West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has assured that 33,000 fans who bought tickets for Lionel Messi's chaotic event at Yuva Bharati Stadium will be refunded from the state's sports budget. Speaking on National Sports Day, Adhikari said he had already initiated the process internally. Messi's appearance at the Salt Lake stadium on December 13, 2025, was marred by chaos and vandalism, with fans demanding refunds for tickets priced at Rs 4,000 and Rs 6,000. Adhikari also announced plans to overhaul Bengal's sports infrastructure, including mini indoor stadiums in all 294 assembly constituencies, with 100 to be built this year. (PC: India Today)

Suryakumar Yadav has revealed he was “completely shocked” after being removed as India’s T20I captain and dropped from the squad despite leading the team to the T20 World Cup title. The former captain said he spent 40-50 days at home wondering whether he wanted to continue playing. Suryakumar had expected to lead India for another two years, including the next T20 World Cup and the Olympics. However, he accepted the selectors’ decision after being told it was time to move on, saying his focus remains on staying fit and returning to the Indian team. (PC: India Today)

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stepped in as East Zone captain during the Duleep Trophy semifinal against Central Zone after regular skipper Ishan Kishan suffered a freak injury. Sooryavanshi, who had been named vice-captain before the tournament, took charge of the side in a major leadership moment at senior domestic level. Kishan’s injury forced him off the field, handing the teenager the captaincy responsibility. The move marks another milestone in Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise in Indian cricket, making him one of the youngest players to lead a senior domestic side. (PC: HT)

Indian trans athlete Anaya Bangar has responded to criticism over her pathway into women’s cricket, saying critics should “educate themselves” about the issue. Bangar’s remarks came after South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp called Cricket Australia’s decision “absolutely ridiculous”. Bangar said she has provided the necessary information to show she has no unfair advantage and is following Cricket Australia’s eligibility guidelines. She has been cleared to play women’s community cricket in Australia and could become eligible for elite competitions, including the Women’s Big Bash League, after March 2027 if she meets the required testosterone-related criteria.  

At 21, Andhra batter Shaik Rasheed is emerging as a strong contender for India’s Test team as the search for the next generation of top-order batters continues. The right-hander has impressed in domestic cricket and is being seen as a potential future option at No. 3, a key position previously held by senior stars such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Rasheed, who looks up to England great Joe Root, is building his case through consistent performances and strong technique. The youngster is now among the batters India could turn to in the future. (PC: The Indian Express)

Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra has been ruled out of the 2026 Asian Games and the remainder of the athletics season after suffering an ankle ligament tear during training. The two-time Olympic medallist recently finished second at the Lausanne Diamond League with a throw of 88.05 metres, but the injury has forced him to stop competing. Chopra, who was expected to be a strong medal contender in Aichi-Nagoya, said he will focus on recovery and rehabilitation. His absence is a major setback for India’s athletics campaign. He previously faced a lengthy injury layoff before returning to competition earlier this year. (PC: AP)

The Indian men’s football team will face Panama in an international friendly at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium on September 26, 2026. The match will mark India’s return to Bengaluru after the 2023 SAFF Championship, when the Blue Tigers won the title at the same venue. Panama, ranked 44th in the world and a participant in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will provide India with a strong test during the FIFA international window. The fixture is particularly important as it comes one week before India’s high-profile clash against five-time world champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3. (PC: X)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged a formal complaint with Sky Sports after the broadcaster aired an interview with former Prime Minister and cricketer Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, during the second Test against England at Lord’s. The brothers raised serious concerns about their father’s health and alleged treatment in prison. Reports said the PCB considered keeping Pakistan’s players off the field after lunch in protest against the broadcast. Sky Sports initially delayed the interview but eventually aired it. Pakistan later resumed play, while the controversy highlighted the continuing political sensitivity surrounding Imran Khan’s imprisonment. (PC: Getty Images)

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa created history by becoming the first Indian to win the Grand Chess Tour title. In the final at St. Louis, he defeated American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana 15–13 after overcoming a six-point deficit. Caruana led 9–3 following the Classical games, but Praggnanandhaa dramatically turned the match around by winning both Rapid games and taking an 11–9 lead. He then held his advantage through the Blitz section to secure the championship. The 2026 title earned Praggnanandhaa a $200,000 prize and a guaranteed place in next year’s Grand Chess Tour. (PC: X)

India’s women’s hockey team defeated world No. 5 Germany 3-1 in the fifth-place classification match at the 2026 FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen, Netherlands. The victory secured India’s best World Cup finish in 52 years, matching their strong showing since finishing fourth in 1974. Ishika opened the scoring in the 43rd minute before Navneet Kaur struck twice in the 44th and 47th minutes to put India firmly ahead. Germany’s Lynn Krings scored in the 59th minute, but India held on for a historic win. India lost only once in six matches during an impressive campaign. (PC: X)