A shocking report alleges that Indian football head coach Igor Stimac selected the national team squad based on an “astrologer's advice”. Stimac allegedly shared players' data with an astrologer recommended by AIFF general secretary Kushal Das, who was “worried” about India’s Asian Cup qualification. The astrologer supposedly responded with inputs on which players to pick or avoid each day. Per the report, Stimac exchanged around 100 messages with the astrologer during May-June 2022 discussing selection, injuries, and tactics. Das admitted facilitating the arrangement and said the astrologer was paid ₹12-15 lakh in two months. The report raises serious concerns about the selection process and propriety. Sharing confidential team information with an outsider also jeopardizes integrity and risks misuse of vital data.

India defeated Sri Lanka by 41 runs in a tense low-scoring Asia Cup encounter at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium. With a target of 214 to win, Sri Lanka was restricted to 172 as Kuldeep Yadav (4/43) shone with the ball. Earlier, Dunith Wellalage (5/40) and Charith Asalanka (4/18) skittled India for 213 after Rohit Sharma opted to bat. Rohit top-scored with 53 but no other batsman made a significant contribution on the spin-friendly pitch. During the chase, Kuldeep (4/43), Bumrah (2/30), and Ravindra Jadeja (2/33) negated Sri Lanka's batsmen to seal a thrilling victory. Despite a modest total, tight bowling ensured India prevailed in the low-scoring contest to move into the finals on Sunday. [Photo: BCCI]

Dunith Wellalage and Charith Asalanka starred as Sri Lanka bundled out India for just 213 runs. Wellalage claimed an impressive 5 wicket haul (5 for 40) while Asalanka snapped up 4 for 18. Rohit Sharma top-scored for India with 53 but despite an 80-run opening stand with Shubman Gill, the visitors failed to build momentum. After winning the toss and electing to bat, India were undone by the Sri Lankan bowling attack. With such a low total, India now faces an uphill task to make it to the finals in the Asia Cup today. [pic courtesy: BCCI]

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah expressed being "overwhelmed" by a heartwarming gesture from Pakistani bowler Shaheen Afridi after their Asia Cup match. Afridi gave Bumrah a gift to congratulate him on becoming a father, showcasing excellent sportsman spirit. The gift exchange happened after rain interrupted the India-Pakistan Super 4 contest. Afridi presented a special gift box to Bumrah, who recently welcomed his first child with wife Sanjana Ganesan. Bumrah thanked Afridi, saying his family was touched by the love and good wishes. The moment, captured in a video posted by Pakistan Cricket Board, highlighted the respect between the star pacers despite their on-field rivalry. It was a display of humanity that transcended boundaries.

Rain has stopped play in the Asia Cup Super 4 match between India and Sri Lanka with India at 197 for 9 in 47 overs. India won the toss and batted first as Rohit Sharma became the second fastest to 10,000 ODI runs before being dismissed by Dunith Wellalage, who also got the wickets of Gill and Kohli. Rahul and Kishan steadied the innings before Wellalage struck again, dismissing Rahul for 39. India has had a hectic schedule, playing Pakistan just 16 hours earlier in a record win. With the match interrupted by rain, India will hope to avoid defeat as that would send Sri Lanka into the final. [photo courtesy: BCCI X handle]

17-year-old chess grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa received a grand welcome at his school on Monday. In a video posted by ANI, Praggnanandhaa was seen sitting on a chariot as drumbeats in the background matched the felicitation. A huge garland was also laid on Praggnanandhaa, who was accompanied by his mother, as the chariot moved forward. Earlier at the Chennai airport, he was greeted by throngs of supporters and presented with flowers and shawls in celebration of his World Cup success. Praggnanandhaa made history as the world number two, capping his remarkable journey in Azerbaijan.

After India's dominating 228-run win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super 4, players let loose with a celebratory pool dance. A video shared by BCCI shows Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and others enjoying themselves in the pool with hilarious dance moves. It capped off an all-round performance by India - KL Rahul and Kohli scored centuries, the top 4 got 50+ scores, and Kuldeep Yadav took a 5-wicket haul to rout Pakistan for just 128. India plays Sri Lanka today in less than 24 hours after yesterday's stupendous match.

India has won the toss and chose to bat against Sri Lanka in today's Super 4 match at Premadasa. The Indian squad remains unchanged with Shreyas Iyer still on the bench for his back injury. India's fitness was tested in the Pakistan game which saw strong performances from Ishan Kishan, Jasprit Bumrah, and KL Rahul on his return from injury. Sri Lanka also won their first game against Bangladesh thanks to key contributions from Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Mendis, and bowlers like Theekshana. Both teams look to continue the momentum as Sri Lanka rides a 13-match ODI winning streak, second only to Australia's record. A win today would take India closer to the Asia Cup finals. [image: BCCI]

India inflicted a crushing 228-run defeat on arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup match, their biggest ever win against the neighbours. Riding on scintillating centuries from Virat Kohli (122*) and KL Rahul (111*), India posted a daunting 356. In response, Pakistan's chase never got going as Kuldeep Yadav's 5-wicket haul punctured their innings. The huge margin of victory underscores India's total domination after the batters' gallant exploits. Despite the rain interruptions causing delays, Kohli and Rahul's brilliant hundreds set the platform before Yadav ran through Pakistan's batting. The comprehensive win marks a significant boost for India heading into the World Cup. [photo courtesy: BCCI]

After rain delays, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul hammered aggressive centuries against Pakistan on the reserve day. Their big third-wicket partnership exploited Pakistan's defensive tactics as they frequently rotated strikes. Kohli became the fastest to 13000 ODI runs, surpassing Tendulkar. India finished at 356/2, the highest runs against Pakistan in the ODIs. Kohli remained unbeaten on 122 (94 balls) and Rahul not out on 111 (116 balls). On Sunday before the washout, Gill and Rohit had flattened the bowling in a blistering opening stand. Heavy rain later forced the match to the reserve day. But weather forecasts remain bleak with precipitation chances above 70%.