Sports Bulletin June 25: Hardik Pandya's KKR adventure, South Africa create History, World Cup Commentator Removed

As the world of sports have come with a new set of developments, check out all the unmissable stories here in the Sports Bulletin for today, June 25.

Hardik Pandya linked with shock KKR move

Kolkata Knight Riders have reportedly initiated talks with Mumbai Indians for an all-cash deal to acquire captain Hardik Pandya ahead of the IPL 2027 mega auction. The explosive all-rounder, who scored 314 runs and took 12 wickets in IPL 2026, is seen as a dynamic finisher post-Narine’s retirement. No official confirmation yet, but fans are buzzing over the potential 'Purple Pandya' move.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to have separate dressing room in England, Ireland

Fifteen-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will use a separate changing room during India’s T20I series in England and Ireland due to ECB and ICC safeguarding rules for under-16 players. He can join team talks and the dressing room during matches but must change separately. His parents will accompany the prodigy on tour.

Brazil top Group C with Scotland win

Brazil thrashed Scotland 3-0 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, to top Group C and advance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Vinícius Júnior scored a brace, Matheus Cunha added one, and Neymar Jr. made a late substitute appearance after injury. This followed wins/draws against Haiti and Morocco, confirming first place.

South Africa progress to World Cup Knockouts

South Africa have created history with a 1-0 win over South Korea, thus qualifying for the FIFA World Cup knockouts for the first time in their history. Starting the day at the bottom, the Bafana Bafana stood tall as Thapelo Maseka scored the solitary goal for them to take them to the knockouts.

Vinicius Jr. becomes 5th Brazil player to unique Record

During Brazil’s 3-0 win over Scotland, Vinícius Júnior continued his record-breaking form, becoming the fifth Brazilian to score a goal in all three group stage matches of a single World Cup edition. The Real Madrid star found the net twice in the match and joined an elite list with Jairzinho, Romario, Ronaldo and Rivaldo.

Switzerland, Canada advance from Group B

Switzerland defeated co-hosts Canada 2-1 in Vancouver to win Group B with seven points. Rubén Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored for the Swiss; Promise David replied for Canada. Both advanced - Switzerland as winners, Canada as runners-up, marking Canada’s first-ever World Cup knockout stage appearance.

Shafali Verma now considers herself as all-rounder

India opener Shafali Verma has declared herself a complete all-rounder ahead of crucial Women’s T20 World Cup matches. “Yes, I would say I am an all-rounder now... willing to put my hand up” in any situation, after contributing with bat and ball, including taking wickets recently. The Indian women team will take on Bangladesh in a crucial encounter today.

Jyothi Yarraji qualifies for Asian Games

Jyothi Yarraji qualified for the 2026 Asian Games by clocking 13.14s in the 100m hurdles heats at the National Inter-State Championships in Bhubaneswar, improving to 12.99s for gold in the final. Returning from ACL injury, she surpassed the 13.34s qualifying standard in her comeback race.

FIFA revokes Commentator's credentials after on-air expletives

FIFA revoked Paraguayan commentator Jorge “Chipi” Vera’s 2026 World Cup credentials after an expletive-laden rant against FIFA, President Gianni Infantino, and officials during Paraguay’s 1-0 win over Turkey following Miguel Almirón’s red card. Vera later apologised, but the breach led to his removal as his credentials were removed by the apex body of world football.