Heavyweight boxing icon George Foreman has died at 76, his family announced. Foreman won Olympic gold in 1968 and became a two-time world heavyweight champion, famously defeating Joe Frazier in 1973. He lost his title to Muhammad Ali in the historic 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle." After retiring in 1977 to become a preacher, he made a stunning comeback in 1987 and, at 45, became the oldest heavyweight champion. Beyond boxing, he found immense success with the George Foreman Grill, selling over 100 million units. His legacy as a fighter, businessman, and preacher leaves an enduring mark on history.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced four new rules for IPL 2025. Bowlers can now use saliva to shine the ball, reversing the COVID-era ban. Teams bowling second can request a ball change after the 10th over to counter dew. A new Code of Conduct introduces demerit and suspension points, valid for 36 months. The Decision Review System (DRS) has expanded to include height-based no-ball and wide-ball reviews. The changes, agreed upon after discussions with IPL teams, aim to enhance match fairness and gameplay conditions. The 18th IPL edition begins March 22.

  To accommodate cricket fans attending the IPL 2025 opening match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and others at Eden Gardens on March 22, Kolkata Metro will offer special late-night services on the Blue Line and Green Line-2. This decision follows a request from the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and aims to ensure smooth travel for fans coming from various parts of the city and surrounding areas. The extended service hours will make it easier for spectators to attend the much-anticipated match and return home comfortably after the event.    

Kane Williamson, the former New Zealand captain and 2016 IPL winner with Sunrisers Hyderabad, has been assigned a new role for IPL 2025. After going unsold at the mega auction, Williamson will serve as a commentator and expert for Star Sports during the tournament. The IPL 2025 season is set to begin on March 22 with the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, facing Royal Challengers Bangalore at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Williamson's inclusion as a national-feed commentator adds to the high-profile commentary lineup.

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to begin on March 22, 2025, in Kolkata, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Excitement surrounds new rule changes, including the lifting of the saliva ban, allowing bowlers to use it to shine the ball for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, new team captains and the possibility of rain affecting the opening match add intrigue to this year's highly anticipated season.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the esteemed Indian cricketer, will be honored by having his home street in Chennai renamed after him. The Greater Chennai Corporation has approved renaming Ramakrishnapuram 1st Street in West Mambalam, where Ashwin grew up and still resides, to 'Ravichandran Ashwin Road'. This tribute follows Ashwin's retirement from international cricket in December 2024, concluding a remarkable career with 765 wickets across all formats, making him India's second-highest wicket-taker after Anil Kumble. Ashwin's contributions to cricket, particularly his six Test centuries, three of which were at his home ground in Chennai, have solidified his legacy. Additionally, he is set to rejoin the Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming IPL season, returning to his roots after a decade.

India's all-rounder Shardul Thakur is set to join the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for IPL 2025 after going unsold in the auction. This move addresses LSG's injury woes, notably the absence of left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan due to an ACL injury and calf strain. Thakur, informed of his inclusion, will travel with the team to Visakhapatnam for their opener against Delhi Capitals. LSG's pace attack faces challenges, with key bowlers like Avesh Khan and Mayank Yadav recovering at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. Mentor Zaheer Khan emphasized adaptability amid these uncertainties, highlighting the dynamic nature of the squad's situation.

India has formally submitted a bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, marking a significant step towards its ambition of hosting the 2036 Olympics. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) submitted a letter of interest, with the Sports Ministry finalizing Ahmedabad as the proposed venue. India last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010 in Delhi. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) will now evaluate bids before finalizing a host nation. Ahmedabad, emerging as a sporting hub, previously hosted the 2023 ODI World Cup final. The bid aligns with India’s long-term vision of securing major global sporting events.

Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and dancer Dhanashree Verma have officially divorced. A Mumbai family court granted their request for mutual separation. The couple married in December 2020 but separated in June 2022. Their divorce plea was fast-tracked as Chahal will play in the IPL 2025 for Punjab Kings. His T-shirt, reading "Be Your Own Sugar Daddy," caught attention outside the court and went viral online. The Bombay High Court waived the usual six-month waiting period. Chahal, the highest wicket-taker in IPL history, will now focus on his cricket career as Punjab Kings begin their campaign on March 25.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), originally scheduled for April 6, 2025, at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, has been moved to Guwahati. This decision follows Kolkata Police's notification to the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) about their inability to provide adequate security due to extensive Ram Navami celebrations in the city on that day. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) approved the venue change after CAB raised the issue. Guwahati's Barsapara Stadium is expected to host the match, ensuring both teams' safety and smooth conduct of the game.