The Times of India

Gianni Infantino faces growing pressure ahead of FIFA's 2027 presidential election after the collapse of the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal. While major football nations have withdrawn support, six countriesQatar, UAE, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, and Kuwait, remain key backers. UEFA continues to criticise FIFA's governance, and potential challengers are emerging as scrutiny over Infantino's leadership intensifies.

Scottish police are probing reports of athletes from Pakistan and Uganda going missing after the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Four Ugandan boxers reportedly disappeared, with one seeking asylum, while Pakistani boxer Qudratullah was also reported missing. Pakistan finished with just one medal, a bronze for Fatima Zahra, marking its poorest Commonwealth Games campaign in decades.

The five-match ODI series between Ireland and Afghanistan began on Wednesday in Bready. According to a report in The Guardian, Ireland's decision to host Afghanistan could affect its future cricket ties with England.

Ajinkya Rahane believes Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri toughened Indian cricket. They instilled a fearless and aggressive approach, especially in overseas matches. India achieved significant success under their leadership during this period. Rahane expressed concern about the current Test cricket mentality and resilience. He noted a decline in the patience required for difficult match phases.

After retiring in 2024 due to recurring injuries, Olympic gymnast Dipa Karmakar has begun coaching young gymnasts in Agartala. She enjoys being an elder-sister figure to beginners while passing on her experience. Having completed a Level 1 coaching course, Dipa hopes to nurture future champions, with two students already showing promise. She also dreams of India winning gymnastics medals at the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

The All India Chess Federation has rescheduled the senior National Chess Championship to November 29-December 9, 2026, in Varanasi, after GM Abhijeet Gupta objected to its proposed March 2027 dates. AICF held discussions with stakeholders to come up with a solution while retaining the venue. Gupta had cited school board exams and the risk of effectively losing the 2026 edition.

The PCB has taken disciplinary measures against former Pakistan cricketers who engaged in an unauthorised league in Zambia. These players face potential two-year bans from PCB-sanctioned events, which also impacts their ability to take on coaching or consultancy positions with the board. The PCB emphasized the importance of obtaining necessary approvals for international participation.

Australia will not engage in practice matches leading up to the 2027 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, opting instead for a comprehensive training camp in India. This preparation phase will kick off following their concluding home series against New Zealand. Depending on local conditions, squad choices for the Indian tour might change. Fans can mark their calendarsthe five-Test series launches in Nagpur on January 21, 2027.

India have already arrived in the island nation and will play a four-day practice match in Colombo from August 7 before the Test series starts. Before the Test series, India will play a three-day practice match at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo starting on August 7. The opening Test will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19. The second and final Test will be held at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23 to 27.

Carlos Alcaraz has officially withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to an ongoing wrist injury, raising concerns about his chances of successfully defending his US Open title. This absence not only jeopardizes his ranking points but also limits his preparation on hard courts. Having already missed two Grand Slam events this season, Alcaraz now finds himself at World Number three in the ATP rankings.

Neeraj Chopra secured the silver medal with a best throw of 85.83m, while debutant Yashvir Singh won bronze as India celebrated two medals in the event. Chopra's final attempt ended in a foul, but his earlier effort was enough to seal second place in his second Commonwealth Games appearance. The Indian javelin star said the last 10 months were extremely difficult and thanked everyone who helped him during his recovery.

Gautam Gambhir's coaching career highlights a notable dichotomy: outstanding results in white-ball cricket juxtaposed with disappointing performances in Test matches. With a pivotal series against Sri Lanka approaching, questions arise about his tenure. While his white-ball teams celebrated significant victories and a bold playing style, the lackluster Test outcomes raise concerns about possible exclusion from the WTC final.

Sooryavanshi earned his maiden India call-up after an outstanding IPL 2026 season. He was picked for the tours of Ireland and England but did not get a game in Ireland. After Sanju Samson struggled with the bat, the team management handed Sooryavanshi his debut in England. However, the teenager had a difficult start, scoring 14, 13 and 15 in the three T20Is he played before being left out of the fifth and final match.

Ben Stokes retired from international cricket in June during England's Test series against New Zealand. The 35-year-old had an outstanding career, playing a key role in England's 2019 ODI World Cup triumph and producing his unforgettable match-winning innings in the Ashes Test at Headingley later that year.

Pakistan will look to dismiss the remaining batters quickly on Day 4 and chase a modest target to secure their first away Test victory since 2023. West Indies, meanwhile, are aiming to complete a 2-0 series sweep after winning the opening Test by 90 runs.

Savitha Shri Baskar never set out to become the familys chess star. She first picked up the game by watching her elder brother, but soon became the one her father chose to back. He quit his job in Singapore, pawned jewellery and stretched the familys finances to keep her career going. Now, at 19, Savitha is headed to the Olympiad.

Mohammed Kaif believes Rohit Sharma will not retire from ODIs voluntarily. He suggests the selectors will make the final decision on his career. Sharma's recent century at Lord's indicates his continued focus on playing. Kaif also highlighted the need for clear communication from team management. The BCCI's timely statement prevented unnecessary speculation surrounding the match.

Pakistani boxer Qudratullah reportedly went missing in Glasgow hours before the national teams departure, with his passport and return ticket remaining with the team manager. Pakistan finished the Commonwealth Games with just one medal, a bronze for Fatima Zahra. Her historic achievement made her the first Pakistani female boxer to win a CWG medal, while Arshad Nadeem missed out.

Sreeshankar Muralis comeback from a career-threatening knee injury has been remarkable, with his father comparing it to preparing for IIT and Civil Services simultaneously. After extensive surgery and rehabilitation, Sreeshankar returned to win Commonwealth Games silver with an 8.09m jump. He now targets the Asian Games, hoping to improve on his previous silver and fight for gold.

The BCCI thanked Ryan ten Doeschate and T Dilip for their service. Both coaches played key roles in the Indian men's cricket team's recent journey. Ten Doeschate has now taken a new role with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Dilip's contract expired after his second spell with the national side. The board wished them success in their future endeavors.

Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia said citizens have the right to protest but should avoid abusive language, especially against the Prime Minister. Manu Bhaker also urged youngsters to use respectful words. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, said he did not want the protesters punished, calling their actions mistakes and hoping they would learn from them.

OTD! Mohammed Siraj inspires India to a thrilling six-run victory at The Oval

Sunil Gavaskar lauded Ajinkya Rahane's leadership during India's historic Australia tour victory. Rahane captained the team through significant challenges and injuries to secure a remarkable series win. Gavaskar noted Rahane's exceptional captaincy record, which often went unappreciated by the public. He highlighted Rahane's crucial century after a devastating defeat, inspiring a comeback. Rahane departs cricket with immense respect from all involved in the sport.

Tejaswin Shankar thanked Vinesh Phogat for motivating him after a knee injury ended his high jump campaign at the Commonwealth Games. He later won his second CWG medal in the decathlon with 7,976 points. Meanwhile, Vinesh said women wrestlers will appeal Brij Bhushan Sharan Singhs acquittal in a sexual harassment case, alongside co-accused Vinod Tomar.

Former England captain Ben Stokes desires to coach the national team in the future. He is currently pursuing his Level Three coaching qualification while still playing. Stokes confirmed his international playing career has concluded, dismissing Ashes return speculation. He expressed surprise at Joe Root's appointment as Test captain over Harry Brook. Stokes praised Stephen Fleming as the new Test coach and wished Root success.

India's 39-medal Commonwealth Games campaign highlighted the impact of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which funds elite athletes through customised training, competition exposure and sports science support. This TimesofIndia.com explainer details how athletes are selected, funded and reviewed, while outlining the government's enhanced investment in high-performance sport as India builds towards the 2036 Games ambitions.

Team India heads to Sri Lanka for crucial Test series

India's World Test Championship final hopes depend on the Sri Lanka series. A 2-0 loss would significantly hinder qualification prospects for the Indian team. Winning the series 2-0 improves India's standing but not dramatically. Upcoming away series in New Zealand and Australia present further challenges. India faces a tough schedule with little room for error ahead.

Ben Stokes believes cricket's drinking culture is deeply embedded across all levels. He stated this culture has not changed despite increased professionalism in the sport. This discussion follows a recent disciplinary issue involving team curfew breaches. Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson faced suspension for a late-night outing. The ECB subsequently introduced stricter alcohol guidelines for England players.

During an intense moment in stoppage time, Sipho Maseti, the TS Galaxy goalkeeper, was red-carded for handling the ball outside the designated area, likely confusing rugby field lines with soccer boundaries. This quirky incident unfolded in a drawn match that ended at 2-2. Resilient TS Galaxy found a way to stay competitive as substitute Ira Tape made a key save to earn them a well-deserved point.

Javelin rivals Pathirage and Chopra are set to face off once again at the upcoming Lausanne Diamond League meet. This thrilling event will also feature several Commonwealth Games finalists, adding to the anticipation. After recovering from an injury, Chopra is eager to showcase his improved skills. Fans can expect a fascinating showcase of javelin talent and fierce competition.

Pullela Gopichand anticipates a thrilling shift in badminton dynamics due to the new scoring system. Players will be compelled to develop greater agility, strength, and mental toughness for the condensed format. Particularly, doubles teams may face the steepest adjustments. Gopichand raises concerns about the BWF's decision to lessen player workload, suggesting that this change may favour swift rallies over artistic gameplay.

Two prolific domestic seasons have turned Smaran Ravichandran from a promising talent into one of Indian cricket's most exciting young batters. After starring in Karnataka's Vijay Hazare Trophy triumph and proving his credentials across formats, the 23-year-old speaks to TimesofIndia.com about chasing the India dream, dealing with the India A snub, embracing leadership, mastering all-format cricket, and why his mother still reminds him that education matters.

Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem faced criticism after a poor Commonwealth Games showing. He finished ninth, failing to reach eighty meters in the javelin throw. Reports suggest the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation withdrew support after a coaching dispute. India's Neeraj Chopra and Yashvir Singh secured silver and bronze medals. This highlights systemic shortcomings in Pakistan's sports structure.

Ben Stokes is reportedly set to become the Big Bash League's highest-paid player. The Sydney Sixers are leading the race to sign the former England captain. Stokes retired from international cricket earlier this year and wants to play franchise leagues. A record-breaking contract worth around AUD 600,000 is on the cards. Scheduling conflicts and other global leagues remain potential challenges for him.

The Brazil friendly highlights Indian football's focus on spectacle over substance. Former captain Bhaichung Bhutia questions the match's timing and purpose. He notes the upcoming FIFA ASEAN Cup and club shutdowns. Bhutia emphasises the need to address fundamental problems in Indian football. Players echo concerns about priorities and the game's current state.

Former umpire Anil Chaudhary discussed Virat Kohli's fiery on-field personality. He recalled the 2013 IPL altercation between Kohli and Gautam Gambhir. Chaudhary believes aggression is vital for cricket but must not cross acceptable boundaries. Kohli's focus is now exclusively on ODI cricket as India prepares for the next World Cup. He recently won the Orange Cap in IPL 2026 after a stellar performance.

India's Glasgow Commonwealth Games medal count was lower than previous events. Athletics and boxing showed strong performances, contributing significantly to the medal tally. Judokas also achieved historic wins, marking a positive development for the sport. Preparations for Amdavad 2030 will focus on retaining strengths and improving medal performance. India aims to host a better Games than Delhi 2010.

Pakistan is set to appoint Michael Smith as their new batting coach. Smith is expected to join the team for the England tour in August. This appointment aims to fix the team's long-standing batting woes. Pakistan has recently suffered batting collapses in the West Indies series. The board hopes Smith brings stability and resilience to the batting unit.

Jammu and Kashmir bowler Auqib Nabi received his first India Test call-up. He replaces the injured Jasprit Bumrah for the Sri Lanka series. Nabi has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket for years. His impressive Ranji Trophy and India A performances earned him this opportunity. This selection recognises outstanding domestic cricket achievements.

Smaran Ravichandran interview: India A snub, IPL struggle, Ranji success, & India aspirations

Vinesh Phogat and other wrestlers will appeal Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's acquittal. The trial court found insufficient evidence and noted witness inconsistencies in the case. Wrestlers faced sustained pressure and intimidation throughout the legal proceedings. They expressed deep sadness over the court's decision regarding the allegations. Their legal battle for justice continues with a planned appeal.

The Army Sports Institute in Pune has achieved remarkable success with its athletes. Indian Army boxers secured an extraordinary eight medals at the Commonwealth Games. This institute integrates elite coaching and sports science for athlete development. Army athletes also achieved historic milestones in athletics and weightlifting events. The institute's model provides a blueprint for India's future Olympic ambitions.

After the recent success of Dilip Gavit and Mohammed Basil, Indian para athletes and coaches have come forward with formal complaints against a member of the IOA media committee. The allegations detail instances of rude behaviour directed at the para athletes, leading to a heated confrontation that spiraled into a brief physical clash. The athletes are calling for the IOA to take action regarding the official's conduct during the Games.

T Dilip concluded his five-year tenure as India's fielding coach with a heartfelt farewell message. He significantly transformed the team's fielding culture during his impactful service. The innovative fielding medal ceremony became a memorable dressing-room tradition during his tenure. Dilip cherished being part of numerous team triumphs across various formats.

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey questions the director general's authority. He seeks accountability and transparency in the recent jersey colour change. Tirkey expressed surprise at learning about the redesign through social media. He emphasised the need for governance and consultation for symbolic decisions. The president requested a comprehensive reply with documentary evidence by Tuesday.

Yash Vir Singh arrived in Glasgow with little attention but left with a Commonwealth Games bronze after a personal-best final throw. In this interview with TimesofIndia.com, he opens up about the injury that nearly derailed his career, the months spent in rehabilitation, Neeraj Chopra's words before his medal-winning attempt and the father who has guided him since his first throws with a bamboo javelin.

Mohammad Amirs British citizenship is set to change his status in the Pakistan Super League, with the fast bowler expected to be classified as an overseas player for PSL 2027. That could affect his Rawalpindi contract, as the team may need to use a foreign-player slot, renegotiate his deal or release him. The PCB is yet to clarify.

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) is working to hold the Senior National Chess Championship in November-December 2026 after it was initially scheduled for March 2027. Following concerns raised by Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta, the federation is in talks with stakeholders to finalise dates. AICF said a packed domestic and international calendar had forced the initial postponement.