A report by Dainik Jagran claimed that some Indian selectors wanted Rohit Sharma out of the 2027 ODI World Cup plans. They reportedly informed senior BCCI officials and Rohit about their views. However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia publicly backed Rohit before the third ODI against England, denying retirement rumours. Rohit then scored 138 at Lord's, becoming the first Indian to hit an ODI century there. The report said some selectors felt "betrayed" by the board's support. It also claimed Ajit Agarkar's future as chief selector is uncertain, with VVS Laxman being considered as a possible replacement. (PC: ANI)

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing mounting internal pressure after withdrawing his controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which sought private investment in the governing body's commercial and event operations. The plan was scrapped following widespread criticism, triggering fresh questions over Infantino's leadership. He has now called an emergency meeting of senior FIFA officials in Morocco to address the growing backlash. Reports suggest the proposal also sparked rare dissent within FIFA, with Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour expressing concerns. The episode has exposed divisions at the top of world football's governing body and intensified scrutiny of Infantino's presidency. (PC: X)

Jordan Football Association president Prince Ali bin Hussein has accused FIFA president Gianni Infantino of "blackmail", claiming support for Infantino was linked to help for Jordan's football federation. Prince Ali said FIFA also has not released the prize money owed to Jordan for reaching the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup final. He said the federation refused to endorse Infantino despite the alleged pressure. Prince Ali also raised concerns over high World Cup costs, including visa issues for fans and taxes paid by Jordan because the team was based in the United States. FIFA has not responded to the allegations. (PC: The Indian Express)

India's historic Commonwealth Games gold medallist Asmita Dey is facing questions over her eligibility for Uttar Pradesh's sports rewards due to her permanent domicile in Tripura. The UP government's 2024 policy requires athletes to meet specific criteria, including domicile, education, or representation of the state in international events. Dey, a sub-inspector with UP Police since 2023, has represented Uttar Pradesh in several national and international competitions, making her eligible under at least one provision. UP Sports Secretary Suhas LY said officials will review the case before taking a final decision. Dey is entitled to ₹1.5 crore if approved. (PC: HT)

Nineteen-year-old Rajasthan cyclist Harshita Jakhar has become the first Indian woman to feature at the Tour de France Femmes, marking a landmark moment for Indian cycling. She led a group of eight young cyclists during the ceremonial start of Stage 2 in Aigle, Switzerland. The riders completed a 4.5-kilometre neutralised section alongside members of the WCC Road Team. Selected by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Jakhar has already made a strong mark in Indian cycling, winning numerous junior medals and competing successfully at senior level. She now aims for a top-10 finish at the 2026 Asian Games. (PC: X)

The BCCI is reportedly considering replacing chief selector Ajit Agarkar when his current contract ends in September 2026. Agarkar’s tenure has come under scrutiny following controversy surrounding Rohit Sharma’s ODI future and India’s recent results. According to reports, the board is weighing former India batter VVS Laxman as a potential successor. Laxman currently heads cricket-related development at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and has extensive experience in player development and coaching. While no final decision has been announced, the possible change could significantly reshape India’s selection strategy ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. (PC: X)

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing mounting pressure after senior officials, including Arsène Wenger and Secretary General Mattias Grafström, distanced themselves from his failed proposal to sell stakes in future FIFA World Cup revenues to private investors. Wenger said he was unaware of the plan and called its withdrawal "absolutely necessary," emphasizing the need for an independent and transparent FIFA. The controversy has sparked widespread criticism from football associations and intensified concerns over Infantino's leadership, with several federations withdrawing support ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election. (PC: EPA)

A reported argument between an Indian Olympic Association official and a para athletics coach turned into a brief physical fight during the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. According to The Times of India, athletes Dilip Mahadu Gavit, Mohammad Basil Morssinganakathi and coach Pushpa NP complained about the conduct of IOA media committee member Sarvesh Kedia. Paralympic Committee of India CEO Rahul Swami also reportedly filed a complaint with the Sports Ministry and the IOA. The dispute allegedly began over athlete media interactions before dope control. Athletes and coaches intervened to stop the fight. Authorities have not yet commented publicly. (PC: X)

Pakistan boxer Qudratullah has reportedly gone missing after leaving the team's hotel following his event at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. According to a source quoted by PTI, the boxer disappeared even though his passport was with the team manager. The Pakistan Boxing Federation has faced similar incidents in the past. During the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, 2 Pakistani boxers also went missing after the event. In 2024, boxer Zohaib Rasheed reportedly disappeared during an Olympic qualifier in Italy. Pakistan finished the Glasgow Commonwealth Games with 1 bronze medal, won by female boxer Fatima Zehra. (PC: NDTV Sports)

The Centre has summoned Meta's Head of Public Policy, Joel Kaplan, and an Instagram technical official for meetings on August 5 and 6. The government wants an explanation for the brief removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Facebook video. Officials will also ask Meta to submit a written note on the "technical glitch" and may seek a written apology. The meetings will also cover how Meta's algorithms affect the reach of political content. IT Secretary S Krishnan said discussions will include compliance with Indian law, AI-generated content, child safety, and safeguards to prevent the wrongful removal of posts from verified accounts. (PC: India Today)