Team India star opener Ishan Kishan failed to make a cut as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the annual central contract for the 2025-26 season (October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026) on Monday, February 9. The wicketkeeper-batter was ignored despite being part of the ongoing 2026 T20 World Cup.
After making his T20I comeback last month, the 27-year-old emerged as the leading run-getter against New Zealand in the last bilateral T20I series, amassing 215 runs in four innings, including a century.
On the other hand, Sanju Samson was included in Grade C of the annual retainer list. With Samson out of form, Kishan opened alongside Abhishek Sharma against the USA in India’s opening game of the ongoing T20 World Cup.
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Fans on X were unhappy as Ishan Kishan failed to make a cut in the 30-member players’ list named in the BCCI’s annual central contract this season. One user wrote:
“Seriously? No Ishan Kishan? Who’s taking such decisions?”
“How Ishan Kishan is not given the Central Contract? He is in our world cup XI & also has avg of 42 in ODIs & definitely gonna be India’s backup opener & wk at 2027 ODI WC. Don’t say, it is given on basis of previous year. He should have been included!”
“Ishan Kishan still without a central contract! Strange.”
Here are a few more reactions:
@Vikas662005 Why No Ishan Kishan is big surprise
@BCCI where is Ishan Kishan?! is this a joke or wt
From the roar of domestic grounds to the grand stages of international cricket, Ishan Kishan has been nothing short of electrifying with both bat and gloves. Yet, in a move that has raised many eyebrows, the BCCI has left him out of its annual contract list.
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Ishan Kishan was previously ignored in the 2023-24 central contract, while he was not part of international cricket during 2-24-25 season. The southpaw was included in Grade C during the 2022-23 season. He will next be seen in action as the Men in Blue will face Namibia in their next 2026 T20 World Cup game in Delhi on Thursday, February 12.
BCCI scraps Grade A+ as 30 players included across three grades in annual central contract; Ishan Kishan notable absentee
The BCCI scrapped Grade A+ as 30 players, including three and 11 players, were categorized in Grade A and B, respectively, for the 2025-26 season. India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja were included in Group A. Interestingly, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were demoted to Grade B. Meanwhile, T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav retained his spot in the same grade.
Click here to check out the full list of players retained for the 2025-26 season.
Jon Rahm should pay the fines levied against him by the DP World Tour in order to play in the Ryder Cup, Justin Rose says.
But Rahm “may have a point,” Rose said, in the tour making Rahm and other tour members play additional tour events as part of a settlement for participating in LIV Golf events.
Rose’s comments came Tuesday at the Players Championship, and they follow a DP World Tour announcement on Feb. 21 that said eight of its members had been given conditional releases to play in LIV events this year, in exchange for payment of fines for playing in past LIV events, participation in “additional” tour events and withdrawal of appeals. Previously, DP World Tour pros who played in conflicting events were fined and suspended — and the announcement cleared the way for participation on next year’s European Ryder Cup team, as tour membership is required.
But Rahm was not among the eight. (Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez, David Puig and Elvis Smylie were the LIV pros who were named.) As for his reason, Rahm said last week it came down to the additional events requirement — for a pro to hold DP World Tour membership, he must play four events, but Rahm said he was being asked to play six, including two that the tour will “dictate.”
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“Now, I did tell them, funny enough, lower that to four events, like the minimum says, and I’ll sign tonight,” Rahm said. “They haven’t agreed to that. I just refuse to play six events. I don’t want to, and that’s not what the rules say.”
Rahm’s participation in next year’s Ryder Cup event now appears to hinge on an appeal of the DP World Tour’s punishment for playing in LIV events. On Tuesday, the situation led a reporter to ask Rose what he’d like to see his three-time Ryder Cup teammate do — and Rose started his answer by noting that the eight other LIV pros had agreed to the deal.
“So I mean, there’s pretty decent precedent that the deal wasn’t outrageous that they were proposing,” Rose said.
“But at the same time, I would like to see Jon pay his fines, for sure, and be a part of the Ryder Cup. For me, obviously playing on LIV was a decision that he made and wanted to make, and fair play to him for making it and good for him. He’s playing good golf out there. He’s winning. He’s making a lot of money, and he’s — you know, you can’t argue, can’t knock what he’s been able to achieve out there.
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“So I would just see it as a cost of doing business for Jon. Like for me, being in the Ryder Cup is more than about money.”
But, Rose said, Rahm “may have a point” in his frustration over playing six events.
“So maybe there’s some middle ground,” Rose said, “where he’d do his best to support the Tour as and when, but not necessarily have that hung over his head, but paying his fines is obviously step No. 1.”
Rose’s comments also follow those of Rory McIlroy, another European Ryder Cup team member, who said last week that the DP World Tour deal was “generous” and that ”the European Tour can only do so much to accommodate these guys.”
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Whether Rahm’s status will be resolved remains unclear. Last week, he won a LIV Golf tournament, and this week, he’s playing in one in Singapore, where he was asked how he has succeeded “with all of the distractions,” and, as part of his response, he said this:
“I think, like anybody else in their job, you just need to learn how to compartmentalize. Kind of put things in the back of your mind and take care of what you can take care of. There’s some things that I can’t control. If I can’t control them, I really shouldn’t be worrying about it. What I can control is what I do on the golf course, my routines, how I prep, how committed I am to every step of the way.
“In essence, it’s kind of like a freeing feeling that I get when there’s a lot going on off the course that you get on the course and the only thing that matters is that so you can let things go. …
“All the other stuff, it’s what it is. I don’t know how to say this except truly, without sounding rude, it’s first-world problems. It’s what it is. There’s real problems in the world, and whether I have an agreement or disagreement with the DP World Tour, it shouldn’t be one of them.
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“While we continue to discuss what the future might be, it’s not something to overly worry about when there’s real tragedy happening worldwide.”
Cincinnati Bearcats forward Baba Miller (18) drives the ball in the first half of the Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, MO.
Jalen Celestine scored 19 points and Baba Miller added 11 points, 14 rebounds and six assists as ninth-seeded Cincinnati beat hapless, 16th-seeded Utah 73-66 on Tuesday afternoon in a Big 12 Conference tournament first-round game in Kansas City, Mo.
The Bearcats advance to face eighth-seeded UCF in the second round on Wednesday afternoon. The teams finished tied for eighth place after the Big 12’s regular-season gauntlet, with the Knights earning a first-round bye by holding a tiebreaker over Cincinnati.
Cincinnati (18-14) is still fighting for a spot in the NCAA Tournament and took a step toward that goal, with Tuesday’s win its seventh in its last nine games. The Bearcats will have a chance to bolster their resume when playing UCF, with whom they split their season series.
Cincinnati weathered a ragged first 14½ minutes before using a 15-2 run to take a nine-point lead at halftime. The Bearcats quickly expanded their advantage to 48-33 when Baba Miller hit a jumper and then a layup, the latter with 12:58 to play.
Utah fought back, closing to within 63-58 on Brown’s jumper with 4:35 remaining but never got closer than four points the rest of the way.
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Moustapha Thiam scored 14 points and 10 rebounds for Cincinnati.
The Utes’ Terrence Brown led all scorers with 22 points. Keanu Dawes added 15 points and 12 rebounds and Seydou Traore hit for 12 points as Utah (10-22) finished its season with six straight losses. The Utes’ 10 wins are their fewest in a campaign since their 6-25 mark in 2011-12.
The Bearcats stumbled early on in Tuesday’s game against conference doormat Utah, falling behind 15-6 after free throws by the Utes’ Don McHenry with 11:41 left in the first half. Cincinnati made just two of its first 10 shots over the game’s first 8 1/2 minutes.
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Cincinnati culled its deficit to a point over the ensuing six minutes, with a 3-pointer by Shon Abaev making it 18-17 with 5:23 left in the half. After layup by Utah’s Kendyl Sanders pushed the margin back to three points, the Bearcats found their stride in a big way, closing the half with a 12-0 run capped by a jumper by Thiam with 23 seconds left to surge to the front and carry a 29-20 lead to the break.
Celestine’s eight points led all scorers before halftime while Brown tallied seven points to pace the Utes. Utah shot just 19.4% from the floor in the first half and went the final 3:30 without a point while missing its final five shots.
India pacer Arshdeep Singh has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for throwing the ball “aggressively and inappropriately” at Daryl Mitchell during the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Ahmedabad.In addition, one demerit point has been added to Arshdeep’s disciplinary record. It is his first offence within a 24-month period.
Sanju Samson opens up on T20 World Cup journey, and title win
Arshdeep was found to have breached Article 2.9 of the International Cricket Council (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,” an ICC media release said on Tuesday.The incident occurred in the 11th over of New Zealand national cricket team’s innings when Arshdeep fielded the ball on his follow-through and hurled it back aggressively, striking the pads of the Black Caps vice-captain on Sunday.India defeated New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs to become the first team to win three ICC Men’s T20 World Cup titles. The India national cricket team also became the first side to successfully defend the title and win the tournament on home soil.Arshdeep accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, eliminating the 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 fine of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points.
The offence related to Article 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct
The incident occurred in the 11th over of New Zealand innings
Arshdeep fielded the ball on his follow-through and threw it back aggressively at Daryl Mitchell
One demerit point was added to Arshdeep’s disciplinary record
This was Arshdeep’s first offence in a 24-month period
Arshdeep accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Andy Pycroft
What the rule says (ICC Code of Conduct)
Article 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct relates to throwing a ball or any cricket equipment at or near a player in an inappropriate or dangerous manner during an international match
The rule applies to players and player support personnel involved in international cricket.
Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand.
The maximum penalty for a Level 1 offence is 50% of a player’s match fee.
The offence can also result in one or two demerit points being added to a player’s disciplinary record.
Demerit points remain on a player’s record for 24 months from the date they are imposed
If a player accumulates four or more demerit points within 24 months, they are converted into suspension points, which can lead to a match ban
The winter sun shone brightly, albeit briefly, for the start of the Cheltenham Festival, the highlight of the jump racing season.
More than 57,000 racegoers – from binocular-armed racing enthusiasts to city hipsters – congregated in this corner of the Cotswolds, sending opening day attendance up 3 per cent from last year.
The excitement of the smiling crowds entering Prestbury Park, many arriving after a testing six-hour journey from Ireland, was palpable, and as the first race set off – met, of course, by the rousing Cheltenham roar – there was consensus on the terraces that the festival was back to its best.
After the controversy of 2020, when huge crowds were blamed for spreading Covid, followed by price rises and squeezed-in crowds on Gold Cup day, there was a sense among some that the festival had lost its way.
But changes this year, including a 66,000 cap on attendance and a redesign in outdoor drinking areas, were warmly welcomed. Clouds above threatened but never released an expected downpour on proceedings.
A packed Grandstand watches the first race – the Supreme Novice Hurdles – at the Cheltenham Festival (Action Images/Reuters)
“Those lads going to Benidorm [people watching Cheltenham on television],” said Craig Jones. “Don’t tell them, but we’ve got our Cheltenham back.”
The 41-year-old quantity surveyor was standing inside the Guinness Village, where pints of the “black stuff”, along with beers and cider, were reduced this year by 30p to match 2022 prices.
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Prosecco was also served for the first time, as an alternative to the £32 glasses of champagne on offer.
Also new this year, a huge tented area called “The Retreat” with a DJ, self-service bars and food outlets. Drinking restrictions were relaxed in the Club Enclosure, meaning punters didn’t have to rush pints to move in and out of the trackside area.
Mr Jones, who “voted with his feet” when he stopped coming to Cheltenham after 2023, said: “I didn’t like paying so much to get in when it was so busy. You’d be queuing for ages to get a drink, and when you had one you’d have to be careful not to get knocked over.
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Cliff Henry and friend Craig Jones, right, who said the festival was back to its best (The Independent)
“It’s better now. There’s space, no queues, and just a really good atmosphere so far with a good dynamic of racing fans and people here for the day out.”
Tom Robinson, who arrived for the opening day with 20 others from Melksham in Wiltshire, agreed.
“It feels good this year,” the 38-year-old said. “We accept the money situation; it’s a highlight in the calendar and you save up money all year for it, so for me it’s a bit irrelevant – but the numbers this year are good. I’ve been here when it’s been way too busy, and it can take away from the experience, but it’s just right today.”
His brother Miles Robinson, 35, added: “The relaxation of restrictions on drinks make the festival more accessible, and there’s no rushing your drink and getting drunk just to get outside and watch a race.”
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Brothers Miles and Tom Robinson came for the first day from Melksham in Wiltshire (The Independent)
There was one queue inside the festival at lunchtime. It was for the burger outlet on the edge of the Guinness Village, where a Cheltenham Blue cost £13.95. Richard Price, 78, from Taunton, who went for a £11.45 burger, said: “I’ve been coming since 1981, and although much has changed, I remember it being so quiet and driving in with no traffic, the event is still a great experience for everyone.”
Behind the Guinness Village, where a band singer asked the crowd “are you drunk yet” at 1.45pm, a more relaxed atmosphere was contained within the Orchard area, where there were boutique shops, spa treatments and upmarket drinks on offer.
One of the new additions was English sparkling wine producer Chapel Down. The Kent-based vineyard has seen demand double in a decade, and with a presence at Ascot and Newbury races, Susie Goldsmith, head of PR, said Cheltenham was a “natural step” in the company’s offering within the sporting calendar.
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From left: Mark Unsted, Bradley Larimore and Shaun Hogg (The Independent)
Among those inside the tented bar was Bradley Larimore, managing director of Derby-based PMB Pallets, who bought a three litre bottle of Brut, priced at £290, for his business clients.
“I love coming here every year,” he said. “It’s a great occasion to network with businessmen and women, while also enjoying the atmosphere of the day. The money side of it doesn’t bother me, it’s all worth it.”
The official attendance for the opening day was 57,242, up from 55,498 last year, providing bosses with a boost on a week they expect around 250,000.
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Among the youngest at the festival was six-month-old Logan, whose parents James Purchase and Abbie Watson watched a race from the outdoor screens within the venue. They praised its child-friendly facilities, including a spacious changing area and parking close to the entrance.
“Cheltenham is Cheltenham,” said Mr Purchase, 38. “It’s the event of the year for racing enthusiasts, but really it’s a place for everyone to come to enjoy.”
There was one downside to the opening day, with horse Hansard suffering a fatal injury during the Singer Arkle Trophy Novices’ Chase – however, it failed to spoil an enjoyable day for most.
The previous Golden Slipper market leader Hidrix receives blinkers and retains top jockey James McDonald for his Randwick Todman Stakes mission.
McDonald had been on Confederation, Hidrix’s barnmate, for victories in the Canonbury Stakes (1100m) by Hidrix and the Silver Slipper (1100m); Saturday sees him debut atop Hidrix in competitive action, Confederation notwithstanding.
“There’s not too much to read into it in terms of James,” trainer Chris Waller’s assistant, Charlie Duckworth said.
“He has ridden Confederation twice and knows the horse well. We want to afford James the best opportunity to ride our best opportunity in the Slipper, so it’s probably important he rides Hidrix.
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“He galloped him on Tuesday with the blinkers on and he worked really well.
“The horse is good, jockey is good, just the draw is the negative.”
Barrier nine of 11 falls to Hidrix, Confederation getting the berth directly outward after scratching from Canberra’s Black Opal Stakes (1200m) Sunday.
“They’re just to help sharpen him up a little bit,” he said of the blinkers.
“Slippers aren’t easy to win, and we want him to have that killer punch. Ultimately, we’d rather have it work out now than working it out in the grand final.”
McDonald rides Chayan for owners Annabel and Rob Archibald in the 1200m Reisling Stakes; after Melbourne sojourns – second Blue Diamond Fillies Prelude (1100m), seventh wide in Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) – she returns.
“She just couldn’t draw a barrier at either start,” Annabel Archibald said.
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“First start, she was very good, but she was just no hope with the run she had in the Diamond.
“With two-year-olds, it’s always one run at a time and that was a pretty tough run she had . . . but she seems to have come through it pretty well.”
Gate nine challenges Chayan, yet she probes Melbourne two-year-old lines post Stretan Ruler’s Silver Slipper rout from Pakenham weeks ago.
The Todman Stakes caps Stretan Ruler’s Golden Slipper lead-up; he’s second pick behind Paradoxium of Wyong Magic Millions fame.
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Saratoga and Johnnywho gave Limerick man J.P. McManus a 75th birthday double at Cheltenham this afternoon.
Saratoga (10/1), in the hands of Mark Walsh, took the McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at 2.40pm.
The grey four-year-old son of Camelot ran out a two and a quarter length victor in the two-mile contest.
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Half an hour later, the McManus double was complete.
Mallow-born jockey Richie McLernon, just back from injury, won the Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) with Johnnywho (18/1), a third success in the race for the Corkman.
With Jaguar (3/1 favourite) finishing just half a length back in second, the result was actually a 1-2 for top owner McManus.
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Later McManus’ The New Lion was third in the day’s feature race, the Grade 1 Unibet Champion Hurdle, behind the Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead.
Australian Minister of Home Affairs Tony Burke announced at a news conference Tuesday that another Iranian women’s soccer player and a team staffer have accepted asylum in Australia amid fear of punishment upon returning to Iran after five players accepted asylum on Sunday.
Burke added that almost all the Iranian players and many of the support staff were taken aside, individually, as they passed through Australian Customs at an airport before they boarded their flight back to Iran.
And they were each given the opportunity to accept an asylum offer without Iranian state officials present, but other players or staff accepted the offer to stay.
Iranian players react during their national anthem ahead of a Women’s Asian Cup soccer match against the Philippines in Robina, Australia, Sunday, March 8, 2026. (Dave Hunt/AAP Image via AP)
“Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Woman’s Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed. Don’t do it, Mr. Prime Minister, give ASYLUM. The U.S. will take them if you won’t,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump later wrote, “I just spoke to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, of Australia, concerning the Iranian National Women’s Soccer Team.
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“He’s on it! Five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way. Some, however, feel they must go back because they are worried about the safety of their families, including threats to those family members if they don’t return. In any event, the Prime Minister is doing a very good job having to do with this rather delicate situation. God bless Australia!”
The team arrived in Australia before Israel and the U.S. launched a joint offensive against Iran Feb. 28. The strikes led to the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iranian players during their national anthem ahead of a Women’s Asian Cup soccer against the Philippines in Robina, Australia, Sunday, March 8, 2026.(Dave Hunt/AAPImage via AP)
Iranian players refused to sing their national anthem before an opening loss to South Korea March 2, which was viewed by some as an act of resistance dubbed by an Iranian commentator to be the “pinnacle of dishonor.”
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The team didn’t qualify, but the players sang the anthem and saluted before their losses to Australia and the Philippines.
“These women are tremendously popular in Australia, but we realize they are in a terribly difficult situation with the decisions that they’re making,” Burke said. “The opportunity will continue to be there for them to talk to Australian officials if they wish to.”
The Australian Iranian Council launched an online petition urging Australian authorities to “ensure that no member of Iran’s women’s national football team is to depart Australia while credible fears for their safety remain.
“Where credible evidence exists that visiting athletes may face persecution, imprisonment, coercion, or worse upon return, silence is not a neutral position,” the petition added. “The current wartime environment has intensified repression, fear, and the risks faced by anyone publicly perceived by the Islamic Republic as disloyal.”
Iranian players pose for a team photo ahead of a Women’s Asian Cup soccer match against the Philippines in Robina, Australia, Sunday, March 8, 2026.(Dave Hunt/AAPImage via AP, File)
Iran head coach Marziyeh Jafari was quoted as saying on Australia’s national news agency that the team wants “to come back to Iran as soon as we can.”
Jackson Thompson is a sports reporter for Fox News Digital covering critical political and cultural issues in sports, with an investigative lens. Jackson’s reporting has been cited in federal government actions related to the enforcement of Title IX, and in legacy media outlets including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Associated Press and ESPN.com.
Newcastle vs Barcelona LIVE Streaming, UEFA Champions League: Barcelona take on Newcastle United in the first-leg of a highly-anticipated UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash. It is the second time that the Blaugrana will take on the English side in the competition, having earlier defeated them 2-1 in the group stage. The Spanish giants enter the game in good form, having won their last four matches. Hansi Flick’s side will be banking on the likes of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Pedri to shine, but also have a long injury list, headlined by the absences of Frenkie de Jong and Jules Kounde. On the other hand, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle will have to manage without star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, but will hope for an inspired showing from forwards Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade.
Newcastle United vs FC Barcelona LIVE Streaming, UEFA Champions League Round Of 16 LIVE Telecast: Check Where and How to Watch
When will the Newcastle vs Barcelona, Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match take place?
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The Newcastle vs Barcelona, Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match will take place on Wednesday, March 11 (IST).
Where will the Newcastle vs Barcelona, Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match be held?
The Newcastle vs Barcelona, Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match will be held at St. James’ Park in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
What time will the Newcastle vs Barcelona, Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match start?
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The Newcastle vs Barcelona, Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match will start at 1:30 AM IST.
Which TV channels will show the live telecast of the Newcastle vs Barcelona, Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match?
The Newcastle vs Barcelona, Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match will be televised live on the Sony Sports network.
Where to follow the live streaming of the Newcastle vs Barcelona, Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match?
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The Newcastle vs Barcelona, Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match will be live streamed on the SonyLIV app and website.
(All details are as per information provided by the broadcaster)
Gonzaga has won 22 West Coast Conference Tournament championships over the years, including 17 of the past 23 titles. It’s been an incredible run.
But it’s coming to a close.
That is, of course, because the Zags are moving to the remade Pac-12 after this season, meaning their appearance in Tuesday night’s championship game of the WCC Tournament will be their last. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 ET. The opponent is Santa Clara.
Santa Clara?
Yes, the opponent is Santa Clara, which upset Saint Mary’s 76-71 in Monday’s WCC Tournament semifinal to move to 26-5 on the season and, more importantly, into the projected bracket at CBS Sports. The Broncos are now one of the “last four in” the tournament field, according to CBS Sports Bracketology. That suggests Santa Clara’s at-large hopes will be alive but very much up in the air if the Broncos lose to the Zags. If they win, though, they’ll be guaranteed a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1996.
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That’s great stuff from Broncos coach Herb Sendek.
Saint Mary’s losing to Santa Clara opened a spot in Tuesday morning’s updated CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 daily college basketball rankings that I opted to fill with BYU. The Cougars are coming off of Saturday’s 82-76 win over Texas Tech at the Marriott Center. They’ll return to the court Tuesday to play Kansas State in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament, where they’re listed as 10.5-point favorites. If they win, they’ll play West Virginia on Wednesday.
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; General view down the line of scrimmage as Green Bay Packers center Elgton Jenkins (74) prepares to snap the ball against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Gone is Ryan Kelly, the rugged veteran who occupied for the C1 spot for a single season (with no shortage of injury turmoil). Minnesota could opt for one of Blake Brandel, Michael Jurgens, or Zeke Correll. None can match Kelly, though.
Would anything have been different by adding Elgton Jenkins?
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The large lad has been an excellent player for the Packers for a long time. He’s one of the few who can match — or surpass — Brandel’s versatility. Bringing him to the Twin Cities to lock down the center spot had merit until it evaporated.
“The #Browns are expected to sign former #Packers Pro Bowl C Elgton Jenkins,” Rapoport begins, “per me and @TomPelissero. He can play guard or center for Cleveland. It’s a 2-year, $24M deal with $20M guaranteed.” At least in a general sense, the Jenkins deal mirrors Kelly’s insofar as it involves a veteran interior lineman playing on a two-year deal and for a similar financial commitment (Kelly was sitting at $20 million).
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Mark Hoffman-Imagn Images
In Mr. Jenkins, the Browns are getting a good one. Not as well-known as many of the NFL’s top talents, but someone who has been rock solid for a little while. His résumé shows a pair of trips to the Pro Bowl.
Consider what he has done across his career in terms of snap counts across the o-line positions:
LT: 524 Snaps
LG: 4,161 Snaps
C: 906 Snaps
RG: 2 Snaps
RT: 374 Snaps
Cleveland would be wise to play to Jenkins’ strengths, allowing him to settle into where’s he’s comfortable. Seldom, though, are the Cleveland Browns a wise football team. For his part, Elgton Jenkins has proven to be quite selfless and team first in his approach, rightly commanding a pile of respect.
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) hands the ball off to Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Around Minnesota, there’s ongoing concern about what’s going to take place at quarterback, especially with the Geno Smith surprise. Whoever is passing the ball is going to have a better time if the o-line is solid.
Starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw has had his deal restructured. He’s not going anywhere. Left guard Donovan Jackson is coming off an impressive rookie season; right guard Will Fries will want to bounce back from a modest effort in 2025. Meanwhile, Brian O’Neill is still doing his thing. The only factor that appears likely to get adjusted is his deal, which expires after the season. Look for an extension.
The opening at center is where things get uncertain.
At the very least, the Vikings can proceed with the understanding that the floor is known. The 2025 season offered a ton of tape on what Jurgens and Brandel can do at center. Did either show enough to fully settle the debate? Or, perhaps, did the coaching staff see the exact opposite, red flags that need to get addressed?
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Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) is pressured by the Green Bay Packers defense during the second half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Elgton Jenkins, 30, comes in at 6’5″ and 311 pounds. The Packers gained cap space by moving on but aren’t as good as they were with him on the roster.
