Iran’s national football team paid tribute to children killed in the bombing of a primary school in Minab by holding schoolbags during the national anthem before a match. Players stood in line with colourful backpacks, symbolising the innocence of the victims and transforming the pre-match ceremony into a moment of national mourning. Iranian state-linked media said the gesture honoured those killed in a US-Israeli strike, an incident that has become a powerful symbol of the conflict’s human toll. The tribute gained widespread attention online, with many calling it deeply poignant. It reflects broader public mourning in Iran as civilian casualties continue to rise amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.

On his 15th birthday, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi enters his sophomore IPL season carrying enormous expectations. Rajasthan Royals' director of cricket Zubin Bharucha revealed he had reserved ₹10 crore for Sooryavanshi after witnessing him at trials ultimately signing him for just ₹1.1 crore. Bharucha compared his instant impact to first-ball moments from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson. Most strikingly, Sooryavanshi hit a sidearm delivery clocked at 157 kph clean over the sightscreen for six. Fresh off an 80-ball 175 in the U-19 World Cup final, earning Player of the Tournament, Sooryavanshi now faces a tougher challenge as IPL bowlers armed with data specifically designed to dismiss him. (PC: HT)

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a sweeping policy banning transgender women and certain athletes with differences in sexual development (DSD) from competing in female events at the Olympics, starting with the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The decision, led by IOC President Kirsty Coventry, is based on scientific findings that male puberty provides lasting physical advantages, even after transition. Athletes must undergo a one-time SRY gene test to confirm eligibility. The rule applies only to elite competitions, not grassroots sports, and aims to prioritise fairness and safety while maintaining dignity and support for affected athletes. (PC: Reuters)

A controversy erupted in Karnataka after a Congress MLA demanded at least five Indian Premier League tickets for every legislator, claiming MLAs are “VIPs” who should not stand in queues. Raising the issue in the Assembly, he accused the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) of disrespecting lawmakers and alleged ticket black marketing. Several MLAs supported the demand, seeking premium seating and special access. The Assembly Speaker intervened, urging the government to address the issue and ensure ticket availability, triggering public debate over entitlement and misuse of privilege. (PC: News 18)

Vijay Mallya said his early investment in Royal Challengers Bengaluru proved successful after the franchise was valued at Rs 16,500 crore. He had bought the team for Rs 450 crore in 2008.   Reacting on X, Mallya said many had mocked his decision. “Most people laughed at me,” he wrote, calling the investment his “madness.”   He said it was “immensely gratifying” to see the value grow nearly 37 times.   The team has now been sold to a group led by Aditya Birla Group.   Mallya also recalled picking Virat Kohli, calling him one of the best in the world. (PC: India Today)

The sale of Rajasthan Royals for around $1.63 billion (₹15,000+ crore) has resulted in a massive financial gain for Shane Warne’s family. During the inaugural Indian Premier League season in 2008, Warne negotiated a special clause granting him a 0.75% ownership stake for each season he played. Having played four seasons, he accumulated a 3% stake. With the franchise’s soaring valuation, this stake is now worth approximately ₹450–460 crore. The payout, subject to approvals, highlights Warne’s foresight in securing long-term financial benefits beyond his playing career. (PC: HT)

Netherlands pacer Paul van Meekeren said a small share of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Rs 16,660 crore sale could help Dutch cricket grow. After the franchise was sold to a multi-industry consortium, he posted that “0.5%” of the amount could help close the gap with top teams. “If only they could give 0.5%… we could close the gap to full members,” he wrote on X. The Netherlands recently competed in the T20 World Cup 2026 and showed strong performances despite an early exit. Players from associate nations have asked for more matches against top sides. RCB’s sale came after former owners United Spirits reviewed its stake. (PC: India Today)

Aryaman Birla, son of Kumar Mangalam Birla, has been appointed chairman of Royal Challengers Bengaluru following its acquisition by an Aditya Birla Group-led consortium. The deal, worth about $1.78 billion (₹16,700 crore), makes it one of the biggest in IPL history. Aryaman Birla, a former domestic cricketer who played for Madhya Pradesh and was picked by Rajasthan Royals, brings both business and cricketing experience. He has played nine first-class matches, scoring 414 runs, including a century. (PC: ESPN)

Reigning IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have announced they will keep 11 seats empty during their next home match to honour victims of a recent stampede tragedy. The symbolic gesture aims to pay respect to those who lost their lives and raise awareness about crowd safety at large events. The franchise expressed solidarity with the affected families and emphasized the importance of stricter safety measures at public gatherings. The decision has been widely appreciated by fans and the cricketing community, highlighting how sports teams can use their platform to promote social responsibility and remembrance.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been sold for over Rs 16,000 crore in a record IPL deal. A group led by the Aditya Birla Group bought the team from United Spirits. The deal is worth about $1.78 billion. It makes RCB the most expensive IPL franchise ever. Aryaman Vikram Birla will be chairman. Satyan Gajwani will be vice chairman. The new owners said they want to grow RCB into a global brand. RCB is also the current IPL champion. The deal shows the rising value of the IPL. Earlier, Rajasthan Royals was sold for around Rs 15,290 crore in another major deal. (PC: BCCI)