Sports Bulletin For 1st August: It has been a packed day in the sports world on August 1, 2025 - a day filled with significant developments across football, cricket, badminton, and wrestling.
From Lionel Messi's much-anticipated India tour to key changes in Indian cricket and football, plus impressive performances by Indian athletes on the global stage, here's everything you need to know.

1) Lionel Messi Coming to Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi Set for Unmissable Events: Report
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi is scheduled to appear at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on December 14, marking a much-awaited return to India after more than ten years. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has approved the event, giving the green light to organisers Wizcraft earlier this week, as per The Times of India. This Mumbai event is part of a rapid three-city tour across India from December 13 to 15, generating significant buzz among Indian football fans.
2) Indian Football Team Appoints Khalid Jamil As India Coach
Khalid Jamil has been named the head coach of the Indian men's national football team, making history as the first Indian to take on the role since Savio Medeira in 2012. His journey from a prominent figure in domestic football to leading the national side represents a significant turning point for the sport in the country.
3) England's Chris Woakes Ruled Out Of Ongoing 5th Test Vs India
England's veteran fast bowler Chris Woakes has been ruled out for the remainder of the fifth Test against India at The Oval after sustaining a shoulder injury on Day 1. The incident occurred while he was attempting to chase down a drive from Karun Nair, sprinting back from mid-off. Woakes appeared to be in significant discomfort and was escorted off the field by team physio Ben Davies, who fashioned a makeshift sling using his jumper.
While the exact nature of the injury has not been confirmed, concerns have been raised over a possible dislocation or similar shoulder damage. The England camp stated that a detailed assessment will be carried out following the conclusion of the series.
4) 'I Saw Virat Kohli Crying In Bathroom': Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal recently shared an emotional moment from India's 2019 World Cup campaign, recalling how Virat Kohli and several other teammates were in tears following their heartbreaking semi-final loss to New Zealand in Manchester. Despite a strong showing with the ball, India fell short by 18 runs while chasing a modest target of 240 on the reserve day.
Speaking on the podcast Figuring Out with Raj Shamani, Chahal opened up about the emotional aftermath in the dressing room, revealing that many players, including Kohli, broke down in the bathroom after the defeat.
5) Bumrah May Be Ignored If Not Fully Fit For Future Test Series: Report
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly re-evaluating its selection approach concerning Jasprit Bumrah. As per a report by The Times of India, the board may adopt a new stance, where Bumrah will be picked for Test series only if he is fit to play the entire set of matches. This potential shift comes after his limited participation in the current Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, where he had informed the team management in advance that his body could only handle three Tests - a plan the team agreed to follow.
6) Sunil Gavaskar To Get Life-Size Statute At New MCA Museum
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) announced on Thursday that life-size statues of cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar and former BCCI President Sharad Pawar will be installed at the entrance of its upcoming museum.
Named the 'MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum', the facility is set to open in the latter half of August at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. The museum aims to celebrate Mumbai's storied cricket legacy and honour the iconic personalities who have played a pivotal role in its rise.
7) Shardul Thakur To Captain West Zone In Duleep Trophy
Mumbai all-rounder Shardul Thakur, 33, has been named captain of the West Zone squad for the 2025 Duleep Trophy. The 15-member team was unveiled on Friday (August 1), featuring notable names such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tushar Deshpande, Shams Mulani, and Tanush Kotian. However, seasoned batters Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane were notably absent from the list.
8) Lancashire Apologizes For Removal Of Fan Who Wore Pakistan Jersey In IND-ENG Test
Lancashire Cricket Club, the operator of Old Trafford Cricket Ground, has issued an apology for "any upset and offence caused" following the removal of a spectator during the final day of the India-England Test in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The fan, Farooq Nazar, posted a video on social media showing security personnel asking him to leave after he declined to cover up his t-shirt, which resembled a vintage Pakistan ODI jersey.
9) Macau Open: Lakshya Sen, Tharun Mannepalli Sail Into Semifinals
Indian shuttlers Lakshya Sen and Tharun Mannepalli advanced to the men's singles semifinals at the Macau Open Super 300 badminton tournament on Friday with impressive victories over Xuan Chen Zhu and Hu Zhe, respectively.
Sen clinched a hard-fought 21-14, 18-21, 21-14 win against Zhu, while 23-year-old Mannepalli showcased grit and determination in a gruelling contest lasting 75 minutes, eventually emerging victorious with a 21-12, 13-21, 21-18 scoreline.
10) Rajasthan's Daughters Shine At U-17 Wrestling Championship In Athens: India Clinches 5 Medals
India delivered an outstanding showing at the Under-17 Wrestling Championship in Athens, with the young women wrestlers taking the spotlight and reaffirming the country's growing grassroots sporting prowess.
On the opening day of the international event, Indian athletes bagged a total of five medals - two gold, two silver, and one bronze - highlighting the depth of emerging talent. Among the standout performers was Ashwini Bishnoi, who captured gold in the 65 kg division with a commanding display, marking herself as a promising future star in Indian wrestling. Komal Verma also impressed, battling her way to a bronze in the highly competitive 49 kg category, earning praise for her determination and tenacity.