Concerns grow on whereabouts of Peng Shuai as WTA CEO questions alleged email

After successfully hosting major international events such as the ATP Tour 250, WTA 125, and PMR Challenger tournaments for the past five consecutive years, the Directorate of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Maharashtra, along with the ATP Organising Committee, has decided to expand tennis development directly to the district level in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA).

The tournament will feature a 32-player singles main draw, preceded by a 32-player qualifying draw beginning on 1 March, along with a 16-team doubles draw. Main draw matches will commence on 3 March. As an ITF W35-category event, it offers valuable ranking points and an important opportunity for players aspiring to progress to higher-tier competitions, including the WTA Tour.

Australia crushed Oman in a massive face-saving win at Pallekele on Friday, letting them end their campaign on a high with two wins and losses each. But their poor performances against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka raised concerns about the health of Aussie T20I cricket and whether they take the format seriously at all or not. Coming into the tournament, frontline pacers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins were ruled out due to injuries, and skipper Marsh missed out on two games due to a groin injury scare. Steve Smith was flown in as a replacement, but did not get even a single game to play.

Former Australian legend Ricky Ponting spoke about the future of Australia's T20 team, with the country set to co-host the next instalment of the T20 World Cup in 2028 alongside New Zealand, as well as a possible appearance at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

As the rain gods in Pallekele showed benevolence to Zimbabwe, giving them a much-needed one point to qualify for the Super Eight along with Sri Lanka from their group, it was curtains for the 2021 champions as they were eliminated in the group stage itself, stumbling to humiliating losses to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka after starting off with a win over Ireland.