Sports Bulletin For July 26: Mohsin Naqvi Announces Dates For Asia Cup 2025 To IND vs PAK Clash

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Spots Bulletin For July 26: From blockbuster cricket clashes to historic Test feats and major football transfers, the world of sports has delivered another action-packed day of headlines on July 26.

With the official confirmation of the Asia Cup 2025 schedule, anticipation is building for the much-awaited India-Pakistan showdown. Meanwhile, England's Ben Stokes etched his name into the record books, and Jasprit Bumrah endured a rare low in his otherwise stellar Test career. Here's a round-up of the biggest sporting updates you need to know.

1) Asia Cup 2025 Schedule Officially Announced, To Start From September 9

In a significant update for cricket fans across Asia, Mohsin Naqvi, President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), has formally announced that the 2025 edition of the Asia Cup is scheduled to take place from September 9 to 28.

2) India To Face Pakistan In Asia Cup 2025 On September 14: Report

According to a report by News18, India and Pakistan are set to face off in the 2025 Asia Cup on September 14. This high-stakes encounter will mark their first meeting since the tragic Pahalgam incident in Kashmir.

3) Ben Stokes Scripts History, Becomes First English Cricketer To Achieve Huge Test Feat

Ben Stokes etched his name into the history books by becoming the first England captain in 148 years of Test cricket to achieve the rare double of scoring a century and taking a five-wicket haul in the same match. He delivered a brilliant bowling performance, picking up 5 wickets for 72 runs in 24 overs during India's first innings. Stokes then showcased his batting prowess with a superb hundred, placing England in a dominant position.

4) Jasprit Bumrah's Worst-Ever Feat In Test Cricket, For The First Time In His Career

Jasprit Bumrah, the world's No. 1 Test bowler, endured a rare setback in the 4th Test against England at Old Trafford. For the first time in his Test career since debuting in 2018, Bumrah conceded over 100 runs in a single innings. England posted over 600 runs in response to India's 358, with Indian bowlers including Bumrah, Siraj, Jadeja, and Sundar collectively struggling and giving away runs heavily.

5) Rishabh Pant's Replacement Gets Visa, Set To Join Indian Squad In London: Report

Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batter Narayan Jagadeesan is set to link up with the Indian team in the UK ahead of the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval. With Rishabh Pant reportedly sidelined due to a toe injury sustained while facing Chris Woakes, Jagadeesan is expected to step in as his replacement.

As per a report by The Times of India, the 29-year-old has secured his visa and is scheduled to depart for England on Sunday morning. The call-up reportedly came on Thursday afternoon, just a day after Pant suffered the injury, leaving India short on options behind the stumps as they look to bounce back from a 1-2 deficit in the five-match series.

6) Applications From Xavi Hernandez And Pep Guardiola For India Coach's Job Not Genuine: AIFF

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has clarified that the coaching job applications supposedly submitted by Spanish legends Xavi Hernandez and Pep Guardiola for the position of head coach of the Indian men's football team were not authentic. Earlier, a senior AIFF official had stated that Xavi, a FIFA World Cup winner with Spain, had applied for the role. However, the federation has now confirmed that these applications were not genuine.

7) Joe Root Breaks Silence On Chasing Sachin Tendulkar's Record

Veteran England batter Joe Root has expressed that surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most runs in Test cricket isn't something he's actively chasing. Speaking to the BBC, the 34-year-old stated that his primary aim remains helping England secure victories rather than focusing on personal milestones.

"It's not something that I will focus on," Root said. "Those sorts of things should look after themselves. The focus has to be about winning games..."

Reflecting on his memories of playing alongside the Indian legend, Root recalled with admiration his only match against Tendulkar. "He made his Test debut before I was born. To be playing on the same ground as him and to get the chance to play against him was incredibly cool. [He was] someone you grew up watching, admiring, trying to learn from... To get to play in a series where he was still playing was really quite a memorable experience that I'll never forget."

8) Inter Miami Rope In FIFA World Cup Winner Rodrigo De Paul From Atletico Madrid

Major League Soccer club Inter Miami confirmed the arrival of Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul on Saturday, marking a reunion with Argentina captain Lionel Messi in the United States.

The 31-year-old joins the Herons initially on loan, with a permanent transfer set to follow in 2026. The move is reportedly valued at around £15 million.

9) Barcelona Vs Vissel Kobe Friendly Set To Go Ahead As Planned

La Liga titleholders Barcelona are set to go ahead with their pre-season friendly against Japanese club Vissel Kobe on Sunday, despite earlier calling off the match due to significant contractual issues with the event promoter.

Vissel Kobe later confirmed in an official statement that, after thorough discussions with all involved parties, the game will proceed as originally scheduled.

10) Mex Verstappen Wins Belgian GP Sprint To Kickstart Red Bull Racing's New Era

Max Verstappen welcomed new Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies with a dominant performance in the sprint race at the Belgian Grand Prix on Saturday. Starting from P2, the 27-year-old Dutch driver quickly took control by snatching the lead on the very first lap.

He maintained his advantage throughout, holding off a strong challenge from current championship leader Oscar Piastri. Piastri, meanwhile, had to defend his position from teammate Lando Norris, who eventually secured the third spot on the podium.