Author: Raghav Singh

Nepal Cricket has announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, set to take place in Nepal from January 18 to February 1.

Leadership Changes

Indu Barma will continue as captain, with Puja Mahato stepping in as vice-captain, as the team gears up for this crucial qualifying campaign on home soil.

Participating Teams

The Global Qualifier will feature teams from Bangladesh, Ireland, the Netherlands, Namibia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Thailand, the USA, and Zimbabwe. These teams are divided into two groups of five, with Ireland placed in Group A. After the group stage, the top three teams from each group will progress to the Super Six round. From there, the top four teams will qualify for the Women’s T20 World Cup.

2026 Women’s T20 World Cup

The 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in England and Wales in June, featuring 12 teams competing in 33 matches. This tournament marks an expansion from the 10-team format used in Bangladesh in 2024 and South Africa in February 2023.

Teams Qualified

Eight teams have already secured their places for the 2026 edition, including the hosts England, along with Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The remaining four spots will be filled through the global qualifying tournament.

Historical Context

The inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup took place in England in 2009, where the hosts emerged victorious by defeating New Zealand in the final. Australia dominated the following three editions in 2010, 2012, and 2014, but the West Indies broke this streak in 2016 with a final win over Australia in India.

Australia then reclaimed dominance by securing three consecutive titles in 2018, 2020, and 2023. The most recent edition in 2024 was hosted by the United Arab Emirates, where New Zealand triumphed over South Africa in the final to lift the trophy.

Nepal Squad

Indu Barma (c), Puja Mahato, Rubina Chhetri, Sita Rana Magar, Bindu Rawal, Samjhana Khadka, Kajal Shrestha, Kabita Joshi, Kabita Kunwar, Rachana Chaudhary, Riya Sharma, Roma Thapa, Suman Bista, Rajmati Airee, Manisha Upadhaya.

Former Australia captain Meg Lanning has been appointed as the new skipper of UP Warriorz (UPW) for the upcoming season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), as announced by the franchise on its social media accounts.

At UPW, Meg will take over the captaincy from India’s off-spin bowling all-rounder Deepti Sharma, who led the franchise during the 2025 season in the absence of regular captain and Meg’s former Australia team-mate, wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy.

Meg’s Statement on Captaincy

“It is a real honour to be named captain of the UP Warriorz. As the WPL enters its fourth season, it’s been incredible to see how the league has evolved, the quality of cricket, the competitiveness, and the emergence of exciting new talent continue to raise the standard each year.

“This is a talented group with a strong mix of international experience and Indian players, and I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead. We’ll work hard together and give ourselves every opportunity to lift the trophy,” Meg said in a franchise statement.

Record as a Captain

Meg, 33, is considered one of the most successful captains in women’s cricket history, having led Australia to five World Cup titles across both white-ball formats and a Commonwealth Games gold medal during her tenure. She joined UPW for Rs 1.9 crore at last year’s mega auction in New Delhi after DC did not retain her.

Coach’s Confidence in Meg

“Meg brings a rare combination of experience, clarity, and calmness that sets her apart as a leader. Her understanding of the game, ability to manage high-pressure moments, and connect with players makes her the ideal captain for this group. We’re confident she will play a key role in shaping the team’s approach this season,” said Abhishek Nayar, UPW head coach.

Previous Achievements in the WPL

In the WPL, Meg led her previous team Delhi Capitals (DC) to the final in all three seasons but finished as runners-up in 2023, 2024, and 2025. She won the Orange Cap in the 2023 WPL while forming a formidable partnership with India opener Shafali Verma.

Vision for the Future

“Meg Lanning’s appointment as captain is a significant step for the UP Warriorz as we continue to build a strong and competitive franchise. Her leadership credentials and consistency at the highest level align perfectly with our vision for the team. We believe her presence will add tremendous value both on and off the field as we head into WPL 2026,” stated Kshemal Waingankar, COO of UP Warriorz.

Career Statistics

In her WPL career so far, Meg has played 27 matches and scored 952 runs at a strike rate of 127.10, including nine half-centuries. UPW, yet to win the WPL, will open their 2026 campaign against Gujarat Giants (GG) at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 10.

The S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium witnessed edge-of-the-seat action on Sunday as the first round of qualifying matches got underway at the 10th Bengaluru Open 2026.

Sidharth Rawat Advances

India’s Sidharth Rawat booked his place in the final round of qualifying with a composed 6-3, 7-5 victory over compatriot Nitin Kumar Sinha. Rawat set the tone early, claiming the opening set with confidence. Sinha mounted a strong fightback in the second set and broke Rawat’s serve to take the lead. However, Rawat responded with two timely breaks of his own to close out the match in straight sets.

Other Matches

In other first-round qualifying encounters, Inddigihunt Dev Javia and Adil Kalyanpur put up spirited performances but were edged out in three-set battles by higher-ranked opponents Dominik Palan and Eero Vasa respectively.

Qualifiers Moving Forward

Also advancing to the final round of qualifying, scheduled for Monday morning, were Kuan-Yi Lee (Chinese Taipei), Ryotaro Taguchi and Jumpei Yamasaki (Japan), Mitsuki Wei Kang Leong (Malaysia), Aziz Ouakaa (Tunisia), Niels Visker (Netherlands), and Frenchmen Arthur Reymond and Felix Balshaw.

Upcoming Matches

Later on Sunday, Ukraine’s Yurii Dzhavakian was set to face France’s Alexis Gautier to conclude the opening day of qualifying at the tournament.

Main draw action will begin on Monday afternoon, with local fans in for an exciting lineup. Wildcard entrant Manas Dhamne will take on fifth seed Matej Dodig of Croatia, followed by a marquee all-Indian clash between former champion Sumit Nagal and local favourite S.D. Prajwal Dev.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya stated that the Khelo India Beach Games offer athletes a unique platform to showcase their talents on a naturally stunning surface while fostering a robust sporting culture across the nation.

The second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games is scheduled to take place at the Blue Flag Ghoghla Beach from January 5 to 10, featuring over 2,100 participants competing across eight sports. Organized by the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, the event is under the technical supervision of the Sports Authority of India and national sports federations.

More than 1,100 athletes will compete in sports such as beach volleyball, beach soccer, beach sepak takraw, beach kabaddi, pencak silat, open water swimming, mallakhamb, and tug of war. Among these, the first six are medal sports, with a total of 32 gold medals up for grabs.

In the inaugural edition, Manipur, Maharashtra, and Nagaland secured the first, second, and third positions in the medal standings, each winning five gold medals. The final rankings were determined by the number of silver medals earned.

“The first Khelo India Beach Games generated a lot of excitement among participants. We are creating new platforms for athletes to express themselves and enjoy the sports they love. This aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of fostering a strong sporting culture so that our youth grow into healthy citizens,” Dr. Mandaviya remarked.

He also mentioned that more Khelo India events will be introduced in 2026, aiming to unite the nation through sports and spread joy through healthy competition.

Furthermore, the Union Minister emphasized that the Khelo India events align with the Khelo Bharat Niti. “Our endeavour is to make sports a mass movement and an integral part of the social fabric. Events like the Beach Games also help showcase India’s natural beauty to the world through sports,” he stated.

The opening ceremony of the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 is set for Monday evening at Ghoghla Beach, with Shri Praful Patel, Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu and Lakshadweep, and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha in attendance.

Teams began arriving in Diu on Saturday, representing 29 states and Union Territories. The competition will kick off on the opening day with matches in beach kabaddi and beach soccer. In the previous edition, Haryana dominated beach kabaddi, while Kerala men and Odisha women clinched gold medals in beach soccer.

The Khelo India Beach Games are part of the sports competition and talent development vertical of the Khelo India Scheme. The inaugural edition took place in Diu from May 19 to 24, 2025, with the initiative aimed at promoting beach sports and enhancing the popularity of disciplines played on sand and in water bodies.

With a disciplined and determined performance, Shrachi Bengal Tigers secured a 1-0 victory against Ranchi Royals in match number eight of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium on Sunday. Agustina Gorzelany (37’) scored the decisive goal, helping her side register three points and move to second place on the points table.

Early Pressure from Ranchi Royals

Heading into this match on the back of consecutive wins, Ranchi Royals began strongly, controlling the tempo in the opening exchanges. They had five penalty corners and seven circle penetrations in the first quarter but couldn’t find a way past Jennifer Rizzo in goal for the Shrachi Bengal Tigers. The Tigers, playing on the counterattack, had a late opportunity before Bichu Devi Kharibam made a couple of sharp saves to keep the score level at the end of a stop-start first quarter.

Tigers Regain Control

Shrachi Bengal Tigers steadily grew into the game during the second quarter, making inroads and putting the Royals’ defence under pressure. They registered seven circle penetrations and earned a couple of penalty corners as they sought the opening goal. Madhuri Kindo remained firm in goal for the hosts, making crucial saves to keep the score at 0-0 by the end of a hard-fought first half.

Breakthrough Goal

Ranchi Royals added some impetus to their attack at the start of the second half and came close to breaking the deadlock on a couple of occasions. However, it was the Shrachi Bengal Tigers who drew first blood when Agustina Gorzelany (37’) converted from a penalty corner, scoring her fourth goal of the season and giving her side a 1-0 lead. The home side searched for a quick response but struggled to breach the resolute and disciplined Shrachi Bengal Tigers defence during the third quarter.

Final Quarter Struggles

Ranchi Royals dominated possession in the final quarter, remaining relentless in their pursuit of an equaliser. Despite seven circle penetrations and five penalty corners, they were unable to find a breakthrough as the Shrachi Bengal Tigers defence held firm, securing three crucial points.

The New Year marked a positive start with the 55th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle taking place across 5000 locations nationwide, led by Vadodara in collaboration with ‘Swachhta Senanis’ and the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Government of Gujarat.

A Festive Fitness Festival

Vadodara embraced a festive atmosphere as the event transformed into a fitness festival. Over 1000 individuals from various age groups participated in activities such as yoga, Zumba, badminton, and rope skipping.

The cycling event in Vadodara was inaugurated at the iconic Laxmi Vilas Palace by former India cricketer Rajesh Chauhan and health and wellness coach Sapna Vyas. Hon’ble Vadodara MP Hemang Joshi, Asian Championship gold medalist Nandini Agasara, Vadodara Municipal Commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu, DCP Zone 3 Abhishek Gupta, and DCP Zone 2 Majitha K. Vanzara were present and participated in the 4.5-kilometre ride.

Notable attendees included the Steel Man of India, multiple Guinness World Record holder Vispy Kharradi, popular fitness coach Urvi Parwani, among others.

Program Overview

The ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ event is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) in partnership with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Indian Rope Skipping Federation (IRSF), Yogasana Bharat, Raahgiri Foundation, My Bikes, and MY Bharat. This cycling initiative simultaneously occurs in the capitals of all States and Union Territories, as well as at SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs), engaging various age groups.

Official Statements

Hon’ble MP Hemang Joshi stated, “It was a historic day for the city of Vadodara as we started the Fit India Sundays on Cycle campaign from the iconic Laxmi Vilas Palace. Today, people from all age groups including children and the elderly participated in large numbers to strengthen our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for a fitter and healthier India. All gathered to partake in the cycling drive along with activities like yoga, Zumba, and rope skipping.”

He added, “I am delighted to say that an initiative like this will help create a mindset for fitness in Vadodara and Gujarat at large. I am thankful to the Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya for starting this initiative. We received an excellent response from the public, and I announce that we will continue to organize it every week in Vadodara.”

Former Indian cricketer Rajesh Chauhan, who played 21 Tests and 35 ODIs from 1993 to 1998, and took 76 international wickets, praised the initiative, stating, “I am glad to be part of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle in Vadodara, which is a fantastic jan andolan by the Government of India and Sports Authority of India. It was heartening to see the enthusiasm of so many elderly and young people on a cold winter morning here. I believe everyone should take part in this movement to improve their immunity and fitness through such initiatives. Looking back at the COVID-19 period, awareness about fitness and immunity grew, and cycling is, in my opinion, the best way to stay fit. It’s a one-time investment in a good cycle, which helps not only personal fitness but also contributes to a cleaner environment and reduced air pollution.”

Nandini Agasara, who secured bronze in the heptathlon at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, expressed her excitement about being part of this initiative. She stated, “I am very proud to be part of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle movement. It was wonderful to see both young and old individuals filled with energy and participating in various activities like Zumba, yoga, and rope skipping. I urge everyone to join this movement and dedicate at least 30 minutes to 1 hour daily to their fitness and health.”

Growing Movement

Launched by Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Mansukh Mandaviya in December 2024, Fit India Sundays on Cycle has emerged as a mass movement, promoting fitness, environmental cleanliness, and sustainability, with over 22 lakh participants across more than 2 lakh locations.

Previously, participants included Indian Army jawans, CRPF, ITBP, the Goods & Services Tax Council, PSUs, the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI), and notable sports stars such as the Great Khali, Lovlina Borgohain, Priyanka Goswami, Rani Rampal, Rodali Barua, Deepika Kumari, Atanu Das, Rahul Banerjee, Mangal Singh Champia, Sangram Singh, Shanky Singh, Nitu Ghanghas, Saweety Boora, and Paris Paralympics medallists Nitesh Kumar, Manisha Ramadass, Rubina Francis, and para world champion Simran Sharma.

Top celebrities including Ayushmann Khurana, Rohit Shetty, Saiyami Kher, Sharvari, Amit Sial, Rahul Bose, Madhurima Tuli, Mia Maelzer, and Gul Panag have also shown their support for this initiative and have been recognized as ‘Fit India Icons.’

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate all of their 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup matches to venues outside India, citing safety and security concerns.

Following an emergency board meeting on Sunday afternoon, the BCB had previously conducted a Zoom meeting on Saturday evening after Mustafizur Rahman was released from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad for IPL 2025. This decision came on the instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) due to ongoing tensions between India and Bangladesh.

“The Board reviewed the situation in detail, taking into account developments over the last 24 hours and expressed deep concern over the overall circumstances surrounding the participation of the Bangladesh National Team in matches scheduled to be played in India,” the BCB stated.

“Following a thorough assessment of the prevailing situation and the growing concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladesh contingent in India, and considering the advice from the Bangladesh Government, the Board of Directors resolved that the Bangladesh National Team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions.”

The BCB emphasized, “In light of this decision, the BCB has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC), as the event authority, to consider relocating all of Bangladesh’s matches to a venue outside India.”

India and Sri Lanka are set to co-host the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup from February 7 to March 8, with matches taking place across multiple venues in both countries.

Bangladesh’s refusal to play in India may disrupt the tournament schedule, as their itinerary includes matches against the West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, as well as against Nepal on February 17 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

“The Board believes that such a step is necessary to safeguard the safety and well-being of Bangladeshi players, team officials, board members, and other stakeholders, and to ensure that the team can participate in the tournament in a secure and appropriate environment. The Bangladesh Cricket Board looks forward to the ICC’s understanding of the situation and an urgent response on this matter,” the BCB added.

The 72nd National Volleyball Championship is taking place at the Sigra Stadium in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, featuring over 58 teams and 1,000 players from various states competing over the next week.

Teams from across the country have arrived to contest for prestigious positions at the revitalized Dr. Sampurnanand Multipurpose Sports Stadium, also known as Sigra Stadium, as part of the Smart City project. This week-long competition will showcase exceptional sportsmanship and talent in Indian volleyball.

Upon their arrival, players received a grand welcome, expressing gratitude to the organizers and local residents. Many players from Jammu and Kashmir shared their experiences of visiting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency for the first time.

Balwinder Singh Jamwal, head coach of the Jammu and Kashmir women’s team, stated, “With the support of the government and our association, sports have received a significant boost in our region. This is why we have been able to come to Varanasi. We are very happy with the welcome we received in Varanasi. This is Prime Minister Narendra’s parliamentary constituency, a holy city. We are very happy to be here.”

Sadaf Manzoor mentioned, “The competition is quite tough. Strong teams from all over the country have come. We will also try our best.”

Sharing her first experience in Varanasi, she noted how the entire team received a hearty welcome and expressed gratitude for it.

“Earlier, it was difficult for girls to enter the field of sports, but due to the efforts of the Central government under PM Modi, our participation in sports is increasing even in Jammu and Kashmir,” she added.

Regarding wearing a hijab while playing, she mentioned, “We play wearing a hijab, and we have not faced any kind of problem.”

Aayat from the Kashmir valley said, “The competition is at the national level and very challenging. We are getting good facilities under the current government, whether it is at the coaching level or in terms of sports facilities. We felt good about coming here. We were given a good reception.”

On the topic of participating in the game wearing a hijab, she remarked, “This is our culture. We have no problem playing while wearing it. We are seen only as players.”

Notably, the 72nd National Volleyball Championship is being held from January 4 to January 11 and was inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier today.

Former England captain Michael Atherton believes the ongoing Ashes series has become “one-dimensional” due to the lack of spin bowling, as the pitches have favored fast bowlers.

England did not select a specialist spinner for any of the five matches, overlooking off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, while Will Jacks bowled occasional off-spin but was not considered a frontline option.

Australia, on the other hand, named Nathan Lyon for the first and third Tests but omitted the veteran off-spinner from the day-night fixture in Brisbane. Lyon suffered a hamstring injury during their series-clinching victory in Adelaide, and the hosts decided against replacing him with fellow off-spinner Todd Murphy in both the Melbourne and Sydney Tests.

“It means the cricket we have seen in this series has been a bit one-dimensional. Looking at the pitch (on day one in Sydney), you wouldn’t say it offered enough for five seamers, but that is not to say it is going to turn on the last day either. We will have to wait and see.

“(Not picking a spinner) may be a reflection on Murphy—if Lyon had been fit, I imagine he might have played. Murphy is not a bad bowler but he is no Lyon. Pitches have become more uniform and less varied, partly because of the drop-ins at the multi-sport grounds like Brisbane and Adelaide.

“Sydney used to be the outlier in terms of spin, and if that’s gone the way of the other grounds in terms of more grass left on there, there is a lack of variety, and that is not necessarily a good thing for the game. What you want to see in a five-Test series is the whole range of skills,” Atherton stated on Sky Sports’ Cricket Podcast.

Ex-England captain Nasser Hussain offered a different perspective. “I think you have to be careful. The forecast is to be hot, and you have to pick a side for the last day as well as the first day. However, I think both captains feel that with the heat, the cracks will open up, and that’s when you want your seamers.”

Underlining India’s growing sporting ambitions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the country is making strong and sustained efforts to host the 2036 Olympic Games. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 72nd National Volleyball Championship virtually via video conferencing, PM Modi highlighted India’s recent experience and capability in successfully hosting major global sporting events.

“In the past decade, more than 20 major international events have been held in various cities, including the U-17 FIFA World Cup, the Hockey World Cup, and major chess tournaments,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which will be held in the country, and mentioned that the nation is leaving no stone unturned in securing the hosting rights for the 2036 Olympic Games. “The 2030 Commonwealth Games will be held in India. India is preparing with full strength to host the 2036 Olympics,” said Modi.

PM Narendra Modi also highlighted the greatness of volleyball and how it connects players through a match-winning spirit. He underlined that volleyball is not an ordinary sport; it is a game of balance and cooperation, where determination is reflected in the effort to keep the ball always lifted.

Volleyball connects players with team spirit, with every player guided by the mantra, “Team First.” He emphasised that while each player may possess different skills, all play for the victory of their team.

The 72nd National Volleyball Tournament, being held from January 4 to 11, will witness participation from across India, with over 1,000 players competing as part of 58 teams representing various states and institutions.

The tournament is expected to showcase high standards of competition, sportsmanship, and talent in Indian volleyball. It further enhances the city’s profile as a hub for major national events, aligning with its expanding role in hosting significant cultural and sporting initiatives.