Sports

19

Mar

By The Press Editor

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Sports

Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman likely to be in trouble for playing with injury in T20 World Cup 2026

Karachi: Pakistan's senior players, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, might not have been 100% fit when they were picked in the T20 World Cup squad. The controversy around their fitness has deepened after the medical panel of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) suspected that the two players carried injuries into the World Cup.  PCB selector Aaqib Javed raised concerns over the same in a press conference last week and had asked the board to investigate the matter. Dr Javed Mughal, a UK-based consultant on sports physiotherapy and medicine, who joined the PCB medical panel as director of sports exercise and medicine in…

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18

Mar

By The Press Editor

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Sports

Faf du Plessis advises KKR to play IPL 2026 matches on spin-friendly deck amid injury concerns

Kolkata: Former cricketer Faf du Plessis has weighed in on what could shape Kolkata Knight Riders’ fortunes in IPL 2026. He pointed firmly toward conditions at their home ground, Eden Gardens and believes the franchise holds a decisive advantage through its spin resources, provided the surfaces are tailored accordingly. Du Plessis highlighted the value of experienced spinners Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, suggesting their influence could define KKR’s campaign if conditions are aligned with their strengths. In his view, failing to bring them into the game consistently would reduce one of the team’s biggest advantages. “If I was part of…

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18

Mar

By The Press Editor

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Sports

Five Iran women players seeking asylum in Australia after AFC Asian Cup return home, two players remain

New Delhi: Members of the Iran women's team have returned home after seeking asylum in Australia during their recent trip for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. The group travelled from Australia via Istanbul before heading toward the eastern Turkish city of Igdir. From there, they completed the final leg by road, crossing into Iran through the Gurbulak Border Gate after clearing passport checks. Scenes at the airport in Igdir showed players carrying their luggage as they boarded transport for the border journey. As per media reports, one player briefly acknowledged cameras with a wave before departure, moments before the squad…

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18

Mar

By The Press Editor

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Sports

Yuzvendra Chahal quits alcohol ahead of IPL 2026, states reason behind Punjab’s IPL 2025 final loss to RCB

New Delhi: Ahead of the IPL 2026 campaign, Punjab Kings’ marquee spinner Yuzvendra Chahal revealed the discipline and the lifestyle change he has adopted for the tournament. The leg-spinner, who remains the league’s highest wicket-taker, has mentioned to be working on his fitness and mindset following a demanding previous season, which saw Punjab lose to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the summit clash. In an interaction with former cricketer AB de Villiers, Chahal shared that he has given up alcohol for over six months, a decision he believes will help him contribute more effectively on the field and set an example…

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18

Mar

By The Press Editor

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Sports

KKR invite three pacers for trials as three-time champions seek Harshit Rana’s replacement in IPL 2026

Kolkata: Harshit Rana’s injury has disrupted Kolkata Knight Riders’ bowling unit ahead of the IPL 2026. They were forced to release Mustafizur Rahman earlier and signed Blessing Muzarabani instead, who is an excellent addition, but has little experience of playing in the cash-rich league. Rana, in the meantime, suffered a ligament strain in his right knee during India’s T20 World Cup warm-up fixture against South Africa and has since undergone surgery. With rehabilitation underway and no clear return date, the franchise has begun assessing replacement options. Among those under consideration are Simarjeet Singh, KM Asif and Sandeep Warrier. Simarjeet, previously…

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18

Mar

By The Press Editor

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Sports

Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli chase AB de Villiers’ all-time record in IPL 2026

New Delhi: Former cricketer AB de Villiers still holds the record for the most Player of the Match awards in Indian Premier League (IPL) history. The keeper-batter claimed the honour 12 times before calling his time in 2021. Despite four editions of the tournament having been played since his exit, no player has managed to eclipse the milestone he set across 184 appearances in the league. In IPL 2026, de Villiers’ record could be challenged. Legendary players Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli are within striking distance. Both Rohit and Dhoni have claimed the POTM award 10 times each,…

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18

Mar

By The Press Editor

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Sports

Jos Buttler unsure of international future, expresses desire to continue playing for England

New Delhi: Jos Buttler has admitted uncertainty over his immediate international future following England’s semi-final exit against India at the T20 World Cup. While he remains eager to continue representing his country, selection for the upcoming white-ball fixtures later this year is far from assured. The experienced opener endured a difficult campaign with the bat, managing just 87 runs across eight innings. His struggles extend beyond the recent tournament, with only one half-century recorded across his last four ICC events. Despite those numbers, Buttler still has 18 months remaining on his central contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board…

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18

Mar

By The Press Editor

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Sports

Shivam Dube shares reason behind choosing train over flight after T20 World Cup win

New Delhi: All-rounder Shivam Dube chose an unusual route home after winning the T20 World Cup 2026, beating New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While the rest of the squad prepared for a scheduled return via flights, Dube made a personal decision driven by urgency rather than convenience. The 31-year-old left Ahmedabad within hours of the final, prioritising time with family over the team’s travel arrangements. With flights on the Ahmedabad–Mumbai route unavailable, he turned to the railways as the quickest way to reach home. Accompanied by his wife and a friend, Dube secured seats in a…

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18

Mar

By The Press Editor

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Sports

Sunrisers Hyderabad announce Ishan Kishan as new captain as Pat Cummins to miss start of IPL 2026

Hyderabad: Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins will miss the first few matches of the IPL 2026. The pacer is currently recovering from a back injury, for which he featured in only one of the Ashes Tests and was ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026. Currently, his fitness status hasn’t been shared by Cricket Australia or Hyderabad management, but in all likelihood, the pacer will miss a few games to start with. In his absence, Ishan Kishan is set to lead the 2016 champions. The team management wants the keeper-batter to lead, while Abhishek Sharma will serve as his…

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18

Mar

By The Press Editor

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Sports

Abhishek Sharma reflects on struggles and mental reset during T20 World Cup 2026

New Delhi: India opener Abhishek Sharma has reflected on a challenging stretch during the T20 World Cup 2026, describing it as a phase that forced him to confront both expectation and adversity at the highest level. Entering the tournament in prolific form and carrying the tag of the top-ranked T20I batter, Abhishek’s campaign quickly unravelled, registering three consecutive ducks. He also missed India’s group-stage fixture against Namibia, owing to illness. Upon returning, he struggled to find rhythm as his struggle against off-spinners forced India to make a strategic change to the playing XI. Sanju Samson was brought to open, while…

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