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Amid criticism over his exclusion from India’s squad for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan, Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi is reportedly set to join the team as a net bowler. The right-arm pacer enjoyed a remarkable 2025-26 domestic season, playing an important role in Jammu and Kashmir’s historic maiden Ranji Trophy triumph as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker. Nabi has claimed 156 wickets in 41 first-class matches at an impressive average of 18.37. During the recently concluded Ranji Trophy campaign, he produced outstanding numbers, taking 60 wickets at an average of 12.57, including seven five-wicket hauls.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to reports, Nabi is one of six bowlers who will assist the Indian team during practice sessions ahead of the Test.&nbsp;“Yes Auqib Nabi has been asked to join the India nets. It is not just Auqib but there are six others, who have also been called to join the India nets. Due to extreme weather conditions, the two premier fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna can’t go flat out in the nets after a gruelling three games in seven days with travel. The batters would need adequate practice," a BCCI source was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.&nbsp;Despite his exceptional performances, the 29-year-old was overlooked for the 15-member Test squad, instead, the selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, handed a first national call-up to Punjab seamer Gurnoor Brar.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indonesia-open-2026-pv-sindhu-advances-to-round-of-16-srikanth-malvika-exit-1780388726483">Indonesia Open 2026: PV Sindhu advances to Round of 16, Srikanth, Malvika exit</a>&nbsp;Addressing Nabi’s omission, Agarkar acknowledged that the pacer was seriously considered but explained that team balance and Indian conditions limited the number of fast bowlers selected.&nbsp;“Auqib Nabi, of course, is someone who has had a great season, not just now but last season as well," Agarkar said. “There’s always a chat around that, but you don’t necessarily pick a lot of seamers when you pick a Test team in India. He was close, but at this point we have gone with the three that we have picked. But there was certainly a chat around that. There is no doubt that he has had some incredible performances for Jammu and Kashmir."&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/team-india-s-schedule-after-ipl-2026-complete-list-of-matches-dates-and-venues-1780387433672">Team India's schedule after IPL 2026: Complete list of matches, dates and venues</a>&nbsp;UP leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari, who represents Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, has also been asked to bowl in the nets as Afghanistan are expected to field several wrist-spinners.&nbsp;India are scheduled to begin preparations this afternoon for the match, which starts on Jun 6, however, the players who were part of IPL are unlikely to train.

IND vs AFG One-off Test: Auqib Nabi’s omission from India’s squad sparked debate, but the BCCI has now handed the Jammu and Kashmir pacer a surprise opportunity.

Amid criticism over his exclusion from India’s squad for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan, Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi is reportedly set to join the team as a net bowler. The right-arm pacer enjoyed a remarkable 2025-26 domestic season, playing an important role in Jammu and Kashmir’s historic maiden Ranji Trophy triumph as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker. Nabi has claimed 156 wickets in 41 first-class matches at an impressive average of 18.37. During the recently concluded Ranji Trophy campaign, he produced outstanding numbers, taking 60 wickets at an average of 12.57, including seven five-wicket hauls. According to reports, Nabi is one of six bowlers who will assist the Indian team during practice sessions ahead of the Test. “Yes Auqib Nabi has been asked to join the India nets. It is not just Auqib but there are six others, who have also been called to join the India nets. Due to extreme weather conditions, the two premier fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna can’t go flat out in the nets after a gruelling three games in seven days with travel. The batters would need adequate practice," a BCCI source was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. Despite his exceptional performances, the 29-year-old was overlooked for the 15-member Test squad, instead, the selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, handed a first national call-up to Punjab seamer Gurnoor Brar. Also Read - Indonesia Open 2026: PV Sindhu advances to Round of 16, Srikanth, Malvika exit Addressing Nabi’s omission, Agarkar acknowledged that the pacer was seriously considered but explained that team balance and Indian conditions limited the number of fast bowlers selected. “Auqib Nabi, of course, is someone who has had a great season, not just now but last season as well," Agarkar said. “There’s always a chat around that, but you don’t necessarily pick a lot of seamers when you pick a Test team in India. He was close, but at this point we have gone with the three that we have picked. But there was certainly a chat around that. There is no doubt that he has had some incredible performances for Jammu and Kashmir." Also Read - Team India's schedule after IPL 2026: Complete list of matches, dates and venues UP leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari, who represents Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, has also been asked to bowl in the nets as Afghanistan are expected to field several wrist-spinners. India are scheduled to begin preparations this afternoon for the match, which starts on Jun 6, however, the players who were part of IPL are unlikely to train.

IND vs AFG One-off Test: Auqib Nabi’s omission from India’s squad sparked debate, but the BCCI has now handed the Jammu and Kashmir pacer a surprise opportunity.

Auqib Nabi added to India squad as backup for one-off Test vs Afghanistan

What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the words Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, or the Middle East? Oil, sand dunes, blistering heat, or something other than this. But Ice Hockey? That's the last thing that will come across anyone's mind. Yet, over the past two decades, the sport has quietly established itself across the region, with national teams, international tournaments, and growing grassroots participation creating a surprising hockey movement. From the UAE to Lebanon, countries are investing in ice rinks, youth development programs, and competitive leagues. What was once considered impossible in one of the world's hottest regions is steadily becoming a sporting success story.<h2>The origins of ice hockey in the Middle East</h2><h3>UAE leads the way</h3>The United Arab Emirates became the region's ice hockey pioneer in the early 2000s. The development of indoor ice rinks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi provided the foundation for amateur leagues and national-level competition. The UAE Ice Hockey Association soon started organising international events and fostering local talent, helping position the country as the regional leader in the sport.&nbsp;Key statistics<ul><li>The UAE National Ice Hockey Team gained official recognition from the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) in 2001.</li><li>The country currently operates four indoor ice rinks, including Dubai Ice Rink and Zayed Sports City Ice Rink in Abu Dhabi.</li><li>The Arab Cup for Ice Hockey, launched in 2008, united teams from Lebanon, Egypt, Kuwait, and the UAE, significantly boosting regional awareness.</li></ul><h3>Lebanon's growing hockey culture</h3>Despite lacking natural ice conditions, Lebanon has embraced hockey through its strong expatriate connections and winter sports culture. Lebanese players, many with ties to Canada and the United States, helped establish leagues and national team structures. The Lebanese National Ice Hockey Team continues to pursue greater international recognition, while plans for new training facilities aim to support future growth.<h3>Regional expansion continues</h3>Other nations, including Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, have also entered the hockey landscape. Much of this growth has been driven by expatriate communities, corporate sponsors, and sports organizations eager to diversify athletic opportunities in the region.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/how-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-planned-his-historic-776-run-ipl-season-months-in-advance-1780384799933">How Vaibhav Sooryavanshi planned his historic 776-run IPL season months in advance</a><h2>Why is ice hockey growing?</h2><h3>Modern indoor facilities</h3>Advanced climate-controlled arenas have made year-round hockey possible, eliminating the challenges posed by the region's extreme temperatures. Shopping malls, sports complexes, and entertainment centers have become home to thriving hockey communities.<h3>Expat communities drive demand</h3>Large populations of Canadian, Russian, Swedish, and European professionals living in cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha have played a major role in developing local leagues and promoting the sport.<h3>International support</h3>The IIHF has actively supported hockey development in emerging markets through funding, coaching programs, and tournament opportunities.Global expansion efforts<ul><li>The IIHF's "Grow the Game" Initiative has invested approximately $1.2 million in hockey development programs across non-traditional hockey markets, including the Middle East.</li><li>Dubai has hosted the Challenge Cup of Asia, featuring teams from the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, and other developing hockey nations.</li></ul><h3>Youth development programs</h3>The future of hockey in the region depends heavily on grassroots participation. Youth leagues and academy programs in the UAE are creating opportunities for local athletes to learn and compete in the sport.Grassroots progress<ul><li>More than 300 youth players are currently enrolled in UAE hockey development programs.</li><li>Lebanon's hockey federation continues scouting local talent to strengthen its junior pathway system.</li></ul><h2>Challenges facing regional hockey</h2><h3>High operating costs</h3>Maintaining ice surfaces in desert climates requires significant energy and operational expenses, making rink management considerably more costly than in traditional hockey nations.<h3>Cultural awareness</h3>Football, basketball, and combat sports remain dominant throughout the region. Hockey organizations must continue educating audiences and attracting new fans to sustain growth.<h3>Developing local talent</h3>Many players competing in Middle Eastern leagues are expatriates or foreign-born athletes. Federations are now focused on nurturing homegrown players who can represent their countries internationally.<h2>A major milestone for the UAE</h2>The UAE secured the right to host the 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division II, Group A, after winning a vote at the International Ice Hockey Federation's Annual Congress in Zurich, Switzerland. The UAE bid received 14 votes, surpassing Croatia's 11 votes and reinforcing international confidence in the country's ability to organise world-class sporting events. The UAE Winter Sports Federation delegation participated in the congress meetings, led by Hamel Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Vice President of the Federation, alongside Secretary General Jumaa Al Dhaheri and Technical Director Mohamad Aref Aljachi.The delegation presented the hosting proposal, outlining the championship's organizational, technical, and operational framework.<h2>What's next?</h2>Ice hockey's rise in the Middle East demonstrates how determination, investment, and innovation can overcome even the most challenging environments. With expanding infrastructure, growing youth participation, and increasing international recognition, the region is emerging as one of hockey's most unexpected growth markets.&nbsp;The UAE's successful bid to host the 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division II, Group A, marks another significant step forward. As more nations embrace the sport and local talent continues to develop, the Middle East's hockey story is only just beginning. What once seemed impossible in the desert is now becoming a lasting sporting legacy.

Ice hockey is gaining momentum across the Middle East. Discover how the UAE secured hosting rights for the 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division II Group A and why hockey is becoming one of the region's fastest-growing sports

What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the words Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, or the Middle East? Oil, sand dunes, blistering heat, or something other than this. But Ice Hockey? That's the last thing that will come across anyone's mind. Yet, over the past two decades, the sport has quietly established itself across the region, with national teams, international tournaments, and growing grassroots participation creating a surprising hockey movement. From the UAE to Lebanon, countries are investing in ice rinks, youth development programs, and competitive leagues. What was once considered impossible in one of the world's hottest regions is steadily becoming a sporting success story. The origins of ice hockey in the Middle East UAE leads the way The United Arab Emirates became the region's ice hockey pioneer in the early 2000s. The development of indoor ice rinks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi provided the foundation for amateur leagues and national-level competition. The UAE Ice Hockey Association soon started organising international events and fostering local talent, helping position the country as the regional leader in the sport. Key statistics The UAE National Ice Hockey Team gained official recognition from the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) in 2001. The country currently operates four indoor ice rinks, including Dubai Ice Rink and Zayed Sports City Ice Rink in Abu Dhabi. The Arab Cup for Ice Hockey, launched in 2008, united teams from Lebanon, Egypt, Kuwait, and the UAE, significantly boosting regional awareness. Lebanon's growing hockey culture Despite lacking natural ice conditions, Lebanon has embraced hockey through its strong expatriate connections and winter sports culture. Lebanese players, many with ties to Canada and the United States, helped establish leagues and national team structures. The Lebanese National Ice Hockey Team continues to pursue greater international recognition, while plans for new training facilities aim to support future growth. Regional expansion continues Other nations, including Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, have also entered the hockey landscape. Much of this growth has been driven by expatriate communities, corporate sponsors, and sports organizations eager to diversify athletic opportunities in the region. Also Read: How Vaibhav Sooryavanshi planned his historic 776-run IPL season months in advance Why is ice hockey growing? Modern indoor facilities Advanced climate-controlled arenas have made year-round hockey possible, eliminating the challenges posed by the region's extreme temperatures. Shopping malls, sports complexes, and entertainment centers have become home to thriving hockey communities. Expat communities drive demand Large populations of Canadian, Russian, Swedish, and European professionals living in cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha have played a major role in developing local leagues and promoting the sport. International support The IIHF has actively supported hockey development in emerging markets through funding, coaching programs, and tournament opportunities. Global expansion efforts The IIHF's "Grow the Game" Initiative has invested approximately $1.2 million in hockey development programs across non-traditional hockey markets, including the Middle East. Dubai has hosted the Challenge Cup of Asia, featuring teams from the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, and other developing hockey nations. Youth development programs The future of hockey in the region depends heavily on grassroots participation. Youth leagues and academy programs in the UAE are creating opportunities for local athletes to learn and compete in the sport. Grassroots progress More than 300 youth players are currently enrolled in UAE hockey development programs. Lebanon's hockey federation continues scouting local talent to strengthen its junior pathway system. Challenges facing regional hockey High operating costs Maintaining ice surfaces in desert climates requires significant energy and operational expenses, making rink management considerably more costly than in traditional hockey nations. Cultural awareness Football, basketball, and combat sports remain dominant throughout the region. Hockey organizations must continue educating audiences and attracting new fans to sustain growth. Developing local talent Many players competing in Middle Eastern leagues are expatriates or foreign-born athletes. Federations are now focused on nurturing homegrown players who can represent their countries internationally. A major milestone for the UAE The UAE secured the right to host the 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division II, Group A, after winning a vote at the International Ice Hockey Federation's Annual Congress in Zurich, Switzerland. The UAE bid received 14 votes, surpassing Croatia's 11 votes and reinforcing international confidence in the country's ability to organise world-class sporting events. The UAE Winter Sports Federation delegation participated in the congress meetings, led by Hamel Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Vice President of the Federation, alongside Secretary General Jumaa Al Dhaheri and Technical Director Mohamad Aref Aljachi. The delegation presented the hosting proposal, outlining the championship's organizational, technical, and operational framework. What's next? Ice hockey's rise in the Middle East demonstrates how determination, investment, and innovation can overcome even the most challenging environments. With expanding infrastructure, growing youth participation, and increasing international recognition, the region is emerging as one of hockey's most unexpected growth markets. The UAE's successful bid to host the 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division II, Group A, marks another significant step forward. As more nations embrace the sport and local talent continues to develop, the Middle East's hockey story is only just beginning. What once seemed impossible in the desert is now becoming a lasting sporting legacy.

Ice hockey is rapidly growing across the Middle East region, with the UAE leading regional expansion and securing the 2027 IIHF Division II Group A Championship

Ice hockey in the desert? UAE stuns the world by winning rights to host 2027 IIHF Championship

India’s campaign at the Indonesia Open 2026 began on a mixed note on Tuesday (Jun 2), as two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu advanced to the second round, while former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth exited the tournament in the opening round. Sindhu overcame a strong challenge from Busanan Ongbamrungphan of Thailand, securing a 25-23, 21-16 victory in the women’s singles Round of 32. The contest lasted 51 minutes, with the Indian star relying on her aggressive style of play to clinch a tightly contested first game before taking control of the second and sealing the match in straight games.&nbsp;The former world champion is now expected to face reigning Olympic champion and world No. 1 An Se-young in the next round. Sindhu had lost to the South Korean in the quarterfinals of last week’s Singapore Open and is yet to register a win against her in nine meetings.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/team-india-s-schedule-after-ipl-2026-complete-list-of-matches-dates-and-venues-1780387433672">Team India's schedule after IPL 2026: Complete list of matches, dates and venues</a>&nbsp;In the men’s singles, Srikanth’s campaign ended early after he went down 19-21, 15-21 to Japan’s Yushi Tanaka. There was further disappointment for India as Malvika Bansod outclassed in the first round, suffering a one-sided 12-21, 10-21 defeat to seventh seed Pornpawee Chochuwong.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-reschedules-women-s-champions-trophy-2027-to-february-window-1780384079095">ICC reschedules Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 to February window</a>&nbsp;On the positive side, the men’s doubles duo of Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun advanced to the second round with a commanding 21-18, 21-10 win over the higher-ranked Malaysian pair of Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub and Tan Wee Kiong.&nbsp;Later in the day, Indian shuttlers Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand in women’s doubles, Lakshya Sen in men’s singles and the mixed doubles pair of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto were scheduled to begin their campaigns.

PV Sindhu is likely to face reigning Olympic champion and world No. 1 An Se-young next, having lost to her in the Singapore quarterfinals last week.

India’s campaign at the Indonesia Open 2026 began on a mixed note on Tuesday (Jun 2), as two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu advanced to the second round, while former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth exited the tournament in the opening round. Sindhu overcame a strong challenge from Busanan Ongbamrungphan of Thailand, securing a 25-23, 21-16 victory in the women’s singles Round of 32. The contest lasted 51 minutes, with the Indian star relying on her aggressive style of play to clinch a tightly contested first game before taking control of the second and sealing the match in straight games. The former world champion is now expected to face reigning Olympic champion and world No. 1 An Se-young in the next round. Sindhu had lost to the South Korean in the quarterfinals of last week’s Singapore Open and is yet to register a win against her in nine meetings. Also Read - Team India's schedule after IPL 2026: Complete list of matches, dates and venues In the men’s singles, Srikanth’s campaign ended early after he went down 19-21, 15-21 to Japan’s Yushi Tanaka. There was further disappointment for India as Malvika Bansod outclassed in the first round, suffering a one-sided 12-21, 10-21 defeat to seventh seed Pornpawee Chochuwong. Also Read - ICC reschedules Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 to February window On the positive side, the men’s doubles duo of Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun advanced to the second round with a commanding 21-18, 21-10 win over the higher-ranked Malaysian pair of Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub and Tan Wee Kiong. Later in the day, Indian shuttlers Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand in women’s doubles, Lakshya Sen in men’s singles and the mixed doubles pair of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto were scheduled to begin their campaigns.

PV Sindhu is likely to face reigning Olympic champion and world No. 1 An Se-young next, having lost to her in the Singapore quarterfinals last week.

Indonesia Open 2026: PV Sindhu advances to Round of 16, Srikanth, Malvika exit

Shortly after the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) concludes, India’s international cricket calendar will resume with a lone Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh on June 6. Led by Shubman Gill, who recently guided Gujarat Titans to the IPL final, the squad includes key red-ball players such as KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant and Mohammed Siraj, all set to return to the longer format.&nbsp;Following the Test, India will shift focus to preparations for next year’s World Cup with a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. The series will also see the return of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to international cricket, having already retired from Tests and T20Is.&nbsp;Meanwhile, India A team, under Tilak Varma’s leadership, will compete in a tri-series against Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A from Jun 9 to 21. The squad blends youth and experience, featuring IPL 2026 Orange Cap winner Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ruturaj Gaikwad and attacking openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya.&nbsp;&nbsp;The seven-match tournament in Sri Lanka is expected to serve as a key platform for emerging players aiming to push for selection in India’s ODI setup ahead of the global event.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-a-player-and-what-a-knock-virat-kohli-gets-special-praise-from-this-england-footballer-after-rcb-s-back-to-back-ipl-titles-1780380131610">Kohli gets special praise from THIS footballer as RCB win back-to-back IPL title</a>&nbsp;India’s packed schedule continues with two T20Is in Ireland, followed by a tour of England featuring five T20Is and three ODIs from Jul 1 to 19.&nbsp;Later in 2026, India are scheduled to tour Zimbabwe for three T20Is, host the West Indies for three ODIs and five T20Is and conclude the year at home with white-ball series against Sri Lanka comprising three ODIs and three T20Is in December.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-reschedules-women-s-champions-trophy-2027-to-february-window-1780384079095">ICC reschedules Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 to February window</a><h3>Afghanistan tour of India 2026</h3><ul><li>Only Test: Jun 6 to 10 - New Chandigarh</li><li>1st ODI: Jun 13 - Dharamsala</li><li>2nd ODI: Jun 17 - Lucknow</li><li>3rd ODI: Jun 20 - Chennai</li></ul><h3>A-Team Tri-Series (IND-A, AFG-A &amp; SL-A)</h3><ul><li>1st match: Jun 9 - Sri Lanka A vs India A - Dambulla</li><li>2nd match: Jun 11 - Afghanistan A vs India A - Dambulla</li><li>4th match: Jun 15 - Sri Lanka A vs India A - Dambulla</li><li>5th match: Jun 17 - Afghanistan A vs India A - Dambulla</li><li>Final: Jun 21 - Dambulla</li></ul><h3>India tour of Ireland 2026</h3><ul><li>1st T20I: Jun 26 - Belfast</li><li>2nd T20I: Jun 28 - Belfast</li></ul><h3>India tour of England 2026</h3><ul><li>1st T20I: Jul 1 - Chester-le-Street</li><li>2nd T20I: Jul 4 - Manchester</li><li>3rd T20I: Jul 7 - Nottingham</li><li>4th T20I: Jul 9 - Bristol</li><li>5th T20I: Jul 11 - Southampton</li><li>1st ODI: Jul 14 - Birmingham</li><li>2nd ODI: Jul 16 - Cardiff</li><li>3rd ODI: Jul 19 - Lord’s</li></ul>

Complete list of India’s international fixtures following the conclusion of IPL 2026 on May 31.

Shortly after the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) concludes, India’s international cricket calendar will resume with a lone Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh on June 6. Led by Shubman Gill, who recently guided Gujarat Titans to the IPL final, the squad includes key red-ball players such as KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant and Mohammed Siraj, all set to return to the longer format. Following the Test, India will shift focus to preparations for next year’s World Cup with a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. The series will also see the return of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to international cricket, having already retired from Tests and T20Is. Meanwhile, India A team, under Tilak Varma’s leadership, will compete in a tri-series against Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A from Jun 9 to 21. The squad blends youth and experience, featuring IPL 2026 Orange Cap winner Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ruturaj Gaikwad and attacking openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya. The seven-match tournament in Sri Lanka is expected to serve as a key platform for emerging players aiming to push for selection in India’s ODI setup ahead of the global event. Also Read - Kohli gets special praise from THIS footballer as RCB win back-to-back IPL title India’s packed schedule continues with two T20Is in Ireland, followed by a tour of England featuring five T20Is and three ODIs from Jul 1 to 19. Later in 2026, India are scheduled to tour Zimbabwe for three T20Is, host the West Indies for three ODIs and five T20Is and conclude the year at home with white-ball series against Sri Lanka comprising three ODIs and three T20Is in December. Also Read - ICC reschedules Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 to February window Afghanistan tour of India 2026 Only Test: Jun 6 to 10 - New Chandigarh 1st ODI: Jun 13 - Dharamsala 2nd ODI: Jun 17 - Lucknow 3rd ODI: Jun 20 - Chennai A-Team Tri-Series (IND-A, AFG-A & SL-A) 1st match: Jun 9 - Sri Lanka A vs India A - Dambulla 2nd match: Jun 11 - Afghanistan A vs India A - Dambulla 4th match: Jun 15 - Sri Lanka A vs India A - Dambulla 5th match: Jun 17 - Afghanistan A vs India A - Dambulla Final: Jun 21 - Dambulla India tour of Ireland 2026 1st T20I: Jun 26 - Belfast 2nd T20I: Jun 28 - Belfast India tour of England 2026 1st T20I: Jul 1 - Chester-le-Street 2nd T20I: Jul 4 - Manchester 3rd T20I: Jul 7 - Nottingham 4th T20I: Jul 9 - Bristol 5th T20I: Jul 11 - Southampton 1st ODI: Jul 14 - Birmingham 2nd ODI: Jul 16 - Cardiff 3rd ODI: Jul 19 - Lord’s

Complete list of India’s international fixtures following the conclusion of IPL 2026 on May 31.

Team India's schedule after IPL 2026: Complete list of matches, dates and venues

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rescheduled the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy to Feb 2027, following decisions taken at its Board meeting in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Originally scheduled for June-July, the tournament will now take place from Feb 14 to 28, however, the ICC did not provide a specific explanation for the revised schedule. In a statement released on Monday, ICC Chairman Jay Shah said the discussions in Ahmedabad reflected the governing body’s focus on strengthening governance, administration and the global development of cricket.&nbsp;“Our discussions in Ahmedabad have reinforced the ICC’s commitment to governance, administration and the growth of cricket globally. From women’s cricket and emerging nations to the management of franchise competitions, today’s discussions and decisions aim to ensure that cricket remains fair, competitive, and exciting for fans worldwide," ICC chairman Jay Shah said in a statement on Monday.&nbsp;First announced in 2022, the Women’s Champions Trophy will be played in the T20 format and the new dates create a partial overlap with New Zealand’s white-ball tour of Australia, which runs from Feb 27 to Mar 7 and includes six limited-overs matches.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/how-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-planned-his-historic-776-run-ipl-season-months-in-advance-1780384799933">How Vaibhav Sooryavanshi planned his historic 776-run IPL season months in advance</a>&nbsp;According to ESPNcricinfo, Cricket Australia is evaluating possible options after being informed of the scheduling change.<h3>Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy introduced</h3>The ICC also confirmed the launch of the Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy in 2026 as a pilot event featuring 10 teams. The competition will include five full member nations and five associate member teams, selected based on rankings and previous Women’s T20 World Cup qualification performances.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-a-player-and-what-a-knock-virat-kohli-gets-special-praise-from-this-england-footballer-after-rcb-s-back-to-back-ipl-titles-1780380131610">Kohli gets special praise from THIS footballer as RCB win back-to-back IPL title</a><h3>Qualification pathway for Women’s T20 World Cup 2028 approved</h3>During the meeting, the ICC Board also approved the qualification structure for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2028, which will be hosted by Pakistan. Under the existing arrangement, India’s matches in the tournament will be played at a neutral venue.&nbsp;The 12-team event will grant automatic qualification to 10 teams and will include the top eight sides from the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup, the host nation if it has not already qualified and the next highest-ranked team in the ICC Women’s T20I rankings as of 6 Jul, 2026.&nbsp;The final two places will be decided through a 10-team global qualifying tournament.

The ICC has rescheduled the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka from its original June-July window to February 2027.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rescheduled the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy to Feb 2027, following decisions taken at its Board meeting in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Originally scheduled for June-July, the tournament will now take place from Feb 14 to 28, however, the ICC did not provide a specific explanation for the revised schedule. In a statement released on Monday, ICC Chairman Jay Shah said the discussions in Ahmedabad reflected the governing body’s focus on strengthening governance, administration and the global development of cricket. “Our discussions in Ahmedabad have reinforced the ICC’s commitment to governance, administration and the growth of cricket globally. From women’s cricket and emerging nations to the management of franchise competitions, today’s discussions and decisions aim to ensure that cricket remains fair, competitive, and exciting for fans worldwide," ICC chairman Jay Shah said in a statement on Monday. First announced in 2022, the Women’s Champions Trophy will be played in the T20 format and the new dates create a partial overlap with New Zealand’s white-ball tour of Australia, which runs from Feb 27 to Mar 7 and includes six limited-overs matches. Also Read - How Vaibhav Sooryavanshi planned his historic 776-run IPL season months in advance According to ESPNcricinfo, Cricket Australia is evaluating possible options after being informed of the scheduling change. Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy introduced The ICC also confirmed the launch of the Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy in 2026 as a pilot event featuring 10 teams. The competition will include five full member nations and five associate member teams, selected based on rankings and previous Women’s T20 World Cup qualification performances. Also Read - Kohli gets special praise from THIS footballer as RCB win back-to-back IPL title Qualification pathway for Women’s T20 World Cup 2028 approved During the meeting, the ICC Board also approved the qualification structure for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2028, which will be hosted by Pakistan. Under the existing arrangement, India’s matches in the tournament will be played at a neutral venue. The 12-team event will grant automatic qualification to 10 teams and will include the top eight sides from the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup, the host nation if it has not already qualified and the next highest-ranked team in the ICC Women’s T20I rankings as of 6 Jul, 2026. The final two places will be decided through a 10-team global qualifying tournament.

The ICC has rescheduled the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka from its original June-July window to February 2027.

ICC reschedules Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 to February window

Rajasthan Royals batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi revealed that scoring 700 runs in IPL 2026 was a personal milestone he had set for himself before the season started, after the teenage prodigy swept the major individual honours following a record-breaking campaign. Although Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their IPL crown with a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, it was the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi who emerged as the standout performer of the tournament.&nbsp;The young batter finished as the leading run-scorer of the season with 776 runs, securing the Orange Cap. He was also named the Most Valuable Player and Emerging Player of the Season. In addition, he claimed the Super Striker award with an astonishing strike rate of 237.31 and the Super Sixes award after smashing a record 72 sixes during the campaign.&nbsp;Speaking in a video shared by the IPL on X, Sooryavanshi revealed that his remarkable season was driven by a target he had written in his phone before the tournament. "Actually, in my phone notes, I mentioned that I wanted to score 700 runs in the IPL. I still have it in my phone. After every match, I was writing the score below and the team I was playing against. That was my personal goal, and I achieved it," he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-a-player-and-what-a-knock-virat-kohli-gets-special-praise-from-this-england-footballer-after-rcb-s-back-to-back-ipl-titles-1780380131610">'What a player and what a knock': Virat Kohli gets special praise from THIS England footballer after RCB's back-to-back IPL titles</a>&nbsp;The teenager also reflected on the significance of winning the Orange Cap, admitting it was once something he could only dream about while watching IPL matches on television. "It feels good when I watch matches on TV. I used to see that a player got an Orange Cap. I used to think that at least I should touch it and see how it is. But God has done all this for me. He has given me a lot of blessings, and I am very grateful for this. It is a proud moment for me personally and for my family," Sooryavanshi said.&nbsp;Despite his historic achievements, the youngster remained focused on further improvement and helping Rajasthan Royals mount a title challenge next season. "This year we made a very good comeback. Hopefully, next year we will play the final and win it. Personally, I am very happy that I achieved a lot and learned a lot. I will try to carry this forward next year," he added.&nbsp;Sooryavanshi also praised the IPL for providing young and domestic cricketers with a platform to showcase their talent on the biggest stage. "I would like to thank the entire BCCI. The IPL is the number one league in the world of cricket without any doubt. It is a very good platform for youngsters and domestic players to show their talent," he said.

Rajasthan Royals star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi revealed his 700-run IPL 2026 target after ending the season with 776 runs, the Orange Cap, MVP award, Emerging Player honour, and multiple records

Rajasthan Royals batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi revealed that scoring 700 runs in IPL 2026 was a personal milestone he had set for himself before the season started, after the teenage prodigy swept the major individual honours following a record-breaking campaign. Although Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their IPL crown with a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, it was the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi who emerged as the standout performer of the tournament. The young batter finished as the leading run-scorer of the season with 776 runs, securing the Orange Cap. He was also named the Most Valuable Player and Emerging Player of the Season. In addition, he claimed the Super Striker award with an astonishing strike rate of 237.31 and the Super Sixes award after smashing a record 72 sixes during the campaign. Speaking in a video shared by the IPL on X, Sooryavanshi revealed that his remarkable season was driven by a target he had written in his phone before the tournament. "Actually, in my phone notes, I mentioned that I wanted to score 700 runs in the IPL. I still have it in my phone. After every match, I was writing the score below and the team I was playing against. That was my personal goal, and I achieved it," he said. Also Read: 'What a player and what a knock': Virat Kohli gets special praise from THIS England footballer after RCB's back-to-back IPL titles The teenager also reflected on the significance of winning the Orange Cap, admitting it was once something he could only dream about while watching IPL matches on television. "It feels good when I watch matches on TV. I used to see that a player got an Orange Cap. I used to think that at least I should touch it and see how it is. But God has done all this for me. He has given me a lot of blessings, and I am very grateful for this. It is a proud moment for me personally and for my family," Sooryavanshi said. Despite his historic achievements, the youngster remained focused on further improvement and helping Rajasthan Royals mount a title challenge next season. "This year we made a very good comeback. Hopefully, next year we will play the final and win it. Personally, I am very happy that I achieved a lot and learned a lot. I will try to carry this forward next year," he added. Sooryavanshi also praised the IPL for providing young and domestic cricketers with a platform to showcase their talent on the biggest stage. "I would like to thank the entire BCCI. The IPL is the number one league in the world of cricket without any doubt. It is a very good platform for youngsters and domestic players to show their talent," he said.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi revealed his 700-run IPL target after finishing IPL 2026 with 776 runs, winning the Orange Cap and five major awards

How Vaibhav Sooryavanshi planned his historic 776-run IPL season months in advance

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's successful IPL title defence earned admiration from across the sporting world, with England football captain Harry Kane joining the growing list of well-wishers after RCB defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Kane shared his praise on Instagram Stories, applauding Virat Kohli and the Bengaluru franchise for their remarkable achievement.&nbsp;"What a player and what a knock @virat.kohli! Congrats @royalchallengers.bengaluru on making it back-to-back IPL titles," Kane wrote. After ending an 18-year wait for their maiden IPL trophy in 2025, RCB successfully defended their title in 2026 with another dominant campaign. The victory made them only the third franchise in IPL history, after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, to win consecutive IPL championships.&nbsp;The triumph also placed Rajat Patidar among an elite group of IPL captains. The RCB skipper became only the third captain after MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma to guide a team to back-to-back IPL titles. Virat Kohli once again played a decisive role in the title-winning campaign, finishing the final unbeaten on 75 and leading from the front in the pressure-filled chase.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/texas-tech-vs-alabama-softball-mia-williams-walk-off-homer-forces-winner-take-all-wcws-showdown-1780375242295">Texas Tech vs Alabama softball: Mia Williams' walk-off homer forces winner-take-all WCWS showdown</a>

Harry Kane's Instagram story

Patidar, who scored more than 500 runs during the season, credited Kohli for helping him grow as a batter while also supporting younger members of the squad. "The way I look at my batting, I try to work on where I can improve, against pacers especially. I got a lot of ideas and help from Kohli bhai. Whenever I see him, he's always there for the team and all the players. He goes to the young players even if they're nervous approaching him," Patidar said.&nbsp;Reflecting on winning his second IPL title as captain, Patidar admitted that memories of last year's historic triumph resurfaced as he entered the stadium. However, he stressed that the team's focus remained firmly on the task at hand. "It feels superb. There were a lot of memories from last year, but we had to stay in the present. Don't have words to express, but feeling good," he said.

Harry Kane congratulates Virat Kohli and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru after their IPL 2026 triumph over Gujarat Titans. RCB secured back-to-back IPL titles, with Kohli starring in the final and Rajat Patidar joining an elite list of championship-winning captains

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's successful IPL title defence earned admiration from across the sporting world, with England football captain Harry Kane joining the growing list of well-wishers after RCB defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Kane shared his praise on Instagram Stories, applauding Virat Kohli and the Bengaluru franchise for their remarkable achievement. "What a player and what a knock @virat.kohli! Congrats @royalchallengers.bengaluru on making it back-to-back IPL titles," Kane wrote. After ending an 18-year wait for their maiden IPL trophy in 2025, RCB successfully defended their title in 2026 with another dominant campaign. The victory made them only the third franchise in IPL history, after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, to win consecutive IPL championships. The triumph also placed Rajat Patidar among an elite group of IPL captains. The RCB skipper became only the third captain after MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma to guide a team to back-to-back IPL titles. Virat Kohli once again played a decisive role in the title-winning campaign, finishing the final unbeaten on 75 and leading from the front in the pressure-filled chase. Also Read: Texas Tech vs Alabama softball: Mia Williams' walk-off homer forces winner-take-all WCWS showdown

England footballer Harry Kane praised Virat Kohli as RCB defeated the Gujarat Titans to win the IPL 2026 title, becoming back-to-back champions

'What a player and what a knock': Virat Kohli gets special praise from THIS England footballer after RCB's back-to-back IPL titles

Mia Williams delivered the biggest hit of her career on Monday (June 1) night, hitting her first walk-off home run to lift Texas Tech to a dramatic 5-4 victory over Alabama in the Women’s College World Series semifinals and force a decisive winner-take-all rematch. The thrilling finish marked just the fifth time in WCWS history that both semifinal matchups required a second game under the tournament’s double-elimination format. Earlier in the day, Texas secured its place in the championship series by defeating Tennessee for a second time.&nbsp;Williams’ 26th home run of the season came in the bottom of the seventh inning, moments after Alabama’s Jena Young tied the game at 4-4 with a clutch two-run homer in the top half of the frame. The victory keeps Texas Tech (60-8) in contention for a second straight appearance in the WCWS finals, where a likely showdown with Texas awaits. Alabama (56-8), meanwhile, saw its seven-game winning streak come to an end but remains one win away from its first championship series berth since 2014.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-official-ball-trionda-features-technology-and-design-explained-all-you-need-to-know-about-it-1780373041253">FIFA World Cup 2026 official ball 'Trionda': Features, technology and design explained. All you need to know about it</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">MIA WILLAMS MOON SHOT HR TO FORCE A WINNER TAKE ALL IN OKC 🔥 Texas Tech and Alabama will face off once again on ESPN and the ESPN App 🍿 <a href="https://t.co/UW7XceZD4R">pic.twitter.com/UW7XceZD4R</a>&mdash; ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://x.com/espn/status/2061620878002077854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Nijaree Canady (28-6) earned the win after pitching 2 2/3 innings in relief. In the process, she set an NCAA record with her 18th career WCWS appearance, surpassing UCLA legend Debbie Doom. Canady struck out four batters while allowing one earned run on three hits after replacing starter Kaitlyn Terry.&nbsp;Texas Tech’s offense capitalised in key moments, with all four of its initial runs scored with two outs. The Red Raiders tied the game 1-1 in the second inning when Hailey Toney drove in a run with a double down the right-field line. The hit ended Alabama starter Jocelyn Briski’s remarkable NCAA Tournament streak of holding opponents hitless with runners in scoring position, snapping an 0-for-15 mark.&nbsp;Lauren Allred put Texas Tech ahead 2-1 in the third inning with a solo home run, while Taylor Pannell extended the lead in the fifth with a two-run blast that narrowly cleared the glove of left fielder Audrey Vandagriff, making it 4-2. Freshman pitcher Vic Moten (21-5) took the loss for Alabama after entering in relief during the fourth inning. She gave three earned runs over 2 2/3 innings while recording four strikeouts.

Mia Williams blasted a walk-off home run as Texas Tech defeated Alabama 5-4 in the Women’s College World Series semifinals, forcing a winner-take-all rematch. Nijaree Canady set an NCAA WCWS appearance record while the Red Raiders kept their championship hopes alive

Mia Williams delivered the biggest hit of her career on Monday (June 1) night, hitting her first walk-off home run to lift Texas Tech to a dramatic 5-4 victory over Alabama in the Women’s College World Series semifinals and force a decisive winner-take-all rematch. The thrilling finish marked just the fifth time in WCWS history that both semifinal matchups required a second game under the tournament’s double-elimination format. Earlier in the day, Texas secured its place in the championship series by defeating Tennessee for a second time. Williams’ 26th home run of the season came in the bottom of the seventh inning, moments after Alabama’s Jena Young tied the game at 4-4 with a clutch two-run homer in the top half of the frame. The victory keeps Texas Tech (60-8) in contention for a second straight appearance in the WCWS finals, where a likely showdown with Texas awaits. Alabama (56-8), meanwhile, saw its seven-game winning streak come to an end but remains one win away from its first championship series berth since 2014. Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 official ball 'Trionda': Features, technology and design explained. All you need to know about it

Mia Williams hit her first career walk-off homer as Texas Tech edged Alabama 5-4, forcing a decisive WCWS semifinal rematch

Texas Tech vs Alabama softball: Mia Williams' walk-off homer forces winner-take-all WCWS showdown

The FIFA World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will mark a historic chapter in football history. Scheduled to begin in June 2026, the tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time, making it the biggest FIFA World Cup ever. Adding to the excitement is the unveiling of the official match ball, the Adidas Trionda. Developed in partnership with FIFA, the ball combines innovative technology with a design that celebrates the three North American host nations.<h2>Why is the FIFA World Cup 2026 ball called ‘Trionda’?</h2>The name ‘Trionda’ translates to ‘three waves’ in Spanish, symbolising the three host countries of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Its design incorporates the national colours of each co-host nation, blue for the United States, red for Canada, and green for Mexico. The ball also features iconic symbols representing each country, including a maple leaf for Canada, an eagle for Mexico, and a star for the United States. Gold accents have been added throughout the design as a tribute to the FIFA World Cup trophy.<h2>Trionda’s unique design</h2>The Trionda features a distinctive four-panel construction, with the panels meeting at the centre to create a triangular pattern. Deep seams have been incorporated into the design to improve flight stability and ensure more consistent aerodynamic performance during matches. According to FIFA, the embossed icons on the ball’s surface enhance grip, helping players maintain better control while dribbling and shooting, particularly in wet or humid conditions. The ball is manufactured by Pakistan-based company Forward Sports in Sialkot, a city renowned for football production. Forward Sports previously produced Al-Rihla, the official match ball of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/70-foot-lionel-messi-statue-taken-down-in-kolkata-due-to-safety-concerns-after-swaying-in-wind-1780368157458">70-foot Lionel Messi statue taken down in Kolkata due to 'safety concerns' after 'swaying in wind'</a><h2>Embedded sensor chip: The biggest innovation</h2>One of the most significant technological advancements in the Trionda is its integrated 500Hz motion sensor chip. Developed by Adidas, the sensor captures data 500 times per second, recording critical information such as the exact point of contact, ball speed, spin rate, trajectory, and direction of movement.&nbsp;Weighing approximately 14 grams, the sensor is embedded within one of the ball’s outer panels. FIFA and Adidas state that it does not affect the ball’s weight, balance, bounce, or overall playing experience. To keep the technology running throughout matches, the ball must be charged before every game. Reports suggest the battery can last up to six hours on a full charge, comfortably covering warm-ups and match time.<h2>How Trionda will improve VAR decisions</h2>The sensor technology inside the Trionda will work alongside advanced high-speed camera systems installed across World Cup venues. By combining ball-tracking data with player-tracking technology, officials will be able to access a real-time 3D recreation of the match. This enhanced system can reportedly track every player and the ball around 50 times per second.&nbsp;The technology is expected to help Video Assistant Referees (VAR) make faster and more accurate decisions, particularly in offside situations and touch-based incidents where precision is crucial. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on June 11, with Mexico set to host South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca, kicking off what promises to be the largest World Cup in history.

Here is everything about the FIFA World Cup 2026 official ball, Trionda, including its design, sensor technology, VAR integration, and meaning

The FIFA World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will mark a historic chapter in football history. Scheduled to begin in June 2026, the tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time, making it the biggest FIFA World Cup ever. Adding to the excitement is the unveiling of the official match ball, the Adidas Trionda. Developed in partnership with FIFA, the ball combines innovative technology with a design that celebrates the three North American host nations. Why is the FIFA World Cup 2026 ball called ‘Trionda’? The name ‘Trionda’ translates to ‘three waves’ in Spanish, symbolising the three host countries of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Its design incorporates the national colours of each co-host nation, blue for the United States, red for Canada, and green for Mexico. The ball also features iconic symbols representing each country, including a maple leaf for Canada, an eagle for Mexico, and a star for the United States. Gold accents have been added throughout the design as a tribute to the FIFA World Cup trophy. Trionda’s unique design The Trionda features a distinctive four-panel construction, with the panels meeting at the centre to create a triangular pattern. Deep seams have been incorporated into the design to improve flight stability and ensure more consistent aerodynamic performance during matches. According to FIFA, the embossed icons on the ball’s surface enhance grip, helping players maintain better control while dribbling and shooting, particularly in wet or humid conditions. The ball is manufactured by Pakistan-based company Forward Sports in Sialkot, a city renowned for football production. Forward Sports previously produced Al-Rihla, the official match ball of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Also Read: 70-foot Lionel Messi statue taken down in Kolkata due to 'safety concerns' after 'swaying in wind' Embedded sensor chip: The biggest innovation One of the most significant technological advancements in the Trionda is its integrated 500Hz motion sensor chip. Developed by Adidas, the sensor captures data 500 times per second, recording critical information such as the exact point of contact, ball speed, spin rate, trajectory, and direction of movement. Weighing approximately 14 grams, the sensor is embedded within one of the ball’s outer panels. FIFA and Adidas state that it does not affect the ball’s weight, balance, bounce, or overall playing experience. To keep the technology running throughout matches, the ball must be charged before every game. Reports suggest the battery can last up to six hours on a full charge, comfortably covering warm-ups and match time. How Trionda will improve VAR decisions The sensor technology inside the Trionda will work alongside advanced high-speed camera systems installed across World Cup venues. By combining ball-tracking data with player-tracking technology, officials will be able to access a real-time 3D recreation of the match. This enhanced system can reportedly track every player and the ball around 50 times per second. The technology is expected to help Video Assistant Referees (VAR) make faster and more accurate decisions, particularly in offside situations and touch-based incidents where precision is crucial. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on June 11, with Mexico set to host South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca, kicking off what promises to be the largest World Cup in history.

FIFA World Cup 2026's official ball, Trionda, features innovative sensor technology, a unique design, and enhanced VAR support

FIFA World Cup 2026 official ball 'Trionda': Features, technology and design explained. All you need to know about it

A giant statue of football superstar Lionel Messi was removed in Kolkata on Monday (June 1) after authorities found it was swaying dangerously in strong winds. Hydraulic cranes and ropes were used to dismantle the 21-metre (70-foot) gold-coloured sculpture in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, before it was transported away on an open-top flatbed truck. “The statue was removed on Monday (June 1) afternoon after locals complained it was swaying in the wind,” state lawmaker Sharadwat Mukherjee was quoted as saying to news agency AFP.&nbsp;Mukherjee said the statue will remain in a government warehouse while officials find a suitable new location. The towering statue, which shows the 38-year-old Argentina captain and Inter Miami star lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy, was unveiled in December 2025 during Messi's widely publicised GOAT tour of India.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-2026-sabalenka-ends-osaka-challenge-to-reach-quarterfinals-berrettini-advances-1780364577441">French Open 2026: Sabalenka ends Osaka challenge to reach quarterfinals; Berrettini advances</a>&nbsp;Lionel Messi is expected to lead Argentina at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which the United States, Canada, and Mexico will jointly host. The World Cup is set to begin on June 11, and the final will be played on July 19. The statue became a topic of political debate following a change in power in West Bengal, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won the recent state election, defeating the Trinamool Congress (TMC).&nbsp;According to reports, the sculpture was commissioned under the patronage of former chief minister and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee. It later faced criticism from newly appointed BJP sports minister Nisith Pramanik, who described it as ‘unsightly’. Although cricket remains India's most-loved and widely followed sport, football continues to enjoy popularity across the country. India is currently ranked 142nd in the FIFA world rankings.<h2>Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup</h2>Defending champions Argentina will start their campaign against Algeria on June 17. They will next play Austria on June 22 and finish their group stage against Jordan on June 28.&nbsp;Squad:<h3>Goalkeepers</h3><ul><li>Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)</li><li>Geronimo Rulli (Marseille)</li><li>Juan Musso (Atlético Madrid)</li></ul><h3>Defenders</h3><ul><li>Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille)</li><li>Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon)</li><li>Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate)</li><li>Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United)</li><li>Cristian Romero (Tottenham)</li><li>Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica)</li><li>Facundo Medina (Marseille)</li><li>Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid)</li></ul><h3>Midfielders</h3><ul><li>Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors)</li><li>Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami)</li><li>Valentin Barco (Strasbourg)</li><li>Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis)</li><li>Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen)</li><li>Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)</li><li>Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)</li></ul><h3>Forwards</h3><ul><li>Julian Alvarez (Atlético Madrid)</li><li>Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)</li><li>Nicolas Gonzalez (Atlético Madrid)</li><li>Thiago Almada (Atlético Madrid)</li><li>Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid)</li><li>Nico Paz (Como)</li><li>Jose Manuel López (Palmeiras)</li><li>Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)</li></ul>

A giant Lionel Messi statue in Kolkata was dismantled due to safety concerns about strong winds. The removal has sparked political debate in West Bengal amid changing leadership

A giant statue of football superstar Lionel Messi was removed in Kolkata on Monday (June 1) after authorities found it was swaying dangerously in strong winds. Hydraulic cranes and ropes were used to dismantle the 21-metre (70-foot) gold-coloured sculpture in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, before it was transported away on an open-top flatbed truck. “The statue was removed on Monday (June 1) afternoon after locals complained it was swaying in the wind,” state lawmaker Sharadwat Mukherjee was quoted as saying to news agency AFP. Mukherjee said the statue will remain in a government warehouse while officials find a suitable new location. The towering statue, which shows the 38-year-old Argentina captain and Inter Miami star lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy, was unveiled in December 2025 during Messi's widely publicised GOAT tour of India. Also Read: French Open 2026: Sabalenka ends Osaka challenge to reach quarterfinals; Berrettini advances Lionel Messi is expected to lead Argentina at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which the United States, Canada, and Mexico will jointly host. The World Cup is set to begin on June 11, and the final will be played on July 19. The statue became a topic of political debate following a change in power in West Bengal, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won the recent state election, defeating the Trinamool Congress (TMC). According to reports, the sculpture was commissioned under the patronage of former chief minister and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee. It later faced criticism from newly appointed BJP sports minister Nisith Pramanik, who described it as ‘unsightly’. Although cricket remains India's most-loved and widely followed sport, football continues to enjoy popularity across the country. India is currently ranked 142nd in the FIFA world rankings. Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Defending champions Argentina will start their campaign against Algeria on June 17. They will next play Austria on June 22 and finish their group stage against Jordan on June 28. Squad: Goalkeepers Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa) Geronimo Rulli (Marseille) Juan Musso (Atlético Madrid) Defenders Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille) Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon) Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate) Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United) Cristian Romero (Tottenham) Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica) Facundo Medina (Marseille) Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid) Midfielders Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors) Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami) Valentin Barco (Strasbourg) Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis) Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen) Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) Forwards Julian Alvarez (Atlético Madrid) Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) Nicolas Gonzalez (Atlético Madrid) Thiago Almada (Atlético Madrid) Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid) Nico Paz (Como) Jose Manuel López (Palmeiras) Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)

Lionel Messi's 70-foot statue in Kolkata was taken down after swaying dangerously in the wind, sparking safety and political debate

70-foot Lionel Messi statue taken down in Kolkata due to 'safety concerns' after 'swaying in wind'

World no 1 Aryna Sabalenka delivered a dominating performance to defeat four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 7-5, 6-3 in the French Open fourth round on Monday (June 1) night, securing her place in the quarterfinals at Roland Garros. Sabalenka hit 39 winners and had 12 aces as she extended her phenomenal run to 14 consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances. The Belarusian now stands as the only Grand Slam singles champion remaining in either the men’s or women’s draw.&nbsp;The win marked Sabalenka’s third win over Osaka this season. Sabalenka will next face Russian Diana Shnaider. Osaka’s impressive run in Paris ended in the last 16, marking her best performance at Roland Garros. The Japanese star once again wore the sequined gold dress she compared to the Eiffel Tower at night.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-2026-adolfo-daniel-vellejo-fined-65-000-here-s-why-1780335660259">French Open 2026: Adolfo Daniel Vellejo fined $65,000 - Here’s why</a>&nbsp;The match also carried history as it became the first women’s night-session contest at the French Open since 2023, ending a lengthy streak of men’s matches in the primetime slot. "I thought it was really cool. Obviously, she's really good at tennis. I would hope I'm okay for tennis, too," said Osaka. “I think, honestly, it was really fun to play.” Sabalenka, who previously criticised the lack of women’s night matches, welcomed the occasion. "I hope that this is the beginning of today's match. It's like we open up that door for women's night sessions," she said.<h2>Matteo Berrettini beats Juan Manuel Cerundolo to advance</h2>In the men’s draw, former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini advanced to his first Grand Slam quarter-final since the 2022 US Open with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (8/6) victory over Juan Manuel Cerundolo. Ranked no 105 in the world, Berrettini became the lowest-ranked men’s quarterfinalist at Roland Garros since 2007. He will next face fellow Italian Matteo Arnaldi, who staged an incredible comeback to defeat Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (5/7), 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 after a marathon battle lasting five hours and 26 minutes.&nbsp;In other matches, tenth seed Flavio Cobolli, overcame Zachary Svajda 6-2, 6-3, 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/5) to book his place in the last eight. The 24-year-old will now face fourth-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, who beat Alejandro Tabilo 6-3, 7-5, 6-1 to reach the quarterfinals.

Aryna Sabalenka defeats Naomi Osaka to reach the French Open quarterfinals as Matteo Berrettini, Matteo Arnaldi, and Felix Auger-Aliassime advance

World no 1 Aryna Sabalenka delivered a dominating performance to defeat four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 7-5, 6-3 in the French Open fourth round on Monday (June 1) night, securing her place in the quarterfinals at Roland Garros. Sabalenka hit 39 winners and had 12 aces as she extended her phenomenal run to 14 consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances. The Belarusian now stands as the only Grand Slam singles champion remaining in either the men’s or women’s draw. The win marked Sabalenka’s third win over Osaka this season. Sabalenka will next face Russian Diana Shnaider. Osaka’s impressive run in Paris ended in the last 16, marking her best performance at Roland Garros. The Japanese star once again wore the sequined gold dress she compared to the Eiffel Tower at night. Also Read: French Open 2026: Adolfo Daniel Vellejo fined $65,000 - Here’s why The match also carried history as it became the first women’s night-session contest at the French Open since 2023, ending a lengthy streak of men’s matches in the primetime slot. "I thought it was really cool. Obviously, she's really good at tennis. I would hope I'm okay for tennis, too," said Osaka. “I think, honestly, it was really fun to play.” Sabalenka, who previously criticised the lack of women’s night matches, welcomed the occasion. "I hope that this is the beginning of today's match. It's like we open up that door for women's night sessions," she said. Matteo Berrettini beats Juan Manuel Cerundolo to advance In the men’s draw, former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini advanced to his first Grand Slam quarter-final since the 2022 US Open with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (8/6) victory over Juan Manuel Cerundolo. Ranked no 105 in the world, Berrettini became the lowest-ranked men’s quarterfinalist at Roland Garros since 2007. He will next face fellow Italian Matteo Arnaldi, who staged an incredible comeback to defeat Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (5/7), 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 after a marathon battle lasting five hours and 26 minutes. In other matches, tenth seed Flavio Cobolli, overcame Zachary Svajda 6-2, 6-3, 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/5) to book his place in the last eight. The 24-year-old will now face fourth-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, who beat Alejandro Tabilo 6-3, 7-5, 6-1 to reach the quarterfinals.

World no 1 Aryna Sabalenka beat Naomi Osaka to reach the French Open quarterfinals, while Matteo Berrettini ended his Grand Slam drought

French Open 2026: Sabalenka ends Osaka challenge to reach quarterfinals; Berrettini advances

The French Open has imposed a $65,000 (INR 6,172,725) fine on Paraguayan tennis player Adolfo Vallejo after he made controversial comments about chair umpire Ana Carvalho following his second-round loss at Roland Garros. Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo announced on Monday that Vallejo would fined half of his prize money due to remarks suggesting that a male umpire would have been better suited to officiate his match against French teenager Moise Kouame. Mauresmo strongly condemned the comments, stating that such views are unacceptable and have no place here.&nbsp;"This is clearly unacceptable," Mauresmo told reporters at Roland Garros. "Once again, such remarks have no place here."<h3>What led to the controversy?</h3>The incident followed one of the tournament’s most dramatic encounters. Vallejo looked set for a comfortable victory after taking a two-set lead against 17-year-old wildcard Moise Kouame, however, the French youngster staged a remarkable comeback, eventually winning 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (8) in a match that lasted nearly five hours on Court Suzanne-Lenglen.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/why-did-tim-david-receive-a-fine-one-match-ban-after-ipl-final-1780333064890">Why did Tim David receive a fine &amp; one-match ban after IPL Final?</a>&nbsp;The crowd played a significant role throughout the contest, loudly supporting the home favourite. As Kouame gained momentum, Vallejo became increasingly frustrated with both the spectators and what he perceived to be a lack of control of the match by the chair umpire.&nbsp;Speaking to tennis website Clay after the defeat, Vallejo questioned Carvalho’s handling of the atmosphere and argued that a male official would have been more capable of managing the situation.&nbsp;&nbsp;"This sort of match needs to be umpired by a man," Vallejo said. "It's very difficult for a woman to do it."&nbsp;He further added: "It has to be refereed by a man, because it's a very demanding crowd and you need a lot of strength to go against the crowd."&nbsp;Also Read -<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-approves-red-to-pink-ball-switch-in-tests-to-reduce-bad-light-interruptions-1780323727292"> ICC approves red-to-pink ball switch in Tests to reduce bad-light interruptions</a> Vallejo also criticised the behaviour of the spectators, saying they repeatedly crossed the line during the match.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The crowd was very out of line, but I understand they're supporting their compatriot," he said. "It's quite an intense crowd and that's why I was prepared. I already knew it would be like that and, to be honest, it didn't harm me, but rather strengthened him."&nbsp;Additionally, Vallejo accused his opponent of taking excessive time between points and games during the comeback.&nbsp;&nbsp;"He's taking a lot of time on many occasions, lying on the floor or stalling," Vallejo said.&nbsp;"And it's not normal for the crowd to be shouting for a full minute without any play. In a match where the physical aspect matters so much, if you give a player a lot of time he's obviously going to take advantage of it."&nbsp;&nbsp;The French Open reacted swiftly to the controversy, with tournament officials making it clear that such comments were considered inappropriate and violation to the values of the event.

Paraguayan tennis player Adolfo Vallejo has been fined $65,000 by the French Open for making sexist remarks about chair umpire Ana Carvalho following his second-round defeat at Roland Garros.

The French Open has imposed a $65,000 (INR 6,172,725) fine on Paraguayan tennis player Adolfo Vallejo after he made controversial comments about chair umpire Ana Carvalho following his second-round loss at Roland Garros. Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo announced on Monday that Vallejo would fined half of his prize money due to remarks suggesting that a male umpire would have been better suited to officiate his match against French teenager Moise Kouame. Mauresmo strongly condemned the comments, stating that such views are unacceptable and have no place here. "This is clearly unacceptable," Mauresmo told reporters at Roland Garros. "Once again, such remarks have no place here." What led to the controversy? The incident followed one of the tournament’s most dramatic encounters. Vallejo looked set for a comfortable victory after taking a two-set lead against 17-year-old wildcard Moise Kouame, however, the French youngster staged a remarkable comeback, eventually winning 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (8) in a match that lasted nearly five hours on Court Suzanne-Lenglen. Also Read - Why did Tim David receive a fine & one-match ban after IPL Final? The crowd played a significant role throughout the contest, loudly supporting the home favourite. As Kouame gained momentum, Vallejo became increasingly frustrated with both the spectators and what he perceived to be a lack of control of the match by the chair umpire. Speaking to tennis website Clay after the defeat, Vallejo questioned Carvalho’s handling of the atmosphere and argued that a male official would have been more capable of managing the situation. "This sort of match needs to be umpired by a man," Vallejo said. "It's very difficult for a woman to do it." He further added: "It has to be refereed by a man, because it's a very demanding crowd and you need a lot of strength to go against the crowd." Also Read - ICC approves red-to-pink ball switch in Tests to reduce bad-light interruptions Vallejo also criticised the behaviour of the spectators, saying they repeatedly crossed the line during the match. "The crowd was very out of line, but I understand they're supporting their compatriot," he said. "It's quite an intense crowd and that's why I was prepared. I already knew it would be like that and, to be honest, it didn't harm me, but rather strengthened him." Additionally, Vallejo accused his opponent of taking excessive time between points and games during the comeback. "He's taking a lot of time on many occasions, lying on the floor or stalling," Vallejo said. "And it's not normal for the crowd to be shouting for a full minute without any play. In a match where the physical aspect matters so much, if you give a player a lot of time he's obviously going to take advantage of it." The French Open reacted swiftly to the controversy, with tournament officials making it clear that such comments were considered inappropriate and violation to the values of the event.

Paraguayan tennis player Adolfo Vallejo has been fined $65,000 by the French Open for making sexist remarks about chair umpire Ana Carvalho following his second-round defeat at Roland Garros.

French Open 2026: Adolfo Daniel Vellejo fined $65,000 - Here’s why

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Tim David has been suspended for one match by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after violating the IPL Code of Conduct during the IPL 2026 final against the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. The suspension will take effect in the opening game of the IPL 2027 season. According to an official IPL statement, David was fined 50 per cent of his match fee and handed two demerit points for committing a Level 1 offence under Article 2.9 of the Code of Conduct.&nbsp;The regulation relates to “throwing a ball (or any other item of cricket equipment such as a water bottle) at or near a Player, Team Official, Umpire, Match Referee or any other third person in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during a Match."&nbsp;As per the statement, the incident occurred in the 10th over of Gujarat Titans’ innings when David threw an ice bag aggressively in the direction of on-field umpire Nitin Menon. The Australian batter accepted responsibility for the offence and agreed to the penalty imposed by match referee Javagal Srinath.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-w-vs-eng-w-3rd-t20i-when-and-where-to-watch-live-streaming-in-india-1780321440408">IND-W vs ENG-W, 3rd T20I: When and where to watch live streaming in India?</a>&nbsp;The sanction carries further consequences because it was David’s third Level 1 offence of the season; he had previously accumulated one demerit point in match 20 and two more in match 54. With the latest breach adding another two points, his season tally has reached five demerit points, which has led to an automatic one-match suspension.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-approves-red-to-pink-ball-switch-in-tests-to-reduce-bad-light-interruptions-1780323727292">ICC approves red-to-pink ball switch in Tests to reduce bad-light interruptions</a>&nbsp;As a result, David will be unavailable for the first match of IPL 2027, regardless of which franchise he represents. Earlier in the tournament, he was also penalised for refusing to hand the ball back to the umpire during a league-stage fixture.&nbsp;Despite the disciplinary setback, David played a crucial role in RCB’s successful title defence, contributing 305 runs at an impressive strike rate of 188.27. The Bengaluru side defeated Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium to retain the championship on Sunday (May 31).

Tim David banned for one match by BCCI after umpire incident in IPL 2026 final; here’s what happened

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Tim David has been suspended for one match by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after violating the IPL Code of Conduct during the IPL 2026 final against the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. The suspension will take effect in the opening game of the IPL 2027 season. According to an official IPL statement, David was fined 50 per cent of his match fee and handed two demerit points for committing a Level 1 offence under Article 2.9 of the Code of Conduct. The regulation relates to “throwing a ball (or any other item of cricket equipment such as a water bottle) at or near a Player, Team Official, Umpire, Match Referee or any other third person in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during a Match." As per the statement, the incident occurred in the 10th over of Gujarat Titans’ innings when David threw an ice bag aggressively in the direction of on-field umpire Nitin Menon. The Australian batter accepted responsibility for the offence and agreed to the penalty imposed by match referee Javagal Srinath. Also Read - IND-W vs ENG-W, 3rd T20I: When and where to watch live streaming in India? The sanction carries further consequences because it was David’s third Level 1 offence of the season; he had previously accumulated one demerit point in match 20 and two more in match 54. With the latest breach adding another two points, his season tally has reached five demerit points, which has led to an automatic one-match suspension. Also Read - ICC approves red-to-pink ball switch in Tests to reduce bad-light interruptions As a result, David will be unavailable for the first match of IPL 2027, regardless of which franchise he represents. Earlier in the tournament, he was also penalised for refusing to hand the ball back to the umpire during a league-stage fixture. Despite the disciplinary setback, David played a crucial role in RCB’s successful title defence, contributing 305 runs at an impressive strike rate of 188.27. The Bengaluru side defeated Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium to retain the championship on Sunday (May 31).

Tim David banned for one match by BCCI after umpire incident in IPL 2026 final; here’s what happened

Why did Tim David receive a fine & one-match ban after IPL Final?

Tennis legend Serena Williams is set to return to professional competition at the age of 44 at next week's HSBC Championships at Queen's Club. The tournament will mark her first appearance in the professional tennis since the 2022 US Open, where she suffered a third-round defeat to Ajla Tomljanovic. Rather than calling it a retirement, she famously described her departure from the sport as an “evolution away” from tennis, according to Sky Sports.&nbsp;The 23-time Grand Slam champion has received a wild-card entry into the women’s doubles competition at Queen’s Club and is expected to partner with promising Canadian Victoria Mboko.&nbsp;Her return has sparked discussions about a potential appearance at Wimbledon later this month, where she could also be awarded a wild-card entry, however, it remains uncertain whether Williams intends to focus solely on doubles or pursue a return to singles competition as well.&nbsp;Also Read -<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-approves-red-to-pink-ball-switch-in-tests-to-reduce-bad-light-interruptions-1780323727292"> ICC approves red-to-pink ball switch in Tests to reduce bad-light interruptions</a>&nbsp;Speaking about her comeback, Williams said Queen’s Club was the ideal venue to begin this new phase of her career. She also reflected on her special connection with grass courts, noting that some of her most memorable achievements came on the surface and expressing excitement about competing once again at one of tennis’ most prestigious venues.&nbsp;"Queen's Club feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter," said Williams, according to Sky Sports "Grass has given me some of the most meaningful moments of my career, and I'm excited to be back competing on one of the sport's most iconic stages," the 23-time Gram Slam winner added.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-w-vs-eng-w-3rd-t20i-when-and-where-to-watch-live-streaming-in-india-1780321440408">IND-W vs ENG-W, 3rd T20I: When and where to watch live streaming in India?</a>&nbsp;Tournament director Laura Robson added, "Serena Williams is one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen, and we're delighted that she will be making her return to tennis at the LTA's HSBC Championships."&nbsp;Wimbledon is set to begin on Jun 29 and Williams could be offered a wild-card place, but whether she plans to compete exclusively in doubles or attempt a singles comeback remains unknown.&nbsp;Williams last won a Grand Slam singles title at the 2017 Australian Open while she was in the early stages of pregnancy. Since then, she reached four more Grand Slam finals but fell short of equalling Margaret Court's record of 24 major singles titles. She reached four more finals on her return from maternity leave, two at Wimbledon and two at the US Open, but was beaten in straight sets on each occasion. Williams, who won her first major title in 1999 at the US Open as a 17-year-old, spoke with Vogue in 2022 when she revealed plans to walk away from tennis. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't want court's record. "The way I see it, I should have had 30-plus Grand Slams. I had my chances after coming back from giving birth. Shoulda, woulda, coulda. I didn't show up the way I should have or could have. But I showed up 23 times, and that's fine. Actually, it's extraordinary."&nbsp;&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

Serena Williams has not competed in professional tennis since her third-round defeat to Ajla Tomljanovic at the 2022 US Open.

Tennis legend Serena Williams is set to return to professional competition at the age of 44 at next week's HSBC Championships at Queen's Club. The tournament will mark her first appearance in the professional tennis since the 2022 US Open, where she suffered a third-round defeat to Ajla Tomljanovic. Rather than calling it a retirement, she famously described her departure from the sport as an “evolution away” from tennis, according to Sky Sports. The 23-time Grand Slam champion has received a wild-card entry into the women’s doubles competition at Queen’s Club and is expected to partner with promising Canadian Victoria Mboko. Her return has sparked discussions about a potential appearance at Wimbledon later this month, where she could also be awarded a wild-card entry, however, it remains uncertain whether Williams intends to focus solely on doubles or pursue a return to singles competition as well. Also Read - ICC approves red-to-pink ball switch in Tests to reduce bad-light interruptions Speaking about her comeback, Williams said Queen’s Club was the ideal venue to begin this new phase of her career. She also reflected on her special connection with grass courts, noting that some of her most memorable achievements came on the surface and expressing excitement about competing once again at one of tennis’ most prestigious venues. "Queen's Club feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter," said Williams, according to Sky Sports "Grass has given me some of the most meaningful moments of my career, and I'm excited to be back competing on one of the sport's most iconic stages," the 23-time Gram Slam winner added. Also Read - IND-W vs ENG-W, 3rd T20I: When and where to watch live streaming in India? Tournament director Laura Robson added, "Serena Williams is one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen, and we're delighted that she will be making her return to tennis at the LTA's HSBC Championships." Wimbledon is set to begin on Jun 29 and Williams could be offered a wild-card place, but whether she plans to compete exclusively in doubles or attempt a singles comeback remains unknown. Williams last won a Grand Slam singles title at the 2017 Australian Open while she was in the early stages of pregnancy. Since then, she reached four more Grand Slam finals but fell short of equalling Margaret Court's record of 24 major singles titles. She reached four more finals on her return from maternity leave, two at Wimbledon and two at the US Open, but was beaten in straight sets on each occasion. Williams, who won her first major title in 1999 at the US Open as a 17-year-old, spoke with Vogue in 2022 when she revealed plans to walk away from tennis. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't want court's record. "The way I see it, I should have had 30-plus Grand Slams. I had my chances after coming back from giving birth. Shoulda, woulda, coulda. I didn't show up the way I should have or could have. But I showed up 23 times, and that's fine. Actually, it's extraordinary." With inputs from agencies

Serena Williams has not competed in professional tennis since her third-round defeat to Ajla Tomljanovic at the 2022 US Open.

Serena Williams set to return to professional tennis at 44

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a trial in Test cricket that could see the traditional red ball replaced by a pink ball when poor light threatens to halt play. Approved during the ICC Board’s annual meeting in Ahmedabad, the initiative will only be implemented if both teams agree to the arrangement before a series begins. Under the trial, Test matches will continue to start with the red ball, but if fading light risks the loss of overs, floodlights may be used and a pink ball introduced to allow play to continue.&nbsp;&nbsp;The concept is aimed at reducing disruptions caused by bad light. For example, if 75 of the scheduled 90 overs in a day have already been completed and bad conditions prevent the remaining 15 overs from being bowled, those overs could be played under lights with a pink ball, provided both teams had agreed to the option.&nbsp;&nbsp;The ICC also confirmed that match officials will be able to use Hawk-Eye technology when reviewing and reporting suspected illegal bowling actions. Additionally, the governing body, in partnership with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), will invest in research and development projects focused on advanced lighting technologies to help minimise stoppages caused by poor visibility.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-w-vs-eng-w-3rd-t20i-when-and-where-to-watch-live-streaming-in-india-1780321440408">IND-W vs ENG-W, 3rd T20I: When and where to watch live streaming in India?</a>&nbsp;In a statement, the ICC said the pink-ball trial is intended to “maximise play in case of anticipated bad light,” while maintaining the full scheduled quota of overs in Test matches.&nbsp;"Trialing the use of a pink ball in Test matches, with prior agreement from both teams, to maximise play in case of anticipated bad light," said ICC in a statement.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-do-everything-bcci-drops-key-hint-on-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-1780310720719">'Will do everything...': BCCI drops key hint on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi</a>&nbsp;Among the other revised playing conditions, head coaches or individuals nominated by them will now be permitted to communicate with players during official drinks breaks. The updated regulations also introduce a standard 15-minute innings interval in T20 Internationals and require batters to be ready to resume play immediately after the break.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the ICC has revised the schedule for the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy in 2027, moving the tournament from its originally planned June-July window to Feb 14-28. The competition will be hosted in Sri Lanka and played in the T20I format, as decided earlier.&nbsp;The ICC has also approved a pilot edition of the Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy, a 10-team tournament will feature five full member nations and five associate member teams, selected according to rankings and performances in T20 World Cup qualification events.

The ICC approved trial use of pink balls in Tests in case bad light affects play and allowed head coaches inside the field during drinks breaks at its annual meeting in Ahmedabad.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a trial in Test cricket that could see the traditional red ball replaced by a pink ball when poor light threatens to halt play. Approved during the ICC Board’s annual meeting in Ahmedabad, the initiative will only be implemented if both teams agree to the arrangement before a series begins. Under the trial, Test matches will continue to start with the red ball, but if fading light risks the loss of overs, floodlights may be used and a pink ball introduced to allow play to continue. The concept is aimed at reducing disruptions caused by bad light. For example, if 75 of the scheduled 90 overs in a day have already been completed and bad conditions prevent the remaining 15 overs from being bowled, those overs could be played under lights with a pink ball, provided both teams had agreed to the option. The ICC also confirmed that match officials will be able to use Hawk-Eye technology when reviewing and reporting suspected illegal bowling actions. Additionally, the governing body, in partnership with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), will invest in research and development projects focused on advanced lighting technologies to help minimise stoppages caused by poor visibility. Also Read - IND-W vs ENG-W, 3rd T20I: When and where to watch live streaming in India? In a statement, the ICC said the pink-ball trial is intended to “maximise play in case of anticipated bad light,” while maintaining the full scheduled quota of overs in Test matches. "Trialing the use of a pink ball in Test matches, with prior agreement from both teams, to maximise play in case of anticipated bad light," said ICC in a statement. Also Read - 'Will do everything...': BCCI drops key hint on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Among the other revised playing conditions, head coaches or individuals nominated by them will now be permitted to communicate with players during official drinks breaks. The updated regulations also introduce a standard 15-minute innings interval in T20 Internationals and require batters to be ready to resume play immediately after the break. Meanwhile, the ICC has revised the schedule for the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy in 2027, moving the tournament from its originally planned June-July window to Feb 14-28. The competition will be hosted in Sri Lanka and played in the T20I format, as decided earlier. The ICC has also approved a pilot edition of the Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy, a 10-team tournament will feature five full member nations and five associate member teams, selected according to rankings and performances in T20 World Cup qualification events.

The ICC approved trial use of pink balls in Tests in case bad light affects play and allowed head coaches inside the field during drinks breaks at its annual meeting in Ahmedabad.

ICC approves red-to-pink ball switch in Tests to reduce bad-light interruptions

The Indian women’s cricket team, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, is gearing up for the third and final T20I of the three-match series against England at Taunton’s Cooper Associates County Ground. With the series tied 1-1, the winner of this encounter will not only clinch the series but also gain valuable momentum ahead of the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup.&nbsp;For India, the series has served as an important opportunity to assess combinations and strategies suited to English conditions before the global tournament. Among the standout performers so far has been Yastika Bhatia, who followed her impressive half-century in the opening match with another useful contribution in the second game.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-is-heartbeat-of-our-dressing-room-coach-andy-flower-after-rcb-s-ipl-2026-triumph-1780313161472">'Virat Kohli is heartbeat of our dressing room': Coach Andy Flower after RCB's IPL 2026 triumph</a>&nbsp;Jemimah Rodrigues also produced a fifty, while Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma showed encouraging form with promising starts in the previous fixture.&nbsp;However, India’s batting unit has struggled to capitalise in the closing stages of the innings and has lost momentum during the final overs in both matches and power-hitter Richa Ghosh is yet to make a significant impact in the series.&nbsp;As the crucial clash between India Women and England Women approaches, here’s a look at the live streaming details for fans in India.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-do-everything-bcci-drops-key-hint-on-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-1780310720719">'Will do everything...': BCCI drops key hint on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi</a><h3>India vs England Women, 3rd T20I: Match Details</h3><h3>When will the 3rd T20I be played?</h3>The final T20I of the series is scheduled for Jun 2, with the match set to begin at 11:00 pm IST. The toss will take place at 10:30 pm IST.<h3>Where is the match being played?</h3>The match will be held at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton.<h3>Where can fans watch the match on television?</h3>The India Women vs England Women 3rd T20I live telecast will be available on the Star Sports in India.<h2>Where to livestream India-W vs ENG-W, 3rd T20I?</h2>The India Women vs England Women 3rd T20I will be streamed live on the SonyLIV app and website.

As the crucial clash between India Women and England Women approaches, here’s a look at the live streaming details for fans in India.

The Indian women’s cricket team, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, is gearing up for the third and final T20I of the three-match series against England at Taunton’s Cooper Associates County Ground. With the series tied 1-1, the winner of this encounter will not only clinch the series but also gain valuable momentum ahead of the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup. For India, the series has served as an important opportunity to assess combinations and strategies suited to English conditions before the global tournament. Among the standout performers so far has been Yastika Bhatia, who followed her impressive half-century in the opening match with another useful contribution in the second game. Also Read - 'Virat Kohli is heartbeat of our dressing room': Coach Andy Flower after RCB's IPL 2026 triumph Jemimah Rodrigues also produced a fifty, while Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma showed encouraging form with promising starts in the previous fixture. However, India’s batting unit has struggled to capitalise in the closing stages of the innings and has lost momentum during the final overs in both matches and power-hitter Richa Ghosh is yet to make a significant impact in the series. As the crucial clash between India Women and England Women approaches, here’s a look at the live streaming details for fans in India. Also Read - 'Will do everything...': BCCI drops key hint on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi India vs England Women, 3rd T20I: Match Details When will the 3rd T20I be played? The final T20I of the series is scheduled for Jun 2, with the match set to begin at 11:00 pm IST. The toss will take place at 10:30 pm IST. Where is the match being played? The match will be held at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton. Where can fans watch the match on television? The India Women vs England Women 3rd T20I live telecast will be available on the Star Sports in India. Where to livestream India-W vs ENG-W, 3rd T20I? The India Women vs England Women 3rd T20I will be streamed live on the SonyLIV app and website.

As the crucial clash between India Women and England Women approaches, here’s a look at the live streaming details for fans in India.

IND-W vs ENG-W, 3rd T20I: When and where to watch live streaming in India?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Andy Flower hailed Virat Kohli after the franchise successfully retained its Indian Premier League (IPL) title with a victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 2026 final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. Flower described Kohli as the role model within the RCB camp and praised the veteran batter for setting a powerful example through his dedication and fearless approach.&nbsp;RCB became only the third franchise in IPL history, after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, to defend the championship successfully. Led by Rajat Patidar, the side first restricted GT to 155/8 before chasing down the target with five wickets in hand and two overs to spare.&nbsp;Speaking in a video shared by RCB on X, Flower highlighted Kohli’s influence on the team, calling him the emotional core of the dressing room.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Virat, I know you get a lot of attention and quite rightly. But I don't want to downplay that because you are a heartbeat in this dressing room. And the courage that you continually show to go out there and put yourself on the line and take on high-quality opposition is a bloody great role modelling for all of us," Flower said in the video.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮”: Andy Flower to Virat Kohli ❤️ Coach Andy uncut. From highlighting top performances, to wishing the young guns. Here’s a special from Andy’s dressing room talk. 🎥😇🤩 Thank you, Coach! 🫡 To be… <a href="https://t.co/QHGI6xCmLP">pic.twitter.com/QHGI6xCmLP</a>&mdash; Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://x.com/RCBTweets/status/2061297210449625193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Flower further acknowledged that Kohli often attracts significant attention, but stressed that his importance to the squad goes far beyond public recognition. According to the coach, Kohli’s willingness to shoulder responsibility and compete fearlessly against the best players in the world makes him an exceptional role model for the entire group.&nbsp;&nbsp;"When I think of our season, and I particularly think of the last couple of games in the playoffs, what really stands out for me is the bravery of you guys in the middle. There's been countless examples of it. But when you're playing at the top level, and that's Test cricket or World Cups or IPL, you need to be obviously highly skilful. You need to have cricket intelligence, but you really need to have heart. And we've seen that in abundance this year," Flower said.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/anushka-sharma-plants-a-kiss-on-virat-kohli-s-forehead-as-they-celebrate-rcb-s-ipl-win-see-pic-1780315153831">Anushka Sharma plants a kiss on Virat Kohli’s forehead as they celebrate RCB’s IPL win, see pic</a>&nbsp;In the final, Gujarat Titans struggled to build momentum after being asked to bat first. Washington Sundar top-scored with an unbeaten 50 off 37 deliveries, while Nishant Sindhu contributed 20. RCB’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the innings, with Rasikh Dar Salam claiming 3/27, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood picked up two wickets each.&nbsp;RCB’s chase began strongly through a 62-run opening partnership between Venkatesh Iyer and Kohli. Although GT fought back and reduced the defending champions to 132/5, Kohli remained composed, finishing unbeaten on 75 from 42 balls. His innings, featuring nine boundaries and three sixes, steered RCB to victory with 12 balls remaining.&nbsp;The triumph secured RCB’s second IPL crown and added another milestone to the franchise’s growing trophy collection, which also includes two Women’s Premier League (WPL) titles, taking their tally of major Indian franchise cricket trophies to four.

RCB head coach Andy Flower hailed Virat Kohli as the heartbeat of the dressing room after the franchise's IPL 2026 triumph over the Gujarat Titans in the final.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Andy Flower hailed Virat Kohli after the franchise successfully retained its Indian Premier League (IPL) title with a victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 2026 final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. Flower described Kohli as the role model within the RCB camp and praised the veteran batter for setting a powerful example through his dedication and fearless approach. RCB became only the third franchise in IPL history, after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, to defend the championship successfully. Led by Rajat Patidar, the side first restricted GT to 155/8 before chasing down the target with five wickets in hand and two overs to spare. Speaking in a video shared by RCB on X, Flower highlighted Kohli’s influence on the team, calling him the emotional core of the dressing room. "Virat, I know you get a lot of attention and quite rightly. But I don't want to downplay that because you are a heartbeat in this dressing room. And the courage that you continually show to go out there and put yourself on the line and take on high-quality opposition is a bloody great role modelling for all of us," Flower said in the video.

RCB head coach Andy Flower hailed Virat Kohli as the heartbeat of the dressing room after the franchise's IPL 2026 triumph over the Gujarat Titans in the final.

'Virat Kohli is heartbeat of our dressing room': Coach Andy Flower after RCB's IPL 2026 triumph

Anushka Sharma is a proud wife, and she has every reason to be one. Her husband, cricketer Virat Kohli, yet again played an impressive innings at the IPL final on Sunday, which led to his team, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, winning the trophy for the second consecutive year. Bengaluru defeated Gujarat Titans to lift the trophy at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The match had everyone on the edge, especially in the last hour, and Anushka was spotted anxiously watching every ball of Virat’s innings. As RCB won the final, Anushka was seen beaming with joy and celebrating wildly. Hours after she has posted an adorable pic with Virat on her Instagram<h2>Anushka &amp; Virat celebrate IPL win with a kiss</h2>Anushka Sharma took to her Instagram to share an adorable photo with Virat Kohli hours after RCB won the match. In the photo the couple have the IPL trophy between them, as they both hold it. Anushka can be seen planting a kiss on Virat’s forehead as the cricketer beams joyfully.&nbsp;&nbsp;Anushka captioned the post with peace sign, red heart and folded hands emoticons, a reflection that this was a moment that could barely be described in words.&nbsp;Reacting to the sweet picture, a fan commented, “Through every high and low, she was there.” Another said, “You are the lucky charm.” A comment read, “Picture of the day.” “Anushka kissing the real trophy!” read a comment. The post got a million likes within a few minutes.&nbsp;

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Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-band-baaja-baarat-to-pk-top-7-movies-of-anushka-sharma-you-must-watch-on-netflix-prime-and-other-ott-1777529127565">Anushka Sharma's must watch movies on Netflix, Prime and other OTT</a><h2>Anushka celebrates RCB victory</h2>On Sunday evening, RCB defeated Gujarat Titans in a largely one-sided final at Ahmedabad. Virat, 37, was the top scorer in his side, and RCB successfully chased runs. Virat took home the Player of the Match award. Several videos and photos of Anushka celebrating RCB's victory have surfaced online, and fans can't stop gushing over them. In one of the clips, Anushka is seen erupting in joy as Virat Kohli sealed match with winning six. She also took to Instagram and shared a picture of Virat flaunting a T-shirt that read, "One time felt nice, we did it twice."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/flying-kisses-rcb-victory-dances-and-more-virat-kohli-anushka-sharma-s-ipl-final-moments-go-viral-1780287646066">Flying kisses, victory dances: Anushka Sharma's IPL final moments go viral</a><h2>About Anushka and Virat</h2>Anushka and Virat met during an advertisement shoot years back. After dating for a few years, they tied the knot in an intimate wedding ceremony in Italy in December 2017. Anushka gave birth to their daughter, Vamika, in 2021 and their son, Akaay, in 2024. Since the pandemic, Virat and Anushka have shifted their base to the UK, where they raise their two children.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/anushka-sharma-and-virat-kohli-s-pose-with-fan-during-casual-outing-in-london-see-pic-1769600258807">Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli's pose with fan during casual outing in London</a>

Anushka Sharma shared an adorable photo on Instagram as her husband Virat Kohli and his team Royal Challengers Bengaluru picked up the IPL 2026 trophy on Sunday night. 

Anushka Sharma is a proud wife, and she has every reason to be one. Her husband, cricketer Virat Kohli, yet again played an impressive innings at the IPL final on Sunday, which led to his team, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, winning the trophy for the second consecutive year. Bengaluru defeated Gujarat Titans to lift the trophy at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The match had everyone on the edge, especially in the last hour, and Anushka was spotted anxiously watching every ball of Virat’s innings. As RCB won the final, Anushka was seen beaming with joy and celebrating wildly. Hours after she has posted an adorable pic with Virat on her Instagram Anushka & Virat celebrate IPL win with a kiss Anushka Sharma took to her Instagram to share an adorable photo with Virat Kohli hours after RCB won the match. In the photo the couple have the IPL trophy between them, as they both hold it. Anushka can be seen planting a kiss on Virat’s forehead as the cricketer beams joyfully. Anushka captioned the post with peace sign, red heart and folded hands emoticons, a reflection that this was a moment that could barely be described in words. Reacting to the sweet picture, a fan commented, “Through every high and low, she was there.” Another said, “You are the lucky charm.” A comment read, “Picture of the day.” “Anushka kissing the real trophy!” read a comment. The post got a million likes within a few minutes.

Anushka Sharma shared an adorable photo on Instagram as her husband Virat Kohli and his team, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, picked up the IPL 2026 trophy on Sunday night.&nbsp;

Anushka Sharma plants a kiss on Virat Kohli’s forehead as they celebrate RCB’s IPL win, see pic

Praising teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his outstanding IPL 2026 campaign, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the board would provide every possible support to help the 15-year-old reach the “highest level of cricket". Playing for Rajasthan Royals, Sooryavanshi ended IPL 2026 as the tournament’s leading run-getter, scoring 776 runs at an extraordinary strike rate of 237.30.&nbsp;&nbsp;At just 15 years and 65 days old, he became the youngest player ever to win the Orange Cap, surpassing the previous mark set by Sai Sudharsan, who earned the honour while representing Gujarat Titans at the age of 23 years and 231 days.&nbsp;“Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a wonderful player coming up, and he has a bright future. BCCI will do everything to get him to the highest level of cricket," Saikia said after the IPL final in Ahmedabad on Sunday night.&nbsp;Saikia also applauded Royal Challengers Bengaluru for successfully retaining their IPL crown.&nbsp;“It was a wonderful season… I hope all the fans have a lovely time during this IPL, and congratulations to RCB for winning the tournament consecutively twice," he said.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-rcb-cancels-victory-parade-amid-security-and-crowd-management-concerns-1780308593561">IPL 2026: RCB cancels victory parade amid security and crowd management concerns</a>&nbsp;Focus will now shift to India’s preparations for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, where the team will be chasing its first-ever title. Confidence is high around the India women’s team after their landmark ODI World Cup victory at home last year, when they defeated South Africa in the final.&nbsp;“That is the most challenging thing (Women’s T20 World Cup) coming up in the coming days. They (Women in Blue) are already doing well… and I hope they will repeat the same performance they did last year by winning the ODI title," Saikia added.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-2026-world-no-1-sabalenka-faces-osaka-in-historic-night-clash-1780294182401">French Open 2026: World no 1 Sabalenka faces Osaka in historic night clash</a>&nbsp;Former BCCI president Anurag Thakur also praised the title-winning efforts of the Rajat Patidar-led RCB side.&nbsp;“I congratulate RCB for winning the IPL for the second consecutive time. The match was happening in Ahmedabad, but many RCB fans had come to watch the match. This was a great victory in cricket… IPL is the biggest league of cricket. This is a very big achievement of BCCI," Thakur said.

At just 15 years and 65 days old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the youngest Orange Cap winner in IPL history, surpassing Sai Sudharsan's previous record.

Praising teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his outstanding IPL 2026 campaign, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the board would provide every possible support to help the 15-year-old reach the “highest level of cricket". Playing for Rajasthan Royals, Sooryavanshi ended IPL 2026 as the tournament’s leading run-getter, scoring 776 runs at an extraordinary strike rate of 237.30. At just 15 years and 65 days old, he became the youngest player ever to win the Orange Cap, surpassing the previous mark set by Sai Sudharsan, who earned the honour while representing Gujarat Titans at the age of 23 years and 231 days. “Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a wonderful player coming up, and he has a bright future. BCCI will do everything to get him to the highest level of cricket," Saikia said after the IPL final in Ahmedabad on Sunday night. Saikia also applauded Royal Challengers Bengaluru for successfully retaining their IPL crown. “It was a wonderful season… I hope all the fans have a lovely time during this IPL, and congratulations to RCB for winning the tournament consecutively twice," he said. Also Read - IPL 2026: RCB cancels victory parade amid security and crowd management concerns Focus will now shift to India’s preparations for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, where the team will be chasing its first-ever title. Confidence is high around the India women’s team after their landmark ODI World Cup victory at home last year, when they defeated South Africa in the final. “That is the most challenging thing (Women’s T20 World Cup) coming up in the coming days. They (Women in Blue) are already doing well… and I hope they will repeat the same performance they did last year by winning the ODI title," Saikia added. Also Read - French Open 2026: World no 1 Sabalenka faces Osaka in historic night clash Former BCCI president Anurag Thakur also praised the title-winning efforts of the Rajat Patidar-led RCB side. “I congratulate RCB for winning the IPL for the second consecutive time. The match was happening in Ahmedabad, but many RCB fans had come to watch the match. This was a great victory in cricket… IPL is the biggest league of cricket. This is a very big achievement of BCCI," Thakur said.

At just 15 years and 65 days old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the youngest Orange Cap winner in IPL history, surpassing Sai Sudharsan's previous record.

'Will do everything...': BCCI drops key hint on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

From KL Rahul to Jos Buttler, here's a look at the top five batters fastest to 3000 runs in Indian Premier League. This list also includes Chris Gayle, David Warner and Faf du Plessis

From KL Rahul to Jos Buttler, here's a look at the top five batters fastest to 3000 runs in Indian Premier League. This list also includes Chris Gayle, David Warner and Faf du Plessis

Meet top 5 batters fastest to 3000 Indian Premier League runs

From Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to Abhishek Sharma, here's a look at the top five batters with most sixes in IPL 2026. This list also includes Rajat Patidar, Ryan Rickelton and Mitchell Marsh 

From Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to Abhishek Sharma, here's a look at the top five batters with most sixes in IPL 2026. This list also includes Rajat Patidar, Ryan Rickelton and Mitchell Marsh&nbsp;

Meet top 5 batters with most sixes in IPL 2026

Zee Entertainment Enterprises has secured the Indian television and digital media rights for 39 FIFA events scheduled between 2026 and 2034, significantly strengthening its presence in the sports broadcasting. The portfolio includes marquee tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup 2026, FIFA World Cup 2030 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027. The agreement marks FIFA’s first media-rights partnership with Zee and extends beyond senior international competitions to include a wide range of youth and futsal events for both men and women.&nbsp;&nbsp;Among the events covered under the deal are the FIFA U-17 Men’s and Women’s World Cups, FIFA U-20 Men’s and Women’s World Cups, FIFA Futsal World Cups for men and women and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup through 2030.&nbsp;Coverage is set to begin with the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 11.&nbsp;The tournaments will be available across Zee’s newly launched sports channels, Unite8 Sports 1 and Unite8 Sports 1 HD in Hindi and Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD in English, as well as on its streaming platform, ZEE5.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-rcb-cancels-victory-parade-amid-security-and-crowd-management-concerns-1780308593561">IPL 2026: RCB cancels victory parade amid security and crowd management concerns</a>&nbsp;Commenting on the development, Zee CEO Punit Goenka said that the company is looking forward to bringing one of the world’s most-followed sporting events to viewers across India.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We are excited to bring one of the world's biggest sporting spectacles to Indian audiences," Punit Goenka, CEO of Zee Entertainment Enterprises, said&nbsp;"Football cuts across regions and demographics, and the investments in garnering the media rights and launching dedicated sports channels reflect our clear belief in its long-term potential."&nbsp;FIFA Chief Business Officer Romy Gai described India as a strategically important market, citing its large base of young and enthusiastic football fans.&nbsp;The deal comes after prolonged negotiations over broadcast rights in India. Industry reports had indicated that FIFA initially sought around $100 million for the 2026 and 2030 World Cups before reducing its expectations to roughly $60 million. While JioStar reportedly submitted a lower bid and Sony later exited the race, the financial terms of the final agreement with Zee remain undisclosed.&nbsp;Mukund Galgali, Zee’s Deputy CEO and CFO, said football remains an underexplored opportunity in India and that the company sees significant scope to expand the sport’s reach among audiences nationwide.&nbsp;With Unite8 Sports already carrying cricket, kabaddi, badminton, wrestling and combat sports, the FIFA partnership represents a major step in Zee’s efforts to diversify its sports portfolio. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be a key milestone in establishing the broadcaster’s football credentials in a market traditionally dominated by cricket.

With Unite8 Sports already carrying cricket, kabaddi, badminton, wrestling and combat sports, the FIFA partnership represents a major step in Zee’s efforts to diversify its sports portfolio.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises has secured the Indian television and digital media rights for 39 FIFA events scheduled between 2026 and 2034, significantly strengthening its presence in the sports broadcasting. The portfolio includes marquee tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup 2026, FIFA World Cup 2030 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027. The agreement marks FIFA’s first media-rights partnership with Zee and extends beyond senior international competitions to include a wide range of youth and futsal events for both men and women. Among the events covered under the deal are the FIFA U-17 Men’s and Women’s World Cups, FIFA U-20 Men’s and Women’s World Cups, FIFA Futsal World Cups for men and women and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup through 2030. Coverage is set to begin with the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 11. The tournaments will be available across Zee’s newly launched sports channels, Unite8 Sports 1 and Unite8 Sports 1 HD in Hindi and Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD in English, as well as on its streaming platform, ZEE5. Also Read - IPL 2026: RCB cancels victory parade amid security and crowd management concerns Commenting on the development, Zee CEO Punit Goenka said that the company is looking forward to bringing one of the world’s most-followed sporting events to viewers across India. "We are excited to bring one of the world's biggest sporting spectacles to Indian audiences," Punit Goenka, CEO of Zee Entertainment Enterprises, said "Football cuts across regions and demographics, and the investments in garnering the media rights and launching dedicated sports channels reflect our clear belief in its long-term potential." FIFA Chief Business Officer Romy Gai described India as a strategically important market, citing its large base of young and enthusiastic football fans. The deal comes after prolonged negotiations over broadcast rights in India. Industry reports had indicated that FIFA initially sought around $100 million for the 2026 and 2030 World Cups before reducing its expectations to roughly $60 million. While JioStar reportedly submitted a lower bid and Sony later exited the race, the financial terms of the final agreement with Zee remain undisclosed. Mukund Galgali, Zee’s Deputy CEO and CFO, said football remains an underexplored opportunity in India and that the company sees significant scope to expand the sport’s reach among audiences nationwide. With Unite8 Sports already carrying cricket, kabaddi, badminton, wrestling and combat sports, the FIFA partnership represents a major step in Zee’s efforts to diversify its sports portfolio. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be a key milestone in establishing the broadcaster’s football credentials in a market traditionally dominated by cricket.

With Unite8 Sports already carrying cricket, kabaddi, badminton, wrestling and combat sports, the FIFA partnership represents a major step in Zee’s efforts to diversify its sports portfolio.

Zee bags right to broadcast FIFA World Cup matches in India

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans will not get the opportunity to celebrate the franchise’s IPL title defence with the team in Bengaluru, as the management has decided against holding a victory parade in the city. RCB secured their second consecutive IPL title after defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in Ahmedabad on Sunday (May 31). However, concerns over public safety and crowd management prompted the franchise to avoid organising large-scale public celebrations.&nbsp;The decision comes in the backdrop of last year’s tragic stampede near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which took the lives of 11 fans following RCB’s maiden IPL title celebrations. Another big reason influencing the decision is the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka’s newly appointed Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar. The event is scheduled to take place at Lok Bhavan at 4:10 pm, with the Governor’s residence located close to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.&nbsp;Authorities expect a large turnout for the political ceremony, requiring extensive police deployment. With security resources already stretched, officials would find it difficult to manage another major public gathering in the city. Taking these factors into account, the RCB management chose to comply with the police notification that prohibits public celebrations on Bengaluru’s streets. The June 4, 2025, tragedy sparked widespread public outrage and led to intervention from the state government, judiciary, and the Karnataka High Court, resulting in stricter crowd-control measures for future events.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/fifa-world-cup-2026-check-full-portugal-squad-here-as-cristiano-ronaldo-makes-history-with-sixth-appearance-1780300160755">FIFA World Cup 2026: Check full Portugal squad here as Cristiano Ronaldo makes history with sixth appearance</a>&nbsp;“It is highly unlikely that there will be any activities in Bengaluru. There are certain guidelines in place, and we need to stick to them,” a RCB was quoted as saying to news agency PTI. Earlier, Bengaluru City Police had issued an advisory urging supporters to refrain from public celebrations if RCB won the IPL final. “We have issued an advisory asking fans not to celebrate publicly on the streets and especially not to disturb peace and security.&nbsp;“We will not allow any public celebrations. If anyone wants to celebrate, they can do it indoors,” Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh had said. Meanwhile, several RCB players are set to leave for international duties. Devdutt Padikkal will join India’s Test squad in Mullanpur ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan, while Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, Jacob Duffy, and Romario Shepherd are also expected to report for their respective national teams.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have cancelled their IPL victory parade in Bengaluru after winning their second consecutive title. The decision follows safety concerns, police restrictions, and the tragic stampede during celebrations in 2025

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans will not get the opportunity to celebrate the franchise’s IPL title defence with the team in Bengaluru, as the management has decided against holding a victory parade in the city. RCB secured their second consecutive IPL title after defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in Ahmedabad on Sunday (May 31). However, concerns over public safety and crowd management prompted the franchise to avoid organising large-scale public celebrations. The decision comes in the backdrop of last year’s tragic stampede near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which took the lives of 11 fans following RCB’s maiden IPL title celebrations. Another big reason influencing the decision is the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka’s newly appointed Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar. The event is scheduled to take place at Lok Bhavan at 4:10 pm, with the Governor’s residence located close to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Authorities expect a large turnout for the political ceremony, requiring extensive police deployment. With security resources already stretched, officials would find it difficult to manage another major public gathering in the city. Taking these factors into account, the RCB management chose to comply with the police notification that prohibits public celebrations on Bengaluru’s streets. The June 4, 2025, tragedy sparked widespread public outrage and led to intervention from the state government, judiciary, and the Karnataka High Court, resulting in stricter crowd-control measures for future events. Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Check full Portugal squad here as Cristiano Ronaldo makes history with sixth appearance “It is highly unlikely that there will be any activities in Bengaluru. There are certain guidelines in place, and we need to stick to them,” a RCB was quoted as saying to news agency PTI. Earlier, Bengaluru City Police had issued an advisory urging supporters to refrain from public celebrations if RCB won the IPL final. “We have issued an advisory asking fans not to celebrate publicly on the streets and especially not to disturb peace and security. “We will not allow any public celebrations. If anyone wants to celebrate, they can do it indoors,” Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh had said. Meanwhile, several RCB players are set to leave for international duties. Devdutt Padikkal will join India’s Test squad in Mullanpur ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan, while Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, Jacob Duffy, and Romario Shepherd are also expected to report for their respective national teams.

RCB cancels Bengaluru victory parade after second IPL title win, citing safety concerns, police restrictions, and memories of last year's stampede

IPL 2026: RCB cancels victory parade amid security and crowd management concerns

With 226 international caps and 143 goals to his name, this might be Cristiano's last dance at football's biggest tournament. Scroll down to see Portugal's full squad

With 226 international caps and 143 goals to his name, this might be Cristiano's last dance at football's biggest tournament. Scroll down to see Portugal's full squad&nbsp;

FIFA World Cup 2026: Check full Portugal squad here as Cristiano Ronaldo makes history with sixth appearance

Four-time Grand Slam champions Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka will headline a blockbuster French Open fourth-round showdown on Monday (June 1) in the first women's night session match at Roland Garros in three years. World number one Sabalenka continues her pursuit of a maiden French Open title after last year's heartbreaking final defeat to Coco Gauff. Standing in her way is a resurgent Osaka, who has reached the Roland Garros last 16 for the first time in her career and appears increasingly comfortable on clay.&nbsp;The match marks only the fourth career meeting between the two stars, with all previous encounters coming in the round of 16. Osaka won their first clash on her way to the 2018 US Open crown, while Sabalenka has taken both meetings this season, including victories at Indian Wells and Madrid. The winner will advance to a quarterfinal against either former Australian Open champion Madison Keys or Russia's Diana Shnaider.&nbsp;"It's great, great to see her back on her level. Maybe not at her best level, but she's back, she's fighting, she's building her level," said Sabalenka of Osaka, who took a break from tennis in 2023 to give birth to her daughter. "It's nice to see her. She's a great player, great person. I feel like I really enjoy our battles. It's high-level matches, and I really enjoy it when somebody pushes me to the limit."&nbsp;After a difficult return to the tour, Osaka has steadily rebuilt her form. She reached the US Open semi-finals last year, marking her first appearance in the second week of a Grand Slam since winning her second Australian Open title in 2021. "I really wanted to make it a goal to do really well on clay and grass," said Osaka, who has never advanced beyond the third round at Wimbledon. "I don't want this to be my last round. I want to keep going. I just want to keep focusing on every match."&nbsp;Osaka has attracted attention in Paris with a gold sequined outfit inspired by the Eiffel Tower at night, but hinted she may unveil a different look for the evening showcase. Elsewhere in the women's draw, France's last remaining player, Diane Parry, aims to continue her impressive run against Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska. Austrian 28th seed Anastasia Potapova will attempt to build on her stunning victory over defending champion Coco Gauff when she faces Anna Kalinskaya.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-rule-changes-explained-from-expanded-var-powers-to-10-second-substitutions-1780289815432">FIFA World Cup 2026 rule changes explained: From expanded VAR powers to 10-second substitutions</a><h2>Wide-open men's draw</h2>The men's competition has been thrown wide open following the shock exit of Jannik Sinner and an earlier defeat for Ben Shelton. World number six Felix Auger-Aliassime is now the highest-ranked player remaining in the top half and will seek his first French Open quarterfinal appearance against Chile's Alejandro Tabilo, who is contesting the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the first time. American Zachary Svajda has emerged as one of the tournament's surprise stories.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ranked world number 85, he had won only two Grand Slam matches before arriving in Paris. "When I saw Sinner was out, I tried to stay present and stay positive and just take it day by day, match by match," said Svajda, who faces Flavio Cobolli. "I knew the draw was open, but I just tried to keep doing my routines, keep doing what I've been doing, and just see what happens."&nbsp;Former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini is targeting his first Grand Slam quarterfinal since 2022 when he takes on Juan Manuel Cerundolo, the player responsible for eliminating Sinner. Meanwhile, Frances Tiafoe, a quarter-finalist last year, will face another Italian challenge in Matteo Arnaldi as players continue their quest for a breakthrough major run at Roland Garros.

Aryna Sabalenka faces Naomi Osaka in the first French Open women's night match in three years, while the men's draw opens up after major upsets at Roland Garros

Four-time Grand Slam champions Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka will headline a blockbuster French Open fourth-round showdown on Monday (June 1) in the first women's night session match at Roland Garros in three years. World number one Sabalenka continues her pursuit of a maiden French Open title after last year's heartbreaking final defeat to Coco Gauff. Standing in her way is a resurgent Osaka, who has reached the Roland Garros last 16 for the first time in her career and appears increasingly comfortable on clay. The match marks only the fourth career meeting between the two stars, with all previous encounters coming in the round of 16. Osaka won their first clash on her way to the 2018 US Open crown, while Sabalenka has taken both meetings this season, including victories at Indian Wells and Madrid. The winner will advance to a quarterfinal against either former Australian Open champion Madison Keys or Russia's Diana Shnaider. "It's great, great to see her back on her level. Maybe not at her best level, but she's back, she's fighting, she's building her level," said Sabalenka of Osaka, who took a break from tennis in 2023 to give birth to her daughter. "It's nice to see her. She's a great player, great person. I feel like I really enjoy our battles. It's high-level matches, and I really enjoy it when somebody pushes me to the limit." After a difficult return to the tour, Osaka has steadily rebuilt her form. She reached the US Open semi-finals last year, marking her first appearance in the second week of a Grand Slam since winning her second Australian Open title in 2021. "I really wanted to make it a goal to do really well on clay and grass," said Osaka, who has never advanced beyond the third round at Wimbledon. "I don't want this to be my last round. I want to keep going. I just want to keep focusing on every match." Osaka has attracted attention in Paris with a gold sequined outfit inspired by the Eiffel Tower at night, but hinted she may unveil a different look for the evening showcase. Elsewhere in the women's draw, France's last remaining player, Diane Parry, aims to continue her impressive run against Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska. Austrian 28th seed Anastasia Potapova will attempt to build on her stunning victory over defending champion Coco Gauff when she faces Anna Kalinskaya. Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 rule changes explained: From expanded VAR powers to 10-second substitutions Wide-open men's draw The men's competition has been thrown wide open following the shock exit of Jannik Sinner and an earlier defeat for Ben Shelton. World number six Felix Auger-Aliassime is now the highest-ranked player remaining in the top half and will seek his first French Open quarterfinal appearance against Chile's Alejandro Tabilo, who is contesting the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the first time. American Zachary Svajda has emerged as one of the tournament's surprise stories. Ranked world number 85, he had won only two Grand Slam matches before arriving in Paris. "When I saw Sinner was out, I tried to stay present and stay positive and just take it day by day, match by match," said Svajda, who faces Flavio Cobolli. "I knew the draw was open, but I just tried to keep doing my routines, keep doing what I've been doing, and just see what happens." Former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini is targeting his first Grand Slam quarterfinal since 2022 when he takes on Juan Manuel Cerundolo, the player responsible for eliminating Sinner. Meanwhile, Frances Tiafoe, a quarter-finalist last year, will face another Italian challenge in Matteo Arnaldi as players continue their quest for a breakthrough major run at Roland Garros.

Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka clash in a blockbuster French Open night match as an open men's draw offers fresh quarterfinal opportunities

French Open 2026: World no 1 Sabalenka faces Osaka in historic night clash

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved a sweeping set of rule changes that will come into effect for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The new measures are aimed at improving match flow, reducing time-wasting, strengthening player discipline and enhancing the effectiveness of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviews.<h2>What are the new rules?</h2><h3>Expanded VAR powers</h3>VAR officials will now be able to intervene in additional situations, including:<ul><li>Wrongly-awarded second yellow cards.</li><li>Cases of mistaken identity.</li><li>Incorrectly-awarded corner kicks.</li><li>Fouls committed before the ball is in play during set-pieces, such as corners and free-kicks.</li><li>Referees may be sent to the pitch-side monitor for an on-field review before deciding on disciplinary action or whether a set-piece should be retaken.</li></ul><h2>Tougher conduct rules</h2>Football authorities have introduced stricter penalties for player misconduct.<ul><li>Players who cover their mouths with their hands, arms or shirts during confrontational situations will receive a red card.</li><li>Players covering their mouths during normal conversations will not be punished.</li><li>Players who walk off the pitch in protest of a refereeing decision will be sent off.</li><li>Teams responsible for abandoning a match will automatically forfeit the game.</li><li>Team officials who encourage players to leave the field will face the same sanctions.</li></ul><h2>New anti-timewasting measures</h2>To speed up restarts and keep matches flowing, referees will enforce stricter timing rules.<ul><li>Throw-ins and goal-kicks will be subject to a visible five-second countdown.</li><li>Failure to take a throw-in before the countdown expires will result in possession being awarded to the opposition.</li><li>Delaying a goal-kick beyond the countdown will result in the opposing team being awarded a corner kick.</li></ul><h2>Faster substitutions</h2>New substitution regulations are designed to reduce delays.<ul><li>Players being substituted must leave the field within 10 seconds of the substitution board being shown.</li><li>They must exit using the nearest boundary line.</li><li>If a player fails to leave in time, their replacement will not be allowed onto the field until the next stoppage after one minute has elapsed following the restart.</li></ul><h2>New medical treatment rules</h2>Changes have also been made to the treatment of injured players.<ul><li>Outfield players receiving treatment on the pitch must remain off the field for at least one minute after play resumes.</li><li>Exceptions apply for:<ul><li>Goalkeeper injuries.</li><li>Head injuries and suspected concussions.</li><li>Serious collisions.</li><li>Players designated to take a penalty kick.</li></ul></li></ul><h2>Mandatory hydration breaks</h2>Player welfare has been given greater priority.<ul><li>Every World Cup match will now include a mandatory three-minute hydration break in each half.</li><li>Referees will have flexibility regarding the timing of the stoppage based on injuries and the flow of the game.</li></ul>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-victory-parade-16-arrested-75-rescued-as-huge-crowds-flood-north-london-1780284906768">Arsenal victory parade: 16 arrested, 75 rescued as fans flood North London during celebrations</a><h2>FIFA targets tactical timeouts</h2>Football's lawmakers are also seeking to curb the growing trend of teams using injury stoppages as unofficial tactical timeouts. While no formal sanctions have been introduced, FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina said referees will take a more proactive approach to preventing teams from gathering around coaches while a player receives treatment. As per FIFA, referees will be instructed to ensure injury breaks are used solely for medical purposes and not as opportunities for tactical discussions.<h2>A major overhaul ahead of 2026</h2>The latest changes represent one of the most significant updates to football's Laws of the Game in recent years. With expanded VAR authority, stricter disciplinary measures and stronger anti-timewasting provisions, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be played under a markedly different regulatory framework than previous tournaments.

FIFA and IFAB have announced major rule changes for the 2026 World Cup, including expanded VAR reviews, stricter disciplinary actions, anti-timewasting measures, hydration breaks, and new substitution rules

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved a sweeping set of rule changes that will come into effect for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The new measures are aimed at improving match flow, reducing time-wasting, strengthening player discipline and enhancing the effectiveness of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviews. What are the new rules? Expanded VAR powers VAR officials will now be able to intervene in additional situations, including: Wrongly-awarded second yellow cards. Cases of mistaken identity. Incorrectly-awarded corner kicks. Fouls committed before the ball is in play during set-pieces, such as corners and free-kicks. Referees may be sent to the pitch-side monitor for an on-field review before deciding on disciplinary action or whether a set-piece should be retaken. Tougher conduct rules Football authorities have introduced stricter penalties for player misconduct. Players who cover their mouths with their hands, arms or shirts during confrontational situations will receive a red card. Players covering their mouths during normal conversations will not be punished. Players who walk off the pitch in protest of a refereeing decision will be sent off. Teams responsible for abandoning a match will automatically forfeit the game. Team officials who encourage players to leave the field will face the same sanctions. New anti-timewasting measures To speed up restarts and keep matches flowing, referees will enforce stricter timing rules. Throw-ins and goal-kicks will be subject to a visible five-second countdown. Failure to take a throw-in before the countdown expires will result in possession being awarded to the opposition. Delaying a goal-kick beyond the countdown will result in the opposing team being awarded a corner kick. Faster substitutions New substitution regulations are designed to reduce delays. Players being substituted must leave the field within 10 seconds of the substitution board being shown. They must exit using the nearest boundary line. If a player fails to leave in time, their replacement will not be allowed onto the field until the next stoppage after one minute has elapsed following the restart. New medical treatment rules Changes have also been made to the treatment of injured players. Outfield players receiving treatment on the pitch must remain off the field for at least one minute after play resumes. Exceptions apply for: Goalkeeper injuries. Head injuries and suspected concussions. Serious collisions. Players designated to take a penalty kick. Mandatory hydration breaks Player welfare has been given greater priority. Every World Cup match will now include a mandatory three-minute hydration break in each half. Referees will have flexibility regarding the timing of the stoppage based on injuries and the flow of the game. Also Read: Arsenal victory parade: 16 arrested, 75 rescued as fans flood North London during celebrations FIFA targets tactical timeouts Football's lawmakers are also seeking to curb the growing trend of teams using injury stoppages as unofficial tactical timeouts. While no formal sanctions have been introduced, FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina said referees will take a more proactive approach to preventing teams from gathering around coaches while a player receives treatment. As per FIFA, referees will be instructed to ensure injury breaks are used solely for medical purposes and not as opportunities for tactical discussions. A major overhaul ahead of 2026 The latest changes represent one of the most significant updates to football's Laws of the Game in recent years. With expanded VAR authority, stricter disciplinary measures and stronger anti-timewasting provisions, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be played under a markedly different regulatory framework than previous tournaments.

FIFA and IFAB have approved major World Cup rule changes, including expanded VAR powers, anti-timewasting measures, and stricter discipline

FIFA World Cup 2026 rule changes explained: From expanded VAR powers to 10-second substitutions

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