Hungarian tennis player Panna Udvardy highlights the severe mental toll of online abuse faced by professional tennis players, citing Britain's Jodie Burrage receiving death threats after a Chennai Open match. Udvardy, who also experienced threats including harm to her family, calls for stronger protective measures as players endure constant hostility regardless of match outcomes.
PV Sindhu, two-time Olympic medallist and BWF Athletes' Commission chair, has voiced player concerns regarding the Badminton World Federation's 25-second shot clock rule. The innovation, currently being trialled, has led to issues like yellow and red cards, sparking debate among players about its fairness, especially after a controversial incident at the French Open. Sindhu expects the system to undergo a review soon.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner has expressed concerns about player fatigue and the 'taxing' schedule ahead of the ODI leg of their series against India, highlighting the need for recovery and rotation amidst preparations for the 2027 World Cup.
The viral 'Clicky Ponting' amateur cricketer received a two-year cricket ban for allegedly deceiving umpires, while Saltburn Cricket Club was fined, relegated and docked 60 points.
Cricket Scotland has announced it will not schedule matches against Afghanistan outside ICC events due to concerns over the Taliban government's treatment of women and girls and broader human rights issues. This decision aligns with similar stances taken by Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board.
The World Cricketers' Association (WCA) has expressed 'concern' over the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to revise the format of next year's 50-over World Cup without consulting the players, stating that such significant changes deserve genuine consultation and transparency.
India's deputy chef-de-mission, A Sharath Kamal, has downplayed concerns regarding the unique container room and cruise ship accommodation for athletes at the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. He stated that Indian athletes have been prepared for these arrangements through mock setups at SAI centres. Kamal also expressed confidence in India's table tennis team, predicting at least one medal, specifically highlighting the men's doubles and mixed doubles pairs.
World number one Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA Finals due to physical exhaustion and a viral illness, leading to Marta Kostyuk taking her place. Tournament director Garbine Muguruza expressed understanding for Rybakina's decision and highlighted the strength of the remaining field. The move of the tournament to Indian Wells from Riyadh was also discussed, with player safety cited as the primary reason. Rybakina's absence could create an opportunity for Aryna Sabalenka to gain ground in the rankings.
Fraser Stewart, Head of Cricket at MCC, expressed concern over cricketers retiring early from Tests for franchise T20 leagues but acknowledged players' desire for higher earnings with less play. He also welcomed the ICC's decision to trial pink balls in day-time Tests to mitigate fading light issues and boost spectator interest.
New Zealand have announced a strong squad for the upcoming Test series against India, including key players Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Tom Blundell, all of whom are aiming to be fit for the first match next week despite recent injuries.
Indian para badminton coach Gaurav Khanna has responded to allegations of deflating player morale at the Asian Para Games. He claims his controversial social media post, which predicted medal counts, was due to his account being hacked. Khanna further alleges that the accusations are a "misleading public narrative" designed to discredit him for raising "documented irregularities" in player selection, including the omission of deserving players and the inclusion of a banned athlete.
A controversy has erupted over the selection of the Indian polo team for the upcoming World Cup Zonal Playoffs, with a dropped player alleging irregularities and questioning the inclusion of an athlete who previously tested positive for cocaine. The coach defended the player's selection, stating his ban had ended, while an IPA executive committee member confirmed a panel had decided against allowing the player to represent India internationally for two years, making his inclusion puzzling.
Some of the IPL's biggest stars are reportedly demanding Rs 40 crore to be retained ahead of the 2027 season.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has highlighted the team's defensive vulnerabilities, stressing the need to concede fewer goals to maintain their strong Premier League start. He also detailed Cole Palmer's crucial role as a central attacking midfielder, emphasising his ability to create and score.
The 2018 'Sandpapergate' ball-tampering controversy has resurfaced following claims by former Australia batter Usman Khawaja in his autobiography. Khawaja alleges that the entire Australian team was aware of ball-tampering practices, including lifting the quarter seam during the 2017-18 Ashes and using sandpaper before the Cape Town Test. England Test captain Joe Root has declined to speculate on the revelations, while Australia batter Peter Handscomb also refused to comment, emphasizing the need to move on from off-field discussions.
Usman Khawaja has cancelled book promotion events following an interview where he refused to confirm if Australia's bowlers knew about the 2018 ball-tampering plot, reigniting pressure on Cricket Australia to reopen the 'Sandpapergate' investigation.
Insurance claims from cyberattacks on Indian banks and businesses have surged, particularly in the first half of FY27, with bank claims alone exceeding 150 crore. Despite this, premiums remain soft due to abundant reinsurance capacity, though experts warn of potential rate hikes if claims continue to rise.
'IN-SPACe like an octopus is stretching its tentacles everywhere and choking ISRO.'
New Zealand call in Kristian Clarke as concussed Blair Tickner's cover ahead of 3rd ODI against India
The IPL trading window is active, with the retention list due post-November 16 and the mini-auction on December 16. Several significant player trades have already occurred, including high-profile moves like Hardik Pandya to Punjab Kings and Rishabh Pant returning to Delhi Capitals, alongside other strategic transfers involving T Natarajan, Zeeshan Ansari, Liam Livingstone, Jack Edwards, Khaleel Ahmed, and Nathan Ellis.
New Zealand opener Devon Conway has been ruled out of the first One-Day International against India after sustaining a head injury during a training session collision with fast bowler Matt Henry.
An ad-hoc committee overseeing Indian table tennis has removed official ranking points from national tournaments, including the upcoming Panchkula edition, causing significant anxiety among players like Ankur Bhattacharya. The committee, formed after the Table Tennis Federation of India's suspension, states its mandate is to protect athletes but will only award points once an official calendar is finalised, impacting team selections.
Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen, fresh from his Hylo Open victory, is focused on maintaining his momentum and qualifying for the BWF World Tour Finals.
Despite India's dominant Asia Cup victory, head coach Amol Muzumdar acknowledged fielding as an area for improvement, while dismissing concerns over the middle-order's performance.
Tokyo Paralympic champion shuttler Pramod Bhagat has urged authorities to take action against former head coach Gaurav Khanna. The controversy stems from Khanna's public prediction of India's medal tally before the finals at the recently concluded Asian Para Games, which Bhagat deemed unprofessional and unethical, causing undue pressure on athletes.
New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry is set to return to action in the fourth ODI against India after recovering from a concussion and a minor quadriceps issue, expressing his eagerness for the upcoming two-Test series against India.
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham has received his first senior England call-up for the upcoming Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain, while Chelsea's Cole Palmer was omitted from the squad.
Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf has advised Babar Azam to seek specialised batting help in Australia or South Africa to overcome his prolonged slump. Babar's struggles were evident in the recent tri-series final, and he faces pressure to regain form ahead of upcoming series and the 2027 ODI World Cup, despite support from some former players.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has imposed a national ban on Churchill Brothers FC Goa for player registration, following a directive from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee due to unpaid dues to English forward Kurtis Owen Guthrie. The Goan club, however, claims the matter has been resolved with full payment made and a request sent to FIFA to lift the ban.
Magda Linette, winner of the Chennai Open singles title, supported the decision to postpone Sunday's final due to unhealthy air quality caused by firecracker pollution. She emphasised the health risks for players, ball kids, and spectators. While glad for the postponement, Linette suggested organisers could plan better for festive periods. Her victory marked her first title in over two years, ending a difficult run and boosting her confidence for upcoming tournaments.
Japan Cricket Association CEO Naoki Alex Miyaji has addressed concerns raised by leading cricketing nations regarding accommodation and facilities for the upcoming Asian Games. Miyaji clarified that hotel stays are offered, teams can make their own arrangements, and temporary yet comfortable facilities have been prepared for players, including washrooms and dressing rooms, despite tight timelines and resource limitations.
Michael Carrick brushed aside questions about his Manchester United future, urging his struggling side to end their nine-game winless run against Roma while insisting the dressing room remained united.
Rookie Indian pacer Gurnoor Brar discusses his resurgence in New Zealand after a challenging West Indies series, crediting team support and learning from setbacks for his improved performance. He highlights the guidance from coaches and senior players, and his focus on continuous improvement for future goals like the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Mumbai Indians face a crucial decision regarding their captain for the upcoming IPL season, weighing options between veteran Rohit Sharma and young Tilak Varma, amidst a coaching staff overhaul and potential trade of Hardik Pandya.
Tilak Varma is emerging as India's potential middle-order backup, offering left-handed batting variety and developing off-spin as selectors seek younger, flexible options ahead of the ODI World Cup.
The Jammu and Kashmir Football Association (JKFA) is set to hold fresh elections on November 25, mandated by a court order. This move aims to align the football governing body with the AIFF constitution and the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, following a petition by former office-bearers.
The WTA 250 Chennai Open will conclude this year as India lost its slot to the Philippines. Indian tennis legend Vijay Amritraj revealed that the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association is now aiming to host three to four WTA 125 events in January-February 2028 to provide more opportunities for Indian players. The move was influenced by Chennai's monsoon season and the rise of a Filipino tennis star.
Legendary India spinner R Ashwin believes pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar could be dropped for the remaining T20I matches against New Zealand due to his poor performance in the series so far.
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu stated that no decision has been made regarding allowing Delhi and Mumbai airport operators to own and run airlines, as the government is carefully considering the implications of relaxing cross-ownership restrictions, including potential conflicts of interest and the need for more airlines.
Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a commanding century, his second consecutive first-class hundred, to guide India A to 227 for two against New Zealand A on day one of the third unofficial Test. His aggressive knock, alongside Sai Sudharsan's steady innings, put India A in a strong position before rain stopped play. The match also features senior players like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja preparing for the upcoming Test series.
