Mahi’s new mane! Indian star shows off his new hairstyle

Former India captain and Chennai Super Kings superstar MS Dhoni has got a new hairdo and proudly showed it off as he turned 45 on Tuesday.

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A post shared by Aalim Hakim (@aalimhakim)

Hairstylist Aalim Hakim, who boasts a whopping 11.2 million followers on Instagram, posted this picture of the ‘Thala’ and captioned it, “Happiest Birthday to the coolest ever, the one and only Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Here is his cool fresh birthday look.”

Dhoni was recently spotted in the stands during the third India vs England T20I at Trent Bridge.

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Melbourne [Australia], July 10 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India and Australia’s deep sporting bond and expressed delight at witnessing young sporting talent in action at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground stadium, which he visited on Friday alongside Australia PM Anthony Albanese on the final day of his three-day visit to Australia.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Delighted to witness young sporting talent in action at the MCG. Watching children play cricket, Kabaddi and Australian rules football was a wonderful reminder that sport has a unique ability to connect people. India and Australia share a deep sporting bond. As both our nations prepare to host major global sporting events in the years ahead, there is immense potential to deepen cooperation in sports, youth engagement, infrastructure and talent development."

Delighted to witness young sporting talent in action at the MCG. Watching children play cricket, Kabaddi and Australian rules football was a wonderful reminder that sport has a unique ability to connect people.

India and Australia share a deep sporting bond. As both our nations… pic.twitter.com/DRIxJWiCm4

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2026

PM Modi visited the MCG on the final day of his three-day visit to Australia, where he also announced that India is striving to host the 2036 Olympics and expressed delight over Chennai hosting the opening fixture of the Big Bash League 2026-27 edition.

Notably, earlier in the day, the Australian Prime Minister announced that the BBL 2026-27 season will begin in India, with Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium set to host the opening fixture in December. The announcement was made alongside PM Modi in a joint statement.

Cricket Australia later confirmed that the Melbourne Renegades will face the Perth Scorchers in the historic season opener on December 12. The match will be the first BBL fixture to be played outside Australia.

During his speech at the MCG, PM Modi said that with India set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, the country is also pursuing its bid for the 2036 Olympics. He also welcomed Chennai hosting the opening match of the 2026-27 Big Bash League season, saying staging sporting events in India ensures massive reach and viewership.

“India is set to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030. We are also striving to host the Olympics in India in 2036. Brisbane will host the Olympics in 2032. Sports infrastructure will be developed on a mega scale to host these global events… I am delighted that a Big Bash League match will be held in Chennai, India. For any sporting league, hosting an event in India guarantees extensive reach and viewership," he said.

PM Modi said the MCG evokes two emotions for Indians — the excitement of an India vs Australia contest and the realisation that cricket is a shared passion connecting both nations. He added that the sport has strengthened his friendship with Australian PM Albanese, serving as a natural bridge between the two leaders.

“Stepping into the MCG evokes two simultaneous emotions for any Indian. First, the thrill of an India-Australia match and second, the realisation that, in both our nations, cricket is not merely a sport but a shared passion. Yet, today, there is no pressure of a ‘last-over finish.’ Instead, there is only the joy of the game, the warmth of our friendship, and the energy of future champions," he said.

PM Modi said cricket has been a natural link between him and Albanese, recalling their visits to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2023.

“Whenever I have had the chance to meet my friend Prime Minister Albanese, cricket has served as a natural connecting point between us. We visited the stadium together in Ahmedabad, and being here today, I can truly feel the sporting spirit–especially with legends like Steve Waugh and Lisa Sthalekar present among us," he said.

Albanese welcomed PM Modi to the MCG, highlighting the historic India-Australia cricket rivalry and the record-breaking attendance during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. He also acknowledged cricket legends Lisa Sthalekar and Steve Waugh, praising their contributions to the sport.

“Prime Minister Modi, welcome back to the sacred turf of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the birthplace of Test Cricket, the home of Australian rules football and the scene of so many famous contests between Australia and India. Just two years ago, Australian and Indian fans broke an attendance record that was 90 years old. Over five days, 3,70,000 people came through these gates to watch the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar series. That is the passion and the respect between our rivalry. It is a great honour to be joined here by two legends of Australian cricket who are both admired and revered in India too. Lisa Sthalekar and Steve Waugh," he said.

Albanese said the upcoming decade presents a major opportunity for India and Australia to strengthen sporting ties, with India hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, Australia hosting the 2032 Olympics, and India pursuing its 2036 Olympic bid. He added that the nations will continue to share friendly rivalries, competitive contests, and greater cooperation across sports.

“With India hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, Australia hosting the 2032 Olympics and India bidding for the 2036 Olympics, which I’m certain Australia will support, there is a decade of opportunity ahead of us for more friendly rivalry, serious contests and increased cooperation right across the board," Albanese said.

Notably, PM Modi, alongside Albanese, also visited the Shane Warne Stand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Albanese and PM Modi also unveiled the Roadmap on Sport Cooperation, aimed at strengthening sporting ties between Australia and India, according to a media release.

The initiative combines Australia’s expertise in hosting major sporting events with India’s growing ambitions in the sector, while opening new avenues for trade, tourism, and investment. It outlines key areas of collaboration, including capacity building, sports science and technology research, as well as industry and investment.

The Roadmap is expected to deepen cooperation in staging major international sporting events, with Australia preparing to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and India gearing up for the landmark centenary edition of the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

PM Modi said the India-Australia Sports Collaboration Roadmap will expand cooperation beyond cricket, focusing on areas such as sports training, science, and technology to strengthen the partnership between the two nations both on and off the field.

“It gives me great pleasure to launch the India-Australia Sports Collaboration Roadmap today alongside Prime Minister Albanese. Through this initiative, we will strengthen cooperation not only in cricket but across other sports as well. We will move forward together in areas such as sports training, sports science, and technology, strengthening our partnership both on and off the field," PM Modi said. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

The countdown to the 2026-27 Indian Super League season has begun, with the All India Football Federation asking clubs to complete the first step of the participation process over the next ten days.

According to sources close to the developments, all 14 ISL clubs have been informed that they must submit a written confirmation of participation along with the first instalment of Rs 55 lakh by July 20. The payment forms the first half of the Rs 1.1 crore participation fee that clubs had agreed to contribute under the new commercial framework approved earlier this month.

Sources added that the remaining Rs 55 lakh must be deposited before August 14. The communication also makes it clear that the confirmation of participation and payment of the first instalment are mandatory requirements for clubs wishing to compete in the upcoming season, with no relaxation of the deadlines expected.

The participation fee is part of the new four-year arrangement between the AIFF and ISL clubs, under which the clubs will jointly manage the league’s commercial operations through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), while the federation retains its regulatory responsibilities.

Although most clubs are expected to complete the formalities within the stipulated timeline, attention remains on a couple of teams whose participation is yet to be formally confirmed.

Indian Football League champions Diamond Harbour FC continue to face uncertainty after allegations relating to their financial dealings and operational practices were raised by West Bengal Sports Minister, Indranil Khan.

Kerala Blasters FC are also yet to provide complete clarity over their participation. The club is understood to be exploring investment options, and discussions with potential investors are continuing.

With the commercial rights now transferred to the clubs under the new structure, preparations for the season are gathering pace. Club officials are currently working towards launching the league in the first week of September, although the exact start date will depend on a number of operational factors, including the appointment of an official broadcast partner and completion of other commercial arrangements.

Broadcast negotiations are also progressing. Zee Sports has emerged as a strong contender to acquire the ISL’s television rights from the upcoming season, according to a sources. The network has already strengthened its football portfolio by securing the rights to the FIFA World Cup and the Bundesliga, and is now looking to expand its footprint further in Indian football.

If the remaining commercial and broadcast agreements are concluded on schedule, the ISL is expected to return in early September, marking the beginning of a new chapter under the club-led commercial model.

Also Read: The Night Atlanta Became Football’s Most Controversial Stage

The post AIFF has asked all 14 clubs to confirm participation and pay the first instalment of ₹55 lakh by July 20. appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.

The India U-19 team succumbed to a one-wicket loss against Sri Lanka U-19 in the third and final Youth ODI here, losing the series 1-2 as a result.

After being sent in to bat, VK Vineeth (131) powered India to 290-8 in 50 overs. However, SL’s Chamika Heenatigala (84 not out) steered his side home in a nervy chase.

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