Greater Noida is getting ready for exciting cricket action as the Big Cricket League (BCL), known as the world’s first pro-am cricket league, returns with its second season. This time, the matches will be played at Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium in Greater Noida.

Season 2 will be held from 11th March to 22nd March 2026. During these days, Greater Noida will become a major hub for high-quality pro-am cricket matches.

After the great success of Season 1, the league is coming back in a bigger and better way. The new season will include famous international cricketers along with some of India’s best amateur players. The main goal of the league is to create a strong performance-based platform where professional and amateur players can play together and compete at a high level.

The player auction, which will take place on 16th February 2026, is expected to gain a lot of attention. Teams will choose their players carefully, creating balanced squads by combining international stars and talented amateur cricketers.

In Season 1, well-known players like Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Herschelle Gibbs, and Imran Tahir took part. Their participation gave the league strong recognition and popularity. Season 2 is expected to be even more exciting, with more international players likely to join.

The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) is supporting the second season. All necessary arrangements are being made to ensure the tournament runs smoothly and successfully.

Prerna Singh, ACEO, Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA), said,
“Greater Noida Authority actively supports initiatives that combine sporting excellence with regional advancement. Hosting Big Cricket League Season 2 at Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium is a significant step toward positioning the city as a leading sports destination in the region.”

Dilip Vengsarkar, League Commissioner, Big Cricket League, said:

“We are proud to bring Season 2 of the Big Cricket League to Uttar Pradesh, with the support of the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA). As the world’s first Pro–Am cricket league, BCL is committed to building a professional platform where emerging amateur talent competes alongside established international cricketers. Uttar Pradesh’s strong focus on developing world-class sports infrastructure provides the ideal environment for this vision to thrive. Through this season, we aim to further strengthen the pathway for aspiring cricketers across the state turning “Ab Sapne Banenge Haqeeqat” into a tangible opportunity on the field.”

Rudra Pratap Singh, Founder & President, Big Cricket League, said:

“Season 2 marks a defining milestone for the Big Cricket League. The support from the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA), reinforces our vision of building India’s most powerful Pro–Am cricket platform. With international stars joining hands with emerging amateur talent, this season will set new benchmarks in competitive cricket.”

Puneet Singh, Chief Patron, Big Cricket League, added:

“The response to Season 1 validated our model. Season 2 is not just an expansion; it is an evolution. From the player auction on 16th February to the grand matches in March, every aspect of this season has been strategically elevated to deliver scale, quality, and impact.”

Annirudh Chauhan, CEO & Co-Founder, Big Cricket League, said:
“Season 2 represents scale, structure, and serious cricketing ambition. With support from the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA), BCL is entering a new phase of growth. Our focus is not just on hosting matches, but on building a sustainable platform where global professionals and India’s rising amateur talent compete at the highest level.

Big Cricket League is the world’s first Pro-Am cricket league, with a unique structure that brings together international professionals and emerging amateur cricketers on a single competitive platform. In BCL, a doctor, engineer, shopkeeper, marketer, lawyer, entrepreneur, or farmer can compete against the world’s best cricketers, giving them a second chance to realise their long-held dream of playing on a larger stage.

Also Read: List Of All Super Bowl MVP Winners In History

The Tata Steel Chess Blitz 2026 flipped the script with pure American fireworks. Wesley So and Carissa Yip swept the open and women’s titles in Kolkata, turning the event into a red-white-and-blue masterclass. After 18 gruelling rounds of rapid-fire action, the US duo stood tall, leaving Indian stars like Arjun Erigaisi and Vantika Agrawal to chase shadows.

Tata Steel Chess Blitz 2026 Open 

The Tata Steel Chess Blitz 2026 open section was Wesley So’s show from the jump. The 32-year-old American, a six-time Tata Steel regular and crowd favourite, locked up the title with a round to spare at 12/18 points. He crushed key rivals, Nihal Sarin, Arjun Erigaisi, and Hans Niemann, taking 4.5 points from their head-to-heads with three wins and three draws.

Even a final-round loss to R Praggnanandhaa couldn’t dent his lead. Nihal and Arjun tied at 11 points for second and third, but So’s streak of five straight wins earlier sealed the deal. Arjun started hot with five victories but faded with losses to Niemann and Pragg, pacing nervously post-event.

Tata Steel Chess Blitz 2026 Women’s

Over in the women’s blitz, 22-year-old IM Carissa Yip turned heads on debut. Despite calling rapid and blitz her “weaker formats,” she tied IM Vantika Agrawal at 10.5/18, then dominated the playoffs 1.5-0.5. Yip’s creative sparks shone through a marathon 120-move endgame defence, shrugging off Vantika’s pressure.

The Indian made a stunning comeback, winning her last four after early stumbles against Divya Deshmukh and Harika Dronavalli, but fell just short of silver. Yip’s now a four-time US Women’s Champion, proving her versatility under blitz lights.

This American double podium lit up the standings, boosting US chess momentum. With Nihal and Vantika’s resilience and Arjun’s near-miss, India fought hard but couldn’t match the Stars and Stripes sweep. As Tata Steel wraps, expect fireworks in future editions, stay locked in for more chess cinema!

Also read: FIDE Rapid Chess 2025: Magnus Carlsen And Aleksandra Goryachkina Claim Titles

Malaysia Open Super 1000 kicks off 2026 BWF calendar, running from January 6 to 11 at the iconic Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur. This USD 1,450,000 showdown promises non-stop drama right after the new year buzz. As one of the BWF World Tour’s crown jewels, expect fierce rivalries, hometown cheers, and battles that could reshape the season standings.

Malaysia Open Super 1000 Tournament Preview

The Malaysia Open Super 1000 is set with electric atmospheres from the get-go. Top seeds are locked and loaded, starting with men’s singles, where world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi eyes dominance after a stellar end to 2025. Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn lurks as No. 2, hungry for his first big title here, while Denmark’s Anders Antonsen (No. 3) and Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie (No. 4) bring the heat, think razor-sharp smashes and endless rallies. Chou Tien-chen and Kodai Naraoka could spark upsets, making every match a nail-biter.

Over in women’s singles, South Korea’s An Se-young, the top seed, aims to defend her throne with her unbeatable defence and precision. China’s Wang Zhiyi (No. 2) and Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi (No. 3) set up classic Asia rivalries, while Chen Yufei (No. 4) chases redemption after recent close calls. Watch for Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon to thrill the crowds with her flair. Could this be her breakout Super 1000 run?

Malaysia Open Super 1000 Tournament Lineup

Doubles action ramps up the chaos. Malaysia Open Super 1000 men’s doubles features Korea’s Kim Won-ho/Seo Seung-jae as No. 1, but Malaysia’s Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik (No. 2) feed off home support, clashing with India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty (No. 3). China’s Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang complete the top threats.

Malaysia Open Super 1000 women’s doubles pits China’s Liu Shengshu/Tan Ning against Malaysia’s Pearly Tan/Thinaah Muralitharan in potential heartbreakers. And mixed doubles? Feng Yanzhe/Huang Dongping lead, but Malaysia’s Chen Tang Jie/Toh Ee Wei dream of glory on home soil.

Local fans will roar loudest for their heroes amid the global stars. Past champs like Viktor Axelsen have etched their legends here, but 2026 feels wide open with form peaking. Pit stops? None, just pure speed, strategy, and sweat.

Will Shi Yu Qi cruise unchallenged, or will underdogs steal the spotlight? Tune in as Axiata Arena turns into a battlefield. This isn’t just badminton; it’s cinema on court. Stay locked for live thrills, Malaysia Open 2026 delivers the spice!​

Also read: FIDE Rapid Chess 2025: Magnus Carlsen And Aleksandra Goryachkina Claim Titles

The FIDE Rapid Chess 2025 delivered a script with pure drama. Magnus Carlsen grabbed his sixth rapid title, dominating with 10.5/13 points, a full point ahead of everyone else. Meanwhile, Aleksandra Goryachkina edged out the women’s field in tense tiebreaks to claim her first-ever crown. This event in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, delivered edge-of-your-seat action right before the blitz kicks off.

Magnus Carlsen’s Triumph

Magnus Carlsen’s run was a masterclass in control. He scored nine wins, three draws, and just one loss, hitting his highest-ever mark in this format. After dropping to Vladislav Artemiev in round seven, he roared back with five straight wins against top players like Hans Niemann and 14-year-old prodigy Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus. His final draw against Anish Giri sealed the deal, earning €70,000 and a spot in the FIDE Total World Championship Tour. “It’s a very difficult tournament to win,” Carlsen noted, praising his ability to reset after setbacks.

FIDE Rapid Chess 2025 Open Section Podium

The open standings told the story of his edge:

1st: Magnus Carlsen (10.5/13)

2nd: Vladislav Artemiev (9.5/13)

3rd: Arjun Erigaisi (9.5/13, best tiebreak)

Artemiev took silver with steady draws, while India’s Arjun Erigaisi snatched bronze after a comeback win. Hans Niemann and Leinier Dominguez rounded out the 9.5-point pack. Carlsen’s positional squeezes shone, like outplaying Sarana with knights versus bishops.

Aleksandra Goryachkina Wins the Women’s Category

Over in the women’s section, it was a heart-pounding three-way tie at 8.5/11 between Aleksandra Goryachkina, Zhu Jiner, and Koneru Humpy. All drew their final games, shocking misses that sent it to tiebreaks. Reigning champ Humpy missed out on Buchholz scores, leaving Goryachkina to beat Zhu in blitzers for €40,000 and the title. “It’s very cool!” Goryachkina said after her undefeated run, highlighted by a tactical win over Bat-Erdene Mungunzul.

FIDE Rapid Chess 2025 Women’s Section Podium

Top women’s finish:

1st: Aleksandra Goryachkina (8.5/11, tiebreak win)

2nd: Zhu Jiner (8.5/11)

3rd: Koneru Humpy (8.5/11)

Zhu’s tragic final-round slip against Tan Zhongyi and Goryachkina’s endgame save set the stage for the thriller. Shri B Savitha and R Vaishali followed at eight points.

Carlsen eyes a double with blitz starting December 29, where he last swept both in 2014, 2022, and 2023. Goryachkina joins the chase too. With over €1 million in prizes and non-stop tension, these championships remind us why rapid chess grips the world. Stay tuned, the blitz promises more fireworks.

Also read: Grant Thornton Invitational 2025: Lauren Coughlin And Andrew Novak Win Title

If you thought badminton was all about lightning-fast smashes and endless rallies, hold on tight. South Korea’s An Se Young just rewrote the sport’s history books by becoming the first player ever to earn over $1 million in prize money in a single year. She sealed the deal with a gritty win at the BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, proving that dominance isn’t just for the men’s game.

An Se Young Wins BWF Finals 2025

The atmosphere in Hangzhou was electric as An lifted her 11th title of 2025. Facing defending champion Wang Zhi Yi, she fought through a marathon 96-minute battle, clinching it 21-13, 18-21, 21-10 despite leg cramps. That victory pocketed her $240,000, pushing her season total to a staggering $1,003,175. An’s stats are pure fire: 74 wins in 77 matches for a 94.80% win rate, the highest ever for anyone playing 60+ games in the Superseries/World Tour era, topping legends like Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei.

From the opening game, An Se Young showcased her trademark speed and smarts. Wang targeted her forehand with long rallies to wear her down, but An fired back with sharp placements, steady defence, and killer smashes. Even when Wang levelled the score by catching her out of position, An dug deep in the decider. Her backcourt defence covered every inch, turning pressure into points and securing her second BWF Finals 2025 crown. Talk about resilience, this is why she’s equaling Kento Momota‘s record for most singles titles in a calendar year.

An Se Young’s milestone isn’t just about the money; it’s a statement. In a sport where every point feels like a war, she’s blending power, strategy, and endurance like no one before. Badminton fans, this is the new benchmark. With records tumbling left and right, expect more fireworks as the season wraps up. Who’s ready for what’s next?
​

Also read: R Praggnanandhaa Secures Candidates Spot For 2026

If you thought Indian chess was on fire with Gukesh holding the world title, because R Praggnanandhaa has got the entire chess world buzzing. The 19-year-old prodigy has clinched the FIDE Circuit 2025 crown, going straight to the 2026 Candidates Tournament in Cyprus, and spoiler alert, he’s the first Indian to do it this way. After seizing the lead back in May by dethroning Ding Liren, Pragg held off a tough pack to win the FIDE circuit.

R Praggnanandhaa In London Chess Classic Open 2025

The drama peaked in London at the Chess Classic Open, where R Praggnanandhaa made a last-minute entry to seal the spot. Only Nodirbek Abdusattorov had a chance to challenge him after his insane Elite section run, netting 19.62 points with one of chess history’s highest TPRs.

But Pragg wasn’t taking risks; he stormed to 7/9, tying for first with Velimir Ivic and Ameet K Ghasi in a stacked field. That fetched him 8.17 crucial circuit points, putting him out of reach no matter what happens at FIDE Rapid and Blitz. A gritty draw against Ilya Smirin in the finale and co-champions it was, and the title was his!​

R Praggnanandhaa’s Sheer Dominance

This isn’t luck; it’s pure dominance. R Praggnanandhaa won big at Tata Steel Masters, Superbet Chess Classic Romania, UzChess Cup Masters, and now the London Chess Classic Open. Count in runner-up spots at Stepan Avagyan Memorial and 12th Sinquefield Cup, and you’ve got the standout performer of 2025. His rivals? Anish Giri, Fabiano Caruana, Matthias Bluebaum, and Javokhir Sindarov already qualified elsewhere, while Vincent Keymer sat out classics. Abdusattorov fought hard, but Pragg’s smart move shut the door.​

Now the Candidates lineup shapes up: Pragg joins Giri, Caruana, Bluebaum, Sindarov, Wei Yi, Andrey Esipenko, with one spot left via ratings. For India, it’s massive, Pragg makes his second straight Candidates appearance, and whispers say reigning champion D Gukesh wants him as the next challenger. Will the Chennai duo battle for world supremacy next year? Only time will tell, so stay tuned!

Also read: Women’s Premier League 2026 Schedule Revealed

India has claimed a historic victory by winning the first-ever Blind Women’s T20 World Cup 2025. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, concluded with an impressive final at the P Sara Oval in Colombo, where India defeated Nepal by seven wickets.

Blind Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 Final Game

After bowling first, India restricted Nepal to 114 runs for 5 wickets in their 20 overs. The Indian bowling attack remained disciplined throughout, never allowing Nepal to build momentum, with tight fielding and strategic bowling putting constant pressure on the opposition.

In response, India chased down the target comfortably, scoring 117 runs for 3 wickets in just 12.1 overs. Phula Saren played a match-winning innings, scoring 44 runs off 27 balls, including four boundaries. The team’s smart rotation of strikes and timely hitting kept the chase smooth and confident.

This Blind Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 win capped off a flawless tournament campaign where India remained unbeaten, defeating teams like Sri Lanka, Australia, the USA, and Pakistan in the group stages, and securing a nine-wicket victory over Australia in the semi-finals.

The Indian team was led by captain Deepika T.C., who played a crucial role both as a leader and player. The team’s success is seen as a milestone not only for Indian cricket but also for the promotion of inclusive sports, especially for women with visual impairments. This Blind Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 victory is a major boost for blind women’s cricket, shining a light on the growing importance of disability sports worldwide.

Also read: Why Is Pickleball Becoming A Thriving Fast-Rising Sport Globally (2025)?

Joao Fonseca, the Brazilian prodigy, is rewriting the definition of “breakout star.” Basel’s iconic St. Jakobshalle had seen plenty of drama over the years, but none quite like Fonseca’s electrifying run to his biggest career title at the Swiss Indoors Basel 2025, a win that’s now etched in every tennis fan’s highlight reel.

Joao Fonseca’s Road To Glory

The road to glory in Basel wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. Fonseca entered the week with momentum from his earlier wins in 2025, but the Swiss Indoors always delivers a tough lineup. Early rounds saw Fonseca’s signature mix of baseline aggression and cheeky net play. Each victory brought louder buzz both inside the arena and across social media, every post-match interview trending for his effortless charm as much as his focus.

Then came those knock-out rounds defining champions. Fonseca made headlines with his clinical demolition of Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, in straight sets, no less, sending a message to the rest of the ATP field: the kid from Rio isn’t just here for the ride; he’s here for the Swiss Indoors Basel 2025 crown. Every racquet swing was laced with that “Brazilian swagger,” and suddenly, Basel felt more like Ipanema than Switzerland.

By the time Fonseca reached the Swiss Indoors Basel 2025 final, the tennis world was watching. It wasn’t just about the power or the placement. With the Basel trophy in his hands, Joao Fonseca has shown he’s not just Brazil’s brightest tennis hope; he’s the hottest ticket in the ATP’s new wave. Watch out, tennis world, the smooth operator from Rio has officially arrived, and he’s making this sport cooler every single day.​

Also read: Swiss Indoors Basel 2025 Prize Money

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, and it is surging in popularity at a great rate. It is continuously attracting more players worldwide. It is attracting players of all ages and demographics, and its appeal to everyone is great because it demands low-impact moments, which makes it accessible and helps foster social connection.

It is a sport that is often played in doubles.

The beginner-friendly nature of the sport makes it easy for those who have never played a similar sport before to enter the smaller courts and play it. It blends elements from games like tennis, badminton, and ping pong into one game, and that makes it very appealing. 

Playing Professionally

The sport has exploded to such an extent that there are professional pickleball tournaments that take place globally, changing the game for recreational athletics. Apart from just playing it for recreation, now pickleball has become a professional sport, and athletes are now making money from it. 

Some tournaments take place with prize money of around 100 thousand dollars for the winners.

Pickleball popularity has made a great jump of around 311 % between 2021 and 2024, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. 

There are around 19.8 million people in America alone who played pickleball in 2024. 

Beginner-Friendly Nature 

• Pickleball is unlike other sports. It does not require months of practice to begin playing it; newcomers can begin playing almost immediately, within the first few games.
• This also gives the player a solid cardio workout, but it is not super intensive or straining on the body.
• It helps the player build coordination, sharpens reflexes, and keeps the player moving, which is essential for overall fitness, making it less intimidating. 

No Age Restriction

• The fact that people of all ages can play pickleball makes it accessible to all and makes it an inclusive sport. It is one of the rare sports that can be played by children, adults, and seniors alike.
• The younger players have gravitated towards it due to its quick and competitive workout-like moments, and for the older adults, it remains a low-impact activity which helps them stay fit and feel a sense of community as the game naturally encourages communication nd connection by pairing the player with a different person each time. 

Inexpensive Gear

• Playing this sport doesn’t have to be an expensive affair. You do not require any membership since the game is extremely affordable.
• You can start with minimal equipment: a paddle, a ball, and a court is all that is needed. Pickleball courts are now common in community centres, parks, and even in indoor gyms. All this reflects how widespread the game has become.

Social Factor

• Pickleball is fun and affordable, it feels inclusive and enables the players to connect socially, which enables overall wellness, and that is why it is everywhere. Many athletes and celebrities are investing in it and are playing it publicly.
• Complexes are being built for pickleball, and community centres are filled with people who want to play the sport. 

Which age group is playing pickleball the most?

The Statistics show that pickleball is mostly attracting the age group of 24-35-year-old players. 

It remains one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide and has evolved from being just a backyard recreational game to a global moment that has attracted athletes and other players alike. It is beginner-friendly, accessible, and its unique ability to be inclusive and bring people together has helped it blow up into a global competitive sport.  The 2025 US Open Pickleball Championship shattered all records with more than 55,000 fans and 2450 players from 50 states and over 40 countries came in Naples, Florida.

ALSO READ: Washington Open 2025: List Of All Winners