Sports

NEW DELHI: After hours of confusion, concern and meme-fuelled speculation on Friday morning, India’s batting legend Virat Kohli’s Instagram account is back online. India’s most-followed Instagram handle, which had suddenly disappeared earlier on Friday, reappeared without any official explanation from either the former India captain or Instagram, bringing relief to millions of cricket fans who…

Following the squad announcement, Naqvi addressed the Pakistan players and head coach Mike Hesson, clarifying the board’s stand. “We are waiting for the government’s advice and whatever the government tells us to do we will do it,” he told the team. He added that if the government advises against participation, the PCB will comply. During…

Michael Nobbs. (Photo credit: X/@HockeyAustralia) MELBOURNE: Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men’s team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness. He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women’s international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos…

Divya Deshmukh. (ANI file photo) STAVANGER: Indian Grandmaster and World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh will make her debut at Norway Chess Women later this year, becoming the youngest player to compete in the women’s tournament since its launch in 2024.Deshmukh will arrive in Oslo for the prestigious tournament, scheduled from May 25 to June 5,…

Melbourne: Aryna Sabalenka’s shoes told the story long before the scoreboard did. Their silver, star-like sparkles glittered under the lights of the Rod Laver Arena as she stamped her authority on the Australian Open semi-finals.There was nothing restrained about the world No.1’s performance as the 27-year-old quelled the challenge of Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3…

Aryna Sabalenka, right, of Belarus walks past Elina Svitolina of Ukraine during their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. (AP Photo) Belarusian world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka beat Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 in the Australian Open semi-final on Thursday to set up a title clash with…

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s captain Smriti Mandhana and teammate Richa Ghosh celebrate their victory (PTI Photo) Former champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru produced a commanding all-round display to thrash UP Warriorz by eight wickets, sealing their spot in the WPL final and all but ending the opposition’s playoff hopes here on Thursday. After opting to bowl, RCB…

NEW DELHI: In what comes as an encouraging development for India ahead of next month’s T20 World Cup, India’s dependable batter in T20Is, Tilak Varma, is close to being cleared by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.Tilak is expected to be cleared after taking part in a simulation match on Friday. The left-handed…

Serena Williams (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File) MELBOURNE: There is growing excitement in the tennis world about the possibility of American legend Serena Williams returning to the WTA Tour later this year. The 44-year-old has not played a competitive match since her third-round loss to Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic at the US Open in September 2022, after…

MUMBAI: In recent years, the Mumbai Cricket Association’s ground at Bandra-Kurla Complex has been the preferred venue for Mumbai’s home Ranji Trophy matches. On Thursday, however, pollution and dust from a construction site near the ground disrupted play and raised concerns among players.During the final session of the day one play, Mumbai players Sarfaraz Khan,…