Sports Bulletin June 8: With just three days left for the FIFA World Cup, global sport is buzzing with major developments across football. India delivered
a historic Test demolition of Afghanistan, while administrative shifts saw Tamim Iqbal take charge of Bangladesh cricket. Off the field, speculation around Suryakumar Yadav's IPL future and potential changes in Pakistan's Test setup have added to the churn.
Meanwhile, Iran has set up base in Mexico amid geopolitical challenges, and European giants Spain and France are fine-tuning their squads. Fitness updates, tactical adjustments and key selection calls underline the final stretch before the tournament begins.
India Register Biggest Win In Test Cricket Against AFG
India crushed Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs in Mullanpur, marking their biggest Test win. Shubman Gill and KL Rahul scored centuries as India posted 564/8. Debutant Manav Suthar starred with the ball, picking 6/33 in the first innings. Overall, in the second innings, disciplined spin and sharp captaincy ensured a dominant, one-sided victory.
Tamim Iqbal Appointed New BCB President
Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has been elected president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, becoming its youngest chief at 37. He secured 73 of 75 votes after leading an ad hoc panel. Promising transparency and reforms, Tamim takes charge amid recent tensions with India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India, raising hopes his conciliatory stance could help improve bilateral cricket relations in the future.
Suryakumar Yadav Unfollows Mumbai Indians On Social Media
Suryakumar Yadav has sparked speculation about leaving the Mumbai Indians after removing the franchise from his Instagram bio and altering posts. Reports also noted a brief unfollowing of the team's account. While his recent form and role changes add context, neither the player nor the franchise has confirmed any departure, keeping the situation speculative.
PCB Likely To Sack Shan Masood From Test Squad
Pakistan cricket is likely to face a major overhaul in the red ball setup after a 0-2 Test series loss to Bangladesh. Captain Shan Masood and coach Sarfaraz Ahmed are under pressure, with Younis Khan and Mohammad Hafeez in talks for key roles. The Pakistan Cricket Board is considering leadership and structural changes to revive the struggling Test side.
Iran Reach Tijuana, Begin Training In Mexico
The Iran national football team has set up its World Cup 2026 base in Tijuana after arriving from Turkey, due to visa and diplomatic issues with the United States. Approved by FIFA, the team will train in Mexico, but play Group G matches in the U.S., facing travel challenges amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Yamal And Williams Can Start, Says De La Fuente
Luis de la Fuente expects Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and VÍctor MuÑoz to be fit for Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde. The trio is recovering from injuries and training in Tennessee. Spain are balancing fitness and tactics, while backing Gavi after a training incident, aiming for a strong start.
Dembele & Doue To Start Under Deschamps
Didier Deschamps plans to start Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue in France's final World Cup warm-up against Northern Ireland after a 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast. He aims for a stable lineup with reduced rotation, using the match to fine-tune combinations. Deschamps praised Doue's impact and warned against underestimating Northern Ireland despite their poor away record, stressing the need to regain momentum before the tournament.
