Sports Bulletin For December 10: The day delivered a packed lineup of significant developments across the sporting world, with major updates, unexpected twists, off-field drama, and landmark achievements making waves.
From international cricket to global football and franchise leagues, a mix of controversies, comebacks, appointments, and standout performances kept fans and analysts thoroughly engaged.
As multiple stories unfolded across different arenas, each carried its own impact-shaping headlines, sparking debates, and adding fresh dimensions to ongoing narratives. Here's a quick look at the key sports stories that dominated the week.
1) Rohit Sharma Remains World's No 1 ODI Batter, Virat Kohli In 2nd
Two of India's biggest batting stalwarts,
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, continue to dominate the ICC ODI batting charts. Rohit remains firmly at No. 1, while Kohli's recent surge in form has pushed him up two places to No. 2, narrowing the gap between the two to just eight rating points.
2) Dinesh Karthik Joins The Hundred Side London Spirit
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has been appointed as London Spirit's mentor and batting coach, the franchise announced on Wednesday. The role marks his first coaching assignment outside the IPL, where he currently works in a similar position with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
3) Cricketers Absconding After Assaulting Head Coach Over Non-Selection
S. Venkataraman, the U-19 head coach of the Cricket Association of Pondicherry, was allegedly attacked by three local players on December 8 after they were left out of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad, according to The Indian Express. The assault reportedly occurred inside the CAP complex, leaving the coach with a head injury, a shoulder fracture, and requiring 20 stitches on his forehead.
4) Lionel Messi Scripts History With Second MLS MVP Honour
Lionel Messi has been named MLS Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year, earning the 2025 honour after guiding Inter Miami to the league title. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner also claimed the award in 2024 and played a central role in securing the club's third trophy in its young history.
5) Hardik Pandya Credits Girlfriend Mahieka For Support During Rehab After Cuttack Heroics
Hardik Pandya praised his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma, saying she has been "amazing" since they began dating and that many good things have followed. The couple's relationship has been in the spotlight for the past two months.
6) Big Blow For New Zealand As Star Pacer Gets Stretchered Off Following Shoulder Injury
New Zealand suffered a setback after pacer Blair Tickner was stretchered off during the second Test in Wellington with a suspected shoulder dislocation. Tickner, who had earlier claimed four wickets, injured himself in the 63rd over while diving near the boundary to stop a shot from Tevon Imlach. He received on-field treatment before being taken off to applause from the Basin Reserve crowd.
7) After Rape Charges Dropped, Pakistan Cricketer Gets NOC To Play In Bangladesh
The PCB has revoked Haider Ali's provisional suspension, imposed after rape allegations surfaced in Manchester in September. The board confirmed that Ali is among nine Pakistani players who have now been issued NOCs to compete in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League.
8) Nicholas Pooran Sparks Controversy With Tactical Non-Stumping In ILT20
Nicholas Pooran sparked controversy in an ILT20 match when he refused to stump Max Holden despite the batter being well outside his crease. Holden, who struggled to accelerate the innings after coming in as a replacement for the injured Andries Gous, was on 42 off 36 balls when the incident occurred in the 16th over. Rashid Khan delivered a short ball that Holden missed, giving Pooran an easy stumping opportunity-yet he chose not to break the bails, leaving fans and commentators baffled. The Vipers retired Holden out in the next over as their innings stalled at 117/1.
