Author: WebDesk

Veteran Australia opener Usman Khawaja has announced his retirement plans ahead of the Sydney Test of the ongoing Ashes series, which begins on January 4, 2026. During a press interaction, Khawaja confirmed that he would retire from international cricket after the final Test of the series. Khawaja revealed that the thought had been on his mind for some time and that, even before the series began, he sensed it could be his final one. “I’ve been thinking about it, not wholly, but for a while,” he told reporters. “Moving into this series, I kind of had an inkling in my…

Ranchi, 1st January 2026: Shrachi Bengal Tigers held their nerve in a dramatic Women’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-26 encounter to edge past SG Pipers in a shootout after the two sides were locked at 3-3 at the end of regulation time, with Lalremsiami’s sudden-death conversion sealing the bonus point after a pulsating contest. Agustina Gorzelany (6’, 18’) and Lalremsiami (11’) netted goals for the Tigers in regular time, while Lola Riera (10’, 60’) and Sunelita Toppo (59’) scored for the SG Pipers. The Tigers started aggressively with an early circle entry, but SG Pipers absorbed the pressure and responded…

Josh Hazlewood has been named in Australia’s 15-member provisional squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The premier pacer missed the entire ongoing Ashes series due to a hamstring issue followed by Achilles soreness. Pat Cummins, Cameron Green and Cooper Connolly have also made a comeback to the squad after missing the recent T20Is against India. Notably, star all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will lead the side. Australia have clearly placed significant importance on spin options for the mega event, including the likes of Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann, Cooper Connolly, along with all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Short. The…

Former Australia cricketer Damien Martyn has been hospitalised with an illness in Brisbane. The 2003 ODI World Cup winner was admitted after falling ill in recent days. He is currently in an induced coma due to meningitis, and several members of the Australian cricket fraternity have sent their wishes for his speedy recovery. In a statement, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said: “I’m saddened to hear of Damien’s illness. The best wishes of everyone at Cricket Australia and in the wider cricket community are with him at this time.” Martyn’s former Australia teammate and close friend, Adam Gilchrist, also provided…

Ranchi, 30th December 2025: Ranchi Royals enjoyed a comfortable 5-0 victory over Shrachi Bengal Tigers in their second match of the Women’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 Season at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium in Ranchi on Tuesday. Lucina von der Heyde (33′,57′), Hannah Cotter (10′), Beauty Dungdung (14′) and Sangita Kumari (44′) registered goals for Ranchi Royals. Ranchi Royals started the match on a strong note, controlling possession of the ball and creating an array of chances on goal. In the first half itself, the Royals had made 17 circle entries asserting their dominance…

With the 2026 edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) set to begin on 9 January, franchises have announced a series of player replacements following international commitments and late withdrawals. Left-arm medium pacer Tara Norris will miss the upcoming WPL season after being selected for the USA national team for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier. The qualifier will be held in Nepal from January 18 to February 1, overlapping with the early phase of the league. As a result, UP Warriorz have named uncapped Australian all-rounder Charli Knott as her replacement. Knott has been signed at her…

As the Men’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) returns for yet another exciting season, the HIL Governing Council Team (HIL GC) and Vedanta Kalinga Lancers will look to make strong starts to their campaigns and secure a playoff spot, with both sides boasting a blend of experienced internationals and seasoned Indian talent. Ahead of the 2026 season, the HIL Governing Council Team has taken over operations from the UP Rudras franchise to ensure continuity for its players and support staff. The HIL Governing Council Team will begin their campaign on 5th January against SG Pipers, with Hardik leading a side…

Ranchi, 29th December 2025: Shrachi Bengal Tigers registered a 1-0 victory over JSW Soorma Hockey Club in their first match of the Women’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 Season at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium in Ranchi on Monday. Agustina Gorzelany’s (11’) powerful drag flick gave the Shrachi Bengal Tigers the lead in the first quarter and despite JSW Soorma Hockey Club’s dominant attacking display, they were unable to breach the Tigers’ stellar defence for the rest of the game. Both teams engaged in an intense midfield battle to begin the game but gradually Soorma…

Indian archery stars and real-life couple Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das, along with a host of Olympians and Arjuna Awardees from Bengal, gathered at the Sports Authority of India’s Kolkata Regional Centre to take part in the special year-ending edition of the nationwide fitness initiative. The 54th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle turned into a colourful, carnival-like celebration as nearly 1,500 citizens assembled at the SAI campus. The event saw an exceptional turnout of cycling enthusiasts, including elite athletes, corporate professionals, students, CISF personnel, employees from insurance companies who were special partners for the edition, and people across…

Luca Zidane, son of France legend Zinedine Zidane, is currently featuring in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations for Algeria. The goalkeeper has now opened up about the reason behind his decision to switch nationalities and represent Algeria. Speaking to beIN Sports France, Algeria’s first-choice keeper said: “When I think of Algeria, I remember my grandfather. Since childhood, we’ve had this Algerian culture in the family.” “I spoke to him before playing for the national team, and he was extremely happy about this step. Every time I receive an international call-up, he calls me and says that I made a…