Sports Bulletin on February 8: Pakistan PM inaugurates Gaddafi Stadium, Virat Kohli set for Return in Cuttack

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Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the new-looked Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore ahead of Champions Trophy 2025, while India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav continued his off form in the Ranji trophy match for Mumbai.

Check Out the best sports stories across the world on Saturday (February 8).

1. Pakistan PM inaugurates new look Gaddafi Stadium

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the revamped Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday. Pakistan are taking part in a tri-nation series against New Zealand and South Africa ahead of the Champions Trophy. Sharif wished luck to the Pakistan team and also told that Mohammad Rizwan and co. must aim to beat India in Dubai.

2. ⁠Suryakumar Yadav fails in Ranji return

Suryakumar Yadav's lack of form in the Ranji Trophy continued as the India T20I skipper had an underwhelming outing yet again. Surya could only manage 9 runs off 5 balls before getting out against Haryana at the Eden Gardens. Mumbai were struggling at one stage but are at 278 for 8 at the end of Day 1.

3. ⁠India look to welcome Virat Kohli back for Cuttack clash

Virat Kohli is set to return in action in the 2nd ODI match against England in Cuttack. The star batter had a knee swelling which ruled him out in Nagpur, but he looks likely to feature at the Barabati Stadium. It is to be seen whom he replaces, with Yashasvi Jaiswal likely to make way for him.

4. ⁠Three India players visit Puri's Jagannath Temple ahead of 2nd ODI

Three India players - Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Varun Chakravarthy offered their prayers at the Jagannath Temple in Puri ahead of India's ODI clash against England on Sunday (Feb 9). Although Axar and Washington were in the Indian team from the scratch, Varun was a late addition to the side for the England series.

5. ⁠Pakistan may make last minute changes to CT squad

The PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has conceded that there can be late changes to the Pakistan squad for Champions Trophy 2025. The inclusions of Khusdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf have been hugely criticized and the selectors may have to reshuffle the team. Naqvi says selectors are reviewing, which may mean a change - with Shadab Khan and Aamer Jamal in contention to replace the duo.

6. ⁠Lionel Messi set for Inter Miami's match in Honduras

Lionel Messi is set to play his second club match in Honduras as his team Inter Miami lock horns against Honduran club CD Olimpia on Saturday. The Argentina legend has looked in decent touch for Miami and will be aiming to continue his preparations in the pre-season tour.

7. ⁠ Karun Nair continues scoring spree in Ranji Quarterfinal against Tamil Nadu

Karun Nair and his run-scoring spree continues as the India batter scored a hundred in the Ranji quarterfinals against Tamil Nadu. On Day 1 of the match, Nair played a brilliant knock. At the end of the day's play, he remains unbeaten on 100 in 180 deliveries, hitting 14 fours and 1 six in the process.

8. ⁠Dimuth Karunaratne bids farewell to Tests after 100 matches

Dimuth Karunaratne, Sri Lanka's former Test captain, has retired after his 100th Test against Australia in Galle. Debuting at the same venue in 2012, the 36-year-old opener has scored 7,222 runs, including 16 centuries and 39 half-centuries, in 100 matches. He cited the emergence of younger players and Sri Lanka's limited Test schedule as reasons for his decision. Post-retirement, Karunaratne plans to pursue coaching after a brief break.