GG vs RCB, WPL Live Score: Royal Challengers Bengaluru have enjoyed a dream start to WPL 2026, winning both their opening matches in contrasting fashion. A thrilling last-ball comeback victory against Mumbai Indians was followed by a commanding demolition of UP Warriorz, giving RCB early momentum and confidence. Winning in two very different ways has underlined the balance and depth in the squad as they look to build a strong position heading into the business end of the tournament.

Much of RCB’s success has been driven by a disciplined bowling attack. New signing Lauren Bell has led the charge superbly, conceding just 3.75 runs per over, the best economy in the competition so far, while also maintaining a remarkable dot-ball percentage of 70.8. Nadine de Klerk has complemented her well, picking up six wickets and providing control in key phases.

With the bat, the opening pair of Grace Harris and Smriti Mandhana has provided brisk starts, setting the tone early. De Klerk’s late-innings heroics in the opener remain one of the standout moments of the season. While the middle order is yet to fully fire, RCB have plenty of reasons for optimism.

Gujarat Giants, meanwhile, also began their campaign with two wins. Their overseas stars Sophie Devine, Ashleigh Gardner and Georgia Wareham made immediate impacts, while Anushka Sharma impressed in the opening game. However, bowling inconsistencies were exposed in their loss to Mumbai Indians, an area they will be keen to address.

As the WPL reaches its final phase at DY Patil Stadium, an enticing contest awaits between two confident sides.

NEW DELHI: Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul visited the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain ahead of the third and final ODI against New Zealand. He went there to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva before the series decider at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday.During his visit, Rahul offered prayers at the Mahakal Temple, which is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. He also performed ritual worship of Nandi. The visit was calm and devotional, away from the pressure of international cricket.

This was not Rahul’s first visit to the temple. He has been there several times in the past.Before the start of IPL 2024, Rahul visited the temple with his parents after attending the Bhasma Aarti. He prayed for success in the tournament. He had also visited the Mahakal Temple with his wife Athiya Shetty before the Indore Test in 2023.On the field, Rahul is in excellent form in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand. The 33-year-old played a brilliant knock in the second match of the series. He scored a magnificent hundred and remained unbeaten on 112. His innings included 11 fours and one six. He looked confident and in control throughout his stay at the crease.

Watch KL Rahul offering prayers to Lord Shiva

However, Rahul’s effort was not enough to secure a win for India. New Zealand chased down the target successfully and won the match by seven wickets. Daryl Mitchell scored a century and guided his team to victory. With this result, the series is now level at 1-1.Before Rahul’s visit, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also reached the Mahakal Temple. They arrived at around 4 am to take part in the Bhasma Aarti. Both coaches sat in the Nandi Hall during the ritual.

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli’s return to the summit of the ICC ODI batting rankings sparked celebration among Indian fans, but it was an accompanying social media graphic from the world body that unexpectedly triggered a backlash and forced a swift correction. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has since rectified an error related to the number of days Kohli has spent as the No. 1-ranked ODI batter, a move that dramatically altered his position on the all-time list.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Kohli recently reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Rankings for the first time in nearly five years, following his match-winning 93 off 91 balls in India’s four-wicket win over New Zealand in the opening ODI at Vadodara. It marked his return to the top of the rankings for the first time since July 2021 and capped a remarkable run of form for the 37-year-old.

However, soon after announcing Kohli’s rise, the ICC posted a graphic stating that the former India captain had spent just 825 days as the No. 1 ODI batter across his career. The figure placed him as low as 10th on the list of players with the most days at the top, a claim that immediately raised eyebrows among fans and statisticians alike.Several users on social media pointed out that ICC’s own historical records showed Kohli had spent far longer at the summit. Archived ICC data consistently listed Kohli’s tally at 1,547 days. As criticism mounted, the ICC quietly deleted the original post and issued an updated release, acknowledging the correct figure.

With the correction, Kohli surged from 10th to third on the all-time list of most days spent as the No. 1 ODI batter. Only West Indies legends Sir Vivian Richards (2,306 days) and Brian Lara (2,079 days) now sit ahead of him. Kohli also stands as the Indian with the most days at the top of the ODI rankings.In its revised statement, the ICC confirmed: “As of today, he has been top for a total of 1,547 days – third most by any player, and the most by any Indian.” The body also noted that this is Kohli’s 11th different spell at No. 1, having first reached the summit in October 2013.

Kohli’s ranking resurgence has been underpinned by exceptional consistency. He has scored five 50-plus knocks in his last six international matches, including two centuries. His purple patch stretches back to the ODI series in Australia and includes scores of 74, 135, 102, 65 and 93. He also struck hundreds against South Africa in December and in India’s Vijay Hazare Trophy.

NEW DELHI: A delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to visit Bangladesh soon to hold in-person discussions over the country’s participation in the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7. The development comes amid an ongoing standoff, with Bangladesh’s sports ministry and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) maintaining a firm stance that the national team will not travel to India and will only play their matches in Sri Lanka.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The proposed ICC visit was confirmed by sports adviser Asif Nazrul while briefing the media at the Foreign Service Academy on Thursday. Nazrul made it clear that while Bangladesh remains keen to participate in the global event, there will be no compromise on the venue issue.

“According to the latest updates, Mr. Aminul Islam [BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul] informed me that an ICC team is likely to come to Bangladesh for discussions. There is no chance of us changing our stance. We are eager to play in the World Cup, particularly in Sri Lanka, and I strongly believe that organising this is not impossible,” Nazrul said.According to a Daily Star report, a BCB official, speaking on condition of anonymity, also confirmed the likelihood of talks but said the schedule was yet to be finalised. “We are in discussions, and a delegation is set to arrive, but the exact date has not been determined. We are in communication, but the time is not fixed,” the official said.

The issue has been simmering since last week, when the BCB leadership held a video conference with the ICC. During the meeting, the board reiterated its refusal to send the team to India, citing security concerns, and formally requested that Bangladesh’s matches be relocated to co-host Sri Lanka. The ICC, while noting that the tournament itinerary had already been announced, asked the BCB to reconsider its position.In a statement issued after the meeting, the BCB said: “During the discussions, the BCB reaffirmed its position regarding the decision not to travel to India, citing security concerns. The Board also reiterated its request for the ICC to consider relocating Bangladesh’s matches outside India. While the ICC highlighted that the tournament itinerary has already been announced and requested the BCB to reconsider its stance, the Board’s position remains unchanged.”The board added that both sides had agreed to continue dialogue “to explore possible solutions” and stressed its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of players, officials and staff.Bangladesh’s participation came under doubt following heightened political tensions between the two countries, exacerbated by the BCCI directing IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. Since then, sports adviser Nazrul has repeatedly stated that Bangladesh is not prepared to travel to India for the World Cup.BCB vice-president Shakhawat Hossain echoed that view after the ICC meeting. “We are firm in the position we have taken. We will not change our stance even by an inch. We are not going to India,” he said. “We have stated our position and they are looking for alternatives. The path for discussion is still open.”

Henil Patel stole the show with a sensational five-wicket haul as India U19 cruised to a six-wicket win over USA U19 in a rain-affected ICC Under-19 World Cup opener on Thursday. The right-arm pacer ran through the USA middle order with ruthless precision, finishing with outstanding figures of 5/16 from seven overs, including a maiden, as India opted to bowl under cloudy conditions. The visitors were bundled out for just 107 in 35.2 overs, leaving India with a modest target. Rain interrupted India’s chase, reducing the revised target to 96 in 37 overs under the DLS method. India had made a cautious start, reaching 21/1 in four overs before the weather intervened. Once play resumed, 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fell early for 2, bowled by Ritvik Appidi (2/24 in five overs) after attempting a risky step down the pitch. Skipper Ayush Mhatre showed intent with two boundaries but could not stay long, falling for 19. Vedant Trivedi (2) and vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra (18) also departed, leaving India slightly wobbling at 70/4.

Abhigyan Kundu then anchored the innings, scoring a patient 42 not out from 41 balls, guiding India to victory with composure and ensuring Kanishk Chouhan (10 not out) stayed unbeaten at the other end. Henil’s brilliance with the ball had set the tone early. He struck in his first over, catching Amrinder Gill (1) behind the slips, then had Sahil Garg (16) caught at third man. He dismantled the USA captain Utkarsh Srivastava for a duck and Arjun Mahesh (16) in the same over. Khilan Patel added to the damage, trapping Amogh Arepally (3), while Nitish Sudini’s 36 offered the only resistance. Henil returned to clean up the tail, sending Sabrish Prasad (7) and Rishabh Shimpi (0) back to the pavilion. With this win, India begin their Group B campaign confidently alongside Bangladesh and New Zealand. Brief Scores: USA: 107 in 35.2 overs (Nitish Sudini 36; Henil Patel 5/16) India: 99/4 in 17.2 overs (Abhigyan Kundu 42*, Ritvik Appidi 2/24)

NEW DELHI: Bangladesh cricket plunged into fresh turmoil on Wednesday as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) publicly distanced itself from controversial remarks made by its director Najmul Islam, even as players threatened to boycott domestic matches and uncertainty deepened over the national team’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The controversy erupted after Najmul questioned the commitment of national cricketers, suggesting that certain players had failed to justify the support and resources invested in them. His comments were widely seen as disrespectful, triggering a strong backlash from former internationals, players’ bodies and fans on social media.

Responding to the uproar, the BCB issued a formal statement expressing regret over any remarks that may have been deemed inappropriate or hurtful, firmly stating that the comments did not reflect the board’s official position. “The BCB does not endorse or take responsibility for any statement unless it is formally issued through the board’s designated spokesperson or the Media and Communications Department,” the statement read, underlining that comments made outside authorised channels are personal in nature.It has since emerged that players had threatened to boycott Thursday’s Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match unless the board took a clear stand and protected players’ honour. The board also warned that it would take appropriate disciplinary action against any individual whose conduct or comments disrespect cricketers or damage the reputation and integrity of Bangladesh cricket.

Reaffirming its stance, the BCB said it holds all past and present players in the highest regard. “Players remain at the heart of Bangladesh cricket, and their contributions and welfare continue to be a top priority,” the statement added.Najmul’s remarks came against the backdrop of an escalating standoff involving the ICC, and the BCCI over the T20 World Cup venue. Last week, Najmul courted further controversy by calling former captain Tamim Iqbal an “Indian agent” after Tamim urged the board not to be driven by emotion while deciding on Bangladesh’s participation in the World Cup in India.The BCB has cited security concerns in refusing to travel to India, particularly after the BCCI instructed an IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release pacer Mustafizur Rahman from its 2026 squad amid tense bilateral relations. While the ICC remains reluctant to shift Bangladesh’s matches out of India, the BCB has stayed adamant.Former captain Mohammad Ashraful criticised public attacks on players by administrators. “Issues should be handled internally. Such remarks demoralise players and damage the image of Bangladesh cricket,” he wrote on social media. The Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) said it was “stunned, shocked and outraged” by Najmul’s comments, calling them “utterly condemnable”.Adding fuel to the fire, BCB finance committee chairman Najmul Hossain said the board would not face financial loss if Bangladesh skipped the World Cup. “There will be no loss for the Bangladesh Cricket Board; the loss will be for the players,” he said, noting that match fees and performance bonuses go directly to players. He also rejected the idea of compensating players if the team withdraws.

NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has “taken references” from the world’s top leagues in Spain, Germany, and England, while drawing its roadmap for the next 21 years, including establishing an all-powerful governing council and a management committee.As part of a new governance structure for the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League, the AIFF has put in place a governing council and the management committee to oversee the two leagues’ regulatory and operational functioning.

The AIFF shared the governing and managing council policies with the 14 ISL clubs, including the 2025-26 season on Tuesday.According to the charter, the league will be governed and managed by the two committees, with the potential commercial rights partner having three seats in each of the bodies.“It’s a roadmap for the next 21 years about how the country’s top two leagues are going to be managed, administrated, promoted and developed by these two bodies.“We have taken references from some of the of top leagues of the world and proposed to implement the global best practices into India’s top two football leagues,” AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey told PTI.As per a proposal by stakeholders, the 22-member governing council is likely to be headed by either the president of the AIFF, and it will be the highest supervisor body for the ISL.The management committee, which will be in charge of ensuing smooth function of the league, will be led by the AIFF’s secretary-general.The governing council will comprise 14 clubs owners, three office bearers of the AIFF, three nominated members from commercial partners, and two independent partners who does not have any conflict of interest.The body will meet once in a year, preferably three months prior to the league, and can decide on matters relating to finance and other important things.“We have done a thorough study on how some of the best football leagues are run, we have followed their structures before framing these policies,” Chaubey said.The managing committee will include chief executive officers of five ISL clubs, including two from previous season’s winners and runners-up and three elected by the clubs. The managing committee will also feature three members from the commercial partners and three office bearers from the AIFF.The management committee will meet once every meet and as and when required when the league is in progress.The managing council will decide on the routine operational matters, including running the day-to-day operations of the league.Below them there will be six other committees to run the league in a professional manner including regulatory oversight to formulate, approve and enforce competition regulations, code of conduct and other disciplinary framework in accordance with the existing AIFF, Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and FIFA regulations.Integrity matters, compliances, supervision of how these committees shall perform, strategic oversight to ensure that ISL policies and operations are consistent with football development objectives set out by the AIFF and international best practices.Fairness and transparency will also come under the ambit of these six committees.Meanwhile, the AIFF continues to wait for a response from the continental body regarding whether ISL clubs will get AFC slots despite playing fewer than the mandatory number of matches this season.“We have already written to them and it is up to AFC to decide,” the AIFF chief said.While a team is required to play in 24 games during a season, the ISL sides will be featuring in only 13 matches during a curtailed season this time.

India batter Shreyas Iyer recently spoke about the serious spleen injury he suffered during the third ODI against Australia. He said he did not understand how bad the injury was at first. The realisation came only after he was taken to the hospital. He described the pain as “excruciatingly painful”.Despite the setback, Iyer made a strong comeback. He scored 49 runs in India’s opening ODI win against New Zealand in Vadodara.Talking about the injury, he said, “It was painful, excruciatingly painful. I didn’t realise how tough that injury was until I got to know that spleen is an important part of our body and it’s an organ and I didn’t even know about the word.

“Then the next day when I was admitted to the hospital, after that I realised, ‘Wow, okay, this was a severe injury.’ Yes, it was (spleen was learnt as a new word that day).”Iyer said the injury forced him to slow down. He explained how difficult it was for someone like him, who likes to stay active all the time. “This process, I felt that I had to give myself a little bit of time not to over-exert myself because I’m someone who can’t sit in one place. I want to keep doing one thing or another,” he told the broadcaster.“But this injury especially gave me time to reflect upon myself, rejuvenate and also relax as much as possible because it’s not that you can get up and start working out straight away.”He followed the medical advice closely during recovery. “You need to give yourself a lot of time and I was told that within six to eight weeks, you will be back to normal and then you can start training. So I just followed the proper guidelines, which I was provided with and then after that it was a smooth sailing ride.”Speaking about his batting approach after returning, Iyer said he is not forcing anything. “Honestly speaking, I’m not trying to do anything. It’s just the instincts.” He added that he now wants to react naturally and stay in the moment.Iyer also spoke about batting with Virat Kohli. He said their talks are simple and light. “See, the communication has always been funny.” Their main focus is to stay positive, build a safe total, and give confidence to the bowlers. He feels this mindset helps the team perform better and win matches.