Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif predicts England will defeat India in the T20 World Cup semifinal, citing their strong middle order and familiarity with conditions. Despite India's historical edge, Latif believes England's resilience in close matches gives them the advantage. England captain Harry Brook also highlighted the team's confidence from winning tight games.from Sports News: Cricket Live Scores, Latest Sports News, Football, NBA, NFL, WWE, NHL, MLB News & More https://ift.tt/Um1yXaR
Finn Allen's record-breaking century powered New Zealand into the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final. Allen credited their prior tour of India for adapting to the challenging black-soil pitches, enabling their dominant chase against South Africa. He also lauded the bowlers for setting up the victory and praised his opening partner Tim Seifert's form.
Amidst his son Arjun Tendulkar's wedding festivities, batting legend Sachin Tendulkar lauded Finn Allen's explosive 100 off 33 balls in the T20 World Cup semi-final. Allen's record-breaking century powered New Zealand to a swift victory, leaving Tendulkar impressed by the rapid finish to the match.
Ahead of their T20 World Cup semifinal, Indian cricketers sought blessings at Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple. Despite a challenging tournament run, the team showed resilience, boosted by Sanju Samson's stellar performance. Facing a strong England side, India's key players and spin attack will be crucial for success on a potentially difficult pitch.
The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has shattered viewership records in India, attracting over 500 million fans, the highest ever for the tournament. This milestone, celebrated by ICC chairman Jay Shah, highlights the event's global and accessible vision. Digital engagement also soared, with JioHotstar peaking at 60.5 million concurrent viewers as the tournament heads into its knockout stages.
The IPL Governing Council has approved the initial phase of the IPL 2026 schedule, with fixtures expected by March 6 or 7. Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will host the tournament opener and a playoff, while the final is set for May 31. The staggered schedule release is due to pending state election announcements.
Mithun Manhas reflects on his emotions when Paras Dogra-led Jammu and Kashmir won the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy title. He traces J&K’s revival to the 2021 BCCI-appointed sub-committee, credits stability and discipline for the turnaround, backs Auqib Nabi as a product of domestic grind, and expresses full faith in Suryakumar Yadav-led India to deliver in front of home crowd in the T20 World Cup.
Indian cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and VVS Laxman extended warm Holi wishes, emphasising joy, positivity, and togetherness. Other stars, including Yuzvendra Chahal, Rishabh Pant, Anil Kumble, and Jhulan Goswami, also shared festive greetings, with some reminding fans to celebrate safely and reflect on the festival's deeper meanings.
IPL 2026 preparations commenced in Chennai with MS Dhoni joining Ruturaj Gaikwad and the Chennai Super Kings squad for their first practice session. Dhoni's playful antics during nets brought laughter, while Gaikwad showcased sharp batting. New signings and domestic players participated as the franchise unveiled their new jersey.
Sanju Samson's spectacular unbeaten 97 powered India to a thrilling five-wicket victory over West Indies, securing a T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal spot. His match-winning knock, the highest in an Indian T20 World Cup chase, earned him immense praise from skipper Suryakumar Yadav, highlighting Samson's crucial contribution under pressure.
Team India is set to host Afghanistan for a multi-format cricket series in June 2026, featuring a one-off Test and three ODIs. The tour, spanning June 6-20, will see matches played in New Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Lucknow, and Chennai. This series offers vital preparation for both nations ahead of a busy international schedule.
Varun Chakravarthy returns to Eden Gardens, a venue where he has excelled, as a key weapon for India's T20 squad. Despite recent indifferent form, both Indian and West Indies management acknowledge his wicket-taking ability. The team also expressed strong support for Rinku Singh following his father's passing.
Pakistan's T20 captain Salman Ali Agha is set to be removed following the World Cup, irrespective of the team's performance. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is reportedly unhappy with the campaign's trajectory. Senior players, including Babar Azam, may also see their T20 international careers conclude after the tournament.
Sanju Samson expressed his delight at the warm reception in Chennai, now his IPL home ground with CSK. He feels a strong emotional connection with the passionate Chennai crowd, acknowledging the added responsibility to entertain them. Samson recently provided quick momentum for India against Zimbabwe with a brisk 24-ball innings.
Former captain Shahid Afridi believes Shadab Khan is the leading candidate to captain Pakistan if coach Mike Hesson remains. Afridi cited Shadab's strong rapport with Hesson from their time at Islamabad United as a key factor. He emphasized the need for Shadab to deliver consistent performances to justify the captaincy, a sentiment echoed by Shoaib Malik.
Former cricketers are extending heartfelt condolences to Rinku Singh following the passing of his father, Khanchand Singh. Rinku, who left the T20 World Cup to be with his family, is receiving support from figures like Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, and Virender Sehwag. IPL franchises have also shared their sympathies during this difficult period.
Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar expressed surprise at Abhishek Sharma's defensive shot during India's T20 World Cup win over Zimbabwe on Thursday. Sharma's fluent 55, ending a streak of ducks, showcased a new maturity. Gavaskar believes this experience marks significant growth for the young batter, preparing him for crucial upcoming matches.
Umar Akmal clarified his recent social media post, stating he did not intend to compare himself to Babar Azam or disrespect the Pakistan captain. Akmal explained his intention was to highlight that Azam's batting style is not ideally suited for the T20 middle order, emphasizing role suitability rather than a direct comparison of achievements.
Indian Super League clubs have unanimously rejected the All India Football Federation's proposal to include Churchill Brothers in the ongoing 2025-26 season. The clubs cited concerns over merit-based participation and competitive integrity, stating the league structure is closed and final. This decision comes after previous deliberations and a prior rejection by the AIFF Executive Committee.
Rinku Singh is set to rejoin the Indian squad this evening after a brief absence due to his father's ill health. The middle-order batter had returned home urgently, missing training sessions. His father is reportedly in serious condition in an NCR hospital. Singh's availability for the crucial Super 8 match against Zimbabwe was in doubt following his departure.
Shoaib Akhtar expressed intense disappointment following Pakistan's T20 World Cup defeat to England, criticizing captain Salman Ali Agha's leadership. England's victory, spearheaded by Harry Brook's century, shattered Pakistan's semi-final aspirations, leaving their tournament hopes dependent on other match outcomes.
Jammu and Kashmir captain Paras Dogra headbutted a Karnataka substitute fielder during the Ranji Trophy final, sparking heated exchanges. Despite the incident and subsequent confrontations, Jammu and Kashmir continued to dominate, building on a strong first innings performance.
India's T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal path is challenging. A significant loss to South Africa has impacted their net run rate. India must win their upcoming matches convincingly. Dominant victories are crucial to improve their net run rate and secure a spot in the semifinals. The team faces Zimbabwe and West Indies next.
Anil Kumble sees West Indies as strong T20 World Cup contenders after their dominant win, highlighting their knockout stage readiness and explosive batting. He noted Hetmyer's crucial innings and Powell's power. Kumble also cautioned that India faces a tougher path to the semi-finals following their significant defeat to South Africa, emphasizing the need for convincing victories in upcoming matches.
Ravichandran Ashwin has advised Pakistan to promote Fakhar Zaman to the middle order for their crucial Super 8 clash against England. Ashwin believes Zaman's ability to sweep and use his feet can counter England's spinners, Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson, citing Nepal's successful strategy against Rashid.
Arsenal solidified their Premier League lead with a commanding 4-1 victory over Tottenham, featuring a stellar brace from Eberechi Eze. Meanwhile, Liverpool secured a dramatic 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest thanks to Alexis Mac Allister's last-gasp goal, keeping their European aspirations alive. Fulham and Crystal Palace also clinched important wins.
Australia's Twenty20 World Cup campaign ended in a group stage exit, prompting calls for a rebuild ahead of the 2028 tournament. Coach Andrew McDonald defended his squad selection despite criticism from former players like Glenn McGrath and Mark Waugh, who questioned the inclusion of out-of-form players and the absence of key fast bowlers.
Brothers Morne and Albie Morkel will face off as rival coaches in the T20 World Cup Super 8 clash between India and South Africa. Morne coaches India's bowling attack, while Albie serves as a consultant for South Africa, both aiming for victory despite their family ties. Their childhood backyard rivalries are now amplified on the international stage.
The 2026 FIDE Candidates and Women’s Candidates pairings are out, with both tournaments set in Cyprus from March 28 to April 16 in a double round-robin format. Key open clashes include Caruana vs Nakamura and Praggnanandhaa vs Giri, while the women’s event features major games like Humpy vs Divya. After 14 rounds, the winners will challenge the world champions.
The Super 8 stage kicks off with a crucial clash between Pakistan and New Zealand in Colombo. Pakistan holds a slight edge due to their spin attack, particularly mystery spinner Usman Tariq. New Zealand, familiar with Pakistan's bowling, will rely on their middle order to counter the threat.
Cricketer Hardik Pandya celebrated his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma's 25th birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post featuring a video of them enjoying fireworks and releasing a lantern. Pandya expressed his love and gratitude, to which Sharma responded by calling him her best gift. The couple has been publicly seen together since Pandya confirmed their relationship in October 2025.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has criticized Shadab Khan's post-match comments, reminding him of the challenges of handling success after their 2021 World Cup win against India. Afridi urged Shadab to let his performance on the field answer critics during the upcoming Super 8 matches, emphasizing that former players supported him during difficult times.
India's dominant T20 World Cup victory over Pakistan shattered digital records, attracting 163 million viewers, the highest ever for an ICC T20 World Cup match. Ishan Kishan's explosive 77 powered India to 175/7, a target Pakistan couldn't chase, falling for 114. This win secured India's Super Eight spot unbeaten.
Mohammad Amir said Pakistan no longer commands the fear it did in the 1990s, especially against India. Shahid Afridi called for dropping senior players, which angered Shadab Khan, who reminded critics they also never beat India in World Cups. Basit Ali criticised Shadab’s comments and questioned his performances, sharing an anecdote about taking away his phones on a past tour.
Pakistan's hockey captain, Shakeel Ammad Butt, has fiercely criticised the Pakistan Hockey Federation following a disastrous tour of Australia. Players endured severe accommodation issues, including being forced to wash dishes before matches, and faced significant delays and unconfirmed bookings. Butt stated the team's performance was negatively impacted by these embarrassing circumstances.
NorthEast United FC coach Juan Pedro Benali urged fans to support Indian football by attending matches and subscribing to watch games, rather than just criticising on social media. He emphasised unity within the Indian football family, calling for collective support for clubs and players during challenging times.
Legendary cricketers from five countries, including Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, have appealed to the Pakistan government for proper treatment of jailed former captain Imran Khan. Citing his deteriorating health and vision loss, the appeal highlights Khan's cricketing achievements and former prime ministerial role, urging humane detention and medical care.
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is nearing the end of its group stage, with five teams already securing Super Eights berths. Three spots remain up for grabs, with multiple nations mathematically in contention. Group C is finalised, while Groups A, B, and D still have races to determine the remaining qualifiers.
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan became the first bowler to take 700 T20 wickets during the T20 World Cup match against UAE, adding to his record as the highest wicket-taker in T20Is. However, he admitted Afghanistan are still hurting from their double Super Over loss to South Africa, calling it “heartbreaking.” Rashid said defeats linger but offer lessons, and stressed that limited matches against top teams make World Cup pressure even tougher.
Magnus Carlsen won the 2026 FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship in Germany, defeating Fabiano Caruana 2.5–1.5. A crucial comeback win in game three helped him secure the title, clinched with a draw in the final game. It is the first FIDE-recognised Freestyle world title and Carlsen’s 21st overall. Abdusattorov finished third, and the top three qualified for 2027.
West Indies became the first team to qualify for the T20 World Cup Super Eights after a dominant nine-wicket win over Nepal. Nepal struggled early and managed 133/8, with Dipendra Singh Airee scoring 58. Jason Holder took 4/27. Shai Hope (61*) and Shimron Hetmyer (46*) chased the target in 15.2 overs. Nepal were eliminated from the tournament.
Harbhajan Singh defended Abhishek Sharma after Mohammad Amir called him a “slogger” ahead of the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup clash. Harbhajan said Abhishek is a skilled and determined batsman with a full range of shots, not someone who blindly hits the ball. He criticised critics for judging without facing him and urged Abhishek to prove himself with a big innings for India.
India’s 14-year-old cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will skip his CBSE Class 10 board exams due to a busy cricket schedule. Despite completing formalities, his family and school decided he wasn’t prepared. The U19 World Cup star has broken multiple records but can’t play for India’s senior team yet due to age rules. Once he turns 15 in 2026, a senior debut is expected.