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.
Tag: Indian sports news
-
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?
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Lionel Messi: Fans from Different States Frame ‘Messi God,’ A Scene at Gate No. 2?
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi is set to set foot in India this time. Over three days, he will visit four cities Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi to meet the country’s football fans in person. From stadium events and celebrity meet-and-greets to fashion shows and exhibition matches, the entire tour promises to be packed with excitement, offering fans a major attraction at every moment.
‘মেসি ভগবান’কে ফ্রেম বন্দি করতে ভিন্ন রাজ্যের বাসিন্দারা, ২ নং গেটে একী কান্ড?
The ticket redemption process began at the end of last week. On the final day, fans coming to redeem their tickets displayed remarkable enthusiasm. Around the Yuva Bharati Stadium in Kolkata, Messi fans from different states were spotted gathering.
On this day, Argentine jerseys with Messi’s picture and the text “Welcome Messi” were being sold. Additionally, jerseys featuring East Bengal along with Argentina were available for ₹300. One seller stated, “Jersey sales have been quite good over the past few days. With Messi coming, we hope sales will increase even more on the day of the event.”
A buyer mentioned, “Messi is our god. To see him in person and wear his jersey—both are a huge privilege for me. We can’t miss this.”
Among the fans redeeming tickets, there were couples who were not residents of Kolkata. A pair from Odisha said, “We are Messi fans. We came here just to see our god in person.”
Fans like Sadanon from Manipur and Mounten and Mira from Assam also caught attention. A group of 30 friends came from Shillong. One of them, Danny, said, “Messi is the best among all footballers. If he had stayed a little longer in the stadium, our joy would have been even greater.”
In front of Gate No. 2 at Yuva Bharati, Andruman from Kerala was selling Messi stickers. He said, “I have been collecting these stickers for several years. I even designed some of them myself. Since Messi’s Kerala tour was canceled, I came to Kolkata. Messi has been my favorite footballer since childhood.”
Even before Messi’s arrival, Kolkata was already buzzing with Messi fever. Football fans were seen at every corner, eagerly waiting to see their beloved star, holding jerseys and stickers in hand.
-
Lionel Messi : Packed 12.5-Hour Visit to Tilottoma, What Special Surprises Await?
Kolkata is once again gearing up for a football extravaganza. Fourteen years have passed since that memorable night in 2011 when a young Lionel Messi took the field for Argentina against Venezuela at the Youth Stadium, but back then, the title of “World Champion” was not yet part of his name. Times have changed. This time, Kolkata will host none other than the World Cup-winning captain, MLS Cup-winning Inter Miami leader – Lionel Messi.
তিলোত্তমায় মেসির সাড়ে ১২ ঘণ্টার সফরে ঠাসা কর্মসূচি, কি থাকছে বিশেষ চমক?
Messi is set to land in the city at 1:30 a.m. on Friday. From that moment, Kolkata will be swept up in excitement. After a brief rest at his hotel, his tightly scheduled itinerary begins – not a single moment will be wasted, and his fans might not even sleep that day.Meet & Greet and Virtual Statue Unveiling
The day kicks off at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday with a Meet & Greet event. From 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., the virtual unveiling of LM10’s statue will take place. Following that, he will head to the Youth Stadium, where stars will be arriving one after another:
11:30 a.m.: Shah Rukh Khan
12:00 p.m.: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
Legendary cricketer Sourav Ganguly will also be present
A special session of football, celebrity interaction, and felicitation will run from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. After that, Messi will head to the airport and fly to Hyderabad at 2:00 p.m. In all, it will be just 12.5 hours – but an emotionally charged visit.
Unprecedented Security Arrangements
With the presence of the Chief Minister, Shah Rukh Khan, and Sourav Ganguly, security measures are being taken to the highest level. Around 2,000 police personnel will be deployed under the leadership of the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate. Inspectors, SIs, and constables from various parts of the city will be on duty, alongside the RAF. Strict traffic control and special parking guidelines have been prepared.
The city has seen legends like Pelé, Maradona, and Messi before, yet the excitement of his return is unique. The young talent of 2011 has now become a legend. Once again, Kolkata will witness history, and the city will rediscover itself amid the frenzy of Messi mania.
-
IPL 2026: Which Players Will Shah Rukh’s Team Target at the Auction?
The grand stage of the IPL 2026 auction is set to take place on 16 December in Saudi Arabia. All ten teams will have their eyes on star cricketers, but naturally, the spotlight is on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Why? Because Shah Rukh Khan’s franchise is entering the auction with the highest purse ₹64.30 crore. And behind this massive financial manoeuvre lies the strategic shift introduced by their new coach, Abhishek Nayar.
নিলামে কাদের দিকে নজর শাহরুখের দলের? ফাঁস প্রাক্তন ভারতীয় ক্রিকেটারের!
Nayar’s Mindset: Build a New Team From Scratch
KKR’s list of retained players shows Nayar’s clear intention—he is walking the path of rebuilding the team. Players like Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer, once match-winners for the Knights, delivered disappointing performances in recent seasons. Their expensive contracts further burdened the team.
So, Nayar decided to “shed the weight of the past,” allowing KKR: greater freedom in team construction, more cash in the bank, and room to adopt an aggressive auction strategy.
Nayar’s Experiment in Women’s Premier League
Just before the IPL auction, Nayar worked as head coach of UP Warriorz at the Women’s Premier League auction. He released almost the entire squad and rebuilt a strong team from scratch.
The message is clear—he is likely to apply the same formula at KKR.
“Nayar Always Wants a Fresh Start,” Says Saba Karim On JioHotstar, former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim commented: “Abhishek always prefers to start afresh. We will see the same at KKR. He knows exactly which players can make him a champion. He may not go after big names, but he will target effective players.”
Karim believes that KKR’s “cut-and-rebuild approach” has already secured Nayar’s position strongly within the franchise. With a huge budget and a clean slate, the focus will now be on picking the right cricketers.
Will Venkatesh Iyer Return to KKR?
Karim hinted that KKR may correct their past mistake of buying Venkatesh Iyer for a massive ₹23.75 crore.
He said: “There won’t be much competition for Venkatesh this time. So KKR might bring him back at a much lower price.”
Who Will KKR Target?
KKR’s key priorities at the IPL 2026 auction may include:
a reliable finisher
a steady middle-order batter
a fast, express-pace bowler
a death-overs specialist
promising young Indian talents
With a fresh strategy and a huge budget, experts believe KKR will be one of the most aggressive teams at the IPL 2026 auction.
-
IPL 2026: Champions RCB Target These 8 New Faces Ahead of Mini Auction
With the IPL 2026 auction approaching, the current champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have already retained 17 players. This leaves them with 8 vacant slots, including only two overseas spots. With ₹16.40 crore remaining in their purse, the franchise is expected to focus on fixing small gaps in the squad rather than making big changes.
নিলামে চ্যাম্পিয়ন আরসিবির লক্ষ্য এই ৮ নতুন মুখ!
Primary Target: Replacement for Lungi NgidiRCB’s first task will be to find a replacement for Lungi Ngidi. There will be various options available—new-ball bowlers as well as death-over specialists.
While Sri Lankan yorker specialist Matheesha Pathirana may be expensive, other alternatives such as Reece Topley, Matt Henry, Gerald Coetzee, and Spencer Johnson are likely to be on RCB’s radar.
Possible Overseas Pace Targets
Matheesha Pathirana
Gerald Coetzee
Anrich Nortje
Reece Topley
Spencer Johnson
Matt Henry
If RCB manage to grab any of these pacers at a reasonable price, their bowling backup will be significantly strengthened.
Kohli–Faf Want a Stronger Allrounder Unit
RCB have already released Liam Livingstone. Though there’s still a chance to buy him back, cheaper alternatives like Moeen Ali, Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga, or Aaron Hardie may also be available in the auction.
With two overseas slots open, the team must choose wisely.Among Indian allrounders, RCB could target:
Rajvardhan Hangargekar
Atharva Taide
Mahipal Lomror
Need for a Backup Top-Order Batter
RCB’s first-choice backup top-order option was Venkatesh Iyer, but acquiring him will be tough.
Thus, the franchise is likely to look at players like:
Prithvi Shaw
Sheikh Rasheed
Wicketkeeping Department
With Tim Seifert released, RCB need a backup wicketkeeper. Since no overseas slots are free for this category, they will target Indians.
Possible options:
Luvnith Sisodia
Bansh Bedi
Most Popular Indian Bowling Targets
Among Indian pacers, the most sought-after names are expected to be:
Simarjeet Singh
Kamlesh Nagarkoti
Chetan Sakariya
Akash Madhwal
Among spinners:
Rahul Chahar
Karn Sharma
Kumar Kartikeya
RCB might be able to sign a few of them without breaking the bank.
RCB’s Probable 8 Targets for IPL 2026 Auction
Overseas Fast BowlersReece Topley
Matt Henry
Gerald Coetzee
Overseas Allrounders
Wanindu Hasaranga
Moeen Ali
Indian Allrounders / Bowlers
Mahipal Lomror (Indian spin allrounder)
Rajvardhan Hangargekar (Indian pace allrounder)
Simarjeet Singh (Indian fast bowler)
Rahul Chahar (Indian leg-spinner)
Batting & Wicketkeeping
Prithvi Shaw (Top-order batter)
Luvnith Sisodia (Indian wicketkeeper)
The core of the champion squad is already set so RCB will prioritize picking the right “squad players” rather than big superstars.
How the Patidar–Kohli-led unit uses their ₹16.40 crore purse will be interesting to watch.