Cricket

Cricket-Australia's Green becomes IPL's most expensive overseas player after $2.77 million move to Kolkata

Dec 16 (Reuters) - Australia all-rounder Cameron Green became the most expensive overseas player in the Indian Premier League (IPL), after Kolkata Knight Riders signed him for 252 million Indian rupees ($2.77 million) at the player auction for the 2026 season on Tuesday.

Bowling

Super duo Rafiq and Syazirol strike doubles bowling gold

BANGKOK: National bowlers Rafiq Ismail and Mohd Syazirol Shamsudin lit up the lanes to capture the men's doubles gold at the Blu-O Rhythm and Bowl in Ratchayothin on Tuesday (Dec 16).

Other Sports

Luge-Russian lugers register for World Cup event, aiming for Olympics, media reports say

Dec 16 (Reuters) - Six Russian lugers are registered as individual athletes to compete in this week's World Cup event at Mount Van Hoevenberg near Lake Placid, New York, as they try to qualify for the Milano Cortina Olympics in February 2026, media reports said.

Gymnastics

Virandeep becomes first Malaysian cricket player to be included in IPL 2006

KUALA LUMPUR: Virandeep Singh has become the first Malaysian cricketer to be included in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Player Auction, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, according to the Malaysian Cricket Association (MCA).

Motorsport

Motor racing-Portugal to return to F1 calendar in 2027 and 2028

Dec 16 (Reuters) - Formula One will return to Portugal's Portimao circuit in 2027 and 2028 after the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort drops off the calendar.

Football

Soccer-Clarke warns Scotland fans to be cautious over World Cup travel costs

Dec 16 (Reuters) - Scotland manager Steve Clarke has urged supporters to avoid plunging into debt to attend next year's FIFA World Cup in North America, warning of steep travel and ticket costs.

Cricket

Cricket-Stokes takes cheeky dig at Hussain ahead of Adelaide test toss

ADELAIDE, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Ben Stokes signalled he would bat first if he won the toss in the third Ashes test against Australia in Adelaide, offering a wry reminder on Tuesday of one of England's most infamous calls in the age-old series.

Tennis

Tennis-ATP to introduce new heat policy from 2026 season

Dec 16 (Reuters) - The ATP Tour said it will introduce a new heat policy that will come into effect from 2026 after a string of retirements due to soaring temperatures and punishing humidity at the Shanghai Masters earlier this season.

Cricket

Cricket-England face Ashes reckoning in Adelaide furnace

ADELAIDE, Dec 16 (Reuters) - The Ashes could be decided within days at an Adelaide Oval furnace where England's hopes of wresting back the urn will fire anew or flame out entirely against a strengthened Australia.

Other Sports

Taufiq replaces Hannah as Sports Minister

PETALING JAYA: Mohd Taufiq Johari has been appointed as the new Youth and Sports Minister, replacing Hannah Yeoh.

Football

FAM dismiss mass resignation rumours

PETALING JAYA: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has denied rumours circulating widely that all members of its executive committee have tendered their resignations.

Football

FACTBOX-Soccer-Profiles of the Group F teams at Africa Cup of Nations

RABAT, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Factbox on Group F at the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday:

Football

Soccer-Ramsey shocked by early contract termination at Pumas

MEXICO CITY, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey said he was surprised by the termination of his contract at Mexico's Pumas UNAM, saying he wanted to stay and felt ready to return after an injury and personal matters kept him sidelined.

Other Sports

Malaysian Megan rides to equestrian gold as youngest SEA Games winner

BANGKOK: Megan Ding has made SEA Games equestrian history as the youngest individual winner. 

Football

FACTBOX-Soccer-Profiles of the Group B teams at Africa Cup of Nations

RABAT, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Factbox on Group B at the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday: 

Football

FACTBOX-Soccer-Profiles of the Group A teams at Africa Cup of Nations

RABAT, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Factbox on Group A at the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday: 

Cricket

Cricket-Khawaja overlooked as Australia captain Cummins, Lyon return for third Ashes test

ADELAIDE, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Captain Pat Cummins and spinner Nathan Lyon have returned to the Australia XI for the third Ashes test against England in Adelaide but opener Usman Khawaja has been left out, leaving his test career at a cross-roads.

Football

Soccer-United boss Amorim rues team's lapses in concentration after draw with Bournemouth

MANCHESTER, England, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim conceded that repeated lapses in concentration are undermining his team's progress after Monday's chaotic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

A Winning Factor

The calm before the festive madness of the English Premier League

AFTER a tumultuous week for Arne Slot, the noise died down slightly on Saturday as Liverpool returned to winning ways following two consecutive Premier League draws.

Football

Sabah coach De Marigny’s questions over debatable decisions linger

PETALING JAYA: Sabah coach Jean-Paul de Marigny did not want to sound like a sore loser but he insisted that there were a few incidents in the FA Cup final that were questionable.