Al-Nassr confirmed that Ronaldo was not included in the squad for consecutive league fixtures, with reports indicating the decision is connected to the player’s frustration over the club’s lack of reinforcements during the transfer window.
According to reports, Ronaldo is unhappy with Al-Nassr’s transfer business compared to rival clubs, particularly following high-profile signings made elsewhere in the league. Sources suggest the forward has continued to train with the squad but has opted not to feature in matches.
The Saudi Pro League has since released a statement emphasising that no individual player can influence league-wide decisions or investment strategies, regardless of status or profile.
Ronaldo’s absence has fuelled speculation about his future at the club, although no official announcement has been made regarding a potential transfer or disciplinary action.
Al-Nassr are expected to clarify the situation ahead of their upcoming fixtures as the Saudi Pro League season continues.
Speaking about the upcoming title, Zelnick stated that generative AI has “zero part” in the creative process behind GTA VI, emphasising that Rockstar Games is building the game world manually rather than relying on automated content generation.
According to Zelnick, the highly anticipated open-world game is being crafted “building by building, street by street,” highlighting Rockstar’s traditional approach to design and detail. While the company uses artificial intelligence and machine-learning tools in supporting roles, they are not involved in generating core game content.
The comments come amid growing industry discussions around the use of generative AI in game development, with several studios exploring automation to speed up production.
Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Sri Lanka confirmed that Malinga has been ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury sustained during the recent T20I series against England. The injury was reported to have occurred while bowling, forcing the pacer out of contention for the World Cup.
The ICC Event Technical Committee approved the inclusion of Pramod Madushan as his replacement in the squad. Madushan, a medium-fast bowler, has featured in eight T20Is and 13 ODIs for Sri Lanka, claiming 12 wickets in the T20 format.
Sri Lanka are scheduled to begin their campaign against Ireland on February 8 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The hosts are placed in Group B alongside Australia, Oman and Zimbabwe.
The late squad change presents a setback for Sri Lanka’s pace attack, with Madushan now expected to provide depth and experience heading into the tournament opener.
England decided against travelling to a distant training ground ahead of their clash with Nepal, instead remaining at their hotel to avoid the heat and long commute. The move was aimed at prioritising recovery and maintaining energy levels before the tournament begins.
The decision follows England’s previous struggles in extreme heat during the 2023 ODI World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium, where conditions proved challenging. Team management reportedly viewed rest and controlled preparation as more beneficial than an additional practice session.
All-rounder Will Jacks emphasised squad unity and mental preparation as key elements in the team’s build-up, suggesting that staying fresh would be important heading into the fixture.
Meanwhile, Nepal completed their scheduled training session and are expected to have strong local support in Mumbai. Critics have suggested that skipping practice could carry risks if conditions on match day prove demanding.
England begin their campaign against Nepal as they look to make a strong start in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Arsenal remain the highest-ranked side after combining attacking efficiency with defensive stability across recent fixtures. Their ability to control matches rather than rely on late comebacks has strengthened their position at the top.
If that balance continues, Arsenal are well placed to sustain their lead heading into the decisive stretch of the campaign. Maintaining momentum against mid-table opponents could prove just as important as results in direct clashes with rivals.
Manchester United’s resurgence reshapes expectations
Manchester United have climbed significantly in the updated rankings, reflecting improved performances and greater structural discipline.
Their upward movement does not immediately make them title favourites, but it strengthens their position in the race for Champions League qualification. Continued consistency could see them close the gap further on the leading pack.
City and Liverpool remain within striking distance
Manchester City and Liverpool remain firmly in contention, with both sides possessing the squad depth and experience to mount sustained challenges.
For City in particular, short periods of dropped points have widened the margin at the top, but history suggests they cannot be discounted from the title conversation at this stage.
Mid-table volatility could influence the outcome
Teams such as Newcastle United and Chelsea continue to fluctuate in form, and their results against the top sides may play a decisive role in shaping the final standings.
Unexpected dropped points or surprise victories in these fixtures could significantly alter both the title race and European qualification battle.
Prediction: momentum will define the run-in
If current trends hold, Arsenal appear best positioned to maintain control of the title race. Manchester United’s resurgence points toward a strengthened top-four challenge, while City and Liverpool remain capable of accelerating late in the season.
With margins often decided by consistency rather than isolated performances, the coming weeks may determine whether Arsenal convert ranking dominance into tangible silverware.
Arsenal remain the highest-ranked side after continuing to combine consistent results with a strong goal difference, keeping them ahead of their closest rivals in the updated assessment.
Manchester United have moved up into the top four of the rankings, rising several places compared to the previous update. A run of positive results and greater balance across the pitch have contributed to their upward movement.
Manchester City and Liverpool remain firmly placed among the top contenders, continuing to push Arsenal at the upper end of the rankings as the title race develops.
Further down the list, teams such as Newcastle United, Chelsea and Brentford have experienced mixed movement, reflecting inconsistent form and fluctuating results across recent league fixtures.
At the lower end of the rankings, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley remain among the bottom sides, with both clubs continuing to struggle for momentum and points.
The updated rankings underline how quickly form can shift across the Premier League as teams approach a decisive phase of the season.
In recent bilateral series played in India and Sri Lanka, several sides have increasingly used left-right batting combinations in the top order to disrupt bowling plans, a trend that is likely to continue during the World Cup on similar surfaces.
Spin bowling is also set to play a decisive role through the middle overs, with teams favouring dual-spinner combinations to control scoring rates rather than relying solely on pace. Captains have frequently turned to spin inside the powerplay on slower pitches, reflecting a shift in early-innings tactics.
Another emerging theme has been the adjustment of batting roles based on match situations, with teams opting for aggressive scoring phases instead of fixed batting positions throughout an innings.
As the tournament approaches, these tactical developments are expected to influence squad selection and in-game decisions, particularly for teams preparing to play a majority of their matches in subcontinental conditions.
The game’s developers continue to build excitement ahead of its 2026 launch. The three NBA stars — each known for their scoring prowess and on-court leadership — were highlighted by NBA The Run’s creative team as part of a group expected to play key roles in the game’s street-style basketball action. Curry’s deep shooting, Mitchell’s agility and Brunson’s ball-handling are among the traits that developers say will translate into engaging gameplay experiences when the title arrives next year.
NBA The Run is positioned as a fresh take on classic arcade-inspired basketball games, blending fast-paced play with modern NBA licensing and real-player likenesses from around the league. The game is slated for release on major platforms including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Curry, a multiple NBA champion and former MVP, continues to be one of the most recognizable faces in professional basketball. Mitchell, a consistent All-Star selection, and Brunson, a recent All-Star starter and key leader for his team, add breadth to the game’s playable roster and appeal for fans of current NBA stars.
The increasing focus on real NBA talent in NBA The Run reflects broader trends in the gaming industry, where licensed sports titles continue to seek deeper authenticity and star-driven engagement. Stay tuned for more updates as NBA The Run approaches its launch later this year.
The day kicked off with a tight encounter between Gurugram Gurus and Karnal Kings, in which both teams traded attacks evenly. Gurugram’s defence, marshalled by Rahul Setpal, held firm as the Gurus edged ahead in the final moments to secure a 24-23 victory — their first of the campaign. “This win means a lot to us. We stayed calm in the last few minutes and trusted our defence,” Setpal said after the match, underlining the importance of the breakthrough result for his side’s confidence.
In the following contest, Hisar Heroes confirmed their place in the semifinals with a convincing 40-26 win over hosts Sonipat Stars. Hisar’s balanced performance featured stern defence led by Surjeet Narwal and Sourav Nandal, while raider Ashu Malik provided attacking thrusts that helped keep the Stars on the back foot throughout the game. “Qualifying for the semifinals feels special. This team has shown belief, discipline and hunger in every match,” Malik said, reflecting on his team’s strong league form.
The final match of the day saw Panipat Panthers overwhelm Rohtak Royals 53-35. Super raids from Narender Kandola — including an early all-out push — set the tone, and Meetu Sharma’s Super 10 performance ensured Panthers stayed in control. Rohtak struggled to contain the Panthers’ pressure, conceding multiple all-outs as their opponents maintained dominance across both halves. “The team gave me confidence to play freely. Our raiding and defence clicked together today,” said Sharma after the win.
The day’s results highlight the competitive intensity of the KCL as the league moves toward its decisive phases, with breakthrough wins and standout individual performances shaping the semifinal picture.
Benzema terminated his contract with Al-Ittihad after declining an extension and agreed a free-transfer deal until mid-2027 with Al-Hilal, who currently top the Saudi Pro League standings. The 38-year-old French international joins a side aiming to defend domestic honours and contend for continental success.
In his first comments since the move, Benzema told club media that he was “happy to be here” and compared the Riyadh giants to his former club Real Madrid, calling Al-Hilal the “Real Madrid in Asia” and expressing his ambition to help win more trophies.
He said the decision to join Al-Hilal came as he seeks fresh challenges and silverware in the later stage of his career, with the Saudi League providing a competitive platform.
The transfer has stirred discussion within the league, with some reports linking the move to tensions at rival clubs and reshaping the balance of title contenders as the season progresses.
