sabelitalia.com – Key Commentary & Notable Stories

Novak Djokovic explains skipping Masters before US Open: Family first, Slams second

Novak Djokovic skipped the Toronto and Cincinnati Masters to prioritise family time, saying he now focusses mainly on Grand Slams rather than ranking points. Ahead of his US Open opener, the 38-year-old admitted he may even miss his daughter's birthday during the tournament.

South Zone defies BCCI directive; excluded contracted stars unlikely to be added

South officials argue that national selectors should have no role in picking zonal sides and that the BCCI, if at all, should make Ranji Trophy participation mandatory for the contracted players

Miller, Ferreira and Maharaj back in South Africa's T20I squad

Kagiso Rabada, who missed the ODI series in Australia due to inflammation in his right ankle, has been named in both the white-ball squads for the England tour

Sachin Tendulkar played at 16! Ex-England cricketer on Jacob Bethell's selection; slams country for 'conservative' mindset

Jacob Bethell will captain England in the upcoming T20I series against Ireland. He will replace Harry Brook, who is being rested for The Ashes. While some criticized Bethell's appointment and his inclusion in the Test side, Rob Key defended it. The former England player believes that talent should be prioritized over the number of games under one's belt. Bethell will become England's youngest international captain. The series in Dublin starts September 17.

Online Gaming Bill 2025: WinZO withdraws money-based games after Presidential assent - 'The best is yet to come'

WinZO, one of India's leading social gaming platforms, will withdraw money-based games following the new online gaming bill. The legislation, effective August 22, 2025, prohibits real-money gaming but supports e-sports. WinZO emphasizes its commitment to compliance and innovation, despite the significant regulatory shift. Other gaming firms like Dream11 and Games24x7 are also adapting, signaling a major transformation in India's online gaming sector.

'He didn’t put a foot wrong': Sanjay Manjrekar questions Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from Asia Cup - Watch

Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised the Indian selection committee's approach of rewarding players for Test performances with T20I spots, deeming it illogical. He questioned Shubman Gill's inclusion in the Asia Cup squad while expressing shock over Shreyas Iyer's exclusion despite his outstanding IPL form and recent displays of maturity in other formats.

Transfer rumors, news: Man Utd's Højlund nearing Napoli move

Rasmus Højlund has moved a step closer to leaving Manchester United for a return to Serie A. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.

Shah Rukh Khan took me on a chartered flight after team India snub: Rinku Singh

India and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Rinku Singh revealed how his IPL team owner Shah Rukh Khan asked him to travel on a special chartered flight with him after Rinku's team India snub.

India women to begin World Cup prep camp in Vizag from August 25

The week-long camp will focus on skills, with Vizag chosen strategically as India face both South Africa and Australia there in the World Cup

South Zone defies BCCI directive; excludes contracted stars from Duleep squad

South officials argue that national selectors should have no role in picking zonal sides and that the BCCI, if at all, should make Ranji Trophy participation mandatory for the contracted players

US Open 2025: Defending champions, top seeds, schedule, seedings, how to watch and more to know

The 2025 US Open has introduced a 15-day schedule commencing Sunday, August 24, with Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner defending their titles. Here's everything you need to know about the last major tennis tournament of the year, to be played at Flushing Meadows in Queens, New York.

Arjun Babuta and Elavenil Valarivan strike gold in 10m air rifle mixed team at Asian Shooting Championship

Arjun Babuta and Elavenil Valarivan clinched gold in the 10m air rifle mixed team event at the Asian Shooting Championship in Kazakhstan, defeating China 17-11. This victory follows Elavenil's individual gold in the women's 10m air rifle. The men's team, including Arjun Babuta, also secured gold.

'Because of Virat Kohli, every young cricketer wants to be fit': Virender Sehwag lauds ex-India skipper

Virender Sehwag praised Virat Kohli for revolutionizing fitness standards in cricket, highlighting Kohli's dedication as a benchmark. Sehwag emphasized that Kohli's influence has inspired a fitness culture among young cricketers, establishing him as the fittest player of his era. Kohli is expected to participate in India's ODI series in Australia this October.

Pics | Rohit Sharma gifts personal cricket items to the MCA museum - complete list

The Mumbai Cricket Association is set to unveil the Sharad Pawar Cricket Stadium, featuring a museum with significant contributions. Rohit Sharma has donated his jersey and bat from the 2023 ODI World Cup, enriching the museum's collection. The facility will also showcase memorabilia from other Mumbai and Indian cricket legends, offering a unique glimpse into cricketing history.

XLG, DRG secure final 2 spots for VALORANT Champions 2025 from China

XLG Esports and Dragon Ranger Gaming (DRG) have officially secured the final two spots from the VCT China region for VALORANT Champions 2025 in Paris.

Raghvi Bist brilliance lifts India A hopes in gripping Women's Test vs Australia A

Raghvi Bist's classy 86 guided India A Women to 260 for eight in their second innings, extending their lead to 254 runs on Day 3 in Brisbane. The contest remains evenly poised, with Australia A needing early breakthroughs on the final morning.

Virat Kohli trains hard at Lord's, poses with fans after practice

Star India batter Virat Kohli was recently spotted posing for photos with fans after his training session at Lord's. Kohli is enjoying time with his family ahead of his return to international cricket in October.

ACE calls USAC termination 'unlawful', says commitment to US cricket remains

American Cricket Enterprises (ACE) has strongly opposed USA Cricket's (USAC) decision to end their 50-year agreement, deeming it unlawful and a potential threat to cricket's growth in the US. ACE, having invested over $150 million in developing the sport, accuses USAC of acting on personal agendas.

Virat Kohli Gears Up for Australia Series: Training Photos from London Spark Excitement

Virat Kohli's training images from London have sparked excitement among fans as he prepares for the upcoming ODI series in Australia. Spotted at Lord's Cricket Ground, Kohli balanced practice with leisure, spending time with wife Anushka Sharma. Despite discussions about farewell matches, BCCI clarifies that Kohli and Rohit Sharma continue to be vital players in the ODI format.

Sons of Sri Lankan Legends Muralitharan and Jayasuriya Clash in Club Cricket

Legendary Sri Lanka cricketers Muthiah Muralidaran and Sanath Jayasuriya's sons Ranuk Jayasuriya and Naren Muralitharan are going up against each other in a club fixture.