Sports Bulletin of February 11: From BCCI's Plans to Release IPL 2025 Schedule to Indian football team's Asian Cup Qualifiers Venue

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From BCCI's plans to release the IPL 2025 schedule before the Champions Trophy 2025 to the Indian football team's Asian Cup Qualifiers against Bangladesh set to be held at Shillong, many things have unfolded in the sports world.

IPL 2025, Champions Trophy 2025, and the Indian football team are dominating the proceedings on a busy Tuesday (February 11) in the World of Sports. Here are the nine unmissable stories of the day -

1. BCCI To Announce Complete IPL 2025 Schedule Before Champions Trophy

The BCCI is set to announce the full IPL 2025 schedule before the Champions Trophy, with the tournament likely starting on March 21. IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla confirmed the season would begin as planned, with the final expected on May 25. Notably, Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals will play some home games at alternate venues. Hyderabad and Kolkata are likely hosts for the playoffs. Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in IPL auction history at ₹27 crore.

2. BCCI Set Up 3-Member Team For Jasprit Bumrah's Speedy Recovery

The BCCI has set up a three-member team at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru to oversee Jasprit Bumrah's rehabilitation after his back injury. The panel includes strength and conditioning coach Rajnikanth Sivagnanam, physiotherapist Thulasi Ram Yuvraj, and Head of Sports Science Dr. Nitin Patel. The final decision on Bumrah's availability for the Champions Trophy will be made after his medical report is submitted.

3. Kane Williamson Creates History, Beats Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar In Huge Record

Kane Williamson made history by becoming the second-fastest player to reach 7,000 ODI runs, surpassing Virat Kohli (161 innings) and Sachin Tendulkar (189). He achieved the milestone in 159 innings, only behind Hashim Amla (150). His unbeaten 133 off 113 balls helped New Zealand chase 305 against South Africa in the Tri-series, securing a spot in the final. "He achieved it in style, striking a boundary off Senuran Muthusamy," the report stated.

4. IPL Franchise Gujarat Titans Get New Owners

The Gujarat Titans IPL franchise is set to undergo a significant ownership change. Torrent Group, a prominent Ahmedabad-based conglomerate, has reached an agreement with CVC Capital Partners to acquire a majority stake in the team. This transition is scheduled to occur after the current ownership lock-in period concludes in February 2025. The deal is expected to enhance the franchise's financial stability and strategic direction.

5. Pakistan Shifts Blame Back to Rachin Ravindra After Facing Criticism for Poor Lighting at Gaddafi Stadium

During a recent ODI tri-series match at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra suffered a forehead injury after misjudging a catch under the floodlights. Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif attributed the incident to the LED lights, stating, "The glow is more in such lights. Hence, when the ball travels flat, you are often unable to see it." Fans have criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board, urging lighting improvements ahead of the Champions Trophy.

6. Former KKR star Sheldon Jackson Retires With No India Debut Even After 7200 Runs to His Name

Sheldon Jackson, a stalwart for Saurashtra, has announced his retirement from professional cricket at 38. Over a 15-year career, he amassed over 7,200 runs in 105 first-class matches, including 21 centuries and 39 half-centuries, but never earned an India cap. Reflecting on his decision, Jackson stated, "At 37-38, even if I score 5000 runs, I wasn't going to be in the reckoning for the national team."

7. Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani Acquire New Team in The Hundred for Rs 650 crore

Mukesh and Nita Ambani's Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has acquired a 49% stake in The Hundred's Oval Invincibles for £60.27 million (approximately ₹650 crore), valuing the team at £123 million. This acquisition expands RIL's cricket portfolio, which includes the Mumbai Indians in the IPL and teams in South Africa, the UAE, and the USA. The deal was finalized through a virtual auction, with RIL outbidding competitors such as a tech consortium and private equity firm CVC Capital Partners.

8. Shillong to host India's Asian Cup qualifiers Game Against Bangladesh in March

Shillong's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will host India's AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25. This marks the stadium's first senior men's international match since its renovation. India, placed in Group C with Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangladesh, will play in a round-robin format. Before the qualifier, India will face the Maldives in a friendly on March 19. Both matches kick off at 7 PM IST.

9. Ancelotti Defends Real Madrid's Decision Not To Attend Ballon D'Or Ceremony Before City Match

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti defended the club's decision to skip the Ballon d'Or ceremony, saying they believed Vinicius Junior deserved the award over Rodri. "I don't think it was the wrong decision. We thought Vini was the winner," Ancelotti stated. Despite past controversy, both he and Manchester City's Pep Guardiola emphasized moving forward, focusing on their upcoming Champions League clash.