Category: SPORTS

New York, December 30:
FIFA officials on Tuesday hailed the 2026 World Cup as the “greatest and most inclusive show” in the tournament’s history, highlighting the scale, fan engagement, and global participation across North America. The upcoming event, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams for the first time, marking a historic expansion aimed at promoting wider representation in international football. Organisers stressed that the tournament has set a new benchmark in terms of stadium readiness, infrastructure, and accessibility, ensuring that fans from diverse backgrounds can enjoy world-class football experiences.

The FIFA statement also emphasised the economic, cultural, and technological impact of the 2026 edition, noting that fan zones, interactive experiences, and digital engagement initiatives will connect millions worldwide. With increased media coverage, social inclusion programs, and advanced broadcast innovations, the tournament aims to celebrate football as a unifying global force. Officials added that the collaborative effort between the host nations and local communities reflects FIFA’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive sporting events, setting a standard for future editions of the World Cup.

Islamabad, December 30: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has parted ways with the national men’s Test team head coach nearly three months before the completion of his contract, according to sources familiar with the development. The decision comes amid concerns over the team’s recent performances in the longest format and the board’s broader plans to restructure the coaching setup ahead of a packed international calendar.

PCB officials indicated that the move was taken after an internal review of the team’s progress and future requirements. While the contract was originally set to run for several more months, the board felt an early change was necessary to bring fresh ideas and direction to the Test side. The PCB is expected to appoint an interim coach in the coming days, while the process to select a long-term replacement is likely to begin soon. Further details regarding the transition and future coaching appointments are awaited.

Mumbai, December 27: City Football Group (CFG) has divested its shareholding in Indian Super League (ISL) club Mumbai City FC, citing growing uncertainty surrounding the future structure and commercial sustainability of Indian domestic football. The move marks a significant development for the league, which has been facing concerns related to governance, revenue models and long-term planning.

Sources familiar with the matter said CFG’s decision was influenced by the lack of clarity over ISL’s roadmap beyond the current cycle, including broadcasting arrangements, financial stability of clubs and overall league expansion plans. Mumbai City FC, which enjoyed success under CFG’s ownership including ISL titles and continental participation, will now transition to new ownership as stakeholders reassess their investments in Indian football.

Industry experts believe CFG’s exit could prompt wider discussions among ISL stakeholders regarding reforms needed to ensure stability and investor confidence. The development comes at a time when Indian football is seeking stronger institutional support and a clearer long-term vision to sustain growth and competitiveness at both domestic and international levels.

New Delhi, December 27 : Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma etched her name into the record books on Friday, becoming the first Indian cricketer to achieve a historic milestone in international cricket. Deepti delivered a standout performance with the ball, showcasing remarkable consistency and control, which helped her attain the record and further cement her status as one of India’s most reliable match-winners in the shortest format.

The achievement highlights Deepti’s growing influence in Indian women’s cricket, where she has emerged as a key player across formats with her all-round abilities. Cricket experts and former players lauded her discipline, adaptability, and mental strength, noting that her latest feat reflects years of hard work and sustained excellence at the highest level. Deepti’s record-setting performance adds another proud chapter to India’s rise in women’s international cricket.

New Delhi, December 27: Senior Indian cricketers Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant delivered impressive performances in domestic cricket, underlining their form and experience, as several established names produced match-winning contributions across venues on Friday. Kohli looked fluent at the crease, displaying his trademark composure and shot selection, while Pant showed aggression and confidence, anchoring his innings with authority. Their performances drew significant attention, especially as fans closely track the form of senior players ahead of upcoming international assignments.

In the same round of matches, Dhruv Shorey and Devdutt Padikkal continued their consistent run-scoring, strengthening their teams with solid top-order contributions. All-rounder Krunal Pandya also made a strong impact with both bat and ball, proving his value as a dependable performer in domestic tournaments. The collective showing of these big names not only boosted their respective teams’ prospects but also reaffirmed the depth and competitiveness of India’s domestic cricket structure, which continues to serve as a vital platform for both established stars and emerging talent.

Melbourne, December 27:
A former Ashes-winning cricketer has strongly criticised the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) pitch, saying it was “selling the game short” and failing to provide a fair contest between bat and ball. The remarks came after a Test match drew criticism for its lack of pace, bounce, and competitiveness.

The ex-player argued that iconic venues like the MCG carry a responsibility to maintain high-quality playing surfaces that reflect the spirit and challenge of Test cricket. He warned that substandard pitches could diminish the spectator experience and undermine the integrity of the longest format.

Cricket analysts echoed similar concerns, noting that pitch preparation has become a major talking point in international cricket. Calls have grown for curators to strike a better balance to ensure competitive and entertaining matches.

Bengaluru, December 23:
There is unlikely to be any public crowd for Virat Kohli’s upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy match in Bengaluru, as the state cricket association has decided not to allow spectators at the venue. The decision has been taken keeping logistical and security considerations in mind, despite the massive fan interest surrounding Kohli’s return to domestic cricket.

Officials said the match will be played behind closed doors, with entry restricted to players, support staff, match officials and authorised personnel only. While Kohli’s presence has generated significant buzz among cricket fans, authorities felt that managing large crowds for a domestic fixture would pose operational challenges. The focus, they added, remains on ensuring smooth conduct of the tournament.

Virat Kohli’s participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has drawn widespread attention, as fans were hoping to witness the star batter in action at the stadium. However, with no crowd allowed, supporters will have to follow the match through official broadcasts and score updates. The move has sparked disappointment among fans but officials maintain that safety and match management remain the top priority.

Mumbai, December 23: Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has looked back at India’s maiden ICC T20 World Cup victory in 2007, recalling the confidence and belief that defined the young squad’s historic campaign in South Africa. Rohit said the team felt that the success achieved in the inaugural edition of the tournament would mark the beginning of a sustained winning phase for Indian cricket.

Speaking about the landmark triumph, Rohit noted that the squad, filled with young and relatively inexperienced players at the international level, played fearless cricket throughout the competition. He highlighted that the absence of senior players allowed the group to express themselves freely, which ultimately played a crucial role in India lifting the trophy under the leadership of MS Dhoni. According to Rohit, the team entered every match with the mindset of enjoying the game rather than worrying about outcomes.

Rohit further stated that the thrilling final against Pakistan remains one of the most memorable moments of his career. He said the dramatic finish not only showcased the team’s resilience but also strengthened the belief that Indian cricket was entering a new era. The victory, he added, gave the players immense confidence and made them feel that they would continue their winning ways in the years to come.

New Delhi, December 23: Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma has reclaimed the top position in the ICC Women’s T20I bowlers rankings following her consistent performances in recent international matches. Deepti’s rise to the summit highlights her sustained excellence with the ball, where she has been a key contributor for India in pressure situations across formats.

The 27-year-old spinner has been instrumental in India’s success, regularly picking up crucial wickets while maintaining an impressive economy rate. Her ability to control the game in the middle overs, coupled with her sharp cricketing intelligence, has made her one of the most reliable bowlers in world cricket. Deepti’s latest ranking surge comes after strong showings against quality opposition, helping India tighten its grip in crucial phases of matches.

Deepti Sharma’s return to the No. 1 spot further underlines India’s growing strength in women’s cricket, with several players featuring prominently in ICC rankings. Her achievement is also seen as a boost for the Indian team as it prepares for upcoming international assignments, where experienced performers like Deepti are expected to play a decisive role.

New Delhi, December 23:
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday approved a major revision in match fees for women cricketers in domestic competitions, marking one of the most significant pay hikes in the history of women’s cricket in the country. The decision was taken at the BCCI Apex Council meeting and is aimed at strengthening the domestic cricket structure while providing greater financial stability to women players.

Under the revised pay structure, senior women cricketers participating in domestic one-day and multi-day tournaments will now receive Rs 50,000 per day as playing XI members, a sharp increase from the earlier Rs 20,000 per day. Reserve players will earn Rs 25,000 per day, ensuring that the benefits extend to the entire squad and not just the playing XI.

In domestic women’s T20 matches, players named in the playing XI will be paid Rs 25,000 per match day, while reserve players will receive Rs 12,500 per day. The pay revision also covers junior women’s cricket, with Under-23 and Under-19 players now entitled to Rs 25,000 per day as playing members and Rs 12,500 per day as reserves.

The BCCI has also increased remuneration for match officials, including umpires and referees, under the new framework. Officials said that with the revised structure, leading domestic women cricketers could earn between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 14 lakh per season, depending on the number of matches played.

The move is being seen as a major step towards gender parity in Indian cricket, reflecting the growing prominence of women’s cricket at both domestic and international levels. The BCCI stated that the enhanced match fees are expected to motivate players, improve competition standards, and encourage more young girls to take up cricket as a professional career.