Sports Bulletin For July 18: From BCCI Earning ₹9,741.7 Crore Revenue To CAS Declaring Inter Kashi As I-League Champion

Sports Bulletin For July 18: It's been a busy day in the world of sports, with major developments both on and off the field. From Sujeet Kalkal's historic wrestling gold in Budapest to Lakshmi Jadala's qualification for the Special Olympics, Indian athletes made their mark globally.

The BCCI posted record revenues, while Inter Kashi were reinstated as I-League champions. In football, over 170 applicants eyed the India head coach role, and Saudi clubs made headlines with a mega bid for Vinicius Jr. Here's a roundup of the biggest stories.

1) BCCI announce ₹9,741.7 Crore Revenue in 2023-24

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recorded a historic financial milestone in the fiscal year 2023-24, posting an all-time high income of ₹9,741.7 crore. This impressive figure reflects a substantial year-on-year growth and further cements BCCI's reputation as the most financially powerful cricket board globally.

A major chunk of these earnings came from the ever-lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL), which brought in approximately ₹5,761 crore - accounting for nearly 59% of the board's overall revenue. The IPL's commercial success continues to be the backbone of BCCI's financial strength, playing a pivotal role in its dominant global standing.

2) CAS Declares Inter Kashi I-League 2024-25 Champion

Inter Kashi have officially been crowned I-League champions after a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) went in their favour concerning the registration dispute of Spanish striker Mario Barco.

The verdict from CAS has overturned a previous decision by the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Appeal Committee, which had handed the title to Churchill Brothers. The AIFF had penalised Inter Kashi for allegedly fielding an ineligible player, leading to a deduction of points that dropped the Varanasi-based side to second place in the standings.

However, with CAS now setting aside the AIFF's decision, Inter Kashi have been reinstated as the rightful champions of the I-League.

3) FIR Against Mohammed Shami's Estranged Wife And Daughter After Assault Video Goes Viral

Haseen Jahan, the estranged wife of Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami, has once again found herself at the centre of a controversy after a neighbour, Dalia Khatoon, filed a police complaint against her and her daughter, Arshi. The FIR includes grave allegations such as attempted murder, criminal conspiracy, and physical assault-charges that reportedly stem from a viral video circulating online.

The dispute revolves around a land-related issue in Suri town, located in West Bengal's Birbhum district. As per a report by The Siyasat Daily, the altercation took place in ward number 5, where Haseen had begun construction activities on a plot that is reportedly registered in her daughter Arshi's name. The complainant, Dalia, objected to the construction, claiming the land in question is under legal dispute. This disagreement allegedly escalated into a confrontation, leading to the police involvement.

4) ICC Punishes Another India Cricketer In England For Making Avoidable Contact

Following India's four-wicket win over England in the first ODI at Southampton, opener Pratika Rawal was fined 10% of her match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct. The penalty stems from two instances of unnecessary physical contact-first with Lauren Filer during a run in the 18th over, and later with Sophie Ecclestone after her dismissal in the following over. She also received one demerit point, her first in two years. Meanwhile, England were docked 5% of their match fees for a slow over rate.

5) Las Vegas Freestyle Chess: Arjun Erigaisi Seals Semis Spot, Pragg Out Of Title Race

Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi advanced to the semifinals of the Las Vegas Freestyle Chess Grand Tour after defeating Uzbekistan's Nodirbek Abdusattorov 1.5-0.5. Meanwhile, R Praggnanandhaa's run ended with a narrow 3-4 loss to Fabiano Caruana in the armageddon decider. Erigaisi will now face Levon Aronian in the last four, while Caruana takes on Hans Niemann.

6) About 170 Applications Received By AIFF For Men's National Team Coach Role

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) received over 170 applications for the men's national team head coach role during the 10-day period that ended on July 13. The list features both Indian and international candidates, including Khalid Jamil, Sanjoy Sen, Antonio Lopez Habas, Antonio Rueda, and Stephen Constantine, who is aiming for a third tenure. The AIFF began accepting applications on July 4, following Manolo Marquez's resignation on July 2.

7) 15-Year-Old Lakshmi Jadala Qualifies For Special Olympics World Games 2027

Displaying grit and grace, 15-year-old Lakshmi Jadala, Asia's top-ranked para lawn tennis player with an intellectual disability, clinched gold at the 2025 National Tennis Championship (Disability Sports) in Gwalior, held from July 10 to 14. Her triumph secures her a spot at the 2027 Special Olympics World Games in Cairo, Egypt.

8) Saudi Pro League Side Readying Up Blockbuster Deal For Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior: Reports

A Saudi Pro League club is reportedly preparing a massive €350 million bid to sign Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr during the current transfer window. The proposed deal could see the 25-year-old Brazilian earn an astonishing £1 billion over five years.

9) Durand Cup 2025: Free Entry For All Matches In Jamshedpur, Organisers Announce

The Durand Cup Organising Committee has announced free entry for all matches in Jamshedpur during the 134th edition of the tournament. Starting with a full-house opener at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, all 22,500 seats will be offered via complimentary passes, highlighting both the city's football spirit and the organisers' effort to make the event accessible to all.

10) Sujeet Kalkal Strikes Gold in 65kg Freestyle at Budapest Ranking Series

Sujeet Kalkal clinched gold in the men's 65kg freestyle category at the 2025 Polyak Imre & Varga Janos Memorial in Budapest, becoming the first Indian to win a Wrestling Ranking Series title this year.