After struggling in the first two Major League Cricket (MLC) seasons, Unmukt Chand has finally found his feet in the US, where he moved to live his ultimate dream: “to play for the US national team.” The right-handed batter has scored 243 runs in seven innings and is sixth on the list of top run-getters in the ongoing MLC 2025.
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has intervened in the dispute between Vladimir Kramnik and David Navara. FIDE expresses concern over the impact of Kramnik’s accusations. It supports Navara and asks Kramnik to withdraw his defamation lawsuit. Levon Aronian has also appealed to Kramnik for reconciliation. FIDE emphasizes fairness and unity within the chess community.
Mohammad Azharuddin has cautioned India against over-relying on Jasprit Bumrah and suggested including Kuldeep Yadav for the second Test against England. He emphasised the need for a more varied bowling attack to support Bumrah. Azharuddin defended Shubman Gill’s captaincy, urging patience and support for the new captain despite the team’s batting collapse and defeat in the first Test.
England’s women’s cricket team has been fined a percentage of their match fee due to a slow over-rate during their first T20 International against India, where they suffered a significant 97-run defeat. The penalty issued by the ICC after the hosts were found to be two overs short of the required number.
Riyan Parag, the emerging Indian all-rounder, considers Virat Kohli his cricketing inspiration, fondly calling him “The king who gave me my India cap.” Kohli presented Parag with his ODI cap in August 2024, acknowledging his potential as a match-winner. Despite a modest debut, Parag’s IPL performances and Kohli’s encouragement have fueled his international aspirations.
During preparations for the second Test against England, the Indian cricket team enjoyed a heartwarming reunion at Edgbaston as familiar faces from home joined their net practice. Current and former teammates reminisced about their shared journey, strengthening bonds. Jasprit Bumrah’s return to the nets raised hopes, while the team focused on improving lower-order batting.
Marc White, the manager of Dorking Wanderers, has been handed a six-game touchline suspension imposed by the FA due to his inappropriate comments made in a video, which were later clarified as humorous by the club.
Brian Bennett has been ruled out of the ongoing Test against South Africa after suffering a concussion from a blow to the helmet. Prince Masvaure will replace him following concussion protocols. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Lhuan-dre Pretorius made history by becoming the youngest player to score 150 in Test cricket on debut, breaking a 48-year-old record.
Despite earlier uncertainties due to India-Pakistan tensions, the Asia Cup is likely to commence around September 10 in the UAE, although official confirmation is pending. The ACC might release the schedule for the six-team T20 format tournament in early July, featuring India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the UAE.
Ahead of the second Test against England, Mohammed Siraj practiced batting. Siraj found his bat broken. This caused a moment of surprise. The incident occurred during practice at Edgbaston. India aims to level the series after a defeat. Lower-order batting is a key concern for the team. Siraj’s reaction to the broken bat showed his positive attitude.