From World Cup politics and selection calls to historic milestones across tennis, football, and basketball, the sporting world continues to move at pace.
Here's a quick round-up of the top sports news stories making headlines today - on and off the field.
1. T20 World Cup 2026: India's warm-up match schedule confirmed
India's preparations for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 have gathered momentum with warm-up fixtures scheduled from February 2 to 6 across India and Sri Lanka. A total of 16 practice matches will be played before the tournament begins on February 7.
The India national cricket team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will play one warm-up match, facing South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on February 4. India A will also feature during the preparatory phase, with venues including Bengaluru, Chennai and Colombo.
2. Salman Ali Agha on India match boycott: 'Hum kuch nahi kar sakte'
Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has clarified that players had no say in the decision to boycott the group-stage match against India at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The fixture, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, was called off after the Pakistan government ruled the team would not face India despite approving tournament participation.
Speaking after Pakistan's 3-0 T20I series sweep over Australia, Agha said the call was beyond the squad's control. "Humara decision nahi hai, hum kuch nahi kar sakte," he said, adding that players would follow government and PCB directives.
3. India announces selection process for Commonwealth Games 2026
India's athletics squad for the Commonwealth Games will be finalised at the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition in Ranchi from May 22 to 25. The event will serve as the final selection trial.
The Athletics Federation of India confirmed that squad sizes will be capped as per Games regulations. "The number of athletics teams can't exceed 32, including 16 women," AFI vice-president Anju Bobby George said. The meet will also double as a qualifier for the Asian U23 Championships.
4. Harmanpreet, Mandhana shortlisted for BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025
Cricket stars Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana headline the nominees for the 2025 BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year award. Both played key roles in India's historic Women's World Cup triumph last year.
They are joined by chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh, shooter Suruchi Singh, and hurdler Jyothi Yarraji. The award celebrates excellence across Indian women's sport.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo left out of Al-Nassr squad amid transfer frustrations
Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Al-Nassr's Saudi Pro League match against Al-Riyadh, with reports suggesting the decision is linked to internal dissatisfaction rather than injury.
According to A Bola, Ronaldo is frustrated with Al-Nassr's lack of activity in the winter transfer window, especially compared to other PIF-backed clubs. Al-Nassr made just one signing, while requests for reinforcements reportedly went unmet. His absence has fuelled speculation of deeper issues as the season enters a decisive phase.
6. Carlos Alcaraz considers kangaroo tattoo after Australian Open triumph
After becoming the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, Carlos Alcaraz is considering a kangaroo tattoo to mark his Australian Open victory. The 22-year-old defeated Novak Djokovic in the final.
"I already know it's going to be a kangaroo," Alcaraz said, adding he is yet to decide where. He posed with the trophy in Melbourne before celebrating quietly with family. Australian media reported pizza, beer and champagne capped off the historic night.
7. LeBron James extends NBA All-Star streak despite reserve selection
LeBron James extended his NBA All-Star streak to 22
consecutive seasons after being named a reserve for this year's showcase. It marks the first time since 2005 that the Los Angeles Lakers forward will not start the game.
The 41-year-old, who missed the start of the season with sciatica, is averaging 21.9 points, 6.6 assists and 5.8 rebounds. This year's All-Star Game will feature a new format, pitting Team USA against Team World.
8. Arsenal win inaugural Champions Cup after extra-time thriller
Arsenal Women claimed the first-ever Champions Cup, defeating Corinthians Women 3-2 after extra time at the Emirates Stadium.
The final swung repeatedly before Caitlin Foord struck the decisive goal in extra time. The new tournament featured four continental champions, with Arsenal securing the inaugural title in front of a home crowd after 120 minutes of drama.
9. Jude Bellingham ruled out for four weeks with hamstring injury
Jude Bellingham is set to miss up to four weeks after suffering a hamstring injury, ruling him out of Real Madrid's Champions League play-off ties against Benfica.
The midfielder sustained the injury against Rayo Vallecano and is expected to miss LaLiga matches against Valencia, Real Sociedad and Osasuna. Despite his early exit, Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win, cutting Barcelona's lead at the top of the table to one point.
