HYDERABAD: Praful Hinge, the 24-year-old Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer, became an overnight sensation after his performance against Rajasthan Royals. He set the tone with a wicket off his second ball — that of teen wonder Vaibhav Sooryavanshi — and scalped two more in the over.Despite the dream debut, he says life remains the same.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“Yes, I planned to bowl a bouncer to dismiss Sooryavanshi. I played with him in the U-23 match once and got his wicket with a short ball. I tried it again and it worked. I didn’t know that I would take four wickets in my very first match. I came to know about the record (three wickets in first over) only after the match. However, I am not feeling my life has changed a lot after that. I am trying to stay away from social media and focus on training,” Hinge said.He also credited the team management for believing in him. “I learnt a lot from training with senior players in the team. We keep talking to them and they teach us a lot. The support from our coach and captain was clear. T20 is a batters’ game. As a bowler, whatever we do, do it with heart and enjoy the moment. That is the only advice from coach and captain,” he added.Hinge idolises Pat Cummins and was a total fanboy when he first met him at the SRH camp. “When I first met him, I told him how big a fan I was. He was very welcoming. I told him that I used to watch his bowling videos and train. He told me that he will work with him and help with bowling. That was very motivating,” he revealed. Hinge also said that he was motivated by his father Prakash — a former employee of the Maharashtra electricity department — and sister, a chartered accountant. “I wanted to do something that made my family happy. When I started I had no idea what domestic cricket was. I first played with a leather ball at the age of 13.“Since then, playing for the country was my only dream. Once I got into a two-month summer camp, I began understanding the process. I played all the age groups and made my debut for the state team just last year,” he added.He also credited Glenn McGrath and Varun Aaron for his progress. “When I was with the MRF Pace Foundation, McGrath helped me with my action. But Aaron helped me a lot too. As a fast bowler, he knows what it takes to be successful and he guided me.”(Hinge spoke on JioStar Press Room after his IPL debut)
John Harbaugh’s New York Giants selected Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese at No. 5 at the NFL draft on Thursday. While many, including New York wideout Malik Nabers, were left surprised at the Giants’ Round 1 pick, Harbaugh explained where he plans to use the former Buckeyes LB.
“Arvell is a versatile player. We’re gonna play him at inside backer, WILL backer,” Harbaugh said on Thursday. “Our defense is flexible, position-less. He’ll have an opportunity to move around, but he’ll line up next to Tremaine (Edmunds).”
Thanks for the submission!
Advertisement
•
Advertisement
Many expected the Giants to add an offensive weapon in Round 1, one who could potentially work with quarterback Jaxson Dart. They were linked with wideout Jordyn Tyson and running back Jeremiyah Love. However, Harbaugh opted to use the team’s Day 1 pick to bolster his defense.
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
John Harbaugh’s Giants have a stacked defense for the 2026 season
NFL: New York Giants HC John Harbaugh – Source: Imagn
John Harbaugh’s Giants have enough options to pose a threat to opposing quarterbacks from the edge, with the likes of Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux. They also have Chauncey Golston, Caleb Murphy, Trace Ford, and DeMarvin Leal as pass rushers.
While Reese was named the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year in his final year at Ohio State, he will have to fight to earn a starting role with the Giants.
Advertisement
Harbaugh’s Giants have seven picks remaining across the final two days of the draft.
Tyson Fury has never been shy of admitting that he wants to make as much money as possible from boxing
Tyson Fury once revealed he had £200million in his bank account. The heavyweight icon, 37, is back in action after beating Arslanbek Makhmudov earlier this month.
While titles and belts will no doubt have some meaning to Fury, the Gypsy King has never made any apologies for admitting boxing, for him, is all about the money.
In 2025, Fury candidly admitted that his primary motivation was to make “as much money as I can until the wheels fall off”.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Fury said: “Andy Lee [Irish professional boxer] never had £200m in his bank to make him happy, did he? So what is my goal, and what is my target? It’s not a belt. It’s not a legacy. It’s not a boxing fight. It’s to make as much money as possible.
Advertisement
“I’ve had 40 professional fights, and I was in every single one of them for the money. If I wasn’t getting paid, I wouldn’t have done any of them.
“I do it for the dough, but I’m the only one that will tell the truth. I don’t come to these places, thinking, ‘Oh my God, I’m on TV. I’m Famous.’ I’m thinking, ‘How much dough can I get at any given moment in my career?’ If you want to fight, the only question I say is, ‘How much? ‘ I have gloves, I have a body, and I will travel if the money is right. I’m truthful.”
His mantra to box for cash is paying dividends. Fury is estimated to possess a net worth of approximately £120m and, to date, he has earned at least £188m through guaranteed purses and pay-per-view bonuses.
Advertisement
A substantial share of his fortune derives from his 2024 bouts, including an estimated £81.2m for the initial Usyk fight and £40m for his encounter with Francis Ngannou. Tyson Fury Ltd, which oversees his boxing and commercial ventures, doubled its assets from approximately £82m in 2023 to more than £161m in 2024.
He also supplements his earnings through his Netflix series At Home with the Furys, book deals, and his energy drink brand, Furocity. Fury is also understood to be residing in an £8m mansion on the outskirts of the island’s capital, Douglas, alongside wife Paris, 36, and their seven children.
The Isle of Man is renowned for its favourable tax arrangements, with income tax currently set at 21% compared to the UK’s 40% higher rate bracket. He currently faces a 45% tax liability because his earnings exceed the £125,140 threshold. Fury has not publicly commented on the move.
Speaking in 2023, Fury admitted to being careful with his funds, opting to shop at budget supermarkets, and claimed he doesn’t want to live like a rich person.
“When I’m in Aldi and my kids are shouting, ‘He’s shopping in Aldi’ and then the people say, ‘You’re shopping in Aldi or Lidl’ I’m like, ‘Well it’s food, isn’t it?,’” he said.
“Everywhere I go people say they don’t expect to see me there and it’s not like there’s a special celebrity place to go shopping. We don’t live like rich people.”
Advertisement
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
Aarav Sarbalia reshapes chess as content (Special Arrangements)
NEW DELHI: It was the Round 3 game between Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and the eventual winner, Javokhir Sindarov, at the FIDE Candidates tournament just a few weeks ago. 12-year-old Aarav Sarbalia, a FIDE Master (FM), had virtually joined the commentary panel of a popular YouTube channel covering the action live from Cyprus.It was Aarav’s first gig of that sort. He was asked multiple times to analyse the position and predict what he would play if he were sitting in the seats of either Praggnanandhaa or Sindarov.Both players are Super Grandmasters, matching their deep understanding of lines over the board, and predicting their stratagems beforehand is not everyone’s cup of tea. However, this youngster, who rarely indulged in non-chess talk during his stay on the panel, was able to navigate the complexities of each position, predicting moves beforehand more often than not.
Watch
Harika Dronavalli Exclusive: Inside Grenke #chess win, viral no-handshake incident, and more
Believe it or not, this 12-year-old is the online chess world’s latest sensation. Yet, it is not just for what he is doing over the 64 squares with his pieces, but for what he is doing off them by dominating the social media feeds of every chess enthusiast with what his father, Yatin Sarbalia, calls “fun reels”.“When we go to tournaments, parents come up and say, ‘We liked this particular one of yours. The one you made about parents was good,’” Yatin told TimesofIndia.com during an exclusive conversation. “Our aim isn’t to just share what’s happening in the Candidates or show which tournament Aarav is winning. Our aim is to take our learnings and our journey and post them in a good content form to make people a bit more aware.” That process has led the youngster to earn some high-profile followers, from Hungarian chess legend Judit Polgar to Vishnu Prasanna, the man credited with shaping the world champion Gukesh Dommaraju.“I’ve heard that some Grandmasters have told their students to go and watch Aarav’s content,” Yatin laughed.
How chess made its way
The journey didn’t start in a house where chess was a way of life. In fact, Yatin, an IIT Roorkee alumnus and now a tech lead in Bengaluru, only knew the basic rules of the game.In June 2020, as COVID-19 locked the world indoors, the Sarbalia family moved from Delhi to Bengaluru. With school and work both moving to the home office, the family sought a productive outlet.
Advertisement
Aarav Sarbalia plays against his father (Special Arrangements)
Back in Delhi, Yatin had seen a chess poster while picking up Aarav from gymnastics. Knowing his son was verbally very good at calculations, they gave it a trial.Once in Bengaluru, they enrolled him in Chess Gurukul, the academy run by the legendary RB Ramesh.“It was a good time because we got to spend time as a family,” Yatin recalled. “When Aarav did his classes, I would sit in the class with him so that I could learn a bit too. I could help and support him if there was something he didn’t understand.”
Entry into social media
The pivot to social media was born out of a cold, hard sporting reality. By age 11, Aarav had already become a FIDE Master. They started looking for sponsors. Despite Aarav’s accolades, including multiple first and second finishes in age-category tournaments across different formats of the game, the family found that doors remained closed.“We tried hard to find sponsorships, but we didn’t get a positive response,” Yatin explained. “Sponsorship is a two-way street. People were asking, ‘What is Aarav’s presence?’ We had never even thought about social presence.”Coupled with a desire to improve Aarav’s communication and verbal skills, the parents decided to take the reins. While Aarav focuses on chess, his parents focus on social media presence.
Advertisement
Aarav Sarbalia’s family (Special Arrangements)
The process, however, is strictly regulated. Aarav doesn’t own a phone and knows nothing of the scrolling culture.“In a month, Aarav doesn’t spend more than two or three hours on this. We fix a specific time when we need him to act,” Yatin told this website.The parents script the ideas and shoot a month’s worth of content in one sitting. For Aarav, it remains a game within a game. “He once asked me, ‘Dad, can I become a good actor too?’ and I was like, ‘Let’s focus on our chess first,” his father added.
The fruits of labour
Besides gaining followers, the visibility has already borne fruit in a more prominent manner. Not so long ago, a chess-oriented start-up has provided Aarav with sponsorship and decided to back him. It was a vital breakthrough, considering the staggering costs of elite chess involving top-rated tournaments abroad.“Financially, it’s all our savings. In one year, if you do three or four trips to Europe and stay for three to four months, you will spend at least 12 to 15 lakhs,” Yatin admitted.
Advertisement
We keep our target as GM. And we do all the coaching and everything in that direction.
Yatin Sarbalia, Aarav’s father
Because Aarav is only 12, a parent must always travel with him, doubling the cost. Yatin and his wife take turns traveling, rotating the responsibility of looking after their six-year-old daughter back in Bengaluru.But the results on the board justify the sacrifice. Aarav went from a rating of 1400 to 2000 in a mere two-month trip to Europe. By June 2024, he had surged to 2300, bypassing the Candidate Master (CM) title entirely to become a FIDE Master.
Chasing the ultimate title
Advertisement
To navigate the treacherous waters between 2300 and the Grandmaster (GM) title, the family sought the best. They set their sights on Surya Shekhar Ganguly, the six-time national champion and former second to Viswanathan Anand.“We contacted him and tried very hard, followed him on Instagram, messaged him,” Yatin revealed.It took six months of persistent chasing before Ganguly agreed to test the youngster. Aarav passed in that, and since last year, Ganguly has been his primary coach.ALSO READ: The making of India’s 95th GM: Aronyak Ghosh, from chasing next tournament’s fee to parents’ reliefAarav’s current standard rating sits around 2247 after a slight dip in France, but the focus remains unwavering as he prepares for his next stint in Munich, Germany, playing in the GM category.The family isn’t interested in incremental steps anymore, as Yatin put it, “We don’t think in our minds that our next target is IM (International Master). We keep our target as GM. And we do all the coaching and everything in that direction.”
The ceremonial groundbreaking of the Knight Riders Cricket Ground took place on April 22 in Pomona, California, marking a significant step in cricket’s expansion across the United States. During the event, ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta described the venue as “cricket’s home for LA28,” underlining its importance for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The development follows the recent confirmation that Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) will host their Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 matches at this newly established home venue. According to a statement from the Knight Riders franchise, the project represents “a landmark moment for cricket in the United States,” while also positioning Los Angeles as a central hub for the sport’s rapid growth ahead of cricket’s Olympic return after 128 years.
Advertisement
ICC Leadership Highlights Global Vision
Jay Shah, chairman of the ICC, emphasized the broader significance of the project in a statement: “These are very exciting times for the game of cricket as it makes giant strides in establishing itself as a global sport. Our focus has been on expanding the footprint of cricket and being part of the Olympic movement is something that brings both pride and dreams with it.”
Advertisement
“The groundbreaking marks an important milestone in cricket’s return to the Olympics and is a proud moment for all ICC members and stakeholders worldwide. We’re confident this venue will take centre stage during the Games and leave a legacy for cricket in the USA.” He further added.
Venue to Host LAKR Matches in MLC 2026
In its initial phase, the Fairplex-based stadium will serve as the home ground for LAKR during the 2026 MLC season. A total of seven matches are scheduled at the venue, including LAKR’s first three home fixtures, set to take place between July 1 and July 5.
Advertisement
Shah Rukh Khan Envisions a Cultural Hub
Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of Knight Riders Sports, spoke about the broader ambition behind the project: “Today isn’t just about breaking ground, but about beginning a dream – bringing cricket, the second most-watched sport in the world, into the heart of Los Angeles’ sporting identity.”
Advertisement
He added: “Through our long-term partnership with Fairplex, we aim to create not just a cricket ground, but a space of energy, community, and belonging.”
Building Cricket’s Future in the US
Advertisement
Knight Riders Sports CEO Venky Mysore described the initiative as a transformative moment for the sport in America:
“This is a defining moment – not just for the Knight Riders, but for cricket in America. We see strong potential to grow the game and connect with the community in Southern California to lead this next phase of cricket’s growth in the US.”
Advertisement
“Cricket’s Home for LA28”
Sanjog Gupta reiterated the venue’s long-term importance, particularly in the lead-up to the Olympics: “The journey over the next two years will see many such milestones which enhance the sense of occasion, culture and community, as cricket’s home for LA28 is built in Pomona.”
Advertisement
“With the inclusion in the Olympic Games and other regional multi-sport events, cricket has already stepped into a new era of global growth powered by improved accessibility, elevated visibility and stronger institutional support.” he said while highlighting cricket’s global momentum.
Notable Attendees
Advertisement
The ceremony was attended by several key figures, including Pomona mayor Tim Sandoval and LA28 vice-president of sports Niccolo Campriani, reflecting strong local and organizational support for the project.
Nov 8, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive back Treydan Stukes (2) against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second half at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings ended the Round 1 mystery on Thursday night, selecting defensive tackle Caleb Banks from Florida, a boom-or-bust defender with All-Pro upside — and recent injury history. While fans debate the merits of that pick, it’s time to look ahead to Friday night, when Minnesota will make its first 2nd-Round draft selection in four years.
Friday night brings a clean board and several realistic paths.
The following is a list of players who are the most realistic to end up with the Vikings at Pick No. 49.
Advertisement
DB and Pass-Catcher Stand Out after Minnesota’s 1st-Round Surprise
A peek at Friday night for the purple team. No. 1 = most realistic Vikings pick.
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers (9) makes a catch during pregame warmups at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Nov 29, 2025, preparing to face Tennessee while going through receiving drills that highlight his hands and movement ahead of a rivalry matchup on the road in front of a packed SEC crowd. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zaleski-Imagn Images.
8. Eli Stowers (TE, Vanderbilt)
Minnesota missed out on Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq — the New York Jets ruined that dream — but Stowers would be a sweet consolation prize. Unlike Sadiq, Stowers doesn’t run-block as much as the Vikings’ coaching staff would probably like, but he’s a gifted athlete with a wide receiver’s hands.
If Minnesota wants to prepare for life after T.J. Hockenson in 2027 or 2028, Stowers should be the 2nd-Round pick.
7. Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
McCoy didn’t hear his name called Thursday night, a downer for the Volunteer, whose draft stock was probably ravaged by injury concerns. McCoy didn’t play in 2025 due to a torn ACL.
Advertisement
When he’s healthy, McCoy is a Top 15 pick. There’s a chance that he falls to No. 49.
6. Jake Golday (LB, Cincinnati)
Golday has a lean frame, but that’s about the only knock on his game. He has the height (6’5″) and speed (4.62) to be a problem in the NFL. Golday is as durable as they come, and he played a ton of college football at Central Arkansas and Cincinnati.
He earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2025. The Bearcat should be on the board for the Vikings in Round 2. Golday and Vikings’ ILB3 Ivan Pace Jr. attended the same college.
5. Anthony Hill Jr. (LB, Texas)
The Vikings’ starting linebackers, Blake Cashman and Eric Wilson, will be over 30 when the regular season kicks off. If they want speed and youth — Hill Jr. is 21 — this Longhorn should be the pick. Cashman is basically guaranteed to miss at least four games per season due to injury, and no one is too sure if Wilson’s success in 2025 was a flash in the pan.
Advertisement
On Oct 18, 2025, in Lexington, Kentucky, Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) celebrates after Kentucky fails to score in overtime at Kroger Field, reacting to a defensive stand that seals the moment as teammates rally around him during a dramatic finish in a tightly contested matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images.
Hill Jr. is a turnover-forcing menace.
4. Germie Bernard (WR, Alabama)
Beyond Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the Vikings’ WR receiver depth quickly thins. Tai Felton is still attempting to carve out an offensive role after a rookie year spent primarily on special teams, which has probably created a clear opportunity for another receiver.
Felton’s development is a key factor. Minnesota invested a 3rd-Round pick in him last year, typically signifying an expectation for early contributions, yet his offensive role failed to materialize. How the team interprets this — whether as a planned redshirt year or a misjudgment — will determine their aggressiveness in pursuing another receiver.
If the team decides to add another receiver, Bernard presents a compelling option. Last season, he demonstrated consistent production in a major program, recording 862 yards on 64 catches and 9 touchdowns.
Physically, Bernard stands at 6’1,” 200 pounds, with 4.48 speed. He offers polished route-running, reliable hands, and strong deep-ball tracking. While his long speed is considered average, Kyler Murray and Co. could benefit from improving his contested-catch ability.
Advertisement
3. Brandon Cisse (DB, South Carolina)
Here’s what to know about Cisse:
He’s 20. Youth, youth, and more youth.
He has 4.33 speed.
He can play inside and outside in Brian Flores’s defense.
He loves playing man-to-man coverage.
The only downside? He’s 5’11” and 189 pounds. The rest is a fit for the Vikings’ defense.
2. Treydan Stukes (CB, Arizona)
Unlike Cisse, Stukes is old for a rookie. He’ll be 25 when the regular season gets rolling. That could be a non-starter for many teams. Some players at that age are negotiating contract extensions beyond their rookie deal.
Arizona defensive back Treydan Stukes (2) takes the field during the Territorial Cup matchup at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, on Nov 28, 2025, facing Arizona State in a heated rivalry game as both teams battle for control in one of college football’s longest-running series. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Still, Stukes could be deployed in Flores’s defense as a cornerback or safety. He has that much versatility. Stukes is also known for his work ethic and can be perceived as a “locker room guy,” like Minnesota’s Round 1 pick (Banks).
1. Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)
Minnesota has long sought a young cornerback to secure a starting role. That search continues, and Hood appears to be a strong candidate to finally fill that need. Turning 21 this year, he possesses the outside cornerback skills highly valued in the modern NFL. Furthermore, he could earn significant early playing time if he adapts quickly.
Hood is scrappy, fast, and is a press-man savant. He tops the list because the Vikings need a young cornerback, and he’ll probably be the best one available when Minnesota is called to the podium.
Advertisement
The Vikings haven’t drafted a corner with long-term staying power in a decade. The last examples were Trae Waynes in 2015 and Mackensie Alexander in 2016. It’s time to draft a competent one.
The 2026 Chevron Championship continues on Friday, April 24, with the second round at Memorial Park in Houston, Texas. You can find full Chevron Championship tee times for Friday’s second round at the bottom of this post.
Featured tee time for Round 2
Heading into the first major of the year, Jeeno Thitikul and Nelly Korda have been getting much of the attention, and rightfully so. The two top-ranked players are expected to contend at this week’s Chevron Championship.
But don’t sleep on Lydia Ko. The longtime LPGA veteran and current World No. 8 has three major titles on her resume, including her most recent major triumph at the 2024 AIG Women’s Open. But Ko is also a past Chevron champion, having captured her second major title there in 2016.
The 23-time LPGA winner is hoping this week brings her major win No. 4. After teeing off early on Thursday, she’ll switch to the afternoon wave for Friday’s second round.
You can watch Friday’s second round of the Chevron Championship on Golf Channel from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. ET and then 6-8 p.m. ET. Peacock will offer a live simulcast of Golf Channel’s Friday TV coverage beginning at 11 a.m. ET.
You can check out the complete Round 2 tee times for the 2026 Chevron Championship below.
NEWSLETTER
Advertisement
Sign up for GOLF’s Top Stories Newsletter!
Get the latest golf news and our most-read stories delivered to your inbox daily!
Nov 19, 2025; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Athletic Director Whit Babcock speaks at the press conference announcing James Franklin as head coach at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images
Virginia Tech athletic director Whit Babcock will end that role on June 30 and move into a position as athletics director emeritus on July 1, the school announced Thursday.
Babcock has been the AD for 12 years, beginning in January 2014. He is the second-longest tenured athletic director in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
“I’ve always believed in giving everything you have to this role, and I’m proud of the commitment we’ve made to Virginia Tech over the years,” Babcock said in a news release. “While I had been considering this type of transition, likely next year, the demands of the role and the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics have required a lot of thoughtful reflection regarding my work-life balance, my desire to focus on family, my health and the next chapter for me.
“I know that now is the right time to retire as AD and allow new leadership and new energy to carry the momentum forward. When you can’t continue to give it 100% every day, it was just time.”
Advertisement
One of Babcock’s final hires was landing former Penn State coach James Franklin as the Hokies’ new football coach.
Virginia Tech put together 25 consecutive winning seasons from 1993-2017 — the first 23 under Frank Beamer — but now is in a rut of six losing seasons in eight campaigns.
“It weighs heavily on me that we have not yet reached the level of football success our fans so deeply deserve,” Babcock said. “This program means too much to too many for anything less. I am confident that with Coach Franklin, along with the Invest To Win support, the foundation is in place for our program to elevate and remain at a nationally-elite level.”
Babcock was one of four FBS Under Armour Athletic Directors of the Year for the 2017-18 athletic season.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp addresses a the media, tournament sponsors and Tour employees during a news conference on March 11 at the PGA Tour Global Home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
The PGA Tour laid off 56 full-time employees, or about 4% of its total workforce, Sports Business Journal reported Thursday.
An additional 73 vacant roles would not be filled, but the tour plans to reinvest in 30 or more new full-time positions, the report said.
The moves come as the PGA Tour continues to adjust to a for-profit business model, after private equity partner Strategic Sports Group (SSG) invested $1.5 billion into the top golf circuit in 2024.
According to Sports Business Journal, new CEO Brian Rolapp described the job cuts as a “difficult — but important — step” in an email to employees. Rolapp joined the PGA Tour last June, in effect taking over from commissioner Jay Monahan, who is staying on as a member of the PGA Tour Policy Board and PGA Tour Enterprises Board through 2026.
Advertisement
The tour is “right-sizing” not only its staff but its tournament schedule. In an effort to ensure the best players are participating in the same events more consistently, Rolapp has proposed a new structure with a top tier of 21-26 tournaments (which would include the four majors, The Players Championship and the FedEx Cup playoffs) and a second track for players to earn opportunities for promotion.
Earlier this week, the PGA Tour confirmed it would not return to Hawaii in 2027. The tour traditionally opened its season with a two-week Hawaiian swing, with events on Maui and in Honolulu.
Apr 23, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Ryan Feltner (18) pitches in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The Colorado Rockies lost their starting pitcher and second baseman to injures in the first three innings of Thursday’s home game with the San Diego Padres in Denver.
Right-hander Ryan Feltner departed after two innings with right triceps tightness. Feltner, 29, worked a 1-2-3 first inning before allowing two runs on two hits and a walk in the second. He is 1-1 in five starts with a 6.30 ERA and was replaced by right-hander Zach Agnos.
Willi Castro went 0-for-1 with a walk in the second inning before being replaced by Tyler Freeman before the top of the fourth inning. Castro, who turns 29 on Friday, was diagnosed with right knee soreness. He is batting .246 with a homer and nine RBI this season.
At the time of both players’ departures, Colorado owned a 5-2 lead in the rubber game of the three-game series.
With under fifty days to go for kick-off, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has found itself at the centre of an unexpected geopolitical storm. US President Donald Trump has publicly suggested that Iran’s presence at the tournament may be inappropriate, even hinting at safety concerns, while voices in football circles speculate about a possible replacement with Italy national football team emerging as a contender if a vacancy arises.
At the heart of the issue is Iran national football team’s refusal to play matches in the United States, where all their group fixtures are scheduled. The team has proposed shifting games to Mexico, but FIFA has rejected the idea, citing logistical challenges. Whether Iran ultimately participates, and what happens if they don’t, is quickly becoming one of the biggest uncertainties ahead of the tournament.
Advertisement
Political Deadlock Deepens
Tensions escalated after failed diplomatic talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad. Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, took a firm stance, declaring that participation in the US was not possible under current circumstances. His remarks reflected broader political grievances, adding fuel to an already sensitive situation.
???????? Donald Trump: “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.” ???????? pic.twitter.com/rH2kpEbxAE
Trump responded bluntly on social media, stating that Iran’s presence might not be appropriate “for their own safety.” Despite the rhetoric, Iran has stopped short of officially withdrawing, instead pushing for a venue change in hopes that FIFA might reconsider.
Advertisement
FIFA president Gianni Infantino, however, has made the governing body’s position clear: the match schedule will remain unchanged and will follow the original draw.
Why a Mexico Switch Isn’t Feasible
Advertisement
Relocating Iran’s matches to Mexico appears unrealistic at this stage. The tournament draw, finalized months ago, has already set in motion extensive planning, from travel arrangements and team bases to ticket sales and logistics.
Any change would also require agreement from other group-stage teams, Belgium national football team, New Zealand national football team, and Egypt national football team, making the process even more complicated.
Advertisement
Additionally, concerns around playing conditions in Mexico, particularly at the iconic Estadio Azteca, have been raised due to altitude and heat. Hosting extra fixtures at short notice would also strain local infrastructure.
Knockout Complications Loom
Advertisement
The situation could become even more complex if Iran progresses to the knockout stages, where a potential clash with the United States could force further schedule reshuffling. Given these cascading complications, FIFA’s reluctance to alter venues was always expected.
A Delicate Balancing Act for FIFA
Advertisement
Selecting a replacement, if needed, would not be straightforward. FIFA would need to navigate competing interests among its member nations while maintaining diplomatic balance. Influential countries such as China and Russia are reportedly in favour of Iran’s inclusion, adding another layer of complexity.
Infantino’s close rapport with Trump has also drawn scrutiny, with some questioning whether politics could influence sporting decisions. Ultimately, FIFA faces the difficult task of managing a situation where sport and geopolitics are tightly intertwined.
Advertisement
Rare but Not Unprecedented
Withdrawals after qualification are uncommon in modern World Cups. The last notable instance dates back to the 1950 FIFA World Cup, when multiple teams, including Turkey, France, Scotland, and India, opted out.
Advertisement
There have been moments of protest as well. Ahead of the 1978 FIFA World Cup, several teams considered boycotting due to political concerns, though none ultimately withdrew. Dutch legend Johan Cruyff was a notable absentee.
Earlier editions saw more frequent disruptions, including withdrawals in 1938 and reduced participation in 1934, but such scenarios are rare in the modern era.
Advertisement
FIFA having full control over the situation
FIFA regulations provide broad discretion in such cases. Clause 6.7 of the tournament guidelines states that if a team withdraws or is excluded, FIFA can decide on a replacement at its own discretion.
Advertisement
This ambiguity has sparked widespread speculation. Teams like Bolivia national football team, Italy national football team, and United Arab Emirates national football team have all been mentioned as possible candidates, depending on how FIFA interprets its rules.
Bolivia may emerge as a contender after falling short in the intercontinental playoffs, while Italy could come into consideration as the highest-ranked side that didn’t qualify. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates remain in the mix, having been one of the teams affected during Iran’s qualification pathway.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login