Both teams will have sights set for the upcoming T20 World Cup itself and will hope to pack a powerful punch in February and try to reach the knockout stages of the oturnament this year as well.

Bangladesh and Afghanistan cricket team

Business Standard

Pakistan begin the year with an overseas tour to Sri Lanka, where they will play three T20Is in Dambulla.

Rohit Sharma started his journey for India in ICC events with the 2007 T20 World Cup, while Kohli debuted at an ICC World Cup in 2011.

India will be playing only four Test matches in 2026, which will be their lowest number of red-ball matches in recent years

Mitchell Owen and Ben Dwarshuis have missed out on a place in the preliminary squad for the T20 World Cup.

The excitement begins with the continuation of Europe's top football leagues, where some of the world's best clubs and players will battle it out for domestic glory.

Football 2026 calendar

From the Grand Slams to ATP and WTA 1000 events, and team competitions, the 2026 Tennis calendar is packed with exciting action.

Tennis 2026 calendar

Kylian Mbappe topped the scoring list in 2025 with 39 goals across competitions for Real Madrid

Mbappe and Haaland (L-R)

Kyrgios faced some early resistance but eventually walked away with an easy 6-3, 6-3 win

Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka after the match

Landmark wins, uneasy moments and defining exits shaped the sporting year

Women' cricket world cup

The concept of inter-gender matches began with Bobby Riggs taking on Margaret Court in 1973, even before the first-ever Battle of the Sexes match

The iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ tennis match is set to return later this year

The iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes' tennis match is set to return later this year

The Battle of the Sexes 2025 exhibition will feature a modified format to create a more competitive contest. Unlike the traditional two-serve system, both players will have only one serve per point

Battle of the Sexes 2025

The live telecast of the Battle of Sexes 2025 match between Sabalenka and Kyrgios will be available on Sony Sports Network in India

Battle of Sexes 2025 all you need to know

Sources close to the process indicate that AIFF wants to bring stability and uniformity to league operations while strengthening the competitive ecosystem

Indian Super League

Mohamed Salah scored again for Egypt's 10 men as his team reached the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage, while host Morocco was forced to wait as VAR provided the main talking point on Friday.
Morocco was held 1-1 by Mali in the late Group A game with both teams awarded penalties following VAR decisions. Earlier, Egypt held on to beat South Africa 1-0 and was grateful that another spot kick wasn't given.
Salah, who secured the Pharaohs' opening win with a stoppage-time strike against Zimbabwe on Monday, did it again in Agadir and his penalty before the break secured progression from Group B.
South Africa should arguably have been given a penalty in stoppage time when Yasser Ibrahim blocked a shot with his arm. After a long delay, the referee decided against awarding the spot kick after consulting video replays and Ibrahim sank to the ground in relief.
We didn't have much luck. We also had several refereeing decisions go against us, South Africa coach Hugo Broos said.
Salah ...

Salah Egypt

Morocco was held 1-1 by Mali in the late Group A game, with both teams awarded penalties following VAR decisions

Press Trust of India

Patrick Dorgu scored his first goal for Manchester United as his team defeated Newcastle 1-0 in a pulsating Premier League match on Friday.
The 21-year-old Dorgu smashed in a left-foot volley from 15 meters midway through the first half to give United its first home win in four Premier League games, and lift the club above Liverpool into fifth place.
But reigning champion Liverpool is at home to bottom club Wolves on Saturday.
It was a good hit. I didn't know I could do that," a delighted Dorgu said.
United was without talismanic captain Bruno Fernandes while several other first-team players were missing due to injury or Africa Cup of Nations duty.
The new-look side also lined up in an unusual back-four formation but it was a match for Newcastle in an even first half most notable for Dorgu's fine strike, his first in 38 appearances in a red jersey.
United was hampered by the half-time withdrawal of Mason Mount due to injury and Newcastle dominated the early moments of the second 

Manchester United

The 21-year-old Dorgu smashed in a left-foot volley from 15 meters midway through the first half to give United its first home win in four Premier League games

The disagreement stemmed from the expiry of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between AIFF and its former commercial partner

Mitchell Starc finished as the top wicket-taker of 2025 after he took 55 wickets in 22 Test innings across 11 matches. His best figures were 7/58, averaging 17.32

Siraj and Starc (L-R)

Varun Chakravarthy took 36 wickets in 18 T20I innings across 20 matches for India

top wicket-takers in T20Is in 2025

Matt Henry took 31 wickets in 13 ODI innings in 2025, playing 13 matches. His best bowling in an innings was 5/42, averaging 18.58

top wicket-takers in ODIs in 2025

The 2026 T20 World Cup will feature twenty teams competing in four groups of five teams each

ICC T20 World Cup 2026

The partnership was formally unveiled at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in the presence of senior leadership from both organisations

The partnership was formally unveiled at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad

The deal covers all major men's and women's ICC tournaments from 2026 to 2027, kicking off with the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

ICC and AB InBev brand collaboration

Birla Estates' partnership with the Gujarat Titans reflects the company's focus on connecting with India's youth and fostering shared experiences beyond real estate.

Gujarat Titans

Months after RCB's first IPL crown, Diageo plans to sell both the men's and women's teams. Strategic reasons, valuation, and timeline explained.

Virat Kohli, RCB

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