The stadium lights above the Cour Philippe-Chatrier caught the dust on the cool Paris night as Aryna Sabalenka did the unthinkable. After sealing her place in the quarter-finals of the French Open 2026, the world number one paused, bowed her head and channeled her inner Michael Jackson. She was sliding backwards on crushed bricks, pulling off a flawless moonwalk that would have made the King of Pop proud.

Watching a powerful athlete move with such fluid, precocious grace on clay, a surface notorious for its rough abrasion, was a surreal piece of late-night showmanship that completely enthralled the crowd.

Everyone knows she’s always loved to dance, with her locker-room routines often going viral on social media, but performing this iconic routine during her on-court interview was a wonderful surprise that much delighted the Parisian crowd who stayed up late to watch the top seeds headline the evening session.

However, before the dance, a brutal, physical competition took place. Sabalenka had to earn her moment of excitement by overcoming a determined Naomi Osaka. The match was a tremendous display of baseline power, with both players hitting the ball at incredible velocity, sounding like gunshots echoing off concrete mounds.

Osaka started with aggressive intent, trying to dictate the tempo and push the top seed out of her comfort zone. Sabalenka relied on her huge serve to overcome any problems. She hit twelve aces throughout the match and remained clinically efficient at crucial moments to win 7–5, 6–3. It was a performance that highlighted their tactical maturity despite immense pressure.

The win is just the latest chapter in Sabalenka’s broader story of Tour dominance. Over the past few seasons, she has transformed from a volatile power-hitter to an incredibly consistent, ferocious world number one. His ability to effectively vary his attacking game on European clay has made him one of the most dangerous competitors on the circuit.

On Monday, she became the first player since Serena Williams to reach the women’s singles quarterfinals in each of her first six Grand Slam main draws as a world No. 1.

This was his fourth consecutive appearance in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros. The world number one, who has won 31 of her last 34 matches on the tour, looks more eager than ever to clinch victory on clay. Lost to Elena Rybakina in Australian Open final First in January.

Next up for the top seed is an intriguing quarterfinal clash with rising 25th seed Diana Schnyder. While Sabalenka will enter the contest as the heavy favourite, Schnyder has the versatility and fearless attitude needed to make things uneasy if the top seed loses her focus.

The broader landscape of the women’s singles draw has completely changed After Iga Swiatek comes out of shock. The Polish clay-court specialist, a four-time champion in Paris, had lost to Marta Kostyuk in the previous round. Swiatek’s early departure opened up the bottom half of the draw and removed the final hurdle for the title.

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Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batsman Tim David has been fined 50 per cent of his match fee and suspended for one match after breaching the IPL code of conduct during RCB’s five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.David, who scored 24 runs off 17 balls in the final, was found guilty of breaching Article 2.9 of the Code of Conduct, which relates to “throwing the ball (or any other item of cricket equipment such as a water bottle) in an unfair and/or dangerous manner at any player, team official, umpire, match referee or any other third person during a match.”This incident happened during the 10th over of Gujarat Titans’ innings. After the fall of the wicket, David threw a bag of ice towards on-field umpire Nitin Menon. Match referee Javagal Srinath awarded a penalty after David admitted the offense and accepted the punishment.This was David’s third Level 1 offense of the season. Earlier, he had received one demerit point in Match 20 and two demerit points in Match 54. The latest violation added two more demerit points, taking his total to five.Under IPL rules, a player who accumulates five demerit points receives a one-match suspension. As a result, David will miss the opening match of IPL 2027, whether he plays for RCB or any other franchise next season.The Australian batsman finished IPL 2026 with 305 runs in 16 matches and was part of the RCB team that successfully defended their title.RCB’s win over Gujarat Titans made them the third team in IPL history to retain the trophy after Chennai Super Kings (2010 and 2011) and Mumbai Indians (2019 and 2020). The Bengaluru franchise also became the fourth team to win multiple IPL titles, joining Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, who have five titles each, and Kolkata Knight Riders, who have won three.RCB captain Rajat Patidar also registered his name in the record books by becoming the first captain to win the IPL in his first two seasons as captain. He is the third captain after MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma to win consecutive IPL titles.

Nearly 150 Indian Super League players, including more than 20 currently or recently in the national team, have had their contracts terminated with various clubs, with their futures in uncertainty due to the disruption in the top tier of the country’s domestic structure.

The contracts of these players expired on Sunday and there is uncertainty everywhere as the tussle continues between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the clubs over the future of the ISL next season.

After the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the AIFF and its former commercial partner FSDL expired last December, the 2025–26 season was delayed and each of the 14 teams played a round-robin league instead of a home and away format.

Players are now free agents and can be signed by any team. AIFF has set the starting date for registration of players by various clubs from June 12 to August 31.

The players whose contracts expired on Sunday include India captain Sandesh Jhingan (FC Goa) and his national team defensive partner Rahul Bheke (Bengaluru FC).

Mohun Bagan super giants, who finished runners-up in the recently concluded season, are set to ask the AIFF about the next ISL season, whether it will be a full-fledged one or a smaller league like 2025-26. They will decide on the budget for the new season and sign players accordingly.

“We will ask the AIFF how they will run the ISL and make their budget accordingly,” a club source told PTI on condition of anonymity.

MBSG are set to release foreign players Tom Aldred, Dimitri Petratos and Jason Cummings.

A former official said the players would suffer the most, although clubs would also be affected financially.

“This is a serious situation in the ISL and Indian football. The players will suffer the most. Since they are free agents, their negotiating power is less and clubs can offer lower fees for them when they sign contracts. Under normal circumstances, players have bargaining power, but that may not be the case in this current situation,” the official said.

“Players are at a disadvantage and are likely to be exploited. In the case of many players, clubs will not even receive transfer fees, so they will become financially poorer.”

The official said that many players from the north-eastern part of the country, especially Manipur and Mizoram, will suffer due to the uncertainty in the ISL.

“There are a lot of players from the North-East in ISL clubs. These players have come out of their states to play for big clubs and in the ISL and to earn money to support their families back home. So, the uncertainty in getting a club to play will weigh heavily on them.”

Regarding a new commercial partner for the ISL, Genius Sports had emerged as the highest bidder in March, promising Rs 2,129 crore annually for the next 15+5 years.

But ISL clubs have proposed a different model. They want the highest bidder (Genius Sports) to remain only as the league’s data and technology partner.

The clubs want to keep 90 percent of the “economic interest in the league structure”, and the AIFF the rest.

A meeting between ISL clubs and AIFF top officials in Kolkata last month had failed to break the deadlock.

During the AIFF Special General Body meeting in Kolkata last month, it was decided that the Executive Committee will have the power to discuss and deliberate on the new MRA.

Thus, the final decision on the new commercial partner will have to be taken by the AIFF General Body later.

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Virat Kohli (left) after RCB’s second IPL title (AP Photo)

New Delhi: Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles used Royal Challengers Bangalore’s IPL 2026 title win as an example of the strong ties between India and Australia. This was said a day after RCB defeated Gujarat Titans to register their second consecutive win IPL trophy, Marles told how the Indian star Virat Kohli and Australian players Josh Hazlewood And tim david Everyone played an important role in the victory.Marles said the trio’s contributions demonstrate how the two countries are increasingly working together in a variety of areas. “When I was here last year, it was the morning after the Indian Premier League final, as, of course, it is this morning. Last night, just like we saw a year ago, we saw RCB win. But I liked the fact that Virat Kohli became the man of the match for his unbeaten 75, but he was also accompanied by Josh Hazlewood and Tim David. So when RCB won the IPL last night, the game was largely an Australian-India bilateral affair. And I think it’s symbolic for the relations between our two countries,” he said, as quoted by news agency ANI.Speaking further at the “Morale” community event in New Delhi, Marles highlighted Kohli’s immense popularity in Australia and recalled growing up watching the Indian cricket legend. He said, “Virat Kohli is a big name in Australia at the moment, but as I grew up, the first person I remember was Indian cricket captain Bishan Bedi; he was a great name of that era.”He said cricket remains a strong bond between the two countries and helps strengthen broader ties.Marles also shared his excitement about meeting the 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev On the incident. Describing it as a memorable experience, he said, “It’s quite a thrill for me to be standing next to the great Kapil Dev… Relations between Australia and India are at a high point… In many ways, the shared passion we have for life is embodied in our passion for cricket.”

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday suspended Cricket Canada’s membership with immediate effect after finding serious violations of its membership obligations following board meetings held in Ahmedabad on Monday.

The decision was one of a series of measures approved by the ICC Board aimed at strengthening governance, supporting women’s cricket, reforming global competition structures and encouraging innovation across the game.

Despite the suspension, the ICC said it is committed to protecting Canadian players from the impact of governance issues affecting the national governing body. As a result, Canada’s national representative teams will remain eligible to participate in ICC events during the suspension period.

To ensure the continued development and participation of national teams, Cricket Canada will maintain access to ICC funding through a controlled mechanism under the oversight of ICC management. Funding will be limited to approved national team programs.

The ICC will also provide Cricket Canada with a set of conditions for reinstatement, which will focus on addressing governance and administrative concerns identified by the Board. Progress on those requirements will be monitored by the ICC Normalization Committee supported by ICC management, with membership reinstatement subject to the Board’s satisfaction that all conditions have been met.

The Board also approved several recommendations of the Chief Executive Committee. One of them was a trial that allowed the use of a pink ball in Test matches, subject to agreement between both teams, in order to maximize playing time in conditions where bad light might otherwise disrupt play. The ICC will also research lighting technology for match officials and venues in partnership with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), while match officials will be allowed access to Hawk-Eye data when considering reports of illegal bowling action.

Other changes to playing conditions include allowing head coaches or their nominees to consult teams during scheduled drinks breaks, the introduction of mandatory 15-minute intervals in T20 internationals and requiring batsmen to be ready when play resumes. The ICC has also permanently adopted the leg-side wide trial and approved changes to all remaining MCC Laws of Cricket from October 1, 2026.

In women’s cricket, ICC has changed the window of Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 from June-July to February 14-28, 2027. The governing body will also launch the Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy in 2026 as a 10-team tournament, with five full members and five associate members. The board also supported the qualification pathway for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2028, to be hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board, with India’s matches being played at neutral venues.

For Associate Members, the ICC approved plans to establish a global qualifier for a future men’s T20 World Cup and tasked management with finalizing the structure for a 16-team qualifying tournament.

The Board also reviewed governance matters in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. ICC representatives are scheduled to visit Bangladesh to engage with stakeholders regarding the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s electoral process, while ICC vice-presidents Imran Khawaja and Devjit Saikia have already met stakeholders to assess developments in Sri Lanka.

The ICC also expressed concern over the growing influence of franchise cricket and agreed to set up a committee to examine how franchise leagues could be better aligned with the international calendar.

ICC President Jay Shah said the discussions in Ahmedabad reflected the governing body’s commitment to governance, administration and the global development of the game.

Shah said, “Our discussions in Ahmedabad have reinforced the ICC’s commitment to governance, governance and the development of cricket globally. From women’s cricket and emerging nations to the management of franchise competitions, today’s discussions and decisions are aimed at ensuring that cricket remains fair, competitive and exciting for fans around the world.”

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New Delhi: Gujarat Titans suffered defeat in the IPL 2026 final as they failed to cross the last hurdle despite entering the title clash as one of the most consistent teams of the tournament. Playing the final at their home ground, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where they had already played seven matches during the season, GT could not take advantage of the familiar conditions and fell against Royal Challengers Bangalore.Despite the disappointment, Gujarat Titans once again cemented their reputation as one of the most successful IPL franchises. Since making their debut in 2022, GT has reached three finals in five seasons and won the title in their maiden campaign under Hardik Pandya. GT entered IPL 2026 as one of the favorites but got off to a poor start, losing their first two matches against Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals. However, they soon regained their rhythm and emerged as one of the dominant sides in the competition.The Titans won 9 of their 14 league-stage matches and secured a direct berth in Qualifier 1. Their campaign included emphatic wins, including defeating Rajasthan Royals by 77 runs, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 82 runs and defeating Chennai Super Kings by 89 runs. The batting unit consistently posted big scores, while the bowling attack led by Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, Rashid Khan and Jason Holder performed well throughout the season.Although GT suffered a crushing 92-run defeat to RCB in Qualifier 1, they made a spectacular comeback. Chasing 215 against Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2, they produced one of the finest playoff performances of the season to reach the final.However, the title clash remained one-sided. Apart from Washington Sundar’s unbeaten half-century, GT’s batting unit failed to perform aggressively. They could only score 155/8, but RCB easily achieved the target with five wickets to spare.

GT in IPL 2026

Sai Sudarshan, Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler: the driving forceA major reason behind the success of Gujarat Titans was the exceptional performance of their top-order trio – Shubman Gill, Sai Sudarshan and Jos Buttler.Captain Gill led from the front and became the second-highest run-scorer in IPL 2026 with 732 runs in 16 matches. He had an average of 45.75, a strike rate of 163.02 and one century and six fifties.Sai Sudarshan was equally impressive, scoring 722 runs in 17 matches at an average of 45.12 and a strike rate of 157.98. He recorded one century and eight half-centuries, the most by any batsman in the tournament, while also topping the fours chart with 75 fours.England star Jos Buttler added more aggression with 526 runs in 17 matches at a strike rate of 152.46, including four half-centuries. Gill, Sudarshan and Buttler together scored 1,980 runs and formed the backbone of GT’s batting line-up.Jason Holder’s influenceWest Indies all-rounder Jason Holder proved to be one of GT’s most valuable acquisitions. His height and ability to generate bounce troubled opposition batsmen throughout the season.Holder took 17 wickets in just 11 matches and made regular breaks in the middle overs. He displayed exceptional play in the field and took several spectacular catches, which helped turn the game in Gujarat’s favour.Rabada and Siraj are in command of the bowlingKagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj formed one of the most effective new-ball partnerships in IPL 2026.Siraj’s ability to score runs and apply pressure perfectly complemented Rabada’s wicket-taking threat. Both delivered consistent early successes and played a significant role in the GT’s success.Rabada finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 29 wickets in 17 matches and won the Purple Cap. Siraj also enjoyed a stellar season and took 19 wickets in 17 matches.Bad start, strong comebackGT’s campaign started disastrously with consecutive defeats against Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals. However, they quickly turned things around and won three consecutive matches.Despite some setbacks in the middle stage of the tournament, Gujarat found consistency when it mattered most. Six wins in their last seven league matches ensured a top two finish and a place in Qualifier 1.Although they faltered against RCB in Qualifier 1, they responded brilliantly by defeating Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 and eventually lost the final by five wickets.

What’s next for Gujarat Titans?Although reaching three finals in five seasons is a remarkable achievement, going forward Gujarat Titans may need to address their middle-order concerns.The franchise relied heavily on Gill, Sudarshan and Buttler throughout the season. The middle-order comprising Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar and Nishant Sindhu struggled for consistency and often failed to provide the required finishing punch.If GT can strengthen the field while maintaining the core that has made them one of the most successful IPL teams, they will remain strong title contenders in 2027.

Marcelo Bielsa has made the biggest selection decision of Uruguay’s FIFA World Cup campaign by leaving out veteran striker Luis Suarez from his final 26-man squad. The former Barcelona and Liverpool forward, Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer, was one of the notable omissions when Bielsa unveiled his squad on Sunday.

While Suarez missed out on a place in the tournament, midfield star Federico Valverde and striker Darwin Nunez are leading a young team that reflects Bielsa’s long-term vision for the national team.

39-year-old Suarez had not completely closed the chapter of his international career Despite announcing his retirement from Uruguayan duty. The experienced forward recently suggested that he would be open to a comeback if the national team requires his services during the World Cup.

However, Bielsa opted to recall the striker, who has been absent from the international setup for almost 20 months. The decision comes months after Suarez publicly criticized the Argentina coach’s management style, which he claimed had created divisions within the dressing room.

Suárez said earlier this year, “I retired from the national team to make room for other players, and because I felt the moment had come when I could no longer be useful to the team. But if they need me, I will never refuse the national team. As long as I’m playing, as long as I’m active, that’s impossible.”

Relations between player and coach appeared strained after Suárez accused Bielsa of creating a difficult atmosphere within the team. Although the former striker later said he had apologized for those comments, it was not enough to convince Bielsa to include him in his World Cup plans.

Suarez’s omission was not the only major talking point From the squad announcement. Nahitan Nandez, another experienced international who featured regularly during the qualification campaign, was also ruled out as Bielsa continued his transition towards a young core.

Bielsa backs youth for World Cup

The team selection underlines Bielsa’s commitment to building a team around players rather than relying on experienced veterans. Uruguay’s defensive foundation will be led by Ronald Araújo, José María Jiménez and Mathias Oliveira, who will provide a mix of leadership and physicality at the back.

Bielsa has in midfield Put their trust in a dynamic group featuring Federico ValverdeRodrigo Bentancur, Manuel Ugarte and Nicolás de la Cruz. This quartet epitomizes the high-intensity pressing style and tireless work rate that has become the hallmark of Bielsa’s teams throughout his managerial career.

The attack will be led by Darwin Núñez, who remains the primary goal-scoring threat for Uruguay despite a difficult club season. The striker has not featured for Al-Hilal since February after the Saudi Pro League side shuffled their foreign player registration following the arrival of Karim Benzema.

Despite concerns over his lack of recent game time, Bielsa remains confident in Núñez’s ability to lead on football’s biggest stage.

Uruguay have been drawn in Group H and will open their World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia on June 15. They will then face Cape Verde in what is expected to be their toughest test before concluding the group stage against Spain.

With Suarez absent and a new generation taking center stage, Bielsa’s Uruguay are heading into the tournament hoping their youthful energy can compensate for the loss of one of the country’s greatest footballers.

Uruguay squad for the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers: Sergio Rochet, Fernando Muslera, Santiago Mele

Defenders: Guillermo Varela, Ronald Araújo, Jose Maria Jimenez, Santiago Bueno, Sebastian Casares, Mathias Oliveira, Joaquin Piquerrez, Matias Viana.

Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte, Emiliano Martínez, Rodrigo Bentancur, Federico Valverde, Agustín Canobbio, Juan Manuel Sanabria, Giorgio de Arrascaeta, Nicolás de la Cruz, Rodrigo Zalazar, Facundo Pellistri, Maximiliano Araújo, Brian Rodriguez

Forwards: Rodrigo Aguirre, Federico Vinas, Darwin Nunez

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Virat meets Vaibhav (Image: X)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defend their IPL crown, and win back-to-back titles with no help from anyone else Virat Kohli Sealing the win with a trademark six. As the celebrations began, the most heart-touching moment of the night came when Kohli met 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the teenager who not only broke records this season but also etched his name in IPL history.It was a night that belonged to two of the biggest stars of IPL 2026, one who led his team to glory and the other who enthralled the cricket world with a dream season. After RCB’s win, Kohli was seen congratulating Vaibhav, who rocked the awards ceremony by winning the Emerging Player of the Season, Super Striker of the Season, Super Sixer of the Season, Orange Cap and Most Valuable Player awards. Kohli also had a lot to celebrate. The RCB veteran was named the player of the match after his match-winning unbeaten 75 off 42 balls, completing the chase with a six to spark wild celebrations among the Bengaluru faithful.After the presentation ceremony, Kohli and Vaibhav were seen having a light-hearted conversation on the field, which was one of the most memorable images of the season. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore continued their dominance and won back-to-back IPL titles by defeating Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.GT scored 155/8 in their 20 overs, but RCB’s disciplined bowling attack kept the dangerous batting lineup in check. Despite a few late boundaries, Gujarat never managed to build significant partnerships and finished with a lowly score. In reply, RCB chased the target with ease and reached 161/5 in just 18 overs. Virat Kohli started the innings with a brilliant unbeaten 75 off 42 balls and ensured there were no late interruptions. His innings proved decisive as RCB crossed the finish line with two overs to spare and sealed their second consecutive IPL title.

The win further cemented RCB’s position as the team to beat in the tournament, while GT finished as worthy runners-up after an impressive campaign under skipper Shubman Gill.

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Rajat Patidar dedicated the franchise’s second consecutive IPL title to the 11 fans who lost their lives in the stampede during celebrations of the team’s maiden championship win last year.

RCB defended their crown brilliantly Defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Virat Kohli chased the target by playing an unbeaten inning of 75 runs, due to which Bengaluru secured the title by achieving the target of 156 runs in a row.

Speaking after the win, Patidar remembered the supporters who died in the tragedy in Bengaluru a day after RCB’s historic win in 2025.

“We dedicate this trophy to our fans, not really fans, but to the family members who passed away in the tragedy last year,” Patidar said in the post-match press conference.

IPL 2026 final: highlighted | Achievement:

The tribute was in keeping with the franchise’s efforts throughout the season to honor the victims. Before their opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, RCB observed a minute of silence in memory of the 11 supporters who lost their lives in the crowd attack.

Players of both the teams wore black armbands, while the RCB team trained wearing the number 11 jersey. The franchise also announced that 11 seats at the Chinnaswamy Stadium will remain vacant throughout the season as a mark of respect.

The tragedy occurred on June 4, 2025, a day after RCB ended their 18-year wait for the IPL title by defeating Punjab Kings in the final. Thousands of fans gathered outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium for the felicitation ceremony held after the team returned to Bengaluru.

The crowd had exceeded expectations and, struggling to cope with the rush at the entrances, a crush developed outside the venue. Eleven people died and several others were injured, eclipsing what is considered the most famous day in franchise history.

The incident led to intense scrutiny of crowd management and event planning, while cricket activities at the Chinnaswamy Stadium were affected for months.

Virat, Rajat thank RCB’s ’12th Army’

RCB supporters once again made their presence felt in the final on Sunday. Although the match was played at Gujarat Titans’ home ground in Ahmedabad, a large section of the crowd was supporting Bengaluru.

Rajat Patidar and both Virat Kohli pays tribute to the franchise’s loyal fan base After helping RCB win their second consecutive IPL title.

“I always say we don’t have seven home matches. We probably have 14. Wherever we go, our fans are cheering for us and supporting the team. GT might have been the home team tonight, but it felt like 90 percent of the crowd was RCB supporters,” Kohli said.

“It’s something we’ve built up over the years and we just want to make them proud and continue to do our best. Their support has been invaluable. I’m really happy they were able to celebrate with us tonight and see us lift the trophy.”

Patidar echoed those sentiments, dedicating the win to the fans who stood by the franchise through almost two decades of ups and downs.

Patidar said, “This one is for you once again, RCB fans. Ee Saala Nu Cup Namdu.”

A year after tragedy loomed over their maiden IPL win, RCB ensured their supporters remained at the center of the celebrations as they lifted the trophy for the second consecutive season.

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