Jasprit Bumrah (R) and Temba Bavuma (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has broken his silence on the controversial on-field comment involving India pacer Jasprit Bumrah and wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant during the first Test of the series at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, revealing that both Bumrah and Pant later apologised to him for the remark that sparked widespread debate.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The incident occurred on Day 1 of the match on November 14 when Bumrah believed he had Bavuma LBW and engaged in a discussion with Pant over taking a DRS review after the on-field umpire turned down the appeal. A stump-mic clip of their exchange went viral, with Bumrah appearing to refer to Bavuma as “bauna”, a term often associated with dwarfism and widely perceived as offensive when directed at someone’s stature.

Writing in his ESPNcricinfo column, Bavuma said he was initially unaware of the comment and only learnt about it later through his team’s media manager.“I know from my side there was an incident where they said something in their language about me,” Bavuma wrote. “At the end of the day, two senior players, Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah, came and apologised.”Bavuma admitted the apology initially puzzled him. “When the apology was made, I was in the dark about what it was about. I hadn’t heard it at the time and I needed to check in with our media manager about it.”

While stressing that such incidents are part of the intensity of elite cricket, Bavuma made it clear that words spoken on the field are not easily erased. “What happens on the field, stays on the field but you don’t forget what is said,” he noted. “You use it as fuel and motivation, but there are no grudges per se.”The South Africa skipper added that high-stakes series against India inevitably bring heightened emotions. “A series against India is always going to be intense, and when it’s heated, it makes it even more of a spectacle and motivates the players further,” he wrote, emphasising that mutual respect between players ultimately remained intact.Bavuma’s comments come in the backdrop of a historic achievement for South Africa, who under his leadership completed a dominant 2-0 Test series whitewash over India on their home soil, their first such feat since 2000. Reflecting on the tour, Bavuma said moments of controversy only underlined how fiercely contested the series was — and how determined his side were to make history.

Panaji: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has presented a short-term proposal to the clubs for organisation of the top tier Indian Super League (ISL) this season and asked them to provide feedback within 48 hours.In a meeting on Wednesday between the AIFF’s three-member committee and five ISL clubs, which included Mohun Bagan SG and NorthEast United on a virtual call, the first proposal for 2025-26 includes dividing the 14 teams into East and West conferences of seven teams each with double leg matches to be played between the teams at two centralised venues.The top four teams from each conference will then play single leg matches to decide the champions, while the bottom three will jostle to save relegation.The second is for all teams to play each other in a single leg format with each team, randomly selected, playing either six or seven home/away matches. The team with the maximum points will be declared champion.Club representatives present at the meeting said they need to consult other members.“The format is secondary, what matters more is to tell us about the budget and broadcast details,” said a club official. “Do we have to pay a fee to take part, and if yes, how much? Who spends on the production (for broadcast)? Unless we have clarity on commercial operations, there’s little we can say.”Another official said a model with double leg matches within the conferences would be acceptable but not at a centralised venue since it would involve additional cost for the clubs. “It would make sense to play home and away, in a Conference model since the travel distances won’t be much. In a centralised venue, why pay a high cost for accommodation when you play once in four days,” asked the official.The AIFF will respond to the clubs’ query on Dec 26 at the second meeting between the three-member panel and club representatives. It is here that the long-term proposal, still being fine tuned, will be shared with the clubs and a final meeting with all stakeholders has been scheduled for Dec 29 in the Capital.According to sources, AIFF’s long-term plan proposes that the top league be owned and operated by the federation in a hybrid model with clubs so that the constitutional requirements are met. According to the new constitution, “seniormost top division league shall mean the league competition owned, operated and recognised by the AIFF.”“The plan is for the clubs to sign a participation agreement with the AIFF (instead of FSDL) and they will have the freedom to decide on the commercial partner, commercial regulations, secure sponsorships, and broadcaster. Here the clubs will have a major say in the running of the league,” said the source.AIFF will be in-charge of regulations, match operations, appointment of match referees, integrity matters and disciplinary issues.

Australia vs England, 4th Ashes Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground sets the stage for high drama on Boxing Day, December 26, 2025. With Australia leading the 2025-26 Ashes series 3-0 after dominant wins in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, the Boxing Day clash offers England a chance to salvage pride despite the urn already retained by the hosts. Both teams face key absences, intensifying the battle at the iconic MCG, where over 90,000 fans traditionally pack the stands for this festive showdown.​

Australia and England both lose their frontline pacers

Australian captain Pat Cummins, returning from a five-month back stress injury layoff, has been ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes series as a precautionary measure by team management. After featuring in limited action post his July 2025 comeback against West Indies, coaches opted not to risk long-term fitness, especially with the series secured, paving the way for Steve Smith to lead at the MCG. This rest aligns with preparations potentially eyeing the 2026 T20 World Cup, allowing pacers like Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood to shoulder the load on a pitch known for early bounce and carry favouring quicks.​

England’s campaign hits rock bottom with pace spearhead Jofra Archer sidelined for the final two Tests due to a left side strain, capping a nightmare tour where the visitors trail 0-3. Archer, England’s standout performer with nine wickets across the first three Tests despite his injury-plagued history, exits after impressing post a four-year Test absence, replaced by Gus Atkinson in the XI alongside Jacob Bethell for dropped Ollie Pope. Ben Stokes now leads a depleted attack featuring Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse, and spinner Will Jacks, testing their resolve against Australia’s formidable batting on a surface where pacers have claimed 124 of recent wickets.​

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: England unveils their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test; no place for Ollie Pope and Jofra Archer

Melbourne Weather Forecast for the Boxing Day Test

Day 1

The opening day of the Test at the MCG is expected to be played under mostly cloudy and breezy conditions, with temperatures hovering around a cool 16 degrees during the day and dropping to 11 degrees at night. Strong south-southwesterly winds could make batting tricky, especially under lights, as low cloud cover is likely to assist swing bowling. While there is a small chance of a light shower, rain is unlikely to disrupt play, keeping conditions ideal for fast bowlers to make early inroads.

Day 2

Day two should bring similar challenges for batters, with persistent low clouds and cool weather continuing to aid seam movement. Afternoon winds are expected to pick up, further assisting the pacers. The morning session may test the technique and patience of top-order batters, although conditions are forecast to ease out as the day progresses.

Day 3

The third day marks a clear shift in weather, with sunshine and warmer temperatures setting in. With no rain expected and improved bounce on offer, batting should become more comfortable. As the pitch settles, stroke-makers, particularly in the middle order, could take control and post significant runs.

Day 4

By day four, the Test is likely to be played under bright sunshine and rising heat. The warmer conditions will test players’ stamina, and as the surface starts to show wear, spinners may finally come into play. Tactical declarations and calculated chases could define the day’s narrative.

Day 5

The final day is forecast to be the hottest, with very warm and clear conditions favoring aggressive batting. Any target set could be chased with intent, provided wickets remain in hand. Overall, the evolving MCG surface and uninterrupted weather promise a full, gripping contest where bowlers strike early, batters cash in later, and the match builds toward a dramatic summer finish.

Overall, the forecast signals minimal interruptions, shifting from cool, bowler-friendly opening days to batting paradises later, amplifying tactical intrigue at the MCG. Australia’s depth gives them edge, but England’s fightback hinges on exploiting early seam amid these conditions.

Also READ: ‘My role is to protect’: England captain Ben Stokes breaks silence on drinking controversy ahead of Boxing Day Test vs Australia

The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) begins commercial flight operations on Thursday, opening a second aviation gateway for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region after years of missed deadlines. The new facility is expected to emerge as one of the busiest and a significant aviation hub in the country.On its opening day, the airport is expected to handle over 4,000 passengers, according to people familiar with the matter.Here is all that you need to know about the Navi Mumbai International Airport — Flights, schedule, routes, pictures & more!

Airlines operating from the Navi Mumbai International Airport

Commercial operations will see four airlines operating domestic services from NMIA. These include IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air and Star Air, an NMIA spokesperson said.People familiar with the matter said IndiGo will be the dominant operator across most routes, while Akasa Air will operate services to Ahmedabad, Goa, Kochi and Delhi. Air India Express will operate flights to Bengaluru and Delhi, and Star Air will operate flights to Goa.

Navi Mumbai International Airport – Destinations and routes

NMIA will be connected to nine domestic destinations, including Hyderabad, Goa and Bengaluru. Routes to Delhi will see the highest activity, with a total of three daily flights operated by IndiGo, Air India Express and Akasa Air, the people said.In the initial phase, the airport is expected to operate up to 24 scheduled daily departures to 13 destinations, with the capability to manage up to 10 aircraft movements per hour, according to an NMIA statement.

Today’s flight schedule at the Navi Mumbai International Airport

Thursday’s launch will see around 30 domestic flights, split equally between arrivals and departures.

The terminal building opened to departure passengers around 6.40 am, the NMIA spokesperson said. Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, Jeet Adani, director (airports), and other officials will be present at the airport to welcome passengers arriving on the first flight and to hand over boarding passes to departing travellers.

Stunning images of the Navi Mumbai International Airport

Also see: Exclusive first glimpse of Navi Mumbai international airport

How to get to the Navi Mumbai International Airport?

Getting to the NMAI from Pune or Lonavala:For those travelling from Alibag, Pen, or rest of the Konkan:Getting to NMAI from Navi Mumbai and PanvelFrom Kalyan, Dombivli, or BhiwandiGoing from Eastern Suburbs to Navi Mumbai International AirportThane, Airoli, or Ghansoli to NMAIWestern Suburbs to NMAIGoing to NMAI from Central Mumbai Planning your journey from South Mumbai to NMAI