Category: SPORTS

City, December 18:
Sports enthusiasts have expressed concern over the limited support for domestic players, saying that while the love for the sport remains strong, fans often fail to rally behind homegrown talent. Commentators noted that this trend can impact player morale and long-term development of sports at the grassroots level.

Experts argue that stronger engagement with local players through promotions, outreach, and community involvement could help bridge the gap between fandom and support. Many believe that fostering pride in domestic talent is crucial for building competitive teams and ensuring sustained growth of the sport in the country.

Adelaide, December 18:
In a thrilling contest at Adelaide Oval, England’s Brook and Ben Stokes forged a crucial partnership that reignited hopes for the visiting side in the ongoing Ashes 3rd Test. Their resilient batting displayed determination against Australia’s potent bowling attack, helping England stabilize the innings after early wickets had threatened to derail their progress.

Australia’s fast bowler Scott Green struck with a key breakthrough, claiming an important wicket and keeping the hosts in contention. Analysts noted that the match continues to be finely poised, with both teams displaying moments of dominance. The performances of Brook, Stokes, and Green have set the stage for an exciting finish, keeping fans on the edge of their seats in this high-stakes Ashes clash.

Tokyo, December 18:
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) clinched the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, defeating Flamengo in a thrilling penalty shootout after the match ended in a stalemate during regular and extra time. The victory marks another prestigious international trophy for PSG, showcasing their dominance on the global club stage.

The match was closely contested, with both teams creating scoring opportunities but unable to break the deadlock in 120 minutes. PSG held their nerve in the penalty shootout, with goalkeeper heroics and precise spot-kicks proving decisive. Analysts noted that the win reinforces PSG’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in international football and highlights their resilience in high-pressure situations.

Adelaide, December 18:
Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins continued his fine form against England captain Joe Root, claiming his wicket for just 12 runs during the ongoing Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval. Cummins’ disciplined pace and swing once again proved challenging for Root, maintaining his remarkable record against the English skipper in high-profile encounters.

Cummins’ performance not only strengthened Australia’s position in the match but also highlighted his consistency and ability to strike key blows at crucial moments. Cricket analysts pointed out that Root’s dismissal could impact England’s strategy and morale, reinforcing Cummins’ status as one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket and a decisive factor in the Ashes series.

Adelaide, December 18:
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc criticised the snickometer technology, calling it the “worst technology ever” after a series of controversial decisions during the ongoing Test match between Australia and England at Adelaide Oval. Starc expressed frustration as the ultra-edge system repeatedly went against bowlers, affecting crucial dismissals and match momentum.

The comments sparked debate among players and fans alike, with many questioning the reliability of ball-tracking and edge-detection technologies in cricket. Analysts noted that while snickometer and DRS technologies are intended to enhance umpiring accuracy, inconsistencies can create tensions on the field, especially in high-stakes Test matches. Starc’s remark underscores ongoing discussions about balancing technology use with human judgment in cricket.

Ongole, December 18:
The Andhra Pradesh government has sanctioned ₹2.37 crore for the development of a mini stadium in Ongole. The funds will be used to upgrade indoor and outdoor sports facilities along with fitness tracks.

Officials said the project aims to promote sports culture among youth and provide better infrastructure for athletes. The stadium is expected to become a key hub for local sporting activities.

New Delhi, Dec 17: Football superstar Lionel Messi expressed gratitude to India for the “warm welcome and great hospitality” he received during his recent visit to the country. Messi, who attended multiple fan events and engaged with local communities, highlighted the enthusiasm and passion of Indian fans for the sport. His visit, which included interactions with supporters and participation in promotional activities, was widely covered by the media and drew significant attention on social media platforms.

Messi’s team noted that the Argentine forward was impressed by the scale and energy of the events, as well as the efforts made by organizers to ensure a smooth and memorable experience. Fans and football enthusiasts in India took to social media to share their experiences and photos with Messi, celebrating the rare opportunity to witness a global football icon in person. The visit further strengthened India’s profile as a host for international sports events and underscored the growing popularity of football in the country.

Abu Dhabi, Dec 16: The IPL 2026 player auction in Abu Dhabi has thrown up several blockbuster buys and strategic picks, reshaping the squads of all ten franchises as they prepare for the upcoming season. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made headlines by splashing a record sum on Australian all‑rounder Cameron Green, signalling their intent to rebuild a competitive core after the departure of several key players. KKR also strengthened their bowling with top buys like Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, adding depth and balance to both batting and bowling departments. This aggressive strategy puts KKR in a strong position as they look for a consistent playing XI capable of challenging for the title.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opted to invest heavily in young talent, securing a pair of promising uncapped Indians with significant bids, while also eyeing all‑rounders and finishers to bolster their squad after a disappointing previous season. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians (MI) faced constraints with a relatively small purse, focusing on targeted buys and domestic players to round out their lineup. Other franchises similarly used their auction budgets to plug gaps — acquiring finishers, spin specialists and versatile all‑rounders to build balanced XIs. With teams now crystallizing their post‑auction squads, attention turns to how these new combinations will translate on the field when the IPL 2026 season kicks off.

Lucknow, Dec 17: Cricket fans across India are gearing up for the 4th T20I between India and South Africa, scheduled for December 17, 2025, at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow, starting at 7:00 PM IST. This match is part of the ongoing five‑match T20I series, with India aiming to consolidate its lead against the visiting South African side. The encounter is expected to draw significant attention as both teams look to fine‑tune their line-ups ahead of major international tournaments in 2026.

Fans can watch the match live on Star Sports Network, with regional language commentary available on Star Sports Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada channels. For viewers who prefer online streaming, the JioHotstar app and website will provide live coverage, accessible on smartphones, smart TVs, and laptops. International audiences can tune in via official broadcasters: SuperSport in South Africa, Willow TV in the USA, TNT Sports in the UK and Europe, Fox Cricket in Australia, and Sky Sports NZ in New Zealand. With live scores and ball-by-ball updates also available through cricket apps and official platforms, fans worldwide can follow the action in real time.

Baramulla (Jammu & Kashmir), Dec 17: Joyous scenes erupted in the streets of Baramulla’s Sheeri village on Tuesday after local cricketer **Auqib Nabi Dar secured a huge ₹8.40 crore contract with the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The news sparked celebrations among family, friends and neighbours, who thronged Dar’s home with sweets, prayers and traditional music, praising his long journey from domestic cricket to cricket’s biggest T20 league.

Dar’s achievement is seen as a historic moment not just for him but for Jammu & Kashmir cricket, with locals describing it as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in the region. The 29-year-old pacer, known for his consistent performances in domestic tournaments, was pursued fiercely in the auction, with multiple franchises entering the bidding before Delhi Capitals finally secured his services at the impressive price tag.