After going unsold earlier in the auction, Sarfaraz Khan was successfully bought by Chennai Super Kings for his base price of Rs 75 lakhs in the accelerated round. The young player has now remained unsold for three consecutive IPL auctions.
19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma's dream came true when he was picked up by Chennai Super Kings for a whopping Rs 14.2 crore at the IPL auction. The youngster, who was the leading run-scorer for Rajasthan in the last Vijay Hazare Trophy, broke down in tears after the final bidding ended. He expressed his excitement to play alongside former captain MS Dhoni and learn from him, while reflecting on his initial fear of not being picked. Kartik's emotional journey during the auction is a reminder of the life-changing opportunities offered by the IPL platform.
In their U19 Asia Cup match on Sunday, India and Pakistan continued their ongoing tension, as the two team captains refused to shake hands during the toss. Despite the hostile atmosphere, Pakistan emerged victorious in the match, choosing to field first after winning the toss. In their previous matches, both teams had started their tournament campaigns with wins, with India dominating the UAE and Pakistan defeating Malaysia. India's Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who set a U19 record with 14 sixes and scored a match-winning 171 in their first match, was unable to replicate his performance against Pakistan, getting out for just 5 runs.
Chennai Super Kings made a strong addition to their middle order by securing Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan for his base price of INR 75 lakhs in the IPL 2026 auction. The 27-year-old earned his return to the IPL through an impressive performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, where he scored 329 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 203.08. With his domestic cricket experience and proven ability to accelerate when needed, Sarfaraz will be a valuable addition to the Chennai Super Kings lineup for the upcoming season.
Global football icon Lionel Messi visited Vantara, a wildlife rescue and conservation centre in India, accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates. The visit reflected Messi's humility and humanitarian values as he participated in traditional Hindu rituals, observed wildlife, and interacted with caregivers and conservation teams. He also toured the expansive conservation ecosystem, praising India's commitment to wildlife welfare and conservation. The highlight of the visit was when Messi met Maniklal, a rescued elephant calf he named "Lionel" in his honor.
During a special visit to Vantara, Argentine football star Lionel Messi participated in Hindu pujas and rituals, underscoring his close bond with founder Anant Ambani and their shared commitment to wildlife conservation. Messi and his teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul were warmly welcomed with folk music and a ceremonial aarti, before touring the conservation facilities and interacting with various animals. The visit was described as a meaningful and unforgettable experience, with Messi expressing his admiration for Vantara's work and promising to continue supporting it.
Jude Bellingham, the midfielder for Real Madrid, has been named in The Best FIFA Men's 11 for 2025 at a gala hosted by FIFA in Doha. Bellingham's selection is based on his exceptional performances between August 11, 2024 and August 2, 2025, during which Real Madrid won the European Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup. This is the second time Bellingham has made the team, which is determined by an international panel of football experts and fans around the world who voted on FIFA.com. The rest of the team includes top players such as Achraf, Pacho, Van Dijk, Nuno Mendes, Palmer, Vitinha, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and Dembélé.
Sunrisers Hyderabad made a statement at the IPL 2026 auction as they splurged on talented players to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. Despite having a strong first-choice team, SRH still managed to pick up some big names like Liam Livingstone and Shivam Mavi late in the auction. With a mix of experienced and domestic players, SRH looks set to dominate the field next season.
Global football sensation Lionel Messi, along with his fellow Inter Miami teammates, visited Vantara, a wildlife rescue and conservation centre in Jamnagar. He participated in traditional rituals and interacted with the conservation teams, expressing his admiration for the care and work done at the facility. The visit marked the end of Messi's highly anticipated G.O.A.T. India Tour, leaving fans with lifetime memories of his whirlwind trip.
New Zealand's Zak Foulkes shines in his Test debut against Zimbabwe with 9 wickets in total, matching a 97-year-old record set by William O’Rourke. With a six-wicket victory in a single match, BLACKCAPS decimate Zimbabwe and set a new record for the most runs in Test cricket, led by Player of the Match Devon Conway with an unbeaten 165 runs.
Mangesh Yadav, a rising talent in the world of cricket, was picked up by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for a whopping Rs 5.2 crore at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The Madhya Pradesh all-rounder, who recently made his domestic debut, has proven his worth with a quick 12-ball 28 and 2 wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He will join his state-mates Venkatesh Iyer and Rajat Patidar at RCB, adding fresh pace and left arm variety to the team's lineup. Mangesh's promising potential and determination make him an exciting addition to the squad.