Dubai will host India's Champions Trophy matches, including potential semi-final and final appearances. This neutral venue decision followed discussions between Pakistan and UAE cricket officials. The hybrid model resolves the impasse over India's security concerns regarding travel to Pakistan. Pakistan retains hosting rights for most matches, with a reciprocal arrangement for future tournaments in India.

India posted a formidable 314 runs against West Indies in the first ODI. Smriti Mandhana shone with a brilliant 91. Debutant Pratika Rawal contributed a solid 40. Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, Richa Ghosh, and Jemimah Rodrigues added crucial runs. Zaida James impressed with a five-wicket haul for West Indies.

Pakistan aims for a clean sweep against South Africa in the third ODI at The Wanderers Stadium. Riding high on a five-series winning streak, Pakistan secured the series with an 81-run victory in the second ODI, thanks to Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan's strong partnership and Shaheen Afridi's bowling prowess. South Africa seeks a consolation win.

Joe Root is back in England's ODI team. England will play India in five T20Is and three ODIs. The tour starts with a T20I match in Kolkata on January 22. Ben Stokes will miss the tour due to injury. Jos Buttler will captain both the ODI and T20I squads. Rehan Ahmed is included in the T20I squad.

Gongadi Trisha's stellar performance led India to an undefeated triumph in the inaugural Under-19 Women's Asia Cup. The 19-year-old topped the tournament with 159 runs, including a crucial 52 in the final against Bangladesh, earning her both Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament.

Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, faces a challenging transition period with aging superstars. Ashwin's retirement, influenced by Gambhir's decisions, signals potential changes. Gambhir's record is under scrutiny, and his future hinges on the team's performance in upcoming tournaments. His ability to manage player dynamics and build trust will be crucial, mirroring past coaching challenges in Indian cricket.

Two years after his T20 World Cup heroics, Virat Kohli returns to the MCG seeking redemption in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite recent struggles, Kohli's popularity remains high. The upcoming Boxing Day Test is touted as a blockbuster, with fans eager to witness another Kohli masterclass at this historic venue where India achieved its first Test victory on Australian soil.

Indian seamer Akash Deep has given an update on Rohit Sharma's injury. The injury is not a concern, he said. He discussed the valuable bowling feedback he received from Rohit and Virat Kohli. This feedback helped him bowl with a clear mind, he said.

PM Modi penned a heartfelt letter to Ravichandran Ashwin, commending the cricketer's remarkable international career following his surprise retirement. Modi praised Ashwin's exceptional skills, innovative variations, and significant contributions to the Indian cricket team, highlighting his 765 international wickets and numerous accolades.

India and Australia are tied 1-1 in the test series. Ravindra Jadeja wants India's top-order batsmen to score more runs. He believes this will reduce pressure on the middle and lower order. India aims to win at least one of the next two matches. This will secure a third consecutive series victory in Australia.

Tiger Woods, recovering from back surgery, is playing the PNC Championship with his son, Charlie. While Charlie has beaten his father over nine holes, Tiger is determined to prolong the inevitable 18-hole defeat. The tournament holds special significance for the Woods family, offering a cherished end-of-year experience.

The Hockey India League is back. It features both men's and women's competitions. The league aims to strengthen Indian hockey. Matches will be held in Rourkela and Ranchi. These cities are emerging hockey hubs. The league will provide opportunities for young players. It will also offer a platform for retired players. The league's timing is ideal given hockey's rising popularity.

India and Bangladesh will face off in the U19 Women's Asia Cup final on Sunday, December 22, at Kuala Lumpur's Bayuemas Oval. India enters the match undefeated, boasting top run-scorer Trisha and leading wicket-taker Shukla. Bangladesh will rely on Eva and Nishi.

Allah Ghazanfar achieved a five-wicket haul against Zimbabwe in an ODI match. He helped restrict Zimbabwe to a low score. Ghanzafar was bought by Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 auction. He was a key player in the U-19 World Cup. He also helped Afghanistan win the Emerging Asia Cup.

The Hockey India League (HIL) is returning after seven years, kicking off on December 28 in Rourkela. Free tickets are available via Ticketgenie. Bollywood star Sara Ali Khan and music artist King will headline the opening ceremony. The Hockey Ka Jashn initiative will promote the sport nationwide. The league aims to provide an unparalleled fan experience.

India and Australia are tied 1-1 in the test series. Ravindra Jadeja wants India's top-order batsmen to score more runs. He believes this will reduce pressure on the middle and lower order. India will miss veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Jadeja sees the next two matches as a big opportunity for India.

A video of 5th grader Sushila Meena's impressive bowling action, reminiscent of Zaheer Khan's style, went viral after Sachin Tendulkar shared it. The Rajasthan girl's natural talent caught the attention of cricket fans and the Pratapgarh District Cricket Association, who offered support and training. The video sparked discussions about untapped grassroots talent.

Ravindra Jadeja expressed surprise at Ravichandran Ashwin's sudden international retirement, learning about it just minutes before the official announcement. Jadeja praised Ashwin as his on-field mentor and acknowledged the significant partnership they shared, particularly in Test matches. While saddened by Ashwin's departure, Jadeja expressed optimism about the future, hoping India finds a capable replacement and provides opportunities for young talent.

Australian batter Annabel Sutherland smashed her second consecutive ODI century, an unbeaten 105 off 81 balls, lifting Australia to 291/7 against New Zealand in the second Rose Bowl match. Coming in at number five, Sutherland rescued Australia from a precarious 4/110, building crucial partnerships and accelerating after a dropped catch at 67.

Stephen Curry experienced a career first, going scoreless in 24 minutes of play as the Golden State Warriors suffered a historic 144-93 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies. The 51-point loss marked the Warriors' worst defeat of the season and one of the largest in franchise history.

Atletico Madrid aims to seize the top spot in La Liga with a victory against a struggling Barcelona. Barcelona's recent dip in form contrasts sharply with Atletico's six-game winning streak. The absence of injured star Lamine Yamal adds to Barcelona's woes as they face a tough Atletico side boasting a formidable defense.

The second ODI between New Zealand and Australia Women, part of the ICC Women's Championship, is scheduled for December 21, following a rain-abandoned first match. Both teams are vying for a spot in the next year's World Cup, with New Zealand currently sixth in the Championship standings. The match starts at 3:30 am IST.

Pakistan's former cricketers expressed satisfaction with the ICC's decision to hold Champions Trophy matches at a neutral venue. India will play its Champions Trophy matches outside India, and in return, Pakistan will play its matches at neutral venues for ICC events hosted by India until 2027. This resolves the impasse over security concerns surrounding India's participation in Pakistan.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has scheduled a Special General Meeting (SGM) on January 12 in Mumbai to elect a new secretary and treasurer. These positions were vacated by Jay Shah and Ashish Shelar, respectively, due to their new roles. Former Chief Election Commissioner of India, Achal Kumar Jyoti, will oversee the elections.

Pakistan's hockey federation needs government approval to participate in the 2025 FIH Junior World Cup in India. This comes after their recent qualification as Asia Cup runners-up. The federation emphasizes the event's importance for building a strong national team, aiming for future World Cup and Olympic qualifications. They also highlighted recent improvements in their financial situation and upcoming national championships.

Prithvi Shaw's omission from the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad followed concerns about his fitness and attitude. The MCA revealed Shaw's struggles on the field and his frequent absence from training. Teammates also expressed concerns about Shaw's work ethic. Shaw's talent has not translated into consistent performance. He went unsold in the recent IPL auction.

The eagerly awaited Boxing Day Test at the MCG between India and Australia, locked at 1-1, holds immense significance for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the World Test Championship. A win for India would solidify their WTC final chances. India's mixed record at the MCG includes a memorable 2020 victory led by Rahane's century.

Carlo Ancelotti etched his name in Real Madrid's history books, securing his 15th title with the club as they triumphed 3-0 over Pachuca in the Intercontinental Cup. This victory propelled Ancelotti past Miguel Munoz to become Real Madrid's most decorated manager. Ancelotti praised his team's performance, highlighting Vinicius Jr.'s standout display in a dominant win in Qatar.

D Gukesh became the youngest world chess champion. He spoke about his win against Ding Liren. Gukesh described the pressure of the final games. He mentioned his parents' support and Viswanathan Anand's guidance. Gukesh aims to become the world's best chess player. He celebrated his victory with a bungee jump.

Manu Bhaker made history at the Paris Olympics, securing two bronze medals in shooting. India ended a decade-long medal drought with three bronze, including Sarabjot Singh's win in the 10m mixed team event and Swapnil Kusale's in the 50m rifle 3-positions. Despite near misses by other athletes and selection controversies, Indian shooting showed promise for the future.

Virat Kohli expressed frustration with the media upon arriving in Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test, following a tense exchange with a journalist. He appeared upset by cameras focusing on his family. Kohli has struggled with form, scoring a century in the first Test but only 26 runs in his next four innings.

Ravichandran Ashwin surprisingly retired from international cricket after being benched for the first Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Captain Rohit Sharma revealed Ashwin considered retirement earlier but was convinced to stay. However, after being dropped again, Ashwin announced his retirement and returned to India, leaving before the series' conclusion, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his decision.

Ravichandran Ashwin's father has revealed that the cricketer's sudden retirement from international cricket may have been due to constant humiliation. While the family was aware of a potential retirement, the timing was unexpected. His father suggests Ashwin's exclusion from the playing XI despite a strong record contributed to his decision.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the celebrated Indian spinner, announced his retirement from international cricket but affirmed his commitment to continue playing at other levels. Returning to Chennai after being acquired by Chennai Super Kings for a hefty sum in the IPL 2025 auction, Ashwin expressed his desire to play as long as possible.

Real Madrid secured a 3-0 victory against Pachuca in the Intercontinental Cup final. Carlo Ancelotti earned his 15th title with Real Madrid. He became the club's most successful coach. Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Junior scored the goals. Real Madrid won its fourth Intercontinental Cup title. The club also holds five Club World Cup titles.

Ravichandran Ashwin, a cricketer who defied insecurities and expectations, retired from international cricket on his own terms. Known for his tactical brilliance and unconventional carrom ball, Ashwin revolutionized spin bowling. Off the field, his strong values, independence, and diverse ventures, including his popular YouTube channel, shaped his unique legacy.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma addressed concerns about pacer Mohammed Shami's fitness. Shami recently returned to domestic cricket after ankle surgery. He now has knee complaints. The team management wants 200% assurance of Shami's fitness before his inclusion in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad. They await a final report from the National Cricket Academy. Shami's return remains possible if he gets clearance.

The BCCI honoured R Ashwin after his surprise retirement during the Australia Test series. With 537 Test wickets in 106 matches, Ashwin is Indias second-highest wicket-taker. BCCI praised his brilliance, innovation, and contributions to Indian cricket, calling him a role model and game-changer who redefined spin bowling.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma seeks fitness update on pacer Mohammed Shami. Shami recently recovered from injury and played domestic cricket. However, he experienced knee swelling. Rohit wants the National Cricket Academy to clarify Shami's status. He will not risk playing Shami unless fully fit. The team welcomes Shami if he recovers completely.

Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket following the drawn third Test against Australia in Brisbane. Captain Rohit Sharma, expressing surprise, lauded Ashwin as one of India's greatest match-winners, revealing the decision was made in Perth and acknowledging Ashwin's awareness of the team's evolving dynamics.

India's premier off-spinner R. Ashwin announced his immediate retirement from international cricket during the third Test against Australia. With 537 wickets in 106 Tests, Ashwin is India's second-highest wicket-taker, behind Anil Kumble. He plans to continue playing club cricket. Ashwin thanked teammates, coaches, and rivals, sharing emotional moments with them before his announcement.

Latest WTC Points Table 2024: India's chances of reaching the World Test Championship final hang in the balance after a draw against Australia. Despite gaining points, their percentage slipped. They must win at least one of the remaining two Tests to stay in contention. Australia, currently second, also saw their percentage decrease and face a crucial series against Sri Lanka.

India and Australia's third Test match concluded in a draw. Rain shortened the final day. Australia declared their second innings at 89/7, setting India a target of 275. Jasprit Bumrah took nine wickets in the match. KL Rahul scored a crucial 84 runs in India's first innings. Travis Head and Steve Smith scored centuries for Australia.

Jasprit Bumrah broke Kapil Dev's record in the third Test against Australia at the Gabba. He dismissed Marnus Labuschagne to claim his 52nd wicket in Australia. India avoided the follow-on, thanks to Bumrah and Akash Deep. Rahul scored 84, and Jadeja hit a half-century. Australia declared at 445, with centuries from Head and Smith.

Deep scored the crucial runs with an edge to the boundary just past the outstretched hand of Nathan McSweeney off Australian captain Pat Cummins. He celebrated two balls later by smashing Cummins over deep mid-wicket for a massive six before umpires took them from the field for bad light with India 252-9, trailing by 193 runs. The five-match series is currently locked 1-1.

India faced a setback in the World Test Championship pursuit after losing to Australia. Rain disrupted the third Test. India's qualification depends on winning remaining matches and other series results. India needs wins to secure a spot in the final. Brisbane's weather impacted the third Test. India struggled, losing early wickets. The match outcome remains uncertain.

Zimbabwe and Afghanistan are set to clash in a three-match ODI series starting Tuesday in Harare. Zimbabwe aims to rebound from their T20I series loss, relying on home advantage and key players like Raza and Ervine. Afghanistan, confident after recent victories, boasts a strong batting line-up and a potent spin attack featuring Rashid Khan.

FanCode is launching FIFA+ Zone, a free ad-supported streaming channel, featuring exclusive football content. Indian viewers will enjoy curated programming, including interviews, documentaries, and World Cup highlights. This 24/7 channel expands FanCode's football offerings, complementing existing content like Real Madrid TV and various leagues, catering to the growing Indian football fanbase.

Rain continued to disrupt the third Test between India and Australia in Brisbane. India struggled at 123/5 on Day 4, with KL Rahul leading the resistance with a score of 77. Earlier, Australia posted 445, powered by centuries from Head and Smith. India's top order faltered again on Day 3, leaving them precariously placed. Bumrah impressed with figures of 6/76.

India's top order crumbled again on Day 3 of the Brisbane Test, ending the rain-affected day at 51/4. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood made early inroads, dismissing Jaiswal, Gill, and Kohli cheaply. Pant also fell to Cummins, leaving India struggling after Australia posted 445, powered by centuries from Head and Smith and a quickfire 70 from Carey.