Category: Sports

Kohli will be brimming with confidence after two tournament-defining performances in India’s recent successful Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.

Team India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batting star Virat Kohli was seen performing some hilarious dance moves during a practice session ahead of the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League, beginning on March 22. A video of the same surfaced on social media as the right-handed batter was seen wearing a pad while doing some hilarious dance moves.

Kohli will be brimming with confidence after two tournament-defining performances in India’s recent successful Champions Trophy 2025 campaign. The 36-year-old finished with 218 runs as the Men in Blue clinched their third title and remained undefeated throughout.

Below is the video posted on X of Kohli dancing

Kohli, meanwhile, who is the highest run-getter in the tournament history, also won the Orange Cap last year for aggregating 741 runs and it proved to be the second time in history he achieved that feat.

While Kohli was one of the contenders to captain the Royal Challengers, the think tank decided to give the responsibility to Rajat Patidar. Nevertheless, the veteran has shown himself to be fully behind the decision and equally urged the fans to give Patidar all the support. The 36-year-old said in a video posted earlier on social media:

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/video-virat-kohli-spotted-dancing-hilariously-amid-rcbs-practice-session-ahead-of-ipl-2025

After a slow start to his Real Madrid career, Kylian Mbappé has already surpassed one of the club greats.

Mbappé scored twice in Madrid’s 2-1 comeback win over Villarreal on Saturday to take his tally to 31 goals in all competitions this season — one more than Brazil striker Ronaldo managed in his first campaign at the club. It also helped Madrid open up a three-point lead atop the Spanish league over Barcelona, which has played two games less.

Long gone are the scoring troubles Mbappé endured in his first months at Madrid.

Having surpassed Ronaldo’s tally from 2002-03, the former Paris Saint-Germain player is now closing in on the 33 goals that Cristiano Ronaldo scored in his first season with Madrid in 2009-10.

“They are legends who marked eras with the club,” Mbappé said about the two Ronaldos. “If I score more goals than Ronaldo and Cristiano it doesn’t mean that I am better, just that my first season is better. Scoring goals is important, but it is even more so if we win La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.”

His double at fifth-placed Villarreal took Mbappe’s La Liga tally to 20 goals, only one fewer than Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski in the domestic competition.

Leading the comeback

Villarreal made it a pulsating game as it attacked in waves with Alex Baena and Nicolas Pepe helping create a series of chances. Thibaut Courtois made three good stops for Madrid to deny Pepe, Ayoze Pérez, and Pape Gueye in the first half.

But Villarreal paid at the other end where Mbappé ruthlessly exploited the holes in the Yellow Submarine’s defense.

“Mbappé didn’t participate much, but he was lethal,” Villarreal coach Marcelino Toral said.

A one-handed save by Courtois to deny Ayoze led to a corner kick that resulted in Villarreal’s eight-minute opener. Juan Foyth swept home a ball that fell to him inside the six-yard box after it had ricocheted off players in a packed area.

Source : https://apnews.com/article/mbappe-real-madrid-villarreal-898df7b01429fa635d53f845c45dbfc5

Kohli said he no longer aspires to achieve milestones, but he is playing cricket for the ‘pure joy’ of it.

Bengaluru: Champion batter Virat Kohli on Saturday emphatically said he is not mulling retirement at the moment as he has been enjoying the game, and the “competitive streak” inside him is very much intact.

Kohli displayed the old spark while playing an important hand in India’s recent Champions Trophy victory in Dubai, after which skipper Rohit Sharma too dismissed the retirement talks surrounding him.

“Don’t get nervous. I’m not making any announcements. As of now everything is fine. I still love playing the game,” Kohli said during a talk session at the RCB Innovation Lab.

Kohli said he no longer aspires to achieve milestones, but he is playing cricket for the “pure joy” of it.

“It’s pretty much come down to just the pure joy, enjoyment, competitive streak, and love for the game. And as long as that is there I will continue to play. As I said today I am not playing for any achievement,” he said.

Kohli said that innate “competitive streak” makes it tougher for a sportsperson to find the right time to move away from the game.

“You know the competitive streak doesn’t allow you to find the answer (for the retirement question). I had a very interesting conversation about this with Rahul Dravid. He said you always have to stay in touch with yourself.

“Figure out where you are placed in your life and the answer is not that easy. You might be going through a lean phase and you feel like this is it. But it might not be. But then when it is time my competitive streak would not allow me to accept it. Maybe one more month.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/dont-get-nervous-im-not-making-any-announcements-kohli-rubbishes-retirement-rumours-3447990

The woman accused six people, including her brother, of a ₹5.7 crore investment scam that promised high returns but led to major financial losses for her.

A 60-year-old Hyderabad businesswoman was allegedly duped of ₹2.8 crore by six people, including her brother, through a fake coffee powder company, with fraudsters falsely claiming West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle as a promoter to attract investments, The Times of India reported.

In her criminal complaint, the woman accused six individuals, including her brother, of orchestrating the scam. The fraudulent investment scheme, valued at ₹5.7 crore and promising high returns, resulted in significant financial losses for her and others involved.

Scam dates back to 2019
In 2019, the businesswoman was approached by her brother and his wife, who convinced her to invest in a coffee powder manufacturing company by promising a 4% monthly return. They claimed the company was based in Kenya and expanding to the US, The Times of India report added.

To build trust, the accused allegedly showed her photos and videos of West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle, falsely claiming he was the company’s promoter. According to central crime station officials quoted by The TOI, they also told her the company’s owner was known to them and that one of the accused was set to become a partner.

Believing her brother, the woman invested ₹2.8 crore and encouraged family and friends to invest another ₹2.2 crore. Additional investors put in ₹70 lakh, bringing the total investment to ₹5.7 crore. Initially, the accused paid returns, making the business seem legitimate.

However, payments eventually stopped. When the woman confronted her brother, he insisted their children had verified the US unit’s operations. Despite repeated requests for updates, the accused dodged questions, and when pressed further, the woman’s brother allegedly verbally abused her. Out of the ₹5.7 crore invested, the victims received only ₹90 lakh in returns.

Pune woman reportedly scammed of ₹3.16 crore in fake marriage fraud
In another similar case, a 45-year-old woman from Pune, Maharashtra, working in a corporate firm, was allegedly cheated of ₹3.16 crore by cyber fraudsters on a matrimonial site, The Indian Express reported. The fraudsters lured her with false promises of marriage.

The victim filed an FIR at the Cyber Police Station in Pimpri Chinchwad. According to a police press release, the woman, a resident of Wakad, connected with the fraudster in June 2023 through a well-known matrimonial website. Posing as an overseas businessman, he built an online rapport with her and later assured her of marriage.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/hyderabad-woman-scammed-of-2-8-crore-by-brother-using-chris-gayle-s-name-report-101742093269219.html

Indian athlete Vispy Kharadi set a Guinness World Record by holding Hercules pillars for over two minutes.

Indian athlete Vispy Kharadi has etched his name in the Guinness World Records by achieving the longest Hercules pillar hold. The record-breaking feat took place in Surat, Gujarat, where Kharadi demonstrated his exceptional strength by holding the massive pillars for an astonishing 2 minutes and 10.75 seconds.

The pillars, inspired by Greek architecture, stood at 123 inches in height and had a diameter of 20.5 inches. Weighing 166.7 kg and 168.9 kg, they pushed the limits of human endurance and raw power. The Guinness World Records officially recognized and documented his incredible achievement.

Kharadi took to X to note that his feat gained further recognition when tech billionaire Elon Musk reshared a video of his performance. The video was originally posted by the Guinness World Records’ official X account. Overwhelmed by the recognition, Kharadi took to X, writing, “It was indeed a good surprise when I got to know that @elonmusk shared my Guinness World Record Video on X. Feeling so happy and on cloud 9. Moreover, it gives me immense pride that an Indian is being praised worldwide in the field of strength.”

Take a look at the post:

Kharadi’s X bio highlights his extensive accomplishments, including multiple black belts and 13 Guinness World Records. In addition to being a fitness expert, he trains Border Security Force (BSF) commandos in unarmed combat. Some of his past records include crushing the most drink cans by hand in one minute and bending the most iron bars with his head.

The video clocked over 10 million views and more than 74,000 likes. Social media users flooded the comments with admiration. One person wrote, “Wow, congratulations, what an achievement,” while another commented, “He looks like a video game character brought to life. Kudos to this guy.”

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/indian-athlete-vispy-kharadi-sets-guinness-world-record-for-hercules-pillar-hold-101742008407253.html

Harry Brook pulled out at the last minute from the IPL 2025, owing to commitments with the England National team. Hence, according to the new policy of the BCCI, the England batter has been banned from entering the auction for the next 2 years in the IPL, according to a report by The Indian Express.

Delhi Capitals will be gunning for their first IPL title as they take the field with a fresh squad in the 18th season of the competition in 2025. However, just days before the start of their first game on March 24 (Monday) against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the team have been dealt with a big blow, as on of their players Harry Brook has received a ban from the BCCI for 2 years from the league.

Harry Brook pulled out at the last minute from the IPL 2025, owing to commitments with the England National team. Hence, according to the new policy of the BCCI, the England batter has been banned from entering the auction for the next 2 years in the IPL, according to a report by The Indian Express. The BCCI have officially sent a communication to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Brook himself.

“An official communication has been sent to ECB and Brook about BCCI banning him for two years as per its policy which was informed to each player before they registered their name for the IPL auction last year. It’s a policy set by the board and each player has to oblige to it,” a BCCI source told the publication.

Why Harry Brook Pulled Out Of IPL 2025?

In a statement, Harry Brook apologized to Delhi Capitals for pulling out of the IPL 2025. He did so because he wanted to fully commit to the England national side for the upcoming series- three ODI vs West Indies, and an important five-match Test series against India.

“I have made the very difficult decision to pull out of the upcoming IPL. I apologise unreservedly to the Delhi Capitals and their supporters,” Brook said.

“I love cricket. Ever since I was a young boy, I have dreamt of playing for my country, and I am extremely thankful to have the opportunity to play the game I love at this level. With the guidance of people I trust, I have taken the time to seriously consider this decision. It is a really important time for England cricket, and I want to fully commit to preparing for the upcoming series. In order to do this, I need time to recharge after the busiest period in my career to date,” he added.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/days-before-start-of-ipl-2025-delhi-capitals-rs-6-25-cr-star-harry-brook-recieves-2-year-ban-report-article-118983893

‘I say this with sadness that for two years we struggled in the streets… we were fighting to save the sport of wrestling. And now, two days ago, your party (BJP) has given the sport in his hands again,’ the Congress MLA from Julana said in the Haryana Assembly without naming Brij Bhushan.

The grand ceremony occurred at the luxurious ITC Hotel, The Savoy, and was attended by close family, friends, and cricketing stars, making it a truly unforgettable event.

Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant’s sister, Sakshi Pant married London-based businessman Ankit Chaudhary in a lavish wedding set against the scenic beauty of Mussoorie. The grand ceremony occurred at the luxurious ITC Hotel, The Savoy, and was attended by close family, friends, and cricketing stars, making it a truly unforgettable event.

Sakshi looked stunning in a traditional red and gold lehenga adorned with intricate embroidery, complemented by statement jewellery, a classic bridal bun, and fresh flowers, exuding elegance and grace. Ankit, on the other hand, opted for an ivory sherwani with delicate gold embroidery, a regal turban, and a statement brooch, perfectly complementing his bride.

The wedding festivities were a mix of tradition and celebration, with a vibrant mehendi ceremony, a joyful haldi event, and a glamorous sangeet night where Rishabh Pant himself joined the celebrations. Sakshi had earlier shared photos and videos of the ceremonies on her Instagram stories. Videos of family members and friends enjoying different wedding rituals have gone viral.

The likes of MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Nitish Rana, Prithvi Shaw and Actor Sunny Singh were among the people who attended Pant’s sisters’ wedding Fresh off India’s Champions Trophy triumph in Dubai, Rishabh made sure to be part of his sister’s big day, adding an emotional and celebratory touch to the occasion.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/rishabh-pants-sister-sakshi-marries-ankit-chaudhary-in-lavish-wedding-pics-go-viral

Indian cricket team stars are likely to gather in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand to attend the wedding of wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant’s sister Sakshi Pant. The wedding ceremonies will take place at a secret location in Mussoorie on Tuesday and Wednesday. India skipper Rohit Sharma, star batter Virat Kohli and former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni are expected to attend the wedding. Sakshi Pant is getting married to businessman Ankit Chaudhary. The duo got engaged last year after dating for almost nine years. Former Indian captain MS Dhoni was among the attendees at the couple’s engagement ceremony in London in January 2024.

Sakshi, who studied in the UK, enjoys a large following on social media courtesy of her travel pictures and trendy outfits.

Pant was part of the Champions Trophy-winning squad in which India defeated New Zealand in the final to clinch their third title.

The wicketkeeper-batter survived a near-fatal car crash in December 2022. After undergoing multiple surgeries and extended rehabilitation, he made a comeback to cricket after more than a year and helped India win the T20 World Cup.

On his comeback in Test, he scored a match-winning century against Bangladesh in September 2024, equalling Dhoni’s record for the most Test hundreds by an Indian wicketkeeper.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/ipl-2025/virat-kohli-ms-dhoni-and-rohit-sharma-reunion-in-mussoorie-ahead-of-ipl-2025-report-makes-big-claim-7897517

India held its nerve and beat New Zealand in a game that went right down to the wire, winning the Champions Trophy for a record third time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in congratulating Team India, calling it an “exceptional game, exceptional result”.

“An exceptional game and an exceptional result! Proud of our cricket team for bringing home the ICC Champions Trophy. They’ve played wonderfully through the tournament. Congratulations to our team for the splendid all around display,” PM Modi posted on X, moments after the big win.

Chasing 252 to win, India got off to a fast start through their captain Rohit Sharma’s first half-century of the tournament before KL Rahul hit an unbeaten 34 to help seal victory with six balls to spare in the final in Dubai.

India added to their trophies in 2002 and 2013 to go past Australia, who have two titles.

The world number one ODI team, India, finished unbeaten in the eight-nation tournament played in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

In a battle of spin on a sluggish Dubai pitch, New Zealand’s bowlers put India in trouble at 203-5 with Rohit and Shreyas Iyer, who hit 48, back in the pavilion.

But Rahul kept calm and along with Hardik Pandya (18) and Ravindra Jadeja, who hit the winning boundary, steered the team home to loud cheers from a largely Indian crowd in a sea of blue.

New Zealand missed their pace spearhead Matt Henry after he was forced out of the final due to a shoulder injury.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/exceptional-game-exceptional-result-pm-modi-on-indias-champion-trophy-win-7885963

The 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy will culminate with Team India facing New Zealand in the final on March 9, Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium. While there is zero rain prediction for the tournament-decider, it’s worth wondering whether there is a reserve day for the high-voltage encounter.

Battle-hardened India, led by Rohit Sharma, start as favourites by some margin, not only due to the familiarity of the conditions in Dubai but also because they have outmuscled all the opponents in their way. Their last two matches against New Zealand and Australia have them primed to win the final on Sunday. Rohit and co. defended 249 against New Zealand and triumphed over Australia by chasing down a stiff 265.

New Zealand, meanwhile, can only be taken lightly at their peril. The Black Caps have suffered their only loss to India when Varun Chakrvarthy’s fifer consigned them to a 44-run defeat. Hence, they will be better prepared to take on the Indian spinners in the finale.

Is there a reserve day for IND vs NZ Champions Trophy 2025 final?

The result of the Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand on Sunday could have far-reaching consequences for Indian cricket. At the center of these, according to a report from Times of India, is captain Rohit Sharma, whose future in leadership roles could be determined in the coming weeks.

According to the report, the BCCI is keen on having a stable captain to plan for the next two years. There could be tough conversations about moving on from Rohit as captain in ODIs and Tests, with the board holding off on announcing new central contracts until after the final against New Zealand.

As per the report, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir have spoken with the BCCI and Rohit regarding the future course of action after returning from India’s tour of Australia earlier this year.

“Rohit still believes there is some cricket left in him. He has been told to communicate his plans going forward. Retiring is his call but there will be another discussion around continuing with captaincy. Rohit himself understands the need to have a stable captain if the team wants to prepare for a World Cup. There have been talks with Kohli too, but there doesn’t seem to be much anxiety around him,” a BCCI source told the newspaper.

The board reportedly wanted to assess the team’s performance in the Champions Trophy following a difficult Test season. This has led to a reevaluation of Grade A+ contracts, currently held by Rohit, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja.

With BCCI’s policy favoring players who perform across all three formats for A+ contracts, concerns have emerged regarding Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja, who have all retired from T20Is and faced a challenging red-ball season. However, a strong showing in the Champions Trophy could also keep their positions intact.

“The board will wait for Rohit’s decision after the Champions Trophy. If by any chance he chooses to retire, then the board will see what needs to be done. One can’t discount the fact that he won the T20 World Cup in July and has led well in the Champions Trophy as well,” the source added.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-walking-on-tightrope-as-champions-trophy-final-set-to-decide-his-india-future-if-he-chooses-to-retire-101741316966789.html

New Zealand cruised past South Africa in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final in Lahore by 50 runs, as the Proteas suffered their first defeat in the competition and were knocked out. David Miller was the sole shining light in the South Africa batting innings as he scored the fastest century in Champions Trophy history, but his herculean effort went in vain. After being knocked out, Miller took a dig at the scheduling of the tournament, especially with India playing all their games in Dubai.
Before the final group game between India and New Zealand on March 2 (Sunday), the two qualified teams from Group B, i.e. Australia and South Africa, had to travel to Dubai to see who would win. With India winning the game and setting up a semi-final clash with Australia, South Africa had to travel back the next day to Lahore where they would take on New Zealand in the second semi-final.

Speaking after the semi-final loss, David Miller revealed that they had to fly to Dubai the day after their final group game against England in Karachi. They reached Dubai at 4 PM and then had to travel back the next day to Lahore at 7.30 AM. He said that even though they had enough time to recover, it was not an ideal situation.

“It’s only an hour and 40 minute flight, but the fact that we had to do that was not ideal. It’s early morning, it’s after a game, and we had to fly. Then we got to Dubai at 4:00 pm. And at 7.30 am we had to come back. It doesn’t make it nice. It’s not like we flew five hours, and we had enough time to recover and recuperate, but it was not an ideal situation still,” Miller said.

New Zealand booked their place in the final of the Champions Trophy against India after sparkling hundreds by Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson helped them earn a 50-run victory over South Africa in the second semi-final on Wednesday.
Electing to bat, New Zealand racked up a tournament record 362-6 on the back of a 164-run stand between Ravindra and Williamson.
David Miller smashed an unbeaten 100 off 67 balls while Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma struck half-centuries but South Africa managed 312-9 in reply.

Mitchell Santner, captaining New Zealand in a global tournament for the first time, used seven bowlers and led by example with a match-turning 3-43.
“It’s a cool feeling (to make the final). We were challenged by a good side,” Santner said after the runfest at the Gaddafi Stadium.
“We were pretty happy with 360 obviously but we know with the power South Africa have, it was going to be a challenge.”
New Zealand lost opener Will Young in the eighth over after Santner elected to bat.
Ravindra and Williamson combined in a mammoth second-wicket stand in what looked like the coming together of the present and future of New Zealand’s batting.

The curly-haired Ravindra and the cool-as-a-cucumber Williamson scored over a run-a-ball rate to deflate South Africa.
Williamson got a reprieve after completing his fifty when Heinrich Klaasen dived to his right but could not hold on to the catch.
Ravindra was flawless at the other end and raced to a 93-ball hundred before Kagiso Rabada dismissed him for 108, which included 13 fours and a six.
All of Ravindra’s five hundreds in one-day internationals have come in International Cricket Council (ICC) events.
Williamson played two ramp shots in Wiaan Mulder’s sixth over – the first brought up his 15th ODI hundred and the second his downfall. Williamson’s 102 was studded with 10 fours and two sixes.

Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips chipped in with brisk 49s as New Zealand eclipsed Australia’s 356-5 against England last month as the highest team total in the tournament’s history.
New Zealand began their defence well as Kyle Jamieson started with a maiden over and Matt Henry got rid of Ryan Rickelton in his third.
Bavuma (56) and Van der Dussen (69) revived South Africa with a run-a-ball stand of 105 before Santner hollowed out their middle order.
The spinner removed both the set batters and dismissed Heinrich Klaasen to put New Zealand on top.
Player of the match Ravindra dismissed Aiden Markram (31) but Miller would not go down without a fight.
He smacked four sixes and 10 fours in his blistering knock that proved South Africa could have done better with enough wickets in hand.
“363 was always going to be tough,” Bavuma said.

“We needed someone to play well. David did that but we needed someone else.”
“Credit to their batters, they put us under pressure.”
New Zealand will fly to Dubai for Sunday’s final against India, who prevailed when the sides faced each other in a group match.

Source : https://www.reuters.com/sports/cricket/new-zealand-beat-s-africa-meet-india-champions-trophy-final-2025-03-05/

Virat Kohli anchored India’s innings with 84 runs off 98 balls, leading the team to a four-wicket victory over Australia on Tuesday, securing a spot in the Champions Trophy final.

Kohli’s 74th ODI half-century contributed to India’s successful chase, reaching 267/6 in response to Australia’s total of 264 all out in the first semi-final.

Pacer Mohammed Shami was the standout in India’s bowling attack, claiming 3 wickets for 48 runs in his 10 overs on a sluggish pitch.

For Australia, Steve Smith was the top performer, scoring 73 runs off 96 balls. Indian spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja each took two wickets, further limiting the Australian score.

Shreyas Iyer played a crucial role in the chase, contributing with 91 runs off 111 balls for the third wicket partnership alongside Kohli.

KL Rahul sealed the victory with an unbeaten 42 runs off 34 balls, marking India’s highest successful chase against Australia in an ICC event.

With this win, India have secured a place in the final, which will take place in Dubai, where they will face either South Africa or New Zealand, who are set to compete on Wednesday in Lahore.

Later, there were celebrations all around in the Indian dressing room, on the ground and even as the team returned to the hotel. Just as KL Rahul struck the winning runs, the Indian dressing room erupted to celebrate what many believe to be revenge for the 2023 ODI World Cup loss.

At the team hotel, the staff welcomed the players back with music and applause. Arshdeep Singh, who has not been used so far in the tournament, danced and played the drums in celebration.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Australia faced an early setback as Shami dismissed opener Cooper Connolly for a nine-ball duck.

Steve Smith steadied the innings with a measured half-century, forming a 50-run partnership off 32 balls with Travis Head, who, despite a slow start, managed to score 39 runs off 33 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes before being caught by Shubman Gill in the deep, off Chakravarthy’s bowling.

Marnus Labuschagne contributed 29 runs, adding another 56 with Smith for the third wicket, but India’s spinners took control during the middle overs after Rohit Sharma shuffled his bowlers. Jadeja trapped Labuschagne lbw in the 23rd over, and four overs later, Josh Inglis was caught out.

This brought Carey to the crease, where he and Smith added 54 runs off 58 balls before Shami struck again, bowling Smith for a crucial wicket in the 37th over. The situation worsened for Australia as Axar Patel bowled Glenn Maxwell for just 7 runs in the following over.

At 205-6, Carey stepped up, scoring eight fours and a six to guide Australia through the third powerplay, reaching 50 runs off 48 balls. After Carey was run out, Australia managed to cross the 250-run mark in the 48th over. Ben Dwarshuis contributed 19 runs, including a four and a six, but the total still fell short by about 20-30 runs.

Chasing a target of 265, Rohit started strong with three fours and a six, scoring 28 runs off 29 balls, but Shubman Gill was bowled out for just eight. Connolly then trapped Sharma lbw in the eighth over, bringing Kohli and Iyer together, a partnership that proved crucial.

Kohli hit five fours and reached his half-century off 53 balls, ensuring the required run rate remained manageable as India took control of the chase. Zampa missed a return catch off Kohli but redeemed himself by bowling Iyer. However, India did not falter; Axar Patel scored a steady 27 runs off 30 balls.

Source : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/icc-champions-trophy-2025/hugs-bhangra-drums-pats-on-the-back-how-india-celebrated-champions-trophy-semi-final-win-against-australia/articleshow/118726176.cms 

The 2026 World Cup final will stage a Super Bowl-style half-time show for the first time, with Coldplay helping to pick a “list of artists” to perform.

The tournament, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, concludes with the final on 19 July 2026 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Though pre-match performances at showpiece occasions such as the Champions League final have become commonplace, there has never been a half-time show at a World Cup final.

Half-times in the regular NFL season last around 15 minutes but they are extended up to 30 minutes at the Super Bowl in order to accommodate a half-time show.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino says Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin and band manager Phil Harvey will help to establish a set of artists to perform in the 15-minute break at next year’s final.

“I can confirm the first ever half-time show at a Fifa World Cup final in New York New Jersey,” Infantino wrote on Instagram.

“This will be a historic moment for the Fifa World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.”

Rap artist Kendrick Lamar headlined this year’s Super Bowl half-time show in New Orleans, which drew record audience figures of 133.5m across the United States.

The performance surpassed the long-standing record set by Michael Jackson in 1993.

The likes of Rihanna, Beyonce and Lady Gaga have also performed in recent years, while Coldplay headlined in 2016.

Source : https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cge1q41np7go

India reached the final of the Champions Trophy with a tense four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final on Tuesday after Virat Kohli starred in yet another successful chase.
The outcome means Dubai will host Sunday’s final in which India will meet the winner of the other semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand in Lahore on Wednesday.
Australia rode half-centuries by skipper Steve Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61) to post a competitive 264 all out at a venue which has typically produced low-scoring contests in the tournament.

Player of the match Kohli (84) anchored India’s chase but could not complete it. KL Rahul chipped in with an unbeaten 42 down the order as India won with 11 balls to spare.
“We were very, very clinical with the bat,” India captain Rohit Sharma said.
“Yes, we got the runs at the 48th over but I thought we were very calm and composed in our chase.”
Leading an injury-depleted Australia side with a second-string attack, Steve Smith elected to bat after winning the toss.
Mohammed Shami spilled a return catch from Travis Head in the first over but dismissed Cooper Connolly for a nine-ball duck in his second.

Varun Chakravarthy, part of the team’s four-pronged spin attack, brought relief for his teammates, dismissing India’s nemesis Head for 39.
Smith got a reprieve when he defended an Axar Patel delivery and the ball rolled on to hit the stumps but could not dislodge the bails. He got another ‘life’ when Shami spilled a second return catch.
Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Inglis and Shami returned to flatten Smith’s off-stump with a full toss after the batter had charged out.
Carey was run out just when Australia looked set for a late acceleration and they eventually collapsed with three deliveries left in their innings.

Smith’s counterpart Rohit (28) proved equally lucky when India began their chase and was dropped twice though he could not quite capitalise on it.
Shubman Gill was less lucky though and dragged a wide Ben Dwarshuis delivery on to his stumps.
Shreyas Iyer (45) combined with Kohli to put India’s chase back on track.
Glenn Maxwell dropped Kohli soon after the batter completed his fifty but Adam Zampa broke the 91-run stand when he bowled Iyer.
Kohli, an architect of India’s countless successful chases, holed out in the deep in the 43rd over, injecting fresh excitement into the contest.
Hardik Pandya (28) hit three sixes to ease the pressure on India and Rahul sealed their victory hitting Maxwell over the ropes.
“I thought the bowlers did a really good job,” Smith, who led Australia in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins, said.

Source : https://www.reuters.com/sports/cricket/india-beat-australia-by-four-wickets-reach-champions-trophy-final-2025-03-04/

With Team India winning the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025 against Australia on Tuesday at the Dubai International Stadium, the final will also be hosted by the same venue despite the tournament being staged by Pakistan. As a result, fans have taken massive jibes at the PCB as the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will not get to host the decider due to the BCCI refusing to send the men’s team to Pakistan.

Team India had lost a record 14th toss in the massive semi-final clash against Australia on Tuesday in Dubai. Fifties from Steve Smith and Alex Carey lifted their side to a competitive total of 264 in 49.3 overs while Mohammed Shami starred with the ball with figures of 10-0-48-3. Despite missing their first-choice pacers, Australia took the game quite deep but lost in the end by four wickets

Steve Smith and co. dismissed the Indian openers cheaply inside the first ten overs but Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer roared back with a risk-free 91-run stand. Adam Zampa pegged the Men in Blue back with Iyer’s wicket. However, KL Rahul took the initiative and brought India close to victory. Although Kohli fell for 84 at the doorstep of the run-chase, heroics from Hardik Pandya and Rahul hit a winning six to drag their side over the line.

Meanwhile, here’s how the netizens trolled PCB, with Dubai set to host the CT 2025 final instead of Lahore

Team India will take on Australia in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy in Dubai on Tuesday. However, experts have taken an exception to India staying in Dubai for the entire duration of the ICC showpiece, saying the move allowed them better chance to acclimatise to the conditions than other teams in the tournament. However, ahead of the final, it was revealed that the semi-final between India and Australia will be played on a fresh track to even the playing conditions a little bit.

For the unversed, India were asked to play on three different pitches during their three group games.

Sharing his views on the pitch ahead of the match, former India batter Aakash Chopra has advised India captain Rohit Sharma to bat first if he wins the toss.

“A fresh pitch for #IndvAus semifinal. We Shall find out the real meaning of ‘The more we change, the more we remain the same’. Whole square at the Dubai International Stadium is bone-dry and bereft of grass. Going a little bit of left or right won’t make any difference. Mast hoke so jao. Just wish for Rohit to win the toss-and bat first. That will be Game. Set. Match,” Chopra posted on X.

On the eve of the match, Rohit insisted that Dubai is not their “home venue” and the pitches here have thrown up “different challenges” to his side.

“Every time, the pitch is giving you different challenges. The three matches that we played here, the pitch has behaved differently. This is not our home, this is Dubai. We don’t play so many matches here, and this is new for us too,” Rohit said during the pre-match press meet ahead of the semifinal against Australia.

“There are four or five surfaces that are being used here. See, I don’t know which pitch is going to be played in the semifinals. But whatever happens, we will have to adapt and see what is happening and what is not. And we will play on that,” he added.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/icc-champions-trophy-2025/dubai-pitch-report-for-india-vs-australia-ct-2025-semi-final-bone-dry-rohit-sharma-to-win-toss-and-7842970

Mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy vindicated his selection with a maiden five-wicket haul, which helped India beat New Zealand by 44 runs in a Group A clash between two sides that had already made the last four of the Champions Trophy. Even former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was blown away by Varun’s bowling, but there was one other performance, that did not go unnoticed, but not for the India legend.

Electing to field, New Zealand restricted India to 249/9, with Matt Henry (5/42) leading their superb bowling display, which was backed up by their characteristic sharp catching.

In response from the Kiwi batters, New Zealand did back themselves for the win, especially amid a classy 81 from Kane Williamson. But the spinners choked the run-scoring through the middle overs on a tired Dubai track, with Varun dictating the terms with his 5 for 42, as the tweakers collectively picked up nine of the 10 wickets in India’s third-straight win in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

However, for Sachin, there was one other performance that mattered. In his social media post on Sunday night, the former India opener did not forget to compliment Shreyas Iyer’s valiant knock of 79, which saw India bounce back from a top-order collapse, en route to posting the target of 250.

“Shreyas Iyer played an important innings, and Varun Chakaravarthy’s spell made sure India stayed ahead. A good team win!

‘I did feel nervous in the initial stages…’

On a slow, low Dubai surface, India took the call of substituting pacer Harshit Rana with Varun, and the spinner made an immediate impact in his first match of the tournament that earned him the player-of-the-match award. His 5 for 42 was the second-best bowling figure by an Indian in the Champions Trophy and also the second-best figure on debut in the ICC tournament. Having picked up a five-wicket haul in just his second appearance in the format, it became the quickest by an Indian bowler in ODIs. The previous instance was Stuart Binny, who picked 6/4 against Bangladesh in Mirpur in 2014 in his third appearance.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/sachin-tendulkar-gives-shoutout-to-two-special-contributions-in-india-s-convincing-champions-trophy-win-over-new-zealand-101740967218813.html

Team India skipper captain Rohit Sharma became the subject of a political controversy after Congress spokesperson Dr. Shama Mohamed called him “overweight” and “the most unimpressive captain India has ever had.”

The former journalist and TV news anchor made comments after Rohit scored just 15 runs off 17 balls in India’s Champions Trophy match against New Zealand, which India won by 44 runs.

Shama took to social media and wrote: “Rohit Sharma is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! And of course the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had!”

While replying to one of the X user she further wrote,” What is so world class about him when compared to his predecessors like Ganguly, Tendulkar, Dravid, Dhoni, Kohli , Kapil dev, Shastri & the rest! He is a mediocre captain as well as a mediocre player who got lucky to be the Captain of India.”

The comments did not go down well with former Congress leader Radhika Khera who is currently part of BJP. Taking to social media she slammed her former party and accused Congress of disrespecting athletes.

She wrote “This is the same Congress that humiliated athletes for decades, denied them recognition, and now dares to mock a cricketing legend? The party that thrives on nepotism is lecturing a self-made champion?”

While taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi, Khera added, “Rohit Sharma led India to a World Cup victory, while Rahul Gandhi can’t even lead his own party without sinking it into chaos!”

Noted journalist, Rajdeep Sardesai also countered Mohamed’s criticism by claiming that Rohit has won multiple IPL titles as a captain and leads the best white-ball team in the world.

Mohamed countered Sardesai’s statement by stating that Rohit’s decision to open in the MCG Test against Australia in December “backfired totally” and India also lost the 2023 World Cup final under his leadership.

Can Rohit Sharma silence the critics by winning Champions Trophy?

Rohit Sharma will be aiming to silence critics with his performance in the upcoming Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia. The Men in Blue who remained unbeaten during the group stage so far and are aiming to send Australia packing.

This contest will be a grudge match for India after Australia broke their hearts at home by lifting the 2023 World Cup trophy. After winning the T20 World Cup, Rohit would want to win back-to-back ICC trophies and for that he has to guide his team past two matches.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/rohit-sharma-is-fat-unimpressive-captain-congress-leader-shama-mohamed-takes-dig-at-team-india-skipper-bjp-reacts

Spinner Varun Chakravarthy did most of the damage as India beat New Zealand by 44 runs on Sunday to win Group A and set up a Champions Trophy semifinal match against Australia.

Chakravarthy took 5-42 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, his first five-wicket haul in only his second one-day international.

“The senior players helped me and, as the game went on, I felt better,” Chakravarthy said. “I am not a big turner (of the ball) but if you bowled in the right areas, there was help from the surface.”

Kuldeep Yadav took 2-56, while Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel took a wicket each, as India’s four-spinner attack shared nine wickets between them. New Zealand was bowled out for 205 runs in 45.3 overs after Shreyas Iyer earlier scored 79 runs off 98 balls to anchor India to a competitive 249-9 in 50 overs.

“It spun a little more than we thought (under lights) and they squeezed us with four quality spinners,” said New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner.

India won all three group games and will play Australia in the first semifinal on Tuesday, also in Dubai.

New Zealand faces Group B winner South Africa in the second semifinal on Wednesday in Lahore, Pakistan.

Both India and New Zealand had already qualified for the semifinals.

Star batter Virat Kohli took the field for his 300th one-day international. Kohli became only the seventh cricketer to represent India in 300 or more ODIs. Sachin Tendulkar leads the way with 463 ODIs – the most by any player in world cricket.

Sensational catch ends Kohli knock

New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl. Both sides had made a solitary change to their playing elevens.

India got off to a poor start – Rohit Sharma was out caught for 15, while Matt Henry trapped in-form Shubman Gill lbw for two.

It became 30-3 as Kohli was caught at backward point for 11 when Glenn Phillips took a sensational one-handed flying catch.

Iyer came to India’s rescue as he put on 98 runs off 136 balls for the fourth wicket with Patel.

Patel scored a calm 42 off 61 balls, further strengthening his position as a reliable middle-order batter. He hit three fours and a six.

At the other end, Iyer batted in a different style, biding his time and curbing his naturally aggressive instinct. He reached 50 off 75 with four fours. He hit two sixes after that and started taking more risks which led to his downfall. He was caught off a short delivery from Will O’Rourke in the 37th over.

Patel had earlier fallen to another great catch – this time Kane Williamson flying to dismiss him off Rachin Ravindra.

Hardik Pandya scored a run-a-ball 45 – including four fours and two sixes – to push India to the brink of 250.

Spin show

New Zealand’s chase was anchored by Williamson. The former skipper top-scored with 81 off 120 balls, hitting seven fours.

But the Indian spin on a slow, two-paced pitch was too much to handle for the Black Caps. Pandya got rid of Ravindra early – for just six.

Chakravarthy picked up his first wicket when he bowled Will Young for 22 runs.

Williamson put on 44 with Daryl Mitchell (17), and then another 40 with Tom Latham (14).

Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq challenged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), saying if the Indian cricket team is really that good, then the side should not hesitate to play 10 Tests, 10 ODIs, and 10 T20Is against Pakistan. He also added that if this happens, reality will come to the forefront regarding which side is better between the two.

India recently thrashed Pakistan by six wickets in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. The no-contest led to several fans saying that the rivalry between India and Pakistan is overrated, as Pakistan keeps failing to pose a challenge in front of a star-studded Indian lineup.

However, Saqlain Mushtaq added that if the Pakistan side manages to get its house in order, nothing can stop the side from proving its metal in the cricket landscape.

Speaking on the 24 News HD channel, Saqlain Mushtaq said, “If we keep political things aside, their players are very good, and they have been playing good cricket.”

“If you are really a good team, I think let’s play 10 Tests, 10 ODIs and 10 T20Is against Pakistan, then everything would become clear,” he added.

‘If we get our preparation right…’

Mushtaq, who has 496 wickets in international cricket, said that if Pakistan gets preparations right, then the side could become a force to be reckoned with in international cricket.

“If we get our preparation right and sort out things in the right direction, then we will be in a situation where we can give solid answers to the world and India as well,” said Mushtaq.

Recently, Pakistan were eliminated from the group stage of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy after the hosts failed to win a single match in Group A.

Pakistan suffered losses against New Zealand and India, while their last group-stage match against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain in Rawalpindi.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/if-you-truly-are-a-good-team-play-10-tests-10-odis-10-t20is-against-pakistan-saqlain-mushtaq-challenges-bcci-101740848812063.html

Afghanistan managed to avoid defeat to Australia after the match at Lahore was washed out as 20 overs were not completed in the second innings. Australia has qualified for the semi-finals while Afghanistan’s destiny lies in the hands of England, who will face South Africa in Karachi on Saturday (March 1).

Afghanistan were handed a lifeline in the 2025 Champions Trophy after their clash against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore was washed out due to rain meaning both teams took one point each. This result has secured the Steve Smith-led side’s place in the semi-final alongside India and New Zealand.
Australia were on course for a comfortable victory as they found themselves at 109-1 in 12.5 overs with Travis Head scoring a quick-fire half-century while chasing a total of 274. However, a spell of 30 minutes of rain ensured the match was washed out as the ground staff failed to ensure the ground was dry and safe to start play. Play was called off with more than an hour left for the cut-off time for a 20-over match. It is worth noting Australia would have needed just 14 runs in 7.1 overs had the match started again and reduced to only 20 overs.
How Can Afghanistan Still Qualify For Champions Trophy 2025 SF?
The result has all but ensured that Afghanistan still have a slimmer of hope as they now have three points on the board. They are equal on points with South Africa, who will face England at the National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday (March 1). Had Afghanistan lost the match, the Proteas would have been guaranteed a spot in the knockouts.

If England wins Jos Buttler’s last match as captain, the two teams will be level on points after the end of the league stage. However, Afghanistan’s Net Run Rate (-0.990) is far behind South Africa (+2.145).

Hence, Afghanistan need England to beat South Africa by at least 207 runs if they bat first. If England are bowling first, they will need to chase down the target in 11.1 overs. If South Africa loses by a lesser margin, they will qualify. If the South Africa-England match is also washed out, the Temba Bavuma-led will advance to the knockout stages.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/explained-how-can-afghanistan-qualify-for-champions-trophy-2025-sf-after-australia-washout-and-what-it-means-for-south-africa-article-118633226

Hosts Pakistan’s campaign in the marquee tournament ended prematurely with big defeats to New Zealand (by 60 runs) and India (by six wickets).

A senior Pakistan government official has said that he will request Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take up the matter of the country’s cricket team’s disappointing performance in the Champions Trophy in Parliament and the Federal Cabinet. “The (Pakistan) Cricket Board is an independent institution. They can do as they please, which they have. And what they’ve done, I will request the Prime Minister to discuss the matter in the Cabinet and Parliament,” Rana Sanaullah, the advisor to the PM on Political and Public Affairs, told Geo TV channel.

Hosts Pakistan’s campaign in the marquee tournament ended prematurely with big defeats to New Zealand (by 60 runs) and India (by six wickets). Their inconsequential last group match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi was called off without a ball being bowled due to incessant rain.

Sanaullah, a former federal and provincial minister, and a senior member of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (N) party, made it clear that the caretaker government before the general elections last year had completely detached the PCB from the Federal Government’s control.

“The problem is we have been facing ups and downs in cricket and changes in the Board for the past decade now,” said Sanaullah, while also highlighting the dismal condition of the sport at the club, university and district level.

He said there was a need to make PCB accountable for the money spent at a time when conditions at the grassroots and club level remained dismal.

“The expenditure happening at a higher level (PCB) should be brought in front of the country and Parliament. Mentors are being paid five million rupees and they have been heard admitting in the media that they are unaware of their responsibilities… so they’ve been taking money for not working,” he claimed.

“If you see the perks and privileges of the PCB to players and officials, you’ll wonder if this is Pakistan or some progressive European nation. These are things that the Prime Minister himself will take notice of.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/will-request-pm-sharif-to-take-up-pak-team-debacle-in-parliament-senior-govt-official-7809972

After a gender controversy at the Paris Olympics, boxing’s newest organization says an imminent policy will address “significant welfare concerns” in the sport.

World Boxing, the body hoping to be in charge of the sport at the next Summer Olympics, has vowed to make boxer safety “absolutely paramount,” telling DW it will announce a policy on transgender and difference of sexual development (DSD) competitors in the “coming weeks.”

On Wednesday, the organization, which was formed in April 2023, received provisional recognition as an international sports federation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the most significant step so far in a process that would safeguard boxing’s place at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

The IOC has run the boxing competition at the past two editions of the Olympics amid a governance dispute with the International Boxing Association (IBA), which, until World Boxing came along, was amateur boxing’s only global governing body. The IOC withdrew its recognition of the IBA in June 2023.

However, the competition at last summer’s Paris Olympics was overshadowed by a controversy surrounding the eligibility of two female boxers, Imane Khelif of Algeria and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, whom the IBA said had failed unspecified gender tests at its world championships in 2022 and 2023.

Khelif and Lin won the gold medal in their respective categories, with critics calling their participation unfair and dangerous.

Asked what its gender policy would be given the controversy in Paris, a spokesperson for World Boxing told DW: “We put boxers first and the safety of athletes is absolutely paramount. We have recognized for some time that gender clarity is an extremely complex issue with significant welfare concerns.”

The IOC has repeatedly defended allowing Khelif and Lin to compete in Paris, dismissing the IBA’s tests as “illegitimate” and pointing to its own rules for the boxing competition, which stated that eligibility was determined by the sex listed on an athlete’s passport. The IOC said that both boxers were born and raised as female.

While there is currently no mention of the words “transgender” and “DSD” in World Boxing’s 50-page competition rules, the spokesperson said that the organization’s medical committee was in the process of developing a policy on “sex, age and weight.”

A working group of the medical committee has “examined data and medical evidence from a wide range of sources and experts across the world to develop an updated policy that will be designed to deliver a fair, competitive level playing field for men and women that ensures the safety of all participants,” the spokesperson said.

“There will be an announcement on this in the coming weeks.”

Khelif and Lin are yet to appear at a World Boxing competition, with the Taiwanese fighter withdrawing from a World Boxing Cup event in England last year over concerns about her eligibility.

The IOC has repeatedly made clear that it isn’t prepared to organize the Olympic boxing competition for a third time, and, as such, the sport hasn’t yet been included on the program for the Los Angeles Games.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/aiming-for-la-olympics-world-boxing-promises-fair-playing-field-for-women/a-71765202

The seesaw contest at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday night was eventually decided after Azmatullah Omarzai cleverly varied the length to outsmart a rampaging Joe Root, putting Afghanistan within touching distance of another epic win. Afghanistan’s fate was eventually confirmed in the penultimate ball of the match as England succumbed to an eight-run loss and suffered a humiliating Champions Trophy exit.

Afghanistan, who made their debut in the Champions Trophy last week, where they lost their opener against South Africa, once again reinstated their status as a giant slayer as they beat former ODI world champions to send them crashing out of the tournament. With a game in hand, the win kept Afghanistan alive in the Champions Trophy.

Group B semifinal scenario:

While the teams for the semifinals have been decided from Group A, the battle has been reduced to three teams in the second group following England’s elimination. In the final round of the group stage, Afghanistan will face Australia in Lahore on Friday, while South Africa will take on England on Saturday in Karachi.

If Australia beat Afghanistan, Steve Smith’s men and the Proteas will make the semifinal. However, if Hashmatullah Shahidi’s men pull off a second successive stunner in the match against Australia, Afghanistan will qualify for the semifinal. Australia’s fate would then depend not only on an England victory but also on the margin of the win. Given South Africa’s superior net run rate of +2.140, only an emphatic England win could help Australia (+0.475) to win the NRR battle and qualify for the knockout stage.

Who could India face?

India were the first team in the 2025 Champions Trophy to make the semifinal. New Zealand joined them a day later after beating Bangladesh in their second game. Group A, too, has two matches left in the competition. While the game between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be inconsequential, India-New Zealand clash on Sunday in Dubai will decide who will finish at the top of the table. The result will also likely hint at their respective semifinal opponent.

According to the format, the winner of each group will face the second-placed side of the other group. Hence, if Australia and South Africa win their respective group games and India get the better of the Black Caps, the Men in Blue could take on the Aussies in Dubai next Tuesday. However, if they finish second in Group B, they will face South Africa in the semifinal.

Afghanistan eliminated ragged England from the Champions Trophy with a stunning eight-run victory on Wednesday.

Opening batter Ibrahim Zadran smashed the tournament’s highest-ever individual score of 177 off 146 balls with 12 fours and six sixes and led Afghanistan to 325-7.

England was bowled out for 317 with Joe Root’s 120 off 111 balls going in vain.

Root had kept England in the hunt, but once he gloved fast bowler Azmat Omarzai (5-58) behind the wickets in the 46th over, Afghanistan kept its nerve despite a few fumbles in the field to record a memorable win with one ball to spare.

It was Afghanistan’s second win against England in a major 50-over ICC tournament; it recorded a 69-run victory in the 2023 World Cup in India.

“As a team we are happy and I’m sure the whole nation will be happy with this win,” Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi said.

“The beauty of our team is we have talented youngsters and at the same time we have senior guys who are at the top level. Hopefully we take this momentum with us for the next game against Australia.”

Afghanistan must beat two-time champion Australia in its last Group B match at the same venue Friday to seal its second straight semifinal in an ICC tournament after playing last year’s T20 World Cup playoffs.

England, which lost a high-scoring game to Australia at the same venue, will wrap up its disappointing run in the tournament with the match against semifinal contender South Africa at Karachi on Saturday.

Root’s century in vain

Root held the chase together after England lost Phil Salt (12) and newly promoted No. 3 Jamie Smith (9) in a wobbly start to a tall chase.

Omarzai knocked back the top of Salt’s stumps in his second over and England’s experiment with Smith at No. 3 didn’t work for second straight game when he skied Mohammad Nabi’s (2-57) first ball to Omarzai at backward point.

Ben Duckett, who hit 165 against Australia last Saturday, couldn’t capitalize on a dropped catch at 30 before Rashid Khan (1-66) had won a leg before wicket through television review, but captain Jos Buttler (38) put the chase back on track with 83-run partnership with Root.

Omarzai broke the threatening stand in his return spell when Buttler top-edged the fast bowler just after Root had raised his century off 98 balls with 10 fours.

Afghanistan was sloppy in the field for a while but Omarzai’s dismissals of Root and Jamie Overton (32) sealed the win. Omarzai completed his five-wicket haul when Zadran caught No. 10 Adil Rashid.

“Another fantastic game of cricket, but disappointing to come out on the wrong side,” Buttler said. “He (Root) played an unbelievable innings tonight (but) he needed one of the other top six batters to stay in with him and take the game deeper.”

Zadran leads the way

The 23-year-old Zadran absorbed the pressure of losing three wickets inside the batting powerplay and anchored Afghanistan to a strong total with his sixth ODI hundred.

Jofra Archer’s (3-64) triple strike in his first five overs had reduced Afghanistan to 39-3 with fast bowler Mark Wood (0-50) also squeezing the runs in his tidy four-over spell for 14 runs before struggling in his return spell with his left knee heavily strapped.

Zadran, who returned to international cricket in this tournament after ankle surgery in September, and Shahidi (40) revived Afghanistan with a 103-run partnership. But Shahidi misjudged the length of leg-spinner Rashid while going for a reverse sweep and was clean bowled.

Zadran pushed up the scoring rate with better than run-a-ball 72-run partnership with Omarzai, who made 41 off 31 balls.

Zadran continued to bat with lot of determination and charged against Archer and Wood in the final 10 overs once he completed his century off 106 balls.

He smashed Archer for 20 runs in one over with a straight six and followed it up with three cracking boundaries behind point as Afghanistan notched 113 runs off the final 60 balls.

Nabi scored 40 with three sixes and two fours and Zadran smashed Archer for 20 runs in one over that featured straight six and three crisp boundaries behind point.

Zadran surpassed Duckett’s record of 165 made against Australia last Saturday with another attractive straight six against Archer as the fast bowler was smashed for 43 runs off his final five overs.

Source : https://apnews.com/article/england-afghanistan-champions-trophy-6e72ae5134ed439210df809823c71460

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount for grabbing one of New York City FC’s coaching staff on the neck after Saturday’s MLS opener, the league said.
Video footage showed Messi approach the coach and grab the back of his neck, causing him to pull away from the eight-times Ballon d’Or winner after the 2-2 draw in Miami.
The fine was imposed by the MLS’ Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday.

The top-flight North American league also fined Messi’s teammate Luis Suarez on Tuesday for violating the same “face/head/neck of an opponent policy” during halftime, when he pinched the back of Norwegian defender Birk Risa’s neck.

Source : https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/inter-miamis-messi-fined-grabbing-new-york-city-coach-by-neck-2025-02-25/

Former India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu is convinced that Virat Kohli will still play for two-three years more after he scored a magnificent century against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025 Group A match in Dubai on Sunday (February 23). Kohli roared back in form in the crucial clash and helped India easily chase down the 242-run target. Kohli breached the triple-digit mark with a boundary, which also sealed India’s win and a semi-final spot.

Kohli, who had been going through a rough patch in the past few games, took charge over the Pakistan bowlers early in the game with a couple of cover drives, which instilled confidence in him.

Sidhu lauded Kohli’s character and said his brilliant knock against Pakistan convinced him that the batter would surely add 10 to 15 tons more to his tally.

“Character is not made in a crisis, it is exhibited. This is a man (Virat Kohli) with pedigree, with passion. And after this 100, I can say it with conviction that this man is playing for the next 2 or 3 years and he is getting another 10 to 15 hundreds. That, you take it from me. Because, you see, the ultimate litmus test for anyone is how he goes through the adverse times, how he embraces adversity. Last six months, there has been so much going on that he chose his moment. When he scored runs against Pakistan, people are not going to forget it for 10 years,” Sidhu said on JioStar Network.

Kohli hit 7 boundaries during his 111-ball 100* and relied heavily on rotating strikes to put pressure on the Pakistan fielders throughout the chase. En route to his 51st ODI ton, Kohli also became the third batter in international cricket to score 14000 ODI runs.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/virat-kohli-is-getting-another-10-to-15-hundreds-navjot-singh-sidhu-backs-king-rule-for-next-2-3-years-champions-trophy-101740418623925.html

India superstar Virat Kohli on Sunday created history as he became the quickest batter to score 14,000 runs in One-Day Internationals, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s previous record, during the Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan here.

Kohli is now only the third batter in ODI cricket to have scored 14,000 runs, after the legendary Indian Sachin Tendulkar (18,246 runs) and Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara (14,234 runs).

Kohli is the quickest-ever to the milestone, having completed his 14,000 ODI runs in 287 innings. Before him, Tendulkar had taken 350 innings to reach the feat while Sangakkara took 378 outings.

Coincidentally, both Kohli and Tendulkar scored their 14,000th ODI run against Pakistan.

The India No. 3 needed only 15 runs on Sunday to reach the milestone, which he did with a four through covers off Haris Rauf in the 13th over of the run chase.

The 36-year-old modern day great was also the fastest to 13,000 runs, which he had completed in September 2023 against Pakistan in Colombo during the Asia Cup.

Kohli already holds the record for scoring most ODI centuries (50), having gone past Tendulkar during the 2023 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand in Mumbai.

Earlier in the game against Pakistan, Kohli had gone past former captain Mohammad Azharuddin’s record of most catches by any Indian fielder when he took his 157th catch in his 299th ODI.

Azharuddin had taken 156 catches in his 334 ODIs for India between 1985-2000.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/virat-kohli-becomes-quickest-batter-to-score-14000-runs-in-odi-cricket-breaks-sachins-record-3418283

Liverpool took another step towards the Premier League title with a 2-0 win at Manchester City after talisman Mohamed Salah scored their first goal and set up Dominik Szoboszlai for the second as they went 11 points clear at the top on Sunday.
Arne Slot’s side have 64 points from 27 matches ahead of second-placed Arsenal, who have a game in hand.
City are 20 points adrift of Liverpool in fourth spot on 44 as their early-season quest for a fifth consecutive title has unravelled into a chase for a Champions League berth.

Salah struck his league-leading 25th goal of the season in the 14th minute following a corner with a blistering shot from near the top of the box that deflected off the outstretched foot of City defender Nathan Ake past goalkeeper Ederson.
Szoboszlai took advantage of City’s atrocious defending to double the lead in the 37th. Salah found the unmarked Hungarian in the box for an easy pass into the net to the dismay of City supporters, whose dismal mood was matched by the driving rain.
Thousands were gone before the final whistle, while the Liverpool fans gleefully sang: “We’re going to win the league.”

SALAH SHINES

Australia began their campaign in the Champions Trophy with a historic win against England in an encounter for the ages at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 22 (Saturday). The Aussies were not given any chance before coming into the tournament after a number of their key players were injured or unavailable for the mega tournament. They also came into the tournament on the back of a 0-2 ODI series loss against Sri Lanka. However, they proved their dominance in ICC tournaments in their opening game when they became the first team in history to achieve a massive feat.

England batted first and scored a massive 351/7 at the end of their 50 overs, courtesy Ben Duckett, who slammed the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history (165). Australia pulled off a miraculous chase thanks to Josh Inglis, who slammed 120 from 86 balls. The Aussies now become the first team in history to complete a successful run chase of more than 350 runs in any ICC tournament.
The previous highest successful run chase in ICC tournament history was held by Pakistan when they scored 345 against Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Sri Lanka on the other hand, held the record for the highest successful run chase in Champions Trophy history, when they chased down 322 vs India in 2017.

Here are the highest successful run chases in ICC tournament history:

352- Australia vs England (Champions Trophy 2025)
345- Pakistan vs Sri Lanka (ODI World Cup 2023)
328- Ireland vs England (ODI World Cup 2011)
322- Sri Lanka Vs India (Champions Trophy 2017)
322- Bangladesh vs West Indies (ODI World Cup 2019)

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-australia-create-history-vs-england-becomes-first-team-in-the-world-to-successfully-chase-more-than-350-runs-in-an-icc-tournament-article-118494557

Former cricketer Atul Wassan took everyone by surprise by revealing that he wants Pakistan to win against India in the upcoming blockbuster clash in the Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday. In the clash of the heavyweights, Pakistan will fight to keep its title defence alive by facing bitter rival India. Pakistan found themselves in this position after surrendering to a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in the tournament opener. If the Men in Green continue their shambolic run against India on Sunday, they will need plenty of permutations and combinations to work in its favour and keep its campaign alive. Wassan believes the tournament will become much more exciting if Pakistan emerges victorious in the high-stakes encounter.

“I want Pakistan to win because it will be fun, tournament-wise. If you don’t let Pakistan win, then what will you do? If Pakistan wins, then it becomes a contest. There should be an equal fight,” Wassan told ANI.

Wassan analysed India’s squad for the ongoing Champions Trophy and lavished praise on the country’s batting depth in the playing XI. Given the conditions, he backed India’s strategy of going with a spin-laden attack in Dubai and felt that it was the best team.

“You have a lot of good batters: Shubman (Gill), Rohit (Sharma), Virat (Kohli). You are batting until number eight in Axar Patel. Rohit has picked five spinners, and this team is best for Dubai. Have faith in what you have and move ahead,” he added.

While Pakistan kicked off its campaign on a losing note, India sailed to a comfortable six-wicket win against Bangladesh to open its win account.

India squad for Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/icc-champions-trophy-2025/ex-india-star-wants-pakistan-to-beat-india-in-champions-trophy-clash-explains-why-7765523

Ryan Rickelton scored his first ODI century, leading South Africa to a commanding total of 315-6 against Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy. The South African bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada, restricted Afghanistan to 208 runs, securing a convincing 107-run victory in the Group B match.

Ryan Rickelton achieved his first ODI century as South Africa defeated Afghanistan by 107 runs in the Champions Trophy at Karachi on Friday.

Rickelton scored 103 from 106 balls, including seven fours and a six, leading South Africa to a substantial total of 315-6 in the Group B encounter at the National Stadium.

The South African pace bowlers Kagiso Rabada (3-36), Wiaan Mulder (2-36) and Lungi Ngidi (2-56) restricted Afghanistan to 208 runs, bowling them out in 43.3 overs.

Afghanistan’s renowned spinners struggled, with Rashid Khan failing to take any wickets whilst conceding 59 runs in his allocated 10 overs.

Rahmat Shah led Afghanistan’s batting with a valiant 90 from 92 deliveries, including nine fours and a six, before being dismissed as the final wicket.

Afghanistan’s run chase faltered early as they lost openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (10) and Ibrahim Zadran (17) within the first 10 overs.

The situation worsened when Sediqullah Atal (16) and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (0) departed, leaving Afghanistan struggling at 50-4.

Shah and Azmatullah Omarzai (18) advanced the score to 89 before Rabada and Marco Jansen, who dismissed Mohammad Nabi, effectively ended Afghanistan’s chances.

Rashid Khan provided brief entertainment with 18 runs from 13 balls, including a six and three fours.

Earlier, Rickelton received support from captain Temba Bavuma (58), Rassie van der Dussen (52) and Aiden Markram (52 not out) in building South Africa’s impressive total after winning the toss.

Nabi, who finished with 2-51, struck early by dismissing Tony de Zorzi for 11, caught at mid-on.

A 129-run partnership between Rickelton and Bavuma followed as Afghanistan struggled in the field.

Bavuma’s 76-ball innings included five fours before he was caught off Nabi’s bowling, providing some cheer to the Afghan supporters in the sparse crowd.

Source : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/icc-champions-trophy-2025/champions-trophy-ton-up-ryan-rickelton-pacers-shine-in-south-africas-clinical-win-over-afghanistan-in-karachi/articleshow/118458064.cms

The last time India and Pakistan clashed in a major ICC 50-over contest was in 2023, at the highly anticipated World Cup league match in Ahmedabad.

As a contest, it turned out to be a bit of an anti-climax – India, in dominant form, comfortably chased down a subpar Pakistan target, securing a resounding victory.

And as Pakistani fans didn’t get visas to travel to India, aside from the cricket team, the country’s only notable presence was in the media centre.

Sunday’s ICC Champions Trophy clash between the arch-rivals at Dubai International Stadium promises a vastly different atmosphere.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) reported that tickets sold out within minutes – and with the UAE hosting more than 3.7 million Indians and nearly 1.7 million Pakistanis, a vibrant and well-represented crowd from both nations is all but guaranteed.

But can a sea of green flags in the stands inspire Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan’s men to defy the odds in this must-win clash against Rohit Sharma’s India?

Pakistan can take comfort in their strong head-to-head record in UAE – 19 wins in 28 ODIs, plus a lone T20I victory in the 2021 World Cup in Dubai.

Most of Pakistan’s wins against India came at Sharjah during their dominant run in the 1980s and ’90s, winning 18 of 24 games there.

In Dubai, India beat them twice in the 2018 Asia Cup, while both teams won a game each in a 2006 Abu Dhabi series.

Since Pakistan’s glory days in Sharjah, the tide has shifted – apart from the occasional T20I win, India has largely dominated in the new millennium.

Veteran cricket writer Ayaz Memon feels there is no reason to look at India-Pakistan clashes in the UAE through the prism of the past.

”There is no doubt that Pakistan enjoyed tremendous crowd support in the Sharjah days, with the local Pathan population making up the numbers. However, the team then boasted of the likes of Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Saeed Anwar, Aamer Sohail and the two Ws [Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis],” Memon says.

“Compare that to the state of the current team, which comes up with some exceptional results from time to time but lacks any form of consistency.”

The glitzy, ever-expanding United Arab Emirates city-state of Dubai offers little sign of a major cricket event – there are no welcome banners at the airport.

Instead, hoardings of Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek and company dominate, as the city is in full swing for the annual Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

Head south, and the ‘Ring of Fire’ at Dubai International Stadium emerges from the highway, signalling cricket’s presence.

Towering images of all eight captains line the arena, but for the next two days, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma and Mohammed Rizwan’s teams as fans worldwide await their fate.

It’s no secret that catering to broadcasters and marketing demands, the ICC consistently places India and Pakistan in the same group for major tournaments. This ensures at least one high-stakes league clash, with the potential for a blockbuster rematch in the knockouts.

At a time when cricket faces overexposure and its international structure is threatened by the rise of T20 franchise leagues, the India-Pakistan rivalry remains its biggest box-office draw.

A big plus about the tight, top-eight team format of the ICC Champions Trophy is that a little slip-up can cost even the heavyweights dear.

”The 50-over World Cup gives you a chance to pull back even if you stumble in the odd game as there are 10 games in the fray. It’s much different here where all three of your group matches are important to proceed to the semi-finals,” India captain Sharma said on the eve of their opening match against Bangladesh.

India cleared their first hurdle with a six-wicket win against Bangladesh on Thursday, powered by Shubman Gill’s classy century (cementing his status as a future ODI captain), Mohammed Shami’s five-wicket haul and a quickfire cameo from skipper Sharma, who crossed the 11,000-run mark in the format.

Jasprit Bumrah’s absence – expected as he recovers from a back spasm sustained in the final Test in Australia – remains a talking point. However, on this wicket, the spotlight is set to shift to the spinners.

Pakistan’s lead-up to the tournament has been a rollercoaster – both unpredictable and vulnerable. Their last three ODIs paint the picture perfectly.

Ten days ago, Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha’s stunning 260-run stand powered Pakistan to a record 353-run chase against South Africa in Karachi, securing a spot in the Tri-series final.

But just two days later, they faltered, looking ordinary as New Zealand cruised to a five-wicket win, denying them a confidence boosting title ahead of the Champions Trophy.

Then on Wednesday, after their bowlers made early inroads, they let the Kiwis off the hook, eventually crashing to a 60-run defeat in their tournament opener.

Source : https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly3llmg140o

Canada’s men’s hockey team defeated the USA 3-2 in overtime Thursday to capture the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off Championship as the NHL put on a show in the first edition of this midseason international tournament.

The overtime period opened up with end-to-end action and both teams having chances to put the game away as tension filled Boston’s TD Garden. Eventually it was Team Canada’s Connor McDavid scoring the game-winning goal, giving the Canadian superstar his biggest moment on the international stage and echoing teammate Sidney Crosby’s overtime winner against the USA in the 2010 Winter Olympics.

During the pre-game festivities of the highly-anticipated final, Team USA hockey icon Mike Eruzione honored the late Johnny Gaudreau. Serving as an honorary captain alongside Wayne Gretzky, the “Miracle on Ice” captain wore Gaudreau’s No. 13 Team USA jersey as he skated out to the ice.

Nathan MacKinnon opened the scoring for Team Canada, getting the puck on a pass from Thomas Harley before whipping the wrist shot from the top of the slot, sending it through traffic and past Connor Hellebuyck for the 1-0 score.

Team USA answered back with just over three minutes left in the first period. Captain Auston Matthews attempted a wraparound shot, but Canada’s goalie Jordan Binnington made the stop. However, left winger Brady Tkachuk was there to capitalize, tapping in the deflected puck to even the score at 1-1.

“I’ve never experienced anything like that,” Tkachuk told the ESPN broadcast after the 1st period.

Tkachuk was questionable to play entering Thursday night’s final, after leaving the team’s game against Sweden early on Monday, and missing the team’s practice on Wednesday due to illness.

“I wouldn’t miss the game for the world,” Tkachuk said. “This is basically, I mean guys are talking as much as you can emulate a Game 7 or even bigger than that so there’s not a chance in hell that I was missing this one.”

Just like in their first matchup on Saturday, where they initially fell behind 1-0, Team USA once again found themselves trailing before seizing the lead in the second period.

With over 12 minutes left in the second period, Zach Werenski fired a shot from near the blue line, but Canada’s Binnington was there for the stop. Matthews though quickly gathered the rebound and as he attempted to pass it to Brady Tkachuk, the puck was deflected, landing by Jake Sanderson, who buried it into the back of the net for the 2-1 lead.

However, Canada flipped the script six minutes later, when Mitchell Marner dished a pass to Sam Bennett, who skated through the left circle before going top shelf from close range to tie the game 2-2.

With “U-S-A! U-S-A!” chants filling the TD Garden throughout the tension-filled third period, neither side was able to find the back of the net and the game went into overtime.

After 60 minutes of regulation, it was only right that a game of this magnitude headed into overtime. For some Team USA fans, it stirred memories of the 2010 gold medal game between the two sides, when Crosby’s iconic “golden goal” in overtime secured Canada’s triumph at the Vancouver Olympics.

During the round-robin stage of those Olympics, Team USA had defeated Canada, only to fall short in the championship rematch. That victory remained their last against Canada until their win on Saturday.

In the sudden death overtime, Canada’s Jordan Binnington came up with multiple game-saving stops, robbing Brady Tkachuk and Auston Matthews a couple times before McDavid’s game-winner. Binnington’s heroics late in the game answered some criticisms that the St. Louis Blues netminder had allowed some soft goals earlier in the tournament.

“Just to see the reaction, just to know what it means to us,” McDavid told the ESPN broadcast after the game on what the win meant to Team Canada.

“I know it’s just a quick tournament, it’s not an Olympic gold medal or anything like that but it means the world to our group as you can see, everybody battled so hard all week so it was special.”

MacKinnon was named MVP of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament after scoring four goals, including Thursday’s goal.

The intensity surrounding the title game and the inaugural 4 Nations Face-off tournament itself soared after these two historic rivals met Saturday in Montreal.

In that round-robin matchup, three on-ice fights broke out in the game’s first nine seconds, sending the crowd at the Bell Centre into a frenzy and leaving most of the hockey world yearning for a rematch.

The rivalry had added spice thanks to the political clashes between the two nations over the last several weeks sparked by President Donald Trump’s return to office. Trump has repeatedly stated his desire to see Canada become the US’ 51st state, jabbed at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and threatened massive tariffs that would have a devastating effect on Canada’s economy.

That political dynamic has led to “The Star-Spangled Banner” being booed at rinks across Canada in recent weeks, including on Saturday in Montreal before the first clash between the two teams. “O Canada” was booed briefly on Thursday in Boston, but it appeared much of the crowd was singing the Canadian anthem together by its conclusion.

The anthem’s singer Chantal Kreviazuk changed a lyric in her rendition, changing “in all of us command” to “that only us command” as a response to Trump’s 51st state comments, she confirmed in a post on Instagram.

Trudeau emphasized the recent bad blood in a post on X after the game: “You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game.”

“I just hope Canada is proud because every player in that room is proud to be Canadian,” Canada’s head coach Jon Cooper said. “And yeah, did we need a win, not only like our team but Canada needed a win. The players beared that on their shoulders and they took it seriously. This one was different, this wasn’t a win for themselves, this was a win for 40+ million people and they guys knew it and they delivered.”

Source : https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/20/sport/4-nations-face-off-championship-spt/index.html

Players on both sides of this USA-Canada rivalry who will square off in the 4 Nations Face-off final Thursday have agreed on one thing.

This is the biggest game of their lives.

The ever-growing animosity between the two countries as sovereignties has given the rematch some political charge.

The chaotic first nine seconds of their round-robin meeting, when it looked more like the UFC than the NHL before a 3-1 USA win, piqued the interest of new fans.

For the players who will actually take the ice in the most high-profile hockey game in a decade and a half, however, it’s only ever been about the colors and the crest on their jerseys.

“Admittedly, I was thinking about this game when I woke up from my nap before the Sweden game [Monday], knowing that [Canada] already clinched their spot and we were going to play them,” Dylan Larkin said after Team USA’s practice at TD Garden on Wednesday. “You get nervous. You get the nervous energy. Each guy has their own way of dealing with that. I’ll try and treat as much as possible like a normal game, even though it’s going to be really hard tonight and tomorrow pregame.”

Larkin and everyone else in the hockey sphere has been thinking about this not only since the tournament began, but for almost a decade, wondering what a gold medal game between this generation’s American and Canadian hockey superstars would look like.

The first glimpse of it Saturday night at Bell Centre in Montreal was so spectacular it has captured the attention of those who otherwise have not given hockey a second look.

This tournament has become something else entirely, and the history between these two nations on the ice is only going to make for the grandest of finales.

The United States has won only one best-on-best tournament, the 1996 World Cup of Hockey, in which they defeated Canada 2-1 in a best-of-three final.

Canada, on the other hand, has won nine of the 13 best-on-best tournaments ever played, including five of the past six, as well as the past three.

“There’s a certain pride that both Canada and the United States have representing their country,” USA head coach Mike Sullivan said. “And what this means to all the players, my observation of watching this tournament with all the four nations, is that these players care an awful lot. They have a lot of pride for the jersey that they’re putting over their heads.

“My feeling from being around this American team is that this group has an awful lot of pride for being an American first and foremost, but also being a part of American hockey, which has developed and grown exponentially over their lifetime. These guys that represent that, these are our very best.

“They feel a certain responsibility to put their best game on the ice. These players are invested and I think because of that, you’re seeing the emotionally charged games that you’re seeing out there.”

The only comparable the players can muster is Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Some feel it’s bigger than that, like USA’s Jack Eichel. Others disagree, like Canada’s Connor McDavid, who lost one just last season to American Matthew Tkachuk and the Panthers.

While it’s obvious this game is not like the others, the only option, the players say, is to treat it like one.

The Canadian roster has certainly had a lot more practice, combining for 20 Stanley Cups compared to the Americans’ three. That no doubt has factored into Team USA’s initiative to prove itself.

Source : https://nypost.com/2025/02/19/sports/usa-canada-4-nations-finale-is-about-pride-and-so-much-more/

As the two team are going to clash, the cricket fans can expect a high-intensity match with plenty of exciting moments.

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is heating up, and the upcoming match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI) on February 21 is expected to be a thrilling encounter.

The match, scheduled to start at 7:30 pm IST, will be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. RCB, who have set the pace early on in this season’s WPL, will be looking to continue their winning momentum. They have proven why they are considered one of the top teams in the league, and it will be interesting to see how they fare against a strong MI side.

On the other hand, MI will be eager to bounce back from their previous performance and make a statement in this match. With a talented squad at their disposal, they will be looking to exploit any weaknesses in the RCB lineup and come out on top.

When & Where To Watch Royal Challengers Bengaluru Vs Mumbai Indians match live in India, US & UK

An all left-hander top-three of Bangladesh is set to prompt India head coach Gautam Gambhir to drop Ravindra Jadeja for Champions Trophy match vs Bangladesh.

Washington Sundar is set to play in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh in Dubai on Thursday as India are likely to drop either Ravindra Jadeja or Axar Patel. As per visuals aired on Star Sports on the eve of the match, it appears that the axe will fall on Jadeja. India head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen having an animated chat with Jadeja, which Star Sports experts Abhinav Mukund, Piyush Chawla and Mike Hesson felt had a lot to do with Gambhir informing Jadeja that he was not going to be a part of India’s XI against Bangladesh. At the same time, India captain Rohit Sharma talked to Axar Patel.

India have gone in with two specialist spinners and three spin-bowling all-rounders in the Champions Trophy. Jadeja and Axar, cricketers with identical skill sets, played in the first two matches against England in the bilateral series, but India is unlikely to go in with the same combination against Bangladesh, a side which has a lot of left-handers in their top seven. In fact, Bangladesh’s top three – openers Tanzid Hasan and Soumya Sarkar and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto are left-handers.

“There are a lot of left-handers in the Bangladesh playing XI. But these two cricketers have done really well for India. But I think in the first game, they should have gone in with Jadeja and Axar because Kuldeep can take the ball away from the left-handers,” said former India leg-spinner Piyush Chawla.

Former New Zealand and Royal Challengers Bengaluru head coach Mike Hesson analysed Gambhir’s body language further and said he was telling Jadeja that he has made up his mind of picking Washington Sundar ahead of him in the XI.

“He’s (Jadeja) not playing,” said Hesson when asked to share his thoughts on visuals of Gambhir talking to Jadeja, where the visual ended with the coach tapping on the all-rounder’s shoulders. “You can tell from the body language that he’s being told he’s not playing. (Gambhir is saying), ‘That’s my decision. I’ve made it. You may not agree with it but thank you very much. You may go on to play the next one but for the first match, we’re playing the off-spinner,” Hesson added.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/ive-made-my-decision-youre-not-playing-gambhir-to-drop-indian-superstar-from-champions-trophy-clash-vs-bangladesh-101739988537077.html

Skipper Meg Lanning struck 69 off 49 balls as Delhi Capitals produced a solid batting effort to beat UP Warriorz by seven wickets and register their second win in the Women’s Premier League here on Wednesday.

Sent into bat, UP Warriorz rode on opener Kiran Navgire’s quick-fire half-century to post 166 for seven.

But the total was not enough as besides Lanning, Annabel Sutherland played a crucial 35-ball 41-run knock and was ably supported by Marizanne Kapp (19 not off 17) and opener Shafali Verma (16 off 16). Delhi completed the chase with a ball to spare.

DC were off to a brisk start with Shafali and Lanning sharing 65 runs in just 41 balls for the opening stand.

Shafali was going great guns before she was caught by Chinelle Henry off Deepti Sharma in the seventh over.

Jemimah Rodrigues too didn’t last long as she departed in the next over without opening her account, trying to paddle sweep Sophie Eccestone but only managing to get a top edge and Rajeshwari Gayakwad did the rest.

Sutherland and Kapp then shared 48 runs for the fourth wicket to take DC home.

With 32 needed from the last three overs, Kapp brought the equation down by hitting Ecclestone for two consecutive boundaries.

With 11 required off the last over, Sutherland struck two boundaries off Tahila McGrath to take her side home.

Earlier, sent into bat, Navgire (51 off 27 balls) and Dinesh Vrinda (16 off 15) shared 66 runs in 5.5 overs to give a great start to UP Warriorz innings.

Thereafter, UP Warriorz lost five wickets for 52 runs.

Sheweta Sehrawat (37 off 33) and Grace Harris (12) added 36 runs for the fifth wicket before the latter spooned a straightforward catch to Shafali Verma at mid-off off the bowling of pacer Arundhati Reddy.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/lanning-sutherland-hand-dc-seven-wicket-win-over-up-warriorz-in-wpl-3413167

Emma Raducanu has said she will “be okay” after being approached by a man displaying “fixated behaviour”.

The British tennis star was later visibly upset during a game at the Dubai Tennis Championships after the man was among the crowds in the first few rows.

On Instagram on Wednesday, she wrote: “Thank you for the messages of support. Difficult experience yesterday but I’ll be okay and proud of how I came back and competed despite what happened at the start of the match.

“Thank you to Karolina [Muchova] for being a great sport and best of luck to her for the rest of the tournament.”

Along with her message she posted an image of the Jane Austen novel Emma and a cup of coffee.

The 22-year-old was in tears as she went to the umpire’s chair after the second game of her rain-delayed second-round match on Tuesday.

The man was subsequently removed from the tennis court by security.

Raducanu went on to lose 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 to 14th seed Karolina Muchova.

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) statement said: “On Monday, February 17, Emma Raducanu was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behaviour.

“This same individual was identified in the first few rows during Emma’s match on Tuesday at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and subsequently ejected.

“He will be banned from all WTA events pending a threat assessment.

“Player safety is our top priority, and tournaments are advised on security best practices for international sporting events.”

The WTA added it was “actively working” with Raducanu to ensure her well-being and will provide any “necessary support”.

In 2022, a 35-year-old man was handed a five-year restraining order – after a court heard Raducanu was “constantly looking over her shoulder” and no longer felt “safe in her own home”.

Amrit Magar had walked 23 miles to Emma’s home and had stolen her father’s shoe as a souvenir.

Bromley Magistrates’ Court heard how Magar went to Raducanu’s home on three separate occasions, loitered outside, left unwanted gifts and cards, and stole property from their porch.

Source : https://news.sky.com/story/emma-raducanu-posts-update-after-becoming-visibly-upset-during-tennis-match-13312406

Three-times defending champion Iga Swiatek will face Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko in the Qatar Open semi-finals on Friday after the Pole overcame Elena Rybakina 6-2 7-5.
Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova, who defeated American sixth seed Jessica Pegula, will face another American Amanda Anisimova in the other semi-final.
In a repeat of last year’s final, second seed Swiatek swept through the opening set, breaking Kazakhstan fifth seed Ryabkina’s first service game to lead 2-0 and again to wrap up the set.

Rybakina, who discovered on Wednesday that the WTA had decided to uphold a ban against her former coach Stefano Vukov following an investigation into a potential breach of its code of conduct, recovered to break in the opening game of the second set.
Swiatek, playing with real intensity, hit back to level at 4-4 and with Rybakina serving to force a tiebreaker, the Pole made the decisive break.
“I’m super happy and super proud of myself because playing against Elena is never easy,” Swiatek said.

“At the beginning of the second set, I felt like she increased her levels. I needed to do that too in order to come back.”
Rybakina came into the match with a 4-3 lead in their head-to-head record, but Swiatek will face Ostapenko after the Latvian beat Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur 6-2 6-2 later on Thursday.
Pegula, U.S. Open finalist last year, won the opening set, but in-form Alexandrova, who had beaten top seed and world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the second round, stormed back to win 4-6 6-1 6-1.

Source : https://www.reuters.com/sports/tennis/swiatek-beats-rybakina-move-into-qatar-open-semi-finals-2025-02-13/

Zero women cracked the list of the world’s 100 highest-paid athletes released on Wednesday by Sportico.
U.S. tennis star Coco Gauff was the top-earning female athlete in 2024 with $30.4 million, but that was more than $7 million short of the minimum $37.5 million cutoff to make the top 100.
Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo sits atop the global rankings for the second straight year with $260 million in earnings, including $215 million from his Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr and $45 million off the field.

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is a distant second at $153.8 million, with boxer Tyson Fury ($147 million), Inter Miami soccer great Lionel Messi ($135 million) and Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James ($133.2 million) rounding out the top five.
The $100 million club also includes boxer Oleksandr Usyk, soccer players Neymar, Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe, golfers Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler, and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

Source : https://www.reuters.com/sports/no-women-among-worlds-top-100-highest-paid-athletes-2025-02-12/

Former India captain Kapil Dev has said that it doesn’t look good at all if players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma turn up once in 12 years to play domestic cricket and the system should be strong enough to make them play often. Kohli and Rohit played their first Ranji Trophy matches in 12 and nine years in January after BCCI issued a fresh mandate on domestic cricket participation.
In the wake of a poor run in Tests from India’s mainstay batters, BCCI, once again, mandated domestic cricket participation, making it mandatory for all contracted players to stay in contention for a place in the national team.
Kapil remained unbothered over Kohli and Rohit’s poor return to the Ranji Trophy and called for a stricter system from BCCI so that every person plays domestic cricket.

“If you are talking about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, playing Ranji Trophy after 12 years, how is that right? It does not look good at all. It’s not because they did not perform. Whether they score runs or not, you have to score runs in domestic cricket,” Kapil said while speaking on the YouTube show Cricket Adda.

“So yes, certain strong measures have to be taken. But my point is, had we won or had Rohit or Kohli scored runs, would they have played Ranji Trophy? Don’t look at the performances, make the system strong. Whether you score zero or lakhs of runs, play cricket by staying within the system,” Kapil said.
In the wake of the series defeat in Australia, BCCI put forward several rules which included a mandate that families will only be able to stay for a while and not for the entire duration of long tours.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/how-is-playing-ranji-after-12-years-right-kapil-dev-lambasts-virat-kohli-for-one-time-domestic-comeback-article-118160350

India has made two changes to their squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy with star pacer Jasprit Bumrah set to miss the tournament. Harshit Rana has been named in the Indian team for the major tournament. Varun Chakravarthy has also been added to the squad in place of batter Yashasvi Jaiswal.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made the decision minutes before the deadline for all teams to submit their final squad. After Tuesday (February 11), teams were allowed to make changes to the team if approved by the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) technical committee.
BCCI revealed that Bumrah is suffering from a lower back injury. He suffered the injury during the fifth Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) at Sydney last month.

Chakravarthy’s inclusion means that the Indian team now have five spinners in the team including two wrist spinner and three all-rounders. India has only one reserve batter which will be one of the two wicket-keeper batters between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. There is no specialist opener in the squad apart from the first-choice pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, who are the team’s captain and vice-captain.

The BCCI also announced that Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj, and Shivam Dube as the reserve players but they will not travel to Dubai unless required.
The decision to include Harshit over Siraj is a bold call as the youngster made his ODI debut last week while Siraj was not ranked World No.1 in the format only 18 months ago.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/jasprit-bumrah-ruled-out-of-2025-champions-trophy-varun-chakravarthy-added-to-squad-in-place-of-yashasvi-jaiswal-report-article-118154102

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly assigned a dedicated three-member team of the Centre of Excellence (CoE, previously, the National Cricket Academy) in Bengaluru to look after the recovery process of vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.

According to PTI, Bumrah has only recently completed his five-week offloading — i.e. complete rest, even from any gym work — after suffering a back injury in the Sydney Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year. He’s now in rehabilitation at the CoE and is racing against time to be fit for the ICC tournament.

“Strength and Conditioning (S&C) coach Rajnikanth Sivagnanam and physio Thulasi Ram Yuvraj are currently working on Bumrah’s rehabilitation with the Head of Sports Science, Dr Nitin Patel, personally monitoring the whole process. Obviously, the national team S&C coach Soham Desai and physio Kamlesh Jain are also kept in the loop,” PTI quoted a senior BCCI official as saying.

The report said that it’s part of the CoE’s rules that one strength-and-conditioning coach, one physio for injury monitoring and a bowling or batting coach to monitor the skills part are allotted to navigate the recovery process. It added that Desai isn’t working with Bumrah currently and is traveling with the Indian team for the ongoing home series against England.

The agency’s report further added that if and when Bumrah is allowed to bowl, it is expected that the CoE fast-bowling coach Troy Cooley will be monitoring that part.

The final medical detail from Patel about Bumrah’s availability will be sent to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar while head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Rohit Sharma will also be notified.

The report concluded by saying that the BCCI would wait until the last moment to make a final call on Bumrah.

Source : https://www.news18.com/cricket/bcci-dedicate-3-member-team-for-jasprit-bumrahs-recovery-ahead-of-2025-champions-trophy-report-9222543.html

Fuelled by a sparkling hundred by skipper Rohit Sharma, India defeated England by six wickets in the second ODI to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series here on Sunday.

Rohit (119, 90b, 12×4, 7×6), who struck his 32nd hundred in ODIs, helped India mow down the target of 305. The hosts made 308 for six in 44.3 overs. This is India’s seventh successive bilateral ODI series win against England.

During the knock, Rohit also reached 49 international centuries to move past Rahul Dravid’s count of 48.

Rohit was also involved in a deflating 136-run stand with his opening partner Shubman Gill (60, 52, 9×4, 1×6), the sixth such occasion of them engaging a 100-plus alliance.

Earlier, veteran batter Joe Root (69, 72b, 6×4) and opener Ben Duckett (65, 56b, 10×4) scored fifties to lead England made 304 all out.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/rohit-sharmas-ton-powers-india-to-4-wicket-win-over-england-in-2nd-odi-3397557

During the tri-series match between Pakistan and New Zealand, all-rounder Rachin Ravindra suffered a head injury after being struck by the ball. The incident silenced the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore as medics rushed to help him.

It happened in the 38th over of Pakistan’s innings when Khushdil Shah swept a delivery from Michael Bracewell. Ravindra, fielding at deep mid-wicket, attempted a catch, but the ball slipped through his hands and hit his head. He immediately fell to the ground but was able to walk off the field after medical attention.

Earlier, Pakistan also faced a setback when fast bowler Haris Rauf left the field after bowling 6.2 overs. He appeared uncomfortable, touching his hip before walking off.

Reports suggest he may have twisted his ankle, but the exact injury is unclear. With the Champions Trophy just two weeks away, Pakistani fans hope it isn’t serious. Rauf had a strong start, dismissing Tom Latham for a duck and conceding only 23 runs before leaving.

Pakistan relies on its pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah due to a lack of quality spinners in their squad. Losing Rauf for the tournament would be a big blow.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/rachin-ravindra-carried-off-bleeding-after-severe-head-injury-in-tri-series-opener-against-pakistan-video

Vice-captain Shubman Gill orchestrated India’s chase with grace, while debutant Harshit Rana dazzled with the ball as the hosts registered a four-wicket win against England in the series opener here on n Thursday.

Gill (87), Shreyas Iyer (59), and Axar Patel (52) rose to the occasion, guiding India to a commanding chase after Rana (3/53 from 7 overs) and the seasoned left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja (3/26 from 9) shared six wickets between them, dismantling England for a below-par 248.

Rana’s fourth over, which claimed the twin wickets of Ben Duckett and Harry Brook, decisively stifled the England innings, putting India firmly in control as the visitors never managed to rebuild despite fifties by skipper Jos Buttler (52) and Jack Bethell (51).

Chasing a below 250 score, Gill anchored the innings, forging key partnerships with Iyer and Axar that became the backbone of India’s chase.

He adapted perfectly to the match situation, playing the perfect foil to Iyer when the Mumbai batter was in full flow, then stepping up as the mainstay, steering India towards victory.

Iyer, walking in at 19/2, unleashed a counter-attacking knock, filled with sizzling shots, including back-to-back sixes — one a pull shot over deep mid-wicket off Jofra Archer and the other a reverse switch-hit four off Adil Rashid.

On the back of a stellar domestic season, Iyer played with confidence, finding gaps effortlessly and taking on the aggressor’s role, with Gill remaining steady at the other end.

But once Iyer, trapped LBW by Bethell after being struck flush on the front pad, was dismissed, Gill seamlessly took charge, with an able ally in Axar, who was promoted up the order.

Gill continued to exude confidence, as he smashed 14 fours, while Axar too brought up a memorable fifty.

England took a flurry of wickets, causing some nervous moments for the hosts but India managed the win with 68 balls remaining.

Earlier, England blazed out of the blocks with electrifying intent after opting to bat, but India’s disciplined bowling and razor-sharp fielding orchestrated a remarkable fightback.

Making his ODI debut, Rana endured a baptism by fire. His first over proved costly, as the explosive Phil Salt (43) feasted on his deliveries, plundering 26 runs in a ruthless display of power-hitting.

Three sixes and two fours rained down upon the young pacer, prompting Rohit Sharma to swiftly turn to spin, summoning Axar Patel (1/38) in an attempt to stem the flow of runs.

However, England’s charge remained relentless, with Ben Duckett (32) unfurling an array of strokes, including a beautifully executed reverse sweep, to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Just when the visitors seemed poised for an onslaught, India struck back in sensational fashion. Shreyas Iyer produced a moment of brilliance in the field, running out the dangerous Salt with a bullet throw to KL Rahul following a mix-up between the two openers.

While Rana’s 26-run over gave England the momentum, his fourth over which yielded two wickets changed the complexion of the innings, putting India in control. First, India’s two debutants — Rana and Yashasvi Jaiswal — combined to get rid of Duckett. Jaiswal, stationed at midwicket, ran back 21 meters before executing a breathtaking full-stretch dive to pouch a stunning catch off Rana’s bowling.

Rana, now in rhythm, struck again just two balls later, forcing Harry Brook to edge behind to Rahul as England, once in cruise control, suddenly found themselves reeling, having lost three wickets, leaving their two most experienced batters — Joe Root and Buttler — with the responsibility of rebuilding the innings.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/gill-anchors-india-to-4-wicket-win-over-england-harshit-impresses-on-debut-3393471

Medal winners from world and continental championships of mallakhamb, e-sports and even the much-criticised break-dancing have been made eligible for cash incentives by the sports ministry, which has decided to end such rewards for junior and sub-junior athletes in even Olympic disciplines.

The ministry has come out with a list of 51 sports that will be eligible for cash rewards, including all those which are a part of the Olympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and the World University Games roster.

Also included in this list are kho-kho, which had its maiden World Cup in Delhi last month, Kurash (a form of wrestling practised in central Asia), and Ju-Jitsu (a martial art discipline which has its origins in Japan).

The ministry continues to have cash rewards for para-athletes and has decided to hike prize money for medal winners of events featuring deaf, blind and intellectually-challenged athletes. From a maximum of Rs 10 lakh earlier, these athletes can now earn Rs 20 lakh for a gold at a world event.

However, no explanation has been offered by the ministry for doing away with the reward system for age group athletes, who have relied heavily on these incentives to finance their formative years’ nutrition, coaching and equipment needs.

A junior athlete was earlier entitled to a little over Rs 13 lakh for winning gold at a quadrennial world championship, which was one-third of the prize money set aside for a similar achievement at the senior level. A sub-junior athlete could earn about Rs 6.66 lakh for a top finish at a quadrennial world competition.

In its circular, it said that the revision of the policy has been done “to simplify the disbursement of cash incentive to the medal winners in international sports events and their coaches”. The new policy came into effect on February 1.

Yogasana, mallakhamb (a combination of gymnastic and yoga poses on a pole or rope while using wrestling grips), and kho-kho are among the indigenous sports that the government is pushing for inclusion at international events.

Break-dancing made its Olympic debut at the Paris Olympics and was met with mixed response with some of the performances becoming a subject of international ridicule. The newly-designated sport will not be there in the 2028 Olympic roster.

E-sports, which is competitive video-gaming, made its debut as an exhibition sport in the Asian Games in 2023.

Till recently, the policy, which was last amended in 2020, only offered cash rewards for disciplines in Olympic Games, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games along with chess and cue sports (billiards & snooker).

While the allocated prize money for medal-winners remains largely unchanged with an Olympic gold-winner eligible for the highest reward (Rs 75 lakh), the ministry has made it clear that it would not give any prize money for medals won at world or continental events where “the number of teams in any event is less than four.” Continuing with the earlier policy, full prize money would be given if the participating countries are at least 16 in individual and 12 in team events.

The reward would be halved in case the participation numbers do not touch at least eight in individual and six in team events.

“In any international sports event, if a sportsperson secures multiple medals in either individual or team categories, they shall be entitled to receive the cash incentive only for the highest-ranking medal won in that event,” the ministry further stated.

“However, in the case of the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games, and Para-Asian Games, a sportsperson who wins multiple medals in either individual or team categories shall be eligible to receive the cash incentive for each medal won,” it added.

The ministry has also decided to rework the distribution of prize money to coaches, specifying three different categories. Coaches are entitled to 50 per cent of the cash incentive that is paid to the athlete.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/other-sports/e-sports-break-dancing-made-eligible-but-sports-ministry-ends-cash-prizes-for-junior-athletes-3396104

Virat Kohli may not have been part of the playing XI, but that did not stop him from celebrating India’s emphatic four-wicket victory over England in the first ODI at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. The 36-year-old batting maestro, ruled out due to a knee issue on his right leg, was seen beaming alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya as India took a crucial 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

With Team India kicking off their 2025 Champions Trophy preparations on a high, the camaraderie between Kohli, Jadeja, and Pandya was a welcome sight. The scenes were reminiscent of Indian youngsters sharing similar light-hearted moments on the field, which led to Rohit Sharma hilariously labelling them as ‘garden me ghoomne waale ladke’.

Watch as Kohli joined the celebrations following the side’s win, sharing a funny moment with Hardik and Jadeja as the duo walked back unbeaten to secure an Indian win.

While Kohli’s absence was felt, India’s newly-appointed vice-captain Shubman Gill ensured the chase remained on track with a composed 87 off 96 balls.

After India found themselves in early trouble at 19/2 while chasing 249, Gill steadied the ship with two vital partnerships. He first combined with Shreyas Iyer (59) before stitching another crucial stand with Axar Patel (52), leading India to victory with 11.2 overs to spare.

Despite England’s early breakthroughs, India’s batting depth proved decisive, and the side will be hoping for Kohli’s quick recovery to further bolster their batting order in the second ODI, which takes place on Sunday. It will, however, be interesting to see who Kohli replaces; Shreyas Iyer stated following the match on Thursday that he played in the first ODI because Kohli was ruled out – a revelation that drew surprising reactions from experts and fans alike.

Harshit Rana shines on debut

India’s bowling unit set the tone for the win, collectively restricting England to a modest 248. Debutant Harshit Rana had a dream start to his ODI career, picking up three crucial wickets – Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, and Liam Livingstone – showcasing his ability to trouble top-tier batters on the big stage.

Mohammed Shami, returning to the ODI setup, dismissed Brydon Carse, while spinners Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with a wicket each. However, the standout performance came from the ever-reliable Ravindra Jadeja, who dismantled England’s middle order with a brilliant 3/26 in his nine-over spell.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/virat-kohli-hardik-pandya-ravindra-jadeja-join-rohit-sharma-s-brigade-of-garden-waale-ladke-after-india-beat-england-101738892973183.html

Form and fitness of seasoned stars is under the scanner as India enter the final phase of their Champions Trophy preparations with the three-match ODI series against England starting here on Thursday, aiming to find the right balance for some specific slots in the line-up.

The likes of skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been under tremendous scrutiny after their dismal run in red-ball cricket.

The two stars, after making hyped but disappointing appearances in Ranji Trophy last month, will be eyeing strong performances in a format that they have dominated for several years.

They were the top two run-getters of the 2023 World Cup with Kohli scoring 765 and Rohit smashing 597.

Since that World Cup, which India let slip in the final after going unbeaten throughout, the two have only featured in a three-match ODI series loss to Sri Lanka where Rohit scored two fifties while Kohli didn’t have a great run.

The slump intensified in Tests and in the last three months, the two heroes of India’s most recent T20 World Cup triumph have faced numerous calls to decide on their future.

The ODI series against England is India’s only tune-up tournament for the Champions Trophy, to be held in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19. The eight-team competition could be a make-or-break event for the two stalwarts who have already retired from T20Is.

However, their form is not the solitary concern for the outfit.

One of the grey areas is the wicket-keeper’s slot. Who among KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant should get the nod for the playing XI? With skipper Rohit and his deputy Shubman Gill likely to open, followed by Kohli Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya, the wicketkeeper-batter is likely to slot in at number five.

Rahul, who kept wickets in Pant’s absence during the 2023 World Cup, performed admirably, scoring 452 runs and proving to be one of India’s most consistent middle-order batters.

His stability has been instrumental in creating a formidable ODI setup, but his strike rotation in the middle overs remains a concern.

On the other hand, the left-handed Pant offers variety in India’s right-hand dominated top order. Additionally, his unpredictability, raw power, and ability to clear with breathtaking ease make him the X-factor.

The Indian think tank could always go with both but that would likely come at the expense of Iyer, who despite under-performing in the Sri Lanka series, has been a prolific contributor. His exploits in the domestic season are hard to ignore.

The series will also test the preparedness of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami and wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, both of whom had been laid low by injuries and could be key to India’s success in the Champions Trophy.

While Shami played two T20s against England in the recently-concluded series, Kuldeep hasn’t donned the India colours since the first Test against New Zealand in October.

Spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was never in contention for this series due to a back problem.

In-form mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy is expected to get a debut to strengthen his case for inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad.

He troubled the England batters in the T20Is after bamboozling Bangladesh in another home series last October.

The team management also have to make a tough choice for the spin all-rounder’s position. Ravindra Jadeja, who hasn’t played an ODI since the 2023 ODI World Cup final, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are all in contention and it is not yet clear how this will be settled.

England too will look to iron out the chinks in their armour and present a stronger challenge. But the task is easier said than done given that they have lost back-to-back 50-over series against Australia (in September) and West Indies (in November).

Joe Root is the only addition to the team to their batting line-up which will largely be the same as the one that struggled in the T20s.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/combination-concerns-india-look-for-balance-against-england-in-last-ct-tune-up-3390329

On Tuesday, former Team India coach Rahul Dravid was seen having a verbal altercation with an auto driver in Bengaluru. Generally known for his calm and composed demeanour, Dravid was seen in an animated discussion after his vehicle was rear-ended by a goods auto. Fortunately, no injuries or formal complaints were recorded. However, the video has since circulated widely online.

While the exact words exchanged remain unclear since the conversation happened in Kannada an Indiatimes report stated that witnesses reported that the auto driver had applied sudden brakes, leaving Dravid with little time to react, resulting in a minor crash.

It was further reported that Dravid took the auto driver’s number and left. The incident has reignited the “Indiranagar ka gunda” references, a throwback to Dravid’s uncharacteristically aggressive avatar in a past advertisement with Cred.

Rahul Dravid back in IPL 2025

The Gaddafi Stadium is set to host at least four matches during the ICC Champions Trophy, and the recent renovations have brought it up to international standards.

Lahore’s historic Gaddafi Stadium has undergone a major renovation, making it fully prepared to host matches for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. One of the most notable upgrades is the construction of a 10-foot-wide and 10-foot-deep moat around the ground, replacing the traditional steel barriers.

This addition serves a dual purpose—enhancing security by preventing unauthorized pitch invasions and improving the stadium’s drainage system. To ensure smooth gameplay, a protective net will be installed over the moat to keep the ball in play.

The Gaddafi Stadium is set to host at least four matches during the prestigious tournament, and the recent renovations have brought it up to international standards. This is also stadium’s most significant transformation since it last received major updates for the 1996 World Cup, which Pakistan co-hosted alongside India and Sri Lanka.

The stadium now also boasts modern LED floodlights, high-resolution SMD screens, and enhanced seating arrangements, creating a better experience for spectators. Additionally, two new VVIP enclosures, named after Pakistan cricket legends Zaheer Abbas and Majid Khan, have been introduced to honor their contributions to the sport.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/dher-saara-paani-aur-magarmach-fans-troll-pcb-for-creating-moat-at-gadaffi-stadium-to-prevent-pitch-invasion-during-champions-trophy-2025

The 22-year-old Chouksey, who won a silver in 50m rifle 3 positions and a silver in 10m air rifle team event at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023, scored an exceptional 598, breaking the previous record of 594 set by Sift Kaur Samra in 2023.

Dehradun: Asian Games bronze-winning shooter Ashi Chouksey of Madhya Pradesh broke the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions national record on her way to the gold medal at the 38th National Games here on Sunday.

The 22-year-old Chouksey, who won a silver in 50m rifle 3 positions and a silver in 10m air rifle team event at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023, scored an exceptional 598, breaking the previous record of 594 set by Sift Kaur Samra in 2023.

“I worked very hard for this, and I believe the credit goes to everyone who has supported me including my coach, sponsors, family, and friends,” Chouksey said after her win.

“Each one of them has played a role in my victory today. This is a moment of pride for me, especially because there was no one from my sport before, and here I am, achieving this milestone.”

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/ashi-chouksey-smashes-national-record-in-50m-rifle-3-positions-at-national-games-3385491

Wijk Aan Zee, The Netherlands: Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa beat Alexey Sarana of Serbia to register his third straight victory and take his tally to a commendable 8.5 points after the end of the 12th and penultimate round of Tata Steel Masters here on Saturday.

On a day when D Gukesh looked poised to retain his sole lead on nine points as he was close to winning against Dutchman Jorden van Foreest, Arjun Erigaisi ended the hopes of Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan by scoring a fine victory with white pieces.

If Gukesh wins, he will move to nine points and will stay ahead of Praggnanandhaa while Abdusattorov slipped to third spot on 7.5 points.

Praggnanandhaa was involved in another Queen’s gambit declined opening. Only this time, he was playing with white pieces.

It was quite a contrast from his previous round game against Caruana as Sarana went for an early advance of king side pawns and then castled on the queen side. It was time to launch an attack against the black king and Praggnanandhaa did not disappoint.

In tactical complications, Praggnanandhaa was at his best as he sacrificed a piece to rip-apart the black’s king position and what followed thereafter was a pleasure to watch. The game ended through a queen sacrifice resulting in force checkmate.

Arjun Erigaisi finally proved his mettle against Abdusattorov whose ambitions of the top place ended. It was a Nimzo Indian wherein Erigaisi had white pieces and his choice of Capablanca variation gave little chances for Abdusattorov to disturb the balance.

In the early middle game, Abdusattorov went for unwarranted complications and ended up blundering on the kingside. Erigaisi won a pawn first and later won two bishops for a rook. With precise calculations, he wrapped up the issue in 46 moves.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/other-sports/praggnanandhaa-crushes-sarana-in-tata-steel-masters-chess-tournament-3385050

Bindyarani, a Commonwealth Games silver medallist, overcame an initial setback in her first attempt at 83kg in the snatch category.

Manipur’s star weightlifter S Bindyarani Devi set a national record in snatch en route to her gold medal-winning effort in the women’s 55kg category at the ongoing National Games here on Friday.

Bindyarani, a Commonwealth Games silver medallist, overcame an initial setback in her first attempt at 83kg in the snatch category.

She displayed remarkable resilience, lifting 88kg in her final attempt to break the national record.

She broke the record of 86kg held by Mirabai Chanu.

But Mirabai’s pet event is 49kg. She competed in 55kg only for a brief period.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/bindyarani-devi-wins-gold-manipur-lifters-bag-2-medals-at-national-games-3382321