Sports

A brief on-screen appearance by adult film star Abella Danger during the live broadcast of the College Football Playoff Championship has triggered widespread controversy on social media, prompting the actress to issue a public apology within hours of the incident. Danger was inadvertently captured by ESPN cameras while attending the match at the stadium to support her favorite team, the Miami Hurricanes. Although her presence lasted only a few seconds, it quickly became a talking point online, with many viewers expressing discomfort over seeing a well-known adult entertainment figure during a family-oriented sporting event. Responding to the backlash, Danger clarified that she had no intention of drawing attention to herself. In a statement shared on social media, she said she attend...

A superb all-round performance by Sophie Devine helped Gujarat Giants snap a three-match losing streak as they defeated UP Warriorz by 45 runs in a Women’s Premier League T20 match here on Thursday. Devine anchored the Gujarat innings with a composed unbeaten half-century before delivering with the ball, returning impressive figures of two wickets for 16 runs to put the contest firmly in her team’s control. The comprehensive victory provided much-needed momentum for the Giants, who dominated the match in all departments after a string of defeats. UP Warriorz, in contrast, struggled to keep pace with the required run rate and were eventually restricted well short of the target as Gujarat’s bowlers maintained consistent pressure.

Former all-rounder Chris Morris on Thursday described the spate of player injuries ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka as “unfortunate,” even as he acknowledged that the SA20 League serves as an ideal preparatory platform for the marquee tournament. Morris said the SA20 provides high-intensity competition and valuable match practice for players gearing up for the global event, but injuries at such a crucial stage of the season are a setback for teams and individuals alike. “Leagues like SA20 are excellent in terms of preparation, but it is always disappointing to see players pick up injuries so close to a major ICC tournament,” Morris said on the sidelines of the league. The former South Africa international expressed hope that injured players would reco...

A commanding batting display led by Luan-dre Pretorius, followed by a incisive bowling spell from Hardus Viljoen, powered Paarl Royals to a comprehensive 36-run victory over Joburg Super Kings in the SA20 Eliminator here on Thursday, sealing their place in Qualifier 2 and knocking their opponents out of the tournament. Pretorius anchored the Royals’ innings with a fluent knock, providing the foundation for a competitive total, while contributions from the rest of the batting line-up ensured sustained pressure on the opposition. In response, Joburg Super Kings were never able to gain momentum as Viljoen’s sharp pace and disciplined bowling tore through the batting order, restricting them well short of the target. The convincing win keeps Paarl Royals’ title hopes alive as they adva...

New Zealand have drafted in fast bowler Kyle Jamieson as a replacement for Adam Milne in their T20 World Cup squad after Milne was ruled out of the tournament due to injury. Milne sustained a left hamstring injury during an SA20 match between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town last Sunday. New Zealand Cricket said scans revealed the extent of the injury, forcing the pacer to withdraw from the marquee event. Jamieson’s inclusion adds experience and bounce to New Zealand’s pace attack as the team looks to maintain its competitive edge in the global tournament. New Zealand Cricket wished Milne a speedy recovery while confirming that Jamieson has joined the squad with immediate effect.

Delhi Capitals will need a strong all-round performance across departments when they take on an in-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a crucial Women’s Premier League encounter here on Saturday, as they look to stay alive in the playoff race. Delhi Capitals regained momentum in their previous match with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians, a result that lifted them to fourth place on the points table with four points. However, they face a stern challenge against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who have been in impressive form this season. With the competition intensifying, consistency in batting, bowling and fielding will be key for the Capitals as they seek to build on their recent resurgence. The outcome of the match could prove decisive in shaping the playoff st...

India’s explosive opening batter Abhishek Sharma has said he is modelling his approach in T20 Internationals on former captain Rohit Sharma’s aggressive template in the powerplay, following encouragement from head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav. Abhishek, who made his T20I debut in July 2024, said the backing from the team management has given him the confidence to play a fearless brand of cricket at the top of the order. “The message from Gautam bhai and Surya bhai has been very clear. They want me to express myself and take advantage of the powerplay, just like Rohit Sharma has done so successfully for India,” Abhishek said. The left-hander’s aggressive strokeplay has paid rich dividends, propelling him to the top of the batting rankings and establishing him a...

Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli paid a warm and heartfelt tribute to Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal following her announcement of retirement from competitive badminton, praising her for elevating Indian badminton to the global stage. Taking to social media on Friday afternoon, Kohli congratulated Saina on her illustrious career and acknowledged her lasting impact on Indian sport. “Congratulations to Saina Nehwal on a wonderful career that put Indian badminton firmly on the world stage. Wishing you a happy, fulfilling and well-deserved retirement. India is proud of you,” Kohli wrote. Saina Nehwal, who won bronze at the 2012 London Olympics, recently confirmed her decision to step away from the sport due to persistent knee injuries and the physical toll of elite-level competition. The ...

New Delhi: Diplomatic tensions in international cricket have intensified just weeks before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, with Pakistan and Bangladesh emerging at the center of a growing controversy that could potentially disrupt the tournament. Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has urged the Pakistan government and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to boycott the T20 World Cup in solidarity with Bangladesh, following the ICC’s decision to reject Bangladesh’s request to shift its matches out of India to Sri Lanka. Latif’s comments come after the ICC categorically dismissed Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) plea, stating that adequate security arrangements would be in place for Bangladeshi players in India. Rashid Latif Issues Strong Warning to ICC Speaking on a YouTube show, Rash...

As the countdown to the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup begins, fans are revisiting some of the most remarkable records in the tournament’s history. Over the years, the T20 World Cup has witnessed several exceptional bowling performances, but one statistic stands out — none of the top five highest wicket-takers in T20 World Cup history is from India. Here is a look at the five bowlers who have taken the most wickets in T20 World Cups, proving their dominance on the biggest stage of the shortest format. 1. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) Bangladesh’s former captain Shakib Al Hasan is the most successful bowler in T20 World Cup history. Matches: 43 Wickets: 50 Best Bowling: 4/9 Shakib’s consistency, control, and ability to strike at crucial moments have made him a standout per...