Mexico has offered to host Iran's FIFA World Cup 2026 matches after the Iranian team expressed reluctance to play in the United States amid escalating US-Israel military conflict. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the country would have "no problem" hosting Iran's fixtures, pending FIFA approval. Iran's football federation has formally approached FIFA requesting venue relocation, citing player safety concerns, potential visa complications, and the hostile political climate. Iran is currently scheduled to play group-stage matches across multiple American cities under the tri-nation hosting model shared by the US, Mexico, and Canada. FIFA has yet to respond officially. Iran's participation in the tournament remains uncertain if concerns go unaddressed. (PC: Reuters)

Afghanistan cricketers Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi strongly condemned Pakistan following a deadly airstrike in Kabul that reportedly killed over 400 people. Both players expressed grief over civilian casualties, with Rashid calling attacks on homes, schools and hospitals a “war crime” and urging the United Nations to investigate. Nabi shared an emotional message describing the destruction of a drug treatment hospital and the loss of lives during Ramadan. The incident has intensified tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with growing international concern over civilian safety and adherence to humanitarian law.

The India women's national cricket team has earned a historic nomination for the Laureus World Team of the Year Award, becoming the first women’s cricket team to receive the honour. The nomination follows India’s landmark victory in the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, where the team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, defeated South Africa women's national cricket team by 52 runs in the final at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. India’s campaign also featured a record-breaking semifinal win against Australia women's national cricket team, chasing 339 the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history. The nomination marks a major milestone for women’s cricket and Indian sport.

Formula One is set to cancel the 2026 Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix scheduled for April due to escalating conflict in the Middle East linked to the Iran war. The Bahrain race was planned for April 12, followed by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah on April 19. Safety concerns for drivers, teams, and fans, along with logistical challenges, prompted the decision after missile and drone attacks affected parts of the Gulf region. If confirmed, the cancellations will reduce the 2026 Formula One season from 24 to 22 races. The calendar will likely see a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix in late March and the Miami Grand Prix in early May. (PC: Getty Images)

The franchise Sunrisers Leeds has defended its decision to sign Pakistan mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed during the 2026 auction of The Hundred, saying it is “very pleased” to have him in the squad despite heavy online criticism. The signing sparked backlash from some Indian fans due to Ahmed’s past social media post linked to the 2019 India-Pakistan military standoff. Team officials clarified that the decision was based purely on cricketing merit. Head coach Daniel Vettori said the franchise needed a quality spinner after missing out on Adil Rashid and believed Ahmed was the best available option. The deal reportedly cost around £190,000. (PC: AP)

Pakistan leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed was signed by Sunrisers Leeds for £190,000 during the 2026 auction of The Hundred, sparking criticism from several Indian cricket fans. The franchise, owned by the same group as Sunrisers Hyderabad, faced online calls for boycott after the signing. Many fans questioned the move because Pakistani players have not participated in the IPL since 2009. The England and Wales Cricket Board earlier clarified that selections must be based on performance, not nationality. Despite the controversy, the signing highlights growing international participation in the league ahead of the 2026 season. (PC: Getty Images)

The India national cricket team has answered years of criticism by winning three ICC titles in less than two years, ending a long trophy drought that followed the 2013 Champions Trophy. India’s resurgence began with the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, followed by victory in the ICC Champions Trophy and the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Earlier near-misses including the 2014 T20 World Cup final and the 2019 Cricket World Cup semifinal had led critics in Western media to label the team “frauds” or “chokers.” Former captain Virat Kohli faced intense scrutiny during that barren period. With the recent titles, India has firmly re-established itself as one of the most dominant white-ball teams in world cricket. (PC: BCCI)

India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill is set to be honoured with the Cricketer of the Year award at the annual BCCI Naman Awards later this month. The recognition comes despite Gill being dropped from India’s squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Gill earned the honour after an outstanding 2025 season, finishing as one of the top run-scorers in international cricket across formats. His consistent performances in Tests and ODIs and growing leadership role helped him edge past several senior players for the prestigious award. The ceremony, organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, will take place in New Delhi. (PC: X)

Former India captain Rahul Dravid will receive the Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at the BCCI’s annual Naman Awards in Delhi on March 15. Shubman Gill is set to be named the BCCI Cricketer of the Year after a strong run with the bat. He led India’s Test side during the 2025 tour of England. Dravid retired from international cricket in 2012. He later coached the India Under-19 team and led them to the 2018 World Cup title. He became India’s senior team coach in 2021. Under him, India finished runners-up at the 2023 ODI World Cup and won the 2024 T20 World Cup. (PC: The Indian Express)

Iran has announced it will not participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during strikes carried out by the United States and Israel. Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said the national team cannot compete in a tournament hosted partly in the United States under the current circumstances. The decision comes as tensions escalate in the Middle East, with Iran launching retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region. The United States, Canada and Mexico are scheduled to co-host the 2026 tournament. (PC: AP)