Sports Bulletin of February 1: From Ayush Badoni Praised by Virat Kohli to Rs. 350 Cr. Raised Sports Budget for 2025

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From Delhi Ranji team captain Ayush Badoni receiving heaving praises from Virat Kohli to India's sports budget being increased by Rs. 350 Cr. for 2025, many things have unfolded in the sports world.

Delhi Ranji team captain Ayush Badoni, Virat Kohli, UEFA Champions League, and Neymar are dominating the proceedings on a busy Friday (February 1) in the World of Sports. Here are the ten unmissable stories of the day -

1. Lauded by Virat Kohli, Ayush Badoni looks set for a real big innings

Ayush Badoni, praised by Virat Kohli, is making waves in domestic cricket. Kohli advised him to keep performing to earn an India call-up. Talking to MyKhel, Devender Sharma, Badoni's coach, said, "That's a massive endorsement from Virat Kohli!" Badoni, leading Delhi in the Ranji Trophy, has impressed with his consistency. Captaining players like Rishabh Pant and Kohli shows Delhi's faith in him. "Hopefully, this is the start of all good things for Badoni," Sharma added.

2. Sports Budget Raised By Over Rs 350 Cr. in 2025

In the 2025-26 Union Budget, India's sports sector received a significant boost of ₹351.98 crore, bringing the total allocation to ₹3,794.30 crore. The Khelo India program, aimed at grassroots sports development, was a major beneficiary, with its funding increased by ₹200 crore to ₹1,000 crore. Additionally, assistance to National Sports Federations rose from ₹340 crore to ₹400 crore. This substantial increase underscores the government's commitment to nurturing athletic talent nationwide.

3. Pakistan Squad Announced for Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan has announced its squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with Mohammad Rizwan as captain and Salman Ali Agha as vice-captain. Fakhar Zaman returns, while Saim Ayub misses out due to injury. Aqib Javed has been appointed interim head coach, with Azhar Mahmood assisting. "Pakistan aims to defend its title on home soil," said a PCB official. The tournament starts on February 19.

Pakistan Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (C), Salman Ali Agha (VC), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi

4. Hardik Pandya Scripts History, Becomes First Indian Cricketer To Achieve Huge T20I World Record

Hardik Pandya made history in the Pune T20I against England, becoming the first Indian cricketer to score over 1,500 runs, take 50+ wickets, and register five T20I fifties. He smashed 53 off 30 balls, helping India post 181/9. "Pandya silenced his critics in emphatic fashion," the report noted. His all-round performance cements his place among global T20 greats.

5. Harshit Rana made his T20I debut without being named in Playing 11

Harshit Rana made his T20I debut in the 4th IND vs ENG match as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube, despite not being in the original playing XI. This rare occurrence followed Dube's injury, allowing Rana to step in. He made an immediate impact, dismissing Liam Livingstone in his first over. "It's a special moment for him," a team source stated.

6. Mohammed Shami Pens Emotional Farewell Note To Wriddhiman Saha, Says 'True Legend Of Indian Cricket'

Mohammed Shami shared an emotional tribute to Wriddhiman Saha, calling him a "true legend of Indian cricket" as the veteran wicketkeeper retired. Shami praised Saha's "brilliant glove work and countless memorable moments," highlighting his dedication and passion for the game. Saha, who played 40 Tests for India, was given a guard of honor during his final Ranji Trophy match at Eden Gardens.

7. Yuvraj Singh, JP Duminy & Upul Tharanga to Play in Inaugural Edition of International Masters League

Yuvraj Singh, JP Duminy, and Upul Tharanga are set to play in the inaugural International Masters League (IML) from February 22 to March 16, 2025. Yuvraj will represent India Masters, led by Sachin Tendulkar. "Taking the field with Sachin and my teammates feels like reliving the glory days," Yuvraj said. Duminy and Tharanga will lead South Africa and Sri Lanka Masters, respectively.

8. PCB to invite stadium workers for Lunch and Match, PM and President to unveil stadiums

The PCB will host a special lunch for 2,500 stadium workers who contributed to stadium renovations ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. They will also receive free entry to a match. "We will have lunch together on February 7, then watch the match on February 8," PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi said. PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari will inaugurate the revamped stadiums.

9. Real Madrid And Manchester City Set For Champions League Play-off Clash

Real Madrid will face Manchester City in a thrilling Champions League play-off, with the first leg scheduled for February 11/12 and the second leg on February 18/19. Despite finishing 11th in La Liga, Madrid's strong record against English clubs gives them an edge. City, on the other hand, secured their play-off spot after a 3-1 win over Club Brugge. This tie will determine who advances to the last 16.

10. Santos FC Confirms Neymar's Return To His Boyhood Club Following Al-Hilal Departure

Neymar has made a sensational return to Santos FC, rejoining his boyhood club on a six-month deal after parting ways with Al-Hilal. The Brazilian forward, who began his career at Santos in 2003, expressed his excitement to return. "It's where everything started," Neymar shared. His return comes as Santos aims to make an impact in Brazil's top-flight Serie A after being promoted back.