Sports Bulletin of December 9: From Champions Trophy Promo Released to Indian Football Team Assigned Group for Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers

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From the Champions Trophy 2025 Promo Released with no Pakistan mentioned as host nation to Indian Football Team Assigned Group for Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, many things have unfolded in the sports world.

Both Indian Cricket and Indian Football teams are dominating the proceedings on a busy Monday (December 9) in the World of Sports. Here are the ten unmissable stories of the day -

1. Champions Trophy Promo Released; Pakistan Not Mentioned as Hosts

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promo by Star Sports has sparked controversy for omitting Pakistan as the host nation, despite the ICC awarding hosting rights to Pakistan in 2021. Tensions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over a hybrid hosting model add to the uncertainty. Pakistan's preparations and national pride hang in the balance as fans await clarity.

2. Mohammed Shami Smashes Career-Best T20 Score in Pre-Quarters Against Chandigarh

In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 pre-quarterfinal, Mohammed Shami showcased his batting prowess with a career-best 17-ball 32*, rescuing Bengal from 114/8 to a defendable 159/9 against Chandigarh. Shami's late blitz, including three boundaries and two sixes, turned the game, securing Bengal's place in the quarterfinals. This all-round display highlights Shami's adaptability and boosts his potential Test comeback following a lengthy injury layoff.

3. Delhi Capitals Head Coach Reveals Why Rishabh Pant Entered Auction

Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani revealed that Rishabh Pant chose to enter the IPL 2025 Mega Auction to test his market value, despite DC's efforts to retain him. "He said he wanted to go to the auction and test the market," Badani explained. Pant fetched a record Rs 27 crore with Lucknow Super Giants, validating his decision. "Good for him. He is a very good player," Badani added.

4. Josh Hazlewood Looking to be Back for India vs Australia 3rd Test

Josh Hazlewood is optimistic about returning for the third Test against India at The Gabba on December 14, following recovery from a side strain. "The body is feeling pretty good... Fingers crossed," he shared, emphasizing key fitness tests ahead. Hazlewood has been undergoing rigorous sessions, with his final availability depending on how his body responds. His return could strengthen Australia's pace attack in Brisbane.

5. Pat Cummins Equals Bishan Singh Bedi With 8 Five-Wicket Hauls

Pat Cummins' five-wicket haul (5/57) in Adelaide secured a ten-wicket win for Australia against India in the second Border-Gavaskar Test. This marked Cummins' eighth five-wicket haul as a Test captain, equaling Bishan Singh Bedi. Only Imran Khan (12) and Richie Benaud (9) have more. Cummins' leadership and dominance, especially under lights, highlight his status as one of the finest modern Test captains.

6. Devon Conway to Miss 3rd Test against England as he Awaits Birth of His First Child

New Zealand opener Devon Conway will miss the third Test against England in Hamilton as he awaits the birth of his first child. Head coach Gary Stead affirmed the team's support, saying, "Family comes first." Mark Chapman has been called up as a replacement, while Will Young is likely to return as an opener. Conway's absence follows a challenging run of form in 2024 across formats.

7. England's Charlie Dean Joins Elusive List With Hattrick

Charlie Dean became the third England women's cricketer to claim an ODI hat-trick, achieving the feat in a six-wicket win over South Africa in the second ODI in Durban. Dean's hat-trick spanned two overs, dismissing Kapp, de Klerk, and Jafta. Her performance helped England bowl out South Africa for 135. Dean joins an elite list, becoming the first Englishwoman since 1999 to accomplish this milestone.

8. India Draw Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangladesh in Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round

India has been drawn into Group C of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round, alongside Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangladesh. Only group winners will advance to the tournament in Saudi Arabia. Matches will follow a home-and-away format from March 2025 to March 2026. Coach Manolo Márquez emphasized India's favorite status and the need to dominate. India begins their campaign at home against Bangladesh on March 25, 2025.

9. Kylian Mbappe Opens Up About Seeing Lionel Messi After Losing World Cup Against Argentina

Kylian Mbappe reflected on reuniting with Lionel Messi at PSG after France's World Cup final loss to Argentina in 2022. "I was still so angry, but he told me I had already won it before, and now it was his turn," Mbappe shared. Despite his frustration, he admired Messi's greatness and added, "I learned a lot from him. Messi does everything well." Their shared experience brought them closer.

10. Portugal Winger Nani Retires

At 38, Nani, the former Manchester United and Portugal winger, has retired from football. A key figure in Portugal's Euro 2016 win, he also enjoyed a successful club career, notably at Manchester United, winning multiple Premier League titles and the Champions League. Reflecting on his career, Nani expressed gratitude, saying, "It's been an amazing ride," and now looks forward to new challenges beyond football.