Category: SPORTS

New Delhi , December 9, 2025:
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar on Monday praised all-rounder Hardik Pandya, saying that there is no other player like him in the country. Bangar highlighted Pandya’s ability to contribute significantly with both bat and ball, calling him a crucial asset for the Indian cricket team in all formats of the game.

Bangar further added that Pandya’s fitness, versatility, and ability to perform under pressure set him apart from other players. His match-winning abilities in crucial moments have made him an indispensable member of the national team, and Bangar expressed confidence that Pandya will continue to play a pivotal role in India’s upcoming international fixtures and tournaments.

Mumbai (ANI), December 9, 2025:
A total of 350 players are set to go under the hammer at the IPL 2026 Auction scheduled to be held on December 16. The list includes 240 Indian players and 110 overseas cricketers, with teams looking to fill 77 available slots across all franchises.

Among the shortlisted players, 40 cricketers have placed themselves in the top base price bracket of ₹2 crore. Several prominent Indian and international players are expected to attract major bids during the auction. The base prices range from ₹30 lakh to ₹2 crore, with the majority of players listed at the minimum reserve price. Franchise officials said the auction will play a crucial role in reshaping team combinations ahead of the new IPL season.

Liverpool | December 9, 2025:
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has admitted that he has “no clue” whether star forward Mohamed Salah has already played his final match for the club. His statement comes amid growing speculation about Salah’s future following his recent exclusion from key matches and his public criticism of the club’s handling of the situation. The uncertainty has sent shockwaves through the football world, as Salah remains one of Liverpool’s most iconic and successful players.

Salah, who is under contract until 2027, was recently left out of the squad for important fixtures, sparking rumors of a serious rift between him and the new coaching staff. In a strongly worded interview, the Egyptian international suggested that he was being unfairly treated, deepening concerns among fans about a possible early exit from Anfield. While Arne Slot maintained that there is “always a possibility” for a player to return, he stopped short of giving any assurance, leaving Salah’s future at Liverpool hanging in the balance.

December 8, 2025,Mumbai

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a fine of 10 percent of match fees on the Indian cricket team following a breach of conduct during a recent international match. Opening batter KL Rahul admitted to the offence, accepting responsibility for the action and apologizing to the team and fans.

The ICC’s disciplinary panel stated that while the offence was minor, maintaining professional standards on the field is crucial. Cricket analysts noted that the fine serves as a reminder to players about the importance of on-field discipline and adherence to rules, even in high-pressure situations, to uphold the integrity of the game.

December 8, 2025,London

An old tweet by England fast bowler Jofra Archer from 12 years ago has gone viral after fans rediscovered his prediction about Virat Kohli’s century milestones. In the post, a young Archer had reportedly questioned whether Kohli would ever reach 100 international centuries — a remark that has now stunned fans given Kohli’s legendary consistency and record-breaking career.

Social media users are calling the tweet a perfect example of how time can completely change narratives in sports. Fans praised Kohli’s journey from a promising youngster to one of the greatest batters in cricket history. The viral moment has once again highlighted Kohli’s impact on world cricket and how his achievements continue to surprise even today.

December 8, 2025,Mumbai

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is eyeing two major personal milestones during the ongoing T20I series, adding extra excitement to his performances. With both bat and ball, Pandya is close to achieving significant statistical landmarks that would further cement his reputation as one of India’s most impactful T20 players.

Team management and fans are closely watching his form, as Pandya’s all-round contributions play a crucial role in India’s balance. His leadership skills, finishing ability, and pace bowling make him a key asset, and achieving these milestones during the series would be a major boost for both the player and the team momentum.

December 8, 2025,Mumbai

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan shared insights on what young batter Shubman Gill should focus on during the ongoing T20I series. According to Pathan, Gill needs to work on consistency, handling pressure in critical overs, and rotating the strike effectively to maximize his impact in the shortest format of the game.

Pathan emphasized that while Gill has immense talent, adapting to match situations and reading opposition strategies are crucial for success in T20 cricket. The advice comes ahead of key matches where India will look to assert dominance, and fans are eager to see how Gill implements these strategies on the field.

December 8, 2025,Mumbai

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is in talks with multiple streaming platforms following the announcement that JioStar plans to withdraw its broadcast of ICC events. The ICC is actively seeking alternative digital partners to ensure uninterrupted coverage of major cricket tournaments for global audiences.

Officials said the move is aimed at maintaining the reach and engagement of ICC events while exploring partnerships with other OTT and streaming services. Industry experts note that securing reliable streaming channels is crucial as digital viewership continues to grow, especially in markets like India where cricket enjoys massive popularity.

December 8, 2025, Sydney Australian star batter Steve Smith clarified that veteran spinner Nathan Lyon’s exclusion from the second Ashes Test was purely a strategic decision and not due to any personal or performance-related issues. Addressing the media, Smith said the team management’s choice was based entirely on pitch conditions and team combination requirements. He added that there is “absolutely nothing against Lyon,” putting to rest speculation about internal rifts.

Smith also praised Lyon’s long-standing contribution to Australian cricket, calling him a “match-winner and a true legend of the game.” He assured fans that Lyon remains a key part of the team’s future plans and could return in the upcoming matches depending on conditions. The decision, however, has sparked widespread debate among fans and experts, given Lyon’s consistent performances in the longest format of the game.