Sports Bulletin For August 5: From BCCI's push for a no-exceptions team culture to key developments in Indian football amid the ISL suspension, it's been
a busy day. Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the Cincinnati Open, Son Heung-Min is set for an MLS switch, and Hockey India named its squad for the Australia tour.
Meanwhile, FIFA backed a referee facing online abuse, and the U.S. updated its visa rules affecting transgender athletes.
1) BCCI Not In Favour Of 'Culture Of Picking And Choosing Games': Report
Gautam Gambhir's firm stand against the superstar culture in Indian cricket has gained momentum, especially after Mohammed Siraj's impressive showing in the England series. The 2-2 draw has strengthened Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar's push for a team-first approach, where no player is above the system. According to a senior BCCI official as per PTI, "There have been discussions and the message will be sent across to the centrally contracted players, especially those who are all format regulars that this culture of picking and choosing games won't be entertained in near future. "
2) Brendon McCullum Didn't Want Shubman Gill To Be Named 'Player Of the Series': Dinesh Karthik
Gautam Gambhir named Harry Brook as Player of the Series, while Brendon McCullum initially picked Shubman Gill after Day 4 of the final Test. However, as Dinesh Karthik revealed on Cricbuzz, McCullum changed his choice to Mohammed Siraj after the pacer's stunning Day 5 spell helped India clinch a thrilling 6-run win. "If the match had gotten over yesterday (Day 4), Shubman Gill was the man of the series," Karthik said. "Brendon McCullum had said Shubman Gill. Everything was for Shubman Gill. " But Siraj's heroics with the old ball impressed McCullum, who, according to Karthik, "turned it around in a matter of half an hour, 40 minutes - to Mohammed Siraj," praising him in the post-match chat on Sky Sports.
3) AIFF To Meet CEOs Of Eight ISL Clubs On August 7 As League Put On Hold
Senior AIFF officials are set to hold talks with CEOs from eight Indian clubs amid growing concerns over the state and future of Indian football, particularly following the suspension of the Indian Super League (ISL).
The clubs, worried about what lies ahead, reached out to the All India Football Federation after the ISL was put on hold by its organisers, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), due to ongoing uncertainties linked to the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with the federation.
4) Bengaluru FC Suspends Salaries Of First Team Footballers & Staff Amid Uncertain Season
Bengaluru FC, winners of the 2018-19 Indian Super League title, have put a hold on salaries for both players and staff amid ongoing uncertainty over the league's future. Originally scheduled to kick off by the end of next month, the ISL now faces indefinite delays, with no clear start date in sight.
5) Hockey India Announces Men's Hockey Squad For Australia Tour
Young defender Poovanna CB has earned a spot in India's 24-member men's hockey squad, led by star drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh, for the upcoming four-match series in Australia starting August 15 in Perth.
The tour is aimed at providing valuable international exposure to the team ahead of the important Asia Cup, set to begin on August 29 in Rajgir. The tournament will also act as a qualifier for the Hockey World Cup.
6) Novak Djokovic Withdraws From Cincinnati Ahead of US Open
Novak Djokovic has opted out of the Cincinnati Open for the second year in a row, as confirmed by tournament officials to U.S. media on Monday.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner made the decision to miss the key U.S. Open lead-up event following consecutive semi-final exits at the French Open and Wimbledon, both times falling to current world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
7) Thomas Partey Granted Conditional Bail On Rape Charges
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after appearing in a London court on Tuesday in connection with rape and sexual assault allegations.
The 32-year-old Ghanaian international is facing five rape charges involving two women, along with one count of sexual assault against a third woman.
The alleged incidents reportedly took place between 2021 and 2022, during his time with Arsenal. The charges were filed just four days after Partey's departure from the club, following the end of his contract in late June.
8) FIFA President Offers Support To Female Referee After Death Threats
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed solidarity with referee Katia Itzel Garcia and the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) after Garcia disclosed she was targeted with online abuse following a Leagues Cup fixture.
Garcia, who has officiated high-profile men's tournaments including Liga MX, the Gold Cup, and the Olympics, reported receiving death threats after overseeing Thursday's Leagues Cup clash between FC Cincinnati and Monterrey.
9) Son Heung-Min Set To Join MLS Club Los Angeles FC: Report
South Korean star Son Heung-Min is reportedly on the verge of joining Major League Soccer, just days after confirming his exit from Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur.
According to ESPN, the 33-year-old forward is set to sign with Los Angeles FC, with an official announcement expected on Wednesday, August 6.
Citing sources, the report states that the transfer fee for Son's move to LAFC will be approximately $26 million, marking the end of his decade-long stint with Spurs.
10) US Government Restricts Sports Visas For Transgender Women
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a policy update on Monday that limits visa eligibility for transgender women seeking to participate in women's sports.
