Team India kicked off high‑intensity training at Lord’s on June 8, 2025, under new head coach Gautam Gambhir, preparing for the five‑Test series against England, beginning June 20 in Leeds. Shubman Gill, now India’s 37th Test captain following Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s retirements, led the sessions alongside pace spearheads Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh, as well as Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja. Team India A is already acclimatising during unofficial Tests against England Lions in Northampton. The squad aims to reclaim a Test series win in England—a feat last achieved in 2007. (PC: X/BCCI)

Andhra Pradesh is set to host a match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 after a 28-year hiatus. Vishakhapatnam’s Dr YSR ACA–VDCA Stadium is among four Indian venues selected, with the tournament running from 30 September to 2 November across India and Sri Lanka. The stadium will welcome at least one Group‑stage fixture, marking a revival of international women’s cricket in the state since 1997. This return to the global stage is expected to boost local infrastructure and fan engagement, further cementing Visakhapatnam’s status as a significant cricketing hub. (PC: The Hindu)

A deadly stampede erupted on 4 June 2025 outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations. At least 11 people, including two children, died and over 50 were injured as a surge of tens of thousands overwhelmed barricades. Police had reportedly denied permission for the public gathering, yet organizers—including RCB and event-management firm DNA Entertainment—announced free entry and a parade with minimal notice. Authorities filed an FIR against RCB, KSCA, and organizers for culpable homicide and unlawful assembly. Four individuals, including RCB’s head of marketing, Nikhil Sosale, have been arrested and remanded. A magisterial inquiry is underway. (PC: Deccan Herald)

A citizens’ group, the Cubbon Park Walkers’ Association has filed a formal complaint against the Karnataka government, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), event organizer DNA, and the Army’s Karnataka Sub‑Area HQ. The complaint accuses them of “dereliction of duty” for failing to prepare for the massive turnout during RCB’s IPL victory celebration, which led fans to surge into Cubbon Park, damaging fences, plants, and facilities, and defecating in open spaces. Eleven people died and 47 were injured in the tragic stampede during the same celebrations at M Chinnaswamy Stadium after RCB’s maiden IPL title. The group demands immediate legal action and accountability across all implicated organisations. (PC: RCB & News18)

A Bengaluru resident filed a complaint with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on June 8, accusing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of personally inviting the public to a celebratory RCB event at M Chinnaswamy Stadium without adequate safety plans, leading to a tragic stampede that killed 11 and injured 56 . Political tensions escalated as BJP leaders demanded Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM Shivakumar, and Home Minister Parameshwara be held accountable and urged their resignations . The CM defended the response, citing suspensions and a CID probe, while announcing enhanced compensation of ₹25 lakh per victim’s family. (PC: ANI)

Indian chess star Arjun Erigaisi checkmated World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in the armageddon game of the final round at Norway Chess 2025. But the win didn’t change the outcome — Carlsen had already secured enough points to claim his seventh Norway Chess title. Despite the loss, Carlsen smiled, showing why many call him the GOAT. He finished with 16 points, edging past Fabiano Caruana (15.5) and D Gukesh (14.5). Arjun ended fifth with 13 points. Carlsen said he felt confident playing the younger generation and was happy to outplay them in key moments.

A tragic stampede occurred on June 4, 2025, during unplanned IPL victory celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, killing 11 and injuring over 50 . Police had warned the state government and RCB organizers to delay the event, advising caution and crowd-control measures – advice that was ignored . An excessive crowd of around 200,000–300,000 overwhelmed security and infrastructure . Authorities filed FIRs against RCB, KSCA and DNA Entertainment for negligence . Political backlash intensified, leading to resignations, suspensions, a CID probe, and calls for high‑level accountability. (PC: PTI)

For the first time ever, four Indian players feature in the global top 10 chess rankings. Aravindh Chithambaram’s victory at the 6th Stepan Avagyan Memorial in Armenia lifted him to world No. 9, joining D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa at the top. Aravindh edged out Praggnanandhaa via tiebreaks after both scored 6.5/9. Despite missing a win earlier in the event, Praggnanandhaa now leads the FIDE Circuit and is a strong candidate for the 2026 Candidates Tournament. The Indian quartet’s rise signals a golden era in Indian chess as they prepare for the upcoming Uzchess Cup in Uzbekistan. (PC: X)

Shreyas Iyer’s leadership in IPL 2025 has reignited his international career, with top BCCI voices now endorsing him for T20I and Test roles. Despite falling short in the final with Punjab Kings, Iyer’s composed leadership and explosive batting — including a match-winning 87* in the Eliminator vs Mumbai — earned praise. Once dropped from national squads and stripped of his central contract, Iyer led PBKS to consecutive IPL finals and won fans with his “Sarpanch Sahab” persona. His commanding presence and form have propelled him into serious contention for India’s white-ball captaincy, challenging Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma directly. (PC: AFP)

Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke has sparked speculation by suggesting Virat Kohli might reverse his recent Test retirement if India performs poorly in the upcoming England series. Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket podcast, Clarke said Kohli "still loves Test cricket" and could consider a comeback if new captain Shubman Gill and selectors urge him. India, missing key players including Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shami, face a tough five-Test series starting July. Clarke believes a 5-0 defeat could prompt fans and officials to seek Kohli's return, despite the star batter stepping away from the format on May 12. (PC: PTI)