Sport

Co-owner Steve Waugh revealed that the Amsterdam Flames deliberately prioritized versatile all-rounders over specialized batting depth in the inaugural ETPL 2026 draft. Waugh expressed complete confidence in the squad's balance, anchored by stars like Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith

Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has backed Portugal to defeat Croatia in their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash in Toronto, asserting that despite a mixed group stage, Ronaldo's side possesses the elite quality to emerge as true contenders

Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has backed Sanju Samson to get an extended run in India's T20I top order against England. Pujara also praised stand-in captain Shreyas Iyer’s brilliant 68-run knock in the rain-hit Durham opener

Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel backed India’s aggressive batting display in the rain-abandoned first T20I against England in Durham. Patel noted India's total of 189 for seven was highly defendable, praising opener Abhishek Sharma’s explosive half-century

New Zealand fast bowler Ben Sears has been ruled out of the upcoming five-match ODI series against the West Indies due to an ongoing ankle injury. Left-arm seamer Ben Lister has been named as his replacement in the squad

Praggnanandhaa finished Day 1 of the Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia in joint second place with four points after a win and two draws, while world champion Gukesh was tied for sixth with three points. Alireza Firouzja led the standings with five points.

USA defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to advance to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Goals from Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman secured victory despite Balogun's second-half red card, setting up a last-16 clash with Belgium.

India’s R Praggnanandhaa claimed joint second place on day one of the Grand Chess Tour's rapid section in Zagreb, kicking off with a 26-move masterclass win over top seed Vincent Keymer. Alireza Firouzja emerged as the sole leader

India's Dhyan Santosh upset sixth seed Punnatat Prempunpong in straight games at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships. While Tanvi Patri and Dev Ruparelia secured opening-round victories, it was a mixed day overall for the Indian contingent in Yatsushiro

Novak Djokovic produced a dominant display to defeat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 and reach the third round of Wimbledon. The Serbian extended his winning streak over the Greek to 11 matches with a near-flawless performance lasting just 98 minutes.

Rain washed out the opening T20I between India and England after India posted 189/7, powered by half-centuries from Shreyas Iyer and Abhishek Sharma. Shivam Dube added an unbeaten 42 before persistent rain prevented England from beginning its chase.

Harry Kane scored twice as England came from behind to defeat Congo DR 2-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32. The victory secured a place in the Round of 16, where Thomas Tuchel's side will face Mexico on July 6.

Skipper Himateja Kodimela struck an unbeaten 80 and G Sai Krishna Reddy added a fluent fifty as Anvita Khammam Aces posted 211 for 2 before defeating Anurag Nalgonda Knights by 34 runs to climb back into the TG20 League playoff spots

Sportslet, founded by Davis Cupper and Asian Games medallist J Vishnu Vardhan, has opened its first physical store in Hyderabad and launched BadmintonOutlet.in. Former All England champion P Gopichand inaugurated the facility at Film Nagar in Jubilee Hills

Hyderabad’s Nayana Sri Talluri dominated the 21st National Short Track Speed Skating Championship in Dehradun, winning three individual golds and a relay bronze. The performance secured her fifth consecutive national title as her family seeks institutional sponsorship

The Boxing Federation of India announced its squad for the U-19 and U-23 Asian Boxing Championships in Jakarta, starting July 3. Reigning Asian Champion Vishvanath Suresh and Futures Cup gold medalist Chandrika Pujari headline the powerful contingent

The Andhra Cricket Association has appointed former state pacer and broadcaster Doddapaneni Kalyan Krishna as its Director of Cricket Operations. Kalyan Krishna will collaborate with head coach Gary Stead to design strategic blueprints for the 2026/27 domestic season

Pune's Aarav Sancheti retained his junior U-19 title at the second Heyball National Championships in Dehradun. Sancheti overcame a fierce comeback from 13-year-old Mohammed Mustafa to win 6-4, securing his fifth national crown of the year

Captain M Abhirath Reddy struck an unbeaten 101 to lead Hyderabad E-Champions to a six-wicket victory over Warangal Warriors in the Sreenidhi University TG20 League. The win kept E-Champions unbeaten after five matches and at the top of the points table

India 'A' are set to rotate their squad for the second unofficial Test against Sri Lanka 'A' in Galle. Young prospects Gurnoor Brar and Manav Suthar are expected to join the playing XI as management tests bench strength

The AIFF conducted its Elite Referee Assessor and Referee Instructor Evaluation Programme in Gwalior to prepare for the 2026-27 football season. Thirty-one participants were assessed on officiating standards, match analysis, communication skills and FIFA and AFC guidelines

Telangana felicitated swimmers Shivani Karra and Vritti Agarwal for their outstanding performances at the Senior National Aquatics Championship in Ahmedabad. Shivani earned selection for the Asian Age Group Swimming Championships, while Vritti won three medals and set a new national record

Former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard has tipped defending champion Jannik Sinner to retain his crown. Despite a grueling five-set first-round scare against Miomir Kecmanovic, Bouchard believes the testing opener will ultimately help the world No. 1 find his rhythm

Unbeaten England faces a resurgent South Africa at The Oval in the second Women's T20 World Cup semi-final. The winner will progress to Lord's to play Australia, with England boosted by the timely return of Nat Sciver-Brunt