The 2026 FIFA World Cup (Getty Images) NEW DELHI: The ever-present description of football as a “game of two halves” is set for a new narrative as FIFA, the governing body of the game, has included a three-minute hydration break midway through each half of every match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, make it…
Devdutt Padikkal likely to be India’s new No.3 TimesofIndia.com in Mullanpur: With temperatures nearing 40°C and the afternoon sun beating down relentlessly, Team India pushed through another intense training session in Mullanpur on Thursday ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan, beginning Saturday.With the Indian Premier League (IPL) having ended just three days ago and…
Vidarbha’s Harsh Dubey (PTI Photo) India’s preparations for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan have generated significant interest, particularly because several emerging domestic performers have earned opportunities at the highest level. With senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja unavailable for the match in New Chandigarh, the spotlight has shifted towards a new generation of spin-bowling talent hoping…
Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid NEW DELHI: The prospect of Jose Mourinho making a sensational return to Real Madrid has generated excitement among fans, but the Portuguese coach’s comeback may depend on more than just the club’s wishes.Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has publicly stated that Mourinho is his preferred choice to take charge at…
Aryna Sabalenka (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: Aryna Sabalenka’s dream of winning her first French Open title ended in dramatic fashion as the world No. 1 suffered a stunning quarterfinal defeat after throwing away a commanding lead.Sabalenka looked firmly in control against Diana Shnaider, winning the first set and moving 4-1 ahead in the second. She…
England players are wearing black armbands (Screengrab) England’s players are seen wearing black armbands on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s as part of a special tribute to former cricketers who have passed away since the team’s last home international fixture.Before the start of play on Thursday, a moment…
Rajasthan Royals’ Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (AP Photo) Few players have captured the imagination of the cricketing world quite like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. At just 15 years of age, the Rajasthan Royals opener has emerged as one of the biggest sensations in the game after producing a breathtaking IPL 2026 campaign that shattered records and earned admiration from…
Few venues in world cricket are as tied to tradition as Lord’s. The Long Room, the famous slope, the ringing bell before play, strict dress codes and the honours boards all help make the ground unique. Players from around the world speak about the special feeling of walking out at Lord’s. Yet when England take…
Shashi Tharoor, Lalit Modi Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has made fresh allegations about the controversy surrounding the Kochi Tuskers Kerala franchise in 2010, claiming political pressure was exerted on him when he questioned the ownership structure of the team and the role of Sunanda Pushkar.In an interview with news agency ANI, Lalit Modi alleged…
England captain Ben Stokes with coach Brendon McCullum during a net session at The Kia Oval on July 30, 2025 in London, England. (Photo/Getty Images) England will begin their home summer with a three-Test series against New Zealand, with the first match starting at Lord’s on Thursday. The series is part of the ICC World…