In a thrilling Group B encounter at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, Afghanistan edged out England by eight runs, effectively ending England's Champions Trophy campaign. Opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted a formidable 325/7, largely due to Ibrahim Zadran's record-breaking 177 off 146 balls—the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history. Despite Jofra Archer's early three-wicket haul, England's chase fell short at 317 all out, with Joe Root's valiant 120 going in vain. Azmatullah Omarzai's five-wicket performance was pivotal in sealing Afghanistan's victory, which now intensifies the semifinal race in Group B.   

Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar defended Babar Azam after heavy criticism from Pakistan greats, suggesting a technical adjustment to improve his form. Speaking to Basit Ali on YouTube, Gavaskar advised Babar to narrow his stance for better movement and shot selection. “If he does that, his run-making ability will return,” he said. Babar, struggling across formats, faces mounting pressure after Pakistan’s early Champions Trophy exit. Gavaskar praised Babar’s elegant strokeplay, highlighting his flick against India. Babar gets a final chance to silence critics in Pakistan’s match against Bangladesh on February 27.

In a thrilling FIH Pro League match, India’s women’s hockey team defeated the world No. 1 Netherlands 2-1 in a shootout after drawing 2-2 in regulation time. Despite being two goals down, India mounted a comeback with goals from Deepika (35’) and Baljeet Kaur (43’). The Netherlands led with goals from Pien Sanders (17’) and Fay van der Elst (28’). In the shootout, Deepika and Mumtaz Khan scored, while goalkeeper Savita made crucial saves. This victory marked India's final home match in the 2024-25 Pro League campaign before heading to London in June to face Australia and Argentina.

Haryana reclaimed the 3rd spot in the 2025 National Games, finishing with an impressive 153 medals—48 gold, 47 silver, and 58 bronze. The state showcased remarkable dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship. Haryana’s athletes excelled in various sports, including wrestling, where they won six golds, and wushu, where they bagged 15 medals. The women’s hockey team claimed the gold, defeating Madhya Pradesh 4-1. The state also performed well in fencing, athletics, judo, and archery. Haryana's success is attributed to its robust sports policies, offering employment and rewards for athletes, making it a model for other states.

Harbhajan Singh recently engaged in an online dispute with an X user who demanded he chant "Khalistan Murdabad." The altercation occurred after the cricketer refused to comply, sparking a fierce debate about freedom of speech and online discourse. Harbhajan stood firm in his stance, explaining that he wouldn’t succumb to pressure to make such statements. This clash emphasizes ongoing tensions over political and cultural issues on social media platforms, where public figures are often asked to voice personal opinions on controversial topics. The incident highlights the complex dynamics between celebrity influence and social responsibility.

Aakash Chopra recently admitted his 2025 Champions Trophy predictions were off, particularly regarding Afghanistan's chances. He had predicted Afghanistan to reach the semi-finals but overlooked the nature of the pitches in Pakistan. Chopra noted that Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack might struggle on flat pitches in Lahore, where the ball isn't turning. He criticized their seam-bowling, which lacks potency. Chopra also pointed out Afghanistan’s batting vulnerability against bouncers, particularly against England's fast bowlers like Mark Wood and Jofra Archer. Despite this, Chopra believes England has a chance to bounce back, but they must win their next two Group B matches to stay alive in the tournament.

Over 100 Pakistani policemen have been dismissed for refusing to perform duties during the Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan. The officers were assigned to provide security at the stadium in Lahore but declined to participate. Authorities have taken strict action against the absentees, emphasizing the importance of duty during significant events. The incident has raised concerns about law enforcement commitment and the potential impact on public safety during major sporting events. The dismissed officers are expected to face disciplinary proceedings, and the police department is reviewing protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has fired back at an Australian digital sports platform for allegedly misquoting him on India’s advantage at the Champions Trophy. Although sidelined due to an ankle injury, Cummins participated in an interview with Yahoo Australia, stating, “I think it’s good in that the tournament can go on, but obviously, it does give them (India) a huge advantage playing on the same ground.” He refuted claims circulated by Code Cricket, which alleged he had called the tournament a ‘farce’ and criticized the ICC for favoring India. Cummins took to X, asserting, “I have definitely never said this.”

The ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 Group B match between Australia and South Africa was abandoned without a ball being bowled, leaving the semifinal race wide open. Both teams now have 3 points, with South Africa leading on net run rate. England and Afghanistan remain in contention, making every upcoming match a potential knockout clash. South Africa can qualify by defeating England, while Australia needs a win over Afghanistan. England and Afghanistan must win both remaining games to advance. Group A’s semifinalists, India and New Zealand, await their opponents. The semifinals are set for March 4 and 5 in Dubai and Lahore.

Sana Mir criticized Pakistan's squad selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, following their early elimination after losses to New Zealand and India. Mir argued that the team's fate was sealed when the squad was announced, highlighting issues with their pace attack and overreliance on part-time spinners. She pointed out that even top captains like MS Dhoni wouldn't have been able to turn things around. Mir also expressed disappointment over Mohammad Haris's exclusion despite his potential, questioning the selection process. She called for a complete overhaul of Pakistan's cricket system to avoid further failures.