Here are the top headlines from the world of sports today, featuring dramatic developments in cricket, football, badminton, and more. Check out the Bulletin
for January 16, From BPL's resumption to Barcelona winning the Copa del Rey clash.
1. BPL Resumes After Players End Boycott
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 has resumed following a brief but intense player boycott triggered by controversial remarks from BCB director Nazmul Islam, who labeled former captain Tamim Iqbal an "Indian agent" and questioned compensation for missing the T20 World Cup.
The Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) and BCB reached an agreement after late-night talks, with Nazmul removed from certain roles and issuing an apology. Matches postponed on January 15, including Chattogram Royals vs Noakhali Express, will now proceed from January 16 onward with a revised schedule. Players returned to the field in the greater interest of cricket, ending a 24-hour crisis that halted all action in Bangladesh.
2. Steve Smith Smashes 2nd Fastest BBL Century
Australian star Steve Smith delivered a breathtaking performance in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 Sydney Derby against Sydney Thunder, blasting a century off just 41 balls for the Sydney Sixers. His explosive knock featured nine sixes, including a massive 107-meter hit, and five fours, equaling the joint-second fastest century in BBL history, shared with Glenn Maxwell and Josh Brown; only Craig Simmons and Mitchell Owen are quicker at 39 balls.
3. Aman Mokhade Becomes Fastest to 1000 List A Runs
Vidarbha opener Aman Mokhade etched his name in the record books by equaling the world record for the quickest 1000 runs in List A cricket, achieving the milestone in just 16 innings-matching South African legend Graeme Pollock. Mokhade, the fastest Indian to reach the mark (surpassing Devdutt Padikkal and Abhinav Mukund's 17 innings), achieved this during a stellar 138 off 122 balls against Karnataka in the Vijay Hazare Trophy semi-final. His sensational form includes five centuries in the tournament, leading Vidarbha to victory and the final while topping the run charts with 781 runs at an average of 97.62.
4. Two Athletes Found Dead at SAI Kollam
Tragedy struck the sports community as two teenage female athletes-a 17-year-old athletics trainee (Class 12 student) from Kozhikode and a 15-year-old kabaddi player (Class 10 student) from Thiruvananthapuram-were found dead in a locked room at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) women's hostel in Kollam, Kerala. Discovered early Thursday after missing morning training, the girls were found hanging from ceiling fans using bedsheets; one had spent the night in the other's room. Police have registered an unnatural death case and launched a probe, with no suicide note recovered. Post-mortems are underway, and SAI is cooperating fully amid concerns over mental health and hostel safety.
5. Smriti Mandhana Joins Manchester Super Giants
Indian batting sensation Smriti Mandhana has been signed by the newly rebranded Manchester Super Giants for the Women's Hundred 2026. Following the RPSG Group's acquisition and rebranding from Manchester Originals, Mandhana joins a star-studded lineup including Meg Lanning and Sophie Ecclestone. The World Cup-winning opener, who previously played for Southern Brave (winning in 2023), brings elite top-order firepower after a stellar 2025 season and strong WPL performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
6. Barcelona Win Against Racing Santander in Copa del Rey
Defending champions Barcelona secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Segunda Division leaders Racing Santander in the Copa del Rey 2025-26 Round of 16 at Estadio El Sardinero. Ferran Torres opened the scoring in the 66th minute, while young star Lamine Yamal sealed the win with a tap-in in stoppage time (90+5'). The win, following Real Madrid's shock exit the previous day, books Barca's place in the quarterfinals amid their strong form.
7. Tottenham Sign Conor Gallagher
Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of England midfielder Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid for £34-35 million on a long-term deal until 2031. The 25-year-old, who spent 18 months in La Liga with limited starts, returns to the Premier League after previous stints at Chelsea and loans elsewhere. Spurs moved swiftly after Rodrigo Bentancur's season-ending hamstring injury, beating competition from Aston Villa.
8. India Open in New Delhi Sees Bird Droppings Stop Match
The Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2026 faced further embarrassment when bird droppings halted play twice during the men's singles pre-quarterfinal between HS Prannoy and Singapore's Loh Kean Yew at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. Interruptions occurred in the second game (at 16-14) and early in the third, forcing officials to clean the court. This followed complaints about unhygienic conditions, including bird issues at training venues, pollution, and a monkey sighting. The BWF acknowledged concerns over cleanliness, hygiene, and animal control, while the Badminton Association of India addressed them promptly amid ongoing scrutiny of the tournament.
