On this day, exactly 42 years ago, Kapil Dev led India to its maiden World Cup title after beating two-time champions West Indies, a victory that marked a defining moment in Indian cricket history and images of the team holding the trophy became inspirational for the entire nation.

On the 42nd anniversary of India's first-ever cricket World Cup triumph, India batting great Sachin Tendulkar recalled the moment when that remarkable feat sparked a dream that became his journey.

"I was just 10 when India won the World Cup on this day in 1983. That moment sparked a dream, and that dream became my journey," Tendulkar posted on X with a 1983 World Cup team photo.

The Pakistan men’s cricket team is set to travel to Bangladesh next month for a three-match T20I series, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Wednesday.

The series marks another chapter in the two sides' growing T20 rivalry and will be hosted entirely at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, with all matches scheduled to begin at 6 PM local time.

"Pakistan men’s team will travel to Bangladesh next month to take part in a three-match bilateral T20I series, the Bangladesh Cricket Board confirmed today," PCB said in a statement.

Pakistan will arrive in Dhaka on July 16, giving them a few days to prepare before the series kicks off on Sunday, July 20 with the first T20I.

The remaining two games will be played on July 22 (Tuesday) and July 24 (Thursday), respectively — all at the same venue under lights.

India’s new Test captain Shubman Gill is under the spotlight after his leadership in the series opener against England came under criticism from former England skipper Nasser Hussain, who said Gill “didn’t quite have the on-field aura” of his predecessors, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

AB de Villiers, Chris Morris, and Hashim Amla will headline a formidable South Africa Champions squad for the World Championship of Legends 2025, scheduled from July 18 to August 2 in the UK.

Joining them are dynamic names like Albie Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Hardus Viljoen, and Aaron Phangiso, promising a thrilling mix of experience, power, and precision that South African cricket is known for.

"There’s nothing like playing for South Africa. Being back with this group of legends, in front of fans who’ve always supported us, is truly special. WCL is a celebration of cricket’s spirit—and we’re here not just to participate, but to compete and ultimately to win," AB de Villiers said.

Neymar has extended his contract with Santos until December, the Brazilian Serie A club said.

The 33-year-old former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward returned to his boyhood club on a six-month deal in January after parting ways with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

Brazil's all-time leading scorer had been linked with a move to Major League Soccer or a possible return to Europe before agreeing to remain at Santos until the end of the 2025 season.

"I made a decision and I listened to my heart," Neymar said in a statement on the club's website. "Santos is not just my team, it is my home, my roots, my history and my life.

"Here I was a boy who became a man, and I am truly loved. Here I can be myself, truly happy. And it is here that I want to fulfil the dreams that are missing in my career. And nothing will stop me. I go, I come back and I stay. Where it all began and where it will never end."

Paris Saint Germain (PSG) head coach Luis Enrique has criticised the state of pitches at the ongoing FIFA World Cup being hosted in the United States of America saying the ball is 'bouncing like a rabbit’.

PSG cruised to a 2-0 victory past home side Seattle Sounders FC to book their place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Despite the win, the Spaniard criticised the state of the pitch at the Lumen Field.

"I wouldn't imagine a NBA court full of holes. What I really care about is the state of the field of play, and I say this on the day we've won. The ball bounces almost like if it were jumping around like a rabbit,” Enrique was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

Inter Miami and Palmeiras shared the spoils in a back-and-forth affair on Tuesday (IST) and 1-1 draw saw both sides qualify for the round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

Palmeiras snatched away what would have been a perfect early birthday gift for Lionel Messi. Inter Miami CF led the final Group A match for 79 minutes before the Brazilians struck twice in quick succession to secure first place in Group A.

The Herons took the lead against the run of play after Luis Suarez knocked down a long ball at midfield for an onrushing Tadeo Allende. The young Argentinian sprinted clear of Palmeiras’ defenders and coolly finished past Weverton.

Atletico Madrid became the first European team to be eliminated from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup despite Antoine Griezmann's late goal helping the Spanish club beat Brazil's Botafogo 1-0 in Group B on Monday.

The narrow victory was not enough to send the Spanish side into the knockout stage, as three teams finished with six points in the group. Atletico was edged out on goal difference, finishing third behind Paris Saint-Germain and Botafogo.

Atletico dominated the match with 22 shots but struggled to convert until the 87th minute, when Griezmann slotted home a low cross from Julian Alvarez to break the deadlock, reports.

Botafogo, the reigning South American champions, employed a deep defensive setup and relied on quick counterattacks, producing four shots - three of them on target - all of which were denied by Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

India began their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers with a 13-0 victory against Mongolia at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium on Monday. The Blue Tigresses led 4-0 at half-time, before running riot in the second 45 minute period.

This was India biggest ever win in an AFC Women’s Asian Cup (final round and qualifiers). Previously, the Blue Tigresses’ 10-0 victories against Guam in 1997 and 2005 held the record.

Pyari Xaxa (29’, 45’, 46’, 52’, 55’) netted five goals in the match, while Soumya Guguloth (20’, 59’) and Priyadharshini Selladurai (73’, 86’) scored two each. Sangita Basfore (8’), Rimpa Haldar (67’), Malavika (71’), and Grace Dangmei (75’ p) scored one each.

The final day of the league stage in the Madhya Pradesh League 2025 concluded with Bhopal Leopards and Chambal Ghariyals joining Rewa Jaguars and Gwalior Cheetahs as the four semi-finalists. The last two matches, played at the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium, brought the group phase to an exciting close.

In the day’s first fixture, Bhopal Leopards were scheduled to face Indore Pink Panthers, but persistent rain led to the match being abandoned without a ball being bowled. As a result, both teams shared a point each. With this outcome, Bhopal Leopards moved to six points, ensuring qualification to the knockouts, while Indore Pink Panthers, with only four points from six matches, exited the tournament.