Fantasy sports platform Dream11 has stepped down as the lead sponsor of the Indian men’s cricket team ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. The decision comes after the passing of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which bans real-money gaming platforms in India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may invite fresh bids for jersey sponsorship. If no replacement is finalized before the tournament, Team India will play without a lead sponsor. Dream11 had signed a ₹358 crore deal with BCCI in 2023. The Asia Cup begins on September 9 in the UAE. (PC: NDTV)

Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s most dependable Test batters, has announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket at the age of 37. In a moving social media post, Pujara reflected on the honor of wearing the Indian jersey and the emotional weight of singing the national anthem before matches. Known for his grit and classical technique, Pujara last played Test cricket in June 2023. His retirement closes a chapter defined by resilience, patience, and match-saving innings that anchored India’s rise in red-ball cricket. Fans and fellow cricketers have poured in tributes, celebrating a career that embodied the spirit of Test cricket. (PC: Cricbuzz)

On August 24, 2025, veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, ending a career defined by patience, resilience, and classical technique . Over 103 Test matches, Pujara amassed 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries, making him India’s eighth-highest Test run-scorer . His standout achievement came as Player of the Series in India’s historic 2018–19 Test series victory in Australia, where he scored 521 runs and anchored India’s batting . The news marks the close of an era for one of modern cricket’s most steadfast bearers of Test-match spirit. (PC: BCCI)  

Sprinter Animesh Kujur, aged 22, clinched gold in the men’s 200 m at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Chennai, clocking 20.63 s, securing his spot at the World Championships beginning September 13 in Tokyo, and becoming the first-ever Indian male sprinter to qualify for this event . This season, he shattered national records in both 100 m (10.18 s) and 200 m (as low as 20.32 s), won bronze at the Asian Athletics Championships, and competed in the U-23 200 m at the Monaco Diamond League . His coach, Martin Owens, emphasized that Tokyo is “just for the experience,” adding there's “no expectation” on Animesh’s performance at this stage. (PC: The Indian EXPRESS)

Argentina’s national football team, led by Lionel Messi, will visit Kerala for a FIFA international friendly scheduled between November 10 and 18, 2025, with Kochi being the likely venue . This will mark the first time in nearly 15 years Argentina plays in India, generating excitement among fans nationwide. The opponent is yet to be decided, though Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman confirmed that several FIFA top-50 teams, including Australia, have shown interest . The match promises to be a milestone in Indian football lore. (PC: Reuters)

Amid swirling speculation over a send-off series for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla firmly dismissed the idea. He emphasized that both players remain active and performing strongly in One-Day Internationals, and that retirement decisions rest solely with the individuals—not the board. Shukla questioned the premature talk of farewells, asking, “If they’re playing, why worry about retirement?” He reaffirmed BCCI’s policy: it does not pressure players to retire. The duo is scheduled for India’s upcoming ODI tour of Australia this October, underscoring their continued relevance to the team. (PC: AFP)  

During the second T20I between India and Australia in Melbourne on January 29, 2016, MS Dhoni executed a remarkable stumping that left even the Australian wicketkeeper in disbelief. James Faulkner, batting at No. 7, attempted a cut shot against Ravindra Jadeja. The ball brushed his bat, clipped Dhoni’s pad, and ricocheted onto the stumps, leaving Faulkner stranded outside his crease. Replays confirmed that Dhoni had not used his gloves to complete the stumping, sparking debate on whether it was a calculated move or sheer accident. Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey praised Dhoni's brilliance, suggesting that even the improbable seemed intentional due to Dhoni's exceptional skills.  

Virat Kohli has silenced retirement rumors with a powerful message to the BCCI: he’s not done yet. Despite stepping away from Test and T20I formats, Kohli is preparing intensely for India’s upcoming white-ball tour of Australia, where he aims to reclaim his dominance. Training at Lord’s with fierce focus, Kohli’s sessions suggest a hunger reminiscent of his debut days. At 36, he’s embracing the grind, targeting the 2027 World Cup with renewed fire. His ODI record of1327 runs at an average of 51.04 in Australia speaks volumes. Kohli’s message is clear: the King is coming, and he’s ready to roar again. (PC: Britannicia)

Just days after being named in India’s Asia Cup squad, Shubman Gill has reportedly fallen ill, casting doubt over his participation in a major upcoming BCCI tournament. Gill, who was expected to lead the side, is currently under medical observation. His sudden health setback has raised concerns within the team management, especially given his recent form and leadership role. The BCCI is closely monitoring the situation and may announce a replacement if Gill is ruled out. This development comes at a critical juncture for India’s tournament preparations, potentially impacting team dynamics and strategy. Fans and selectors alike await further updates on his recovery. (PC: NDTV)

Lionel Messi is officially set to play a friendly football match in Kerala this November, as confirmed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) on August 23, 2025. The match will be part of two FIFA friendlies scheduled for the remainder of the year. The first will take place in the United States from October 6–14, while the second will be held between November 10–18 in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India. The opponents for both fixtures are yet to be announced. This marks a historic moment for Indian football fans, as Messi’s presence promises to electrify the stadium and spotlight India on the global football map. (PC: Al Jazeera)