The 2025-26 Indian home cricket season commences with the Duleep Trophy from August 28 to September 15. This red-ball tournament reverts to its traditional zonal format, featuring North, South, East, West, Central, and North East Zones. Matches will primarily be held at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
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Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir's coach-captain partnership has started strongly, drawing a challenging five-Test series in England. Gill's leadership and Gambhir's focus on team over individuals have instilled confidence in a young Indian side. With senior players retiring and Bumrah's availability managed carefully, the team is looking ahead, potentially revisiting ODI leadership with Gill as a key figure.
Following the IAF chief's disclosure about Operation Sindoor, Congress leaders are questioning Prime Minister Modi's decision to halt the operation abruptly on May 10. Jairam Ramesh and Gaurav Gogoi have demanded answers regarding potential pressure or concessions influencing the decision.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticized the US President's tariff hikes on Indian imports, suggesting that some global powers are attempting to hinder India's economic progress due to jealousy over its rapid growth. Despite these challenges, Singh asserted India's unstoppable rise as a major global power, highlighting the country's increasing defence exports as a sign of resilience and strength.
Nasser Hussain and Dinesh Karthik have criticized match officials for halting play early on Day 4 of the fifth Test at The Oval. England, at 339 for 6, needed 35 more runs to win, while India required four wickets to draw the series. Hussain questioned why the umpires didn't offer an extra half-hour, potentially allowing for a thrilling finish.
Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali has been arrested in Manchester on rape charges stemming from an alleged incident on July 23, 2025. Greater Manchester Police are investigating, and Ali has been released on bail. His young career so far has included the iconic India vs Pakistan match at the 2022 T20 World Cup but he was unable to make a mark in that contest.
The Enforcement Directorate has summoned Anil Ambani on August 5 concerning a loan fraud case amid bribery and unsecured loan allegations. This action follows ED raids at over 35 locations in Mumbai, investigating the diversion of approximately Rs 3,000 crore in loans granted by Yes Bank to Ambani's group companies between 2017 and 2019.
Abhimanyu Easwaran's wait for his India Test debut extends to 961 days, sparking criticism from his father, Ranganathan, and former coach Arun Lal. Despite consistent performances, Easwaran was overlooked for the fifth Test against England, while Karun Nair received a chance. Ranganathan expressed his son's disappointment, questioning selection criteria favoring IPL performances over Ranji Trophy success.
South Africa Champions clinched the WCL 2025 title, defeating Pakistan Champions by 9 wickets in a dominant final performance highlighted by AB de Villiers' explosive 120*. However, India Champions' controversial withdrawal from the semi-final against Pakistan, due to undisclosed reasons, sparked debate. Suresh Raina asserted that India would have won, emphasizing national priorities over the game.
Australia's first attempt to launch a domestically built rocket into orbit ended in failure as the Eris vehicle crashed shortly after liftoff from Queensland. Despite the setback, Gilmour Space Technologies, the company behind the launch, hailed it as a milestone, noting the successful ignition of all four engines.
US envoy Steve Witkoff met with Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin for three hours amidst efforts to end the Ukraine war. This meeting occurred before a deadline for Russia to agree to peace or face new sanctions. Donald Trump hinted at diplomatic progress, stating the meeting was "highly productive.