Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath during an inspection visit to review work at Major Dhyan Chand Sports University. (PTI Photo)

Uttar Pradesh is stepping up its ambition to become a major sporting hub, with the government led by Yogi Adityanath rolling out a wide-ranging plan focused on world-class infrastructure, education and grassroots development. At the centre of this push is a strong emphasis on building a sporting culture across the state through a network of universities, colleges, academies and modern facilities.The flagship project in this vision is the upcoming Major Dhyan Chand State Sports University in Meerut, which is in its final phase of construction and expected to be fully operational by May. Spread across nearly 100 acres in the Sardhana region, the university is being developed in two phases, with an investment of over Rs 450 crore. The first phase, costing Rs 250 crore, is nearing completion, while the second phase will see an additional Rs 200 crore infusion.Sports university to anchor UP’s visionThe sports university, named after hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, is being positioned as the epicentre of Uttar Pradesh’s sporting ecosystem. The academic session has already begun, with temporary classes being conducted at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Agricultural University in Meerut. From the upcoming academic year, the institution will shift to its permanent campus.ALSO READ: UP’s big push for sporting excellence, rewards and jobs power athletes’ riseIt will offer diploma, degree and postgraduate programmes across 12 sports, including traditional disciplines, along with research-oriented courses. The Chief Minister has emphasised the importance of hiring top faculty and involving former athletes as coaches to ensure practical, high-performance training. The aim is to develop a world-class institution that contributes to India’s sporting success on the global stage.Expanding network of colleges and academiesBeyond the university, the state is working to strengthen its sports education network by establishing at least one sports college in each division. Currently, institutions such as Guru Gobind Singh Sports College in Lucknow, Veer Bahadur Singh Sports College in Gorakhpur, and Major Dhyan Chand Sports College in Saifai form the backbone of this system, with plans underway to add more.The government is also extending support to private academies to nurture talent at the grassroots level. Uttar Pradesh already boasts strong training ecosystems, including the renowned Gaurav Khanna Excellia Badminton Academy in Lucknow, a key centre for para badminton excellence under national coach Gaurav Khanna. Additionally, several tennis academies across the state offer world-class facilities, including grass, clay and hard courts.Infrastructure boost to fuel sporting ambitionsInfrastructure development remains a key pillar of the state’s strategy. In Lucknow, an international-standard shooting range is being revived, while a long-pending velodrome project has also received fresh approval. Both facilities are being developed at the Guru Gobind Singh Sports College complex, further enhancing the city’s sporting credentials.With improved infrastructure and institutional support, Uttar Pradesh is now aiming to host major events. The state Olympic association is planning bids for the National Youth Games and, subsequently, the National Games, signalling growing confidence in its capabilities.From stadiums and academies to education and employment pathways, Uttar Pradesh’s multi-pronged approach is steadily shaping a robust sporting culture. With sustained investment and policy backing, the state is positioning itself as a key contributor to India’s future sporting success.

CM Yogi Adityanath with cricketer Deepti Sharma (Video grab)

Uttar Pradesh has stepped up its efforts to emerge as a major sporting hub, with the government led by Yogi Adityanath rolling out one of the most ambitious incentive structures for athletes in the country. The state’s focus is clear — encouraging youth to pursue sports as a serious career option rather than just a recreational activity.At the heart of this push is a comprehensive monetary rewards scheme for medal winners across international and national competitions. The government has announced a whopping Rs 6 crore for an individual Olympic gold medallist from the state, along with Rs 4 crore for silver and Rs 2 crore for bronze. Team event winners are also generously rewarded, with Rs 3 crore for gold, Rs 2 crore for silver and Rs 1 crore for bronze.Massive rewards aimed at inspiring the next generationThe incentive structure extends beyond the Olympics to other major international events such as the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. Athletes winning individual gold medals in these competitions will receive Rs 3 crore, while silver and bronze medallists will be awarded Rs 1.5 crore and Rs 75 lakh respectively.At the national level too, the state has ensured recognition for excellence. Individual gold medallists will receive Rs 6 lakh, silver winners Rs 4 lakh and bronze medallists Rs 2 lakh. For team events, the rewards stand at Rs 2 lakh for gold, Rs 1 lakh for silver and Rs 50,000 for bronze.This structured approach aims to build a strong pipeline of athletes from grassroots to elite levels, ensuring that talent is both identified and rewarded consistently.Job security and long-term support for athletesBeyond financial incentives, the Uttar Pradesh government has also prioritised post-career security for sportspersons through job provisions in various state departments. Since Yogi Adityanath took office, more than 500 athletes have been given government jobs, mostly in the police department. International medallists are often recruited as gazetted officers, underlining the state’s commitment to recognising sporting excellence.Prominent examples include India women’s cricketer Deepti Sharma, who was appointed as a DSP in the UP Police after her standout performances, and track star Parul Chaudhary, who also serves in a similar role. The policy has provided athletes with both financial stability and social recognition.Interestingly, the state’s support has extended beyond its own athletes as well. After the Tokyo Olympics, Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra was honoured by the UP government despite not being from the state, reflecting its broader commitment to celebrating sporting success.The state’s growing sporting ecosystem will also be on display during the upcoming The Times of India Sports Awards, set to be held in Lucknow on March 21, 2026. Athletes from Uttar Pradesh feature prominently among the nominees, with 15 names — including 13 athletes and two coaches — earning recognition across disciplines such as athletics, cricket, hockey, shooting and para sports.From cricketers like Deepti Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav to track and field athletes such as Gulveer Singh, Sachin Yadav, Parul Chaudhary and Rupal Chaudhary, the state’s representation underlines the impact of sustained policy support.

Nathan Ellis (X-Cricbuzz)

Chennai Super Kings have suffered a significant setback ahead of IPL 2026, with Australian pacer Nathan Ellis ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury.The 31-year-old fast bowler was last seen in action for Tasmania during the Australian One-Day Cup final in Hobart, where he returned figures of 2/26 from five overs in a losing cause against New South Wales. While the exact moment of his injury remains unclear, Ellis had earlier been dealing with a hamstring issue that forced him to miss the knockout stage of the Big Bash League, where he captained the Hobart Hurricanes.Ellis was expected to play a crucial role for CSK as their primary death bowler and was set to be their specialist in that phase, especially after the franchise parted ways with Matheesha Pathirana before the auction. His absence now leaves a major void, forcing the team management to explore alternatives.Here are five players who could step in as replacements for Ellis:Ottneil Baartman (South Africa)Perhaps the closest like-for-like replacement, Baartman has earned high praise, with South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj calling him the best death bowler in the country. He played a key role in Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s back-to-back SA20 title wins in 2023 and 2024 and also contributed to South Africa’s run to the T20 World Cup final in 2024. Having gone unsold at the IPL 2026 auction and with prior links to Texas Super Kings, he represents a seamless fit for CSK.Sean Abbott (Australia)A proven performer in T20 cricket, Abbott aligns well with CSK’s preference for experienced Australian quicks. He holds the record for most wickets in BBL history with 165 scalps, underlining his consistency, especially in pressure situations. His accuracy and experience at the death make him a strong candidate to fill Ellis’ role.Gerald Coetzee (South Africa)Coetzee offers a high-impact but slightly risky option. He was South Africa’s leading performer at the 2023 ODI World Cup, registering the most wickets by a South African in a single edition. Known for his pace and ability to move the ball, he can be effective both upfront and in the death overs. However, injuries remain a concern, as he missed the T20 World Cup 2026 and played only three matches in SA20 2026. If fit, he could be a match-winning addition. He also has IPL experience, having played for the Mumbai Indians.Shamar Joseph (West Indies)Joseph brings an element of unpredictability but also immense potential. He made headlines with his 7/68 in Brisbane, helping West Indies secure a historic win over Australia after 27 years. While primarily known for his red-ball exploits, his raw pace and skiddy action could translate well into T20 cricket. Unsold at the IPL 2026 auction after being released by Lucknow Super Giants, he remains an intriguing option.Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan)The left-arm pacer has prior IPL experience with Rajasthan Royals and continues to be a regular in Afghanistan’s T20 setup. Though he has taken six wickets in 12 IPL matches, his economy rate of 10.32 has been a concern. Nevertheless, his ability to provide variety as a left-arm seamer could appeal to CSK, and he is also a viable option for death bowling.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister and Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board Mohsin Naqvi and head coach Mike Hesson (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

Pakistan cricket’s recurring pattern of hype followed by disappointment and backlash has resurfaced once again after another underwhelming run. An early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Super Eight stage was followed by a 1-2 ODI series loss in Bangladesh, triggering sharp criticism from former opener Ahmed Shehzad.Shehzad’s remarks were not limited to selection debates or leadership questions. Instead, he targeted what he believes is a deeper structural issue within the Pakistan Cricket Board. According to him, the board spent years promoting a select group of players as the faces of both the national team and the Pakistan Super League, only to find itself struggling when results began to decline.

“The calibre of your players is not at that level, which was built up as a baran by the Pakistan Cricket Board for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 5 and 7 years ago. These 6-8 boys they are also the face of the PSL. They are also the face of our Pakistan team. Will they change Pakistan’s desitny?” Ahmed Shehzad questioned in a video posted on his YouTube channel.He further accused the board of heavily backing this core group through endorsements, leadership roles, and financial support, while failing to ensure accountability.“You provided all the sponsorships to those boys, endorsed them, and invested money in them. You have them captaincies in the PSL, right? You made them the thumb of the Pakistan team. You handed over the entire Pakistan cricket team to those 6 boys and their agents. And what have they done now? The fire they have lit in the jungle, the fun and parties they have had, the pockets they have filled, the enjoyment they have had, they haven’t given Pakistan any wins by doing so,” Shehzad said.His criticism reflects a long-standing concern around Pakistan cricket’s approach, where certain players are repeatedly elevated as central figures without consistent results to justify that backing. Shehzad argued that the issue is not just performance but the lack of responsibility shown by the players.“Such is the audacity that even today, they are ready to admit that we are responsible. Not a single one of those players. Even today, they play the blame game. Even today, their ego is such that it isn’t breaking. So weak is the Pakistan Cricket Board now,” he added.He also questioned the board’s authority, suggesting it has lost control over the very players it empowered.“Whenever you talk about any player, they start spinning stories. I have never seen the Pakistan Cricket Board this weak in my life, as weak as this PCB is. They have power, right? But in their decision-making, they appear to be kneeling before their players. This PCB can’t do anything. The work they were supposed to do – bringing in new faces – they didn’t. What they do is, after every event, they try to pull a new trick, but the public has now caught their pattern,” he said.For Shehzad, the issue goes far beyond a single series defeat or tournament exit. He believes Pakistan cricket is grappling with a larger systemic problem, where star-making has taken precedence over renewal and accountability, leaving the team stuck in a cycle it has struggled to break.