A measured English daily covering India and the wider world.
The ICC has replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the men’s T20 World Cup scheduled next month after Bangladesh declined to travel to India for the tournament. The late change underlines how geopolitical and administrative constraints can reshape sporting line-ups at short notice.
India’s cricket icons Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur are set to receive the Padma Shri, recognising sustained sporting excellence and their impact on the game across formats. The announcement adds to the national spotlight on the 2026 Padma honours, with fans and former players praising the recognition for two leaders who have shaped modern Indian cricket.
Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma and women’s cricket leader Harmanpreet Kaur are set to receive the Padma Shri, recognising their contributions and sustained excellence that helped shape Indian cricket across eras and formats.
Indian hockey midfielder Manpreet Singh is closing in on the national record for most international appearances. With 411 matches, he needs two more to surpass Dilip Tirkey’s 412 caps. However, reports suggest uncertainty over his selection for upcoming Pro League fixtures in Rourkela, turning what should be a celebratory moment into a debate about age, form and team planning.
India’s top-tier football competition, the Indian Super League (ISL), is slated to kick off on 14 February, according to the sports minister. The upcoming season will have 91 matches across 14 teams, while the I-League will be shorter as stakeholders work through commercial and scheduling challenges.
The Indian Olympic Association has issued an advisory asking national federations and state/UT Olympic bodies to amend constitutions and bye-laws to conform with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, giving a six-month deadline and warning of implications for non-compliance.
The Indian Olympic Association has advised national sports federations and state/UT Olympic bodies to update their bye-laws and constitutions to comply with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, a step that could reshape sports administration across India.