Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

Carlos Alcaraz has announced the end of his long and hugely successful partnership with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, bringing to a close a seven-year journey that took the Spaniard to the very top of men’s tennis. The world No. 1 confirmed the decision on Wednesday through a message on social media, while Ferrero released a separate statement expressing his gratitude and disappointment that their time together had come to an end. Ferrero began working with Alcaraz when he was just 15, and under his guidance the young Spaniard enjoyed one of the most remarkable rises in the modern game. During their time together, Alcaraz won six Grand Slam titles, lifting the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open trophies twice each. He also collected 24 tour-level titles, including eight Masters 1000 crowns. “After more than seven years together, Juanki and I have decided to end our chapter as coach and player,” Alcaraz wrote. “Thank you for turning childhood dreams into reality. We started this journey when I was barely a kid, and you have been with me on an incredible path both on and off the court. I enjoyed every single step.” One of the defining moments of their partnership came in 2022, when Alcaraz won the US Open at the age of 19 to become the youngest player in history to reach No. 1 in the ATP rankings. Ferrero described the separation as an emotional moment, reflecting on the bond they had built over the years. “Today is a difficult day,” he said. “Saying goodbye is never easy, especially after so many shared experiences. We have worked hard, grown together, and lived unforgettable moments.” Alcaraz did not indicate whether he would immediately appoint a new head coach. Last year, Samuel Lopez was brought into the setup to work alongside Ferrero, and both Ferrero and Lopez were recently named ATP Coaches of the Year. The award followed another outstanding season for Alcaraz, who reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking after winning 71 matches, the most of his career in a single year. He finished the season with eight titles, including triumphs at Roland Garros and the US Open. Despite stepping away, Ferrero expressed confidence in Alcaraz’s future. “We have been an incredible team despite the difficulties,” he said. “I am sure he will continue to achieve great success. I wish I could have continued, and I believe good people and good memories always find a way to cross paths again.”

Quinton de Kock (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Mumbai Indians (MI) approached the IPL 2026 mini auction with the smallest available purse, just Rs 2.75 crore, after retaining most of their core squad. Despite the limited funds, they secured South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock for only Rs 1 crore, a move praised by former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin as a smart and opportunistic acquisition. De Kock, who had previously played for MI between 2019 and 2021, makes a return to the franchise and emerged as their standout buy of the auction. His signing adds firepower to MI’s top order while giving the team flexibility in their batting lineup.

The five-time champions had already bolstered their squad during the trade window, bringing in players such as Sherfane Rutherford, Shardul Thakur, and Mayank Markande. Ashwin highlighted that the franchise’s ability to secure De Kock while other teams hesitated shows strategic planning. “I think the Quinton de Kock buy was a good move. I think the other franchises were sleeping on their haunches, and MI snooped it up. I think MI are not sure about the Rickelton opening combination. I think MI are trying to replicate their IPL 2020 championship squad, only Ishan Kishan is not there,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. Despite their limited budget, Ashwin noted that MI’s auction strategy made their squad even stronger. “MI had 2.75 crore, but it was as if they had 27 crore, because they bought so many players. MI already had a winning squad before they went into the IPL auction, and now, after the auction, they look even stronger,” he added. In addition to De Kock, MI also added Danish Malewar, Mohammad Izhar, Atharva Ankolekar, and Mayank Rawat to their lineup, rounding out their squad ahead of the 2026 season.

Sri Lanka cricket team (ANI)

Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed the appointment of R. Sridhar as the national team’s fielding coach, with his contract running through the end of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The appointment came into effect on December 11 and will conclude shortly after the T20 World Cup finishes on March 10. The global tournament will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

A BCCI Level 3 qualified coach, Sridhar brings vast experience at the international level. He previously served as India’s fielding coach from 2014 to 2021, working across more than 300 international matches. His tenure included involvement in two ODI World Cups and two T20 World Cups. In his new role, Sridhar will focus on improving Sri Lanka’s overall fielding standards. He will work closely with the national squad during upcoming tours of Pakistan and England, before shifting attention fully to preparations for the T20 World Cup. Reacting to the appointment, Sridhar said Sri Lankan cricketers have long been known for their natural flair and resilience. He stressed that his aim is to create the right environment rather than enforce rigid methods, allowing athleticism, awareness and pride in fielding to develop organically. The role also marks a return to familiar surroundings for Sridhar. Earlier this year, he conducted a 10-day specialised fielding camp at Sri Lanka Cricket’s National High Performance Centre in May. The programme began with the national men’s team and later extended to other squads. During the camp, Sridhar oversaw intensive fielding drills, skill-based sessions and simulated match scenarios designed to mirror real game conditions. He worked closely with national, high-performance and club coaches throughout the stint. Speaking further, Sridhar highlighted the importance of connection and realism in fielding preparation. He said Sri Lanka’s traditional strengths, including quick hands, sharp reflexes and fearless intent, can be taken to another level through game-like training environments. Last year, Sridhar also had a brief coaching assignment with Afghanistan. He was named assistant coach for their one-off Test against New Zealand in Noida and the three-match ODI series against South Africa in September.

Australia’s Alex Carey celebrates his century at the Adelaide Oval. (AP Photo)

A composed Alex Carey marked a special day at his home ground with a majestic century as Australia seized control on the opening day of the third Ashes Test against England at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday. Carey’s assured 106, combined with a defiant 82 from veteran Usman Khawaja, lifted the hosts to a commanding 326 for 8 at stumps after captain Pat Cummins won the toss in sweltering conditions.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Temperatures soared past 36 degrees Celsius, and Australia’s preparations were jolted just before play when Steve Smith was ruled out with illness. Smith, who has scored more than 10,000 Test runs, was named in the XI but withdrew shortly before the toss, forcing a late reshuffle.

That surprise absence opened the door for Khawaja, who turns 39 on Thursday and had been overlooked as an opener earlier in the series. Given a lifeline, the left-hander responded with a calm, resilient knock, anchoring the innings after Australia lost early wickets. Dropped on five at second slip, Khawaja made England pay, grinding his way to a hard-earned half-century before falling just before tea while attempting a slog-sweep.Carey then took charge, shepherding the lower middle order with maturity and precision. He first added useful runs alongside Josh Inglis (32), then Pat Cummins (13), before combining effectively with Mitchell Starc, who was unbeaten on 33 at the close. Carey struck eight fours and a six, bringing up his third Test century in front of family, friends and a record Adelaide Oval crowd of 56,298. He eventually departed late in the day, top-edging Will Jacks to the wicketkeeper, but not before firmly tilting the contest Australia’s way.

England’s standout bowler was Jofra Archer, who finished with an impressive 3 for 29 on a taxing day in the field. Archer produced a blistering spell after lunch, removing Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green in quick succession to briefly stall Australia’s momentum. Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse also chipped in with key wickets, though England were guilty of missed chances that proved costly.Earlier, openers Jake Weatherald (18) and Travis Head (10) fell cheaply, while Inglis and Cummins were dismissed in the final session. Nathan Lyon was yet to score at stumps.The day began on a sombre note, with players from both teams wearing black armbands and observing a minute’s silence to honour the victims of the Bondi Beach mass shooting. Flags flew at half-mast as security was heightened around the packed venue.Leading the five-Test series 2-0 after emphatic wins in Perth and Brisbane, Australia are well placed to push for a result that would see them retain the Ashes.

MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming (Agency Image)

NEW DELHI: Former India and Chennai Super Kings batter Robin Uthappa believes the speculation surrounding MS Dhoni’s future can finally be put to rest, insisting that the IPL 2026 season is set to be the 44-year-old legend’s last as a player. Speaking after CSK’s strikingly youth-focused auction strategy, Uthappa said the franchise’s clear shift in philosophy points to Dhoni preparing for a transition from player to mentor.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“I think the writing is on the wall. This is clearly going to be MS Dhoni’s last season. No more conjecture, no more speculation,” Uthappa told JioHotstar on Tuesday. “All the signs point towards that when you look at the investment in youth and the kind of teams they have picked since last year.”

CSK’s auction approach underlined that belief. Of the Rs 41 crore spent on nine players, a staggering Rs 28.4 crore — nearly 60 per cent of their purse — was invested in just two uncapped youngsters. Teenage keeper-batter Kartik Sharma was snapped up for Rs 14.20 crore, while 20-year-old left-arm spin all-rounder Prashant Veer commanded a similar price, instantly becoming among the most expensive uncapped players in IPL history.For Uthappa, the aggressive backing of raw talent signals Dhoni’s evolving role within the franchise. “They are focused on developing talent, uncovering talent and keeping that talent within the franchise,” he said. “If you can develop another Jadeja with the kind of mentorship MS Dhoni provides, along with the captaincy of Ruturaj Gaikwad, why not?”

The shift has been building for some time. Ahead of the auction, CSK traded Ravindra Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals and brought in middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan and leg-spinner Rahul Chahar — players firmly in their prime. The arrival of Sanju Samson further strengthens the idea of a succession plan, with Dhoni expected to gradually step back from on-field responsibilities.“We all know that if he is not playing, he will be mentoring the side,” Uthappa added. “I think this year he will operate as a mentor-cum-player. He is already viewing things from that perspective.”For years, Dhoni’s retirement has been a perennial IPL talking point. Even after leading CSK to the title in 2023, the former India captain chose to continue, driven by a desire to give fans a fitting farewell. Now, with CSK placing their future in the hands of Ruturaj Gaikwad and investing heavily in youth, the franchise appears to be preparing for life after ‘Captain Cool’ — with Dhoni still very much at the heart of it.

FIFA World Cup Trophy (AP Photo)

FIFA World Cup organisers on Tuesday announced a new cut-price ticket category for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, responding to growing criticism from fans over soaring prices. FIFA said it has created a limited “Supporter Entry Tier” priced at $60 for all 104 matches, including the final, in what it described as an effort to help travelling supporters follow their national teams.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!In a statement, football’s global governing body said the initiative was “designed to further support travelling fans following their national teams across the tournament”. The $60 tickets, equivalent to around €51, will be reserved exclusively for fans of qualified teams and will account for 10 percent of each national federation’s ticket allocation.

The move follows sharp criticism from fan organisations, led by Football Supporters Europe (FSE), which last week branded FIFA’s original pricing plans “extortionate” and “astronomical”. While welcoming the announcement, FSE said the measure fell well short of what supporters had been promised.“While we welcome FIFA’s seeming recognition of the damage its original plans were to cause, the revisions do not go far enough,” FSE said in a statement. The group previously claimed that ticket prices for 2026 were almost five times higher than at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, calling the pricing a “monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup”.

FSE said that a fan following their team from the group stage to the final would still face a minimum cost of $6,900, despite a 2018 bid document promising tickets starting from $21. On Tuesday, the organisation described FIFA’s move as an “appeasement tactic”, arguing that only a few hundred fans per match would realistically benefit from the $60 tier, while most supporters would continue to face record prices. It also criticised the lack of specific provisions for disabled fans and their companions.British Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed those concerns, welcoming the lower-priced tickets but urging FIFA to go further. “I encourage FIFA to do more to make tickets more affordable so that the World Cup doesn’t lose touch with the genuine supporters,” he wrote on X.FIFA said national federations would be responsible for ensuring the cheaper tickets go to “loyal fans closely connected to their national teams”. It also confirmed that fans who buy knockout-round tickets but see their team eliminated earlier will have administrative fees waived on refunds.The announcement comes amid what FIFA described as “extraordinary global demand”, with more than 20 million ticket requests already submitted. The first ticket sales draw, covering all price categories, is scheduled for January 13.

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Lionel Messi capped his much-celebrated GOAT India Tour 2025 by sharing a minute-long video montage of his visit, offering fans a heartfelt glimpse into his whirlwind journey across the country and expressing optimism about the future of football in India. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The Argentine legend posted the clip on social media on Tuesday, shortly after departing Jamnagar, writing: “Namaste India! What incredible visits to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. Thanks for the warm welcome, great hospitality and all the expressions of love throughout my tour. I hope football has a bright future in India!”

The video showcases Messi’s interactions with fans, young footballers and dignitaries across four cities, capturing the scale of enthusiasm that followed the World Cup winner throughout his stay. His message quickly resonated with Indian supporters, many of whom hailed the tour as a landmark moment for football in the country.WATCH – India tour video shared by Messi Messi’s final stop was Jamnagar, where he visited Vantara, the wildlife rescue and conservation centre hosted by Anant Ambani. Accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi received a traditional welcome and toured the facility, which houses rescued big cats, elephants, reptiles and other animals. Praising the initiative, Messi described Vantara’s work as “truly beautiful” and said the experience would stay with him.Before Jamnagar, Messi completed a packed itinerary across India. The tour began in Kolkata, where overwhelming crowds underlined his immense popularity, despite some fan frustration over overcrowding. In Hyderabad, he featured in a 7-on-7 exhibition match and met Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, while also interacting with political leaders and young players. Mumbai saw Messi visit the Wankhede Stadium, where he met Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.The Delhi leg served as the grand finale. Messi attended an on-field programme at the Arun Jaitley Stadium and made a brief appearance during a celebrity match involving the Minerva Messi All Stars. He spent time with young footballers, exchanged passes with Suárez and De Paul, and participated in a stage ceremony attended by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and several prominent dignitaries. Messi was presented with special Indian cricket jerseys and a commemorative bat signed by former Indian greats.

Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan

NEW DELHI: The IPL 2026 auction delivered many big-money headlines, but few stories matched the emotional weight of Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan scripting their return to the league after early rejection. Once touted as India’s next batting stars, both were initially left unsold, only to find new life in the accelerated round — a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change at the IPL auction table.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Shaw’s journey was the most dramatic. After going unsold twice at his base price of Rs 75 lakh, the former India opener briefly took to social media, posting a heartbreak emoji with the words “It’s OK.” Within minutes, the script flipped. Delhi Capitals, the franchise he represented from 2018 to 2024, revived his name late in the auction and brought him back for Rs 75 lakh. Shaw swiftly deleted his earlier post and shared DC’s welcome graphic instead, captioning it “Back to my family,” sealing a full-circle moment.

The 26-year-old has been in strong domestic form and recently made headlines by scoring the second-fastest double century in Ranji Trophy history. Having shifted from Mumbai to Maharashtra this season, Shaw now gets another chance to revive his IPL and international ambitions with a familiar franchise.

Sarfaraz Khan’s wait ended in similar fashion. After going unsold in the main round despite a prolific domestic record — including a blistering 22-ball 73 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy just an hour before the auction started — Chennai Super Kings snapped him up for Rs 75 lakh. For Sarfaraz, the move represents an opportunity to showcase his power-hitting under MS Dhoni’s watchful eye.

While Shaw and Sarfaraz embodied redemption, the auction also saw fireworks elsewhere. Kolkata Knight Riders shattered records by signing Australia all-rounder Cameron Green for Rs 25.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player in IPL history. KKR also landed Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana for Rs 18 crore, while uncapped Indians continued to cash in big.Yet amid the crores and bidding wars, it was the quiet, late picks of Shaw and Sarfaraz that stood out — proof that in the IPL, a comeback is never more than one bid away.

Venkatesh Iyer (Image credit: BCCI)

India all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer experienced a dramatic swing in fortunes at the IPL 2026 auction on Tuesday as Royal Challengers Bengaluru outbid Kolkata Knight Riders in a fierce contest to secure his services. Iyer, who had commanded a massive Rs 23.75 crore at last year’s mega auction in Jeddah, was bought for Rs 7 crore this time around, amounting to a sharp 71 per cent pay cut.The bidding for the Madhya Pradesh all-rounder began cautiously. For a brief moment, there was genuine suspense in the auction room as Iyer attracted no immediate interest, raising the possibility of him going unsold. Lucknow Super Giants eventually broke the deadlock by raising the paddle, with Gujarat Titans briefly joining the race. However, both franchises soon withdrew as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders stepped in, turning the proceedings into a high-profile duel.

KKR, Iyer’s former franchise, showed strong intent to bring him back, but RCB held their nerve and eventually won the battle, snapping up the all-rounder for Rs 7 crore. The move adds another versatile option to the defending champions’ squad ahead of the new season.

Earlier in the day, Iyer had underlined his value with a timely knock in domestic cricket. Representing Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he struck a fluent 43-ball 70 against Punjab, reminding franchises of his power-hitting credentials. His outing with the ball, however, was less impressive, as he conceded 12 runs in the only over he bowled.Iyer’s overall IPL record remains solid. He has scored 1,468 runs in 56 innings at an average of 29.12, with a strike rate north of 137, including one century and 12 half-centuries. His previous stint with KKR in IPL 2025 proved disappointing, yielding just 142 runs in seven innings despite the hefty price tag.Across all T20s, Iyer has amassed 3,179 runs in 144 matches at an average of 34.18 and a strike rate of 138.63, while also contributing 55 wickets. In the ongoing SMAT 2025/26 season, he has scored 211 runs in 11 matches, including two fifties, underlining his all-round utility ahead of the IPL.