Category: Sports

Karnataka Police have denied permission for the Vijay Hazare Trophy match between Delhi and Andhra Pradesh at Chinnaswamy Stadium, citing serious safety and crowd control concerns.

The decision came after a thorough inspection by Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar, along with officials from the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Fire Department, who identified critical gaps in venue infrastructure and emergency preparedness.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh addressed media persons, stating, “The committee had gone to the stadium on Monday, on the instructions of the Home Department. Officers from various departments, including fire, Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (Bescom), Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), and police, had inspected the stadium. As per the report from the officers, permission has not been granted for the match on Wednesday at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The committee has also given a detailed report.”

The Bengaluru City Police Commissioner had previously issued a 17-point advisory outlining mandatory safety measures. The committee verified compliance with these points and submitted its findings to the government.

Police sources indicated that the stadium gates were too narrow to handle large crowds, especially with Virat Kohli expected to attend.

In a last-ditch effort, Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) President Venkatesh Prasad met with state Home Minister G. Parameshwara, pleading for an exception, but authorities remained firm.

Parameshwara announced on Monday that a committee was formed to inspect and assess whether the Chinnaswamy Stadium is fit to host the Vijay Hazare Trophy cricket match. The minister chaired a meeting at the Vidhana Soudha with officials from the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and senior police officers to discuss arrangements for the upcoming match.

“KSCA has requested permission to hold the Vijay Hazare Trophy match without allowing public spectators. Only the match will be conducted, and no audience will be permitted,” Parameshwara stated.

Notably, 11 people were killed in a stampede near the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) victory celebrations on June 4.

From a state renowned for its rich hockey legacy, featuring legends like MP Ganesh, MM Somaya, AB Subbiah, Ashish Ballal, Arjun Halappa, and more recently Raghunath VR, SK Uthappa, Nikkin Thimmaiah, and SV Sunil—all of whom represented India in the 2016 Rio Olympics—PB Sunil emerges as a promising new talent aiming to carry the torch for Karnataka in hockey.

Sunil’s fellow state players, Mohd. Raheel, Abharan Sudev, and HS Mohit, have fluctuated in their positions within the men’s senior core group and the national squad. However, Sunil’s recent achievements in the FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup, where the team secured a bronze medal, rekindles hopes for enhancing Karnataka’s contributions to Indian hockey.

Hailing from a small hamlet called Anavatti village in Sorab Taluk, Shivamogga district, Sunil began his hockey journey at the DYES Sports hostel in his district at the age of 10. Coming from a family of daily wage labourers in agriculture, Sunil’s ascent in hockey symbolizes hope for his family.

Drafted into the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers squad for Rs 2 lakh, Sunil understands the significance of delivering strong performances in the Hockey India League. He remarked, “The Junior World Cup was a dream come true moment. But now that’s in the past. I am now focused on performing for the Kalinga Lancers who have a good mix of players and lots to learn from this season for me.”

Reflecting on Karnataka’s esteemed hockey tradition, he stated, “When I came into the sport, I knew nothing about hockey and Karnataka’s contribution to the sport but it’s only after coming into the national set up that I know the responsibility on my shoulders now and it only inspires me to achieve the way our former greats from the state have.”

Sunil looks forward to playing alongside eminent Olympic gold medallists such as Arthur Van Doren and Alexander Hendrickx. As a defender, he believes he can gain invaluable insights from these two Belgian players, who have excelled on the world stage for over a decade.

“As a defender, there’s nothing more fruitful than to learn from the biggest names in world hockey, particularly as defenders. Both Arthur and Alex are incredible in defence and have great game knowledge, presence of mind, and are tactically very sound even in PC defending,” he noted.

He added, “Apart from learning on-field traits from them over the course of one month during HIL, I also want to observe how they prepare for a match, how they conduct themselves off the field, and how they unwind. This is the closest we can get to any international hockey star and there’s no better place than HIL to do this.”

Sunil’s motivation in hockey springs from his belief that success in the sport can significantly enhance his family’s financial situation. “We have a small half acre land in our village, and livelihood is not easy, but I am optimistic that a good show in hockey will land me a job. Now with Hockey India’s cash awards for big wins and the remuneration from Hockey India League, I am certain my family’s conditions are bound to improve,” he expressed.

The Vedanta Kalinga Lancers will kick off their campaign against Ranchi Royals on January 4.

As the Indian cricket star Virat Kohli is set to make a comeback to domestic cricket, he is targeting the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025-26 for Delhi. However, fans will miss the opportunity to witness the batting stalwart in action, as Delhi’s first-round match against Andhra at M Chinnaswamy Stadium will be held behind closed doors.

According to an ESPNcricinfo report, the Karnataka government is expected to issue an order to the KSCA to hold matches behind closed doors, with the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence designated as a backup venue in case police permission is not granted for matches at Chinnaswamy.

The KSCA had earlier proposed opening two stands for the public, allowing for a capacity of 2,000-3,000 spectators if fully utilised. However, the government opposed this plan, citing “potential security and compliance issues,” and work is ongoing to address these concerns.

The state government aims to prevent chaos around the venue during the holiday season, given the prominence of the players involved. The decision to shift the venue from Alur to Chinnaswamy was influenced by the availability of Kohli and Rishabh Pant for the first two matches, addressing various logistical issues.

The BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru has become a crucial hub for Indian cricket, providing top-notch infrastructure and facilities focused on player development. Hosting numerous domestic matches creates an excellent environment for both young and seasoned players to refine their skills. Should Delhi’s matches take place at the CoE, it will mark Kohli’s first competitive appearance there, making it a memorable occasion for him and his teammates.

Kohli’s most recent appearance for India was in the ODI series against South Africa, where he performed exceptionally, scoring two centuries and a half-century across three matches. He is expected to carry this momentum into domestic cricket, aiming to make a substantial contribution for Delhi before resuming international play. Following the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Kohli is anticipated to participate in India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting on January 11.

According to BCCI rules, centrally contracted players are required to participate in domestic tournaments when not on international duty. In adherence to this requirement, Kohli will play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, bringing invaluable experience and leadership to the Delhi team. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will lead the squad during the tournament, while Kohli will play a senior role within the team.

Australia vice-captain Tahlia McGrath has candidly acknowledged she is navigating the most challenging stretch of her international career, conceding a loss of confidence following a disappointing World Cup campaign.

For the first time in eight years, Australia finished a global tournament without lifting either the ODI or T20 World Cup trophy, bowing out of last month’s ODI World Cup in the semi-finals against eventual champions India.

The team will next regroup in February for a home multi-format series against India, before turning attention to the T20 World Cup in England in June.

McGrath’s personal journey has mirrored the team’s challenges. The 30-year-old endured a lean tournament, managing just 69 runs at an average of 13.75 in a competition where her opportunities with both bat and ball were limited. Reflecting on that period, she admitted the toll it took.

“Cricket’s a pretty brutal game, and it’s very much based around confidence. And when it’s not going your way, the world gets pretty big on you. I definitely underperformed and felt the pressure a bit,” McGrath was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Asked whether this represented the toughest phase of her career, McGrath did not shy away from the assessment.

“Probably. I think you add captaincy into that, you add time away from home. And, obviously, when you lose a World Cup, it’s pretty hard to get over as well. It’s been a challenging time. As much as I was doing everything possible to get us playing some finals cricket (in the WBBL), I was hanging out for a bit of a break,” she said.

Since 2022, McGrath has frequently deputised for Alyssa Healy, leading Australia on 15 occasions. Alongside Ashleigh Gardner, she is widely regarded as a leading contender to take over the captaincy once Healy steps aside. Yet McGrath’s openness about her form struggles highlights a player reassessing both her role and readiness.

In a move reflecting that need for reset, McGrath chose not to nominate for next month’s Women’s Premier League in India. Instead, she has opted for time at home with South Australia ahead of the upcoming international schedule.

“It’s properly distancing myself at the moment. There’s not much point in me picking up a bat. I wouldn’t achieve much. So, it’s get away from the game, go for walks along the beach, play a bit of golf, see some friends and family. And just refresh, get that energy back and put in the work after Christmas,” she stated.

While she remains committed to the team’s needs, McGrath has not ruled out a return to those positions. “I’m a very team-first person and love being in the XI and contributing. I haven’t quite nailed that No.7 spot, so I probably need to go away and do a bit of work on that and make that my own first of all. Then once I can do that, try and get myself up the order,” she added.

England cricket team’s managing director Rob Key defended the team’s four-day trip to Noosa, taken between the second and third Ashes Tests, stating that the board is investigating claims that their travel was turned into a beer-filled stag party.

Trip Overview

Away from the field, England’s mid-series trip to Noosa, a well-heeled coastal resort in Queensland, has come under scrutiny. The squad headed there for four nights after their heavy defeat at the Gabba, describing it as a chance to reset rather than a break for leisure. Head coach Brendon McCullum, who organized the visit, called it “excellent” and believed it would leave the team refreshed ahead of the third Test.

Key did not join the squad in Noosa and initially said he had no concerns about the players’ conduct. However, following the loss in Adelaide, reports emerged likening the trip to a stag do. He stated he would investigate the claims to determine whether any action was necessary.

Key’s Statements

“If there’s things where people are saying that our players went out and drank excessively, then of course we’ll be looking into that. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol for an international cricket team is not something that I’d expect to see at any stage, and it would be a fault not to look into what happened there. But from everything that I’ve heard so far, they were very well behaved,” Key told reporters at the MCG on Tuesday.

“I’ve read what’s been written in the last day or so, and if it goes into where they’re drinking lots and it’s a stag do, all that type of stuff, that’s completely unacceptable. I’m not a drinker. I think a drinking culture doesn’t help anyone in any stretch whatsoever.”

“I have no issue with the Noosa trip if it was to get away and just throw your phone away, down tools, go on the beach… Everything that I’ve heard so far is that they sat down, had lunch, had dinner, didn’t go out late, had the odd drink. I don’t mind that. If it goes past that, then that’s an issue as far as I’m concerned… There’s lots of people there that might disagree with that, but that’s what we’ll find out,” he added.

Looking Ahead

What was dubbed as a potentially era-defining tour has instead prompted another phase of reflection for English cricket after consecutive defeats in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. With the Ashes already lost, England’s immediate goal is to minimise the damage, starting with the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Formula 1 has experienced a remarkable rise in popularity across the subcontinent, with India’s fanbase expanding to 78.8 million. This significant growth coincides with a season marked by outstanding performances, including Kush Maini’s resilient win in Monaco and Arvid Lindblad’s rapid ascent to the F1 grid. The Drivers’ Championship battle was intensely close, culminating in a final that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. As the world celebrates Lando Norris’s dramatic victory in the most competitive season finale in 15 years, the Indian motorsport community looks forward with renewed optimism.

A Historic Season

The 2025 campaign is set to be remembered as a modern classic; Lando Norris’s first championship victory marked a year where resilience was vital for many, and McLaren’s return to the summit ended a historic drought. The sport’s popularity keeps rising, with a record 6.7 million fans attending races globally.

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.

The Rise of Indian Talent

The 2025 season has not only provided exciting on-track moments but also set the stage for a renewed presence of Indian talent on the global grid in 2026. Despite facing mechanical issues throughout the season, Kush Maini played a key role in helping Invicta Racing win the Constructors’ title in Formula 2, highlighted by a notable Sprint race victory at the renowned Monaco GP. Following a strong showing during post-season testing for Alpine, Kush Maini is now eager to make a mark with his new team, ART Grand Prix, as he aims to reach the top of the sport.

Meanwhile, Arvid Lindblad, a prodigy of the Red Bull Junior Team who proudly claims Indian roots, has been promoted to the Racing Bulls team. His 2025 season showcased impressive speed and racecraft, attracting attention. His debut on the F1 grid in 2026 is a major milestone, offering Indian fans a new hero to support as he faces the top competitors under the innovative new rules.

F1’s Expanding Popularity

Formula 1 has become the world’s most popular sport, with a fanbase 11.4% larger than the NBA, the second-largest sport. It has also maintained its position as the fastest-growing global sports league on social media for five consecutive years, generating over 2.3 billion engagements across F1’s social platforms. This makes F1 the most engaged tier 1 rights holder, surpassing the NBA, UEFA Champions League, NFL, and Premier League.

Off the track, F1 The Movie achieved remarkable success at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing Apple film and the most successful sports movie ever. It grossed over $630 million worldwide and was screened on more than 44,000 screens across 78 markets outside the US and Canada. This contributed to expanding their young fanbase, with 43% of fans being under 35 years old.

Looking Ahead

As the sport prepares for the upcoming 2026 regulations, which include sustainable fuels and new power units, a new era is on the horizon. With Audi and Cadillac entering the grid and drivers like Lindblad and Maini embodying the tricolour’s spirit, the next chapter of Formula 1 is set to be highly exciting for Indian fans.

Rob Key, England cricket team’s managing director, has admitted that England’s current setup has not met expectations during critical moments, highlighting that they have not won any of their last four five-Test series against Australia or India.

Ashes Retained by Australia

Australia secured the Ashes with a commanding 82-run victory over England in the third Test in Adelaide on Sunday. With the Ashes already out of reach, England now faces the challenge of limiting the damage, beginning with the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

“Clearly, we’ve mucked up on the big occasions. Whether that was the home Ashes series or whether that was last summer against India, where we should have won the series, the big ones have eluded us,” Key told reporters at the MCG.

Need for Evolution

“The truth is we haven’t done that well enough for a while. There’s been some brilliant moments along the way and I still feel like there’s plenty of life in this whole thing, but we have to evolve. We have to make sure that we’re doing things better. You don’t mind losing; the regret is that you’ve not played anything like your best.”

“That’s my view on it, but, as you know, these things are taken out of people’s hands a lot of the time. The decision really for the ECB will be whether or not they want to rip it up and start again, or whether they want to evolve and whether we’re the right people to do that,” he said.

Historical Context

Following England’s 4-0 defeat four years ago, this marks the first away series loss of the Bazball era after the appointments of Brendon McCullum as head coach and Ben Stokes as captain in 2022.

Despite the pressure, Key continues to support McCullum, whom he appointed as Test coach in 2022, later expanding his role to cover all formats at the start of this year.

McCullum has already expressed his desire to continue in the role, and Key remains confident that he is the right choice.

“Brendon has been a bloody good coach and is a bloody good coach. We’re at this point where you can have dressing rooms that fracture and they lose faith in the people around, but I don’t think that’s the case.

“We’ve had three games here where they’re adapting slowly, and I don’t think personally that’s because we need a fresh voice or they’re not listening. Sometimes the opposition is just bloody good,” he said.

David Neres scored twice as Napoli defeated Bologna 2-0 to clinch the Italian Super Cup.

This victory marks the third Super Cup title in the club’s history, with Antonio Conte restoring the Scudetto-Super Cup double, echoing the achievements of the 1990 Napoli team under Alberto Bigon, which featured Diego Maradona.

Match Highlights

• Opening Goal: Napoli took the lead in the 39th minute when Neres controlled a throw-in outside the area and curled a shot into the top corner.

• Second Goal: The Partenopei doubled their lead around the hour mark, with Neres winning the ball inside Bologna’s box and finishing from a tight angle past the onrushing goalkeeper.

After overcoming AC Milan 2-0 in the semi-final, the Azzurri mirrored that scoreline in the final. Neres was the standout performer, breaking the deadlock just after the half-hour mark with a curling left-footed strike.

Following the break, the Brazilian secured the victory, first stealing the ball from the Bologna defense and then executing a delightful chip as the goalkeeper charged out.

Napoli now holds three Super Cup titles, with this being their second win during the Aurelio De Laurentiis era.

Since 2023, the Supercoppa Italiana has utilized a four-team format, featuring the reigning Serie A champion, the runner-up, and the winners and runners-up of the Italian Cup.

Manager’s Comments

Napoli manager Antonio Conte shared his thoughts on the match, saying, “We really played a great match and I have to acknowledge that. We’re happy, trophies matter and being able to add another one to the cabinet after the Scudetto triumph means we’re on a very good path.”

He added, “Now we’ll celebrate a more peaceful Christmas together with our fans. That said, we’ve got to keep working hard. We’ve made progress, but we’re not yet at the level we want to reach. It’ll take patience and there’s still a long way to go, but we’re certainly aware that we’ve got quality and we showed that again tonight, both individually and as a team.”

Skipper Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the rest of the Ashes series after being left out of Australia’s squad for the Boxing Day Test, and it is unclear whether he will be available for the T20 World Cup in February.

Cummins had signalled in his post-match press conference, following the Adelaide Test, that he could be rested to manage an ongoing back issue. The pacer, diagnosed with a lumbar stress reaction after the West Indies tour, pushed the limits of his rehabilitation from a back stress injury to return for the third Test. He took six wickets in the Adelaide Test as Australia won by 82 runs, retaining the Ashes urn with two games to go.

On Tuesday, head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed his injury omission for the rest of the Ashes series. “He won’t play any part in the rest of the series. That was a discussion that we had a long time out around his return. Yeah, we were taking on some risk. We’ve now won the series, and that was the goal. To position him for further risk and jeopardise him long term is not something that we want to do,” McDonald told reporters.

“Pat’s really comfortable with that. If he had any setback in the build-in as well, we would have shut him down straight away. Everything went really smoothly, and full credit to him, the medical team and to navigate through that risk profile, to get him back and take six wickets in that game and nail the Ashes series was incredibly pleasing for everyone associated with that,” he added.

It remains to be seen if Cummins will be available for the T20 World Cup set to start in February. “I can’t really say at the moment, we are hopeful,” said McDonald.

Speaking on Cummins’ T20 World Cup chances, McDonald noted, “That’ll be an assessment. I’m assuming he’ll have a check-in scan at some point and gather more information around where his back is at… looking forward to the World Cup, whether he’ll be there or not. I can’t really say. It’s quite grey at the moment. We’re hopeful.”