Skinner’s counter to the idea his side may have been better advised to drop slightly deeper to prevent Harder making those runs was sound.

“There are two mistakes in there from us,” he said.

“If you get pressure on the ball, you can’t play the long ball. They tried it a few times and played the ball out of play.

“It worked for them tonight but if I stop those two chances, they don’t score.”

It sounds simple. But execution is key at the highest level. If you don’t do that properly, you will get punished.

There are a number of minor details to explain why United came out on the wrong side of a tight result.

One of them is unquestionably squad depth.

Take the case of Japan midfielder Hinata Miyazawa, who played in the final of the Asian Cup in Sydney on Sunday, then travelled back to start for United.

By contrast, Tanikawa, who did not get on the pitch against Australia, started on the bench for Bayern, who were mindful of the effects of jetlag and wanted the midfielder to make an impact, which she did, by setting up Harder, then scoring the winner.

Skinner simply does not have enough players to rotate like that.

It makes the next few days, which feature another Old Trafford outing against Women’s Super League leaders Manchester City on Saturday before the trip to Germany for the second leg with Bayern next Wednesday (17:45 BST), particularly tough.

“We’ve played the most football in Europe this year, and we’ve got a really small squad right now, so it will challenge us,” said Skinner.

“It will take us to the depths. But the carrot is there for us.

“We expect it to be difficult. You can kind of trench your mind into what you must do.

“That’s why my players are at Manchester United. If they didn’t want to do it, they wouldn’t be at this club. They’re going to give it absolutely everything.”

Harry Maguire is confident of agreeing a new deal with Manchester United but the England defender stressed he would not want to stay at the club just for “sentimental” reasons.

The 33-year-old has been an ever-present since Michael Carrick took charge in January, with the centre-back helping the side rise to third in the Premier League and earning an international recall in the process.

Maguire is part of Thomas Tuchel’s final squad before he makes his selection for the World Cup, where his United contract is due to expire midway through the tournament.

But talks are advancing on a new deal, the Press Association understands, and the towering centre-back is ready to stay with the club he joined from Leicester for £80million in 2019.

“I think there’s been talks,” Maguire said. “I think we’ll reach an agreement where it’s best for the club and myself.

“What that agreement is, I’m sure you’ll find out over the next few weeks. But, yeah, I think it’ll get sorted sooner rather than later, whether I stay or leave. But I think it will – it should – get sorted pretty soon.”

Put to him United appears to be in his heart, he said: “Yeah, I love this club. But it’s got to be right for myself, it’s got to be right for the club as well.

“I don’t want to be staying on a sentimental value. I want to be staying because I want to be there and the club want me to drive the club forward still, and they feel like I’ve got a big part to play in it.

“And if that’s the case, then I’m sure we’ll sit down and reach something.”

Maguire joked he has a “long time off” to sort things out following his red card in Friday’s 2-2 draw at Bournemouth – a “bad end to a good day” that saw his England return confirmed.

The defender is full of praise for the work done by United boss Carrick, including the “smooth” transition to a back four from a three that had not worked effectively under Ruben Amorim.

“I don’t really have much bad to say about Ruben,” Maguire said ahead of Friday’s friendly against Uruguay. “I really like Ruben, I think he’s got great ideas. The ideas just didn’t work at Manchester United.

“I do believe he’ll go on and have an amazing career and his next club he’ll probably go and win many, many football matches.

“It just didn’t click or work and I think us as players have got to take a lot of responsibility for that as well.

“But I think he has led the club in a direction – and I do think he deserves a lot of credit for that – where he’s built a good, solid squad.”

Maguire prefers a back four as it allows him to be a more aggressive, front-footed defender, while the formation switch has seen midfielder Kobbie Mainoo return to the fold.

The 20-year-old had until recently looked more likely to head out on loan in January than be gearing up for a shot at a World Cup spot, but he too has returned to the England set-up after 18 months away.

Maguire said of “magnificent” Mainoo, who is also in talks over new terms: “I’m sure there are areas that he wants to improve and he still can improve, because he’s so young, really, for what he’s been through.

“He’s been through a lot in his short career where he’s probably thinking, ‘I need to get out and go and play some games’.

“To be back in with a chance of being at a World Cup is a great turnaround for him.”

The Bangladesh Cricket Board’s newly-appointed chairman of selectors Habibul Bashar says he wants veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan to return to the country and play for at least two more years, including the 2027 ODI World Cup. The 39-year-old Shakib, who was a member of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League party, relocated to the USA after her government was toppled by a violent student uprising in 2024. The interim government barred him from representing the country. But Bashar, who took charge after the formation of a new government earlier this year, took a conciliatory tone towards the veteran.

Bashar said he is being considered for a return but it would not be during the upcoming home white-ball series against New Zealand starting April 17 as time is not enough to plan it out.

“There is not much time left before the New Zealand series and I am not sure how much cricket Shakib has been involved with. From what I know about him, he is not a guy who will come tomorrow and play the day after.

“He needs preparation too. It’s not a place of emotion. Definitely if we are thinking about Shakib, we will think in the long-term,” Bashar was quoted as saying by ‘Cricbuzz’.

Shakib has often expressed a desire to play his last Test on home turf before calling it quits but Bashar said the celebrated cricketer still has at least two more years left in him.

“I don’t think about Shakib coming for a single series and then leaving. If we can get service from him, we will want that he provides that for a long time. In that regard, preparation is very important.

“First things first, he is definitely in the plans. You see there are talks about him in regards to the New Zealand series which is why I want him to come prepared for a longer time. I think he still has two years,” Bashar said.

“I want him for the longer term, at least to have that plan where he can play the 2027 World Cup. So my plans are not for one series,” he added.

Bashar was a part of the national selection committee from 2011 to 2024.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Doma United FC have secured promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League after a 2-0 victory over Mighty Jets FC on Wednesday, sparking wild celebrations among their supporters.

The crucial win at the Pantami Stadium confirmed Doma United as winners of Conference C in the Nigeria National League, sealing their return to the top flight just two years after relegation.

The “Savannah Scorpions” went into the match knowing that victory would guarantee promotion, and they delivered with a composed performance in front of their home fans.

Speaking after the match, head coach Najib Mabo expressed his joy at guiding the team back to the elite division.

“It is a special moment for us. The players showed great commitment and discipline to achieve this goal. We are proud to return Doma United to the NPFL,” he said.

The young coach had earlier described the fixture as emotional due to his strong ties with Mighty Jets, a club closely linked to his late father, Ismaila Mabo.

Despite the emotional challenge, Mabo remained focused on the task, leading his side to a victory that not only secured promotion but also confirmed relegation for the Jos-based club.

Doma United’s success has been built on consistency throughout the season, with a strong home record playing a key role in their campaign.

The result triggered celebrations in Gombe, as fans and players marked a quick return to the NPFL, where the club will compete again next season.

On March 8 fireworks lit up the sky in Ahmedabad as India celebrated a memorable T20 World Cup triumph. Far away in Mumbai, Prithvi Shaw quietly stepped into a new phase of his life. Away from the roaring crowds and national euphoria, the 26-year-old got engaged to his long-time girlfriend Akriti Agarwal. It was a personal milestone which, in many ways, could redefine the trajectory of his cricketing journey.

For Shaw, the timing was critical and symbolic. A few months ago he found himself at a crossroads, unsure about what was next. Over the past couple of years, his career had drifted from the promise that once made him one of India’s brightest young stars to hopelessness. He went from a dream Test debut century in 2018 to being dropped from domestic squads and going unsold at the IPL 2025 auction.

But if there’s one thing that stands out now, it is a renewed sense of purpose—fuelled not just by ambition, but also by stability off the field.

“I’m not married yet, but I’m engaged… having the right partner makes a big difference,” Shaw says, almost candidly to a question asked by NDTV during a casual press briefing by the Delhi Capitals. He was shy, trying to gather his thoughts, admitted that it was not a question he’s used to answering. He called Agarwal his “lucky charm,” saying that their relationship has been built on effort and understanding. “We’ve both worked very hard to build this. It wasn’t easy. We understand each other’s professional lives—I’m a cricketer, she’s an actress—and that means both have to make sacrifices.”

Shaw has often been criticised for lack of discipline and focus, but on Wednesday it seemed there was a subtle but important shift. The Maharashtra batter spoke of balance, boundaries, and emotional support, perhaps missing during his more turbulent years.

There is also a sense of self-awareness. “Sometimes I still feel like a kid,” he admits, reflecting on how quickly time has passed since his early days in international cricket. “But when you have a partner who understands you, it helps. I feel I have the right person beside me.”

That emotional anchor may prove crucial as Shaw attempts what could be one of the toughest comebacks in Indian cricket.

After a disappointing run that saw him dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad in 2024 due to concerns over fitness and discipline, Shaw’s stock fell sharply. His struggles were further highlighted when he went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction—a significant fall for a player who was once bought for Rs 1.2 crore after leading India to the Under-19 World Cup title in 2018.

It is this second chance that now defines his mindset. And he looks forward to a chance to open for India again.

“That’s exactly why I’m playing… there’s no doubt I want to come back to the Indian team,” Shaw says with conviction. But this time, the intent is backed by action. “I feel like I’m putting in two to three times more effort than before. I’m giving 200%—not just on match days, but in practice as well.”

For Shaw, preparation is no longer just physical, it is deeply mental. He admits that stress once affected him significantly, but his approach has evolved. “Now I try to handle everything with a smile. You have to be mentally strong, especially when you go through tough phases. Life is a challenge—you can’t run away from it.”

There’s also a noticeable shift in how he views failure and expectations. Once seen as a prodigy burdened by hype, Shaw now speaks like someone who has made peace with the unpredictability of the sport. “You can’t promise anything in cricket. It could be a quick 50, a slow 50, or even a zero. What matters is giving your 100%.” So what’s new for him this season? The Mumbaikar says,“ I got engaged, that’s one big highlight! But apart from that, it’s been hard work—three times more than before. Training, mental strength… everything.”

He is wiser with a supportive partner by his side. Delhi will hope for this wisdom and the new- found calm to impact his cricket as well. 

A majority of IPL captains on Wednesday expressed their reservations about the Impact Player rule that has divided opinions since its introduction in 2023. In 2024, the BCCI had extended the Impact Player rule in the IPL until at least 2027. Yet, the strategic rule continues to be debated by fans and players alike. In the IPL Captains’ Meeting in Mumbai, the topic was discussed at length by the leaders of all 10 franchises.

“Majority of the captains gave their inputs on the Impact Player rule and expressed their reservations even though the BCCI has extended the rule till 2027. They were told it can only be reviewed after the 2027 edition and not before that,” an IPL source told PTI.

Earlier this week, Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel joined the likes of Rohit Sharma in criticising the Impact Player rule.

“I don’t like this rule as I am an all-rounder myself. Earlier we used to pick all-rounders for this role (batting and bowling). Now the team management goes with a particular batter or bowler, they say why do we need an all-rounder? Being an all-rounder myself I don’t like it, but at the same time rules are rules. We have to follow them. But personally, I don’t like it,” Axar said on Monday in his opening media interaction ahead of IPL 2026.

In 2024, Rohit had said that he was not a fan of the Impact Player concept, saying it hampered the development of all-rounders in Indian cricket. The following season, Hardik Pandya said it had become difficult to pick an all-rounder in the side unless he was equally good with both bat and ball.

Even foreign players like Glenn Phillips have said that the rule could adversely impact the future of all-rounders.

“I do feel like there could be an issue at some stage with all-rounders losing out and not being so prevalent, which then obviously has an impact on the international game – international T20s, international one-dayers,” the Black Caps cricketer told PTI last season.

Captains seek ball change after 10 overs of first innings

The BCCI last season allowed teams a one-ball change after the 10th over of the second innings to counter dew. On Wednesday, one captain proposed that teams should be allowed to change the ball after the 10th over of the first innings.

“Ball change after 10 overs of the first innings was proposed, but it did not gain a lot of traction. There is heavy dew usually in the second innings and the current rule stands,” said the source.

Clarity on training guidelines sought

The IPL captains – all Indians this time, with Ishan Kishan leading SRH in place of regular skipper Pat Cummins – also inquired with IPL officials about the training guidelines issued for the 2026 edition.

As per the guidelines shared with franchises, no practice will be allowed on match days, and “if one of the teams finishes their practice early, the other team is not allowed to use the wickets for their practice.”

“The captains wanted more clarity on the training guidelines and that was provided,” added the source

A former Aussie Rules player has come out as gay, becoming the first man in the sport to do so.

Leigh Ryswyk played one match for the Brisbane Lions in 2005 in the Australian Football League (AFL) before he was delisted due to injuries. He went on to play more than 220 games for North Adelaide in the South Australian league.

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Ryswyk shared the news in a radio interview on Wednesday, saying he had been openly gay among his friends for five years and when he told his parents, they were supportive.

It comes seven months after Mitch Brown – who played for the West Coast Eagles between 2007 and 2016 – came out as bisexual, the first time an AFL player has done so in the sport’s 129-year history.

Prior to Brown’s news, the AFL had been the only major professional men’s sport globally to never have had an openly gay or bisexual player, even after retirement.

Asked how the AFL could support current players who might want to come out, Ryswyk was optimistic.

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“I think the AFL, and the community, will wrap their arms around that player,” the 41-year-old said on Melbourne radio station Joy 94.9’s GayFL programme.

“I think the community itself, obviously the queer community, the fan base, I think in the whole they will celebrate that when the time comes.”

Ryswyk said it took him about three years to work up the courage to tell his parents.

“When you come out to your family it’s always a massive experience, there’s a lot of things going on in your head,” he said.

“I had the opportunity to sit down with mum and talk to her about it, and let her know, which was massive. She obviously was crying, I was crying, and she goes ‘I still love you’, so for me, that was a wow moment.”

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His dad was also supportive.

“I really didn’t know what to expect, but he was like, ‘I love you, it doesn’t matter, as long as you’re happy I’m happy for you’, that blew me away to be honest.”

He said his close circle of friends know about his sexuality but for many others, it would be the first time they knew.

“I’m a very private person, so it’s not all over my social media, and things like that, and that’s fine.”

Originally from Victoria, Ryswyk moved to Queensland to join the Lions and played a match against Fremantle in Perth. After a successful career with North Adelaide in the state’s league, he was inducted into the AFL Queensland Hall of Fame.

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In August last year, Brown came out as bisexual, saying that the weight of hiding his sexuality played a “huge” part in his decision to retire.

Jaylen Brown MVP Case Remains Alive As Both PTI Hosts Endorse JB’s Candidacy originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Boston Celtics superstar Jaylen Brown still has a strong case for NBA MVP, especially if you ask Pardon The Interruption’s legendary co-hosts Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser. Both Wilbon and Kornheiser subtly endorsed Brown for 2025-26 MVP on Wednesday, with Wilbon’s words on JB going viral.

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“I have a vote in this,” Wilbon said. “And I will tell you it’s tightened up. My vote, and I’m not even sure the order. I think it’s Jaylen Brown one, I think it’s SGA two, and I think it’s Victor three. And then don’t talk to me about a guy who plays half the court, Luka Dončić.”

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner is confident his side can still reach the Women’s Champions League semi-finals despite defeat to Bayern Munich at Old Trafford.

Skinner’s side were edged out 3-2 in the first leg of their last-eight tie on Wednesday.

Momoko Tanikawa’s 84th-minute strike proved the difference after United replied to two Pernille Harder goals with a Maya Le Tissier penalty and Hanna Lundkvist header.

Skinner said: “I’m frustrated with all the three goals – I don’t think they had to particularly earn them. I felt that we left the spaces for Pernille Harder to run through twice.

“But what I know about this team is that they’ll be open and honest with that and obviously we’ve got another leg to try and turn it around and fix it.

“I honestly don’t think it was naivety – it was maybe a little bit of playing a high-level opponent.

“Bayern changed their game. They’re usually a possession-based team but were more direct tonight.

“We’ve felt that now and we must turn it around. We’re still in this tie for sure. Now we need to go to the Allianz and win.”

United have little time to rest before next week’s second leg as they face rivals Manchester City, the Women’s Super League leaders, on Saturday.

Skinner said: “It will challenge us, it will take us to the depths, but the carrot is there for us in both games. We expect it to be difficult.”

Opposite number Jose Barcala insisted Bayern would not be getting carried away with their victory.

He said: “We need to stay with our feet on the earth, humble and keep looking forward for the next game.

“It’s important we learn things from this game and adjust for the second leg.”

The IPL 2026 starts in three days. Despite most of the league being played in the peak Indian summer, there is no dearth of excitement among fans, with most stadiums seeing packed stands. ‘Marquee matches’ involving the big teams like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Kolkata Knight Riders often see more fans gather at the stadiums. However, getting tickets for these ‘big matches’ seems to be a problem for some fans this time. This report is to be viewed.

The tickets for the IPL 2026 can be booked via official sites. However, even when the tickets are sold out on the official websites, they are available on some third-party sites. According to a report in Mid-Day, RCB and MI announced the sale of their home match tickets. Both teams’ tickets were reportedly sold out within minutes. However, tickets for these teams were available on third-party sites for extremely high amounts.

“The tickets for the MI vs KKR match can be found starting from Rs 6,500 on these websites and going as high as over Rs 50,000. For the MI vs RCB match, the tickets are a bit more expensive given the high demand. The tickets for the MI-RCB match start at Rs 15,000 and go as high as Rs 1 lakh for a ticket,” the report said.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans have introduced a digital ticketing model for all home matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. According to a press release from the franchise, the ticket sales are now live exclusively on BookMyShow, the franchise’s official ticketing partner, and on the Titans FAM app.

The move, which reflects operational foresight and evolving fan behaviour, will reduce the need for physical tickets by introducing secure QR-based m-tickets delivered directly to fans’ smartphones. At the world’s largest cricket stadium, where crowds often cross six figures, the shift is expected to ensure a smoother and more efficient experience for spectators