Current Affairs - Sports

Andre Russell, the dynamic all-rounder from the West Indies, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket. Known for his explosive batting and fierce pace bowling, Russell was a key figure in the West Indies' T20 World Cup triumphs in 2012 and 2016. Debuting in 2010, he played 84 T20 Internationals, 56 ODIs, and one Test match, making a lasting impact in the shortest format. His remarkable T20I strike rate of 163.08 and significant contributions with the ball made him one of the most feared T20 players globally. His final appearances will be against Australia in July 2025 at Sabina Park.

Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool won the Wimbledon 2025 men’s doubles title, marking their first Grand Slam victory as a team. They were seeded fifth in the tournament and defeated Rinky Hijikata and David Pel in the final. The British duo had an impressive season, also winning at Queen’s Club and Eastbourne. Their victory is especially historic, as they became the first all-British team to win the Wimbledon men’s doubles title since Pat Hughes and Raymond Tuckey in 1936, ending an 89-year wait for Britain in this category.

Harikrishnan A. Ra, a 23-year-old chess player from Chennai, has become India’s 87th Grandmaster after securing his final GM norm at the La Plagne Chess Festival in France. This accomplishment is the result of a 7-year-long journey that began when he became an International Master. His achievement not only marks a personal milestone but also reflects India’s rapid rise in the global chess community. With this title, Harikrishnan joins the ranks of elite Indian chess players, contributing to the country's strong presence in the sport on an international level.

Italy’s men’s cricket team has created history by qualifying for the 2026 T20 World Cup for the very first time. Led by former Australian Test opener Joe Burns, the team secured its spot through the ICC T20 Men's Europe Region Final. This qualification marks a significant milestone in Italy’s cricketing journey, highlighting the sport's growing global reach. Although the Netherlands topped the qualifying group with an unbeaten run, Italy’s performance was strong enough to earn them a place in the upcoming World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Curtis Campher, an all-rounder from Ireland, made history by becoming the first male cricketer in professional cricket to claim five wickets in five consecutive deliveries. This extraordinary feat occurred during an Inter-Provincial T20 Trophy match held in Dublin, featuring Munster Reds against North-West Warriors. While Kelis Ndhlovu of Zimbabwe was the first cricketer overall (in women’s cricket) to achieve this milestone, Campher’s record is significant as it marks a first in the men’s game. Such rare accomplishments highlight the unpredictability and excitement of T20 cricket, and Campher’s performance will be remembered as a standout moment in the sport’s history.