Sports / The Times of India
Barcelona aims to continue their winning momentum against newly-promoted Levante after a dominant 3-0 victory over Mallorca. The potential return of Robert Lewandowski, who scored 42 goals last season, would significantly boost their attack. Hansi Flick emphasizes consistency as Barcelona seeks to set the pace in the title race, while Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid also face newly-promoted teams.
Lacoste is honoring Novak Djokovic's legendary career with a limited-edition apparel line featuring a GOAT logo, replacing the iconic crocodile. As Djokovic aims for a record 25th Grand Slam title at the US Open, this tribute recognises his enduring impact on tennis. Despite acknowledging age and fitness challenges, Djokovic remains determined to prove his dominance on the Grand Slam stage.
Former Australia wicketkeeper and Punjab Kings assistant coach Brad Haddin has criticised Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from India's Asia Cup 2025 squad, calling it an extraordinary selection. Haddin highlighted Iyer's leadership and performance under pressure, expressing surprise at the decision. Iyer recently led Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final with a strong batting performance.
Bangladesh have announced their 16-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, led by Litton Das, with Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan returning after nearly three years. The team included senior players like Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed. Prior to the Asia Cup, Bangladesh will play a three-match T20I series against the Netherlands.
The AIFF and ISL organizers, FSDL, have been given the green light by the Supreme Court to discuss the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) to ensure the upcoming ISL season proceeds without further roadblocks. AIFF aims to negotiate mutually agreeable measures with FSDL before the next hearing on August 28, 2025, to resolve the uncertainty that led to clubs facing financial difficulties.
Bayern Munich, the defending Bundesliga champions, face RB Leipzig in the season opener amidst concerns over squad depth due to key player departures and a major injury to Musiala. Leipzig aims to capitalize on Bayern's uncertainty and make an early statement. The Bundesliga matches will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network and streamed on Sony Liv.
Manchester City will face Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium this Saturday, both eager to continue their winning momentum. City, fresh off a 4-0 victory, currently lead the table. Despite a mixed record against Spurs, Guardiola welcomes back Rodri from injury, praising him as the world's best. New signings Reijnders and Cherki impressed in their debut.
Aakash Chopra has ignited controversy by questioning RCB's influence on Rajat Patidar's captaincy in domestic cricket. Mo Bobat revealed he encouraged Patidar to seek leadership roles at the state level, leading to his appointment as Madhya Pradesh captain. Chopra found it questionable for IPL franchises to 'nudge' players into domestic captaincy roles, sparking debate about the ethics of such influence.
As the Asia Cup 2025 approaches, the scheduled India-Pakistan cricket match in Dubai faces political opposition. Samajwadi Party leaders question the appropriateness of sporting ties given strained relations and recent terror attacks. They argue that playing against Pakistan, especially after the Pahalgam attack, is unacceptable and would disgrace the nation.
Wicket-keeper batter Jitesh Sharma, after a period of self-reflection following his initial T20I appearances, has made a remarkable comeback to the Indian team. His resurgence was fueled by a strong IPL season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he showcased his finishing abilities and even captained the team in Rajat Patidar's absence.
Shubman Gill, after being named India's vice-captain for the T20 Asia Cup, shared vacation pictures on Instagram, showcasing a relaxing time on what appears to be a yacht. This follows his return to the T20I squad after a year, boosted by his captaincy in the Test series against England. Selectors, including Ajit Agarkar, highlighted Gill's leadership abilities, trusting him under Suryakumar Yadav.
President Murmu has approved the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, aiming to promote e-sports and regulate online gaming. The legislation outlaws money-based games, with severe penalties for service providers, advertisers, and financiers. While acknowledging potential GST revenue losses, the government prioritises preventing addiction and financial risks associated with money gaming, also giving e-sports legal backing.
Virender Sehwag expressed strong belief in India's chances at the upcoming Asia Cup in September, highlighting the team's skill, balance, and mindset for high-pressure situations. India, with a record eight Asia Cup titles, begins their campaign against UAE on September 10. The tournament serves as crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup, with Suryakumar Yadav leading a strong squad.
The Tendulkar family is celebrating joyous occasions, with Sara Tendulkar launching her Pilates studio, a venture fueled by her passion for health and fitness. Sachin Tendulkar expressed immense pride in his daughter's independent endeavour, highlighting her dedication and the family's focus on well-being. This milestone follows Arjun Tendulkar's recent engagement to Saaniya Chandok, adding to the family's happiness.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni's Hummer, sporting a unique army-inspired design and the number plate JH01AB 7781, was recently spotted cruising through what appears to be Ranchi. A fan-captured video of the SUV has gone viral, amassing over 3 lakh views on Instagram. Dhoni's well-known passion for automobiles extends to luxury cars, vintage models, and customized vehicles.
South Africa dominated Australia in ODIs, securing their fifth consecutive bilateral series win with an 84-run victory in Mackay. Defending 277, the Proteas capitalised on Australia's batting struggles, dismissing them for 193. Lungi Ngidi's five-wicket haul and strong batting performances from Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs sealed the series win for South Africa.
Vijay Dahiya acknowledges Shreyas Iyer's unfortunate Asia Cup omission, highlighting India's strong bench strength. Despite Iyer's and Siraj's omission, Dahiya believes India faces minimal threat in the Asia Cup, but emphasized the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. Jasprit Bumrah's return is welcomed, with cautious workload management expected, while Mohammed Siraj's absence is attributed to post-Test series fatigue.
Months after Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma's divorce, Suryakumar Yadav's wife, Devisha Shetty, has publicly supported Dhanashree. Following Dhanashree's emotional account on 'Humans of Bombay' about the overwhelming separation and media scrutiny, Devisha posted an Instagram story expressing her respect and love.
Morecambe FC marked a historic moment by appointing Ashvir Singh Johal as their new manager, making him the first Sikh to lead a professional British football club. This follows Panjab Warriors' takeover of the club, making it the first English professional club owned by Sikhs. The new owners aim to instill their cultural values of discipline, trust, and compassion into the club's operations.
Pop icon Taylor Swift once appeared on The Graham Norton Show. She shared the couch with former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen. During the show, Swift admitted she was a bit confused by cricket. The exchange resurfaced on social media, as Swift's opinions on the sport and a hilarious mix-up with rugby once again, amused fans.
South Africa batter Matthew Breetzke has made history by becoming the first ODI cricketer to begin his career with four consecutive scores of fifty or more. The South African batter achieved this milestone during the second ODI against Australia, scoring a fluent 88. India's Navjot Singh Sidhu had achieved the feat in 1987 but in five ODIs.
Cricket South Africa has announced the venues for the SA20 Season 4 playoffs and final. Newlands in Cape Town will host the final. Kingsmead, Centurion, and the Wanderers will host the playoff matches in January 2026. Durban will host a playoff for the first time. The season will begin on December 26.
USA Cricket has ended its agreement with American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), the force behind Major League Cricket, leading to uncertainty surrounding World Cup preparations and financial stability. The decision, driven by board members, raises concerns about potential bankruptcy due to the loss of ACE's financial support, which has totalled over $10 million since 2019.
Manoj Tiwary questions the India-Pakistan Asia Cup match appropriateness after the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, emphasizing human life's value over sports. He also expressed surprise over Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal's exclusion from the Asia Cup squad, despite their strong performances.
The ICC has shifted the venue for the Women's Cricket World Cup, replacing Bengaluru with Navi Mumbai, which will now host up to five matches, including a semi-final and potentially the final. The tournament will span five venues across India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2.
Joe Burns recalls his debut Boxing Day Test in 2014 against India, where a brief attempt to sledge Virat Kohli backfired spectacularly. Kohli, then emerging as India's Test captain, silenced Burns with a sharp retort and a boundary. Burns learned a valuable lesson about engaging with the fierce competitor, whose leadership shaped India's aggressive cricketing identity.
Mohammad Rizwan's struggles continue as he faces setbacks, including being dropped from the Asia Cup squad and demoted in PCB contracts. His poor form extended to the CPL, where he was dismissed for just 3 runs, leading to social media trolling. Pakistan cricket is facing a decline across formats, marked by inconsistent performances and early exits from major tournaments.
The selection of India's Asia Cup 2025 squad is creating controversy. Yashasvi Jaiswal is surprisingly left out. Shubman Gill makes a comeback to the T20I team. He is also appointed as the vice-captain. Experts are questioning Jaiswal's exclusion despite his strong performance. Sai Sudharsan's omission is also raising concerns. Subramaniam Badrinath highlights potential recency bias in the selection process.
Zupee, along with Dream11 and MPL, is discontinuing online money games to comply with India's new Online Gaming Bill 2025. While paid games are ceasing, Zupee will continue offering free games like Ludo to its 150 million users. The bill, aimed at curbing addiction and financial risks, has prompted major platforms to restructure their gaming options.
Tapasya Gahlawat overcame societal expectations and family tragedy to become the U20 World wrestling champion in Samokov, Bulgaria. Driven by her father's unfulfilled wrestling dreams and inspired by the Phogat sisters, she defeated Japan's defending champion and Norway's Felicitas Domajeva to secure India's first gold.
Shafali Verma, after leading India to U-19 World Cup glory, faced a setback, getting dropped from the ODI World Cup squad due to inconsistent performances. Despite domestic success and WPL flair, she struggles in ODIs, averaging just 23. Pratika Rawal replaced her, capitalizing on opportunities.
Saikhom Mirabai Chanu is strategically adapting her training for the womens 48kg category after the International Weightlifting Federation's rule changes. Her regimen includes a revised diet, evenly distributed workload, and enhanced recovery methods like massages and ice baths. Chanu aims to excel at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship and the 2026 Asian Games.
The US Open mixed doubles event had many winners - Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori as champions while carrying the mantle for the doubles specialists. And the USTA in bringing thousands of fans to an otherwise ignored competition. But teething problems cannot be ignored.
Following his exclusion from Pakistan's Asia Cup 2025 squad and demotion in central contracts, Babar Azam is diligently working on his batting skills at the Ghani Institute of Cricket in Lahore. Selectors have omitted both Babar and Mohammad Rizwan from the upcoming tri-series and Asia Cup squad, opting for a team led by Salman Ali Agha.
Ankita Dhyani is eyeing a spot at the World Championships. The long-distance runner has quickly made her mark in the 3000m steeplechase. She currently ranks 38th in the 'Road to Tokyo' standings. Ankita recently broke the 2000m steeplechase national record in Israel. She also won a silver medal at the World University Games in Germany.
TK Vishal made a stunning impact at the National Inter-State Athletics meet in Chennai, smashing the national record in the men's 400m with a time of 45.12s. Overjoyed Vishal dedicated his achievement to his coach, Jason Dawson, highlighting their strong bond and Jason's instrumental role in his success after transitioning to 400m just a year ago.
Latin American football grapples with persistent violence, evident in clashes between Chilean and Argentine club supporters in Buenos Aires. Despite laws and increased security measures like biometric identification and video surveillance, hooliganism persists. Experts attribute the violence to tribalism, frustration, and a lack of exemplary sanctions from governing bodies.
Abhinav Shaw secured a thrilling gold in the junior men's 10m air rifle at the Asian Championships in Kazakhstan, edging out Korea's Hyunseo Lee by a hair's breadth. After a shaky qualification round, Abhinav composed himself to deliver a stellar final performance.
Rahul Dravid, the former Indian cricket legend, has identified Glenn McGrath and Muttiah Muralitharan as the most formidable bowlers he encountered throughout his illustrious 16-year international career. Dravid admired McGrath's relentless consistency and ability to challenge his off stump, while he acknowledged Muralitharan's exceptional spin variations and tireless approach as a spinner.
Sachin Tendulkar's enduring friendship with Vinod Kambli remains strong, as revealed by Kambli's brother, Virendra. Despite Kambli's recent health struggles, including a brain clot, Tendulkar consistently checks in on him and his wife. Virendra fondly remembers their close bond during Ranji Trophy matches.
Sanju Samson is set to embrace a new role in the Asia Cup 2025, with Shubman Gill's return potentially shifting Samson down the batting order. Likely to bat at number five or six, Samson demonstrated his adaptability by moving down the order in a recent Kerala Cricket League match.
Sadagoppan Ramesh has ignited controversy by alleging that Gautam Gambhir didn't support Shreyas Iyer's Asia Cup inclusion, despite Iyer's stellar form, including a strong IPL and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy performance. Ramesh also questioned the praise surrounding India's drawn Test series in England and highlighted Iyer's pivotal role in the Champions Trophy victory, where he was India's top scorer.
Cameron Green aims to bowl again before the Ashes, potentially returning in the Sheffield Shield after back surgery sidelined him last year. While he's contributed with the bat, Green believes his bowling will significantly boost Australia against England.
With Shubman Gill's return as vice-captain for the Asia Cup 2025, India's opening combination is under scrutiny. Ajinkya Rahane anticipates Gill partnering with Abhishek Sharma, despite Sanju Samson's strong form. Rahane also expressed excitement about the pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma's marriage has officially ended, finalized on March 20, 2025, following an 18-month separation. A settlement of Rs 4.75 crore was reportedly paid by Chahal as alimony. Dhanashree, hinting at a fresh start, emphasized the importance of privacy and suggested she might share her perspective in the future, addressing speculation surrounding their relationship.
Rahul Dravid and Ravichandran Ashwin humorously revisited the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy controversy, where Ashwin faced accusations of aiding Australia with spin techniques through a Tamil YouTube video. Dravid jokingly mentioned the criticism he received, suggesting Ashwin's coaching was perceived as superior. Ashwin defended himself, while recalling Mitchell Starc's playful reference to the video during the Indore Test.
Rinku Singh celebrated his Asia Cup selection by smashing a blistering 108 off 48 balls in the UPT20 League, leading Meerut Mavericks to a six-wicket victory over Gorakhpur Lions after they were struggling at 38/4. In another match, Karan Sharma and Abhishek Goswami's half-centuries propelled Kashi Rudras to an 88-run win against Noida Kings.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association's hopes of hosting ICC Women's World Cup matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium are in jeopardy as the police department has issued 17 requirements following the deadly stampede during the IPL victory celebrations on June 4 that left 11 dead. These requirements address concerns about parking, medical facilities, fire safety, women's safety, and security measures.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin revealed the reasons behind his surprising retirement during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under in December 2024, citing the demanding touring schedule and a desire to spend more time with his family. The veteran off-spinner admitted that being frequently benched on overseas tours contributed to his decision.
Wasim Akram, the legendary Pakistani cricketer, revealed his journey of managing diabetes after being diagnosed in 1997. Initially, it posed significant physical and mental challenges, impacting his game. With the support of his late wife and adjustments to his lifestyle, including managing sugar levels during travel and matches, he learned to cope with the condition and continue his successful career.