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Manchester City suffered a major setback to their Premier League title challenge as they were held to a 0-0 draw against Sunderland on Thursday.

Pep Guardiola’s side would have closed within two points of leaders Arsenal with a win at the Stadium of Light. But in their first game of 2026, they delivered a spluttering display that left them four points adrift of the Gunners.

City’s New Year’s Day stalemate ruined their eight-match winning run in all competitions.

After Arsenal’s 4-1 rout of third-placed Aston Villa on Tuesday, second-placed City have surrendered the initiative at the halfway point of the title race.

City will look to bounce back at home to troubled Chelsea on Sunday after the Blues parted company with boss Enzo Maresca on Thursday.

Reportedly on the verge of signing Bournemouth’s Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo, Guardiola could do with reinforcements in attack after his team were frustrated by Sunderland’s tenacious performance.

Manchester City beat Sunderland 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium on December 6, but Guardiola predicted a far more difficult encounter in the rematch and his fears proved well-founded.

Sunderland are unbeaten in their first 10 home league games this season and have held City and Arsenal to draws on Wearside.

On a freezing evening with a biting wind whipping off the North Sea, City made heavy weather of their attempt to close the gap on Arsenal.

They were denied a sixth-minute opener when Bernardo Silva’s close-range strike was ruled offside after Erling Haaland flicked on Rayan Cherki’s corner.

Brian Brobbey should have given Sunderland the lead after out-muscling Ruben Dias and racing into the penalty, but his shot was too close to City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

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Haaland found it difficult to shake off Sunderland’s imposing centre-back Nordi Mukiele in the first half.

The City striker finally escaped Mukiele’s attentions, only to shoot straight at Sunderland keeper Robin Roefs after Phil Foden’s pass found him 10 yards from goal.

Sunderland’s Trai Hume squandered a golden opportunity when the unmarked defender headed over from 12 yards on the stroke of half-time.

City’s two attempts were their joint-fewest in the first half of a league game this season.

Guardiola responded to City’s lethargy by sending on Rodri for the injury-plagued Spain midfielder’s first appearance since November 2, when he played for one minute against Bournemouth.

Savinho was guilty of a woeful miss when he fired wide from Cherki’s pass just after the interval, and the Brazilian fluffed his lines again moments later, failing to beat Roefs from close range.

Pep Guardiola hauled off Savinho after those blunders, sending on Belgian winger Jeremy Doku after four games out with a calf injury.

Manchester City had to ride their luck as Donnarumma saved Simon Adingra’s strike at his near post before making an even better stop to repel Eliezer Mayenda’s blast.

In a frantic finale, Josko Gvardiol couldn’t squeeze his header past Roefs.

Gvardiol also sent an audacious back-flick against the post and had a close-range shot blocked with the goal at his mercy, leaving Guardiola to count the cost of their toothless display.

READ: Major update on hospitalised Australian great Damien Martyn

Former Australian Test batter Damien Martyn is showing “positive signs” after being hospitalised in an induced coma with meningitis, ex-teammate Adam Gilchrist said.

The 54-year-old, who played 67 Tests between 1992 and 2006 and 208 one-day internationals, fell ill while lying down last week and was rushed to hospital.

He was diagnosed with meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

“Thank you, everyone, for the heartfelt love and wishes and care for Damien as he goes through a challenging time,” fellow Test great Gilchrist said during a Big Bash League (BBL) game broadcast on Thursday evening.

“He’s still in hospital. There’ll be more details coming out as they come to hand, but certainly in the last 24 hours, some positive signs are the indications coming out of the various tests he’s having.”

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A who’s who of cricket greats have posted messages of support, including former England skipper Michael Vaughan and Indian legends Ravichandran Ashwin and VVS Laxman.

Known as one of the game’s great strokemakers, Damien Martyn became a key figure in Steve Waugh’s all-powerful Australian side, hitting 13 centuries and averaging 46.37.

He was also part of the Australian team that won the 2003 ODI World Cup, cracking 88 not out in the final against India in a match-winning partnership with Ricky Ponting.

Martyn retired in 2006 during the Ashes series and had kept a low profile since.

READ: Usman Khawaja speaks out on ‘racial stereotyping’ ahead of final Test

SYDNEY: Australian opener Usman Khawaja has spoken candidly about the “racial stereotyping” he says followed him throughout his 15-year international career, as he announced his impending retirement from Test cricket.

Khawaja revealed on Friday, during a press conference, that the upcoming fifth Ashes Test in Sydney will be his final appearance in Australian colours.

The 39-year-old used the occasion to reflect on the challenges he faced as Australia’s first Muslim Test cricketer and one of the few players of South Asian heritage to represent the country at the highest level.

“I’m very lucky to have played so many games for Australia the way I have,” Khawaja said. “I hope I have inspired people along the way.”

Born in Islamabad and raised in Australia from a young age, Khawaja said he was once told he would never represent Australia, let alone enjoy a long Test career.

“I’m a proud Muslim, coloured boy from Pakistan who was told that he would never play for the Australian cricket team,” he said. “Look at me now, and you can do the same.”

Usman Khawaja acknowledged that his willingness to speak out on social and political issues had often made him a target of criticism, but insisted that remaining silent was never an option.

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“I call myself the people’s champ, not because I think everyone loves me, but because I speak about things for the people that other people don’t want to speak about,” he said.

He also addressed the backlash he has faced when raising concerns about race, suggesting that discussions around discrimination are frequently dismissed or trivialised.

“I know why I get nailed a lot of the time. I understand that I’ve talked about certain issues outside of cricket, which leaves me exposed, and a lot of people don’t like it,” Khawaja said.

“I know I’m here talking about topics and people will say, ‘Uzzie’s here, he’s playing the race card again.’ Don’t gaslight me. This stuff happens all the time, we see it, and we just don’t talk about it.”

Usman Khawaja stressed that his aim was not to seek sympathy, but to make the path easier for future cricketers from diverse backgrounds.

“I didn’t want to talk about this, but I just want the journey for the next Usman Khawaja to be different,” he said. “I want him or her to be treated the same, not have racial stereotypes over who they might be.”

In 2023, Khawaja was charged by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for wearing a black armband during Australia’s first Test against Pakistan, a gesture he said was intended to show solidarity with the people of Gaza.

READ: Confident Usman eyes World Cup glory under Mike Hesson

 

Australia opener Usman Khawaja has announced that the ongoing Ashes series will be his last in international cricket, with the left-hander set to retire after the final Test in Sydney, bringing the curtain down on a career that began at the same venue.

If selected, the 39-year-old will feature in his 88th Test when Australia take the field at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Sunday, marking a full-circle moment in a journey that started with his Test debut against England in 2011.

Khawaja also leaves behind a significant legacy as Australia’s first Muslim men’s Test cricketer.

Speaking at the SCG with his family present, Khawaja admitted the decision had been forming for some time.

“I’ve been thinking about it, not wholly, but for a while,” Khawaja said. “Moving into this series, I kind of had an inkling in my head that this would be the last series.”

Khawaja revealed that discussions with his wife, Rachel, and head coach Andrew McDonald played a key role in shaping his decision.

He also acknowledged that being left out earlier in the series, particularly ahead of the Adelaide Test, was a moment that clarified his thinking and reinforced that it was time to move on.

“I’m glad I get to leave on my own terms, with a little bit of dignity, and go out at the SCG where I love,” he said.

“But I think the start of the series was a pretty tough time. Then going into Adelaide and not being picked initially for the game, that was probably a sign for me to say, ‘all right, it’s time to move on.'”

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The veteran opener said he had contemplated retirement at various stages over the past two years and had even spoken to McDonald about potentially finishing after last summer’s Boxing Day Test against India.

He stressed that he never wanted to overstay his welcome and was prepared to step aside whenever the team felt it was necessary.

Despite external criticism suggesting he was holding on for personal reasons, Usman Khawaja maintained that he continued playing only because the team management wanted him to.

“Andrew McDonald practically said, No, I want you to stay. We need you for Sri Lanka and the World Test Championship. I want you to stay on. And so I did,” he added.

While his international career is nearing its end, Khawaja confirmed he will continue to play domestic cricket.

He is set to remain available for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League and hopes to turn out for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield later in the season.

Khawaja has so far scored 6206 runs in 87 Test matches, including 16 centuries and 28 half-centuries, at an average of 43.39. His highest score of 232 came against Sri Lanka last year.

In addition to his red-ball exploits, he represented Australia in 40 ODIs, scoring 1,554 runs at an average of 42, and played nine T20Is, tallying 241 runs at a strike rate of 132.41.

READ: Australia pacer admits frustration at bowling to Babar Azam

KARACHI: Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab has urged maximum participation from the citizens in the upcoming ‘Karachi Marathon’, calling the race vital in projecting the city’s positive image.

Speaking during a press conference earlier in the day, Murtaza Wahab said the marathon would project a positive image of the city.

“The marathon will bring out the positive image of the city,” he said.

“I wish to see next year’s marathon held inside the city, starting from Mazar-i-Quaid,” he added. “We will take the lead — the KMC will come forward, and so will the government.”

Meanwhile, the driving force behind the Karachi Marathon, Shoaib Nizami, while talking to a news outlet, shared his views on the event.

“We have already had our new routes approved; it is only a matter of time before we go into the city,” he said.

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“No one knew Barcelona before the [1992] Olympics, but it came onto the world map after that. Events like the Karachi Marathon will bring our city to the world map,” he remarked.

For the unversed, the 3rd Karachi Marathon—an event that promotes active living and unites runners from across the country and beyond will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

The race recognised by World Athletics and certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), will start and finish at the Nishan-e-Pakistan monument on Sea View Road.

According to reports, more than 2,000 runners have registered for the marathon events. Registrations for the 5K, meanwhile, remain open, with over 3,000 participants already signed up.

READ: Tareen among bidders in race for new PSL teams: reports

LAHORE: Ali Tareen, the previous owner of the Multan Sultans is among the bidders for the new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises after the completion of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) technical evaluation.

The auction for the league’s first major expansion will be held on 8 January at the Jinnah Convention Centre in the Federal Capital, Islamabad.

According to media reports, Tareen Group is also among the confirmed bidders in the race for new teams.

Previously, he acquired Multan Sultans in 2018, one of the PSL’s most expensive franchises.

However, due to strained relations with PCB over financial and renewal terms, Tareen decided not to renew the contract, resulting in the board taking over the Multan Sultans.

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At the end of 2025, Ali Tareen announced his intention to leave Multan Sultans, making him eligible to bid for one of the new outfits of the tournament.

As per reports, Inverex Group, Karachi-based VGO TEL, and the OZ Group are also among the bidders to buy the new teams in PSL.

Once successful bidders are confirmed, they will have the opportunity to select a home city from the PCB’s approved list, which includes Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit.

It is pertinent to mention that the Pakistan Super League, which began in 2016 with five outfits, is set to expand with the addition of two new teams.

Notably, the league expanded to five teams in 2018 with the addition of Multan Sultans. With the addition of two new franchises, the league will undergo its first major restructuring in seven years, taking the total to eight teams.

READ: Australia pacer admits frustration at bowling to Babar Azam

Australia pacer Sean Abbott has admitted his frustration at bowling to Babar Azam, calling the Pakistan star batter extremely hard to contain once he gets going.

Babar Azam is playing alongside Sean Abbott for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Speaking during a chat with fellow players, Abbott admitted that bowling to Babar Azam is a challenging task due to his skill and temperament.

“Babar hits you where Babar wants to, and I’m sick of bowling at him,” Abbott said.

“Whether it’s domestic cricket or international cricket, I don’t think I’ve ever got him out, and it feels a bit like a death by a thousand cuts sometimes because you look up the scoreboard and he is striking at 120 and you don’t feel like you are nowhere near getting him out,” he added.

He also praised Babar’s contributions to the Sixers, calling him a vital cog and a perfect fit for the team.

“So, a real asset to have, and he has been a hell of a fit for us so far. Really blessed that Babar [is] in the Sixers.”

Abbott described facing him as frustrating, saying it often feels like “death by a thousand cuts” as Babar maintains a high strike rate while rarely giving a chance for dismissal.

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Earlier today, Babar Azam and Sean Abbott combined to lead Sydney Sixers to a six-wicket victory over the Melbourne Renegades in BBL 15.

Babar finished on 58 not out from 46 balls, striking four fours and a six, while  Abbott was the pick of the Sixers’ bowlers with three wickets to his name.

Overall, Babar has scored 129 runs in five matches so far with the help of two half-centuries.

On the other hand, Sean Abbott is BBL’s all-time highest wicket-taker with 179 scalps in 126 matches.

READ: Confident Usman eyes World Cup glory under Mike Hesson

SYLHET: Sahibzada Farhan’s gutsy knock and Ripon Mondol’s late heroics with the ball sealed a thrilling Super Over victory for Rajshahi Warriors over Rangpur Riders in the eighth fixture of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26.

The Warriors eased past Riders on the third ball of the Super Over with seven to chase as Tanzid Hasan scored 10* from three balls.

Ripon bowled a tight over under pressure, taking one wicket and limiting Riders to only six.

Earlier, the match was tied after Rangpur Riders managed to score 159-6 at the end of their 20 overs.

David Malan remained the notable contributor with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 63 off 50 balls, laced with half a dozen boundaries and two sixes.

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Rangpur Riders lost Litton Das for 16 in the third over, which brought Towhid Hridoy to the crease.

David Malan and Hridoy put on a century stand, which at one stage made the contest a one-sided affair.

However, SM Meherob, the latter, for 53 to give his side an opening, which was followed by a middle-order collapse, putting Riders on the brink.

It was all down to the final over with Ripon Mondol delivering under the pressure while defending seven. He picked up two wickets in the final over and a run out to make it a Super Over contest.

Earlier, after being put into bat first, Rajshahi Warriors managed to score 159-8 at the end of their innings.

Watch BPL 2026 matches LIVE Here!

Sahibzada Farhan remained the notable contributor with 65 from 46 balls with the aid of eight fours and two sixes. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto made 41 off 30 balls, striking five fours and a six.

The pair’s 93-run partnership for the second wicket was instrumental in setting the tone for his side before a middle-order collapse left them reeling at the end of their 20 overs.

For Rangpur Riders, Faheem Ashraf remained the standout bowler with three wickets to his name.

READ: All-round Omarzai fires Sylhet Titans to victory

Wicket-keeper batter Usman Khan says Pakistan are ‘well prepared’ to lift the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India.

Speaking in an interview with Cricinfo on the sidelines of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Usman expressed confidence in lifting the T20 World Cup under the coaching of Mike Hesson.

The 30-year-old UAE cricketer, who switched to play for Pakistan in 2024, is currently playing for Dhaka Capitals.

“Our coach Mike Hesson has prepared us very well ahead of the World Cup,” he said.

“We will play Sri Lanka and Australia in the coming month as part of our preparation. We have a great combination in the team, and we are confident about our chances in the World Cup,” he continued.

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He emphasizes the conditions in Sri Lanka, where he will be playing for the first time, although Pakistan has yet to name its T20 World Cup squa

“I am heading to Sri Lanka for the first time. Playing in Dambulla will give us a good opportunity to understand the wickets ahead of the World Cup,” Usman said.

“The conditions are similar to what we faced in the recent tri-series. I am preparing for those wickets and focusing on handling fast bowling. We aim to win the series in Sri Lanka,” he concluded.

For those unware, Pakistan will play a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka which will be followed by home fixtures against Australia in a bid to fine tune their prepartations for the mega event.

As per the hybrid model, the Green Shirts will play all of their matches in Sri Lanka, which will start on 7 February, an event jointly hosted by India.

Watch BPL 2026 matches LIVE Here!

Pakistan will open the World Cup campaign with the match against the Netherlands, which will be followed by a clash against USA on 10 February.

The highly anticipated match of the event between defending champions India and Pakistan will be played on 15 February.

READ: All-round Omarzai fires Sylhet Titans to victory

Enzo Maresca has left his role as Chelsea head coach after 18 months in charge, the Premier League club announced Thursday.

“Chelsea Football Club and head coach Enzo Maresca have parted company,” said a club statement.

The Italian’s exit from Stamford Bridge comes with the club fifth in the Premier League table — 15 points adrift of leaders and London rivals Arsenal — with one win in their last seven top-flight games.

Speculation about Maresca’s position increased during Chelsea’s poor run of recent results amid reports of a worsening relationship between the coach and the club’s hierarchy.

“With key objectives still to play for across four competitions including qualification for Champions League football, Enzo and the club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track,” said the club statement.

Maresca did not attend the post-match press conference following a frantic 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday, although his absence was attributed to illness.

Maresca’s decision to substitute Cole Palmer just after the hour mark during the Bournemouth game was booed by Chelsea fans.

The draw meant Chelsea had dropped 13 points at home from winning positions this season — the bulk of the 15-point deficit between the Blues and Arsenal.

Maresca has stood by comments made on December 13 after a league win at home to Everton when he said many people at Chelsea “didn’t support me and the team”.

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He repeatedly refused to clarify the comments, although he insisted they were not an attack on the club’s supporters.

The 45-year-old said the days leading up to the 2-0 victory over Everton were “the worst 48 hours” of his time at Chelsea.

Maresca’s stock at Chelsea was high after the Blues beat Barcelona 3-0 in the Champions League in November.

But damaging defeats by Leeds, Atalanta and Villa increased the pressure on the Blues boss.

Maresca’s contract had been due to run until the summer of 2029, with a club option of a further year.

The former Leicester manager was appointed as successor to Mauricio Pochettino in June 2024.

Chelsea won the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup in 2025 and Maresca also led them back into the Champions League via a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League.

The Blues return to action on Sunday away to Manchester City, the first of nine fixtures across four competitions during a congested January schedule.

Liam Rosenior — the head coach of French club Strasbourg, owned by Chelsea’s parent company BlueCo, a consortium headed up by US billionaire businessman Todd Boehly — is a candidate to replace Maresca even though the Englishman is a relatively young manager at 41 and lacks Premier League experience.

Former Barcelona head coach Xavi, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola are other potential contenders to succeed Maresca at Stamford Bridge.

READ: All-round Omarzai fires Sylhet Titans to victory