Sports

Cricket Returns: BCCI Confirms Resumption of IPL 2025 with 17 Matches from May 17

Cricket Returns: BCCI Confirms Resumption of IPL 2025 with 17 Matches from May 17

New Delhi (National Times): In a major boost to cricket fans across the country, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed the return of IPL 2025, which had been on a temporary pause. After receiving clearance from national security agencies and completing consultations with various stakeholders, the Board has finalized plans to complete the season. A total of 17 matches remain and will now be played across six venues, beginning May 17. The season will wrap up with the grand final on June 3. The league stage will include two double-headers, scheduled on Sundays to maximize…
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Virat Kohli Calls Time on Test Career After 14 Years: “269, Signing Off”

Virat Kohli Calls Time on Test Career After 14 Years: “269, Signing Off”

New Delhi (National Times): In a move that has stunned the cricketing world, Indian batting legend Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing to a close a glittering 14-year chapter in the game’s most revered format. Kohli took to social media on Monday to share the news with his fans. “It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket… It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life,” he wrote. Ending with “#269, signing off,” Kohli signaled the end of his journey as India’s 269th Test player. Kohli…
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IPL Set to Resume on May 16 or 17 After Ceasefire; Kolkata May Lose Final Due to Rain Forecast

IPL Set to Resume on May 16 or 17 After Ceasefire; Kolkata May Lose Final Due to Rain Forecast

New Delhi, May 11, 2025 — Suspended amid the India-Pakistan military conflict, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is now expected to resume on May 16 or 17, following the announcement of a ceasefire between the two nations.The IPL Governing Council and BCCI officials met on Sunday to finalize plans for the resumption of the tournament, which was halted on May 9 for one week due to escalating security concerns. According to BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, discussions are ongoing with franchises and stakeholders to prepare a suitable revised schedule.An IPL source confirmed that the league is likely to restart with the…
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IPL Suspended Indefinitely Amid India-Pakistan Military Escalation

IPL Suspended Indefinitely Amid India-Pakistan Military Escalation

New Delhi, May 9, 2025: The Indian Premier League has been suspended indefinitely due to growing national security concerns following the military escalation between India and Pakistan, senior BCCI sources confirmed on Friday.The decision was made hours after the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala was abruptly called off mid-game. The venue, situated close to Pathankot, where air raid alerts were issued, became a focal point of concern for both officials and players. The match, which began late due to rain, was halted when floodlights went out, initially believed to be a technical fault. Moments later, players were…
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IPL Match Halted in Dharamsala Amid Security Alert; Players Pulled Off Field, Stadium Emptied

IPL Match Halted in Dharamsala Amid Security Alert; Players Pulled Off Field, Stadium Emptied

Dharamsala, May 8, 2025 — In a rare and dramatic turn of events, the IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at Dharamsala was abruptly stopped amid rising national security concerns.The floodlights were dimmed, players were immediately called off the field, and spectators were seen evacuating the stadium under advisories from authorities. The decision came as tensions escalated following recent cross-border developments, including drone activity and military responses.Officials have yet to release a formal statement, but sources suggest the stoppage was a precautionary measure aligned with broader civil defence protocols being implemented across Northern India.The BCCI is expected to…
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Rohit Sharma Bids Farewell to Test Cricket, Will Continue in ODIs

Rohit Sharma Bids Farewell to Test Cricket, Will Continue in ODIs

National Times Bureau, May 7, 2025: Rohit Sharma, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing to a close a significant chapter in his illustrious career. The 38-year-old confirmed the news on May 7 via social media, stating it was an “absolute honour” to represent India in whites, while also affirming he will continue to play One-Day Internationals.Over an 11-year Test career, Rohit played 67 matches, scoring 4,301 runs at an average of 46, including 12 centuries. Known for his elegant strokeplay and leadership qualities, he took over the Test captaincy from Virat…
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Shikhar Dhawan Confirms Relationship with Sophie Shine

Shikhar Dhawan Confirms Relationship with Sophie Shine

New Delhi, May 1, 2025 — Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has officially confirmed his relationship with Irish professional Sophie Shine.  The announcement was made via a social media post on Thursday, where Shine shared a picture of the couple with the caption “My love” accompanied by a heart emoji.  Speculation about their relationship had been circulating for some time, fueled by their public appearances together, including during the Champions Trophy match in Dubai and at a media event where Dhawan hinted at finding love again.  Sophie Shine is an Irish product consultant with a background in Marketing and Management…
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14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi creates history, becomes youngest player to score century in IPL

14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi creates history, becomes youngest player to score century in IPL

Jaipur ( Rajeev Sharma)– In a landmark moment for cricket, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi etched his name into the record books by becoming the youngest player ever to score a century in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and in men’s T20 cricket.Playing for Rajasthan Royals, Suryavanshi smashed a sensational 101 off just 38 balls against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium. His blistering knock included 11 sixes and 7 fours, with 94 of his runs coming from boundaries. Remarkably, he brought up his century in only 35 balls, marking it as the second-fastest hundred in IPL history and the fastest…
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BCCI Ends Bilateral Cricket Ties with Pakistan After Pahalgam Terror Attack, Citing National Security

BCCI Ends Bilateral Cricket Ties with Pakistan After Pahalgam Terror Attack, Citing National Security

New Delhi, April 24, 2025 — In a decisive response to the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 28 civilians, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has firmly ruled out any bilateral cricket engagements with Pakistan. The board said it stands completely aligned with the Indian government’s stance on cross-border terrorism and national interest.BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla said on Tuesday that the cricket board will strictly follow the government's directions on all matters related to cricket ties with Pakistan. “There will be no bilateral series with Pakistan. We only play in ICC events,…
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USA Edges Canada 4–3 in Overtime to Win 2025 Women’s World Hockey Championship

USA Edges Canada 4–3 in Overtime to Win 2025 Women’s World Hockey Championship

České Budějovice, Czechia, April 20, 2025 — In a dramatic finish at the 2025 Women’s World Hockey Championship final, Team USA clinched a 4–3 overtime victory against defending champions Canada, reclaiming the gold medal and ending Canada’s recent winning streak.The game saw relentless back-and-forth action, with both teams trading goals and refusing to yield. The deadlock broke in overtime when Tessa Janecke netted the game-winner, capitalizing on a misstep during a Canadian line change after a precise feed from Taylor Heise. The win marks USA’s 11th world title, and their first since 2023.With this victory, the U.S. ties the all-time…
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