Gary Kirsten appointed head coach of Sri Lanka men’s cricket team from April 15
Sri Lanka Cricket has announced the appointment of former South African cricketer Gary Kirsten as the new head coach of the national men’s team, effective from 15 April 2026. Kirsten previously coached India from 2008 to 2011 and led South Africa from 2011 to 2013. He guided India to the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup title and helped South Africa reach top rankings across formats. In Sri Lanka, he is expected to oversee coaching strategies, player development, and team performance ahead of international tournaments. His international coaching record and experience in diverse conditions are highly regarded by the cricketing community.
New role: Head coach of Sri Lanka men’s team
Effective date: 15 April 2026
Past roles: India coach (2008–2011); South Africa coach (2011–2013)
Notable achievement: India won 2011 World Cup
Expectation: strategic planning and player development
Mar 09, 2026
Lin Chun-yi wins All England Open badminton title, defeats Lakshya Sen in straight games
Lin Chun-yi of Chinese Taipei defeated India's Lakshya Sen in the men’s singles final at the All England Open Badminton Championships in Birmingham, winning 21-15, 22-20. Lin moved ahead early in the opening game and held off Lakshya’s comeback to take the first game. In the second, Lakshya surged with renewed energy and led at times, but Lin recovered to clinch the match. Lin’s victory came after he defeated world No. 2 Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the semi finals, while Lakshya had earlier beaten Canada’s Victor Lai. The tournament also featured upsets including Shi Yuqi in the opening round and Anders Antonsen losing early.
Lin Chun-yi defeated Lakshya Sen 21-15, 22-20 in the final
Semifinals: Lin beat Kunlavut Vitidsarn; Lakshya beat Victor Lai
Top seed Shi Yuqi exited in the first round; Anders Antonsen also upset early
All England Open held in Birmingham, England
Event impact on players’ world rankings and form
India win T20 World Cup 2026 on home soil, beat New Zealand by 96 runs
India clinched the T20 World Cup 2026 title at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, defeating New Zealand by 96 runs on 9 March 2026. The win made India the first team to win back-to-back T20 World Cups and the first to lift the trophy on home soil, achieving a third championship. Jasprit Bumrah led the bowling with four wickets, while Axar Patel claimed three. Sanju Samson finished top scorer with 321 runs in the tournament and was named Player of the Tournament, while Bumrah earned Player of the Final for 4/15 in four overs. The innings featured a 255/5 total, powered by fast starts and aggressive middle overs.
Date of final: 9 March 2026, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
India won by 96 runs against New Zealand
Bumrah: 4 wickets in the final; Axar Patel: 3 wickets
Sanju Samson: Player of the Tournament with 321 runs
Bumrah: Player of the Final (4/15)
Mar 08, 2026
Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 Scheduled for 25 March–6 April in Chhattisgarh
The government announced the 2026 Khelo India Tribal Games will be hosted in Chhattisgarh from 25 March to 6 April 2026. The event aims to identify and nurture sporting talent from tribal communities, with competitions across multiple disciplines and parallel activities to encourage youth participation and physical education. Organisers emphasise inclusivity and wider engagement with local communities, while government bodies link the event to broader sport development and youth empowerment goals. The games are expected to attract participants from across states and offer national recognition and medals.
Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 scheduled for 25 March–6 April.
Hosted in Chhattisgarh to showcase tribal sporting talent.
Multi-discipline events with parallel youth activities.
Aligns with national sport development and empowerment goals.
Promotes inclusive participation across states.
Jasprit Bumrah Reaches 500 International Wickets During T20 World Cup Semifinal
Jasprit Bumrah became the eighth Indian bowler to reach 500 international wickets during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal against England at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. He took the crucial first scalp of the match, delivering the breakthrough ball in the fifth over. Debuting in 2016, Bumrah’s milestone places him among India’s most successful fast bowlers across formats. His contribution helped India secure a narrow victory and advance to the final stages of the tournament. The landmark highlights a decade of consistent performance and leadership in India’s pace attack.
Bumrah reached 500 international wickets in T20 World Cup semifinal.
Opponent: England, at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
milestone achieved with opening ball of his spell in the fifth over.
Debut year: 2016; now among India’s elite bowlers.
India won the semifinal and progressed in the tournament.
Mar 07, 2026
Chhattisgarh to Host First Khelo India Tribal Games 2026
Chhattisgarh will host the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 from 25 March to 6 April, across Raipur, Jagdalpur and Sarguja. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced the event as part of broader efforts to expand sports participation nationwide. The games will feature seven medal sports—athletics, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, swimming and wrestling—while mallakhamb and kabaddi will be demonstration sports. Athletes from across states and union territories are expected to compete, providing a national platform for tribal youth to showcase talent. The event reflects government emphasis on inclusive sports development and youth engagement.
Sports: seven medal events; mallakhamb and kabaddi as demonstration
Organized as part of Khelo India initiative
Target: promote tribal sports and youth talent
Announcement by: Mansukh Mandaviya
India Reaches Fourth Men’s T20 World Cup Final
India became the first team to reach four men’s T20 World Cup finals after defeating England by seven runs in the 2026 semi‑final at the Wankhede Stadium. The victory secures a final appearance against New Zealand in Ahmedabad. India previously reached finals in 2007, 2014 and 2024, underscoring sustained success in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The achievement reinforces India’s status as a dominant force in the tournament and elevates anticipation for the title clash with New Zealand.
Significance: first team to reach four T20 World Cup finals
Impact: boosts national cricket mood ahead of final
India T20 World Cup Final Record Reaches Milestone
With the 2026 semi‑final result, India becomes the first nation to reach four Men’s T20 World Cup finals (2007, 2014, 2024, 2026). The landmark highlights India’s consistent performance across editions and strengthens the team’s standing in international Twenty20 cricket. A final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad is anticipated as players showcase depth in batting, fast bowling and fielding. The milestone adds to India’s rich cricketing history and sets high expectations for the title decider.
Fourth final appearance: 2007, 2014, 2024, 2026
Opponent in final: New Zealand (Ahmedabad)
Significance: historic milestone in T20 World Cup history
Indicates depth in Indian cricket talent
Builds momentum for the final
Mar 06, 2026
Cycling League of India logo unveiled as franchise-based cycling league begins
On 5 March 2026, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled the logo of the world’s first franchise-based Road Cycling League, named Cycling League of India. The event in New Delhi marks the start of a professional cycling ecosystem in the country. Officials describe the initiative as a stepping stone to expand sports leagues, foster talent, and attract global attention. The league is expected to run across multiple cities later in 2026, featuring both male and female riders and partnerships with cycling bodies. The move aligns with broader sports development goals and fitness campaigns.
Cycling League of India logo unveiled on 5 March 2026.
First franchise-based road cycling league in India.
Event signals expansion of cycling and sport leagues.
Aims to nurture talent and attract global participation.
Finn Allen scores fastest T20 World Cup century in Kolkata semi-final
New Zealand opener Finn Allen smashed the fastest century in T20 World Cup history, reaching 100 off 33 balls against South Africa in the Kolkata semi-final on 4 March 2026. The knock helped New Zealand win by nine wickets and advance to the final. Allen’s innings surpassed Chris Gayle’s 2016 record of 47 balls and set a knockout-stage benchmark for the tournament. Analysts lauded the aggressive onslaught, noting it changed the course of the match and added a record to New Zealand’s cricketing achievements. South Africa’s innings could not match the pace and power of the onslaught.
Finn Allen scores 33-ball century in T20 World Cup semi-final.
Nz defeats South Africa by nine wickets in Kolkata.
fastest T20 World Cup century in knockout history.