Team India star opener Ishan Kishan failed to make a cut as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the annual central contract for the 2025-26 season (October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026) on Monday, February 9. The wicketkeeper-batter was ignored despite being part of the ongoing 2026 T20 World Cup.
After making his T20I comeback last month, the 27-year-old emerged as the leading run-getter against New Zealand in the last bilateral T20I series, amassing 215 runs in four innings, including a century.
On the other hand, Sanju Samson was included in Grade C of the annual retainer list. With Samson out of form, Kishan opened alongside Abhishek Sharma against the USA in India’s opening game of the ongoing T20 World Cup.
Advertisement
Fans on X were unhappy as Ishan Kishan failed to make a cut in the 30-member players’ list named in the BCCI’s annual central contract this season. One user wrote:
“Seriously? No Ishan Kishan? Who’s taking such decisions?”
“How Ishan Kishan is not given the Central Contract? He is in our world cup XI & also has avg of 42 in ODIs & definitely gonna be India’s backup opener & wk at 2027 ODI WC. Don’t say, it is given on basis of previous year. He should have been included!”
“Ishan Kishan still without a central contract! Strange.”
Here are a few more reactions:
@Vikas662005 Why No Ishan Kishan is big surprise
@BCCI where is Ishan Kishan?! is this a joke or wt
From the roar of domestic grounds to the grand stages of international cricket, Ishan Kishan has been nothing short of electrifying with both bat and gloves. Yet, in a move that has raised many eyebrows, the BCCI has left him out of its annual contract list.
Advertisement
Ishan Kishan was previously ignored in the 2023-24 central contract, while he was not part of international cricket during 2-24-25 season. The southpaw was included in Grade C during the 2022-23 season. He will next be seen in action as the Men in Blue will face Namibia in their next 2026 T20 World Cup game in Delhi on Thursday, February 12.
BCCI scraps Grade A+ as 30 players included across three grades in annual central contract; Ishan Kishan notable absentee
The BCCI scrapped Grade A+ as 30 players, including three and 11 players, were categorized in Grade A and B, respectively, for the 2025-26 season. India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja were included in Group A. Interestingly, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were demoted to Grade B. Meanwhile, T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav retained his spot in the same grade.
Click here to check out the full list of players retained for the 2025-26 season.
The Duke basketball staff member that was caught up in the court storm at the Dean Smith Center on Saturday night is doing much better, Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer said on Monday.
“I came back in the locker room and I see he’s got a bloody lip and he’s disheveled and he didn’t know what happened,” Scheyer said on Monday. “He got trampled on the floor. That was my main concern after the game and that’s why I said what I said.”
While it’s unclear who the staff member is, Scheyer said he was the only person injured in the chaos. And, now days later, he is doing fine.
“It was not a good situation,” Scheyer said. “But he’s doing better, he’s fine. Ready to move on. I don’t have anything more to say other than, that was a very unsafe situation for him, our staff, our families, our players.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
There were actually two court storms on Saturday, one with 0.4 seconds left on the clock and then another after officials cleared the court and finished out the game.
The ACC fined North Carolina $50,000 for the court storm on Sunday, as it was a violation of the league’s “event security policy.”
“Obviously if somebody got injured, that’s just really, really disappointing,” Cunningham said. “We’ll do the best we can to make sure that doesn’t happen, but again, my apologies to Duke for that.”
“I don’t have any issue with court storming,” he said. “Just shouldn’t have people getting punched in the face. Shouldn’t put our players in position where they’re face-to-face with people who can do anything at that time. It just takes one reaction. Even today, I had to push people away just to try to protect our players.”
The win for North Carolina marked its largest comeback victory over Duke in the last 25 years. It snapped a 10-game win streak for the Blue Devils, and moved the Tar Heels up three spots in the latest Associated Press poll on Monday.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Duke and North Carolina will square off again on March 7 in the last game of the regular season, this time at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
“I’m a big boy, we can take losing,” Scheyer said on Monday. “Great college game, Carolina played great.”
Blonde Star pulled off a major boilover in the Hobart Cup (2400m) during the 2026 carnival, gifting trainer Imogen Miller and jockey Erica Byrne Burke their breakthrough Group 3 conquest.
At $31 into the race, the Starcraft-sired mare outlasted the punters’ choice in an agonizing photo finish, eclipsing the Elwick course record over 2400m.
Consequently, the Hobart Cup stays Tasmanian-owned for the first time post-Toorak Affair’s 2020 success.
Notable setbacks emerged after her prior engagement, heightening the joy of this Miller victory.
Advertisement
“We knew she’d run well today. Things didn’t really go our way at Devonport, so it’s probably been unlucky there,” she said.
“I thought her run was good last start, but maybe she wasn’t at her best, and she pulled up and had a few little niggling issues in between runs, so really very happy obviously with her today.
“She’s a ripping little horse and she’s a beautiful horse to have around. She tries hard, she’s consistent. I mean, can’t really fault her. We all love her.”
Partner to Miller and ex-rider Brendon McCoul chipped in: “This last week, since her last run, we’ve been really, really happy with her. I said to the owners before the race, we’re a lot more confident with her leading into this.”
Advertisement
“It’s obviously a tougher race than last start here, but we were much happier with her leading into this race. Very confident she’d run well and ecstatic to get the win.”
Barrier five saw Byrne Burke positioned three-wide covered early on.
With 800m remaining, the Ireland native pushed hard, confining the foe as they cornered from the back straight, the five-year-old surging wider on the turn.
Poised to pounce entering the straight, she scrapped tenaciously, with Ziryab and Taramansour battling valiantly on both sides of the mare.
Advertisement
Blonde Star dead-heated the favourite Ziryab at the wire, requiring extended deliberation from officials before number nine was upheld.
Erica Byrne Burke was thrilled beyond measure.
“I’m in disbelief. I didn’t believe it until I came back and saw the number and everyone’s cheering, but, yeah, I can’t believe it,” she said.
“She was so good. I can probably say now I gave it a bad ride. I wanted to do this for Brendon and (Imogen), and all the owners, it’s just great.
Advertisement
“I was just saying in my head, just don’t hit the front too soon. It’s a long way from home. But, God, she was gutsy.
“To win a Hobart Cup, it doesn’t really feel real. For Brendon and Imogen to keep me on his horse, they’ve been very good and great supporters. I’m kind of lost for words, really. It’s just brilliant.”
India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav waits for third umpire’s decision for his wicket during the fourth T20 cricket match between India and New Zealand in Visakhapatnam, India, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
NEW DELHI: The standoff is over. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a U-turn on its boycott of the February 15 T20 World Cup match against India.The Pakistan government on Monday has cleared the national team to play India in the T20 World Cup, directing it to honour the scheduled match against India.
T20 World Cup | ‘Our flight is booked and we are going’ – Suryakumar Yadav on Pakistan’s boycott
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The reversal came after the ICC flagged to the PCB the possible financial implications of invoking the Force Majeure clause to justify a last-minute pullout from the India match following government instructions. The clause, cited by the PCB, applies to unforeseeable circumstances that prevent a party from fulfilling its contractual obligations.“The Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shehbaz Sharif has been formally briefed by the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, regarding the outcomes of high-level deliberations held between the PCB, representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB),” read the statement from Government of Pakistan. “The Government of Pakistan has reviewed the formal requests extended to the PCB by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, as well as the supporting communications from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and other member nations. These correspondences sought Pakistan’s leadership in securing a viable solution to recent challenges.“The Government further noted the statement by BCB President, Mr. Amin ul Islam. The profound gratitude expressed by our brotherly nation is received with great warmth. Pakistan reaffirms that it stands shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh.“This evening, the Prime Minister held a telephone call with H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka. During their warm and friendly conversation, they recalled that Pakistan and Sri Lanka had always stood shoulder to shoulder, especially during challenging times. The Sri Lankan President requested the Prime Minister to accord serious consideration to amicably resolve the current impasse.“In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. “Moreover, this decision has been taken with the aim of protecting the spirit of cricket, and to support the continuity of this global sport in all participating nations.“The Prime Minister and the people of Pakistan extend their best wishes to the “Men in Green.” We remain confident that our team will carry the spirit of sportsmanship and national pride onto the field as they compete for global glory.”Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said its engagement with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was aimed at reinforcing unity, integrity and respect for participation commitments to ensure the smooth conduct of the T20 World Cup. It also reaffirmed long-term support for Bangladesh cricket, stressing that the team’s absence from the 2026 event will not impact the sport’s growth in the country.
Poll
Do you believe the PCB was right to reverse their boycott decision?
Advertisement
“The dialogue between ICC and PCB took place as part of a broader engagement with both parties recognising the need for constructive dealings and being united, committed and purposeful in their aspirations to serve the best interests of the game with integrity, neutrality and cooperation,” ICC said in a statement. “In that prevailing spirit, it was agreed that all members will respect their commitments as per the terms of participation for ICC events and do all that is necessary to ensure that the ongoing edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is a success.“With respect to Bangladesh, the ICC reiterated its continued facilitation of growth in one of cricket’s most vibrant markets, with more than 200 million passionate fans to ensure that the national team’s non-participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 does not have any long-term effects on cricket in the country.”
Manchester City produced an incredible comeback to beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield and move back to within six points of Premier League leaders Arsenal
16:40, 09 Feb 2026Updated 17:47, 09 Feb 2026
After the full-time whistle at Anfield on Sunday, Bernardo Silva insisted the mood in the camp was clear before kick off: if City lost against Liverpool and allowed the gap to Arsenal to stretch to nine points, the Premier League title race would be over.
Advertisement
When Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring in the 74th minute, that concern could become a reality. However, a sensational 30 minutes of football followed which turned the tables on both the game and potentially the race for Premier League glory.
Now the dust has settled on a rollercoaster match at Anfield, MEN Sport has taken a look at five key moments which settled the game in City’s favour against Liverpool and ensured the three points would be returning back to the Etihad Stadium. From a style tweak to two key players, this is what we spotted.
Erling Haaland has been playing for City long enough now for fans to realise what he does and does not bring to the table. He is not a relentless pressing machine who will run for the full 90 minutes and rush the centre-backs throughout.
Advertisement
But, when he gets a sniff of an opportunity inside the box or in shooting range, there is arguably nobody else you want over the ball. However, the Norwegian showed a different side to his game in the final half hour of the contest as he made two key contributions for his team – beyond scoring the winning penalty.
First, he offered an outlet as Matheus Nunes played a ball forward, linking up the play to relieve some of the pressure City were feeling immediately after conceding. His next contribution saw him peel off his marker to flick the ball on for Bernardo to equalise.
It was evidence once again, if needed, that if City can get Haaland involved, even when he is not scoring, he is incredibly useful to his teammates.
Advertisement
Change in style
Shortly after equalising, Pep Guardiola could be seen barking instructions to Gianluigi Donnarumma to play the ball long towards Haaland. This was no surprise considering the hold up play the striker showcased moments earlier.
But it was more proof that Guardiola has the flexibility which his critics believe he lacks. Guardiola showed on Sunday he is more than willing to adopt different styles to get the job done. Going route one is perhaps not his preferred method but in this scenario it was the best way to get the win.
Formation shift
With the scores level, City moved to a 4-1-3-2 formation which would ultimately pay dividends. Antoine Semenyo joined Haaland in the forward line to help create more options at the top of the pitch.
When City managed to get the penalty for the winner, they were the team playing more positively with Liverpool dropping deep while the Blues risked players in the final third. As Semenyo and Haaland occupied the centre-backs, City spread play out wide.
Advertisement
Nunes’ perfectly timed run allowed Bernardo to produce a wonderful weighted pass, teasing Alisson to commit and ultimately bring down the full-back for the penalty.
Managing the tempo
When the tempo is higher, City look a much better side but in the final moments, after a gruelling game up to that point, they were unable to play at a high intensity continuously. What was impressive was how City managed to switch between slow and faster play as they ultimately turned the game on its head.
Buy Carabao Cup Final VIP tickets
Advertisement
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
The Carabao Cup Final will see Arsenal v Manchester City at London’s Wembley Stadium this March.
In the build-up to the equaliser and then the awarding of the penalty, City went from quite slow, casual passing to fast paced movement which caused Liverpool too many problems for them to deal with. This is a credit to the fitness of this group of players as there was only one team with the legs to be positive.
Donnarumma
With the advantage, City reverted to a defensive formation as they looked to see out the game. Semenyo came off for Nathan Ake which signified the Blues’ intentions.
Advertisement
But the decision to bring in Donnarumma this summer was justified in the final moments at Anfield. It was not just his world class stop to deny Alexis Mac Allister which meant he deserved the plaudits at the end, it was his overall authority in goal that impressed.
He commanded his area superbly, smothered the ball when low crosses were played into the box and produced a vital punch to clear an in-swinging corner soon after the Mac Allister save. City have arguably the best goalkeeper in the world and the performance from him after his team went 2-1 up ultimately kept the title race alive.
Games Torch for the 2nd Niger Delta Games began its journey to Benin, Edo State on Monday, February 9 in Calabar, Cross River State.
The Torch, which is the symbol of the Games will pass through the capitals of all nine participating states that make up the Niger Delta region.
In Calabar, the Torch bearer, Patience Okon George led some Sports Commission officials and athletes from the U.J Esuene Stadium to the Governor’s office where they were officially received by the state’s Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey and Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, the Chairman of Dunamis-Icon Limited, organisers of the games.
Advertisement
A colourful procession which included young men and women dressed in the famous Calabar Carnival costumes. They danced to local Efik tunes belted from loud speakers mounted on trucks.
Odey, who stood in for Governor Bassey Otu, assured the state athletes that they would be adequately provided with equipment and welfare support to excel at the games, charging them to compete fairly to win in all the sports.
Ikpokpo commended the State Liaison Committee members for organising an entertaining Torch Tour and encouraged other states to design their own unique tour event.
Advertisement
According to a roaster released by organisers of the games, Akwa Ibom State is the next stop for the Torch on February 10. It will then proceed to Abia on the 11th, Imo on 12th March and Rivers State on February 13.
Bayelsa will host the Games Torch on February 14, while Delta State would receive it on February 16, from where it proceeds to Ondo on the 18th.
The Games Torch would light the cauldron at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium to symbolise the start of the Games on the opening day and would on the last day, be handed over to the next host state.
The Niger Delta Games is organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Lindsey Vonn’s father has declared that the American superstar will no longer race after breaking her leg at the Winter Olympics.
“She’s 41 years old and this is the end of her career,” Alan Kildow told The Associated Press. “There will be no more ski races for Lindsey Vonn, as long as I have anything to say about it.”
Kildow and the rest of Vonn’s family – including her brother and two sisters – have been with Vonn while she is being treated at a hospital in Treviso following her fall and helicopter evacuation from the course in Cortina Sunday.
The hospital released a statement late Sunday, saying Vonn had undergone surgery on her left leg, and the U.S. Ski Team said she was in stable condition. There have not been other updates since.
Kildow declined to comment on details of Vonn’s injuries, but he did address how she was doing emotionally.
Advertisement
Vonn, seen with her father in 2015, underwent surgery after the crash and was said to be stable (AP)
“She’s a very strong individual,” Kildow said. “She knows physical pain and she understands the circumstances that she finds herself in. And she’s able to handle it. Better than I expected. She’s a very, very strong person. And so I think she’s handling it real well.”
Kildow — a former ski racer himself who taught his daughter to race — said he slept in his daughter’s hospital room overnight.
“She has somebody with her — or multiple people with her — at all times,” Kildow said. “We’ll have people here as long as she’s here.”
Kildow and the rest of Vonn’s family watched the crash from the finish area with all of the other spectators.
“First, the shock and the horror of the whole thing, seeing a crash like that,” Kildow said of what he felt watching the scene unfold.
Advertisement
“It can be dramatic and traumatic. You’re just horrified at what those kinds of impacts have.
“You can go into a shock an emotional psychological shock,” he added.
“Because it’s difficult to just accept what’s happened. But she’s well cared for. … And the USOC and the U.S. Ski team have a very, very top-notch doctor with her and she is being very well cared for here in Italy.”
Pakistan has agreed to play against India in the Twenty20 World Cup match, the country’s government has said.
This reverses an earlier decision to boycott the cricket clash against its old rival, which had been cited due to geopolitical tensions.
The game is scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka on February 15.
It comes after the Bangladesh Cricket Board urged Pakistan to reverse its boycott following a meeting in Lahore with the ICC and Pakistan Cricket Board.
Pakistan’s boycott of the match in Colombo stems from the ICC replacing Bangladesh with Scotland after Bangladesh refused to travel to co-hosts India.
Advertisement
The ICC confirmed it would not penalise Bangladesh for their refusal to play in India, also announcing Bangladesh would host an ICC event prior to the 2031 50-over World Cup, co-hosted by India and Bangladesh.
BCB president Mohammad Aminul Islam said: “We are deeply moved by Pakistan’s efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period … I request Pakistan to play the game on 15 February against India for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem.”
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed his team would travel to Colombo for Sunday’s match regardless of Pakistan’s decision.
Holders Hull KR will visit fellow Super League side Huddersfield Giants in round four of the Challenge Cup.
Wakefield Trinity host Leeds Rhinos in a West Yorkshire derby while St Helens visit Castleford Tigers.
Championship side Oldham will take a trip to Perpignan to face Catalans Dragons and Leigh Leopards face Hull FC.
Meanwhile the lowest ranked side still in the competition, Goole Vikings, have a home tie against Warrington Wolves with all 14 Super League clubs still in the competition.
Advertisement
The ties will take place on the weekend of 14-15 March with the specific dates yet to be decided.
The final will be held at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, 30 May.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez fired back at boxer Jake Paul on Monday after the fighter called Bad Bunny a “fake American citizen” and vowed to boycott the Super Bowl LX halftime show.
Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., was among those fawning over the Grammy Award-winning artist’s act during a game that saw the Seattle Seahawks take home their second Super Bowl title in a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks to reporters at Newark Liberty International Airport on June 21, 2025.(Michael Karas/NorthJersey.com/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
“A ‘fake American citizen?’ Didn’t you MOVE to Puerto Rico to avoid paying your taxes while kids across America go hungry?” the congresswoman wrote on X.
“Meanwhile Benito actually funds low income kids’ access to arts and sports programs, while you defund them. Of course you’re mad. He makes you look small.”
Paul later clarified that he was rebuking Bad Bunny because of his stance against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations despite being an American citizen.
Jake Paul fights Anthony Joshua in their heavyweight bout at Kaseya Center on Dec. 19, 2025, in Miami, Florida.(Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Netflix)
“To clarify: I wasn’t calling anyone a ‘fake citizen’ because they’re from Puerto Rico. I live in Puerto Rico, and I love Puerto Rico. I have used my platform to support Puerto Rico time and time again and will always do so,” Paul wrote on X. “But if you’re publicly criticizing ICE who are doing their job and openly hating on America, I’m going to speak on it. Period. That’s the same reason I called out Hunter Hess.
“If you benefit from a country and the platform it gives you, but publicly disrespect it at the same time, that’s what I mean by being a fake citizen. And I agree love is more powerful than hate. Love America.”
Bad Bunny prominently spoke out against ICE when he received his Grammy Award for Album of the Year earlier this month.
Bad Bunny performs during halftime of Super Bowl LX, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, California.(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Travis Kelce’s retirement rumors have once again been fueled since the end of the 2026 NFL season. In 2025, too, it was rumored that the TE was considering leaving the league after the Kansas City Chiefs failed to make history after their loss in Super Bowl LIX. Later, he responded to the allegations and revealed his decision to stay for at least one more season.
This year, the rumors resurfaced again following the announcement of his increased involvement in golf. According to recent announcements, Travis Kelce will headline the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and tee off on the field. The tournament has a history of celebrity and amateur golfers matching up with pros for the first two rounds, but this season’s event is focusing more on the professional side of the game, thus there aren’t many celebs scheduled.
Advertisement
Thanks for the submission!
Until February 9, Travis Kelce is the sole celebrity confirmed to attend the event, as reported by the Pebble Beach Pro-Am’s Instagram page. The caption on this post said,
Advertisement
“Keeping it 100 at the @attproam. Special guest @killatrav officially joins the field next Thursday and Friday at Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill.”
Kelce’s participation in this tournament has fueled speculation that if he decides to retire from football, he may be able to play golf more frequently. His contract with the Chiefs was for two years and valued at $34.25 million. This deal expires at the end of the 2026 season, and Kelce will be eligible for free agency starting from this March.
Aside from all of these considerations, Travis Kelce was also present at the WM Phoenix Open, where he swung one of the top shots on the course. Interestingly, before his involvement in this tournament, he also had an important conversation with his fiancée.
Taylor Swift gives Travis Kelce some critical advice concerning the WM Phoenix Open
Syndication: Arizona Republic – Source: Imagn
Travis Kelce was present at the TPC Scottsdale, which hosted the 2026 WM Phoenix Open. He was participating in a pro-am event and made a great shot on the par-3 hole 16. This hole is regarded as one of the most difficult due to the buildup of pressure caused by the course being surrounded by fans. Interestingly, Kelce’s tee ball landed only a few shots from the hole. The Golf Channel’s X page reported on this with the caption,
“TRAVIS KELCE WITH AN ABSOLUTE DART ON THE 16TH. 🔥🎯 The 3x Super Bowl champ sticks it to within a few feet and wins the gold WM chain!”
Following this shot, the TE added that his fiancee Taylor Swift, offered him some critical advice before the event to enjoy. Kelce discussed it in an interview, and according to Newsweek, he stated:
“Just go and have fun, sweetie. That’s the only advice she can give on a day like today.”
For his impressive shot, Kelce also received the WM Phoenix Open’s iconic golf chain.
