India will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, marking the second time the country holds the event after Delhi in 2010. Ahmedabad was chosen over Abuja, Nigeria, and the decision will be confirmed at the Commonwealth Sport general assembly in Glasgow on 26 November. The city has the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest, with 132,000 seats. The Games will inspire youth, boost international partnerships, and strengthen India’s sports profile. A new, cost-effective format with fewer sports and venues encouraged India and other nations to bid. The 2030 Games will celebrate 100 years since the first Games in 1930. (PC: BBC)

The Indian women’s cricket team visited the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on October 15 to seek blessings after two back-to-back World Cup defeats. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, the players attended the Bhasma Aarti and offered prayers for better performance ahead of their next match against England in Indore on October 19. India lost their last two games to South Africa and Australia, putting pressure on their semifinal hopes. The team currently stands third on the points table with four points from four matches and must win upcoming games to stay in contention for the knockout stage.

President Donald Trump has threatened to relocate the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches from Boston, citing public safety concerns and criticizing Mayor Michelle Wu’s leadership. Seven games are scheduled at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, but Trump suggested he could appeal directly to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to move them. He claimed Wu’s political stance is hindering safety efforts and said, “We could take them away.” FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani reaffirmed that venue decisions rest solely with FIFA. Trump’s comments followed recent unrest in Boston, where police made multiple arrests. Organizers warn that any venue change would face major logistical challenges, with the tournament kickoff just eight months away.

Indian and Pakistani junior hockey teams exchanged high-fives and handshakes at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia, contrasting sharply with recent cricket tensions. After national anthems, players greeted each other warmly before their 3-3 draw match. This sportsmanship differed from the Asia Cup cricket tournament where India refused handshakes with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, dedicated their victory to Pahalgam terror attack victims, and declined the trophy from PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi. The Pakistan Hockey Federation had advised players to avoid confrontation and prepare for potential no-handshake policy. Captain Suryakumar Yadav diplomatically stated future interactions remain uncertain, as teams only meet in multi-nation tournaments.

The 23-year-old medical student who was gang-raped near her college in Durgapur described the brutal assault in her statement to the doctor. “They came running after us, caught me, and dragged me into the forest,” she said. The attackers took her phone and warned, “If you make noise, we’ll call more men.” The woman, originally from Odisha, was attacked on Friday night after going out for dinner with a friend. All five accused, including a former college guard, have been arrested. Police will recreate the crime scene. The case has sparked outrage after CM Mamata Banerjee’s controversial late-night remark. (PC: India Today)

After India’s 2-0 Test series win over West Indies, head coach Gautam Gambhir was asked about the ODI future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Gambhir said the 2027 World Cup is still two years away and that the focus should be on the upcoming Australia tour. He called both players “quality cricketers” and hoped they would perform well. Rohit and Kohli now play only ODI cricket, with their form and fitness under review. Rohit has been replaced by Shubman Gill as ODI captain, as the BCCI looks to build a younger team for the future. (PC: X/@Concussion__Sub)

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to return to international cricket as India face Australia in a three-match ODI series starting October 19. The series marks the beginning of a new phase, with Shubman Gill leading the team and Gautam Gambhir as head coach. Selectors chose to look ahead to the 2027 World Cup, replacing Rohit with Gill as captain. Yet, Rohit and Kohli’s inclusion shows respect for experience. The challenge for Gambhir will be balancing transition and teamwork. With only 20 ODIs before 2027, India’s focus will be on form, fitness, and maintaining harmony in the dressing room. (PC: India Today)

West Indies displayed remarkable resilience, forcing the Delhi Test into a fifth day despite India's dominant position. John Campbell scored his maiden Test century while Shai Hope ended an eight-year drought with his third Test hundred, stitching a 177-run partnership. Justin Greaves's gritty half-century and a record 79-run 10th-wicket stand with Jayden Seales (32) frustrated India further. India's decision to enforce follow-on backfired as West Indies, bowled out for 390, set a 121-run target. India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early but need just 58 runs for a 2-0 series sweep. The stubborn resistance raised questions about India underestimating their opponents on turning Kotla wicket. (PC: X)

Smriti Mandhana created history in India’s Women’s World Cup 2025 match against Australia in Visakhapatnam. The Indian opener scored 80 runs off 66 balls, marking a powerful return to form. She became the fastest woman to reach 5000 ODI runs, achieving the feat in just 112 innings. Mandhana also became the first woman in ODI history to score over 1000 runs in a calendar year, breaking Belinda Clark’s 1997 record. The 29-year-old’s knock gave India a strong start and lifted team spirits after their earlier loss to South Africa in the tournament.

6Smriti Mandhana made history on Sunday by becoming the first cricketer ever to score 1000 runs in a calendar year in women’s ODIs. She reached the milestone during India’s match against Australia in Visakhapatnam by hitting a six off Sophie Molineux. Mandhana broke former Australian batter Belinda Clark’s 1997 record of 970 runs. The Indian opener has scored over 1000 runs in 18 matches this year. She is also close to completing 5000 runs in her ODI career, which only four women have achieved so far. Mandhana is currently ranked the world’s No. 1 ODI batter. (PC: AFP)