Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy jogs onto the field at U.S. Bank Stadium ahead of kickoff, with the scene set on Sep. 14, 2025, as Minnesota prepared for its home matchup against Atlanta while pregame routines unfolded and anticipation built around the young quarterback’s role entering the contest. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
In perhaps days, possibly weeks, the Minnesota Vikings will reveal their main quarterback plan for 2026. Not long ago, we asked VikingsTerritory writers to predict the outcome of the offseason at quarterback; now, we’ve asked them to assume they are the general manager. You can read the predictions here.
Staff picks spotlight McCarthy up top, then rank the fallback QBs Minnesota should chase if the room shifts.
These are writers’ recommendations for the Vikings’ full QB room in 2026. The team could use free agency to add a veteran backup, make a trade, or hit the draft for another reset.
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QB Blueprint: Vikings Writers Make Their QB1 Picks for 2026
Our GM hats are on for the exercise.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy fires a deep pass during early scripted reps against Chicago at U.S. Bank Stadium, with the action unfolding on Nov. 16, 2025, as Minnesota assessed timing, pocket control, and decision-making within the opening series of the divisional matchup while testing protection and rhythm against a familiar NFC North opponent. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
Steven Hoikkala’s Recommendation
QB1: J.J. McCarthy QB2: Jimmy Garoppolo QB3: Zach Wilson
Honestly, this isn’t anyone’s ideal QB situation, but it is the QB room reality for 2026. There are not many feasible options for the Vikings this year worth investing in long-term, and they are not drafting high enough to get a premier rookie QB.
The club must find out what it has in J.J. McCarthy and if what we saw in weeks 14-16 of the 2025 season is a sign of what he could become, and continue to develop.
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Why Garoppolo? He is a system QB who ran the same offense the Vikings do. When he was in San Francisco and with the Niners, we saw that he was capable of doing it well.
McCarthy needs a veteran in the QB room to assist with his development, and Garoppolo isn’t going to cost us a 2nd-round pick like Davis Mills or Mac Jones might demand. Zach Wilson is a young upgrade over Max Brosmer, with upside, and isn’t the first castaway from the New York Jets the Vikings have seen develop after a change in coaching and scenery.
Janik Eckardt’s Recommendation
The inconsistent QB play, combined with injuries in the QB room, prevented the Vikings from ever entering the playoff race. This offseason, a better backup plan is needed.
Still, McCarthy should continue to have the chance to claim the starting spot, as an improved McCarthy is Minnesota’s best shot at making any noise in January over the next few years. However, the backup can’t just be unsolidified like last year. Kirk Cousins is familiar with the staff, the system, and the receivers, and he could provide solid play in case of continued struggles or injury.
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Then, the Vikings should draft a quarterback. They will enter April with three Day 2 picks, and one of them should be used to acquire Trinidad Chambliss out of Ole Miss. Chambliss displayed composure under pressure in the playoffs. He is a sweet athlete with a strong arm who could develop behind the scenes and become an intriguing option in the future.
Sean Borman’s Recommendation
QB1: J.J. McCarthy QB2: Kirk Cousins QB3: Drew Allar
If I were GM, chances are J.J. McCarthy would have backed up Aaron Rodgers last year. I still think that is the move if you want to chase a Super Bowl with the current roster, but realistically, Rodgers won’t be available.
That’s where a reunion with Cousins makes sense for a number of reasons, especially if McCarthy begins the season as a starter with Cousins as his backup. Add Allar in the draft as insurance/future trade chip.
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Tony Schultz’s Recommendation
QB1: J.J. McCarthy QB2: Kirk Cousins QB3: Max Brosmer
For me, you have to stick to your guns. While I understand we might not have all the information on whether Kwesi Adofo-Mensah forced the drafting of J.J. McCarthy or if it’s who O’Connell wanted at this stage, they can’t waiver. This is what fans wanted, and now you have to live through it. You have to keep developing him.
Yes, they still need to bring in a veteran, and Cousins should be the guy with veteran presence to teach and push McCarthy, and a fallback if he stumbles. I feel he knows his role now at his age and his proper asking price. Malik Willis would be another good addition as young competition, but he might not necessarily be an upgrade.
The third spot can be Brosmer at this point, as it should be a developmental player as the final piece. If they can get another vet there, it’s fine with Brosmer headed to the practice squad. It’s time to push through and see it to the end, no matter where that might be.
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Henrique Gucciardi’s Recommendation
QB1: J.J. McCarthy QB2: Malik Willis QB3: Max Brosmer
KOC said he wanted a “competitive situation”, so someone better than Sam Howell will be coming in the offseason. If a big trade isn’t happening, Willis is the best option and will compete with McCarthy for the QB1 job. And I still like Brosmer as a developmental backup QB.
Ali Siddiqui’s Recommendation
QB1: J.J. McCarthy QB2: Malik Willis QB3: Max Brosmer
It’s hard to see the Vikings giving up on McCarthy already. He could very likely start again, but he will be given more competition. If McCarthy struggles next season or can’t stay healthy, the Vikings will likely not start him in 2027. Willis has shown he can play from the start.
Recommendation is J.J. McCarthy at QB1/2, Justin Fields at QB1/2, and Carson Wentz at QB3 (with Max Brosmer on the PS at QB4). Doing so is a nice blend of youth and experience. In the correct environment, Fields could cook. So can McCarthy if he needs to compete for the top spot and stays healthy. That’s the recommendation. Trade for Fields and sign Wentz. Go from there.
Josh Frey’s Recommendation
QB1: J.J. McCarthy QB2: Jimmy Garoppolo QB3: Drew Allar
If one thing is evident after 2025, the Vikings need to shore things up at the backup QB spot. Jimmy Garoppolo just spent a year with Sean McVay, Kevin O’Connell’s old stomping grounds, and he has had plenty of success as an NFL quarterback.
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Then, I would have the Vikings draft a QB3 with upside on Day 3 to develop into an eventual backup. Drew Allar struggled in 2025, but he is 6’4″ and 240 pounds, has great arm strength, and can read the field. He’s certainly not a starter at the NFL level right now, but it would be interesting to see what he can become after a couple of years of development.
Adam New’s Recommendation
QB1: J.J. McCarthy QB2: Mac Jones QB3: Carson Wentz
J.J. McCarthy gets the chance to keep his job with Mac Jones breathing down his neck. Prising Jones away from San Francisco won’t be easy, but a way needs to be found. Carson Wentz to round out the QB room.
Cole Smith’s Recommendation
QB1: Mac Jones QB2: J.J. McCarthy QB3: Max Brosmer
The Vikings are going to offer us a rather unspectacular transaction at quarterback. Mac Jones is the trade acquisition and subsequent QB1, followed by J.J. McCarthy at QB2, and Max Brosmer at QB3.
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Wes Johnson’s Recommendation
QB1: Kyler Murray QB2: Trinidad Chambliss QB3: Tyrod Taylor
The QB room gets completely revamped. If the rumblings from current Vikings in San Francisco for the Super Bowl are any indication, it sounds like J.J. McCarthy’s time in Minnesota might be done. A swap of QBs between ARI and MIN would make some sense. O’Connell has had an affinity for mobile QBs since the Anthony Richardson draft; he finally gets that here, adding a mobile rookie and vet to boot.
Dustin Baker’s Recommendation
QB1: Kyler Murray QB2: J.J. McCarthy QB3: Drew Allar
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray celebrates with fans after reaching the end zone at State Farm Stadium, with the moment occurring on Nov. 12, 2023, during the first half against Atlanta as Murray energized the crowd following a scoring play that showcased his mobility and playmaking ability. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports.
If the Vikings can grab Murray for a 3rd-Rounder or so, he’d feel free because Minnesota has a compensatory pick on the way for Sam Darnold’s free agent departure. Murray has similar quarterback efficiency to Justin Herbert, but people just don’t care, as he plays for a less-than-stellar organization, the Cardinals.
Let’s be clear: if I were personally the general manager, I would probably ride it out with McCarthy as QB1. He represents the best chance at the Vikings’ quarterback of the future, especially at age 23. But Kevin O’Connell has to win now, so the Murray recommendation is partnered with that reality. For a head coach — who might be the general manager this offseason — he probably can’t afford McCarthy to play poorly, with a pivot to a veteran like Cousins or Garoppolo. O’Connell needs to win a playoff game for full job security.
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And then, because I’m greedy, I’d spend a late-round pick on Allar, who was projected as a 1st- or 2nd-Rounder one year ago at this time.
Even though GTA 6 is coming out in 2026, GTA Online is still a great game to get into this year. Since it was released in 2013, Rockstar Games has grown the game into the massive multiplayer playground it is today. Everyone can find their niche gaming hobbies in GTA Online, from racing, deathmatches, role-playing, and even harmless, hilarious game modes.
However, if you are entering GTA Online for the first time in 2026, you must know certain details for a smooth entry into its world. Here are some of the details.
What you need to know before starting GTA Online in 2026
Age restriction in some regions
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Firstly, it is worth noting that GTA Online is an 18+ video game, especially since it has nudity and violence. Recently, many countries have imposed strict rules for verifying age for accessing any kind of online content. This also includes GTA Online.
In August 2025, the UK was one of the first countries to make age verification mandatory for online content, under the Online Safety Act. In March 2026, Australia also mandated age verification for any entertainment product that contains adult content.
Hence, if you want to start GTA Online, chances are that you might need to verify your age through a third-party portal. The portal can differ from country to country.
A Safehouse in the Hills is the latest DLC (Image via Rockstar Games)
Rockstar Games has added loads of DLC to GTA Online, almost twice every year since its release. Each of these DLCs has included new cars, weapons, businesses, missions, and even characters. These new features keep players hooked, especially those who have businesses or heists with decent payouts, like the Cayo Perico heist.
Most recently, A Safehouse in the Hills DLC dropped in December 2025, in which mansions were added to the game, along with Michael De Santa as a side character. Because of these two features alone, it is considered one of the best DLCs for the game.
Since GTA 6 will release on November 19, 2026, there is still time for a final DLC for GTA 5 Online in the summer. If you are planning to start the game in 2026, you could start grinding to get a mansion, which could play a key part in the last DLC coming sometime in the summer.
Which businesses to own
Kosatka is one of the best vehicles to own since it enables Cayo Perico Heist (Image via Rockstar Games || GTA Wiki)
Once you start GTA Online, you can be overwhelmed by the number of businesses and properties you can purchase. There are a total of two in-game websites from which you purchase businesses. For a new player, here are some of the best properties/vehicles to purchase and start earning money quickly:
Brickade 6×6 – Acid Lab
MC Business – Meth Lab
Kosatka – Cayo Perico Heist
Salvage Yard – Salvage Yard Robberies
Of course, there are various other great properties that can be a bit expensive, but are lucrative for slightly late-game grind, like Bunker, Nightclub, Agency, etc.
Which vehicles to own
A few vehicles can be quite useful early in the game (Image via Rockstar Games || Sportskeeda)
GTA Online has a wide variety of vehicles. You can use anything from a bicycle to massive fighter jets and submarines. If you are new to the game, you can check out these vehicles to purchase:
Karin Kuruma (Armored) – Fast and armored sports car
Nightshark – Heavy-duty SUV with a ton of armor
Buzzard – Great cheap helicopter to fly around the map
Kosatka – Submarine that allows you to start Cayo Perico Heist
Griefers and hackers in GTA Online
You can encounter loads of griefers and hackers (Image via Rockstar Games || GTA Wiki)
If you are entering GTA Online in 2026, you should know that the game is heavily plagued by griefers and hackers. Even though Rockstar Games has partnered with BattleEye anti-cheat software, some tech-savvy enthusiasts create hack tools that can bypass it. Furthermore, there are some players who simply create chaos for others in lobbies.
Hence, if you are new to the game, it is best to do all the major business missions in an invite-only lobby.
A Pace Center for Girls Jacksonville student uses a controller to play a video game with police after the Sheriff’s Office’s new mobile gaming center was unveiled at the facility.
Team Spirit came from behind to edge HEROIC 2-1 on Monday at Bucharest, Romania, earning a berth in the PGL Wallachia Season 7 playoffs.
Team Liquid also booked their playoff spot by sweeping PARIVISION 2-0. Both Spirit-HEROIC and Liquid-PARIVISION were clashes of teams that entered the day with 2-0 records.
In the day’s two elimination matches featuring 0-2 teams, Yellow Submarine knocked out Team Nemesis 2-0 and OG ousted MOUZ 2-1.
Matchups featuring 1-1 teams saw Aurora Gaming nip Tundra Esports 2-1, Xtreme Gaming slip past BetBoom Team 2-1, Natus Vincere squeeze by Vici Gaming 2-1 and Team Yandex trounce Team Falcons 2-0.
The $1 million Dota 2 tournament features a group stage through Wednesday with 16 teams playing a modified Swiss system format. All matches are best-of-three. The top eight teams advance to the playoffs, and the bottom eight are eliminated.
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The playoffs run from Thursday through Sunday in a double-elimination bracket. All matches are best-of-three until the grand final, which is best-of-five.
First place is worth $300,000, with $175,000 for second place and $120,000 for third.
On Monday, HEROIC earned a 39-minute win on red before Team Spirit bounced back with two victories on red, in 46 minutes and 48 minutes.
Russia’s Denis “Larl” Sigitov finished with a 21-13-32 kill-death-assist ratio for Team Spirit. Peru’s Santiago “TaiLung” Agüero Gustavo wound up at 28-13-33 for HEROIC.
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Team Liquid bested PARIVISION in 56 minutes on red and 42 minutes on green.
Sweden’s Michael “miCKe” Vu paced Team Liquid with a 27-7-27 K-D-A ratio. Russia’s Alan “Satanic” Gallyamov finished at 13-9-18 for PARIVISION.
Yellow Submarine took down Team Nemesis in 43 minutes on red and 46 minutes on green. Russia’s Andrei “bottega” Kopytko registered a 19-1-10 K-D-A ratio for Yellow Submarine. Thailand’s Worawit “Q” Mekchai recorded a 5-10-12 K-D-A ratio for Team Nemesis.
OG began with a 49-minute victory on green, but MOUZ equalized in 35 minutes on green. OG took the match decider in 41 minutes on red.
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John “Natsumi-” Vargas ended up at 25-14-25 for all-Philippine OG. The Netherlands’ Remco “Crystallis” Arets logged a 18-10-22 K-D-A ratio for MOUZ.
India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the International Cricket Council Code of Conduct during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand national cricket team in Ahmedabad on Sunday.Arshdeep was found guilty of breaching Article 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “throwing a ball (or any other item of cricket equipment) at or near a player in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during an International Match.”
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In addition to the fine, one demerit point has been added to Arshdeep’s disciplinary record. It is his first offence within a 24-month period.The incident took place in the 11th over of New Zealand’s innings when Arshdeep fielded the ball on his follow-through and threw it back aggressively, striking batter Daryl Mitchell on the pads.Arshdeep accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, meaning there was no need for a formal hearing.The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf, third umpire Allahuddien Paleker, and fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock.Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points.HOW DEMERIT POINTS WORKWhen a player accumulates four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points, which can result in a ban.Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whichever comes first for the player.Demerit points remain on a player or player support personnel’s disciplinary record for 24 months from the date they are imposed, after which they are expunged.
All Elite Wrestling star Jeff Jarrett for using a guitar as a foreign object to gain an advantage against his opponents inside and outside of the ring.
Jarrett has been in professional wrestling for about 40 years, but first developed the guitar-smashing gimmick in the early 1990s when he was with the WWE. He carried it over to World Championship Wrestling, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and later AEW.
Jeff Jarrett, Jay Lethal, Ric Flair and Andrade El Idolo in action during Ric Flair’s Last Match at Nashville Municipal Auditorium on July 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee.(Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
He gave a brief overview of some of the “unique” guitar shots he’s doled out over the course of his career.
“It’s hard to name one – you’re gonna put me on the spot,” he told Fox News Digital. “I’ll say this, kind of the most unique ones, Fabulous Moolah, a 71-year-old woman who went up to me before I hit her and said if you don’t knock the hell out of me, I’m going to beat your a—when you get back here. She’s a tough lady. Beetlejuice of Howard Stern fame is always right up there. To this day, it gets talked about. Gary Coleman.”
Jarrett also revealed he once went to Japan just to give Hulk Hogan a guitar shot.
“But has it relates to professional wrestlers, Sting, Hulk Hogan. I flew to Japan, I can say this as part of my career, I literally flew to Japan, got off the plane, went to the arena, waited a few hours, waited for the show to be over, went to a press conference, knocked out Hulk Hogan with a guitar shot, took a shower, got on a plan and came home. I think he would have to be up there at the top of them as well,” he said.
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Hulk Hogan displaying his championship belt. Hogan wears a costume consisting of a yellow ‘HOGAN’ bandana, a yellow muscle top, a weightlifter’s belt, red spandex pants, and yellow cowboy boots. (Darlene Hammond/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Jarrett joined AEW in 2022 as a wrestler and was later put into position as AEW’s director of business development.
Pro wrestling is much different from the time Jarrett started in 1986 and even at the height of his in-ring career with WWE and WCW.
Fans of the sport can watch pro wrestling either on TV or via streaming at least six nights a week and sometimes seven with pay-per-views airing on Sundays. AEW programming takes up at least two of the days with “Dynamite” on Wednesdays and “Collision” on Saturdays.
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“Who would ever dreamed that professional wrestling would be on, literally, there are weeks that it’s in prime time seven nights a week,” he told Fox News Digital. “It’s on ESPN. It’s on HBO Max. When you really drill in, wait a minute, HBO, the home of fill in the blank of the last, you know 30 years, the highest quality program that’s created for TV. And AEW, who I’m a partner with, ‘Dynamite,’ ‘Collision’ is on HBO Max, ESPN, Netflix, we can go on and on.
Jeff Jarrett and Ric Flair in action during Ric Flair’s Last Match at Nashville Municipal Auditorium on July 31, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee.(Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
“It really is something, from a guy from my perspective, I’m really proud to be a part of the industry because you can look at all forms of entertainment, in music … they take a page out of professional wrestling’s book all the time in the touring. I don’t have to tell you about the sports world, every football dance or celebration or the championship belts that the teams get when they win, we’re integrated into every major professional sport.
“When you kind of get into the episodic nature of our programing, the television industry has always been amazing. They’re like, ‘Wait a minute guys, you’re 52 weeks a year?’ We’re struggling to get eight episodes or 10 episodes or a season of a show and you guys don’t have a season?’ So, it is really been for a long time coming, but through the iterations, professional wrestling is up there. We’re no longer a dirty four-letter world.”
Dec 26, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) leaves the field after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Free agency starts on Wednesday, March 11, but the legal tampering period opened on Monday, March 9th. The Minnesota Vikings have pushed to address the cap problems Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s move left, and are now focused on revamping the roster.
Pierre Brings More Than Simple CB Insurance
They wasted no time in identifying their first target. Although it won’t become official until the new league year gets underway, cornerback James Pierre will join Brian Flores’ defense. Having previously been coached by Flores and defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander in Pittsburgh, it’s a comfortable landing spot for the former Steeler.
Last season the Vikings entered the year with just three cornerbacks on the 53-man roster. Oft-injured veteran Jeff Okudah joined Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers. He remained injured often for Minnesota, and a replacement was needed.
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Nov 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) leaps into the end zone for a touchdown after recovering a fumble against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
The come-up, though, is that Pierre could be much more than just a replacement.
Not only is Pierre’s deal worth just $8.5 million, but he was literally graded as the best pass coverage cornerback in the NFL last season. His 89.7 grade from Pro Football Focus was number one out of 140 cornerbacks.
Despite Pierre getting just a 59.1 run defense grade (60th), his overall tally of 86.8 ranked second across the league. He doesn’t have a track record of that sort of performance, but now gets to work with arguably the league’s best defensive coach once again.
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) exchange jerseys after an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The six-year veteran has spent his entire career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His 11 passes defended last season were a career high, and he grabbed his fourth career interception. He’s been a reliable talent, and now gets a chance to make an impact elsewhere.
Murphy Jr. didn’t have the stellar year Minnesota was hoping for when the Vikings brought him back on a big deal. Rodgers was pleasantly surprised, but faded some down the stretch. Having a competent option that can push both of them rather than needing to dip into lesser depth is quite a nice development.
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Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, … More about Ted Schwerzler
Rinku Singh and Priya Saroj (Imare credit: Instagram)
NEW DELHI: The victorious Indian team members are returning home after winning the 2026 T20 World Cup title. India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.Rinku Singh, a member of the title-winning Indian side, arrived at the airport with his fiancée Priya Saroj. Upon arrival, he walked ahead to greet and hug his friends who had gathered outside the airport to welcome him, momentarily leaving Priya behind.
Ahmedabad erupts as Team India arrive at hotel after T20 World Cup win
Seeing Rinku walk ahead, Priya jokingly said, “mujhe bhool gye kya?”. Rinku laughed, walked back, put his hands around Priya’s shoulders, and then went on to meet his friends.Rinku got engaged to politician Priya Saroj on June 8.The cricketer also penned an emotional tribute to his late father, Khanchand Singh, who passed away on February 27 in Greater Noida after a prolonged illness.Rinku attended his father’s funeral after India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s match against Zimbabwe before rejoining the squad in Kolkata for the crucial must-win Super 8s clash against the West Indies.In a heartfelt post after India’s T20 World Cup 2026 triumph, Rinku said that even a single day without speaking to his father felt incomplete and that he struggles to imagine life ahead without him.“I have never spent so many days without talking to you. I don’t know how life will move forward without you… But I know I will need you at every step,” he wrote in a post on Instagram. “You always taught me that duty comes first, so on the field I was only trying to fulfil your dream. Now that your dream has been fulfilled… I just wish you were here with me. I will feel your absence in every small and big moment of happiness. I will miss you a lot, Papa,”Meanwhile, Rinku played just five matches for India in the T20 World Cup, where he struggled for runs and managed only 24 in total, including a duck against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium during the Super 8s stage.After the loss against the Proteas, Rinku was dropped from the team and Sanju Samson replaced him in the playing XI. The move proved beneficial as Samson delivered back-to-back match-winning knocks in the Super 8s, the semi-final, and the final.
“They have literally said I can’t go to their stadium again. I’ve done nothing wrong.”
05:55, 10 Mar 2026Updated 06:26, 10 Mar 2026
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A Manchester United fan says he has been made to feel ‘like a criminal’ after officials at Manchester City banned him from watching the Blues as a ‘neutral’ supporter – and cancelled his ticket to watch Pep Guardiola’s team play Real Madrid.
Lewis Barlow, 21, a forklift truck driver, splashed out almost £600 on flights, accommodation and a ticket for City’s match against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu stadium in the Spanish capital on Wednesday night.
But just days before the fixture his ticket and membership were cancelled after an official at City realised that ‘manchesterunited’ was part of his email address. A subsequent search of his social media accounts revealed that he is a devoted Red.
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Lewis, from Tintwistle in Derbyshire, followed most of his family in becoming a Manchester United fan and he has been to every home game at Old Trafford for the last two seasons.
But his brother Kyle, 18, and some of his friends are Man City fans – and so to be with his pals and his sibling he’s also been going to the Etihad to watch the Blues, he says.
This season he says he has been to 10 matches at the Etihad, the last of them last week when, instead of watching his beloved United at Newcastle on the TV, he was at the Etihad to watch the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. He says he’s been going to the Etihad for 10 years to watch the Blues.
In November he successfully applied for and purchased a £35 Man City membership to make it easier to get tickets. The club didn’t seem to notice that he applied using an email address which included the term ‘manchesterunited’.
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But his membership and his ticket for the upcoming Champions League game at Real Madrid were suddenly cancelled last week after he had a call from City to ask if he was actually a Red. When he answered ‘yes’, his membership was quickly ended and the upcoming ticket was cancelled.
An email to Lewis’ ‘manchesterunited’ account from a ticket compliance manager said: “Further to the call earlier, as a Manchester United fan, you cannot have a ticketing account that would allow access to tickets in the Manchester City section of any stadium.
“As stated during the purchase journey for the Real Madrid away fixture, all tickets are sold subject to availability and are issued subject to the General Tickets Terms and Conditions – Manchester City F.C.
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“By purchasing tickets in the Manchester City section, you are confirming you are either a fan of the club (Manchester City) or a neutral supporter. A Manchester United fan, arguably the biggest rival of Manchester City, is not a neutral supporter.
“Being a Manchester United supporter, with access to home tickets, means there is a very high risk you could be in attendance when the two teams play each other, in the Manchester City section. As a result of this information coming to light, we have cancelled your future tickets, and restricted your ticketing account. We have also refunded your membership as it was only bought recently.”
In its terms and conditions for applying for away tickers the club says it ‘may offer tickets for sale to fans of the club and neutral fans only’, adding: “By applying to purchase one or a number of tickets, you hereby warrant and represent that you are a fan of the club or a neutral fan and not a fan of the opposing club.”
Club officials say they retain ‘full discretion’ when distributing tickets. Lewis insists he was never a fan of the opposing club each time he attended the Etihad and isn’t a fan of Real Madrid either.
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He said: “Most of my family are United fans. I’ve never missed a home game for the last two seasons. But my brother is a City fan and my auntie is a City fan. My mates are City fans. So I go to City. It gets me out. I’ve been to quite a few games this season.
“I just do it to get out with my mates. When I go to United, my mates aren’t there. I’m on my own. I go with my mum sometimes but the majority of time I’m on my own.
“Every time I’ve been to City, I’ve never caused any issues or anything. I don’t do anything negative. I’m just there to have a good time with my mates. I would understand if I caused issues but I never have.”
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Asked what he does when City score a goal, he said: “Stand up and clap. To be fair, I actually want City to win the league because I don’t want Arsenal to win. For the past few weeks I’ve been supporting City. I really don’t like Arsenal.”
He said his favourite City player is Rayan Cherki while his favourite Red is Bruno Fernandes. He added: “I think it’s discrimination. They think I’m going to cause havoc which is never the situation.
“I’m with all my City fan mates. Why would I cause trouble. I’m surrounded by City fans. Why on earth would I cause issues. I’m literally going to have a good time.”
He said the City official who called ‘spoke to me like I was a criminal’. “It was like I had broken the law. At first I thought it was a prank call from one of my mates,” said Lewis.
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He said of City terms and conditions that ‘there’s nothing about being a United fan means you can’t go’. Lewis urged the club to re-instate his membership, saying: “They have literally said I can’t go to their stadium again. I’ve done nothing wrong.”
Lewis’ mum Vicky said of her son: “Lewis is a hardworking young man who is of excellent character who just has a love for the beautiful game of football. We feel Lewis has been stereotyped as a football hooligan when he’s never been in trouble in his life. He’s never even been in trouble once in his life with the police.”
Manchester City declined to comment when contacted by the M.E.N. However, it is understood club officials believe Lewis has breached the club’s ticketing terms and conditions as he cannot be said to be a neutral fan and acted to ensure safety at matches. Officials are also keen to ensure City supporters have priority especially for big games.
John Stones captained Manchester City to an FA Cup win over Newcastle United at the weekend as he played 90 minutes for the first time since November
John Stones is raring to go for Manchester City’s run-in after declaring ‘I feel great’ following a lengthy injury absence.
The defender started City’s FA Cup win over Newcastle United on Saturday and captained the Blues to a 3-1 win and a spot in the quarter-finals. That was his first 90 minutes since November with the 31-year-old missing three months of the campaign with a calf injury.
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But he is now fighting fit and keen to play his part as City challenge for trophies on four fronts. “Physically I feel great,” said Stones, speaking to TNT Sports Mexico. “The start of the season up until December when I got this problem in my calf, I felt great and had a great run in the team.
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“I’m always trying to stay positive about these things (injuries) and it’s part of football. But nights like these (at Newcastle) make those tough times and the hard work worthwhile and the lonely times when you’re training by yourself and the guys behind the scenes are helping you.
“It’s difficult when you put everything in and be as professional as you can be and try and do all the right things and you don’t have the answers but it is what it is and we have to look forward.
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“I look forward now and look at this exciting time, important time. I’m sure the manager is happy and has a headache that he has everyone back playing well and on the other hand he has everyone to choose from for these big important games that we all want to get through and keep progressing and keep winning and put the pressure on in every situation.”
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Stones grew into the game at Newcastle and was thrilled to come through the contest with no issues.
He added: “It felt great. It took a little while to get the rhythm back and it’s something that will never change for a player when you’ve not been playing for a while no matter how many games you’ve played and how many times you’ve been in the big stages, being in a competitive match you can’t replicate it in training or however you try.
“To be out there, to feel comfortable and get the rhythm of the game is really pleasing for me personally. To win, to captain the team as well, a super proud night and an important one at that.”
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But at the end of the day, it’s just basketball, which is why Thunder star Luguentz Dort apologized to three-time MVP Nikola Jokic after their latest confrontation on Monday.
Late in the fourth quarter of a 129-26 Thunder win, Dort was chasing Nuggets guard Jamal Murray at the arc when Jokic set a screen. As Dort made a move to avoid the pick, his left arm swung up and struck Jokic in the face. After review, Dort was awarded a flagrant 1 foul, and Jokic received two free throws plus a Nuggets possession.
“Just lost in the competition,” Dort told ESPN afterwards. “But shook his hand, (said) ‘great game’ and I apologized that that happened.”
This isn’t the first bout of violence between Dort and Jokic this season. In a game on Feb. 27, Dort tripped Jokic and the two then shoved each other as a scrum involving players on both sides broke out. Dort was ejected from that game and players and coaches from both teams traded verbal jabs in the media afterward.
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This time, the two players are taking the high road.
“It was over since last time,” Jokic said when asked Monday if there were still any hard feelings with Dort.
“I didn’t mean to hit him in the face,” Dort added. “But when I go over screens and stuff like that, my arms are just everywhere, and then unfortunately I just hit him in the face. … I didn’t think it was a flagrant 1. Unnecessary means I did (it) on purpose, which I didn’t.”
Oleksandr Usyk has three fights left in the game, hoping to extend his record to 27-0 before hanging up the gloves for good.
The elite Ukrainian was undisputed at cruiserweight before twice repeating that feat at heavyweight. Across the two divisions, he has statement wins over Murat Gassiev, Mairis Briedis, Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
Speaking on Inside the Ring, Usyk assured fans that while this outing may not be at the elite level he is known for, his final two fights will be.
“Rico, this is first. Second, it’s who wins Wardley-Dubois. Third fight is my friend, Greedy Belly, Tyson Fury.”
Asked how long he has left, Usyk confirmed that he was three and out.
Fabio Wardley was elevated from Interim to Full WBO champion when Usyk vacated the belt last year, and puts that status on the line against Dubois on May 9 in Manchester. Should ‘DDD’ win on the night, Usyk’s final two planned bouts may both be trilogy fights.
The 39-year-old from Simferopol has twice beaten both Dubois and Fury, stopping the former on both occasions and the latter on points. Fan interest in the bouts, therefore, may be limited.
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However, if Wardley can retain in two months’ time, many would love to see the Ipswich man in there with a man in Usyk who has cemented himself as the greatest heavyweight of a generation.
More so, the WBC has ordered Usyk to face Agit Kabayel next, something that is clearly not in his plans. This means he may be stripped of all three belts in the not-so-distant future.
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