Sports Bulletin For November 20: A series of key updates from the world of sports made waves today, with major developments across cricket, football, boxing, and athletics. From player fitness calls and format
suggestions to historic milestones, awards, and off-field incidents, here are the top highlights from the day's sporting action:
1) Shubman Gill Skips Practice, To Give Fitness Test In Guwahati On Friday: Report
India captain Shubman Gill is expected to undergo a fitness test ahead of the second Test against South Africa starting Saturday in Guwahati. Gill, who was taken to the hospital after a neck injury during the Kolkata Test that India lost by 30 runs, has travelled with the team but skipped Thursday's training session. As per PTI, he will take his fitness test on Friday to determine his availability.
2) IPL & World Cup Winner Tells BCCI To Get Rid Of IPL Auctions
Robin Uthappa has suggested a major overhaul of the IPL format, calling for the abolition of player auctions and the introduction of year-round trade windows and a draft system. He also proposed extending the league from its current two-and-a-half months to a six-month tournament.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former KKR and CSK star-who scored 4,952 runs in 205 IPL games and won the Orange Cap during KKR's title-winning season-said the league must evolve with the times.
3) Steve Smith's Hilarious Trolls Monty Panesar After Sandgate Taunt
Australian captain Steve Smith hit back at Monty Panesar after the former England spinner urged Ben Stokes to revive the sandpaper-gate controversy during the Ashes tour. Ahead of the opening Test, Smith mocked Panesar's infamous Mastermind appearance, where the ex-cricketer fumbled several basic questions.
4) Lionel Messi Named 'Most Beloved Player In Barca History
Lionel Messi has been voted the most beloved player in Barcelona's history, Spanish outlet SPORT announced on Thursday. The World Cup winner spent 17 glittering years with the club after joining at 13, capturing 35 trophies, including 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League crowns, and three Club World Cups.
5) Sports Star Annu Rani Picks Up Gun; Fires Shots At Her Wedding, Meerut Cops Jump In
Haryana kickboxer Sahil Bhardwaj and his wife, javelin star Annu Rani, have landed in legal trouble after a video from their recent Meerut wedding went viral. The clip shows the couple firing shots into the air on stage, while Sahil is also seen tossing bundles of ₹10 notes during the ceremony. The act has prompted authorities to take action, turning their celebration into a controversy.
6) Mushfiqur Rahim Creates Test History For Bangladesh
Mushfiqur Rahim added another milestone to his illustrious career on Thursday, scoring his 13th Test century in the second Test against Ireland in Dhaka. With this ton, he became only the 11th player in Test history to reach a century in his 100th international match.
7) Hakimi Named African Player Of The Year 2025
Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the 2025 African Player of the Year after an outstanding season for both club and country. The PSG full-back, a key figure in Morocco's historic 2022 World Cup semifinal run, also played a major role in helping the French side win their first-ever UEFA Champions League title.
8) Nikhat Zareen Ends Her Medal Drought; Seals Finals Berth At World Boxing Cup
Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the 2025 African Player of the Year after an outstanding season for both Morocco and PSG. The full-back, key to Morocco's 2022 World Cup semifinal run, also played a pivotal role in helping PSG win their first-ever UEFA Champions League title.
