Vimath Dinsara to lead Sri Lanka in 2026 U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup

IANS | January 1, 2026 9:14 PM

Colombo, Jan 1 (IANS) Vimath Dinsara will captain Sri Lanka in the 2026 Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said on Thursday. Kavija Gamage has been named as Sri Lanka’s vice-captain for the tournament beginning on January 15 in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Ashwin warns ICC of slow death of ODI cricket after 2027 World Cup

IANS | January 1, 2026 8:17 PM

New Delhi, Jan 1, 2026 (IANS): Indian spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin has sounded a warning over the future of ODI cricket, expressing concern that the 50-over format could face a slow decline after the 2027 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. With the growing dominance of T20 leagues worldwide and the enduring appeal of Test cricket, Ashwin believes the relevance of ODIs is steadily diminishing, and the format’s long-term survival is under threat.

Sports fraternity extends warm New Year 2026 greetings

IANS | January 1, 2026 5:43 PM

New Delhi, Jan 1 (IANS) As the world welcomed the New Year 2026 amid fireworks, celebrations, and renewed hope, leading figures from the global sports fraternity joined in to mark the occasion, sharing messages of love, gratitude, and motivation at the start of the year.

Enzo Maresca on brink of leaving Chelsea: Report

IANS | January 1, 2026 3:15 PM

London, Jan 1 (IANS) Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge as the club’s poor run in the Premier League 2025-26 has raised serious concerns over his position. The West London-based club has won only one of their last seven Premier League games and has slipped to fifth position in the points table.

Ashes: Australia name unchanged squad for Sydney Test

IANS | January 1, 2026 3:10 PM

Sydney, Jan 1 (IANS) Australia have named an unchanged squad from the Boxing Day Test for the upcoming final Test of the Ashes series, though conditions at the SCG could still prompt changes to the final XI. The match is set to begin on January 4 here at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

WPL 2026: Ismail, Illingworth and Carey join Mumbai Indians pre-season camp

IANS | January 1, 2026 2:39 PM

Mumbai, Jan 1 (IANS) Defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have bolstered their 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) preparations with the arrival of former South African fast bowler Shabnim Ismail and the Australian duo of Milly Illingworth and Nicola Carey at their training camp, said the franchise on Thursday.

Indian women's cricket team kicks off 2026 with blessings of Lord Mahakal

IANS | January 1, 2026 1:29 PM

Ujjain, Jan 1 (IANS) Beginning the new year on a spiritual note after their historic World Cup triumph, members of the Indian Women's cricket team sought the blessings of Lord Shiva at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga here on Thursday. The players also attended the early morning bhasm arti at the temple.