On June 26, the ICC announced a series of significant updates to its Men’s international playing conditions. Test cricket will now feature a stop clock, giving fielders 60 seconds between overs—with two warnings allowed before a five‑run penalty, resetting every 80 overs . The saliva ban remains, but umpires are no longer required to change the ball unless its condition is significantly altered . Other changes include refined DRS rules for dual-mode dismissals and chronological reviews, mandatory catch fairness checks on no-balls, stricter handling of deliberate short runs, and trials of full-time injury replacements in first-class matches. (PC: The Hindu)

India’s U‑19 squad is set for a seven‑match tour of England, featuring five Youth ODIs (June 27–July 7) and two Youth Tests (July 12–15; July 20–23). The tour begins with a 50‑over warm‑up game at Loughborough on June 24. Ayush Mhatre, fresh off a strong IPL season, will lead the team with Abhigyan Kundu as vice‑captain. Spotlight shines on 14‑year‑old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Rajasthan Royals' breakout star, who amassed 252 runs in IPL 2025 at a dizzying strike rate. The announced schedule spans venues in Hove, Northampton, Worcester, Beckenham, and Chelmsford, with all matches starting at 11 am local time. (PC: Mint & News Bytes)

Former England cricketer Mark Butcher criticized Ravindra Jadeja's bowling in the first Test at Leeds, saying it was like “owning a hammer but punching nails…not landing the ball in the rough until it was too late” during India’s failed defense of 371 runs . Jadeja managed just 1 for 104 in 24 overs, allowing England’s batsmen, notably Ben Duckett, to exploit reverse sweeps . Butcher also faulted team selection, suggesting Kuldeep Yadav would have been preferable to Shardul Thakur, who underperformed with 2 wickets and low runs . India trails 0–1 in the Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy after a five‑wicket defeat. (PC: ICC)

Sir Gareth Southgate, 54, has been knighted by Prince William at Windsor Castle on 25 June 2025, honoured for his outstanding contributions to English football . As England manager from 2016 to 2024, he led the team to consecutive European Championship finals (Euro 2020, Euro 2024), a FIFA World Cup semi-final in 2018, and a quarter-final in 2022 . Southgate, who formally resigned after England’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, described the knighthood as an “amazing honour”, admitting he was more emotional than expected . He becomes the fourth England manager to be knighted, joining Sir Walter Winterbottom, Sir Alf Ramsey, and Sir Bobby Robson.

Sir Gareth Southgate has been knighted for his services to football, receiving the honour from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle. The 54-year-old former England manager led the Three Lions to the Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 finals, and the 2018 World Cup semi-final. Describing the moment as an “amazing honour,” he said he was more emotional than expected. Southgate, who stepped down after England’s 2-1 loss to Spain in the 2024 Euro final, reflected on breaking "so many barriers to winning." He becomes the fourth England manager to receive a knighthood, following Ramsey, Winterbottom and Robson. (PC: Sky News )

India's young fast bowler Harshit Rana has been released from the Test squad after the humiliating defeat against England in Leeds. Added as cover, Rana failed to impress in the warm-up against England Lions, conceding 99 runs in 27 overs for just 1 wicket. A BCCI source confirmed he won't travel to Birmingham for the second Test starting July 4. Head coach Gautam Gambhir cited "niggles" but admitted Rana isn't ready for red-ball cricket. Kuldeep Yadav is now tipped to replace Shardul Thakur, with experts urging India to field two spinners due to expected dry conditions at Edgbaston. (PC: NDTV)

Rajkummar Rao has officially confirmed he will portray former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly in an upcoming biopic, set to release in December 2026. Ganguly had earlier said Rao was the ideal choice. The film is scheduled to begin shooting in January, with pre-production and scripting currently underway. Ganguly, who scored 18,575 runs and led India to major wins, said he will support the project but won’t be creatively involved. The film’s title and director are yet to be announced. Meanwhile, Rao will begin shooting a Netflix-backed murder comedy this month in Mumbai, directed by Aditya Nimbalkar. (PC: News18)

Shubman Gill's first outing as India's Test captain was a rollercoaster. The right-hander scored a composed century at No. 4, showcasing solid technique and leadership by example. However, his field captaincy raised concerns. India dropped 4 catches and misfielded regularly, contributing to England’s 5-wicket win at Headingley. Gill was precise yet over-involved in field placements, sometimes micromanaging positions obsessively. His handling of bowlers like Shardul Thakur drew criticism. Head coach Gautam Gambhir defended Gill, saying, “He has what it takes… but needs time.” With tough overseas challenges ahead, Gill’s captaincy will remain under close scrutiny as a “work in progress.” (PC: BCCI)

On June 24, 2025, India’s Olympic and World Champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra clinched the gold medal at the Ostrava Golden Spike meet in Czechia with a best throw of 85.29 metres. Competing in this event for the first time, Chopra outperformed South Africa’s Douw Smit (84.12 m) and Grenada’s Anderson Peters (83.63 m). His winning throw came in the third round, while his final attempt was controversially ruled a foul. This victory extends Chopra’s unbeaten run in the 2025 season, following previous wins in Doha and Paris Diamond League events, and builds momentum ahead of the World Championships.  

India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra clinched gold at the 2025 Ostrava Golden Spike in Czechia with a best throw of 85.29m. Competing in the 61st edition of the prestigious World Athletics Continental Tour event, the two-time Olympic medallist beat South Africa’s Douw Smit (84.12m) and Grenada’s Anderson Peters (83.63m). Despite the win, Neeraj appeared disappointed, overstepping his final throw in pursuit of a personal milestone. Absent rival Julian Weber did not compete. This marks Neeraj’s second straight win after Paris Diamond League and a crucial confidence boost ahead of July’s major championships. He recorded four legal throws beyond 80m. (PC: India Today)