Sports

Victor Montagliani (Screengrab) FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani has downplayed concerns surrounding the upcoming FIFA World Cup, stating that political and security issues are common before every tournament. He also stressed that FIFA’s priority is ensuring fan safety and strong coordination with host governments, while maintaining that such concerns are part of organizing global events.This summer’s…

Spencer Johnson has not played any competitive game since last year’s IPL. NEW DELHI: The announcement of Spencer Johnson as a replacement for the injured Nathan Ellis for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has created quite an uproar. There had been a bit of mystery around Johnson’s signing…

Kolkata Knight Riders Captain Ajinkya Rahane (PTI Photo) Former India batter Aakash Chopra believes Ajinkya Rahane has a significant point to prove heading into IPL 2026, especially in addressing long-standing doubts about his game beyond the powerplay.Rahane led Kolkata Knight Riders from the front with the bat in IPL 2025, finishing as their top run-scorer….

Gautam Gambhir, Ajit Agarkar and Shubman Gill (Getty Images) NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday announced the complete schedule for Team India’s international home season for 2026-27, unveiling a packed calendar featuring 22 matches across 17 cities.The upcoming season promises a wide-ranging contest with four visiting teams —…

AB de Villiers. (IANS Photo) NEW DELHI: Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has raised a key concern for Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2026, warning that one of their frontline pacers may no longer possess the same edge that once made him a match-winner.Despite Mumbai Indians boasting a star-studded squad, ABD believes there…

Kylian Mbappe (Getty Images) Kylian Mbappe on Wednesday denied media reports that claimed Real Madrid examined the wrong leg when the France star sustained a knee injury late last year.The soccer show “After Foot” on French broadcaster RMC Sport reported this week that the Spanish club had initially scanned his right knee, rather than the…

Pakistan Super League trophy: (Image credit: PSL) The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 begins under unusual circumstances, with the tournament returning to a closed-door, broadcast-first model due to the ongoing regional crisis. With rising fuel costs and government advisories restricting travel, the Pakistan Cricket Board has taken the tough call to stage the league without…

Ruturaj Gaikwad (Image: CSK/IPL) Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad dropped a hint about the team’s opening combination for the IPL 2026 during the captain’s meet on Wednesday in Mumbai. CSK who had a dismal campaign last year and their top order was a major weakness. They had tried multiple combinations, but all led…

IPL captains warned for catch rules in captain’s meeting (PTI Photo/ BCCI) IPL team captains have been warned about fielder movement during catches and the officials of BCCI have shared an important update regarding impact player rule ahead of the 2026 season. Teams have been clearly instructed that a catch will only be considered valid…

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag (Getty Images) TOI presents an IPL 2026 pre-season Dream XI to challenge the Suryakumar Yadav-led World Cup-winning squad.With four overseas players and a core of Indian talent, the TOI XI blends explosive Powerplay hitters, a versatile middle order and multi-dimensional bowlers:PHIL SALT (RCB; overseas) Edges out Travis Head. Salt played…