The opening day of the 3rd Test between India and Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane was cut short by persistent rain, with only 13.2 overs of play possible. Australia ended the day at 28/0, with Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney solid against a testing opening spell from Jasprit Bumrah. Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to field, introducing Ravindra Jadeja and debutant Akash Deep into the playing XI. The series, tied 1-1, hinges on the outcome of this Test, but further weather interruptions are expected, complicating the fate of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and WTC prospects.

Pakistan’s fast bowler Mohammad Amir, 32, announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a career spanning over a decade. Amir played 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 62 T20Is, taking 271 wickets. Known for his 3-16 spell in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India, Amir's performance was pivotal in Pakistan securing the title. He retired a day after teammate Imad Wasim. Amir expressed gratitude to fans, PCB, and his family, stating, "Representing my country has been the greatest honour of my life." He hopes the next generation will elevate Pakistan cricket to greater heights.

D Gukesh, after winning the World Chess Championship and becoming the youngest-ever world champion at 18, responded to Magnus Carlsen’s criticism of the match’s quality. Carlsen had labeled the final a “second or third-round match” and questioned its standard. Gukesh said, “Not really hurt,” adding that while some games had flaws, world championships are decided not just by chess skills but also by “who has the better character and who has the better willpower.” He admitted the match quality wasn’t ideal but expressed satisfaction with his performance at critical moments. Despite the criticism, Gukesh received support from Viswanathan Anand.

Rain washed out Day 1 of the third Test between Australia and India in Brisbane on December 14, 2024. India won the toss and opted to bowl first, but the decision was soon questioned as rain interrupted play twice. Only 13.2 overs were bowled, with Australia reaching 28/0. The weather cleared briefly, but Australia's openers, Usman Khawaja (19) and Nick McSweeney (4), weren't troubled. This follows a similar scenario in the 2023 World Test Championship final, where India’s decision to bowl first also faced criticism after conditions changed. Day 2 starts at 9:50 am local time.

India made two changes for the crucial third Test against Australia in Brisbane, with the series tied 1-1. Captain Rohit Sharma opted to field first under overcast conditions, aiming to exploit a grassy, soft pitch. Akash Deep replaced Harshit Rana, while Ravindra Jadeja returned for Ravichandran Ashwin. Rohit emphasized capturing key moments after India's previous loss. Australia's only change saw Josh Hazlewood return, replacing Scott Boland. Both captains highlighted the significance of this game in deciding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India's XI includes Jaiswal, Rahul, Kohli, Pant, and Bumrah, while Australia fields Khawaja, Labuschagne, and Smith.

India and Australia are set to face off in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Gabba, Brisbane, Australia, starting on Saturday. The series is tied at 1-1 after India’s 295-run victory in Perth and Australia’s dominance in the pink-ball Test. However, the weather forecast for Day 1 predicts heavy rain, with an 88% chance around the toss time, potentially delaying the start. India is expected to make changes, with Akash Deep and Washington Sundar likely replacing Ravichandran Ashwin and Harshit Rana. The match is set to begin at 5:50 AM IST.

D Gukesh, the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, expressed deep admiration for his opponent, Ding Liren, after his historic victory. At the closing ceremony, Gukesh said, “This journey has been beautiful because of the people around me. I would also love to thank my opponent, Ding Liren. He is, in my eyes, a true champion. Despite a lot of pressure, he was able to put on a huge fight. This match has been what it is because of his fighting spirit. I really admire you.'' Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin also announced a Rs 5 crore reward for Gukesh’s remarkable achievement.

The ICC has approved a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025, with matches hosted in Pakistan and Dubai. The PCB agreed to the terms, ensuring that Pakistan's league-stage clash against India will take place in Colombo instead of India. However, the BCCI has rejected Pakistan's call for a similar hybrid hosting model for ICC events in India in 2026, citing no security threats. Scheduled from Feb 19 to Mar 9, 2025, the tournament will feature 8 teams in two groups, with semifinals and finals. Pakistan also secured hosting rights for an ICC Women’s tournament post-2027.

Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju, 18, became the youngest world chess champion after defeating Ding Liren, surpassing Garry Kasparov's 1985 record. Former world champion Kasparov praised Gukesh's talent, preparation, and composure, calling his victory a proud moment for India. In a series of posts, Kasparov highlighted Gukesh’s ability to overcome challenges at a young age. He also celebrated India’s growing chess dominance, saying the nation is entering a golden era. Kasparov reflected on his own championship journey, noting the coincidence of Gukesh's triumph on the anniversary of his first victory over Anatoly Karpov in 1984.

Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju, 18, became the youngest world champion, defeating China's Ding Liren in Singapore’s FIDE World Chess Championship. Gukesh, who achieved grandmaster status at 12, said, “This title is just the beginning of my journey.” Supported by family and mentors like Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh capitalized on Ding’s critical 14th-game error to secure victory. Reflecting on his achievement, he added, “I didn’t think it would happen so soon.” With two Chess Olympiad gold medals and a drive to surpass Magnus Carlsen, Gukesh is now the face of India’s thriving chess scene.