locknlockf2c.com – News Highlights & Timely Briefings

Asia Cup: 'It will be high pressure, but ... ': Virender Sehwag makes bold prediction for India

Virender Sehwag expressed strong belief in India's chances at the upcoming Asia Cup in September, highlighting the team's skill, balance, and mindset for high-pressure situations. India, with a record eight Asia Cup titles, begins their campaign against UAE on September 10. The tournament serves as crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup, with Suryakumar Yadav leading a strong squad.

After Arjun Tendulkar's engagement to Saaniya Chandok, more reasons to celebrate for the Tendulkar family: 'We couldn't be prouder'

The Tendulkar family is celebrating joyous occasions, with Sara Tendulkar launching her Pilates studio, a venture fueled by her passion for health and fitness. Sachin Tendulkar expressed immense pride in his daughter's independent endeavour, highlighting her dedication and the family's focus on well-being. This milestone follows Arjun Tendulkar's recent engagement to Saaniya Chandok, adding to the family's happiness.

Online Gaming Bill 2025: President Droupadi Murmu gives assent; framework to promote e-sports, regulate sector, curb money games

President Murmu has approved the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, aiming to promote e-sports and regulate online gaming. The legislation outlaws money-based games, with severe penalties for service providers, advertisers, and financiers. While acknowledging potential GST revenue losses, the government prioritises preventing addiction and financial risks associated with money gaming, also giving e-sports legal backing.

USA Cricket severs ties with strategic partner ACE; risks bankruptcy

USA Cricket has ended its agreement with American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), the force behind Major League Cricket, leading to uncertainty surrounding World Cup preparations and financial stability. The decision, driven by board members, raises concerns about potential bankruptcy due to the loss of ACE's financial support, which has totalled over $10 million since 2019.

'Broke all bones': Taylor Swift's hilarious mix-up resurfaces; Kevin Pietersen teases pop star

Pop icon Taylor Swift once appeared on The Graham Norton Show. She shared the couch with former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen. During the show, Swift admitted she was a bit confused by cricket. The exchange resurfaced on social media, as Swift's opinions on the sport and a hilarious mix-up with rugby once again, amused fans.

Four on the trot! Matthew Breetzke creates history, breaks Navjot Singh Sidhu's 38-year-old record

South Africa batter Matthew Breetzke has made history by becoming the first ODI cricketer to begin his career with four consecutive scores of fifty or more. The South African batter achieved this milestone during the second ODI against Australia, scoring a fluent 88. India's Navjot Singh Sidhu had achieved the feat in 1987 but in five ODIs.

Women's World Cup 2025: Navi Mumbai replaces Bengaluru as venue - ICC issues revised schedule

The ICC has shifted the venue for the Women's Cricket World Cup, replacing Bengaluru with Navi Mumbai, which will now host up to five matches, including a semi-final and potentially the final. The tournament will span five venues across India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2.

Asia Cup: 'The value of a human life should be more than sports'- Ex India cricketer questions India-Pakistan clash

Manoj Tiwary questions the India-Pakistan Asia Cup match appropriateness after the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, emphasizing human life's value over sports. He also expressed surprise over Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal's exclusion from the Asia Cup squad, despite their strong performances.

Shreyas Iyer to take over Rohit Sharma as ODI captain? BCCI secretary quashes rumours

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has ruled out the possibility of having Shreyas Iyer as the next India ODI captain. The board is likely grooming Shubman Gill for that position.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are still very fit, hope they play 2027 World Cup: Ross Taylor

Former New Zealand batter Ross Taylor has shared his thoughts on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma playing till the ODI World Cup 2027, mentioning the various factors which could affect their decisions.

Live telecast selection meetings so fans know why players are dropped: Manoj Tiwary

Former cricketer Manoj Tiwary has called for BCCI to live stream selection meetings to improve transparency. This demand follows controversy over the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal from the Asia Cup squad.

Shuttlecock crisis in badminton has not reached alarming levels: BWF

The Badminton World Federation has acknowledged the issue of global shuttlecock shortage. However, they have denied that it has reached a critical level yet.

ISL stand-off: Supreme Court asks AIFF, organisers to find solution soon

The Supreme Court has directed AIFF and FSDL to settle the Master Rights Agreement dispute before August 28, 2025, to decide the future of ISL 2025-26.

Pragyan Ojha likely to be included in BCCI Men's selection panel

The Board is on the lookout for two selectors for the Men's team and four for the Women's team

Split board at USA Cricket cuts ties with ACE; World Cup preparations at risk

The proposal to terminate ACE's contract was put forth by Chairman Venu Pisike and Board Member David Haubert

Women's World Cup 2025: Bengaluru fixtures moved to Navi Mumbai

Navi Mumbai will host five fixtures including the second semifinal and the final, unless Pakistan make it to the summit clash

Mirabai Chanu shifts scales: Fresh weight class, revamped game plan

Saikhom Mirabai Chanu is strategically adapting her training for the women’s 48kg category after the International Weightlifting Federation's rule changes. Her regimen includes a revised diet, evenly distributed workload, and enhanced recovery methods like massages and ice baths. Chanu aims to excel at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship and the 2026 Asian Games.

Online Gaming Bill: Zupee stops money-based games, Ludo and Snakes & Ladders remain

Zupee, along with Dream11 and MPL, is discontinuing online money games to comply with India's new Online Gaming Bill 2025. While paid games are ceasing, Zupee will continue offering free games like Ludo to its 150 million users. The bill, aimed at curbing addiction and financial risks, has prompted major platforms to restructure their gaming options.

'Reimagined' US Open mixed doubles was a success but Sara Errani-Andrea Vavassori complete 'mission'

The US Open mixed doubles event had many winners - Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori as champions while carrying the mantle for the doubles specialists. And the USTA in bringing thousands of fans to an otherwise ignored competition. But teething problems cannot be ignored.

'Cricket chhod ke maulana ban jaa': Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan trolled after comical dismissal

Mohammad Rizwan's struggles continue as he faces setbacks, including being dropped from the Asia Cup squad and demoted in PCB contracts. His poor form extended to the CPL, where he was dismissed for just 3 runs, leading to social media trolling. Pakistan cricket is facing a decline across formats, marked by inconsistent performances and early exits from major tournaments.