Sports Bulletin For November 18: A series of key developments across cricket and football made headlines, featuring injury updates, squad changes, disciplinary actions, diplomatic impacts on scheduling,
major legal disputes, player transfers, and new World Cup-related travel measures.
1) Shubman Gill Doubtful For 2nd Test Against South Africa, Advised Not To Travel: Report
India captain Shubman Gill is unlikely to travel with the team to Guwahati for the second Test against South Africa, with a PTI report saying he won't join the squad on Wednesday. The 25-year-old, who hurt his neck on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test, is under close medical care and has been advised against flying.
2) Star All-Rounder Joins India Squad Ahead Of 2nd Test For Shubman Gill Substitute: Report
India's build-up to the second Test against South Africa has hit a setback, with captain Shubman Gill unlikely to regain fitness in time for the Guwahati match. As a precaution, the team has reportedly called all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy to join the squad ahead of schedule, as per a timesofindia.com report.
3) Charith Asalanka and Asitha Fernando Return Home Despite Pakistan's Assurance Following Islamabad Blast
Sri Lanka's tour of Pakistan has hit another setback, with captain Charith Asalanka and pacer Asitha Fernando returning home after falling ill in the aftermath of the Islamabad blast. Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed their exit from the upcoming tri-series with Pakistan and Zimbabwe but did not disclose further medical information.
4) IND-W vs BAN-W: December India-Bangladesh Women's Series in Doubt Due to Diplomatic Rift: Report
Rising political tensions between India and Bangladesh are expected to impact cricket again, with the women's bilateral series in December likely to be deferred. According to The Hindustan Times, the three ODIs and three T20Is under the ICC FTP are set to be postponed due to the "prevailing diplomatic tensions between the two governments. "
5) Babar Azam Punished For Breaching ICC Code Of Conduct
Pakistan batter Babar Azam has been fined 10% of his match fee by the ICC for a Level 1 code-of-conduct breach during the third ODI against Sri Lanka. The ICC stated that the 31-year-old violated Article 2.2, which relates to the "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment, or fixtures and fittings during an International Match. "
6) Kylian Mbappe Sues PSG for €263m, Club Hits Back With €240m Claim: Report
Kylian Mbappe's messy exit from Paris Saint-Germain has exploded into a massive legal battle, with the French star filing a €263 million claim against his former club. He alleges PSG breached his contract and mistreated him during the 2023-24 season after he declined to trigger a contract extension. What started as a dispute over his future has now become one of the most expensive conflicts in European football.
7) Delhi Capitals Announce Signing Of Nitish Rana
Delhi Capitals have acquired Nitish Rana in a trade with Rajasthan Royals, sending Donovan Ferreira the other way ahead of IPL 2026.
8) President Trump Announces Fast-Track US Visas To Watch World Cup For 'Legitimate Football Fans'
President Donald Trump on Monday announced special fast-track visas for 2026 World Cup ticket-holders, though his administration warned this would not guarantee entry into the US. Despite worries over strict border rules, officials said the country remains committed to ensuring a smooth tournament experience.
