Sports

Ahmed Shehzad, IPL trophy Former Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has criticised Pakistan journalists and media for repeatedly asking foreign players to compare the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL).Shehzad pointed to questions asked to Kusal Mendis, who is currently playing in the PSL.“Kusal Mendis is playing, performing in PSL, and he…

R Vaishali (Photo by Michal Walusza) NEW DELHI: History was created on the Mediterranean shores as Vaishali Rameshbabu clinched the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament on Wednesday, earning the right to challenge China’s reigning champion Ju Wenjun for the Women’s World Chess Championship crown later this year.Going into the final round, Vaishali’s fate wasn’t entirely in…

R-L India’s Vaishali Rameshbabu, Kazakhstan’s Bibisara Assaubayeva, and China’s Zhu Jiner (Photos by Michal Walusza) NEW DELHI: The hour of judgement has arrived. Unless a tie-breaker is forced and we have to wait for another day, it will be decided on Wednesday on the Mediterranean shores of Cyprus who will take the Women’s Candidates crown…

Rishabh Pant in pain (BCCI Photo) NEW DELHI: It was a worrying moment for Rishabh Pant and Lucknow Super Giants early in their IPL clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Wednesday, as the skipper was forced to walk off the field after a painful blow to his elbow.Pant had just come in to bat and…

MUMBAI: In a big blow to the Mumbai Indians, already reeling after three straight defeats, their former captain and star opener Rohit Sharma is set to miss the team’s fifth match of IPL 2026 against Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium due to a recurrence of a hamstring injury, TOI has learnt.Rohit sustained the injury…

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli was not included in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s starting XI against Lucknow Super Giants in Bengaluru, but he was named among the Impact Players, meaning he could still come in to bat if needed. His absence at the start comes after he picked up an ankle injury in RCB’s previous match against…

Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan makes big revelation (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan says his most memorable sixes came against India, especially during the Asia Cup. “The ones I hit against India in the Asia Cup. People started to recognise my six-hitting ability after that,” Farhan told ESPNCricinfo. In that final, Farhan stood out…

Ben Stokes has revealed he feels “quite lucky” to be alive after a terrifying training incident left him with a broken cheekbone, underlining just how close he came to a far more serious outcome. The all-rounder was struck flush on the face by a cricket ball during a net session while coaching academy players at…

Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: The badminton world was left stunned on Wednesday as Denmark’s two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen announced his retirement at the age of 32, citing persistent back problems that have made it impossible to “compete and train at the highest level.” The decision brings down the curtain on one…

Vincent Keymer and Javokhir Sindarov (Photo by Freestyle Chess and Niki Riga) NEW DELHI: The chess world has a new apex predator, and his name is Javokhir Sindarov.In a breathtaking display of tactical aggression, the 20-year-old Uzbek Grandmaster (GM) clinched the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 on Tuesday, securing his right to challenge India’s D Gukesh…