Sports Bulletin For December 25: The sports world witnessed a flurry of developments on and off the field, ranging from injury comebacks and administrative shake-ups to record-breaking performances and disciplinary actions.
From Shreyas Iyer's encouraging return to the nets and Rohit Sharma's historic Vijay Hazare feat to major appointments, controversies and viral moments, here are the top sports stories making headlines.
1) Shreyas Iyer Back Batting, Undergoes Further Assessment At BCCI CoE: Report
India have received a timely lift ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, with Shreyas Iyer making encouraging progress in his recovery. Around 17 days before the series begins, the senior batter has resumed batting and has joined
the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for a detailed evaluation of his injury, according to a report by The Times of India.
The report adds that Iyer spent nearly an hour batting in the nets and showed no signs of discomfort during the session. With his rehabilitation moving in the right direction, the middle-order mainstay is now focused on regaining full match fitness as he eyes a return to competitive action.
2) PM Narendra Modi Urges Youth To Pursue Sports, Says Their Spirit Shows India's Strength
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged India's youth to actively take up sports and play a role in nation-building. Addressing participants of the Sansad Khel Mahotsav, he praised young athletes for embracing healthy lifestyles and stressed the importance of discipline, hard work and self-belief in achieving success.
During the interaction, PM Modi also spoke with young athlete Shanti Kumari, who competed in the event organised by MP Dilip Saikia in the Darrang-Udalguri Lok Sabha constituency.
3) Rohit Sharma Equals David Warner's World Record In Vijay Hazare Trophy
Rohit Sharma marked his return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai after more than seven years in stunning fashion, smashing a 62-ball century against Sikkim on December 24 in Jaipur. The hundred, his fastest in List A cricket, bettered his previous 63-ball ton scored against Afghanistan during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Rohit went on to hammer 155 off 94 deliveries, laced with 18 fours and nine sixes, as Mumbai cruised to an eight-wicket win. The knock also saw him draw level with David Warner for the most 150-plus scores in List A cricket.
4) PV Sindhu Elected Chair Of BWF Athletes' Commission, Joins BWF Council
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has been appointed chairperson of the BWF Athletes' Commission and will also serve on the Badminton World Federation Council for the 2026-29 term.
Sindhu, who has been part of the Athletes' Commission since 2017 and a BWF Integrity Ambassador since 2020, adds her vast experience to the role, having won two Olympic medals and the 2019 world title.
5) Fenerbahce President Sadettin Saran Detained After Positive Drug Test
Sadettin Saran, president of Turkish sports club Fenerbahce, was detained in Istanbul on Wednesday as part of an expanding drug probe, state media reported.
According to broadcaster TRT, forensic tests detected traces of narcotics in his hair samples. The Turkish-American businessman had been summoned last week to give a statement and submit hair and blood samples to prosecutors.
6) Cristian Romero In Danger Of Longer Ban Following Furious Confrontation With Referee
Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero is at risk of a longer ban after the Football Association charged him for not leaving the pitch promptly and for showing "aggressive" conduct following his red card against Liverpool.
Romero was sent off during Spurs' 2-1 loss last Saturday after picking up a second yellow for lashing out at Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, with referee John Brooks issuing the dismissal.
7) Hardik Pandya Stays Cool Despite Abusive Selfie Request
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya remained composed after an aggressive fan hurled an abusive remark at him while he was leaving a Mumbai restaurant with his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, following a Christmas outing.
A video of the moment has gone viral, showing Pandya calmly ignoring the comment and walking to his car despite the crowd and security preventing the fan from getting a selfie.
8) BCB Takes Over Chattogram Royals After Owner Withdraws Just Before BPL 2026
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has stepped in to run the Chattogram Royals after the franchise owner pulled out just a day before the start of BPL 12 on December 26.
Triangle Services Limited, which had bought the team and taken part in the auction, informed the BCB of its withdrawal on Wednesday, reportedly due to difficulties in securing sponsors.
