JioStar’s broadcast of IPL 2025 reached over a billion viewers, amassing 840 billion minutes of watch-time. The RCB vs PBKS final became the most-watched T20 match ever, with 31.7 billion minutes consumed. Digital consumption surged by 29%, while linear TV also achieved record-breaking viewership, marking a monumental success for the tournament.
Ajit Agarkar addressed the media, revealing India’s Test squad for the England tour, highlighting Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management due to injury concerns. The squad signals a transition with retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Shubman Gill assumes captaincy, Rishabh Pant as deputy, while Karun Nair makes a surprising return, and Arshdeep Singh earns his first Test call-up.
Alexander Bublik stunned world number one Jannik Sinner at the Halle grass tournament, marking Sinner’s first loss to a player outside the top 20 in nearly a year. Bublik’s victory came just before Wimbledon, highlighting his strong performance on grass. Elsewhere, Alexander Zverev advanced after a tough three-set win, and Tomas Martin Etcheverry upset Andrey Rublev in a three-hour battle.
Liverpool will commence their Premier League title defence against Bournemouth on August 15, while Manchester United face Arsenal in a high-profile clash. Tottenham, under Thomas Frank, will host Burnley, and Sunderland returns to the league against West Ham. Liverpool, after securing Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, aims for a record 21st title.
Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 42 runs, marking RCB’s first away loss in IPL 2025. Ishan Kishan’s explosive 94 propelled SRH to 231/6. Despite a strong start from Salt and Kohli, RCB’s chase faltered, leading to a collapse and a final score of 189. Cummins and Malinga starred with the ball, securing a morale-boosting victory for SRH.
Yuzvendra Chahal’s exclusion from the BCCI’s annual contracts sparks questions about his future with Team India. Astrologer Greenstone Lobo attributes this dip to Pluto’s shift into the “Grey Lizard Avatar,” signifying transformation. Despite competition from younger talents like Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, Chahal’s dedication suggests continued success in the IPL and other tournaments.
The BCCI has suspended IPL 2025 for one week, effective immediately, due to recent events. This decision, impacting matches like Lucknow Super Giants versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru, follows concerns from franchisees, broadcasters, and sponsors. The board expressed solidarity with the nation, armed forces, and the government amidst ongoing challenges, prioritising national interest above all else.
The Portuguese skipper was in tears after his side beat Spain in the final of the UEFA Nations League on Sunday. The 40-year-old watched on from the sidelines as his team prevailed over the defending champions in the penalty shootout. After finishing the game 2-2 after extra-time, Portugal won the shootout 5-3.
South Africa aim to exploit Australia’s unfamiliar opening pair of Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne in the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s. Captain Temba Bavuma believes the swinging conditions will favour their bowlers, especially Kagiso Rabada, who is in top form. South Africa hope early wickets will put pressure on Australia’s batting lineup in the high-stakes clash.
Punjab Kings’ Shashank Singh lauded coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer for fostering a culture of equality and mutual respect within the team. He emphasized that Ponting’s coaching has transformed the team’s mindset and belief, while Iyer’s leadership provides freedom to every member, including support staff.