Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has announced that she is expecting her first child with husband Somvir Rathee. She shared the news on Instagram on March 6, writing, "A new chapter in our story," alongside a picture with her husband. Vinesh retired from wrestling after the Paris Olympics 2024 but recently hinted at a comeback. Fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshee Malik congratulated her. Since retiring, Vinesh has also entered politics, winning the Julana seat in the Haryana Assembly elections. Fans and well-wishers continue to celebrate this new phase in her life.

Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami faced criticism from cleric Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi for not fasting during India's Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia, calling it a "sin" and a "crime." However, Maulana Khalid Rashid of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board defended Shami, citing Islamic exemptions for travelers. Shami’s family and coach also backed him, urging focus on the final. Politician Rohit Pawar condemned linking religion to sports. Shami led India's bowling attack, taking 3 wickets as India won by 4 wickets. His family called the controversy "shameful."

South Africa’s David Miller criticized the ICC over the Champions Trophy scheduling after his team’s exhausting travel to Dubai before their semifinal loss to New Zealand in Lahore. Due to India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, the ICC scheduled all their matches in Dubai, forcing South Africa and Australia to fly unnecessarily. “It wasn’t ideal,” Miller said. Despite his unbeaten 100 off 67 balls, South Africa fell 50 runs short in their chase of 363. Miller backed New Zealand to beat India in Sunday’s final in Dubai, calling it a “great” contest and admitting, “I think I'll be supporting New Zealand.”

Virat Kohli and Steve Smith shared an emotional moment after India defeated Australia by 4 wickets in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final in Dubai. Smith, who scored 73 runs, announced his retirement from ODIs after the match. A viral video captured Kohli asking Smith if it was his last ODI, and upon hearing "Yes," he embraced him warmly. Smith, a two-time World Cup winner, retires with 5,800 ODI runs. India will face New Zealand in the final on March 9. Smith reaffirmed his commitment to Test cricket, with the World Test Championship final against South Africa ahead.

India pacer Mohammed Shami acknowledged that playing all matches in Dubai has “definitely helped” the team in the Champions Trophy. Critics claim India benefited from familiar conditions and no travel, while other teams played across multiple Pakistan venues. “We know the pitch and its behavior well,” Shami said after India’s semifinal win over Australia. However, coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed the allegations, calling them baseless. India remains unbeaten, with Shami leading the wicket charts with 8 scalps. The final will also be held in Dubai under the Hybrid Model.

As India prepares to face New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy final on Sunday, several factors suggest a challenging contest for Rohit Sharma and his team. New Zealand's spin attack, led by Mitchell Santner and supported by Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra, offers a variety that could exploit the Dubai pitch conditions. Additionally, the Kiwi pacers' ability to generate seam movement and extra bounce has troubled India's top order in past encounters. Their exceptional fielding unit, highlighted by Glenn Phillips, can save crucial runs and convert half-chances into wickets. Moreover, New Zealand's deep batting lineup, featuring in-form players like Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra, adds to their competitiveness. Having already played India at this venue recently, New Zealand's familiarity with the conditions further bolsters their position, making the final a potentially tough battle for India. 

India and New Zealand will meet in the Champions Trophy final for the first time since 2000. New Zealand defeated South Africa by 50 runs in the semi-final, while India beat Australia to reach the final. The last time these teams met in a white-ball final, New Zealand won the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy. India will aim for revenge in the title clash on Sunday in Dubai. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson starred in New Zealand's semi-final win, while India's spinners dominated against Australia. The final promises a thrilling contest between two strong teams.

New Zealand beat South Africa by 50 runs in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Batting first in Lahore, New Zealand posted 362/6. Kane Williamson (102) and Rachin Ravindra (108) led the charge with centuries. South Africa started well while chasing 363, but they lost wickets in the middle overs. David Miller scored a century off the last ball, but it was not enough. Kagiso Rabada’s dismissal sealed South Africa’s fate. New Zealand will face India in the final on March 9 in Dubai.

India secured a spot in the Champions Trophy final, defeating Australia by 4 wickets while chasing 265 in Dubai. KL Rahul, who finished unbeaten on 42 off 34 balls, had an intense post-match chat with Travis Head. The moment went viral, with fans recalling Rahul’s struggles in the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia. This time, the roles were reversed—Head departed for 39, and Rahul played a crucial role in India's victory. Former cricketers lauded Rahul’s redemption, with Aakash Chopra remarking, “Ab koi nahi bolega.” India awaits the winner of South Africa vs New Zealand.

Australia captain Steve Smith dismissed claims that India had an advantage in the Champions Trophy by playing all matches in Dubai. After losing to India in the semi-final, Smith admitted his team was outplayed. He said India deserved the win as they played better cricket. Australia, after winning the toss, aimed for 300 runs but fell short at 264. Smith believed they needed stronger partnerships. Dropped catches also hurt Australia, allowing India to chase the target comfortably. Smith accepted the loss, saying mistakes happen in cricket, and India was the better team on the day.