General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: May 21, 2026, 2:55 AM ET

Cricket

England’s T20 preparations continued positively as Capsey’s unbeaten 74 and Bell’s economical 2-23 secured a seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the series opener. The performance offered a boost amid ongoing debate, with former England bowler Gough questioning the appointment of Marcus North as national selector, arguing it could further divide the team from the domestic structure. In county cricket, Glamorgan captain Carlson signed a two-year contract extension through 2028, while Scotland’s men faced a setback, suffering a heavy ODI defeat by USA in their Cricket World Cup League 2 campaign in Nepal. Ulster’s absent stars remain integral to the province’s Challenge Cup final preparations despite missing the Montpellier clash, and former Wales and Lions centre Arthur Lewis died aged, prompting tributes for the 1971 Grand Slam winner.

College Sports

Off-field developments dominated the college landscape. Mizzou running back Ahmad Hardy returned to campus just over a week after being shot in Mississippi, with the program releasing a brief video of his arrival as he begins rehabilitation. In basketball, Kentucky and Gonzaga mutually agreed to discontinue their scheduled series, ending a planned two-year continuation. The transfer portal’s impact was analysed, with a piece arguing it has reduced high-profile quarterback competitions at programs like Alabama and Tennessee. On the recruiting front, the No. 5 women’s hoops recruit, Eve Long, committed to Notre Dame, choosing the Irish over other finalists. In baseball, Kansas built a national contender by mining the juco ranks, turning itself into one of the sport’s top programs.

Cycling & Motor Sport

Spanish cyclist Jaume Guardeno was transferred to a specialist neurological clinic following his March crash with a vehicle. At the Giro d’Italia, Ecuador’s Jhonatan Narvaez won stage 11, extending his and his team’s exceptional race performance as Eulalio retained the overall lead. In NASCAR, Kevin Harvick was elected to the Hall of Fame, capping a career that began under scrutiny but flourished into a popular broadcasting role.

Tennis & Golf

The professional tennis season was marked by a brewing protest. Leading players plan to limit pre-French Open media interviews to 15 minutes in a dispute over prize money. On the court, Britain’s Toby Samuel won his qualifying match to stand one victory from a first Grand Slam singles appearance at the French Open, defeating David Goffin. In golf, LIV Golf proceeded with investor pitches despite a report it was laying groundwork for potential U.S. bankruptcy, signalling a push for a new business model. For the PGA Tour, analysis focused on the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, with Scheffler highlighted as the pre-tournament favourite.

Football (Soccer) & Rugby

In soccer, Cardiff City left-back Joel Bagan signed a long-term contract, ending speculation over his future as he was out of contract next month. Liverpool was awarded a major sporting event, with the city selected to host the 2030 Gymnastics World Championships. In rugby union, Ulster confirmed former All Black Clarke Dermody as their new forwards coach, while the province’s last trophy winners from 2006 reflected on their Celtic League triumph ahead of Friday’s Challenge Cup final against Montpellier.

Combat Sports & Other

In MMA, Ronda Rousey’s return match generated a record 17 million viewers on Netflix. The world of professional wrestling saw AEW champion Darby Allin profiled for his extreme risk-taking persona. In netball, Scotland cyclist Neah Evans revealed an illness has hampered her preparations for the Commonwealth Games, dealing a blow to Scottish medal hopes. Finally, NRL star Jai Arrow announced his immediate retirement at 30 after a motor neurone disease diagnosis, bringing his playing career to a sudden end.