Sports Bulletin For 7th August: From MS Dhoni breaking his silence on retirement rumours to Novak Djokovic finally clinching Olympic gold, and major updates
on Indian cricket-including Rishabh Pant's injury and Shreyas Iyer's potential comeback-today's sports news covers a wide range of developments.
Meanwhile, controversies have surfaced in Kerala over spending for Messi's invite, and Lovlina Borgohain's serious accusations have triggered a probe within the Boxing Federation. Catch all the top updates in this curated list of today's most important sports stories.
1) MS Dhoni Breaks Silence On IPL Retirement Rumours
MS Dhoni recently addressed his IPL future, saying, "Me and CSK, we are together," and joking, "Even for the next 15-20 years. I hope they don't think I'll be playing that long. " While he hinted his playing days may be ending, Dhoni assured fans his bond with CSK remains strong: "I will always be sitting in a yellow jersey. Whether I play or not, you know yourself. "
2) India Vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Match Won't Be Cancelled: Report
The Indian men's cricket team is set to head to the United Arab Emirates next month for the Asia Cup 2025. Their campaign begins on September 10 in Dubai with a clash against hosts UAE, followed by a high-voltage encounter against Pakistan on Sunday, September 14, in their second Group A fixture.
The last time India faced Pakistan in a T20I was on June 9, 2024, in New York during the T20 World Cup. However, Emirates Cricket Board COO Subhan Ahmed has indicated that the Asia Cup is unlikely to face similar challenges, suggesting a smoother tournament experience this time around.
3) Rishabh Pant To Miss Asia Cup 2025, Doubtful For West Indies Tests: Report
Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant sustained a foot injury on the opening day of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford in Manchester, held from July 23 to 27. The injury occurred while he was attempting a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes. As a result, Pant was unable to take the field as a wicketkeeper in the remainder of the match and was subsequently ruled out of the fifth and final Test at The Oval, which took place from July 31 to August 4.
Initial reports last month suggested that the 27-year-old would be sidelined for at least six weeks. However, as per a recent update by the Times of India on Thursday (August 7), Pant is set to miss the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Furthermore, his participation in the two-match Test series against the West Indies also appears uncertain. Notably, Pant last featured in a T20 International for India on July 28, 2024, against Sri Lanka in Pallekele.
4) Kerala Government Spent Rs 13 lakh To Invite Lionel Messi: Report
The Kerala government's earlier assurance that no taxpayer funds would be used to facilitate football icon Lionel Messi's visit to the state has come under scrutiny.
Recent revelations indicate that approximately ₹13 lakh was spent from the state exchequer on a trip to Spain undertaken by Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman in September 2024. The official purpose of the visit was reportedly to extend an invitation to Messi. The Minister was joined by the Secretary of the Sports Department and the Director of Sports and Youth Affairs during the foreign tour.
5) Shreyas Iyer Likely To Be Picked For Asia Cup 2025 & West Indies Tests: Report
Shreyas Iyer is set to make a comeback to India's T20I and Test squads. As per a Times of India report on August 7, the 30-year-old Mumbai batter, who last played a T20I in December 2023 and a Test in February 2024, is likely to be recalled when selectors meet this month to pick squads for the Asia Cup in the UAE and the home Test series against the West Indies. Iyer impressed with his form for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 after being bought for ₹26.75 crore.
6) Five-Year-Old Chess Wiz Aarini Lahoty Scripts History
Five-year-old Aarini Lahoty made history on Thursday by becoming India's youngest female player to receive a FIDE rating. Born on September 19, 2019, and a native of New Delhi, Aarini broke the previous national record held by Udhriti Bhattacharya.
7) Not Grand Slam Titles! Novak Djokovic Picks Winning Olympic Gold As Pinnacle Of Career
Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic expressed deep emotion over the final moments of the Paris 2024 Olympics gold medal match, calling them unforgettable. The 24-time Grand Slam winner fulfilled a long-standing dream by clinching the elusive Olympic gold, defeating Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets. The victory marked the completion of Djokovic's career trophy collection after a 16-year pursuit.
8) Rajasthan High Court Rejects Interim Bail Plea Of RCB Pacer Yash Dayal In Minor Rape Case
The Rajasthan High Court has declined to grant interim protection from arrest to Yash Dayal, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru fast bowler, in a rape case involving a minor. The court emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and the young age of the alleged victim, stating that such factors make it inappropriate to provide temporary relief from arrest.
9) Request To Recuse Judges In New Diego Maradona Trial Denied
On Wednesday, the court dismissed a request from the defence seeking the removal of two judges assigned to the trial of the medical professionals charged in connection with Diego Maradona's death. Lawyers representing Maradona's former personal doctor, Leopoldo Luque-one of seven individuals facing charges of culpable homicide-had argued for the judges' recusal, citing concerns about potential bias. However, the court found no sufficient grounds to disqualify the judges from the proceedings.
10) Lovlina Borgohain Accuses BFI Official of Gender Bias; IOA Launches Investigation
Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain has voiced strong allegations against a senior official from the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), accusing them of displaying gender bias and treating her in a disrespectful manner. The boxer's complaint has sparked serious concern, prompting calls for an investigation into the official's conduct.
