Amlan Chakraborty

India is working to restore Formula One racing at the Buddh International Circuit by 2028, forming a task force to resolve tax, regulatory and infrastructure issues. The Adani Group, seeking to acquire the circuit’s previous owner, is positioned as a central partner, while F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali stresses the need for suitable promoters and timing. India remains absent from the current F1 calendar as the sport continues its mid‑season schedule in Europe.

Players and officials from the World Cricketers' Association criticised the International Cricket Council for introducing a new World Cup format without consultation, arguing that the changes reduce opportunities for smaller and associate nations. The revised structure adds a Super Series round for the lowest-ranked qualifiers, prompting captains Scott Edwards and Paul Stirling to warn that the decision undermines efforts to grow the sport globally.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became India’s youngest international cricketer at 15 years and 99 days, debuting in a T20 match against England and surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s longstanding age record. His rapid rise followed exceptional IPL performances, including a 35‑ball century and leading the tournament in runs and sixes. After being selected once he turned 15, he debuted with a brief 14-run innings featuring two sixes.

The LA 2028 Olympics will feature six‑team T20 cricket tournaments for both men and women, with several nations already qualified through rankings and World Cup performance. The United States men's team is set to participate as hosts if they maintain a top‑15 ICC ranking, while the women’s team will miss out because it is currently outside the top 15. Remaining qualification spots for both tournaments will be filled through regional and global qualifiers.

Cricket will return to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028, with India, Great Britain, South Africa and host nation the United States confirmed for the six‑team men’s T20 tournament. Qualification will be determined by ICC rankings, with continental berths and a global qualifier deciding the remaining places. The women’s T20 event will also feature six teams, with Australia, Great Britain, South Africa and India already qualified based on World Cup performance. Caribbean teams must compete in regional qualifiers in both competitions. The United States women’s team is excluded due to low rankings. Cricket last appeared in the Olympics in 1900, when Great Britain beat France for gold.

Broadcast rights for the 2026 World Cup remain unresolved in India and China, raising the possibility of a blackout in two of the world’s largest markets. Reliance and Disney offered around $20 million for the Indian rights, far below Fifa’s expectations, while Sony also opted out. China has yet to finalise a deal despite historically high viewership. With the tournament weeks away, negotiations continue amid concerns over time zones, lower expected audiences, and advertising slowdowns.

Fifa has yet to secure broadcast rights agreements for the 2026 World Cup in India and China, raising the risk of limited viewing access in two major markets. A Reliance‑Disney bid in India reportedly fell far below Fifa’s expectations, while China has unusually not finalised a deal despite historically early commitments. With the tournament starting in June, delays threaten preparations for broadcasting and advertising, heightening uncertainty around coverage in both countries.

India’s athletics federation has been elevated to the highest-risk category for doping by the Athletics Integrity Unit after years of high violation rates, triggering stricter testing requirements and oversight. World Athletics and WADA officials cited systemic issues, including easy access to performance‑enhancing drugs, while Indian sports authorities pledged cooperation, stronger reforms and possible criminalisation of doping. The heightened scrutiny also affects India’s aspirations to host major future sporting events, with international bodies urging significant improvements.

Shivam Dube travelled home by train after India’s T20 World Cup victory, disguising himself to avoid recognition. A ticket-checker nearly exposed him before his wife denied his presence, but he still required police assistance upon arrival in Mumbai. The incident highlights the intense public adoration for cricket in India, reinforced by the team’s record third T20 World Cup title.

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by five runs in Pallekelle but failed to reach the T20 World Cup semi‑finals due to an inferior net run rate. A record 176‑run opening stand from Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman set up Pakistan’s total of 212, but Sri Lanka’s strong chase, led by Dasun Shanaka and Pavan Rathnayake, kept them above the qualification threshold. New Zealand advanced to the semi‑finals alongside England, while the final spot will be decided between India and the West Indies.

India revived their T20 World Cup title defence with a record-setting 256-4 in a dominant 72‑run victory over Zimbabwe, powered by explosive half‑centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya. Despite Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 97, Zimbabwe fell short at 184‑6, ending their tournament. India now face West Indies in a virtual quarter-final, with South Africa leading the group after defeating West Indies earlier.

Sri Lanka’s captain Dasun Shanaka said player performance at the T20 World Cup suffered due to intense public criticism that harmed mental health, urging government action to curb negativity. The team exited after losing to New Zealand, compounded by injuries to three key bowlers. Shanaka apologised to fans and emphasised the need for improved fitness standards. Former captain Kumar Sangakkara warned that Sri Lanka risks fading from global relevance without significant reforms.

Former international cricket captains from several countries issued a petition urging the Pakistan government to provide proper medical care and dignified treatment to former prime minister Imran Khan, who has experienced deteriorating health, including vision loss, while in prison. They expressed concern over his condition and called for unhindered access to legal processes.

India secured a decisive 61‑run victory over Pakistan in a T20 World Cup Group A match, driven by Ishan Kishan’s rapid 77 that set up a total of 175–7. Pakistan’s chase collapsed early, falling to 13–3 and ultimately being dismissed for 114 as India’s bowlers dominated. Strategic use of spinners shaped both innings, but Pakistan’s attack faltered while India maintained control throughout to book a place in the Super Eight stage.

India will proceed to Colombo for their T20 World Cup match against Pakistan despite Pakistan’s government directing its team to boycott the fixture in solidarity with Bangladesh. India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed the team’s intention to play, while Pakistan captain Salman Agha said the boycott decision was beyond the players’ control. Pakistan’s absence from the match increases pressure on their campaign, as only two teams from Group A can advance to the Super-8 stage.

New Zealand secured their first win of the T20I series by defeating India by 50 runs in Visakhapatnam, powered by a 100-run opening stand from Tim Seifert and Devon Conway and a late surge from Daryl Mitchell. India, already holding a 3-0 lead and resting Ishan Kishan, faltered early in their chase despite Shivam Dube’s explosive 65, as wickets fell regularly and New Zealand bowled them out for 165.

Indonesian bowler Gede Priandana became the first player to take five wickets in an over in a T20 International, dismantling Cambodia’s chase in a seven-ball over that included a hat-trick and a wide. His performance secured Indonesia’s 60‑run victory in the series opener. Indonesian cricket officials praised the achievement as a sign of the sport’s development in the country, while previous similar feats in domestic matches and other international four-wicket overs were noted.

South Africa secured a 2-0 Test series sweep over India with a 408‑run win in Guwahati, led by Simon Harmer’s six wickets and Aiden Markram’s record nine catches. India’s chase of 549 collapsed despite Ravindra Jadeja’s 54, with key breakthroughs from Harmer, Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy sealing the result. Harmer finished with 17 wickets in the series and was named player of the series, while Rishabh Pant acknowledged South Africa’s superior performance.

South Africa sealed a 2-0 Test series victory over India with a 408‑run win in the second Test in Guwahati, bowling India out for 140 while defending a target of 549. Simon Harmer led with 17 wickets across the series and earned player‑of‑the‑series honours, while Aiden Markram set a record with nine catches. Ravindra Jadeja top‑scored for India, and stand‑in captain Rishabh Pant conceded that his team was outplayed.

The 2026 T20 World Cup draw places India and Pakistan together for a group-stage match scheduled in Colombo on 15 February, with Pakistan set to play all fixtures in Sri Lanka due to political tensions. The tournament will run across eight venues in India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March. England will compete in Group C with West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal and Italy, with the top teams advancing to the Super Eight stage and subsequently the semi-finals.

India and Pakistan are scheduled to meet in Colombo on 15 February during the 2026 Twenty20 World Cup, amid heightened political tensions between the two countries. The 20-team tournament will be held across India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March, with Pakistan playing all its matches in Sri Lanka and the final moving to Colombo if Pakistan qualifies. India will begin its title defense against the United States, while the tournament will proceed through group, Super Eight and knockout stages.

India and Pakistan are set to meet in a high‑profile Twenty20 World Cup match in Colombo on 15 February amid escalating political tensions between the two countries. The ICC confirmed that Pakistan will play all matches in Sri Lanka due to strained bilateral relations, and the final will be moved from Ahmedabad to Colombo if Pakistan qualifies. The tournament runs from 7 February to 8 March across venues in India and Sri Lanka, with teams divided into five groups before advancing through the Super Eight stage to the semi‑finals. India enters as defending champions after winning the 2024 title.

South Africa declared at 260-5 to set India a record 549-run target in the second Test after building a dominant 288-run first-innings lead. Tristan Stubbs top-scored with 94 before falling to Ravindra Jadeja, who claimed four wickets. India’s reply faltered early as Marco Jansen dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Simon Harmer bowled KL Rahul, leaving the hosts at 27-2 and needing to survive three sessions to avoid a series sweep.

South Africa claimed a 30‑run victory over India in the first Test after Simon Harmer took four wickets to bowl out the hosts for 93 in their chase of 124. Temba Bavuma anchored South Africa’s second innings with an unbeaten 55 to set a defendable target on a difficult pitch. India struggled further after captain Shubman Gill was unavailable due to a neck injury requiring hospital treatment. Early wickets from Marco Jansen and key strikes from Harmer and Aiden Markram accelerated India’s collapse. Harmer earned player-of-the-match honours for his eight wickets across the Test.

India won the Women’s Cricket World Cup for the first time by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in Navi Mumbai. Strong batting from Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma set up a total of 298‑7 before Sharma’s five wickets sealed the victory. Laura Wolvaardt’s century led South Africa’s chase, but they were bowled out for 246, making India the fourth nation to win the title.

India’s women secured their first Cricket World Cup title with a 52‑run win over South Africa, completing a comeback after early tournament setbacks. The victory drew praise from Sachin Tendulkar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and former captain Mithali Raj, who highlighted its significance for inspiring future generations. Harmanpreet Kaur described the triumph as a long-awaited turning point for women’s cricket in India, with the national board announcing substantial prize rewards for the team.

India secured their first Women’s Cricket World Cup title by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in Navi Mumbai. Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma powered India’s innings to 298, while Sharma’s five-wicket haul and Verma’s key breakthroughs derailed South Africa’s chase despite Laura Wolvaardt’s century. The result added India to the list of nations that have won the tournament.

India advanced to the Women’s World Cup final after Jemimah Rodrigues led a record-breaking chase against Australia, overturning their 338-run target with a decisive unbeaten 127 supported by a major partnership with Harmanpreet Kaur. Australia’s strong batting, anchored by Phoebe Litchfield and contributions from Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner, fell short as dropped catches and ineffective bowling proved costly. The result ends Australia’s title defense and ensures a new champion will be crowned in the final against South Africa.

Carl Lewis dismissed the Enhanced Games, an event permitting performance‑enhancing drugs, arguing it lacks purpose, honour, and public support. Despite attracting some high‑profile athletes, the competition has drawn criticism from fans, administrators, and the World Anti‑Doping Agency, while also becoming entangled in litigation with World Aquatics, USA Swimming, and WADA. Lewis expressed confidence that top athletes remain committed to clean sport and predicted the event would fail due to lack of credibility, funding, and public backing.

India’s cricket team declined to receive the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council chairman and Pakistan interior minister Mohsin Naqvi, citing political concerns amid heightened India–Pakistan tensions following a recent military conflict. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed frustration, while Pakistan captain Salman Agha condemned the move as disrespectful. A social media post by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi comparing the victory to a military operation drew criticism from opposition figures and Pakistani officials, intensifying accusations of politicising the sport.

India won the Asia Cup final against Pakistan but refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council chairman and Pakistani minister Mohsin Naqvi, prompting the organisers to remove it from the ceremony. Indian officials said they would lodge a formal protest at the ICC, while Pakistan’s captain accused India of disrespecting cricket. The dispute intensified long‑standing political tensions between the two nations, with government leaders and public figures exchanging sharp reactions. Both sides linked the match to recent military conflict, and criticism spread across political parties and social media as calls emerged in Pakistan to sever cricketing ties with India.

India’s federal government approved a bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, including signing required agreements and providing financial guarantees. The move aligns with India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics and aims to boost national pride, expand sports participation and support local business. The government emphasizes improved readiness since the troubled 2010 Games, while Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya says India is prepared for major international events. India competes with Canada and Nigeria for hosting rights as the Commonwealth Games continue to struggle with withdrawals over financial concerns.

Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League, ending a career that included 187 wickets across 221 matches for multiple franchises. He expressed gratitude to teams and the BCCI while signalling plans to play in other global leagues. The off-spinner, also India’s second-highest Test wicket-taker, previously retired from international cricket in 2024.

South Africa squared their Twenty20 series against Australia with a 53-run win driven by Dewald Brevis’s unbeaten 125, the highest T20I score by a South African. Despite early wickets, Brevis and Tristan Stubbs rebuilt the innings, setting a target of 218. Australia faltered early and, despite Tim David’s fifty, were bowled out for 165, ending their nine-match winning streak. The series will be decided in Cairns on Saturday.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru claimed their first Indian Premier League title after 17 seasons by defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in Ahmedabad. Virat Kohli led with a top score of 43, while key wickets from Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar halted Punjab’s strong chase despite Shashank Singh’s rapid 61. The win marked a significant milestone for the franchise and an emotional moment for Kohli.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captured their first IPL title after 17 seasons with a six‑run win over Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad. Virat Kohli top‑scored with 43 in Bengaluru’s total of 190-9 before their bowlers contained Punjab to 184-7 despite Shashank Singh’s rapid 61. Key breakthroughs from Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar shifted momentum, helping Bengaluru secure the long-awaited championship.

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has retired from one-day internationals to focus on preparing for the T20 World Cup and fulfilling franchise commitments. Citing physical strain and concerns about fielding performance after injury, he told selectors it was time to develop a successor ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Cricket Australia praised his influential ODI career, highlighting his key role in two World Cup victories and his celebrated 201-run innings in 2023.

India secured a 44‑run win over New Zealand to top Group A and set up a Champions Trophy semi‑final against Australia. Varun Chakravarthy’s five‑wicket haul led a dominant spin performance that countered India’s below‑par total of 249, built on contributions from Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya. Despite Kane Williamson’s 81, New Zealand were dismissed for 205 and will face South Africa in the other semi‑final.

Australia advanced to the Champions Trophy semi-finals after their match against Afghanistan in Lahore was abandoned due to heavy rain, leaving Australia well ahead in their run chase at 109–1. Afghanistan posted 273, led by Sediqullah Atal’s 85 and Azmatullah Omarzai’s 67, but costly dropped catches and the weather ended their hopes. South Africa are likely to join Australia from Group B, while Afghanistan remain only mathematically in contention.

Australia dominated the opening day of the first Test in Galle as Steve Smith reached 10,000 Test runs and, alongside Usman Khawaja, led a commanding total of 330 for two. Smith and Khawaja shared an unbroken 195‑run stand after early contributions from Travis Head, while Sri Lanka struggled with missed reviews and catching errors. Smith became the fourth Australian to surpass the 10,000‑run milestone, and both he and Khawaja finished unbeaten with centuries as rain ended play early.

Djokovic and Kyrgios were eliminated from the Brisbane International after a narrow doubles loss to top seeds Mektic and Venus in a match decided by a tight tie-break. Kyrgios acknowledged ongoing wrist issues following his recent singles defeat. Dimitrov advanced in the men’s draw while women’s second seed Navarro was upset by local player Birrell, who secured the biggest win of her career. Kasatkina prevailed in a lengthy three-set match against Stearns.

Australia rebounded from their opening-Test defeat to crush India by 10 wickets in Adelaide, levelling the Border-Gavaskar series and reclaiming the lead in the World Test Championship standings. Mitchell Starc’s six-wicket haul and Pat Cummins’s five-wicket spell dismantled India, while Travis Head’s rapid 140 set up Australia’s dominance. India’s batting collapsed across two innings, and ongoing struggles for captain Rohit Sharma added to concerns. With Mohammed Shami absent and heavy reliance on Jasprit Bumrah, India face key decisions ahead of the third Test in Brisbane.

Shakib Al Hasan signaled that the upcoming second Test against India could be his final match in the format unless he receives a home farewell during the South Africa series. His situation is complicated by political unrest in Bangladesh following the end of Sheikh Hasina’s rule, which has kept him from returning home. Despite concerns about his safety, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has assured support. Shakib also announced immediate retirement from T20 internationals, saying it was time to make way for younger players. He emphasized that his decisions were not driven by the political situation and highlighted discussions with cricket officials endorsing his plans.

Pakistan exited the T20 World Cup early after losses to the United States and India, prompting captain Babar Azam to apologise and acknowledge the team's poor batting and lack of partnerships. Internal concerns surfaced amid talk of divisions within the squad and the Pakistan Cricket Board’s plans for major changes. Babar and all-rounder Imad Wasim called for a reset in approach to modern white‑ball cricket, emphasising improved game awareness and faster scoring.

Daren Sammy argues that despite the batting dominance in modern T20 cricket, teams with bowlers offering raw pace or unconventional skills will hold a decisive edge in the upcoming T20 World Cup. He highlights the importance of 'X-factor' bowlers and compares the current West Indies squad’s strengths to past championship teams, noting strong batting but greater dependence on all‑rounders for bowling depth. Sammy also discusses ongoing efforts to convince Sunil Narine to return from retirement, though his availability remains uncertain as West Indies prepare to co‑host the tournament with the United States.

Australia cancelled a planned T20 cricket series against Afghanistan following government advice that conditions for women and girls in the country continue to deteriorate under Taliban rule. Cricket Australia said the decision follows its earlier withdrawal from a 2023 one-day series, citing similar concerns. The board plans to work with Afghan cricket authorities and the International Cricket Council on future steps, while Afghanistan’s women’s team remains disbanded since the Taliban takeover.

Dhruv Jurel’s standout performances in the third and fourth Tests against England cemented his status as a rising talent for India, highlighted by a decisive 90 in Ranchi and composed batting in a tense chase. His wicketkeeping and batting drew praise from former players and rival captain Ben Stokes, contributing significantly to India’s series-clinching victory.

Australia enters the Cricket World Cup semi-final buoyed by extensive big‑game experience, with Pat Cummins highlighting the team’s history of success following a strong recovery after early losses. South Africa’s contrasting World Cup record is noted, and Australia anticipates Glenn Maxwell’s return while finalizing team selection.

Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka in the Cricket World Cup, driven by an 82-run innings from Shakib Al Hasan and a 169‑run partnership with Najmul Hossain Shanto. Sri Lanka posted 279, anchored by Charith Asalanka’s century, but the match was marked by Angelo Mathews becoming the first international player to be ruled timed out after failing to take strike within two minutes. Bangladesh recovered from early wickets to complete their chase, handing Sri Lanka their sixth loss of the tournament, after which the Sri Lankan cricket board was dismissed and replaced with an interim committee.

Pakistan stayed in contention for a Cricket World Cup semi-final place with a dominant seven-wicket win over Bangladesh, who were eliminated after collapsing to 204 all out. Pakistan’s pace attack shared eight wickets, with Shaheen Afridi taking his 100th ODI wicket. Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique’s 128-run opening stand ensured a comfortable chase, lifting Pakistan to fifth in the standings. Bangladesh suffered their sixth defeat in seven matches, with captain Shakib Al Hasan citing continued team struggles.

Afghanistan claimed their third win of the Cricket World Cup by defeating Sri Lanka with a strong bowling performance followed by composed half-centuries from key batters. Sri Lanka failed to capitalize on early starts and were bowled out for 241, with Fazalhaq Farooqi taking four wickets. Afghanistan’s chase was led by Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, and Azmatullah Omarzai, whose unbeaten partnership secured the victory and strengthened Afghanistan’s chances of reaching the semifinals.

Virat Kohli anchored India’s successful chase of Bangladesh’s 257-run target with an unbeaten 103, securing the team’s fourth consecutive World Cup victory. Strong opening contributions from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill set up the pursuit, while early free hits boosted Kohli’s momentum. Ravindra Jadeja added key wickets and a standout catch as India maintained strong form and team cohesion throughout the tournament.

India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the Cricket World Cup after bowling them out for 191 and successfully chasing the target with Rohit Sharma’s rapid 86. Pakistan collapsed from a strong position of 155–2, losing eight wickets for 36 runs following key breakthroughs by Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav. Shreyas Iyer completed the chase with an unbeaten 53 as India extended their perfect World Cup record against Pakistan and secured their third consecutive win in the tournament.

India secured a dominant Cricket World Cup win over Afghanistan as Rohit Sharma powered a rapid 131 to lead an eight-wicket chase of 273. Partnerships by Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai gave Afghanistan temporary stability, but late wickets limited their total. Jasprit Bumrah delivered an effective spell, and Virat Kohli completed the chase with an unbeaten 55. Rohit set the tone early, reaching a quick century before falling to Rashid Khan, leaving India in strong form ahead of their match against Pakistan.

India opened their home World Cup campaign with a six‑wicket win over Australia after recovering from an early collapse. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul shared a 165‑run stand that steadied the chase, with Rahul finishing unbeaten on 97. India’s spinners dominated Australia’s innings, led by Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, restricting them to 199 despite late runs from Mitchell Starc. Australia’s bowlers made an early impact, but dropped chances and insufficient runs proved costly as India secured victory in 41.2 overs.

Australia avoided a series whitewash with a 66‑run win over India in Rajkot, powered by strong top‑order batting led by half‑centuries from David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. Glenn Maxwell, returning to international play, delivered a decisive bowling performance with four wickets, triggering India’s collapse after a rapid start from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. India were bowled out for 286 in pursuit of Australia’s 352‑7, securing momentum for Australia ahead of the Cricket World Cup.

Seven athletes withdrew from the men’s 100‑metre final at the Delhi state athletics meet after learning anti-doping officials were arriving, prompting organisers to suspect they were avoiding testing. The Delhi Athletics Association reported multiple athletes leaving events and not collecting medals, and is providing details to the national anti-doping agency. Lalit Kumar, the sole remaining finalist, expressed disappointment but will still receive a medal and certificate. India remains among the countries with the highest doping violations according to global anti-doping data.

Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah faces uncertainty for the early stages of the Cricket World Cup after injuring his bowling shoulder during the Asia Cup. He left the field during a match against India and missed the subsequent game against Sri Lanka while undergoing scans in Dubai. Haris Rauf is expected to recover from a side strain in time for the tournament, while captain Babar Azam remains hopeful that Naseem will return later in the competition.

Bangladesh one-day cricket captain Tamim Iqbal announced his immediate retirement from international cricket three months before the World Cup, ending a 16-year career in which he became the country’s highest ODI run scorer and one of its most accomplished players. His departure leaves Bangladesh without a named captain for the upcoming tournament, with Shakib Al Hasan considered a leading candidate. Tamim’s decision followed ongoing injury issues and personal reflection, with his final match played against Afghanistan in Chattogram.

Shubman Gill was fined 15% of his match fee after tweeting a critical post about his dismissal during the World Test Championship final, where a debatable catch by Cameron Green was upheld by the third umpire. Gill accepted the sanction for breaching the ICC code of conduct. India captain Rohit Sharma questioned the limited camera angles available, while both India and Australia were penalised for slow over-rates. Australia won the match by 209 runs.

Melbourne City defeated Melbourne Victory 2-1 in the resumed A-League derby, replayed from the 22nd minute nearly four months after a violent pitch invasion halted the original match. City extended their initial lead before Victory scored late, while reactions remained divided over the decision to complete the fixture. The invasion, widely condemned and labeled a dark moment for Australian football, resulted in heavy sanctions for Melbourne Victory, including fines, stadium bans for involved fans, and a suspended points deduction.

India secured a 2-1 Test series victory over Australia after the final match in Ahmedabad ended in a draw, with strong batting performances from Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne preventing a result. India advanced to the World Test Championship final following Sri Lanka’s defeat to New Zealand, where Kane Williamson led a dramatic chase with an unbeaten century to seal a last‑ball win in Christchurch.

Ravindra Jadeja received a fine and a demerit point for applying a soothing cream to his finger without umpire approval during India’s first Test against Australia. The ICC confirmed the substance was used only for medical reasons and did not alter the ball’s condition. Jadeja accepted the sanction, avoiding a hearing, as India secured a dominant victory in the opening match of the series.

India defeated Australia by an innings and 132 runs in the first Test, driven by Ravichandran Ashwin’s five-wicket haul and strong batting contributions from Rohit Sharma, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja. Australia struggled on a spin-friendly pitch, collapsing for 91 in the second innings, with Steve Smith offering the only resistance. Todd Murphy’s seven-wicket debut was Australia’s lone positive, while Jadeja was named player of the match for his all-round impact.

New Zealand closed day three of the Karachi Test at 440–6, surpassing Pakistan’s 438, led by centuries from Tom Latham and Kane Williamson. Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell added valuable runs, while Pakistan’s bowlers struggled for breakthroughs and their fielding lapses contributed to the deficit. Williamson remained unbeaten on 105 alongside Ish Sodhi as New Zealand positioned themselves for a first‑innings lead.

India is weighing a bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, with sports minister Anurag Thakur indicating government support and potential backing from the Indian Olympic Association. Gujarat is being considered as a venue due to existing infrastructure and political interest. The International Olympic Committee is in early talks with multiple potential hosts, including Indonesia, South Korea, Qatar and Germany, with no set timeline for awarding the Games.

Usman Khawaja scored centuries in both innings of the fourth Ashes Test, strengthening his case for selection but acknowledging he may still be omitted when Travis Head returns for the final Test in Hobart. Khawaja reflected on his inconsistent selection history and supported maintaining stability in team choices. Australia may consider him as a potential opener given Marcus Harris’s limited returns. Scott Boland’s strong performances in place of the injured Josh Hazlewood were also highlighted as part of Australia’s selection considerations.

Eoin Morgan urged the England and Wales Cricket Board to confront the racism scandal at Yorkshire directly, stressing that discrimination has no place in cricket. The ECB suspended Yorkshire from hosting major matches following Azeem Rafiq’s allegations, which also led to chairman Roger Hutton’s resignation. Gary Ballance was suspended from England selection after admitting to using racist language toward Rafiq, with Morgan noting consistency with the earlier suspension of Ollie Robinson. He highlighted the team’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and meaningful cultural change.

Australia plan to continue using four specialist fast bowlers at the T20 World Cup, relying on all-rounders Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Marsh to cover the fifth bowler’s quota. Pat Cummins highlighted the tactical flexibility provided by this structure, noting that Maxwell’s early over against Sri Lanka allowed Mitchell Starc to be used more effectively in the middle overs. Australia seek their first T20 World Cup title, while England aim to hold both the 50-over and 20-over world trophies. The upcoming match between the rivals carries major implications for reaching the semi-finals.

David Warner was dropped from Sunrisers Hyderabad a day after losing the captaincy as the team, struggling at the bottom of the IPL standings, shifted leadership to Kane Williamson. Warner’s slow scoring and recent form influenced the decision, leading to Mohammad Nabi being brought into the lineup alongside Jonny Bairstow and Rashid Khan. Williamson emphasized the need for adjustments and improvement as Hyderabad attempts to recover in the second half of the season.

Australian fast bowlers Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith described feeling overwhelmed after securing major contracts at the Indian Premier League auction, with Richardson bought by Punjab Kings and Meredith also landing a lucrative deal while both were in quarantine ahead of Australia’s T20 series in New Zealand. Glenn Maxwell and Chris Morris also signed high-value contracts, with Morris breaking the IPL auction record. The upcoming IPL season is expected to take place in April and May, with exact dates still pending.

Nick Kyrgios said he did not greatly miss tennis or most players during his year away, spending the early months playing computer games and avoiding the sport. After returning to training with Jordan Thompson, he described himself as mentally refreshed and ready to compete against Alexandre Muller at the Murray River Open, an Australian Open warm-up event. Kyrgios also criticized Novak Djokovic's calls for relaxed quarantine restrictions and said he planned to approach his comeback day by day.

China is preparing its Olympic athletes for the Tokyo Games by simulating competition procedures, high-pressure conditions and strict pandemic-control measures. Gymnasts, archers, rowers and canoeists are training behind closed doors, with officials saying that familiarity with an epidemic-prevention environment could give athletes a psychological advantage. The preparations come amid uncertainty over whether the Games will proceed as planned and whether spectators will be allowed, following Tokyo's renewed state of emergency.