. He said the sports festival is becoming a strong pillar []
India Defeats Sri Lanka by 7 Wickets in 2nd Womens T20I
In Womens cricket, India beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the 2nd T20 International of the five-match series in Visakhapatnam last night. Chasing the target of 129 runs set by Sri Lanka, India reached the target in 11.5 overs. For India, Shafali Verma scored a blistering, unbeaten 69 runs off 34 balls. For Sri []
Vaibhav Suryavanshi breaks AB de Villiers record with fastest 150 in mens List A cricket
Bihar opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi on Wednesday created history, scoring 150 in just 59 balls, breaking AB de Villiers record for the fastest 150 in mens List A cricket. AB de Villiers had taken 64 balls to make a similar score against the West Indies in 2015. Displaying a rare combination of composure and aggression, Vaibhav []
'I will not work in the BPL' - Noakhali Express coaches raise a stink over poor arrangements
Khaled Mahmud and Talha Jubair left the training session in Sylhet owing to the lack of enough balls to train with
Rohit Sharma stops young fan from touching his feet; video goes viral
Rohit Sharma won hearts after stopping a young fan from touching his feet following Mumbais Vijay Hazare Trophy opener. He then starred with the bat, smashing 155 off 94 balls as Mumbai beat Sikkim by eight wickets in Jaipur. Rohits knock included his fastest-ever List A century and ensured a dominant win.
India target series win against under-pressure Sri Lanka
They are leading the five match T20I series 2-0 against a side undergoing a transition phase
'Pragg is third favourite': Carlsen rates Candidates 2026 line-up
World No. 1 and five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen has named Americans Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana as favourites for the 2026 Candidates, with Indias R Praggnanandhaa as the third contender. Praggnanandhaa is the only Indian among eight players competing to challenge World Champion D Gukesh. The tournament starts on March 28 in Cyprus.
BPL: BCB takes over ownership of Chattogram Royals day before start of new season
The franchise wrote in the letter that due to media reports, they couldn't find sponsors for the team, BCB spokesperson tells ESPNcricinfo
SA20 Season 4: Stubbs enters the unknown in known surroundings with eye on T20 WC
SA20 Season 4 begins on December 26 with marquee names in charge and a clear subtext ahead of the T20 World Cup. The spotlight is firmly on two-time champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape, where Tristan Stubbs steps into the captaincy amid leadership change, uneven recent form and once again renewed emphasis on local talent shaping South Africas premier T20 competition.
'Unsavoury': Bavuma reflects on Conrad's 'grovel' remark after India tour
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma addressed coach Shukri Conrad's grovel comment, admitting the phrasing was unfortunate. Bavuma stated the remark reflected the intensity of the Test series against India, not any deeper intent. Conrad later clarified his statement, acknowledging he could have chosen a better word.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: Have selectors told him where he stands in white ball cricket?
Yashasvi Jaiswal faces constant team changes despite consistent form. Selectors prioritize experience and specific team needs over his all-format potential. This situation impacts his confidence. Former selectors express concern, highlighting his match-winning ability. Jaiswal's exclusion from recent white-ball assignments raises questions about his future opportunities.
'Not going to criticise': Ex-captain defends England players amid Noosa storm
England's Ashes tour faces off-field controversy after a mid-series break. Former captain Michael Vaughan urges restraint, stating the issue stems from cricket's ingrained drinking culture. He argues that players relaxing on days off often engage in similar behaviour. Vaughan believes this is a systemic problem across several cricketing nations, not an individual failing.
Rohit Sharma showcased his batting prowess with a century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He scored 155 runs, guiding Mumbai to victory. A fan's vada pav offer to Sharma went viral. The match saw over 20,000 spectators, highlighting Sharma's immense popularity. Fans skipped work and college to witness his performance. The crowd remained engaged throughout his innings.
'I get fans' frustration, but': Ashwin explains why VHT matches werent televised
Fans' frustration over limited Vijay Hazare Trophy TV coverage is understandable, says Ravichandran Ashwin. While stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are lighting up the tournament with centuries, many matches remain unwatched. Ashwin explained that broadcasting schedules are set far in advance, making last-minute telecasts difficult despite the players' presence.

