Sports News: Kohli Urged to Visit Pakistan, Arshdeep's Test Debut, and More Sports News

Doubts loom over the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 being held fully in Pakistan as India seems reluctant to travel to this neighbouring nation. Though BCCI is not willing, a hybrid model like the Asia Cup 2023 is expected. Younis Khan, former Pakistani skipper, pleaded with Virat Kohli of India to come and visit Pakistan for the tournament, saying it would be one of the most memorable moments of his life. It has suggested that all the matches India is playing, including the semi-finals and finals, should be held in Lahore. ICC is going to decide its final schedule soon.

Young Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana gears up for the 3-match T20I series against India starting Friday. The youngster's sling action, almost à la Lasith Malinga, did have Pathirana impress at the T20 World Cup 2024 despite Sri Lanka's exit in the very first week. Recovery from the hamstring injury sustained during the IPL 2024 has been good. Pathirana says it was the part of the Chennai Super Kings franchise and getting tips from MS Dhoni that propelled him further. He now plans to do better with the new ball, through the middle overs as well, and establish a balance beyond the death overs.

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced that Asitha Fernando has been included in the 3-match T20I series against India starting on July 27 in Pallekele as a replacement for Dushmantha Chameera, who will be out due to a respiratory infection and bronchitis. Despite being known for his pace, Chameera's career has been riddled with injuries that kept him out of some very important tournaments, including the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup. The series will also mark Gautam Gambhir's debut as India's head coach.

The summer of 2001 was a memorable one for Lord's, with the venue hosting its 2000th Test, the 100th between England and India, and Duncan Fletcher's 100th as coach, but more than anything else, Sachin Tendulkar was eyeing his 100th international century. He fell for 34 and 12 in the game. Zaheer Khan's niggling injury and a huge first-innings deficit were too much to handle for India. Kevin Pietersen's brilliant 202 for the hosts was replied to well by only Rahul Dravid, with an unbeaten hundred for India. Even with this good work, the Indians lost the match by 196 runs and started an overseas losing streak of eight matches.

Young Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy impressed in IPL 2024 with 303 runs and three wickets and also clinched the award for Emerging Player of the Year; he also received a call-up to the Indian squad. However, he missed out on the T20I series against Zimbabwe due to injury. Though representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, Reddy revealed he had been a long-time fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore, while his idols were Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. He further added that Hardik Pandya, during the IPL, appreciated him and his energy, and this boosted him in his career.

Arshdeep Singh fell under the radar in every eyeball and was just right. The 25-year-old southpaw pacer now eyes his debut in whites for India after bagging 17 wickets in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 to help side win the title after a gap of 17 years. The communication said he might join India's Test squad for the series against Australia later this year. "His name is already under consideration for this series, and he is likely to play some of the domestic red-ball matches, such as the Duleep Trophy, that would help his case," the selectors said. The series starts on the November 22 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

Manchester United is reportedly eyeing French midfielder Adrien Rabiot as its next marquee signing. He is a 29-year-old midfielder who will be a free agent as his deal with Juventus expired. His fine performances drew interest from many top clubs, including Real Madrid and AC Milan. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that he still hasn't signed a new contract with Juventus, thus giving an opportunity to the interested clubs. Meanwhile, Manchester United received a 'no' from PSG for Manuel Ugarte, so now they are actively considering alternative options, among which would have been a loan deal with an option to buy. Another player of interest to the club is Xavi Simons. An offer of €50 million was made for him to PSG.

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has pulled out of the Paris Olympics due to tonsillitis, only a few days before the event. The Italian expressed his disappointment and elaborated that his condition had deteriorated despite seeking medical advice. Sinner was due to play both singles and doubles, partnering Lorenzo Musetti; now he will be substituted at singles by Andrea Vavassori, while Musetti will play doubles with Luciano Darderi or Matteo Arnaldi. Sinner had a breakout year, winning a Slam and becoming the world No. 1, and is turning his attention to recovery and preparation for the year ahead.