Just days after being named in India’s Asia Cup squad, Shubman Gill has reportedly fallen ill, casting doubt over his participation in a major upcoming BCCI tournament. Gill, who was expected to lead the side, is currently under medical observation. His sudden health setback has raised concerns within the team management, especially given his recent form and leadership role. The BCCI is closely monitoring the situation and may announce a replacement if Gill is ruled out. This development comes at a critical juncture for India’s tournament preparations, potentially impacting team dynamics and strategy. Fans and selectors alike await further updates on his recovery. (PC: NDTV)

Lionel Messi is officially set to play a friendly football match in Kerala this November, as confirmed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) on August 23, 2025. The match will be part of two FIFA friendlies scheduled for the remainder of the year. The first will take place in the United States from October 6–14, while the second will be held between November 10–18 in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India. The opponents for both fixtures are yet to be announced. This marks a historic moment for Indian football fans, as Messi’s presence promises to electrify the stadium and spotlight India on the global football map. (PC: Al Jazeera)

The BCCI is set for a major shake-up in its men’s selection committee, with former India spinner and three-time IPL winner Pragyan Ojha likely to replace S Sharath from the South Zone. Ojha’s inclusion comes as Sharath completes his term, while the Central Zone replacement remains undisclosed. The BCCI recently invited applications for two selector positions, with eligibility requiring either seven Test matches or 30 first-class games, or 10 ODIs and 20 first-class matches. The current committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, includes SS Das, Subroto Banerjee, Ajay Ratra, and S Sharath. Contracts are renewed annually, and the final appointments will follow after the September 10 application deadline. (PC: NDTV & Sports Media)

The BCCI has clarified its stance on India’s ODI captaincy succession, denying reports that Shreyas Iyer is being considered to replace Rohit Sharma. Instead, Shubman Gill is emerging as the frontrunner for all-format leadership. Gill, currently vice-captain for the Asia Cup and recently appointed Test captain, boasts a strong ODI average of 59 and is seen as a long-term asset. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed claims about Iyer’s promotion, stating, “That’s news to me.” Officials also expressed doubts about Rohit Sharma’s fitness for the 2027 World Cup. Gill’s T20I future depends on adapting to India’s aggressive style, while Suryakumar Yadav leads until the next World Cup. (PC: The Cricket Lounge & News 18)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has extended Ajit Agarkar’s contract as chief selector till June 2026, according to a report. Agarkar took charge in 2023 and helped India win the T20 World Cup in 2024 and the Champions Trophy in 2025. A BCCI official said, “Under his tenure, the Indian team had won titles and seen transition too.” The extension was confirmed before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Agarkar also stressed on the careful workload management of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. India will begin the Asia Cup 2025 against UAE on September 10. (PC: NDTV)

The Sports Ministry on Thursday said India will not take part in any bilateral sports events with Pakistan. “Indian teams will not travel to Pakistan, nor will we allow Pakistani teams in India,” a ministry source said. The new policy applies to all venues, even neutral ones. However, multilateral tournaments, like the Asia Cup starting September 9 in the UAE, will go ahead. “We will not stop the Indian cricket team from playing in the Asia Cup as it is a multilateral event,” the source added. The policy also aims to follow Olympic norms and support international sports inclusivity. (PC: AFP)

India’s Sports Ministry has issued a new policy declaring a complete halt to bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan—neither country will send teams to each other’s soil, even on neutral venues; effective immediately. However, the rule carved out a clear exception: India’s cricket team will not be stopped from playing in the Asia Cup, as it's a multilateral tournament organized by the Asian Cricket Council. The upcoming Asia Cup (September 9–28, 2025) will therefore proceed with India–Pakistan matches intact, likely held in neutral venues like the UAE.  

The government on Thursday said India will not take part in any bilateral sports events with Pakistan. Indian teams will not travel to Pakistan, nor host Pakistani teams in bilateral series. However, this rule does not apply to multilateral tournaments. The Indian men’s cricket team will be allowed to play Pakistan in the Asia Cup on September 14 and possibly September 21 in Dubai. The final is on September 29. The policy follows international sports practices and ensures safety. Visa procedures for international sports officials will also be simplified, the government said. (PC: India Today)

The BCCI is considering Shreyas Iyer as India’s next ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma. A report suggests Iyer could lead until the 2027 World Cup. While Shubman Gill was once seen as a possible all-format leader, the board has ruled him out due to workload concerns. Gill is already captain in Tests and vice-captain in T20Is. Iyer, with 2845 runs in 70 ODIs and strong recent form, impressed in India’s Champions Trophy win earlier this year. Rohit, 38, may step down after the Australia series, making way for Iyer. A final decision will be taken after the Asia Cup. (PC: HT)

Australia has offered to assist India as it gears up to bid for the 2036 Olympic Games. In an exclusive with India Today, Australia’s High Commissioner Philip Green described a “genuine partnership” opportunity—leveraging Australia’s expertise in hosting major sporting events like the Olympics in 1956 and 2000, multiple Commonwealth Games, and proficiency in stadium planning, marketing, security, and ticketing—as India strengthens its global sports infrastructure . Green cited the world’s largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad—designed by an Australian firm—as a sign of this evolving collaboration. (PC: India Today)