Haryana Thunders produced a dominant all-round display to register a commanding lead at the halfway stage against Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals in Match 11 of the Pro Wrestling League 2026, being played on Sunday night, here at the Noida Indoor Stadium. Winning all five of the opening bouts emphatically, Haryana secured the match points midway through the nine-bout tie and, with it, moved to the top of the PWL 2026 points table. Haryana’s Iryna also broke the PWL record – set earlier in the tournament by her captain Yui Susaki — to defeat Sarika Malik within 28 seconds.
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WPL 2026 Begins with Grand Opening Ceremony, Free Live Streaming Details
The rise of women’s cricket in India has reached a new milestone with the Women’s Premier League (WPL 2026). Launched by the BCCI in 2023, the league has grown rapidly, and the 2026 season arrives with unprecedented excitement. Following India’s historic World Cup victory led by stars like Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh, interest in the WPL is at an all-time high. To double that excitement, this season will begin with a spectacular opening ceremony.
বিশ্বকাপ জয়ের পর WPL ওপেনিংয়ে বাড়তি চমক, ফ্রিতে কোথায় দেখবেন অনুষ্ঠান?
The new season of WPL kicks off on Friday, January 9, with a blockbuster opening match between two powerhouses — Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, even before the on-field action begins, all eyes will be on the dazzling opening ceremony. Several Bollywood and entertainment industry stars are set to light up the stage.
Honey Singh and Jacqueline to Set the Stage on Fire
The biggest attraction of this year’s opening ceremony is popular rapper and music sensation Yo Yo Honey Singh. Known for his high-energy tracks, Honey Singh is expected to electrify the crowd with his performance at the DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai, ahead of the first match.
When the beat drops, history begins. 🎤🔥
Yo Yo Honey Singh takes centre stage at the TATA WPL 2026 Pre Match Entertainment – setting the tone for an electrifying season! 🙌
📍 DY Patil Stadium | 🗓 9th January#TATAWPL | #MIvRCB | #KhelEmotionKa | @asliyoyo pic.twitter.com/9eAh6wX69H
— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) January 7, 2026
Joining him on stage will be Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez, who will add glamour and energy with her dance performance. The event will also feature Harnaaz Sandhu, Miss Universe 2021. According to the BCCI, the star-studded ceremony is designed to celebrate women’s courage, confidence, and achievements in sports.
When and Where to Watch Live?
Date: Friday, January 9
Time: 6:45 PM IST
Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai
For fans who cannot be at the stadium, the opening ceremony and matches will be available live:
TV: Star Sports Network
Online Streaming: JioHotstar app and website
Also Available On: JioCinema app and website
With a perfect blend of cricket and entertainment, the WPL 2026 opening ceremony promises to be a grand celebration. After a colorful and star-filled evening off the field, fans across the country eagerly await the thrilling battles that will unfold on it.
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IPL 2026 : Political Party Issues Strong Warning to Bollywood ‘Badshah’ Over Mustafizur Issue
Even before the start of the IPL 2026 season, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have found themselves at the center of a fresh controversy. In this year’s auction, the Shah Rukh Khan–owned franchise signed Bangladesh star pacer Mustafizur Rahman for a record ₹9.20 crore the highest amount ever paid for a Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history. However, instead of remaining limited to cricketing discussions, the deal has sparked major political and social debate.
মুস্তাফিজুর ইস্যুতে বলিউড বাদশাকে বিরাট সতর্কবার্তা এই রাজনৈতিক দলের
In recent times, allegations of persecution of minorities in Bangladesh have triggered anger among sections of the Indian public. Against this backdrop, some political leaders have demanded that Bangladeshi cricketers should not be allowed to play in the IPL. As a result, KKR and its owner Shah Rukh Khan have been directly dragged into the controversy.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam, speaking to news agency ANI, effectively issued a “warning” to Shah Rukh Khan. He stated that in the current situation, anyone associated with Bangladeshi citizens could become a target of public anger. He said,
“When the entire country is angry over the Bangladesh issue, if Shah Rukh Khan has a Bangladeshi player in his team, he could become a major target. We request, for his own good and in the interest of India, that the player be dropped from the team.”Taking an even tougher stance, Shiv Sena spokesperson Anand Dubey called for a complete ban. Speaking to ANI, he said,
“Pakistani and Bangladeshi players should not be allowed to play in the IPL on Indian soil. If Mustafizur is not dropped from KKR despite so much controversy, it will prove that Shah Rukh Khan does not understand the importance of public sentiment in the country.”However, a section of the cricketing community believes that the IPL is a sporting competition where player selection should be based on performance and skill, not political tensions. Mustafizur Rahman is well known in international cricket for his deceptive cutters and effectiveness in death overs, which is precisely why KKR invested such a large amount in him, according to cricket analysts.
As of now, neither KKR management nor Shah Rukh Khan has issued any official response. The question remains—will cricket be able to withstand political pressure, or will off-field controversies decide Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL future?
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Usman Khawaja Announces Retirement Ahead of Sydney Test
Australia opener Usman Khawaja has announced he will retire from international cricket following the fifth Ashes Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground, bringing an end to a career marked by resilience, reinvention and outspoken advocacy.
The 39-year-old confirmed his decision in a forthright press conference on Friday, flanked by his family, after informing teammates earlier in the day. With Australia holding an unassailable 3–1 lead in the series, Khawaja said Sydney was the fitting place to step away — the same venue where he made his Test debut in 2011, also against England.
Khawaja’s future had been a persistent talking point throughout the Ashes, particularly after back spasms disrupted his early involvement in the series. Media scrutiny intensified around his preparation, including criticism of his participation in a golf event shortly before the injury.
In an emotional address, Khawaja said the criticism went beyond cricket and reflected racial stereotypes he has faced throughout his life.
“I’ve always felt a little bit different, even to now,” Khawaja said. “I’m a coloured cricketer. I’ve felt different in the way I’ve been treated and the way things have happened. When I talk about issues outside cricket, I know it leaves me exposed.”
He added that the reaction to his injury was particularly hurtful. “When others get injured, people feel sorry for them. When I got injured, my credibility was questioned. It became personal – about my commitment and who I am. Those are stereotypes I’ve grown up with, and I thought we’d moved past that.”
Born in Pakistan, Khawaja became the first Muslim cricketer to represent Australia and carved out a unique place in the national side. His career was far from straightforward, featuring early selection setbacks before a successful reinvention as a Test opener and senior leader. He played a key role in Australia’s World Test Championship triumph in 2023 and has been a respected voice in the dressing room.
During the current Ashes series, Khawaja returned to the XI after Steve Smith was sidelined, scoring 82 in Melbourne to secure his place amid ongoing debate about his longevity. He scored 614 runs in 2025, including a career-defining 232 against Sri Lanka earlier this year.
Khawaja will retire having played 87 Tests, 40 ODIs and nine T20Is, scoring 8,001 international runs. He said he hopes his journey helps pave the way for future generations.
“I want the journey for the next Usman Khawaja to be different,” he said. His final appearance will come next week at the SCG, where Australia will farewell one of its most distinctive and influential modern cricketers.
A hometown Test match for Usman Khawaja’s last ride as an international cricketer ❤️
More 📲 https://t.co/Zvf9gZLhYW pic.twitter.com/Pfpqfu8ogO
— ICC (@ICC) January 2, 2026
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IPL 2026: Record Auction Price, but Uncertainty Looms Over This Knight!
Kolkata Knight Riders created history at the IPL 2026 auction. Shah Rukh Khan’s franchise spent a massive ₹9.20 crore to sign Bangladesh’s star left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman. However, despite the huge investment, questions have already arisen: will KKR get Mustafizur for the entire season?
The concern stems from Bangladesh’s international commitments during the IPL window. In April, Bangladesh are scheduled to play a limited-overs series against New Zealand, featuring both ODIs and T20Is. While Mustafizur is no longer a regular in the ODI setup, he remains a key figure in Bangladesh’s T20 squad. If he is selected, KKR may have to release him for a few matches midway through the IPL.
The IPL 2026 season will run from March 26 to May 31. The Bangladesh–New Zealand T20 series is likely to take place between April 16 and April 23. If Mustafizur is called up during this period, securing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board could become complicated, potentially disrupting KKR’s plans.
Notably, this is the highest-ever auction price paid for a Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history. Mustafizur is also set to be the only Bangladeshi player in IPL 2026, as Taskin Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, and Tanzim Hasan Shakib went unsold at the auction.
This will be the first time Mustafizur wears the KKR jersey. To secure his services, KKR had to outbid Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings—both teams he has represented in the past. His proven IPL track record is what makes him such a valuable asset for the Knight Riders.
Mustafizur made a sensational IPL debut in 2016, winning the Emerging Player of the Year award in his very first season. So far, he has taken 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches. Across all T20 cricket, he has played 308 matches and claimed 387 wickets.
In the end, the big question remains: if national duty pulls him away midway, will KKR’s ₹9.20 crore gamble be put at risk? Or will Mustafizur silence all speculation and set the IPL on fire in Kolkata colors throughout the season? Only time will tell.
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Meticulous Preparations Underway for 10th Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata
Procam International, promoters of the world’s first World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, has announced comprehensive arrangements for the 10th edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, scheduled to be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Over 23,000 runners, including on-ground and virtual participants, are set to take part in the landmark event.
IPL 2026: Former Knight Rider Sees 70% Pay Cut, Joins RCB
Details of the race route, medical preparedness, and participant facilities were shared during a press conference held at the Media Centre on the iconic Red Road. Organisers highlighted their focus on seamless execution and an enhanced race-day experience for athletes and recreational runners alike.
The event carries a total prize purse of USD 142,214 and continues its commitment to equal prize money for men and women winners. Marking the 10th edition, an additional world record bonus of USD 25,000 has been announced for breaking the current 25K world record of 1:11:08. To encourage amateur participation, cash prizes of ₹35,000, ₹25,000 and ₹10,000 will be awarded to the top three amateur runners in both men’s and women’s categories across various age groups.
Race Day proceedings will be broadcast live on Sony Sports 1 HD and SD from 5:30 am onwards.
Speaking at the media interaction, Race Director Hugh Jones said, “This year’s course is different and more demanding, offering a mix of challenges for the participants. However, good weather conditions and an early start will provide runners with a tactical advantage.”
Sanjukta Dutta, Emergency Head at Fortis Hospitals and Medical Director for the race, praised the medical arrangements made by Procam in collaboration with Fortis Hospitals. She advised runners to take adequate rest before race day, have a light breakfast, warm up before running, cool down after finishing, and avoid pushing beyond their limits. “Run to enjoy and have a good time,” she added.
Participant Category-Wise Breakup (On-ground + Virtual)
25K: 6,927
Open 10K: 8,068
Ananda Run: 6,066
Senior Citizens Run: 1,815
Champions with Disability: 450
For the 2025 edition, all five race categories will start and finish at Red Road. With the Vidyasagar Setu closed on Sundays due to ongoing work, the course has been reimagined with support from city authorities. Runners will head further south, exploring new stretches of the city, passing landmarks such as Tipu Sultan Mosque and Rabindra Sarobar, and tackling a fresh challenge at the Lakes Flyover.
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IPL 2026: Former Knight Rider Sees 70% Pay Cut, Joins RCB
The IPL 2026 mini-auction once again proved that in cricket, “prices are never permanent.” Venkatesh Iyer, who was a ₹23.75 crore player for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last season, has now joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for just ₹7 crore. In other words, the Indian pinch-hitter accepted a nearly 70% pay cut to take a fresh opportunity in a new team.
নিলামের ৭০ শতাংশ বেতন কমল নাইটদের এই প্রাক্তন ক্রিকেটারের
Last season, Iyer struggled to live up to expectations. Playing 11 matches for KKR, he scored just 142 runs, with minimal impact in both batting and bowling. The hefty price tag appeared to weigh him down, resulting in a disappointing 2025 campaign.
However, in 2024, Iyer had been a key player in KKR’s title-winning season, scoring 370 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 159. That performance laid the foundation for him to press the “reset” button for the new season.
During the auction, KKR did not completely let go of Iyer. A bidding battle with RCB went up to ₹6.8 crore. But after spending ₹25.2 crore on Cameron Green, Kolkata were unwilling to push further. Finally, RCB snapped him up for ₹7 crore. With a new team, a defined role, and less financial pressure, this move could work in Iyer’s favour.
The IPL 2026 auction also delivered a shock for South African veteran David Miller, whose value dropped from ₹7.5 crore last season to just ₹2 crore with Delhi Capitals.
There were also some bargain deals at base price: England’s Ben Duckett was signed for ₹2 crore, Wanindu Hasaranga also for ₹2 crore, while Mumbai Indians brought back Quinton de Kock for just ₹1 crore.
Interestingly, several big names including Liam Livingstone, Rachin Ravindra, Jamie Smith, Prithvi Shaw, and Sarfaraz Khan went unsold in the first round, but teams later included them strategically according to squad requirements.
Overall, the IPL 2026 auction reaffirmed that form and team roles outweigh price tags. Venkatesh Iyer’s journey to RCB is not just a transfer—it’s an opportunity to prove himself all over again.
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Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata Raises INR 32.12 Lakh for Social Causes
As the 10th edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata kicks off, the event continues to transform routine into ritual and social action into lasting impact. With the support of 43 NGOs, over 26 individual fundraisers, and 10 corporates, alongside thousands of donors, the event has raised an impressive INR 32.12 lakh for charity so far. Fundraising will continue until 3rd January 2026, with the funds earmarked for more than 12 social causes.
Led by the Impact360 Foundation, the event’s Philanthropy Partner, the platform has consistently amplified charitable efforts by providing a cause-neutral framework aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Over the past decade, Impact360 has enabled more than 75 NGOs across Eastern and Northeastern India to raise over INR 4.70 crore, positively impacting millions of lives. Beyond medals and personal achievements, the event has created a “decade of difference,” fostering community upliftment, social awareness, and global recognition for Kolkata as a hub for distance running.
Debashish Ray Choudhari, CEO of Impact360 Foundation, remarked, “TSW25K celebrates ten years of participative sport and meaningful social engagement. The extraordinary support from corporates, NGOs, fundraisers, and individual donors has surpassed previous milestones, reflecting the collective passion driving this movement.”
Participants and panellists shared inspiring stories at the press meet. Ganga Basu, a beneficiary at Paripurnata, expressed her excitement about gaining independence and participating in such a large platform, while young leader Sarah Tabish highlighted the importance of addressing underreported issues like child sexual abuse and supporting long-term rehabilitation.
The event brings together diverse stakeholders driving social change:
NGOs such as Tata Medical Centre, Concern India Foundation, Paripurnata, and LittleBigHelp are supporting cancer care, education, skill development, and rehabilitation.
Corporate partners like Tata Steel Downstream Products, TITAN, and Blue Star Limited fund initiatives in health, education, and empowerment.
Individual fundraisers including Jhelum Sarkar, Adv. Sidhant Ghosh, and Mohammad Lutful Kabir contribute to causes ranging from cancer care to skill development and mental health support.
Vivek Singh, Joint MD of Procam International, said, “The Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata demonstrates how endurance running and philanthropy intersect to create meaningful social change. The combined efforts of NGOs, corporates, fundraisers, and citizens continue to make a tangible difference in communities.”
Through its decade-long journey, TSW25K has become more than a race—it is a movement that inspires collective action, empowers communities, and champions a legacy of philanthropy.
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IPL 2026: Opposing Bowlers Will Be Shaking in Fear! KKR Snaps Up This Kiwi Star
In the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made a surprising move despite a limited budget. From the list of capped wicketkeepers, the team picked New Zealand’s destructive batter Finn Allen for a base price of just ₹2 crore. With no major bidding wars, the Knight Riders secured him easily. The big question now—will Finn Allen get the opportunity to play this time?
বিপক্ষের বোলাররা ভয়ে কাঁপবেন! নিলামে এই কিউই তারকাকে নিল KKR
Although Finn Allen is a familiar name on the international stage, he hasn’t yet made a significant impact in the IPL. In the 2021 season, he joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as a replacement for Josh Philippe, earning ₹20 lakh. In the following auction, RCB picked him again for ₹80 lakh, but he didn’t play a single match, spending the season as a reserve keeper.
Outside the IPL, Finn Allen has made a mark in global franchise leagues. At just 26, he is considered one of the most destructive T20 openers in the world.
This signing is crucial for KKR. In recent seasons, the team has struggled to find consistent success with foreign wicketkeeper-batters. Even with Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the squad, runs haven’t flowed consistently. Early runs at the top of the order have been a challenge in T20 cricket, and Finn Allen is expected to fill that gap for the Knight Riders.
Finn Allen’s greatest strength is his attacking mindset from the very first ball. He is equally comfortable against both spin and pace, as reflected in his T20 strike rate. Across international and franchise cricket, he consistently bats at over a 170 strike rate.
His exploits in Major League Cricket have drawn global attention. He has played in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons, scoring 333, 306, and 75 runs respectively. In his first season, his strike rate exceeded 225, showcasing his aggressive approach.
For New Zealand, Finn Allen has played 52 T20 internationals, scoring 1,285 runs with a highest of 137 and an average of 25.19. Across all franchise T20 leagues outside international cricket, he has played 162 matches, accumulating 4,431 runs with a highest score of 151.
If he can maintain this form in the KKR jersey, it will provide a significant boost to the team’s batting lineup. Kolkata fans are eagerly waiting to witness Finn Allen unleash a storm of sixes at Eden Gardens.
