IBT Sports Desk

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Rybakina clinches maiden Aus Open crown, beats Sabalenka in summit clash

Rybakina clinches maiden Aus Open crown, beats Sabalenka in summit clash

The 26-year-old Kazakh took two hours and 18 minutes to prevail 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in the championship match, striking 28 winners en route to capturing her maiden Australian Open crown and second Grand Slam title. Rybakina, who was seeking her second Grand Slam title after winning Wimbledon in 2022, hadn't dropped a set at Melbourne Park until Saturday. Jan 31, 2026
ICC replaces Bangladesh with Scotland in Men's T20 World Cup after venue dispute

ICC replaces Bangladesh with Scotland in Men's T20 World Cup after venue dispute

Bangladesh had sought to move their group-stage fixtures from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns in the wake of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman being released from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. But ICC's decision ends weeks of uncertainty after the BCB repeatedly pressed for a venue change and even suggested swapping groups with Ireland. Jan 24, 2026
India crushed at home: NZ wins ODI series, Virat Kohli makes century, fans criticize team and coach Gambhir

India crushed at home: NZ wins ODI series, Virat Kohli makes century, fans criticize team and coach Gambhir

The loss sparked widespread criticism on social media, targeting the players, captain Shubman Gill, and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Former opener Wasim Jaffer praised New Zealand's young team for their execution and resilience. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav and other Indian players were specifically criticized for underperforming, while team management and selectors faced scrutiny for their decisions and insistence that the team was progressing despite poor results. Jan 19, 2026
Antonsen quits India Open, cites Delhi's extreme smog and poor air quality as unsafe

Antonsen quits India Open, cites Delhi's extreme smog and poor air quality as unsafe

Four-time world championship medallist Anders Antonsen has withdrawn from the BWF India Open for the third consecutive year, citing Delhi's extreme pollution and poor air quality as unsafe for the tournament. His withdrawal incurred a USD 5,000 fine from the Badminton World Federation. Antonsen expressed hope that conditions will improve ahead of the BWF World Championships in August. Jan 14, 2026
Virat Kohli surpasses Sangakkara, becomes second-highest run-scorer of all time

Virat Kohli surpasses Sangakkara, becomes second-highest run-scorer of all time

Virat Kohli surpassed Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara. Kohli crossed 28,016 runs, moving past Sangakkara and trailing only Sachin Tendulkar, who remains the leading run-getter of all time. Earlier in the innings, Kohli also became the fastest player to reach 28,000 international runs, achieving the milestone in just 624 innings. The achievement further cemented Kohli's status as one of the greatest batters in cricket history. Jan 12, 2026
SRK's KKR release Mustafizur Rahman from IPL 2026 squad on BCCI order

SRK's KKR release Mustafizur Rahman from IPL 2026 squad on BCCI order

"Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL, as the regulator of IPL, has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL regulations, and further details will be communicated in due course," the franchise said in a statement. Jan 3, 2026
Formula 1 2025 Season turns out to be pivotal year for Indian motorsport

Formula 1 2025 Season turns out to be pivotal year for Indian motorsport

The Indian market's link to F1 is more robust than ever. Record-breaking viewership confirms India's vital role in the sport's worldwide strategy. This growth is supported by extending FanCode's exclusive broadcast deal through 2028, allowing Indian fans to stay connected to the action as local drivers gear up for the 2026 world stage. Dec 23, 2025
India's Women's WC winning team likely to meet PM Modi on Wednesday: Sources

India's Women's WC winning team likely to meet PM Modi on Wednesday: Sources

While no official victory parade has been planned yet, as per what BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said to this agency on Monday, a cash reward of Rs 51 crore for the team in recognition of their maiden ICC title has been announced. It is understood that the amount will be distributed among the players, support staff, and the five-member national selection committee. Nov 3, 2025
India clinch maiden Women's World Cup; BCCI announces Rs 51 cr reward for team, support staff

India clinch maiden Women's World Cup; BCCI announces Rs 51 cr reward for team, support staff

Earlier, batting first, India posted a commanding 298/7, powered by Shafali Verma's fluent 87, Deepti Sharma's composed 58, and valuable contributions from Smriti Mandhana (45) and Richa Ghosh (34). A solid 100-run opening stand between Mandhana and Verma set the platform for a big total before South Africa clawed back late to keep India just under the 300-mark. Nov 3, 2025