Sports Bulletin For December 23: From Virat Kohli's much-anticipated domestic return and a high-profile Vijay Hazare cancellation to off-field controversies
in the U19 Asia Cup, historic milestones in women's cricket and growing uncertainty around major global events, here are the top sports stories making headlines today.
1) Fans Barred From Virat Kohli's Vijay Hazare Trophy Match: Report
Virat Kohli will make his long-awaited return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi on December 24, marking his first appearance in the tournament in over 15 years. The 37-year-old last featured in the competition in February 2010. Delhi begin their 2025-26 campaign against Nitish Kumar Reddy-led Andhra Pradesh at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium, with the match set to be played without spectators due to security concerns. The venue has remained unused since the fatal stampede during RCB's IPL title celebrations on June 4.
2) Mohsin Naqvi to Raise Indian Players' Conduct Issue With ICC After U19 Asia Cup Final
India suffered a crushing 191-run defeat to Pakistan in the U19 Asia Cup final in Dubai on December 21, getting bowled out for 156 while chasing 348. Despite expectations from key players, the Indian batting unit faltered in the title clash.
The final was also marred by on-field verbal exchanges between players of both sides, videos of which have since surfaced online. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi accused Indian players of instigating the incidents and said Pakistan would officially raise the matter with the ICC, stressing that cricket should remain separate from politics.
3) Safety Concerns Force Cancellation of Delhi vs Andhra Vijay Hazare Match at Chinnaswamy
The Vijay Hazare Trophy clash between Delhi and Andhra Pradesh, scheduled to see Virat Kohli turn out for Delhi, has been cancelled at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium after a committee review. The call-off has disappointed domestic cricket fans, particularly with the tournament gaining increased spotlight due to the presence of star players.
4) Deepti Sharma Climbs to World No. 1 in T20I Bowling Rankings
Deepti Sharma rose to the top of the ICC T20I bowling rankings on December 23, becoming the world No. 1 bowler for the first time in her career. The Indian all-rounder from Agra now has 737 rating points, aided by her tidy spell of 1/20 in the opening T20I against Sri Lanka in Visakhapatnam, a match India won by eight wickets.
5) BCCI Seeks Explanation From Ayush Mhatre After India's U19 Asia Cup Loss: Report
The BCCI is set to seek clarifications from India U19 captain Ayush Mhatre and head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar following the team's runners-up finish at the U19 Asia Cup in the UAE. As per Cricbuzz, the move was discussed during the Apex Council meeting on December 22, with members calling for a review despite India's otherwise strong campaign, which included a group-stage win over eventual champions Pakistan before suffering a heavy defeat in the final.
6) Pat Cummins' Availability for T20 World Cup 2026 in Doubt
Pat Cummins' availability for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka remains uncertain, with the Australia Test and ODI captain managing a back stress problem that has already limited his involvement in the ongoing Ashes series against England.
7) Rashid Khan Opens Up on Security Fears and Restricted Movement in Afghanistan
For Rashid Khan, stardom brings security concerns rather than glamour. In a frank conversation with Kevin Pietersen, the Afghanistan leg-spinner revealed that he cannot move around Kabul freely and relies on a bulletproof vehicle to stay safe - a revelation that left the former England captain taken aback.
8) Mercedes Engineer Accused of Leaking 2026 F1 Engine Secrets to Red Bull: Report
Formula 1's 2026 engine battle has sparked controversy even before cars hit the track, following reports of a leaked power-unit advantage involving Mercedes and Red Bull. With neither team issuing a denial, the FIA has acknowledged it is "monitoring the situation," a statement that has only fuelled speculation about a deeper issue.
