Sports Bulletin For July 21: From Nitish Reddy-Arshdeep Singh Injuries To Salman Butt Slamming India For WCL Call-Off

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Sports Bulletin For July 21: India suffered injury blows ahead of the crucial Test against England, while tensions flared after the cancellation of the India-Pakistan WCL match. Pakistan also raised security concerns over travelling to India for the Asia Cup.

On the positive side, Koneru Humpy made history in the FIDE Women's World Cup, and Farokh Engineer is set to be honoured at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, India will host the 2025 Chess World Cup, and its wrestlers secured medals at the UWW Ranking Series. Here's a quick roundup of the top 10 stories.

1) Nitish Kumar Reddy Ruled Out Of IND vs ENG Test Series, Arshdeep Singh Unavailable For Selection

The BCCI announced on Monday that promising all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy will miss the remainder of the five-Test series against England after sustaining a knee injury over the weekend. His setback comes just ahead of the crucial fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester, a must-win fixture for India to stay alive in the series.

In another blow to the team, fast bowler Arshdeep Singh has also been ruled out of contention for the fourth Test due to a thumb injury.

2) Make This A Promise, Don't Play Pakistan': Salman Butt Slams India After WCL Call-Off

Ex Pakistan cricketer Salman Butt has raised concerns over India's decision to pull out of their scheduled clash against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends. Butt remarked that if India is so resolute about not playing Pakistan, the same stance should be maintained in ICC events as well.

The much-anticipated veterans' match between India and Pakistan, set to take place in Birmingham on Sunday, July 20, was called off. Indian players reportedly opted out, citing the recent Pahalgam terror attack and heightened cross-border tensions in recent months as reasons for their withdrawal.

3) 'Not Keen To Travel To India For Asia Cup', Pakistan Hockey Federation Chief Tells FIH

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has informed the FIH that sending their team to India for the upcoming Asia Cup may not be possible due to security concerns. PHF President Tariq Bugti pointed to ongoing political tensions and a recent military conflict as key reasons behind their hesitation.

"We have informed them that in the existing scenario, our team will face security risks playing in India," Bugti said.

He also mentioned, "We have informed them our players are also not keen to travel to India for the Asia Cup which is also a direct qualifying tournament."

4) Manchester United's Harry Maguire & India's Jasprit Bumrah: Pleasure On Meeting

The Indian cricket team and Manchester United stars came together for a memorable interaction on Sunday, July 20, delighting fans worldwide. Among the highlights was a warm exchange between Harry Maguire and Jasprit Bumrah, with the United defender swapping shirts and later thanking the Indian pacer on Instagram.

5) India Legend Farokh Engineer To Have Stand Named After Him At Old Trafford: Report

Farokh Engineer is set to receive a special honour at Old Trafford, with a stand named after him alongside West Indies great Clive Lloyd. Both former cricketers represented Lancashire-Engineer for nearly a decade and Lloyd for two. According to PTI, the naming ceremony is likely to take place on July 23, the opening day of the fourth Test. England currently lead the five-match series 2-1.

6) Pakistan Cricket Team Hit New Low In T20Is

Pakistan faced a fresh setback in the first T20I against Bangladesh on July 20 in Dhaka, getting bowled out for just 110 runs at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. This marked their lowest T20I total against Bangladesh and the first time they've been dismissed entirely by the hosts in the format.

7) Nepal Cricket Team To Train At BCCI Centre Of Excellence

Nepal's men's cricket team will undergo training at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru from August 20 to September 4, ahead of the T20 World Cup qualifiers in October. Backed by the Indian government, the initiative aims to strengthen youth ties between the two nations. A similar training stint was arranged last August as well.

8) India To Host FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 In October-November

India will host the 2025 FIDE Chess World Cup from October 30 to November 27. The tournament will feature 206 players competing for the title and spots in the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament. The host city is yet to be revealed.

9) Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy Scrips History In FIDE Women's World Cup

Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy held China's IM Yuxin Song to a draw with a strong counterattack, sealing her spot in the FIDE Women's Chess World Cup semifinals. She also made history as the first Indian to reach this stage of the tournament.

10) India's Greco-Roman Wrestlers Bag Silver, Bronze Medals At UWW Ranking Series

India wrapped up the UWW Ranking Series with two medals in Greco-Roman wrestling, as Sumit claimed silver and Anil Mor took home bronze on Sunday.