Sports

Indian spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin has reacted to the record-breaking IPL 2026 auction price for Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, questioning Chennai Super Kings’ strategy and suggesting that CSK could have exercised more patience. In a fierce bidding war during the IPL auction, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) eventually secured Green for a whopping ₹25.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player in IPL history. Both KKR and CSK were vying aggressively for the young all-rounder, but when the bid crossed ₹25 crore, CSK decided to back out, allowing KKR to clinch the deal. KKR’s Strategic PlaySpeaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin criticized KKR’s aggressive bidding approach. He argued that if KKR had paced their bids more strategically, like other franchises such as ...

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have signed explosive New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Finn Allen for IPL 2026. Known for his aggressive batting in T20 cricket, Allen previously played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2021 and 2022 but did not get a chance to showcase his talent on the field. KKR acquired him in the auction at his base price of ₹2 crore. Explosive Big Bash PerformanceAllen, a top-order batter, is famous for his long sixes. In the sixth match of the Big Bash League, representing Perth Scorchers, he delivered a whirlwind performance, scoring 79 runs off just 38 balls. His innings included 3 fours and 8 towering sixes, with a remarkable feat of hitting three consecutive sixes in a single over against left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann. Allen reached his fifty in just 2...

New Delhi: December 19, 2020, remains a black day in Indian cricket history. On this day, during the Day-Night Test in Adelaide against Australia, the Indian team was all out for a mere 36 runs, marking the lowest score in the history of Test cricket. From Strong Position to Humiliating CollapseIndia had seemed in control during the first two days of the match. The bowlers had performed brilliantly in Australia’s first innings, giving India a crucial 53-run lead, and fans were hopeful of a strong outcome. However, by the second session of the third day, the tide had turned dramatically. Australian fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins dismantled India’s batting lineup. With Mohammed Shami retired hurt after being struck by a bouncer from Cummins, India’s innings ended with all wic...

Dubai: The Under-19 Asia Cup semifinal between India and Sri Lanka is underway today in Dubai, with the winner advancing directly to the final. The victorious team will face either Pakistan U19 or Bangladesh U19, while the losing side will see their tournament journey end. Rain Delays TossRain in Dubai has delayed the toss for the India vs Sri Lanka clash. Officials have confirmed that the toss will take place as soon as the rain stops. Both teams are ready and prepared for what promises to be a thrilling contest. Match Start TimeThe match is scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM. Both India and Sri Lanka have shown remarkable performances during the league stage and are eager to secure a place in the final. Squads India U19:Captain: Ayush MhatreOther players: Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vih...

Lucknow: The fourth T20 match between India and South Africa at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow was called off due to dense fog, prompting the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) to announce a 100% refund for all ticket holders. The match, scheduled to start at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, faced severe visibility issues due to heavy fog, and officials officially cancelled the game at 9:30 PM. In response to fans’ disappointment, UPCA immediately initiated the refund process. Easy Refund Process for Online Ticket HoldersUPCA Secretary Prem Manohar Gupta stated that fans who purchased tickets online will receive refunds through their original payment method. There is no need for ticket holders to visit any office. Detailed instructions and information regarding refunds will be sent to the regis...

New Delhi: Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹8.6 crore in the IPL 2026 auction, but his former franchise, Punjab Kings (PBKS), has expressed disappointment over his last-minute unavailability due to personal reasons. Last-Minute Notification Upsets PBKS OwnershipPBKS co-owner Ness Wadia revealed that Inglis informed the franchise only 45 minutes before the auction that he would miss most of the IPL season due to his upcoming wedding. Wadia described the timing as inappropriate, especially since Inglis had been associated with the franchise for some time. Inglis himself confirmed that his availability would be limited to only a few weeks, leading to further challenges for the team’s planning. Professional Conduct QuestionedExpressing h...

New Delhi: Indian cricket fans are in for a major update as the defending champions gear up to retain their title at the T20 World Cup 2026. With stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja having retired from T20 internationals, the team will take the field under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy in a refreshed lineup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the 15-member squad shortly after India’s decisive T20 clash against South Africa in Ahmedabad today, 19 December. Reports suggest that the final announcement may come on Saturday, 20 December 2025, through a press conference led by Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. While the ICC’s official deadline is 8 January 2026, the board aims to give players ample time to...

Statesville, North Carolina: The racing world was left in shock and grief Thursday morning as retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, along with his wife, two children, and three others, tragically died in a private jet crash near Statesville Regional Airport. The aircraft, attempting to return shortly after takeoff, collided with the ground and burst into flames. A Family Full of Life and LoveThe devastating accident claimed the lives of 55-year-old Biffle, his wife Christina, their 5-year-old son Ryder, and 14-year-old daughter Emma. Also on board were Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Biffle’s close friend Craig Wadsworth. In a heartfelt joint statement, the family expressed, “They were our entire world. Their absence has left a void in our lives that can never be filled.” Known for their ...

New Delhi: India’s first World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has offered candid insights on the role of a head coach in modern international cricket, commenting on Gautam Gambhir’s tenure amid criticism following India’s 0-2 Test series loss to South Africa. Speaking at an Indian Chamber of Commerce event on Thursday, Kapil Dev emphasized that at the international level, the term “coach” has evolved. According to him, Gambhir functions more as a manager than a traditional coach. Technical Advice vs. Player ManagementKapil Dev explained that experienced international players do not need technical guidance from their head coach. “How can a head coach teach the nuances of leg-spin or wicketkeeping at this level?” he questioned, noting that such technical training is the responsibility o...

The Indian cricket team currently leads the five-match T20I series against South Africa 2-1. All eyes are now on the series-deciding fifth T20, where Team India aims to seal the series, while South Africa will fight to level it. The final T20 match will be played on Friday, 19 December, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The fourth T20 in Lucknow was washed out without a ball bowled, effectively making this match the series decider. A win for India would mark their 14th consecutive T20I series triumph, adding another milestone to their record. India’s Key Concerns: Gill and SuryakumarWhile most Indian players are in top form, captain Suryakumar Yadav has struggled with the bat. Moreover, vice-captain Shubman Gill was ruled out due to an injury just before the fourth match. Apart ...