Sports Bulletin For December 26: A packed sports news cycle delivered drama, milestones and major developments across cricket and football. From contrasting
fortunes for India's biggest cricket stars and record-breaking scenes at the Ashes, to ownership shake-ups in the ISL, a widening betting scandal in Turkey and an emotional tribute at Anfield, the day offered plenty of headlines that resonated well beyond the field of play.
1) Virat Kohli Slams 77, Rohit Sharma Goes For Duck In Vijay Hazare Trophy
Virat Kohli continued his good form in the Round 2 of Vijay Hazare Trophy with a classy 77 against Gujarat, while Rohit Sharma failed to impress following a brilliant 155 with a first-ball duck.
2) Man City Pull The Plug On Mumbai City FC: Owners Cut Ties With Club As ISL Uncertainty Grows
City Football Group have officially ended their association with Indian football after selling their entire 65% stake in Mumbai City FC, bringing a close to a five-year partnership. The Manchester City owners cited a "comprehensive commercial review" behind the decision, signalling concerns over long-term stability and direction within the Indian Super League.
With CFG's exit, full ownership of Mumbai City FC reverts to the club's original promoters, Ranbir Kapoor and Bimal Parekh. CFG's entry in 2019 had been a watershed moment for Indian football, lending the ISL global visibility and credibility. The collaboration also translated into success on the field, with Mumbai City clinching two ISL League Shields and two ISL Cup titles, establishing themselves as one of the league's most successful sides during that period.
3) Australia Lead By 46 Runs As 20 Wickets Falls In Day 1 Of 4th Ashes Test
Despite being bowled out for just 152, Australia ended day one of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne with the advantage, holding a 42-run first-innings lead over England. A total of 20 wickets fell on a dramatic opening day witnessed by a record crowd at the MCG, as Australia reached 4 without loss in their second innings to stretch the overall lead to 46 runs at stumps.
Earlier, England struck hard after opting to bowl, with Josh Tongue producing a career-best spell of 5 for 45 to dismantle the Australian batting. However, England failed to fully capitalise, collapsing for 110 in reply as Michael Neser led the counterattack with figures of 4 for 45.
4) Turkish Football Betting Scandal Deepens: Ex-Galatasaray Executive Among 29 New Suspects DetainedT
urkey's football betting scandal continues to widen, with prosecutors ordering the detention of 29 additional suspects as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal wagering. Former Galatasaray executive Erden Timur is among those detained, with state broadcaster NTV reporting that 24 people have already been taken into custody, four are still being sought, and one was already imprisoned.
The probe has now moved firmly into the spotlight, involving 14 active players from various Turkish leagues. Six of the suspects are linked to alleged irregular betting activity surrounding an October 2024 Super Lig match between Kasimpasa and Samsunspor.
This latest action follows an earlier operation targeting 46 individuals, including footballers, club officials, TV analysts and a referee. Courts have since remanded 20 suspects in custody ahead of trial, highlighting the growing scale and gravity of the case.
5) History Made At MCG! Record Crowd Of 93,442 Rocks The Ashes As Biggest Single-Day Crowd Ever
The Boxing Day Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground made history even before tea, drawing the largest crowd ever recorded for a single day of cricket. A remarkable 93,442 spectators filled the stands, surpassing the previous overall record of 93,013 from the 2015 ODI World Cup final and overtaking the Test-day benchmark of 91,112 set during the 2013 Ashes at the same venue.
6) 14-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Awarded Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar By President Murmu
Teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi was honoured at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday, receiving the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar from President Droupadi Murmu. The 14-year-old earned India's highest civilian award for children in recognition of outstanding achievement across areas such as sports, bravery, innovation, science, social service and culture.
7) ISL Teams Urge AIFF For Long-Term Roadmap Before Any Short-Term League
Indian Super League clubs have written to the All India Football Federation seeking urgent clarity on both the short-term and long-term roadmap for the league. The 2025-26 season has been on hold since July following a deadlock over the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement between AIFF and former organisers FSDL, with the current deal due to end in December 2025. The dispute escalated to the Supreme Court, and although a court-monitored tender for the league's commercial rights was floated, it failed to attract any bidders.
8) Diogo Jota's Sons To Lead Anfield Tribute As Liverpool Face Wolves - Report
Anfield is set for an emotional tribute this weekend as Liverpool prepare to remember Diogo Jota. The club is expected to honour the late Portuguese forward during Saturday's Premier League match against Wolves, with Jota's two young sons set to walk out as mascots for the fixture.
Jota, who passed away in a tragic car accident in Spain in July at the age of 28 along with his younger brother, enjoyed defining spells at both clubs. The meeting between Liverpool and Wolves will be their first since his death, adding deep significance to a fixture that once shaped his career in English football.
