Sports Bulletin of December 12: From Yashasvi Jaiswal Punctuality Breach Punishment to FIFA Announcing 2034 World Cup Venue

Add as a preferred source on Google

From Rohit Sharma and the India team departing without Yashasvi Jaiswal over a punctuality breach to FIFA announcing Saudi Arabia as the 2034 World Cup venue, many things have unfolded in the sports world.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the Indian Cricket Team, and FIFA are dominating the proceedings on a busy Thursday (December 12) in the World of Sports. Here are the ten unmissable stories of the day -

1. Rohit Sharma, Team India Depart Without Yashasvi Jaiswal Over Punctuality Breach

Yashasvi Jaiswal missed Team India's bus to Adelaide airport on December 11 due to a punctuality breach, forcing the team, led by Rohit Sharma, to leave without him. Jaiswal arrived 20 minutes late and was later escorted separately. While such incidents aren't new, disciplinary action seems likely. India, reeling from a 10-wicket loss in the second Test, aims to regroup ahead of the Brisbane Test starting December 14.

2. PCB's Demand for Tri-series Involving India as 'Compromise' Rejected

The Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) proposal for a tri-series involving India as a compromise for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was rejected by the BCCI and ICC. India's reluctance to play in Pakistan, citing security concerns, has pushed the ICC toward a hybrid model. However, the PCB opposes this, fearing it undermines their hosting rights. Negotiations remain tense as geopolitical and financial concerns dominate discussions.

3. Saudi Arabia to Host 2034 FIFA World Cup

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, showcasing its Vision 2030 modernization efforts. The Kingdom plans games across five cities, with ambitious stadium designs. Challenges include tournament timing due to extreme heat, strict alcohol laws, and concerns over worker rights. Women's access to matches and geopolitical issues, like Israel's participation, add complexity. Saudi Arabia aims to position itself as a global sports destination amidst evolving regional dynamics.

4. Shreyas Iyer-led Mumbai Script History

Shreyas Iyer-led Mumbai made history by chasing down Vidarbha's 221/6 in the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy quarterfinals, recording the highest-ever successful chase in a Men's T20 knockout game. Powered by Ajinkya Rahane's 84 and a late blitz from Shivam Dube and Suyansh Shedge, Mumbai achieved 224/4 in 19.2 overs. They now face Baroda in the semi-finals on December 13 in Bengaluru.

5. Hardik Pandya Powers Baroda to Win Over Bengal in SMAT Qualifiers

Hardik Pandya powered Baroda to a 41-run win over Bengal in the SMAT 2024 quarterfinals with a stellar bowling performance, taking 3/27. Baroda's disciplined attack, including contributions from Lukman Meriwala and Atit Sheth, bowled out Bengal for 131 in 18 overs while defending 173. Pandya's heroics, following a controversial year as Mumbai Indians captain, showcased his resilience ahead of the semifinals against Mumbai.

6. Swedish Prosecutors Drop Rape Investigation Involving Kylian Mbappe

Swedish prosecutors have dropped a rape investigation linked to Kylian Mbappé's October visit to Stockholm, citing insufficient evidence. Lead investigator Marina Chirakova confirmed no charges were filed, and Mbappé was not officially named as a suspect, despite media speculation. Mbappé, who denied involvement, expressed surprise over the allegations, calling them incomprehensible. The case has been closed without further action.

7. LSG Owner Sanjiv Goyenka Talks About What Makes MS Dhoni Great

LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka, speaking on The TRS Show, shared a heartwarming story highlighting MS Dhoni's greatness. In 2016, Dhoni spent over 30 minutes patiently teaching and conversing with Goenka's cricket-enthusiast grandson. "This human quality with a kid... is why he is Dhoni," Goenka remarked. Known for his humility and fan connection, Dhoni continues to inspire, even drawing Lucknow crowds to support him in yellow.

8. Daryll Cullinan Slams Rohit Sharma for Being 'Overweight'

Former South African cricketer Daryll Cullinan criticized Rohit Sharma's fitness and performance, calling him "overweight" and not suited for the demands of Test cricket. Speaking to Insidesport, Cullinan contrasted Rohit with Virat Kohli, stating, "Rohit is not in good physical condition for the grind of a four or five-match series." He also labeled Rohit a "flat-track bully" due to inconsistent overseas performances.

9. Haris Rauf Pips Jasprit Bumrah To Win ICC Player Of The Month Award

Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf won the ICC Men's Player of the Month award for November 2024, edging out Jasprit Bumrah and Marco Jansen. Rauf's stellar performances included 18 wickets in ODIs and T20Is, highlighted by a match-winning 5/29 in Adelaide against Australia, helping Pakistan secure their first ODI series win in Australia since 2002. "This award reflects teamwork and fan support," Rauf said.

10. Champions League Highlights

Manchester City's 0-2 loss to Juventus deepened their Champions League struggles, leaving them 22nd in the standings with only one win in their last ten matches across all competitions. Goals from Dušan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie boosted Juventus to 14th, while Pep Guardiola's side battles injuries and poor form. Meanwhile, Barcelona and Arsenal secured crucial wins, climbing into the top three of the league standings.