India’s Abhishek hospitalized ahead of Namibia, Pakistan World Cup matches

India’s Abhishek Sharma plays a shot during the Asia Cup cricket match between India and Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, United Arab Emirates, on September 14, 2025. (Reuters/File)
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Updated 11 February 2026
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India’s Abhishek hospitalized ahead of Namibia, Pakistan World Cup matches

  • India play Namibia on Thursday, arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday in a blockbuster clash 
  • Abhishek Sharma missed training due to stomach issue he carried from opener in Mumbai

NEW DELHI: Prolific Indian opener Abhishek Sharma has been hospitalized with an upset stomach ahead of the group match against Namibia at the T20 World Cup, a cricket board official said Wednesday.

The explosive left-hander is key to India’s chances of defending their title at the 20-team tournament and is doubtful for the Group A fixture on Thursday in New Delhi.

The 25-year-old was admitted to a Delhi hospital on Tuesday after he missed training with a stomach issue he carried from the opener in Mumbai, the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate acknowledged the concern on Tuesday, saying the batsman had “still got a few issues with his tummy.”

“We hope that he’ll be available for the game in a few days’ time.”

Abhishek was out for a duck in India’s win over the United States but has been a strong performer in the lead-up to the tournament.

India play arch-rivals Pakistan in a blockbuster on Sunday.


CUPRA KIRO drivers excited for Formula E double-header in Jeddah

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CUPRA KIRO drivers excited for Formula E double-header in Jeddah

  • Pepe Marti ready to build on strong finish in Miami
  • Dan Ticktum hoping for a change of fortunes in Saudi Arabia

JEDDAH: Drivers from the CUPRA KIRO team said they are looking forward to getting out on the Jeddah track this weekend for the FIA Formula E World Championship.

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is the venue for the first double-header of the 2025/26 season, with Rounds 4 and 5 taking place on Friday and Saturday.

Spain’s Pepe Marti, who finished ninth in the last round in Miami, is hoping to carry his momentum to Saudi Arabia.

“I’m very excited to race in Jeddah this weekend,” he said. “I’ve raced here in the past with Formula 2 and finished on the podium, so it’ll be good to be in a familiar environment for the first time this season.

“Obviously, the track layout is completely different, but we’re arriving here after consecutive points finishes in Mexico City and Miami so hopefully, we can maintain this streak and hopefully, aim for something that’s higher than seventh – our best result so far this season.”

Teammate Dan Ticktum is expecting his luck to improve after failing to finish a race this season.

“Jeddah is one of the best circuits on the calendar, and I’m looking forward to driving the track this weekend,” the British driver said. “We showed some good pace in Jeddah last season, and we have two races with it being a double-header. Hopefully we can score some points, finally.”

Russell O’Hagan, CUPRA KIRO team principal, said:

“We’re arriving in Jeddah after a short turnaround from Miami, but everyone in the team has worked exceptionally hard to put us in the best possible position. We were quite competitive here in 2025, and although not everything has aligned yet this season, we’re in a much stronger position now compared to where we were 12 months ago.”

Jeddah is the new home of Formula E in Saudi Arabia after six successful seasons racing in Diriyah.