Author: Raghav Singh

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed its condolences following the passing of former Ranji player from Mizoram, K. Lalremruata. He tragically died after collapsing during a local cricket match.

BCCI Domestic shared on X, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Mizoram cricketer K Lalremruata. He proudly represented Mizoram in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The BCCI extends heartfelt condolences, thoughts, and prayers to his family, friends, and the Mizoram cricket community.”

The incident occurred during a Khaled Memorial 2nd Division Screening Tournament match between Venghnuai Raiders CC and Chawnpui ILMOV CC. Lalremruata, playing for Venghnuai Raiders CC, suddenly collapsed while the game was in progress. Despite immediate assistance and medical treatment, he could not be saved.

The Cricket Association of Mizoram (CAM) reported that Lalremruata suffered a stroke while participating in the tournament. They conveyed condolences to his family and described his death as a considerable loss for Mizoram cricket.

Lalremruata made two appearances for Mizoram in the Ranji Trophy and played seven times in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He also represented several clubs at the local level and served on the Senior Tournament Committee.

In response to Lalremruata’s passing, Assam Cricket canceled all matches scheduled for Thursday, announcing that they would be played under a revised schedule. This includes games in the 2nd Division Screening Tournament at SCG, Sihhmui, the 3rd Division Screening Tournament semi-finals at Lawipu Playground, and the Samagra Inter-School Cricket Tournament for boys and girls at the PUC Ground and MAP Ground in Mualpui.

Lalremruata, a wicketkeeper, made his First Class debut against Meghalaya in 2018 and played his final game in 2022 against Nagaland.

When the auctioneer’s hammer fell in the WPL 2026 mega auction last year, it confirmed that Mumbai Inddigihunt (MI) successfully re-acquired off-spin bowling all-rounder Sanskriti Gupta for the upcoming season, which starts this evening at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Having secured her back at a steal for Rs 20 lakh, Sanskriti’s wish was fulfilled. “I was watching it, and a wish was running in my mind that MI should pick me back so that I can play in my usual way forever. It did happen, and I was so delighted,” she recalled in an exclusive conversation.

A Sense of Belonging

For Sanskriti, known for her control in off-spin bowling and as a capable lower-order batter, returning to the franchise where she won her first WPL trophy in 2025 represents more than continuity. “It’s a very good franchise with a very family-like vibe. The thought has always been that I can maintain my playing style very well if I get to play for MI,” she said.

This family atmosphere is a defining feature of the Mumbai Inddigihunt setup, and Sanskriti believes it will be crucial to their title defence. With most of their first-choice XI returning, the familiarity could prove decisive. “Apart from the retained players, so many of our first eleven players are back. This feels great because all of us have a strong bond from playing all matches together and spending quality time off the field. With nearly all of us back together, it feels good that we are here for at least the next two years, and hopefully, the bonding becomes stronger than ever,” she mentioned.

Learning from Experience

As one of the youngest members of MI’s title-winning squad in 2025, Sanskriti absorbed lessons from every corner of the dressing room. “I took home a lot of learnings from that title-winning campaign. I got a good idea of the level of cricket played in the WPL and what the important factors are to keep performing at your best.”

She highlighted the importance of maintaining fitness levels and the right attitude during matches: “I learned so much from all the players and coaches about what I can do at a particular time in a game and how to stay composed.”

These lessons crystallised during the 2025 final, when Sanskriti added an unbeaten eight runs alongside Amanjot Kaur’s 14 not out in the last two overs, helping MI reach a total of 149 — a score that proved to be winning. “We had prepared so much together. We thought we could face such a situation in any match. So we were ready for it, and it came in the final. We talked about how we could maximise running between the wickets,” she recalled.

A Special Moment

The celebration after the victory was particularly special for Sanskriti, who played all ten games and picked up four wickets. “It was fantastic, and we celebrated it very well. It was my first trophy, so it was a big thing for me, and I was very happy.”

Winning a major trophy changes perspectives. For Sanskriti, it’s evident in how others view her abilities. “Everyone’s perspective has changed for me — that I can do anything at any time on the field. If I get a chance, I can deliver.”

She expressed gratitude for the trust MI has shown in her: “It feels really good when a franchise like MI shows a lot of trust in you. This leads me to tell myself, ‘Yes, I can do it,’ and when it becomes a reality, there’s no better feeling.”

Recognition and Community Impact

Back home in Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh, her recognition has grown personally. “The area where I belong, almost everyone now knows me. They didn’t know me before, but now they come to meet my family.”

Sanskriti has continued to blend her cricket commitments and community interaction: “Off the field, there hasn’t been much change because I’m not staying much at home. All the coaches keep things normal for me in the academy. There are many aspiring cricketers I want to see play at a higher level.”

Fielding stands out as her favourite aspect of cricket. “I find fielding to be the most fun part. I enjoy it the most because, as an all-rounder, if ups and downs happen in batting or bowling, you can still give your best in fielding.”

Skill Development

Her agility and speed have been bolstered by a unique training regimen developed during the Covid-19 pandemic, where she played football as a member of the Madhya Pradesh women’s football team. “My warm-up routine involves playing football for an hour, which really helps cut down boundaries while fielding,” she noted.

Among the friendships forged in the MI camp, her bond with Sajana Sajeevan stands out. Their first meeting was memorable, with the franchise’s social media referring to them as the ‘in-house Ambaan and Rangaa chechi’. “On my first day, I met her. I didn’t know her nature, but she is very funny, and my vibe matched with hers.”

Building Connections

When MI recruited Sanskriti’s state team-mate Rahila Firdous, she ensured to convey the family environment in the franchise. “Before the WPL auction, we talked a lot. I told her it has a family vibe and that everyone is welcoming, whether new or old.”

Sanskriti also shares excitement over her other MP team-mates, who are part of WPL 2026. “Anushka Sharma (Gujarat Giants), Kranti Gaud (UP Warriorz), and Pooja Vastrakar (if fit for Royal Challengers Bengaluru) are also in WPL 2026.”

This WPL season follows India’s triumphant Women’s ODI World Cup campaign, and Sanskriti has witnessed how that victory has shifted public perception. “I feel very proud that we won the ODI World Cup in India. People have started to understand that girls can also play cricket.”

Goals for the Season

For Sanskriti, the increased attention translates into numerous opportunities in WPL 2026. “I want to play as much as I can. Whatever chances I get, I want to make the most of them and perform better in every outing. My goal in WPL 2026 is to keep improving and ensure our preparation is spot on so we can win the trophy again,” she concluded.

More than 69,000 runners have confirmed their participation in the Mumbai Marathon 2026, cementing the event’s reputation as Asia’s most impactful participative sporting movement.

Event Details

The 21st edition of the race, promoted by Procam International, is scheduled for January 18, 2026. As a World Athletics Gold Label Race, the Mumbai Marathon will see a record 69,100 participants, with over 65,400 runners participating in person and more than 3,700 in the virtual run. Over the past two decades, the marathon has significantly contributed to participative sports in India, showcasing the power of running to unite communities across the city and the country.

Participation Milestones

This year’s sustained growth is evident in several milestones. A total of 14,059 runners will attempt the full marathon distance for the first time, and there has been a significant increase in participation in the Half Marathon and Open 10K categories. Organisers have also reported a steady rise in women participants, an increase in timed runners, and greater involvement from diverse communities through the Dream Run.

Economic Impact

The impact of the marathon extends well beyond sports. In 2025, the Tata Mumbai Marathon generated a socio-economic contribution of Rs 530.59 crore, reinforcing its role as a major economic driver for the city. The event positively impacts sectors like aviation, hospitality, and local businesses while attracting participants from across India and abroad.

Official Statements

Rajesh Aggarwal, Chief Secretary of the Government of Maharashtra, remarked, “The Tata Mumbai Marathon has, over the last two decades, positively impacted both the physical health of people and the economic health of the city. Beyond the runners, it benefits airlines, hotels, and local vendors, making it a strong economic driver. The event brings Mumbai together, welcoming participants from across India and the world as Mumbaikars for a few days. The Maharashtra Government and police stand firmly behind the event to ensure safety, smooth operations, and an enjoyable experience for all.”

Adrian Terron, Head of Corporate Brand and Marketing, stated that the 2026 edition reaffirms the marathon’s commitment to celebrating perseverance, unity, and wellness. “As we usher in the 2026 running season, we reaffirm our commitment to celebrating the indomitable spirit of runners and the vibrant community that supports them. The Tata Mumbai Marathon has evolved into a hallmark of perseverance, unity, and wellness; values that resonate deeply with our city and our nation,” he said.

In the tribal heartlands of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, where sport has often taken a backseat to the struggle for daily survival, Mallakhamb is quietly reshaping lives. Once practiced in open fields and farmlands, this traditional Indian discipline has become a source of confidence, aspiration, and social change for children from some of the region’s most resource-constrained communities.

Coach Shubham Mair’s Role

At the forefront of this movement is Mallakhamb coach Shubham Mair, who arrived from Maharashtra’s Nashik district in 2019–20, appointed by the Khanvel Gram Panchayat on a contract basis. He serves as the head coach at the Mallakhamb Academy located in Shelti village of the Khanvel division.

When Shubham began his work in the Union Territory, he faced stark realities—no training facilities, no equipment, and no safety infrastructure. “There was nothing on the first day. The children trained in paddy fields, on bare ground, and sometimes even climbed trees. We had no poles, no mats, no oil or powder. What we did have was an extraordinary hunger to learn.”

Challenges Faced by Athletes

Most of the children had never heard of Mallakhamb before. Coming from tribal families that worked as daily wage laborers, sport was rarely seen as a career option. For families struggling to arrange two meals a day, structured training felt like a distant luxury.

A decisive shift occurred in 2019–20 when Shubham traveled to Panchkula, Haryana, for a preparatory camp ahead of the Khelo India Youth Games. The aim became clear: provide competitive exposure to emerging athletes who seldom get national-level opportunities. The immediate focus was not on medals but on experience—introducing children to competitive environments to help their confidence grow organically.

Institutional Support

This initiative has been strengthened by sustained institutional backing. Arun Gupta, Joint Secretary of Youth Affairs and Sports for Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, emphasized that tribal sports development is a priority in the Union Territory, especially in Dadra & Nagar Haveli, where over 50 percent of the population belongs to tribal communities.

Gupta noted that a permanent Mallakhamb training center has been established at Khanvel, while a Khelo India State Centre of Excellence at Silvassa supports archery, athletics, and table tennis, providing residential facilities to nearly 75 athletes, most from tribal backgrounds. He added that world-class sports infrastructure—including stadiums and high-performance facilities—is being developed across Diu, Daman, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, creating structured pathways for young talent from remote regions.

Visible Impact

For Shubham and his athletes, the benefits of this support are already evident. Guidance from senior coaches visiting from Nashik has helped formalize training methods, while regular competitions have sharpened their skills.

At the Khelo India Beach Games 2026, Shubham has brought a group of six boys and six girls, many experiencing a multi-sport event of this scale for the first time. “When children compete here, they realize they are no different from athletes of other states. That belief changes everything,” he said.

Among them is 12-year-old Kavya, who discovered Mallakhamb through school. “When it was introduced in Class VII, I became interested,” she stated. “Sir told us that with hard work, we can achieve something.”

Eleven-year-old Trusha shares this sentiment. Her father works as a hotel cook, while her mother manages the household. “My siblings don’t practice Mallakhamb, but I want to,” she said, smiling shyly.

For these girls, Mallakhamb is not merely physical exercise; it’s a pathway to identity and self-confidence. However, challenges remain. The lack of women coaches continues to limit girls’ participation, especially as the sport requires physical assistance during training.

“After a certain age, male coaches cannot train girls,” Shubham explained. “Social factors and the absence of female coaches mean many girls miss out.”

A Strong Resolve

Despite these challenges, the resolve remains firm. Coaches and administrators are working towards ensuring equal opportunities. The belief is straightforward yet powerful: talent exists, even where resources are lacking.

“These children may not have facilities at home, but they have immense potential. With guidance and opportunity, they can go far,” Shubham emphasized.

Bangladesh cricketers may soon have to change their bat sponsors as leading Indian sports manufacturer SG has decided not to continue its association, amid rising cricketing and diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring nations.

Tensions Escalate

The situation began when IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladesh’s premier bowler Mustafizur Rehman after a directive from the BCCI. Following this, the Bangladesh Cricket Board refused to grant a no-objection certificate to Mustafizur for playing in the IPL. Additionally, it requested the ICC to shift its matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to start on 7th February, from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns.

Impact on Sponsorships

SG currently sponsors several top Bangladeshi players, including captain Litton Das, Yasir Rabbi, and Mominul Haque. While the players have not been officially notified about SG’s decision not to renew the contract, their agents have indicated that changes may be imminent.

“It looks like that is likely to be the case in the coming days,” a Bangladeshi cricketer was quoted as saying by www.telecomasia.net.

SG’s decision could negatively impact the Bangladesh sports industry, prompting other manufacturers to reconsider their sponsorships. “I think other manufacturers also might opt not to sponsor our cricketers,” a source involved in player sponsorships told www.telecomasia.net.

BCB’s Response

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) approached the ICC after holding an emergency meeting on January 4, formally requesting that Bangladesh’s fixtures be moved for the safety of players and officials.

As the ICC’s decision on shifting Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka for the T20 World Cup 2026 remains pending, the Asian team is currently set to play in Group C of the tournament. Bangladesh is scheduled to face the West Indies, Italy, and England in Kolkata on February 7, 9, and 14, respectively, before concluding the group stage against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.

Cricket Australia has confirmed that the ongoing BBL 15 will see an influx of talent as multiple members of Australia’s Ashes-winning Test squad return to action starting Saturday.

Key Returning Players

Among those making their return for various teams in BBL 15 are:

• Alex Carey with the Adelaide Strikers
• Brendan Doggett with the Melbourne Renegades
• Josh Inglis with the Perth Scorchers
• Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne with the Brisbane Heat
• Todd Murphy and Steve Smith with the Sydney Sixers
• Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster with the Hobart Hurricanes

All these players will be eligible for selection starting January 10.

Additional Return Dates

• Michael Neser will join the Brisbane Heat on January 14.
• Mitchell Starc will rejoin the Sydney Sixers on January 16.

Injuries and Absences

Conversely, three players will not return for the remainder of the BBL 15 season. Scott Boland and Travis Head will be sidelined for an extended period to recover after playing in all five Ashes Test matches. Cameron Green is also unavailable as he continues his recovery from back surgery.

During the series, Boland had a heavy workload, bowling a total of 159.5 overs, while Head finished as Australia’s top run-scorer in the Ashes.

Planning for Recovery and Future Commitments

Cricket Australia (CA) indicated that all players who participated in the Ashes will follow individual treatment plans to ensure proper recovery while also preparing for their next international commitments, including the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. CA aims for the Ashes players to participate in the BBL as much as possible.

“The BBL 15 season has delivered outstanding cricket and incredible fan experiences, watched by record crowds and broadcast audiences so far,” said Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager, Big Bash Leagues.

“We are delighted to have a number of Australian Test players entering the competition from tomorrow night, following their Ashes series victory, and thank them for their commitment to the BBL,” he added.

Cricket Australia’s General Manager, National Teams, Ben Oliver, further expressed, “We are immensely proud of the Australian men’s Test team and their outstanding achievement in winning the Ashes. A five-Test Ashes series is intense. The players and staff deserve great credit for their preparation and management, which has enabled sustained performance through a demanding international schedule.”

“We have worked with each player on individual plans to best support recovery from the Ashes and preparation for upcoming international commitments, including the ICC T20 World Cup. Wherever possible, this includes players representing their clubs in the ongoing BBL 15 season over the coming fortnight.”

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the semifinals of the Brisbane International after defeating world No. 5 Madison Keys 6–3, 6–3 in straight sets. This match was a rematch of the 2025 Australian Open final.

With this victory, Sabalenka has secured eight consecutive wins in Brisbane and has an impressive record of 36 wins in her last 38 matches in Australia.

The match marked Sabalenka’s second encounter with Keys since her defeat to the American in the Australian Open final. Earlier, she had dominated their match at Indian Wells with a 6–1, 6–0 victory. Sabalenka now leads their head-to-head record 6–2 since they first met in 2018.

The opening set was closely contested, but Keys struggled with her precision, committing seven double faults. She wavered between playing it safe and being aggressive on her second serve, allowing Sabalenka to apply relentless pressure.

In the second set, a series of breaks ensued with Keys losing serve five times in a row. After taking a 4–2 lead, Sabalenka took full control, sealing the match with three powerful serves.

“She’s a great player. Always tough battles against her. I was trying to stay focused, trying to stay on my serve and put as much pressure as I can on her serve. That’s all I was thinking about. I put so much pressure back on her. She’s aggressive, and I tried to put all of that speed back on her,” Sabalenka stated.

A two-time Brisbane International champion in 2023 and 2025, Sabalenka aims for a third title in four appearances, having finished runner-up in 2024. She will face world No. 20 Karolina Muchova of Czechia on Saturday.

Muchova currently leads the head-to-head 3-1 against Sabalenka, having won all three of their recent meetings since 2023. Sabalenka’s only victory came in their initial matchup in 2019.

“I always approach each match the same; it doesn’t matter the score between us. What’s in the past stays in the past. I will try to bring everything I’ve been working on throughout basically my whole career and try better every time,” Sabalenka added.

Muchova recently upset No. 3 seed Elena Rybakina with a thrilling win at Pat Rafter Arena, needing just over two hours to secure a 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 victory.

India’s ace shuttler PV Sindhu has successfully progressed to the semifinals of the women’s singles event at the Malaysia Open badminton tournament. Her opponent, Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, retired midway through their match due to injury concerns at the Stadium Axiata Arena.

Sindhu was leading 21-11 when Yamaguchi informed the chair umpire that she could not continue, as her injury was significantly hampering her movement. Yamaguchi, who came onto the court wearing a knee brace, struggled from the beginning, allowing Sindhu to quickly build a 10-2 lead.

Despite her tactical efforts to push Sindhu deep into the backcourt, Yamaguchi’s frustrations grew as unforced errors crept into her game. In just 12 minutes, Sindhu wrapped up the first game, after which Yamaguchi conceded, marking Sindhu’s first Super 1000 semifinal in three years.

This achievement marks the first time Sindhu has reached the Malaysia Open semifinals in eight years. She will next face either sixth-seeded Indonesian Putri Kusuma Wardani or second-seeded Chinese Wang Zhi Yi.

Earlier, on Thursday, Sindhu defeated 19-year-old Tomoka Miyazaki 21-8, 21-13 in just 33 minutes, securing her first Super 1000 quarterfinal of the season.

Later that day, the duo of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, two-time world championships bronze medallists, were set to compete against Indonesia’s sixth-seeded pair Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri. The third-seeded Inddigihunt advanced to the quarterfinals after clinching a 21-18, 21-11 victory over Malaysia’s Junaidi Arif and Roy King Yap in 39 minutes, extending their head-to-head record against the Malaysian duo to 4–0.

In women’s doubles, the pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand faced elimination after losing to Indonesia’s Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma and Meilysa Trias Puspita Sari with scores of 21-9, 21-23, 21-19 in the opening round.