Sports Bulletin For January 7: As the sports world kicks off the new week, headlines have been buzzing with major developments across cricket, boxing,
and football.
From ICC's firm stance on Bangladesh's venue request and Ridhima Pathak's BPL exit clarification to Arjun Tendulkar's big wedding update and Lionel Messi's post-retirement plans, Monday brings a mix of controversy, celebration, and bold revelations. Here's a quick roundup of the top stories making waves on January 7.
1) Bangladesh Cricket Board admits ICC rejection, claims ultimatum as 'False, Unfounded Reports'
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) request to relocate their T20 World Cup 2026 fixtures. In its response, the ICC stated that the security concerns highlighted by the BCB did not warrant a change in venue. The governing body has confirmed that Bangladesh will be required to play their scheduled matches in India and assured the board that it will coordinate closely with them to implement all necessary safety arrangements.
2) Not BCB! Ridhima Pathak Rejects BPL
Indian sports presenter Ridhima Pathak has clarified the rumours around her departure from the Bangladesh Premier League, stating she was not removed from the hosting panel. In a brief social media statement, she explained that she chose to step away on her own, citing the heightened political tensions between India and Bangladesh. Reports had claimed the BCB dropped her amid the ongoing fallout involving Mustafizur Rahman's IPL release, but Pathak firmly denied this, stressing that her decision was based on personal principles and had nothing to do with the BPL organisers.
3) Arjun Tendulkar To Tie The Knot With Saaniya Chandok In March On THIS Date: Report
The Tendulkar household is preparing for a grand celebration, as Arjun Tendulkar - son of cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar - is reportedly set to get married on March 5, 2026. The 26-year-old cricketer, who has been steadily carving his own path in Indian domestic cricket, will exchange vows with his fiancee Saaniya Chandok, marking one of the most anticipated weddings of the year.
4) Sri Lanka Set To Appoint India's World Cup-Winning Coach For T20 World Cup 2026: Report
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is reportedly close to finalising former India opener Vikram Rathour as their next batting coach ahead of the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which India and Sri Lanka will co-host. Rathour, 55, was part of Rahul Dravid's support staff during India's 2024 T20 World Cup victory and is now considered the leading candidate as Sri Lanka looks to bolster its coaching setup for a busy white-ball season.
5) Vaibhav Suryavanshi Slams 63-Ball Hundred, 84K Viewers Tune In To Live Streaming Feed To Watch Blistering Knock
India U19 skipper Vaibhav Suryavanshi continued his rapid rise in junior cricket with a brilliant 63-ball hundred in the third Youth ODI against South Africa at Willowmoore Park, Benoni. The 14-year-old left-hander blasted 127 from 74 balls, hammering nine fours and ten huge sixes in a sensational display of power-hitting. His explosive knock stunned the hosts and put India on track for a commanding total.
6) Lionel Messi Reveals Plans After Retirement
Lionel Messi has dominated football for years, and now he's considering taking charge off the field. In a candid interview with Luzu TV, the Inter Miami and Argentina superstar said that after retiring, he doesn't picture himself as a coach - instead, he's more interested in owning a football club.
7) Huge Controversy In National Boxing Championships! BFI Launches Review At Referee
Refereeing at the National Boxing Championships has come under scrutiny after Olympian Ashish Chaudhary was disqualified in his first-round bout. Competing in the 80kg category, Ashish was thrown out less than two minutes into the fight for an alleged intentional head clash with Haryana's Rupesh - a call that was reversed only after the Technical Delegate intervened. The Himachal boxer protested the decision and filed an official complaint, prompting the BFI to order a review and temporarily suspend the referee involved.
8) Ex-KKR player bashes BCCI for Mustafizur Row, Says 'ICC has never been Ideal'
England all-rounder Moeen Ali has strongly criticised Kolkata Knight Riders' decision to release Mustafizur Rahman before IPL 2026, saying the move was influenced by escalating political tensions between India and Bangladesh. He argued that the BCCI's directive, issued amid strained bilateral relations, unfairly cost the Bangladeshi pacer a chance he had worked hard to earn.
