The Times of India

US President Donald Trump reportedly supports FIFA president Gianni Infantino for the UN secretary-general position. Trump believes Infantino possesses the ability to unite people globally and is a strong candidate. The two developed a closer relationship during the recent FIFA World Cup tournament. Infantino had previously presented Trump with FIFA's inaugural Peace Prize award. A candidate needs UN Security Council backing and General Assembly approval for the role.

Zimbabwe have named uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga in their squad for the three-match T20I series against India, while Wessly Madhevere and Newman Nyamhuri return. Sikandar Raza will continue as captain after Zimbabwe's successful Bangladesh tour. The series, beginning July 23 in Harare, pits Zimbabwe against reigning T20 World Cup champions India.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi returns to Harare for his senior India debut after U-19 World Cup triumph. He hopes to create new memories at the venue where he achieved past success. Sooryavanshi aims to bounce back after a challenging maiden outing in senior colours. He believes his knowledge of the Harare conditions will be beneficial. India faces Zimbabwe after recent T20I series losses in Ireland and England.

Hashmatullah Shahidi has stepped down as Afghanistan's ODI captain after leading the team in 55 matches since 2022. He said he would continue playing for the national side despite resigning. Under his leadership, Afghanistan enjoyed memorable World Cup campaigns and major ODI series wins. The Afghanistan Cricket Board is expected to announce a new captain before the Ireland tour.

The BCCI Centre of Excellence is set for a hectic week as nearly a dozen contracted and targeted India players undergo fitness assessments and rehabilitation ahead of the Sri Lanka Tests. With injuries mounting and a packed international calendar looming, the team management is keen to ensure a fit and ready player pool.

David Warner admitted to a drink-driving charge after a random breath test in Sydney. His lawyer confirmed the former Australian cricketer accepted responsibility for his actions. Warner faces a driving ban, a fine, and a possible prison sentence for this offense. This incident adds to Warner's history of high-profile controversies. Sentencing for the drink-driving charge is scheduled for August 18.

La Liga president Javier Tebas has urged FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, accusing him of harming football through World Cup expansion and fixture congestion. Tebas also criticised FIFA's hydration breaks and extended halftime at the World Cup final. Supporters' group FSE echoed the criticism, saying FIFA prioritised commercial interests over fans and calling for sweeping governance reforms.

Alastair Cook has reignited the Jacob Bethell IPL debate, insisting England should always come before franchise cricket. His remarks resurfaced after Bethell's knee injury ruled him out of The Hundred and cast doubt on his Pakistan Test availability. Cook questioned the value of Bethell sitting on the IPL bench, though the youngster previously defended his decision to stay at RCB.

Spain's triumphant campaign featured outstanding performances from key players. Pedro Porro and Pau Cubarsi anchored the defense with impressive discipline and attacking flair. Unai Simon provided crucial saves and commanded the backline effectively throughout the tournament. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe showcased their exceptional skills, leading their respective teams forward. Coach Luis de la Fuente masterminded Spain's victory with a cohesive and disciplined team strategy.

The recurring injuries suffered by Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy have not gone down well with the BCCI. Sources said Reddy was being pushed to bowl close to 140kmph to compensate for the injury-prone Hardik Pandya. During Rahul Dravids tenure as head coach, the BCCI medical team, the CoE and the team management had charted out year-long roadmaps for individual players around major ICC events. The objective was to get each player to the required fitness level in time for the next ICC tourna

Spain midfielder Gavi believes Argentina players should not be suspended despite the post-match clashes following Spains 1-0 World Cup final win. Although he admitted the scenes were a bad example for children, he said football has an aggressive side and felt any punishment should have come during the match. FIFA has opened an investigation into the incidents.

Spain defeated Argentina one-nil to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 title. Post-match scuffles and heated arguments erupted between players on the pitch. Argentina players turned their backs during Spain's trophy celebration ceremony. FIFA has now officially opened an investigation into these post-match incidents. The disciplinary committee will examine potential breaches of the FIFA disciplinary code.

Ben Stokes scored an unbeaten 108 for Durham in his first match after retiring from international cricket. He guided his team to a five-wicket victory over Derbyshire in the One-Day Cup. Stokes battled cramp throughout his match-winning innings, staying until the end. Earlier, Derbyshire posted 256/9, with Martin Andersson scoring 112 runs. Stokes recently announced his retirement from all international formats of the game.

Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned Kuldeep Yadav's continued absence from India's team. The spinner was overlooked for the entire ODI series against England. Ashwin believes the team management has lost faith in the left-arm wrist spinner. He suggested Kuldeep should stop waiting for opportunities that may not come. Kuldeep's lack of game time has sparked significant debate among cricket followers.

Fresh footage shows Lionel Messi urging Argentina to forget everything before the World Cup final. The team delivered a subdued performance and ultimately lost the match to Spain. Messi's repeated message has fueled speculation among fans and observers. Coach Lionel Scaloni also hinted at pre-match issues without elaboration. The viral videos continue to deepen the mystery surrounding the team's mindset.

India's boxing contingent faces luggage delays before the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Several boxers and coaches arrived in Glasgow without essential training equipment and attire. This marks the second baggage issue encountered during their recent travel. Despite these challenges, the team aims for a strong medal performance. Indian boxing legend MC Mary Kom expressed confidence in the team's medal potential.

Lionel Messi returned to his hometown of Rosario for rest after Argentina's World Cup final defeat. Hundreds of supporters gathered early hoping to see their captain, but he did not make a public appearance. Messi's SUV was glimpsed as it departed the airport for his family's residence. He also plans to reunite with his father who was undergoing medical treatment.

GM M Pranesh defeated world champion D Gukesh for a second time. GM Nihal Sarin secured a crucial victory against Arjun Erigaisi in Round 6. French Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja moved into sole lead after drawing his game. Erigaisi's defeat left him tied with Abdusattorov on 3.5 points. The elite tournament features top grandmasters and carries significant prize money.

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter criticised the 2026 World Cup's credibility. He urged fans and associations to reclaim football from political influence. Spain defeated Argentina to win the expanded 48-team tournament. FIFA president Gianni Infantino highlighted record attendance and viewership figures. Despite controversies, the tournament saw strong on-field performances and high viewership.

New footage shows an alleged attempt to influence the referee after Enzo Fernandez's red card. Argentina full-back Nicolas Tagliafico appeared to feign injury moments after the foul occurred. Lionel Messi then rushed towards the referee, pointing to the fallen Tagliafico. This effort did not change the referee's decision regarding Fernandez's dismissal. The match concluded with Spain winning their second World Cup title.

Murali Sreeshankar is preparing for upcoming athletic events after a serious injury. He aims to improve upon his previous silver medal performance. Sreeshankar is currently training in Poland to adapt to track conditions. He is focusing on recovery and peaking at the right times. The long jumper is optimistic about achieving a significant jump in major championships.

Emiliano Martinez suggested his international career might be ending after Argentina's World Cup final defeat. He expressed deep regret and the need for reflection on his future with the team. Martinez delivered an exceptional performance despite playing with a broken finger. His remarkable 11 saves set a new record for a World Cup final match. Spain ultimately secured a 1-0 victory in extra time after a hard-fought contest.

Tilak Varma addressed criticism regarding his strike rate during recent T20I tours. He stated he bats according to team requirements and match situations. India's top-order collapses often necessitated rebuilding innings for the middle order. As vice-captain, Varma prioritizes fulfilling team management's specific responsibilities. He emphasized playing for the country involves significant responsibilities.

Tilak Varma discussed India's recent T20I series losses against Ireland and England. He cited adapting to overseas conditions as a significant challenge for the team. Varma emphasized the importance of staying calm and fostering a positive team environment. The team has learned valuable lessons from these difficult overseas campaigns. India aims to regain momentum by executing these learnings in upcoming matches.

England all-rounder Jacob Bethell will miss The Hundred tournament. He sustained a right knee injury during the recent ODI series against India. Bethell was retained by Birmingham Phoenix and named team captain. He will begin his rehabilitation program immediately after the diagnosis. Despite some low scores, he showed flashes of brilliance.

Leandro Paredes addressed the World Cup final chaos without apology. FIFA has initiated a disciplinary investigation into the post-match incidents. Television footage showed Paredes involved in altercations with Spanish players. Argentina's team also faced criticism for their actions after the match. The investigation could lead to retrospective sanctions for those involved.

Former Australia coach Justin Langer has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Brendon McCullum as England's Test coach. While the ECB hopes to make an appointment before next month's Pakistan series, former India coaches Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid are not part of the recruitment process.

England's Jacob Bethell shared his unforgettable experience opening the batting with Virat Kohli. The young player felt overwhelmed by the intense atmosphere at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. He described Kohli as a very chilled individual off the cricket field. Bethell's time with Royal Challengers Bengaluru was a significant career highlight. He gained valuable experience and improved his game during his tenure.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can become a generational talent. He urged patience for the 15-year-old after his challenging debut series. Raza highlighted the importance of proper management for the young cricketer's development. Zimbabwe anticipates an entertaining T20I series against India. Both teams are in transition, making the contest more evenly balanced.

PV Sindhu received crucial guidance from Virat Kohli during a difficult career period. This conversation helped her overcome a serious injury and focus on rehabilitation. Her husband facilitated her recovery away from public scrutiny in Atlanta. Sindhu then achieved a historic Japan Open women's singles title win. This victory marked a remarkable comeback after her extensive recovery process.

Fast bowler Ashok Sharma received his maiden senior national team call-up. He hopes to make his international debut during the upcoming T20I series. Sharma aims to take wickets and play as many matches as possible. He also dreams of representing India in Test cricket soon. Dale Steyn remains his biggest inspiration for fast bowling.

The BWF World Championships return to India after seventeen years. Five reigning champions arrive in New Delhi with pressure to defend their titles. Shi Yu Qi and Akane Yamaguchi aim to retain their singles crowns. Kim Won Ho/Seo Seung Jae and Liu Sheng Shu/Tan Ning also defend doubles titles. Chen Tang Jie/Toh Ee Wei seek to prove their mixed doubles win was just the start.

India suffered a disappointing start at the China Masters as Devika Sihag and HS Prannoy exited in the opening round. Devika fought hard before losing a three-game battle to Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan, while Prannoy went down in straight games to Malaysia's Leong Jun Hao. PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty begin their campaigns on Wednesday.

Sanju Samson initially doubted Rohit Sharma's encouraging words during the T20 World Cup. He admitted to not believing his captain's reassurances at that difficult time. Samson then focused on self-reflection and rediscovering his purpose as a cricketer. This introspection helped him regain his confidence and mental strength. He eventually delivered a significant performance against the West Indies.

Enzo Fernandez expressed pride in representing Argentina after their World Cup final defeat. He highlighted the team's commitment and effort over the final result. The midfielder thanked fans for their unwavering support throughout the tournament. He stated that wearing his country's shirt is the greatest honor. Fernandez pledged to continue giving his all for Argentina.

India's injury list is growing: Nitish Kumar Reddy injured himself during the ODI series against Afghanistan last month, Hardik Pandya has yet to feature in an ODI for India since the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in March 2025. Harshit Rana has suffered two injury setbacks in the last six months. Washington Sundar has had a couple of breakdowns in the same period. Varun Chakravarthy suffered a hairline fracture before a Grade 2 hamstring injury ruled him out of action.

Argentina's players declined all homecoming celebrations after losing 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final, President Javier Milei revealed. He backed Lionel Messi's decision not to return with the squad, calling him he best player of all time. Milei also praised Argentina's fighting spirit, claimed the team suffered refereeing injustice, and hailed Spain as a formidable opponent.

Spain celebrated their 2026 FIFA World Cup victory by cutting down goal nets. This tradition was borrowed from American basketball championship celebrations. Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in extra time against Argentina. Spain secured their second World Cup title after a dominant performance. The players took pieces of the net as souvenirs of their triumph.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza believes his team has an equal chance of beating India in the upcoming three-match T20I series. Citing recent wins over Australia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Raza said both teams are in transition and expects a competitive contest. India enter the series after T20I losses to Ireland and England and an ODI defeat.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Instagram account liked a post alleging FIFA aided Argentina's World Cup final journey. This incident adds to existing tournament controversies and questions about FIFA's integrity. Argentina's path to the final involved several close matches and dramatic comebacks. They ultimately lost the World Cup final to Spain after extra time. Ronaldo has not publicly commented on his social media activity.

The Calcutta High Court has directed police to arrest Delhi Capitals cricketer Abishek Porel in a rape case and seize his electronic devices to prevent the alleged circulation of sensitive material. Porel faces charges including rape and criminal intimidation after a woman accused him of establishing a physical relationship on the promise of marriage. Investigation is ongoing.

Spain's World Cup triumph sparked an emotional tribute from Inaki Williams to his brother Nico, praising him for inspiring millions of immigrant families. After Spain's 1-0 win over Argentina, Inaki hailed Nico's achievement, while coach Luis de la Fuente and Thierry Henry credited Spain's long-term football system, unity and youth development for the nation's continued global dominance.

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth criticised the team management's decision. KL Rahul batted at number six during a crucial chase at Lord's. Srikkanth felt this was an injustice to the player's proven abilities. He compared this handling to previous instances with other players. India lost the ODI series and faced other defeats recently.

The All India Chess Federation has awarded quarterly stipends worth Rs 42.3 lakh to 42 top junior players across the Under-7 to Under-19 categories. Selected based on their 2024 National Championship performances, each receives Rs 60,000-Rs 1.5 lakh to support coaching and travel. AICF says the historic initiative aims to remove financial barriers and strengthen India's grassroots chess ecosystem.

India's selectors are set to pick the squad for the two-Test tour of Sri Lanka, with Washington Sundar's hamstring injury the biggest selection concern. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to return, while decisions on Sundar's replacement and the all-rounder balance remain pending. India need a strong series to boost their World Test Championship qualification hopes.

Two geniuses, two completely different characters, yet so similar in their endeavour to defend the ultimate glory their professional lives had to offer. Messi could easily have walked away after the Qatar high. Not many would have questioned Maradona either if Argentina didnt match the dizzying heights of 1986 four years on.

Spain's football empire has returned, built on collective strength and developmental strategy. Coach Luis de la Fuente nurtured players from youth teams, fostering deep bonds. This approach abandoned sterile possession for speed, verticality, and athleticism in their game. Spain's Euro 2024 victory laid the foundation for their World Cup triumph. The team's success highlights ideas over individual icons in modern football.

Spain secured their World Cup title with a late extra-time goal from Ferran Torres. This victory mirrored Andres Iniesta's decisive strike from sixteen years prior. Argentina's performance lacked intensity and suffered from disciplinary issues throughout the match. Spain's methodical and dynamic play contrasted sharply with Argentina's struggles. The event concluded with a poignant moment between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.