Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Axiom-4 mission, becoming the first Indian to do so. The mission, led by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, includes astronauts from Poland, Hungary, and the US. Shukla will conduct seven out of sixty planned experiments. This marks a significant milestone in India’s space journey since Rakesh Sharma’s mission in 1984. The launch, initially set for June 10, was rescheduled to June 11 due to weather. Axiom-4 is a collaboration between NASA, ISRO, and Axiom Space. (PC: X)

India A’s two-match unofficial Test series against England Lions ended in draws, but individual performances stood out. Karun Nair was the star with a double century, scoring 259 runs. KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan also impressed with solid knocks. Anshul Kamboj was a surprise package, taking 5 wickets and scoring a fifty. Dhruv Jurel’s consistency with the bat strengthened his backup wicketkeeper claim. However, Shardul Thakur failed to impress with just 2 wickets, while Yashasvi Jaiswal underperformed. Nitish Reddy and captain Abhimanyu Easwaran had a quiet series. The mixed report card leaves selectors with both answers and more questions. (PC: NDTV)

On June 9, 2025, the International Cricket Council inducted seven legends—including five male and two female players—into its prestigious Hall of Fame. The ceremony, part of the “A Day with the Legends” event and broadcast live, celebrated extraordinary contributions to the sport . Among those honored is former India captain MS Dhoni, the only leader to have guided his team to ICC victories across all three white-ball formats (2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy), marking his induction as a capstone to a stellar career . The recognition underscores India’s enduring impact on international cricket. (PC: Britannica)  

Bengaluru’s High Court, on June 9, addressed the petition by Nikhil Sosale, Marketing & Revenue Head of RCB, who challenged his arrest over the June 4 stampede near M. Chinnaswamy Stadium that killed 11 people. His lawyer alleged the Central Crime Branch (CCB) arrested him at 4:30 am at Kempegowda Airport on oral orders from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, without jurisdiction or due process—claiming Cubbon Park Police and CCB lacked authority post-transfer to CID . The court questioned if the CM directed arrests, noting infringement of personal liberty and procedural lapses. Interim relief was denied, but the matter was adjourned for full hearing by Justice SR Krishna Kumar. (PC: ANI)

As Rohit Sharma eyes the 2027 World Cup, the BCCI expects the star to retire from ODIs soon after the Champions Trophy. Despite Rohit’s declaration that he won't retire yet, the board is preparing for a leadership transition, with Ajit Agarkar expected to play a key role amid growing captaincy discussions. With 27 ODIs scheduled before the World Cup and contenders like Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer in the mix, India’s white-ball captaincy saga intensifies. Rohit’s recent form and age have raised questions about his long-term role as captain and player. (PC: PTI)

Portugal claimed their second UEFA Nations League crown on 8 June 2025 at Munich’s Allianz Arena, edging Spain 5–3 in a dramatic shootout following a thrilling 2–2 draw after extra time . Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Oyarzabal twice gave Spain the lead, only for Nuno Mendes and a 40‑year‑old Cristiano Ronaldo—who scored his 138th international goal—to force parity . In the shootout, goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved Morata's penalty and Rúben Neves delivered the decisive kick . Ronaldo, visibly emotional, described the win as more meaningful than any club achievement. (PC: AP)

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has firmly denied any government responsibility in the tragic stampede outside Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, which claimed 11 lives and injured over 50. He clarified that the felicitation event at the stadium was organised solely by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and that he attended only after being invited. He added that he only learned of the fatalities—reported at 3:50 pm—around 5:45 pm. Siddaramaiah has suspended multiple officials, including five police officers and his political secretary, pointing to “official negligence” as the root cause. In a wider defence, he compared the backlash to prior tragedies like the Kumbh Mela, highlighting that no leaders had resigned in those instances . Meanwhile, critics—including the BJP—remain unimpressed, calling for political accountability and resignations. (PC: PTI)

England vs. India’s prestigious Test series trophy, originally named in 2007 after Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and his son Mansoor “Tiger” Pataudi, is now being rebranded as the Tendulkar–Anderson Trophy—honouring Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson. The ECB and BCCI announced the renaming ahead of the World Test Championship final and upcoming five‑Test series at Headingley. However, the change has ignited backlash. Sunil Gavaskar called it “disturbing” and “insensitive,” highlighting Pataudi’s legacy linking both nations . Harsha Bhogle and Shashi Tharoor echoed concerns on erasing historical resonance . Pataudi’s wife, Sharmila Tagore, also criticized being bypassed, calling it a “disrespect” to the family . The debate centres on whether modern branding should override cricket’s deep-rooted traditions. (PC: X/@CricCrazyJohns)  

Team India kicked off high‑intensity training at Lord’s on June 8, 2025, under new head coach Gautam Gambhir, preparing for the five‑Test series against England, beginning June 20 in Leeds. Shubman Gill, now India’s 37th Test captain following Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s retirements, led the sessions alongside pace spearheads Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh, as well as Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja. Team India A is already acclimatising during unofficial Tests against England Lions in Northampton. The squad aims to reclaim a Test series win in England—a feat last achieved in 2007. (PC: X/BCCI)

Andhra Pradesh is set to host a match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 after a 28-year hiatus. Vishakhapatnam’s Dr YSR ACA–VDCA Stadium is among four Indian venues selected, with the tournament running from 30 September to 2 November across India and Sri Lanka. The stadium will welcome at least one Group‑stage fixture, marking a revival of international women’s cricket in the state since 1997. This return to the global stage is expected to boost local infrastructure and fan engagement, further cementing Visakhapatnam’s status as a significant cricketing hub. (PC: The Hindu)