Sports Bulletin For December 17: From a long-forgotten on-field flashpoint involving cricket's biggest stars to emotional moments at the IPL auction, the sports
world delivered plenty of talking points.
Add to that a global football icon soaking in fan love, a historic rise in the ICC rankings, mixed fortunes in overseas leagues, and major developments both on and off the field - and the headlines were impossible to ignore. Here's a snapshot of the biggest stories making waves.
1) Rohit Sharma Reveals Details Of Ugly Fight Involving Virat Kohli
During India's tour of Australia 11 years ago in 2014, a tense moment between some of cricket's biggest names lit up the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. What began as a routine LBW appeal by Rohit Sharma against Steve Smith quickly escalated into a heated on-field exchange.
Smith, who had padded away a straight delivery, reacted angrily to the appeal and voiced his frustration to the umpire. Rohit, clearly unimpressed, questioned Smith's reaction, repeatedly asking why he was complaining instead of focusing on his batting. Virat Kohli, stationed at first slip, stepped in and confronted Smith, leading to a fiery verbal duel before David Warner intervened to calm things down.
Looking back, Rohit explained that Smith's complaint triggered the entire episode. He recalled telling the Australian batter to concentrate on his game and allow the umpire and fielding side to do their jobs. Rohit also added a lighter touch to the story, revealing that Cheteshwar Pujara briefly walked in during the exchange, only to leave silently without saying a word - a moment that had everyone laughing.
2) 'Thank You For Giving Me New Life': Sarfaraz Khan's Emotional Reaction After CSK Deal
Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan was visibly emotional after Chennai Super Kings offered him a second chance at the IPL 2026 mini-auction on Tuesday. After going unsold initially, the 27-year-old was picked up by the five-time champions at his base price of ₹75 lakh, a move that came on the back of his red-hot domestic form.
Just hours earlier, Sarfaraz had blasted a rapid 73 off 22 balls in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, underlining his credentials. CSK made him their sixth signing of the auction, effectively reigniting his IPL career. Grateful for the opportunity, Sarfaraz later thanked the franchise on Instagram, calling the moment a "new beginning. "
3) 'Crazy What They've Done For Us'! Lionel Messi Thanks India For 'All The Love'
Lionel Messi delighted fans across India during his GOAT Tour 2025, visiting Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi, where massive crowds turned out to welcome the Argentine icon. After completing the four-city tour, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner thanked Indian fans for their overwhelming support.
Taking to Instagram, Messi expressed his appreciation for the warmth and hospitality he received, saying the love shown throughout the tour made the experience special. The 38-year-old described the visit as brief yet unforgettable, adding that while he expected the affection, experiencing it firsthand was truly remarkable.
4) Varun Chakaravarthy Creates History In ICC T20I Rankings
India spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has strengthened his position at the top of the latest ICC T20I bowling rankings after another impressive outing in the ongoing home series against South Africa. The mystery spinner has claimed six wickets across three matches, picking up two in each game.
His consistency has taken him into uncharted territory, as Chakaravarthy became the first Indian bowler in T20I history to cross the 800 rating-point mark. He currently leads the rankings with 818 points.
5) Babar Azam Fails Again In BBL! Scores Just 9 Out Of 10 Balls
Pakistan star Babar Azam endured another modest outing for Sydney Sixers in the ongoing 2025-26 Big Bash League. Opening the innings against Adelaide Strikers at the Sydney Cricket Ground on December 17, the 31-year-old managed just 9 runs off 10 balls before becoming the first wicket to fall, caught by Matthew Short off Luke Wood.
Earlier, in his BBL debut for the Sixers against Perth Scorchers on December 14, Babar had scored only 2 runs from 5 deliveries at the Optus Stadium.
6) Alex Carey 106, Usman Khawaja 82 Give Australia Upper Hand On Day 1 Of 3rd Ashes Test
Alex Carey struck a memorable 106 at his home venue, while Usman Khawaja battled his way to 82 as Australia gained the upper hand on the opening day of the third Ashes Test against England. Opting to bat first in sweltering conditions at the Adelaide Oval, Australia reached 326/8 despite being without Steve Smith, who missed the match due to illness. Mitchell Starc ended the day unbeaten on 33, with Nathan Lyon yet to open his account.
7) French Court Orders PSG To Pay Kylian Mbappe 61 Million Euros In Unpaid Wages & Bonuses
A French labour court has ruled that Paris Saint-Germain must pay former star forward Kylian Mbappe up to 61 million euros in outstanding wages and bonuses. The decision was delivered on Tuesday. Mbappe, who left PSG in June 2024 to join Real Madrid, had originally claimed more than 260 million euros, while the club countered with a demand of 440 million euros from the France captain.
8) Driver Gets 21 Years & Six Months Jail For Road Rage That Injured 134 During Liverpool's Victory Parade
A man who deliberately drove his vehicle into crowds celebrating Liverpool's Premier League title has been sentenced to 21 years and six months in prison. The court said the attack unleashed "horror and devastation" on the city's streets. The 54-year-old, Paul Doyle, broke down in tears during the hearing as victims described life-changing injuries and ongoing trauma, including nightmares and psychological scars.
