Sport

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has picked his preferred Sunrisers Hyderabad playing XI for their IPL 2026 opener against RCB, backing Eshan Malinga as Pat Cummins’ replacement and urging the team to bat Nitish Kumar Reddy at No. 5.

The Andhra Pradesh women’s team won the 7th IDCA Women’s T10 National Cricket Championship for the Deaf, defeating Delhi by five runs in the final in Gurugram. D Kanthamma starred with multiple awards, including Player of the Series.

Director Anil Ravipudi will reunite with Venkatesh for their fifth film, which will also star Nandamuri Kalyan Ram. Produced by Shine Screens, the big-budget family entertainer is slated for a worldwide Sankranthi release next year.

Bangladesh has lifted restrictions on telecasting the IPL, with Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan saying sports should not be mixed with politics. Broadcasters are free to apply to air the tournament as the government adopts a commercial approach.

Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni will miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026 after sustaining a calf strain. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter is undergoing rehabilitation, forcing CSK to rely on Sanju Samson behind the stumps in the opening matches.

Former HCA secretary T Shesh Narayan has urged corrective steps to prevent misuse of IPL tickets and wasteful expenditure. He alleged irregularities in ticket distribution and catering costs, and called for action against Apex Council members

JioStar has announced an expanded broadcast plan for TATA IPL 2026, featuring over 20 feeds, 12 language options, and more than 150 experts. New features include multi-camera viewing, sign language feeds, and a dedicated watch-along experience with former players

S. Loknath and Lokesh Myaka scored centuries to guide Imperial Cricket Club to a thrilling one-wicket win over Charminar in the HCA B-Division final, successfully chasing 397 in a closely contested two-day league championship match

Navneet Kaur, Hardik Singh and Zafar Iqbal were named Players of the Year at the Hockey India annual awards, while Zafar Iqbal received the lifetime achievement honour. Several players were recognised for milestones and performances across major international tournaments

Sunrisers Hyderabad has announced partnerships with Jindal Stainless as its Official Stainless Partner and Navi UPI as the official payments partner for the upcoming T20 season. The collaborations aim to enhance fan engagement and build stronger connections across audiences

Hyderabad’s Y. Sai Dedeepya and Arthi Muniyan of TN won the women’s doubles title at Ash Tennis Academy, Hyderabad, defeating Saijayani Banerjee and Dhanvi Kale. The duo progressed through semifinals and pre-quarterfinals with strong victories

G. Naishik Reddy of Telangana won the singles title at the Rs 1 lakh AITA tennis tournament in Hyderabad, defeating M. Theertha Shashank. In doubles, Krishna Teja Raja and Pranav Mahesh emerged champions, while Naishik trains under Olympian J. Vishnuvardhan

Chennai Super Kings enter IPL 2026 with a revamped, youth-focused squad led by Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Strong batting and spin depth boost their chances, but concerns over death bowling and inexperience could shape their campaign

Kolkata Knight Riders enter IPL 2026 with a strong spin attack and deep batting lineup but face concerns over their pace unit and team balance. Cameron Green’s role and injury risks could prove decisive in shaping their campaign

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill emphasised consistency and adaptability ahead of IPL 2026, stating the team’s goal is to perform well in all conditions. Coach Ashish Nehra backed the approach as Titans aim for another successful season

India Under-20 men’s team defeated Pakistan 3-0 in the SAFF Championship in Maldives, powered by Punjab FC academy players. Omang Dodum scored a brace as India advanced to the knockout stage and will face Bangladesh next

Telangana shuttler Hasini Reddy clinched the girls’ under-16 singles title at the 10th National Deaf Sub-Junior Badminton Championship in Chandigarh and also secured a bronze medal in mixed doubles with partner Arman.

The BCCI has announced the schedule for the second phase of IPL 2026, with 50 league matches set to be played from April 13 to May 24 across 12 venues in India, starting with Sunrisers Hyderabad facing Rajasthan Royals.

The Telangana government will organise the first Legislators’ Sports Meet on March 28 and 29 at Lal Bahadur Stadium in Hyderabad, bringing together MLAs and MLCs from all parties for sports and cultural programmes to promote fitness and unity.

Registrations for the 15th NMDC Hyderabad Marathon 2026 have opened, with entries available until April 30. The event, organised by Hyderabad Runners Society, will also feature a charity window in May with over 30 NGOs partnering for social causes.

Siddu Nayak’s impressive five-wicket haul for Imperial and B. Hari Krishna’s explosive 148 for LIC were the highlights of Thursday’s HCA League cricket championship matches in Hyderabad, with Vidyuth Soudha and Canara Bank also registering victories.

Siddu Nayak’s five-wicket haul for Imperial and B. Hari Krishna’s 148-run blitz for LIC were the highlights of Thursday’s HCA League cricket championship. Charminar posted 397 in B-Division final, while LIC dominated CCMB in D-Division one-day clash.

Foxtale teams up with cricket star Tilak Varma for its “Play On Till The Sun’s Gone” campaign, promoting Glow Sunscreen as a daily essential. The collaboration merges sports influence with skincare, inspiring youth to adopt sun protection routines.

The Esports Foundation has appointed NODWIN Gaming as India’s National Team Partner for the Esports Nations Cup 2026, a global nation-based esports competition debuting in Riyadh. NODWIN will oversee team formation, grassroots mobilisation and pathways for Indian players.