Indian Embassy facilitates one-month training for Nepali U-19 cricketers
Three promising Under-19 cricketers from Nepal Naren Bhatta, Sahil Patel, and Puja Mahato are to undergo a month-long professional training program at the LB Shastri Cricket Shaala in Bhopal, India from July 15 to August 14 as part of the Ambassador’s Cricket Fellowship for Nepali Youth announced by the Indian Embassy, Kathmandu.
The initiative aims to support the development of young Nepali cricket talent while strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Nepal through a shared passion for cricket.
This professional exposure is expected to significantly enhance the players’ skills and contribute to Nepal's cricketing aspirations, reads a statement issued by the Indian Embassy, Kathmandu.
Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava met and interacted with the players in the presence of President of the Cricket Association of Nepal Chatur Bahadur Chand, today and conveyed best wishes for their training programme, according to the statement.
The interaction underscored the importance of sports cooperation in fostering deeper people to people ties between India and Nepal.
IPL valuation hits $18.5 billion; RCB topple MI, CSK as most valuable franchise
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed a sharp jump in its overall valuation after the latest edition.
According to a report by US-based investment bank Houlihan Lokey, IPL’s overall valuation has reached a whopping USD 18.5 billion (over Rs 1,56,000 crore) in 2025 and has seen a 12.9 percent increase from last year, Firstpost reported.
Meanwhile, the report also said that the league’s stand-alone brand value rose 13.8 percent to USD 3.9 billion (over Rs 32,000 crore). IPL’s brand value in 2024 was USD 3.4 billion.
“The brand value of the IPL has risen by 13.8% year over year, reaching US$3.9 billion (equivalent to ₹32,721 crore, reflecting a 16.1% increase year over year in INR terms). This growth underscores the league’s expanding commercial appeal, global reach, and deepening fan engagement, particularly in the digital domain,” the report stated, according to Firstpost.
RCB becomes top-valued franchise
A major shift in the rankings saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) emerge as the most valuable IPL franchise for the first time ever, with a brand value of USD 269 million. The boost comes after their maiden IPL title win in 2025. Last year, RCB stood at USD 227 million.
Mumbai Indians (MI) rose from fourth to second place with a brand value of USD 242 million, up from USD 204 million last year. In contrast, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) dropped to third place at USD 235 million after a poor season where they finished last. Their value increased only slightly from USD 231 million in 2024.
UEFA fines top football clubs over financial breaches
Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has fined Chelsea €31m for breaching financial regulations, including €20m for violating football earnings rules and €11m for exceeding squad costs. The club faces a further €60m penalty if targets under a four-year settlement are not met, according to BBC.
Aston Villa, Barcelona, and Lyon also got fines, with Villa sentenced to pay €11m. All four teams would be restricted from registering new players in UEFA tournaments.
Lyon’s agreement allows Europa League participation, pending a successful appeal against relegation by French financial body DNCG. All clubs must meet full compliance by the end of their agreed settlement periods, BBC reported.
ACC Men's U-16 East Zone Cricket Cup: Nepal defeat Singapore by two wickets to lift title
Nepal clinched the title of ACC Men's U-16 East Zone Cricket Cup.
In the final match held at UKM Oval Cricket ground of Malaysia today, Nepal defeated Singapore by two wickets and won the title.
Chasing the 114-run victory target posted by Singapore, Nepal made it in 29 overs losing eight wickets.
For Nepal, Joy Thapa and Abhay Yadav contributed 24 runs, Shiwansh Bajgai 20 runs, Shubham Khanal 18 runs, Prasiddha Joshi 17 runs and Abhay 10 runs respectively.
Kapish Venkatraman of Singapore took four wickets while Yuvaan Pandey claimed two wickets, Vedansh Gupta and Akash Teja took one wicket each.
Earlier, winning the toss, Singapore chose to bat first. Singapore were limited to 113 runs in 40.5 overs losing all wickets.
Rohan Austin scored the highest 23 runs for Singapore while Riaan Naik made 15 runs, Vedansh Gupta 12 runs and Akash Teja 10 runs.
Other batters of Singapore except them failed to score in double digit.
Nepal's Abhay Yadab and Sushil Bahadur Rawal took three wickets each while Shubham Khanal claimed two wickets and Captain Bipin Prasad Sharma took one wicket.
