After years of being overlooked in IPL auctions, Sarfaraz Khan finally found a buyer at the 2026 IPL mini-auction when Chennai Super Kings (CSK) signed him at his base price of ₹75 lakh. The domestic batting star had impressed with a blistering 22-ball 73 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy just hours before the auction, highlighting his form. Sarfaraz took to Instagram to thank CSK for giving his career “a new life,” expressing gratitude and optimism after years of IPL exclusion. The move ends a long-standing snub and boosts his chances of making an impact on cricket’s biggest stage. (PC: NDTV)

Global football icon Lionel Messi visited Vantara, a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, founded by Anant Ambani, blending cultural immersion with nature care. Messi, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, received a traditional Indian welcome with folk music, floral greetings and a ceremonial aarti, participating in Hindu rituals for peace and unity. He toured Vantara’s expansive conservation ecosystem, observing rescued lions, tigers, elephants, reptiles and other animals under advanced care, and interacted with veterinary teams. A lion cub was named “Lionel” in his honour, highlighting appreciation for his visit and the centre’s mission. (PC: X)

Prithvi Shaw made a dramatic social media U-turn after being bought by Delhi Capitals at the IPL 2026 auction. The India batter initially went unsold twice at his Rs 75 lakh base price, prompting him to post "It's Ok" with a heartbreak emoji on Instagram. However, Delhi Capitals revived his name in a late bid and acquired him. Shaw promptly deleted his heartbreak post within six minutes, replacing it with "Back to my family" alongside a heart emoji, resharing DC's welcome post. The 25-year-old represented Delhi Capitals from 2018-2024 and recently switched from Mumbai to Maharashtra in domestic cricket, scoring the fastest Ranji Trophy double century in October. (PC: NDTV Sports)

Sri Lankan authorities plan to arrest 1996 World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga on corruption charges related to his tenure as petroleum minister. He and his brother Dhammika are accused of altering oil procurement procedures in 2017, making spot purchases at inflated costs instead of following standard long-term contract protocols. The corruption watchdog reports a state loss of 800 million Lankan rupees (approximately Rs 23.5 crore) from 27 purchases. Dhammika, former Ceylon Petroleum Corporation chairman, was arrested Monday and released on bail with a travel ban. Arjuna, currently abroad, faces arrest upon return. The case is part of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's anti-corruption crackdown, with another Ranatunga brother also facing fraud charges. (PC: NDTV Sports) 

FIFA has responded to global criticism of steep ticket pricing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by creating a new **“Supporter Entry Tier” with tickets priced at $60 for all 104 matches, including the final. The limited low-cost tickets will make up about 10% of each national team’s allocation and will be distributed through participating member associations to loyal fans. Fans and groups had condemned earlier prices as “extortionate,” with some games and stages costing hundreds to thousands of dollars. Despite the concession, critics say it may not sufficiently address affordability concerns ahead of the tournament hosted in the US, Canada and Mexico. (PC: Reuters)

Global football legend Lionel Messi visited Vantara, participating in traditional Sanatana Dharma prayers and ceremonies. Accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi received a grand welcome featuring folk music, flower showers, and an aarti ceremony. The Argentine icon took part in a Maha Aarti, performing multiple Hindu pujas including Ambe Mata Puja, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja, and Shiv Abhishek. The prayers focused on world peace and unity. Vantara, where the visit occurred, traditionally begins its programs with prayers rooted in Sanatana Dharma traditions. The special visit showcased cultural exchange as the football superstar engaged respectfully with Indian spiritual practices alongside his South American teammates during their India tour.

Sarfaraz Khan secured an IPL contract with Chennai Super Kings for Rs 75 lakh at the 2026 mini-auction, returning after missing two seasons. The Mumbai batter went unsold initially but was picked up hours after smashing 77 off 22 balls against Rajasthan in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Despite a solid Test debut last year, Sarfaraz was excluded from India's 2025 Test squads, prompting him to shed five kilograms and transform his fitness. He's scored 329 runs in seven SMAT matches at a 203.08 strike rate. Prithvi Shaw also found redemption as Delhi Capitals re-signed him for Rs 75 lakh after releasing him two years ago, despite disciplinary issues and inconsistent form with new team Maharashtra.(PC: PTI)

The IPL 2026 mini-auction concluded with 10 teams spending Rs 215.45 crore on 77 players. Cameron Green created history as the costliest overseas player ever in any franchise competition worldwide, purchased by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 25.20 crore. Chennai Super Kings made record-breaking acquisitions of uncapped Indian players Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma for Rs 14.20 crore each. KKR also secured Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana for Rs 18 crore. Other notable buys included Liam Livingstone to Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 13 crore, Auqib Dar to Delhi Capitals for Rs 8.40 crore, and Josh Inglis to Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 8.60 crore. The upcoming IPL season runs from March 26 to May 31, 2026.(PC: ESPNCricinfo)

West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas resigned following alleged mismanagement during Lionel Messi's December 13 event at Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accepted his resignation. The government initiated major administrative action based on a preliminary enquiry report. DGP Rajeev Kumar and Police Commissioner Mukesh Kumar received show-cause notices demanding 24-hour clarifications. Deputy Commissioner Aneesh Sarkar faces suspension pending enquiry for negligence. Principal Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha was also show-caused, while VYBK CEO Deb Kumar Nandan's services were immediately withdrawn. A Special Investigation Team comprising four IPS officers will probe the incident. Large-scale disorder, vandalism, and security breaches occurred as spectators entered the playing area. BJP questioned why no arrests were made, criticizing the minister's selfie-taking behavior.

Chennai Super Kings created history at the IPL 2026 auction with two big uncapped signings. CSK bought Prashant Veer for ₹14.20 crore. He is now the costliest uncapped player in IPL history. Soon after, CSK matched the same amount to sign Kartik Sharma. The combined spend touched ₹28.40 crore. Both deals broke the earlier record of ₹10 crore. Veer is a young spin all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh. Kartik is a wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan. Strong bidding battles were seen for both players. CSK said the signings show trust in young Indian talent. (PC: HT)