Sports
CLOSE-IN: India have the fire-power to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022

The Indian cricket team has embarked on its journey for the T20 World Cup 2022 to be played in Australia. This is wonderful news as the team will get enough time to get acclimatised to the conditions Down Under.
India play their first match on October 23 at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground against arch-rivals Pakistan. This is the most crucial match for the Indian side as a defeat in it could put them in deep waters to qualify. The main rivals, thereafter, are South Africa, Bangladesh and possibly the West Indies, if they qualify from their group games.
India should have got over their disappointing performance in the Asia Cup 2022, having beaten Australia and South Africa in a three-match T20I series at home. The only blemish for India was that they lost their last match against South Africa solely due to experimenting with their bench strength players — the reason being that India had already wrapped up the series and felt that they could do with a change.
One felt that India needed to keep their winning momentum intact, as a loss may not seem important but it has a lingering impact on a team’s confidence inadvertently.
The Indian team may rue the fact that their lethal frontline bowler in Jasprit Bumrah, unfortunately, due to injury, will not be a part of their side. However, India do have a battery of pacers to choose from in their fold.
The most difficult adaptation required for any side to play in Australia is to get used to their wickets and conditions. The additional bounce off the wicket is one area that has been difficult to handle for most batsmen. Fortunately, the Indian team will have a fortnight to get acclimatised through a few practice matches and net sessions.
The T20 game is one in which batters have to start playing their shots from the very first delivery. This is where the challenge lies for the Indian batters as the shots that one is used to playing in India on a particular delivery are hugely different from what one needs to play in Australia. Similarly for the bowlers, the length to bowl varies substantially from what one is used to back home.
India, on their last trip to Australia in 2020/21, did fairly well in both the T20I and Test series, and one hopes that they are able to recollect and adjust their game accordingly. They now have the time to do so.
India’s batting strength is far ahead of any of their rivals. A team that boasts of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav as the top-four batters and the likes of Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya and the canny Dinesh Karthik to follow. This is a dream line-up for any side.
India also boast of having some very good spin options. They have a leg-spinner in Yuzvendra Chahal, the accurate left-arm spin of Axar Patel and the world’s top off-spinner in Ravichandran Ashwin. The larger Australian grounds will suit them far better, and both Melbourne and Sydney wickets have shown that one can derive turn on them as well. Spin will play a very important part in the tournament and India fortunately are well equipped in that department.
The only area of worry is in India’s pace bowling options. Although Bhuvneshwar Kumar is an experienced bowler, the likes of Arshdeep Singh and Harshal Patel have still to earn their spurs. Mohammed Shami as a replacement for Bumrah, if fit, would be an ideal option.
The Indian players, having had the advantage of playing the IPL, are now very familiar with the T20 concept and the situations that one confronts while playing it.
India started well in the Asia Cup by beating Pakistan but, thereafter, they faltered against them as well as Sri Lanka. The losses were not because of their cricketing skills but more in the way they approached the matches mentally.
The problem with the Indian team is the pressure that they put themselves into because of the hype that follows them. The millions of well-wishers and fans may look like a wonderful following but they can become a heavy burden to carry on ones’ shoulders as well.
Team India needs to approach the T20 World Cup without the worry of winning the Cup. They need to play in a carefree manner without thinking about the outcome. India’s victory in the inaugural tournament in the T20 World Cup in 2007 was achieved by a young side that one least expected to win because they played without a care.
India are the current No. 1-ranked T20 side in the world. This they have achieved through their consistent performances this year. The unfortunate fallout from being at the top is that everyone expects India to win. This has been the tale of woe since 2014 in all the multi-national ICC tournaments.
One feels that the Indian team looks far more comfortable and determined approaching this World Cup. The expectations of their followers are also much less, having been disappointed in the past. The time is just right for India to shine. A Diwali victory on the eve of the festival against Pakistan would be just the right way for India to start their campaign.
India have the firepower to win, it is only the mental belief to do so that they seem to falter on, when put under pressure.
The Indian Women’s cricket team seems to be on the verge of winning the Asia Cup 2022. Their victory could be just the catalyst and booster for the men to emulate.
{Yajurvindra Singh is a former India cricketer)
Sports
WPL Full Schedule 2025: Dates, Timings, Venues, Live Streaming & All You Need To Know

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 is just around the corner, with the third season set to kick off on February 14th. The opening match promises to be an exciting one, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Gujarat Giants.
The 2025 Women’s Premier League season is set to break records, with matches taking place across four venues, the highest number in WPL history. The season’s format includes 20 group-stage matches, followed by two thrilling knockout games, ultimately leading up to the highly anticipated final on March 15th.
There will be five teams who will compete for the prestigious championship in the Women’s Premier League. The tournament would be a spectacle for the cricket fans and will boast an array of international stars and talented players.
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) kicks off from 14th February and there are many exciting cricket matches to come. Here’s your ultimate guide to the tournament, including a comprehensive schedule of matches, featuring dates, timings, and venues for all the thrilling clashes between the top five teams.
The Vadodara venue – Kotambi Stadium
– Feb 14, Fri– Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 07:30 PM
– Feb 15, Sat – Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals, 07:30 PM
– Feb 16, Sun – Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz, 07:30 PM
– Feb 17, Mon – Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 07:30PM
– Feb 18, Tue – Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians, 07:30 PM
– Feb 19, Wed – UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals, 07:30 PM
The Bengaluru venue– M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
– Feb 21, Fri – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians, 07:30 PM
– Feb 22, Sat – Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz, 07:30 PM
– Feb 24, Mon – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz, 07:30 PM
– Feb 25, Tue – Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Giants, 07:30 PM
– Feb 26, Wed – Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz, 07:30 PM
– Feb 27, Thu – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Giants, 07:30 PM
– Feb 28, Fri – Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians, 07:30 PM
– Mar 1, Sat – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals, 07:30 PM
The Lucknow venue – Ekana Cricket Stadium
– Mar 3, Mon – UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants, 07:30 PM
– Mar 6, Thu – UP Warriorz vs Mumbai Indians, 07:30 PM
– Mar 7, Fri – Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals, 07:30 PM
– Mar 8, Sat – UP Warriorz vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 07:30 PM
The Mumbai venue – Brabourne Stadium
– Mar 10, Mon – Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants, 07:30 PM
– Mar 11, Tue – Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 07:30 PM
Knockout Matches – Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai
– Mar 13, Thu – Eliminator (TBD vs TBD), 07:30 PM
– Mar 15, Sat – Final (TBD vs TBD), 07:30 PM
Where can cricket fans watch the live telecast of the WPL 2025 matches in India?
Cricket fans can watch the live telecast of WPL 2025 matches on the Sports18 network in India.
Where can cricket fans watch the live streaming of the WPL 2025 matches in India?
Cricket fans can watch the live streaming of WPL 2025 matches on the JioCinema app and website in India.
Sports
Riyadh to host inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2027, qualifying starts this year

Lausanne, Feb 11: The inaugural Olympic Esports Games will take place in Riyadh in 2027, two years later than originally planned, following a 12-year agreement with Saudi Arabia signed last year. The qualifying period, the Road to the Olympic Esports Games, will start this year, the International Olympic Committee said on Tuesday.
In June 2024, the IOC Executive Board announced that it would create an Olympic Esports Games, with the 142nd IOC Session held during the 2024 Summer Olympics due to vote on the proposal.
In July 2024, it was announced that the inaugural Olympic Esports Games would be held in Saudi Arabia in 2025, following a new partnership with the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee. The proposal was ultimately approved by a unanimous vote on July 23, 2024.
For the organisation of the Olympic Esports Games, IOC is partnering with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee. The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) will become the founding partner of the Games.
“The IOC and EWCF will collaborate closely with key stakeholders to establish qualification pathways, enhance competitive integrity, and align the national esports ecosystems with broader global standards,” the IOC said in a release.
A joint committee of the IOC and the SOPC has been set up to steer the Games. It is chaired by IOC Member Ser Miang Ng and co-chaired by HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal.
The committee consists of six people, three from each partner, and is currently working to define the games that will be part of the first edition of the Olympic Esports Games.
The cooperation between the IOC and the SOPC was the major topic of a meeting between the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, HRH Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, IOC chief Thomas Bach and the president of the SOPC and Minister of Sports, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal in Riyadh on Sunday.
“There is now a very clear roadmap to the historic first-ever Olympic Esports Games. With the Road to the Olympic Esports Games starting this year, the Games are becoming a reality. This is further evidence of the strength of the partnership between the IOC and the SOPC in many areas,” Bach said.
“The journey to the first-ever Olympic Esports Games is clear, with an immediate timeline that works for all parties and sees the Road to Olympic Esports Games start in 2025. Together with the IOC, there is real momentum, unity, and clarity on the way forward, with the focus now on delivering.
“Already Saudi Arabia is looking forward to welcoming the world and playing its part to help the dreams of so many esports athletes come true,” the president of the SOPC added.
National
Air India Super League 2025: Travel High Titans Clinch Title In First-Ever Pan-India Cricket Tournament

Travel High Titans won the first edition of Air India Super League 2025, Air India’s first-ever pan-India cricket tournament. The Air India Super League 2025 brought together over 500 participants from 48 leading travel partners spanning Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai strengthening its ties with the industry.
Designed as both a competitive sporting event and a dynamic networking platform, the Air India Super League 2025 aimed to foster camaraderie between Air India and its valued travel partners, including travel management companies and online travel agents.
During the tournament, teams from various cities competed in regional Round Robin matches, with winners advancing to the National Finale in New Delhi. Air India flew down qualifying teams to the capital for the grand finale, held on Sunday at Chanakyapuri in New Delhi. Team Travel High Titans won the first Air India Super League 2025 trophy by 62 runs, beating Tripjack Warriors in a thrilling final match.
The Round Robin Winner trophy was awarded to the top team from each of the four cities, while finalists competed for the ultimate championship title. Participants and winners were also recognized in multiple categories, including ‘Man of the Match’, ‘Best Fielder’, ‘Most Catches in Air India Super League 2025’, ‘Player of Air India Super League 2025’, among others.
“With the Air India Super League 2025, Air India aims to create engaging and memorable experiences for its travel partners while also offering them a platform for networking,” said an official from Air India.
-
Crime3 years ago
Class 10 student jumps to death in Jaipur
-
Maharashtra4 months ago
Mumbai Local Train Update: Central Railway’s New Timetable Comes Into Effect; Check Full List Of Revised Timings & Stations
-
Maharashtra4 months ago
Mumbai To Go Toll-Free Tonight! Maharashtra Govt Announces Complete Toll Waiver For Light Motor Vehicles At All 5 Entry Points Of City
-
Maharashtra5 months ago
False photo of Imtiaz Jaleel’s rally, exposing the fooling conspiracy
-
National News4 months ago
Ministry of Railways rolls out Special Drive 4.0 with focus on digitisation, cleanliness, inclusiveness and grievance redressal
-
Crime4 months ago
Baba Siddique Murder: Mumbai Police Unable To Get Lawrence Bishnoi Custody Due To Home Ministry Order, Says Report
-
Maharashtra3 months ago
Maharashtra Elections 2024: Mumbai Metro & BEST Services Extended Till Midnight On Voting Day
-
National News5 months ago
J&K: 4 Jawans Killed, 28 Injured After Bus Carrying BSF Personnel For Poll Duty Falls Into Gorge In Budgam; Terrifying Visuals Surface