'Even if you say that I have lost faith in cricket, all games are fixed. But where is the proof? Nobody has the proof.'
A look at some of the major controversies in past World Cups.
The 23rd FIFA World Cup, to be staged across the Americas from June 11 to July 19, has once again ignited excitement across the globe. India, despite its national football team languishing at 139th in the FIFA rankings, has been swept up in the tournament's magic.
India are not lacking in self-belief after their historic women's ODI World Cup triumph last year and they are the "favourites" to win the upcoming T20 World Cup in England, says star batter Jemimah Rodrigues.
Former wicketkeeper-batter Syed Kirmani revealed that he was in contention for India captaincy along with Dilip Vengsarkar ahead of the 1983 World Cup before the selection panel zeroed in on legendary Kapil Dev.
Former captain Diana Edulji believes openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma finding form quickly will be imperative and crucial to India's chances of winning the Women's T20 World Cup.
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt says her recovery from a calf injury is progressing well as she targets a return for the Women's T20 World Cup opener against Sri Lanka next month.
Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues discusses the team's motivation and preparation for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup, highlighting the importance of consistent training and the emergence of key players like Nandani. The team aims to build on their previous success and overcome challenges, including the absence of injured player Amanjot.
Despite Pakistan not qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, Karachi is buzzing with excitement as the global event begins. "WC Football" villages have been set up in areas like Malir and Lyari, known for their love of the sport, featuring large screens, decorations, and enthusiastic fans. The city's passion for football is evident, with local clubs and administration organising events for youngsters, highlighting the sport's growing influence beyond cricket.
Former India captain Anjum Chopra believes the Indian women's cricket team are favourites for the upcoming T20 World Cup, highlighting their familiarity with English conditions and the return of key players.
A look at the key batters to watch at the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales, highlighting their recent form and potential impact on the tournament.
Australia will tour Zimbabwe for three One-Day Internationals in September, marking their first visit to the African nation since 2014.
Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc remains driven by the competitive nature of cricket and hopes to extend his 16-year international career for a few more years, he said on Saturday, keeping the door open for a potential appearance at the 2027 World Cup.
Former cricketer Reema Malhotra believes the Indian women's cricket team is a strong contender to win the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup, largely because of its strong spin bowling resources.
Smriti Mandhana said India's failure to bowl enough dot balls cost them the T20I series against England and urged the team to learn from the setback ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup. Harmanpreet Kaur's return to form was a major positive.
Hussain stuck his neck out and suggested six-time champions Australia, tournament hosts England, reigning ICC Women's Cricket World Cup winners India and reigning title holders New Zealand would be the four teams most likely to reach the knockout stages.
Former cricketer and selector Saba Karim discusses the prospects of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the 2027 ODI World Cup, highlighting Kohli's assured spot due to fitness and performance, while Rohit needs to prove himself. Karim also praises Kohli's multi-format adaptability and addresses Rishabh Pant's struggles in white-ball cricket.
Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his support behind Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma featuring in the 2027 ODI World Cup, saying their experience and presence would make India a stronger side.
Australian legend Ricky Ponting believes Indian superstars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are capable of playing until the ODI World Cup in 2027, citing their passion and determination.
India restricted Nepal to 114/5 after opting to bowl before they coasted to 117/3 in just 12 overs to win the title.
India defeated West Indies by 26 runs in their first Women's T20 World Cup warm-up match. Bharti Fulmali's unbeaten 56 and strong bowling performances from Shreyanka Patil and Radha Yadav secured the victory, despite a batting collapse by the West Indies.
Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana shares insights into the Indian women's cricket team's preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup, emphasising the team's good form and hard work ahead of the tournament in England and Wales.
Pat Cummins has hinted at skipping IPL 2027 as Australia's packed schedule, including a Test series in India, the Ashes and the ODI World Cup, takes priority over franchise cricket.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary felicitated Ishan Kishan with a cheque of Rs 1 crore for his contribution to India's 2026 T20 World Cup victory.
India women's cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur stated that the ODI World Cup crown at home last year instilled the crucial confidence and self-belief needed to pursue more titles, including the upcoming T20 World Cup.
India head into the Women's T20 World Cup with questions over their bowling attack, top-order form and squad balance. Harmanpreet Kaur's side will need key players to deliver if they are to challenge for another ICC title.
FIFA officials are visiting India this week to try and resolve a deadlock over broadcast rights for next month's World Cup, with millions of Indian soccer fans potentially missing out on the tournament.
India's build-up for the Women's T20 World Cup suffered a setback after hosts England came from behind to clinch the three-match T20I series 2-1.
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 begins in England with Australia chasing a seventh title and India targeting a historic double. England, South Africa and New Zealand add to what promises to be the most competitive edition yet.
New Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten is focused on preparing the team for the 2027 ODI World Cup, aiming to improve their performance across all formats and identify a balanced squad.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary felicitated cricketer Ishan Kishan with a cheque of Rs 1 crore for his contribution to India's 2026 T20 World Cup victory. The ceremony took place in Patna, with top officials and Kishan's relatives in attendance.
With less than a month to go, football fans have all fingers -- and toes -- crossed, notes Kanika Datta.
Nat Sciver-Brunt will captain the 15-member England squad for the upcoming 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, the ECB announced. The same squad will also participate in the preceding series against India and New Zealand in May-June.
According to the media reports, the committee will examine the reasons behind the decision not to play the tournament and determine if there were any diplomatic or strategic failures involved.
The prize pool will be smaller than those at the men's and women's World Cups held in the Indian subcontinent in the last three years.
India Women's cricket team will face England in a three-match T20 series as a final preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Former captain Shakib Al Hasan has criticised Bangladesh's absence from the T20 World Cup in India, calling it a 'blunder'. He also expressed hope that bilateral cricket ties could improve with future series.
South African pacer Shabnim Ismail reverses her international retirement to join the squad for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in the UK, bringing valuable experience to the team.
'How much value do fans and audiences hold for an ICC tournament every year? The novelty of it is wearing off, to be very honest and with all due respect.'
Sophie Molineux has recovered from a back injury and will captain Australia at the women's Twenty20 World Cup in England. Australia will aim for a record-extending seventh title after losing in the semi-finals in 2024.
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