Harmanpreet Kaur revealed that the decision by India’s women’s cricket team to hand the World Cup trophy to Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami after their historic win was deliberate. She said the squad had agreed that the legends, who had carried the burden of near-misses for years, must be part of the moment. “We had decided that whenever we do it in the future, we will make sure that they would be in the stadium,” Kaur said. The gesture underscores the team’s respect for the pioneers who laid the foundation. (PC: X)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has submitted a provisional schedule for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to the International Cricket Council, proposing that the tournament be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Under the plan, the final would take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad—unless Pakistan national cricket team reaches it, in which case the match would shift to Sri Lanka. Pakistan’s group matches are planned entirely in Sri Lanka amid India-Pakistan political sensitivities. The tournament is expected between February and March 2026. (PC: X)

India continued its no-handshake policy with Pakistan during the Hong Kong Sixes match, following the precedent set during Asia Cup 2025 and the Women's World Cup. Led by Dinesh Karthik, India won by 2 runs via DLS method after rain interrupted Pakistan's chase of 87 runs at 41/1. The animosity stems from tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack and India's Operation Sindoor retaliation. Sources confirmed India will maintain the Asia Cup 2025 norm of avoiding handshakes. Earlier, India posted 86/4 in six overs, with Robin Uthappa scoring 28 and Bharat Chipli contributing 24. Both teams returned to designated seating areas without any post-match interaction. (PC: HT & ESPNCric Info)

Veteran Indian footballer Sunil Chhetri announced plans to retire from professional football after the ISL 2025-2026 season. The 41-year-old aims to score 15 goals with Bengaluru FC before ending his illustrious career. Chhetri initially retired from international football in June 2024 after India's FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Kuwait but reversed his decision in March 2025 when former coach Manolo Marquez requested his return for AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. However, India failed to qualify for the tournament. Chhetri, who has represented India in 157 matches scoring 95 goals as the national team's highest goal-scorer, expressed desire to win ISL but acknowledged challenges at age 42. (PC: X)

The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami after his estranged wife, Hasin Jahan, filed a plea seeking alimony and financial maintenance. The petition challenges earlier court orders and requests enhanced support for her and their child. A bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud directed Shami to respond to the notice, marking a new legal development in their long-standing marital dispute. The case, which has drawn significant media attention, will now be heard in detail to determine the financial responsibilities and rights of both parties under family law. (PC: NDTV)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to raise governance concerns against Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi at the upcoming ICC meeting, alleging his dual roles as PCB chief and Pakistan’s Interior Minister violate ICC regulations. The BCCI has reportedly secured support from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) to strengthen its case. The issue may escalate tensions between India and Pakistan ahead of key ICC deliberations in Dubai. (PC: X)

Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri, 42, has announced potential retirement plans, stating he will hang up his boots if Bengaluru FC fails to win ISL 2025-2026 and qualify for continental competition. The veteran striker aims to score 15 goals this season before retiring. Chhetri, who retired from international football last year, made a comeback in June at former coach Manolo Marquez's request for Asian Cup qualifiers. However, India remained winless after four games and failed to qualify. Chhetri scored only one goal in six international appearances, bringing his career tally to 95 goals marking fourth highest among active players after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He expressed no regrets about his comeback decision. (PC: BCCI)

Former Australian winger Ryan Williams officially became an Indian citizen, receiving his passport from Bengaluru FC teammate Sunil Chhetri in a ceremonial moment. Williams, who has Australian-Indian heritage through his Mumbai-born mother, represents AIFF's historic first step in including Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) in the national football setup. Before the handover, Chhetri quizzed Williams on Indian street food and pop culture. Williams has scored 13 goals with five assists in 46 games for Bengaluru FC since 2023. Nepal-born defender Abneet Bharti is also attending the Indian national team camp on trial. Williams' reported inclusion ahead of AFC Asian Cup qualifiers brings speed, direct running, and finishing qualities India has lacked.

Tata Motors announced it will gift each Indian women's cricket team member an exclusive Tata Sierra SUV from the first production batch to celebrate their historic ICC Women's World Cup victory. India won their maiden title last week, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final at Navi Mumbai. Each player will receive the top-end model of the soon-to-be-launched SUV. Tata Motors stated, "Legend Meets Legends," celebrating the team's legendary performance with a bold, versatile, timeless vehicle. The team recently met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where captain Harmanpreet Kaur presented a signed jersey and the World Cup trophy. They had previously met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (PC: NDTV Sports & Mint)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Indian women’s cricket team at his residence to celebrate their World Cup win. Players, coach Amol Muzumdar, and BCCI president Mithun Manhas joined the dinner. A video from the event went viral showing PM Modi serving food to injured player Pratika Rawal, who attended in a wheelchair. “Aapko koi kuch de nahi raha, kya pasand hai aapko?” Modi asked warmly. Rawal had missed the knockout matches due to injury. The Prime Minister praised the team, saying cricket is the “life of the people” in India and congratulated them for making the nation proud.