World number one Aryna Sabalenka said she was shocked when tournament organizers considered canceling her Miami Open match against Ann Li of the United States. He said he was asked to change courts to avoid delaying the scheduled night session of a high-profile match between Carlos Alcaraz and Joao Fonseca due to rain disruption.

Ultimately, organizers moved her match to a less prominent court rather than starting later in the main stadium, a decision Sabalenka described as unexpected, given her status as the top-ranked player and defending champion.

Read the full story

He said it was the first time he had faced such a situation and expressed genuine surprise at the option of canceling or moving his match, before ultimately choosing the appropriate option.

Also read: French wildcard’s reaction to Djokovic’s DM after breaking Nadal’s feat: Best thing ever

“I was really surprised that they were even considering canceling my match. They gave me some options for stadiums, and I said, ‘But what’s the problem with Alcaraz and Fonseca starting later?’ Yesterday, the night session started at 9 pm, and Mira was playing then, so I was really surprised by the idea of ​​canceling my match,” Sabalenka told reporters.

Sabalenka, who recently won the Indian Wells Masters, ultimately decided to play on Friday, preferring a day off to prepare for her second match.

Sabalenka said, “I decided to play today so that if I won I would have a day off and time to prepare and freshen up. To be honest, I was surprised, but I’m glad they gave me options so I could choose what was best for me.”

How Sabalenka fought Ann Lee

Sabalenka earned a tight second-round victory over Ann Li, winning 76(5), 64 in a match that lasted nearly an hour and 42 minutes. She had to battle a tough tie-break in the first set before regaining control and maintaining her lead in the second set, winning in straight sets.

The defending champion showed resilience against Lee’s aggressive play and occasional break opportunities, ultimately relying on his experience and power to pull ahead.

With the win, Sabalenka extended her impressive run at WTA 1000 events and advanced to the third round, where she is set to face fellow American Katie McNally. There is no history of previous professional head-to-head between the two, which promises to be a fresh and interesting matchup in the early stages of the tournament.

– ends

Australia’s Cameron Green during a nets session at Lord’s Cricket Ground on June 09, 2025 in London, England. (Photo/Getty Images)

Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, the former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin Raised concerns over the workload of players and suggested that franchises should have the option to reduce payments if contracted roles are not fulfilled.His comment came in the context of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder. cameron greenWho was bought for Rs 25.20 crore and will be a part of the campaign starting against the team Mumbai Indians On 29 March in Mumbai. Green’s form and bowling workload have been limited in recent months, which has attracted attention ahead of the tournament.During the T20 World Cup, Green scored 24 runs in three innings with a highest score of 21. He bowled three overs in two matches and took one wicket. In the recent Sheffield Shield match for Western Australia against New South Wales, where he scored a century, he did not bowl.In the T20 series against Pakistan before the World Cup, Green bowled four overs in two matches and took one wicket. During the 2025/26 Ashes, he took four wickets in five matches and nine innings at an average of 70.75, bowling 61.5 overs.Ashwin, quoted by news agency ANI, said on his YouTube channel, “There is a question about Cameron Green. Will Cricket Australia allow him to bowl all four overs? This is also a possibility. In such a situation, the Australian board is telling Green that he can play in the IPL, but Test cricket is very important for us, so you can play only this much workload.”Ashwin said that if players do not live up to expectations, especially with the ball, then franchises should be allowed to adjust payments.He said, “IPL teams should also have a chance where if he bowls just two overs, they should deduct Rs 2 crore. Why not? If he doesn’t bowl his four overs, you should have the right to deduct his money, right? When you came to the IPL auction, the expectation was that you would bowl all four overs, and also bat. If there are no restrictions on bowling, then it is great, but if there is a restriction, then the team should be allowed to deduct it from the contract amount. Should.”“Imagine you are Shah Rukh Khan, and you have paid Rs 25 crore for a player. But then he comes and says, ‘Sir, I will bowl only one over today, or only 10 balls in the day.’ How would you feel?” He added.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar’s daughter Anaya Bangar has revealed that she has successfully undergone gender-affirmation surgery in Thailand, marking an important step in her personal journey. Sharing the update on social media, Anaya reflected on the emotional process and the support system that helped her through it.

The post, which also included a photo from the hospital, showed Anaya with her father after surgery, a moment she described as very meaningful. He spoke about how challenging this journey was not only for him but for his entire family, as acceptance and understanding developed over time.

Read the full story

Anaya wrote in the caption, “This journey was not easy not only for me, but also for my family. It took time to understand, accept and stand with me. It was not instant. There were confusion, questions and moments of growth for all of us. But today, standing here, I am filled with nothing but gratitude.”

He also highlighted his father’s role during this phase.

She added, “Having my dad by my side during one of the most important moments of my life means everything. His support didn’t come overnight, but when it came, it was real, unconditional, and strong. This surgery was a big step for me, but having him by my side made it possible. Growth takes time. Love takes time. But when it comes, it’s worth everything. Grateful. Always.”

Anaya Bangar’s transformation journey

Anaya’s journey has taken shape over the years as she has gradually identified herself as a transgender woman. Male at birth and previously known as Aryan, he had previously taken up cricket, following in his father’s footsteps, and featured in age-group setups including the Mumbai Under-16, Pondicherry Under-19 trials and Mumbai Under-23 trials.

His transition becomes more public in 2023 When she started hormone replacement therapy (HRT), she shared parts of the process on social media. Although this brought a sense of personal clarity, it also brought challenges, especially in cricket, where physical changes affected his ability to compete at the same level.

In a recent conversation with India Today partner Manch Lallantop, Anaya spoke openly about the journey, Both the support they received and the difficult moments they faced, including incidents of harassment in the field of sport, were highlighted.

– ends

Royal Challengers Bangalore (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak)

Ravichandran Ashwin There has been strong early support for Royal Challengers Bangalore’s title defence, insisting the franchise has assembled a squad capable of adding another team. IPL crown in the next few seasons. Having ended their 17-year title drought in 2025, RCB are entering IPL 2026 with the weight of expectations and the pressure that comes with being the defending champions.RCB only retained in 2025 mega auction Virat KohliRajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal before rebuilding their roster. The overhaul included the addition of key players like Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, giving the team a more balanced composition that led to the franchise’s long-awaited first IPL trophy.

Title winning depth in RCB team

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin praised the balance and depth of the team, and said it is no longer dependent on just one or two stars. “RCB can add another title in the next two years with this team. It is not easy to win the IPL, but they have the building blocks, they have the replacements as they go,” he said.Ashwin highlighted how RCB have overcome past shortcomings in their combination. “The way they have addressed the shortcomings in the combination. It’s a good package to be in the top two,” he said.For years, RCB has been criticized for relying too much on star power. The post-auction reconstruction has changed that perception. Batting is now more flexible, pace resources are stronger, and each player has a clear role in the team.

Foreign strength and Hazlewood’s absence

Ashwin described RCB’s overseas contingent as one of the best in the tournament. He said, “In Phil Salt, Jacob Bethel, Tim David and Romario Shepherd, this is probably the best four foreign players, and it is one of the best in the tournament.”Despite Josh Hazlewood’s availability being uncertain for the start of IPL 2026 due to his injury, Ashwin believes it could work in RCB’s favour. He said, “Honestly, it is a blessing in disguise for RCB. If they do not have Hazlewood and they are worried about Salt’s form, he can play both Salt and Bethel. And when Hazlewood comes back, you will have a clear picture about his form and based on that you can make changes.”Ashwin also noted the flexibility of the bowling attack. “If the bowling is leaking too much, they can drop Mangesh Yadav and bring in Jacob Duffy or Hazlewood if fit. They have a team that can conquer home conditions and handle the ups and downs with bat and ball,” he said.

Ahwin’s RCB probable XI (considering Hazlewood unavailable):

Virat Kohli – Phil Salt – Jacob Bethel – Rajat Patidar – Jitesh Sharma – Tim David – Romario Shepherd – Krunal Pandya – Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Mangesh Yadav – Yash Dayal – Suyyash Sharma (Impact Sub)With this mix of experience and overseas firepower, Ashwin believes that RCB are well-equipped to defend their title and be at the forefront of IPL 2026.

Former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has denied that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and current ICC president Jay Shah have anything to do with his retirement from commentary duties. Sivaramakrishnan said that his issue was with a BCCI employee.

Former Indian spinner made a lot of headlines When he resigned from his commentary role at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), citing issues of racism and limited opportunities during his 23-year association. The 60-year-old shared the news through a series of posts on X, which quickly gained popularity online.

In his post, Sivaramakrishnan claimed that despite being a part of the panel for more than two decades, he was repeatedly overlooked for key on-air responsibilities such as toss coverage and post-match presentations. Responding to a user who suggested that there might be racial bias involved, Sivaramakrishnan agreed.

Sivaramakrishnan also said that he missed such roles even in an era when senior people like Ravi Shastri were involved in the setup, pointing to a pattern that has persisted over the years. He said his exit was not merely a decision of retirement, but an attempt to raise questions about how responsibilities are assigned and production decisions are taken.

After his announcement, fans started targeting BCCI and Shah for their role in this matter. The 60-year-old has now denied that the BCCI administration had anything to do with his exit and was just taking control of his life.

Sivaramakrishnan said, “Don’t involve the BCCI administration. This is a one-on-one matter with a BCCI employee. Jay Shah and Co. have nothing to do with this issue. I am taking control of my life in my own hands and I feel I am entitled to do so.”

Who is Laxman Sivaramakrishnan?

Sivaramakrishnan emerged as a promising leg spinner for India in the early 1980s, appearing in 9 Tests and 16 ODIs between 1983 and 1987. He took 26 Test wickets, including three five-wicket hauls, and 15 in ODIs.

He made his Test debut on the 1983 West Indies tour and had already attracted attention in domestic cricket by taking seven wickets for just two runs. His most memorable innings was against England in 1984, where he took 12 wickets in a match.

Sivaramakrishnan was also part of the India team that won the 1985 World Championship in Australia, and finished as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament. Following his playing career, he moved into commentary and remained a respected voice for over two decades, particularly known for his insights on spin bowling.

– ends

Read the full story

Hardik Pandya (BCCI photo)

New Delhi: It was at an intimate dinner organized by Irfan Pathan He is a young, dynamic hardik pandya First of all he was introduced to an idol – Wasim Jaffer. Years later, the India all-rounder’s admiration for the domestic legend has grown even stronger, with Pandya once again naming Jaffer as his cricket idol at the Naman Awards.While Jaffer represented India only 33 times, his legacy was made in domestic cricket, where he scored nearly 20,000 first-class runs in a remarkable career spanning 25 years.

Recalling his first conversation with Pandya, Jaffer reminisces about 2014-15 ranji trophy season, when Mumbai faced Baroda and Pandya was still an emerging talent.Jaffer said on his Instagram profile, “I met him for the first time during the 2014 or 2015 Ranji season. Mumbai were playing in Baroda. Irfan (Pathan), Yusuf (Pathan) and Munaf (Patel) were playing in the opposition team. I was not playing that match because I was injured, but I traveled with the team.”Jaffer said, “I remember we went to Irrfan’s house for dinner and that’s when I met Hardik and Krunal for the first time.” “Irfan told me, ‘Meet Hardik, he is going to play very soon.’ and i think he was chosen Mumbai Indians That season itself.At the time, Pandya was just beginning to make a name for himself, but his admiration for Jaffer was already evident.“Irfan told me that he is a big fan of mine. Hardik himself said, ‘I watch your batting a lot and I like your style of playing a lot.’Jaffer said, “It’s great for him that he still takes my name in front of big stars. And that’s why there have been so many reports about who Wasim Jaffer is.” “People often hear other names, but they may not remember Wasim Jaffer because I have made a name for myself in first-class cricket.”