June 24, 2025
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'You take silly point!': Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara relive friendly fielding fights at book launch - Watch | Cricket News

‘You take silly point!’: Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara relive friendly fielding fights at book launch – Watch | Cricket News

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Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma (Getty Images) At the launch of The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife, penned by Puja Pujara, Indian cricket stars Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara brought the house down with their playful banter and behind-the-scenes stories from their time on the field.Reminiscing about their playing days, Rohit revealed a humorous tussle the two often had — not over runs or wickets, but over who would be stuck at fielding positions like short leg and silly point.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“We fight amongst each other, who will take the short leg, who will take the silly point,” Rohit chuckled. “and Pujji [Pujara] used to be like ‘I’m No.3, so I need to rest more than you’. So you take that because I used to bat at No.5 and 6. And then we decided among us …”Interrupting with a smile, Pujara added, “But it turned around later when he started opening in Tests. Then he said, ‘Now I’m the opener, so you go stand at short leg!’ I had no answer — I just went.” Poll Should cricketers be more open about their humorous experiences? The duo also shared their early memories of playing for Indian Oil in the Times Shield. “We had a strong batting line-up,” Pujara recalled. “In one game, we scored over 800 runs. The best seat when batting with Rohit was the non-striker’s end — he just took the bowlers on.”WATCH:Another amusing tale came from a 2012 India A tour in Trinidad and Tobago, when Pujara got mobbed late at night while searching for vegetarian food. Rohit grinned, “Moral of the story — we told him not to go out after 9pm. But he’s stubborn.”Rohit also lauded Pujara for playing over 100 Tests after suffering ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries to both his knees right at the start of his career. Gautam Gambhir sends stern message after Bengaluru tragedy Pujara last played a Test in June 2023, having scored 7,195 runs in 103 matches at an average of 43.60 — but the camaraderie with Rohit remains timeless.

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IND vs ENG Test series: K.L. Rahul signals top-order readiness with warm-up hundred

IND vs ENG Test series: K.L. Rahul signals top-order readiness with warm-up hundred

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Indian cricket team’s Test vice-captain Rishab Pant departs from Mumbai Airport for England to play a five-match Test series as part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle, in Mumbai on June 5, 2025. | Photo Credit: ANI K.L. Rahul’s composed hundred in the ongoing second unofficial test against England Lions will bring much relief to the India team management ahead of the five-test series in England. Partnering with Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the batting order, Rahul produced a chanceless knock of 116 in Northampton on a lively track in overcast conditions on Friday (June 6, 2025). Touchdown UK 🛬#TeamIndia have arrived for the five-match Test series against England 🙌#ENGvINDpic.twitter.com/QK5MMk9Liw — BCCI (@BCCI) June 7, 2025 India, under new captain Shubman Gill, have been left with gaping holes in their top order after opener Rohit Sharma and stalwart Virat Kohli quit test cricket last month. While Rahul, who can bat practically anywhere in the lineup, is likely to succeed Rohit as Jaiswal’s opening partner, either Gill or Karun Nair is likely to fill the void of Kohli at number four. Nair, who played the last of his six tests in 2017, smashed a double hundred in the first unofficial test in Canterbury. “We haven’t really decided on the (batting order), we still have some time,” Gill had said in his pre-departure press conference in Mumbai. “We will be playing an intra-squad match and we will be having a 10-day camp in London. So we still have a little bit of time and I think we can decide on the batting order once we go there.” The five-test series begins in Leeds on June 20 Meanwhile, the remaining members of the Indian cricket team arrived in the United Kingdom for its much-anticipated five-match Test series against England, starting later this month. The series is part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle. Team India departed for the U.K. from Mumbai on Friday night. Several Indian players had already reached England as part of the India A squad currently engaged in a three-match unofficial Test series against England Lions. “It’s good to be a part of the Indian cricket team, especially in a Test series. Welcome to the UK,” newcomer Sai Sudharsan said in a video posted by the BCCI on ‘X’. The first Test will be played in Leeds from June 20, followed by matches in Birmingham (July 2–6), Lord’s (July 10–14), Manchester (July 23–27), and The Oval (August 4–8). Published – June 07, 2025 12:09 pm IST

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Watch: Emotional Novak Djokovic touches clay court in potential French Open farewell

Watch: Emotional Novak Djokovic touches clay court in potential French Open farewell

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An emotional Novak Djokovic touched the clay court at Roland Garros on Friday, June 6, hinting at a potential French Open farewell after his loss to Jannik Sinner in the semi-final. Djokovic was beaten in straight sets by Sinner with a scoreline of 4-6, 5-7, 6-7 (3) after 3 hours and 16 minutes in a fiercely contested match at the Court Philippe-Chatrier. But what caught the attention of the fans was how the Serbian reacted as he was making his way out of the court. After the exhausting encounter, Djokovic set down his kitbag and acknowledged the fans by waving to them and thanking the crowd for their support during the contest. Sinner vs Djokovic semi-final Highlights After that, in a heartwarming gesture, the former World No.1 bent down and touched the Parisian clay, perhaps hinting that it could have been his final game at Roland Garros. You can see the full video below: What Djokovic said after the match After the match, Djokovic addressed the gesture and admitted that he may not return for the French Open next year. The Serbian said if it was indeed his final appearance at Roland Garros, then it was a wonderful one. “This could have been the last match I ever play here, I don’t know. That’s why it was a bit more emotional at the end,” he said. “But if this was my farewell match at Roland Garros, it was a wonderful one — the atmosphere and the support from the crowd were incredible. “Do I wish to keep playing? Yes, I do. But will I be able to return in 12 months’ time? I’m not sure. That’s all I can say for now.” Djokovic said that his focus is now on Wimbledon and the US Open and also mentioned the posibility of returning to Australia. If it was indeed his final appearance at Roland Garros, then Djokovic will end his time at the iconic court as a three-time French Open champion and with a record of 101-17. Published On: Jun 7, 2025

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TOI Exclusive: Junior wrestlers handed ban in fake birth-certificate scam; MCD admits lapse | More sports News

TOI Exclusive: Junior wrestlers handed ban in fake birth-certificate scam; MCD admits lapse | More sports News

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Representative image (ANI Photo) Nearly 30 suspended after probe shows 100 false documents issued from identical addresses, revealing coach-MCD official nexusNEW DELHI: In a major age-fraud case, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) announced a ban on nearly 30 junior wrestlers after they were found to have procured and submitted fake birth certificates, predominantly obtained from areas under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s (MCD) Narela and Rohini jurisdictions among its 12 administrative zones.Fake birth certificates of the junior athletes procured from identical addresses came to light after a TOI investigation revealed a network involving wrestlers, coaches and officials from the MCD, all working in collusion within the Capital’s municipal zones that border neighbouring Haryana.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Additionally, Yash Kumar, a reigning Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) gold medallist in men’s 80kg freestyle, has been directed to undergo a ‘bone test’ to determine his actual age following revelations of repeated tampering with his date of birth (DOB) on his Aadhar card. Until the medical verification process is concluded, Yash will not receive any Khelo India incentives. Yash, who according to the federation is physically over 20 years of age was recently disqualified from representing Delhi in an under-17 national wrestling competition on the grounds of being overage. Poll How serious do you consider the issue of age fraud in sports to be? As per the investigation, the examination of documents involving at least 100 wrestlers revealed inconsistencies between addresses and birth dates on their registration certificates and the information provided to the WFI. The governing body is now scrutinising around 400 cases from Haryana alone in which young athletes are suspected of using fake certificates from Delhi to become eligible for younger age-group events. The main objective appears to be securing college admissions and potential government jobs. Passports given to the WFI revealed residential addresses in Rohtak, Jhajjar, and Sonepat. The WFI made queries to several zones of the Municipal Corporation of Haryana (MCH), as well as the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) and Delhi Cantonment Board (DCB), exposing the extensive scale of the age-fraud case.It was revealed that nearly all wrestlers under review had secured fake birth certificates from identical place of registration – in Begumpur under the Narela jurisdiction and Mangolpuri in the Rohini zone. A detailed scrutiny of original birth certificates from Haryana municipal authorities, as well as passports, revealed actual birthplaces and addresses in Rohtak, Jhajjar, and Sonepat, in addition to differing DOBs. Most of the wrestlers were born between 2006-2009 but had birth certificates registered in 2021-2022, indicating a disparity of nearly 14-15 years. Virat Kohli’s love for ‘dhaba’ food, priority for family & more | RCB bus driver shares stories In one instance, Dipanshu cited his DOB as 26/10/2009, with a birth certificate registration date of 06/01/2021, obtained from one of the same addresses – Rajeev Nagar, Begumpur, North West Delhi 110086. The federation checks with the department of health services, Municipal Corporation Rohtak, revealed his true DOB as 16/10/2006, with his home in Rainak Pura village, Rohtak. Similarly, national-level wrestler Rohit Gulia was found to have manipulated personal data repeatedly, including DOB changes and unauthorised Aadhar updates (seven times from 2013 to 2021). His official birth certificate from the Municipal Corporation of Rohtak documented his DOB as 17/10/1999, while he declared it as 17/10/2001 in national competitions. Both Dipanshu and Rohit have now been banned by WFI from all future tournaments.WFI president Sanjay Singh has written to Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta to act against MCD officials. “What is particularly alarming is the frequency of such (false) certificates being issued after a considerable lapse of time. This is contrary to the normal practice, wherein birth certificates are typically issued within one- or two-months following birth. The Narela zone, situated close to the Haryana border, has seen a disproportionately high number of such delayed issuances. I urge your office to kindly direct the concerned authorities in all MCD zones to exercise strict scrutiny and restraint in issuing birth certificates where the application is made after an unusually long delay,” he added.MCD has admitted to the lapse and said it will probe this issue.

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Top KSCA officials resign after owning moral responsibility for Bengaluru stampede

Top KSCA officials resign after owning moral responsibility for Bengaluru stampede

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The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) secretary A Shankar and treasurer E Jairam have handed in their resignations in the wake of the Bengaluru stampede on Friday, June 6. The duo announced their decision through a joint press release on Saturday. The Bengaluru stampede happened on the day after RCB’s IPL title win on June 3. The incident led to the death of 11 people and left many injured. In the press release, Shankar and Sriram said that they are taking moral responsibility for the incident, despite their role in it being very limited. The duo said that they had handed their resignations to the President of KSCA on Friday. “This is to inform that due to the unforeseen and unfortunate events that have unfolded in the last two days and though our role was very limited, but owing moral responsibility, we wish to state that last night we have tendered our resignation to our respective posts as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, by way of a letter dated 06.06.2025 to the President of Karnataka State Cricket Association. This is for your information,” read the statement on the press release. How did the Bengaluru stampede happen A large crowd had gathered outside the Chinnaswamy stadium to be a part of the felicitation ceremony for the RCB players on June 4 after they won the IPL 2025 title after beating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in the final. However, complete mismanagement of the large crowd led to the death of 11 people, and nearly 50 were injured as a deadly stampede broke out outside the venue. Even though the event was only for people with valid passes, a huge crowd appeared at the venue to get a glimpse of the RCB squad. Since then, RCB has announced a compensation for the families of the victims and set up a fund to help the people who were injured in the incident. Published On: Jun 7, 2025 Tune In

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Bengaluru stampede case: Karnataka State Cricket Association secretary, treasurer resign; RCB parent company remains tight lipped | Cricket News

Bengaluru stampede case: Karnataka State Cricket Association secretary, treasurer resign; RCB parent company remains tight lipped | Cricket News

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Workers remove footwear lying near Gate No. 7 of the Chinnaswamy Stadium a day after the stampede, following a large gathering of fans for the felicitation of IPL 2025 winning Royal Challengers Bengaluru team, in Bengaluru, Karnataka. (PTI) Karnataka State Cricket Association secrteary A Shankar and treasurer ES Jairam have resigned from their posts in the aftermath of the stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4 that claimed 11 lives and injured 75 people. Lakhs of people had congregated to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL title a night before.“This is to inform that due to the unforeseen and unfortunate events that have unfolded in the last two days and though our role was very limited, but owing moral responsibility, we wish to state that last night we have tendered our resignation to our respective posts as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, by way of a letter dated 06.06.2025 to the President of Karnataka State Cricket Association,” said Shankar and Jairam in a press release on Saturday.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Despite getting some leeway from the Karnataka High Court, pressure had mounted on the KSCA top brass to step down on moral grounds.In their plea in court, KSCA’s committee had stated: “There is no wrong that can be attributed to the committee or its office-bearers as they stand aloof of any liabilities against the entire unfortunate incident…” They also stated that the stadium is managed by RCB since the IPL franchise had rented the premises. Gautam Gambhir sends stern message after Bengaluru tragedy Additionally, news agency PTI reported that the KSCA had sought permission from the government to conduct the celebrations on behalf of event management company DNA Entertainment Networks. The KSCA stated that the concerned company would “make necessary arrangements” for the event.“On behalf of the M/s DNA Entertainment Networks Private Limited, KSCA requests to inform that after the TATA IPL 2025 Finals on 3rd June 2025, in case Royal Challengers Bengaluru wins the IPL 2025 title, M/s DNA Entertainment Networks Private Limited shall make plans for the felicitation ceremony at the Vidhana Soudha Grand Steps,” KSCA stated in the letter.“KSCA requests that M/s DNA Entertainment Networks Private Limited shall be permitted to make necessary arrangements at the Vidhana Soudha Grand Steps,” the association further said in the letter addressed to the Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms (DPAR) of the state government.While the felicitation ceremony at the Vidhan Soudha passed off without any major glitch, chaos happened outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium where lakhs converged following RCB’s social media invitation, despite inadequate planning and organisation. That post has since been deleted. A planned victory parade, on an open top bus, had to be cancelled but the function inside the stadium proceeded despite the tragedy that unfolded outside.KSCA puts blame squarely on RCB, DNA Complaint Filed Against Virat Kohli Over Bengaluru Stampede | RCB | IPL | Karnataka The KSCA pleaded in Court that there is “absolutely no wrong that can be attributed to the Petitioner Committee or its office bearers as they stand aloof of any liabilities against the entire unfortunate incident.”“IPL events are conducted by RCB through their service provider M/S DNA network private limited and the role of KSCA is very limited as it accommodates by extending the venue and infrastructure,” the body stated in its writ petition.“KCSA facilitates government permissions. The management of gates is the responsibility of RCB Franchise /DNA who execute under the direction of the police.“The police have registered the FIR under intense pressure and compelling circumstances without any preliminary enquiry by naming the petitioner/members of KSCA as accused,” it added.Justice SR Krishna Kumar, who heard the petition seeking to quash the FIR against the KSCA office-bearers, restrained the police from taking any coercive action against the officials until the next hearing (June 16).RCB parent company stays quiet Footwears lie on the ground outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium following a stampede after a large number of fans gathered for the felicitation of IPL 2025 winning Royal Challengers Bengaluru team, in Bengaluru, Karnataka. (Pic credit: PTI) It has now been three days since tragedy struck Bengaluru and innocent lives were lost due to the chaos. RCB have issued statements, announced monetary compensation for the families of the deceased 11 individuals and setup a ‘RCB Cares’ fund for the injured fans.Yet, the parent company behind RCB, Diageo, have remained quiet. As TimesofIndia.com reported, we’ve sent a specific set of questions to Diageo on the stampede. The queries ask for their reaction on the incident, why they’ve been quiet, whether they were satisfied with the arrangements and whether this has soured the victory celebrations. As things stand, the company has not responded.Meanwhile, RCB’s marketing head Nikhil Sosale has been sent to judicial custody until June 19. He, and three other DNA Event Management Company staffers, was arrested in the early hours of Friday at the airport.

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Bengaluru stampede: Shankar and Jairam resign as secretary and treasurer of Karnataka State Cricket Association

Bengaluru stampede: Shankar and Jairam resign as secretary and treasurer of Karnataka State Cricket Association

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans who gathered outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, 2025. Taking moral responsibility for the Bengaluru stampede, Shankar and Jairam have rendered their resignation from the post of secretary and treasurer on June 7, 2025. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar Two top Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) officials resigned in the aftermath of the stampede at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which claimed 11 lives. A. Shankar and E.S. Jairam, the KSCA Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer respectively, tendered their resignation on Saturday (June 7, 2025). “This is to inform that due to the unforeseen and unfortunate events that have unfolded in the last two days and though our role was very limited, but owing moral responsibility, we wish to state that last night we have tendered our resignation to our respective posts as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, by way of a letter dated 6.06.2025 to the President of Karnataka State Cricket Association,” a joint statement from Shankar and Jairam read. Shankar and Jairam Former India cricketer Raghuram Bhat remains the KSCA president. On Friday (June 6, 2025), the High Court of Karnataka restrained the police from taking any coercive steps against the three members of the KSCA managing committee, based on the FIR registered in connection with the stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy stadium. The KSCA had submitted that it had only rented out the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), which owns RCB. In November 2022, Raghuram and the rest of the office bearers were elected unopposed. The next election is scheduled to be held later this year. Published – June 07, 2025 10:20 am IST

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