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East Zone finally won their first Duleep Trophy title in 13 years (the premier red-ball tournament in Indian domestic cricket), beating South Zone on the basis of a first-innings lead. The final, which ended in a draw on Day 5 (Sep 10), saw more than 1,300 runs scored at Chepauk in Chennai, more than 1,000 of which were scored by East Zone. Ishan Kishan, the winning captain, was named Player of the Match for his 270 in the first innings. South Zone captain Tilak Varma was named Player of the Series for his 266 runs in three innings across two matches at an average of 266.00, including two fifties (one of which was 99) and a hundred.<h2>East Zone dominates from start to finish</h2>After piling up 708 runs in the first innings, East Zone declared their second innings at 388/7, which resulted in a draw as both teams shook hands. For East Zone, MD Kounain Quraishi remained 116 not out in the second innings, while skipper Kishan added 80 to take his match total to 350. Apart from them, Anukul Roy (64) and Shikhar Mohan (52) also contributed fifties, while Kumar Kushagra chipped in with 46.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/don-t-deserve-to-play-shakeel-calls-out-pak-batting-after-another-sorry-display-in-england-1789025396312">'Don't deserve to play': Shakeel on Pak batting after another sorry display</a>South Zone, which managed 336 runs in the first innings on the back of captain Tilak Varma's 99, was never in the hunt to overtake East Zone's 708, as Varma acknowledged in his post-match comments."The first day we were doing better, but when they scored 708, it was slightly tough chasing that. Props to their batters. We didn't bowl that great, honestly. Honestly, we were just thinking of batting on for three days, and we tried our best to score 700... Credit goes to East Zone, they have totally outplayed us," he said.Kishan, on the other hand, was chuffed with his team's performance as well as his own, saying: "To be honest, it's more about being one unit. We did that as a group, we won this title as a group, and everyone was taking care of each other. [On my role as captain], I think I've been a good leader, but the journey doesn't end here; when you lead a side, there are always mistakes happening... I think it was more about reading the situation, taking care of each other, and getting into the zone where I was. It's a good transformation for me: I've been calmer, I've had more hunger, and you want to lead the team from the front."

East Zone won the Duleep Trophy on a first-innings lead after a drawn final vs South Zone. Ishan Kishan (270 & 80) was Player of the Match, while South Zone skipper Tilak Varma was Player of the Series.

East Zone finally won their first Duleep Trophy title in 13 years (the premier red-ball tournament in Indian domestic cricket), beating South Zone on the basis of a first-innings lead. The final, which ended in a draw on Day 5 (Sep 10), saw more than 1,300 runs scored at Chepauk in Chennai, more than 1,000 of which were scored by East Zone. Ishan Kishan, the winning captain, was named Player of the Match for his 270 in the first innings. South Zone captain Tilak Varma was named Player of the Series for his 266 runs in three innings across two matches at an average of 266.00, including two fifties (one of which was 99) and a hundred. East Zone dominates from start to finish After piling up 708 runs in the first innings, East Zone declared their second innings at 388/7, which resulted in a draw as both teams shook hands. For East Zone, MD Kounain Quraishi remained 116 not out in the second innings, while skipper Kishan added 80 to take his match total to 350. Apart from them, Anukul Roy (64) and Shikhar Mohan (52) also contributed fifties, while Kumar Kushagra chipped in with 46. Also Read - 'Don't deserve to play': Shakeel on Pak batting after another sorry display South Zone, which managed 336 runs in the first innings on the back of captain Tilak Varma's 99, was never in the hunt to overtake East Zone's 708, as Varma acknowledged in his post-match comments. "The first day we were doing better, but when they scored 708, it was slightly tough chasing that. Props to their batters. We didn't bowl that great, honestly. Honestly, we were just thinking of batting on for three days, and we tried our best to score 700... Credit goes to East Zone, they have totally outplayed us," he said. Kishan, on the other hand, was chuffed with his team's performance as well as his own, saying: "To be honest, it's more about being one unit. We did that as a group, we won this title as a group, and everyone was taking care of each other. [On my role as captain], I think I've been a good leader, but the journey doesn't end here; when you lead a side, there are always mistakes happening... I think it was more about reading the situation, taking care of each other, and getting into the zone where I was. It's a good transformation for me: I've been calmer, I've had more hunger, and you want to lead the team from the front."

East Zone won the Duleep Trophy on a first-innings lead after a drawn final vs South Zone. Ishan Kishan (270 &amp; 80) was Player of the Match, while South Zone skipper Tilak Varma was Player of the Series.

Duleep Trophy Final: Kishan leads East Zone to first title in 13 years with 350 runs vs South Zone

The NFL 2026 season kicked off on Wednesday (Sep 9), and last season's Super Bowl champs, the Seattle Seahawks, beat the New England Patriots 13-10 at Lumen Field in Seattle. It was all down to an interception by Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe in the final seconds of the fourth quarter, which sealed the opening-night win for Seattle. The Super Bowl champions had to face the loss of quarterback Sam Darnold on the opening drive, and after two scoreless quarters, backup QB Drew Lock led them to victory with two late scoring drives.<h2>Seahawks win in Super Bowl rematch despite losing QB on opening drive</h2>In the first Super Bowl rematch on opening night since 2016—which the Seahawks had won 29-13 in Super Bowl LX—Seattle was dealt a bad hand early on when QB Darnold went off the field due to a hip injury he sustained on the opening drive. The Seahawks were unable to score a single point in the first two quarters after that and trailed 7-0 at halftime.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazil-announce-26-member-squad-for-friendlies-including-against-india-1789015050304">Brazil announce 26-member squad for friendlies, including against India</a>In the third quarter, the Patriots got a field goal to make the score 10-0 before the Seahawks got on the scoreboard. Lock then tied the game with a 45-yard touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba on 4th-and-1, which came after Nehemiah Pritchett intercepted Drake Maye.On the next drive, Maye was intercepted again, this time by Julian Love, setting up a field goal as the Seahawks went up 13-10 in the fourth quarter. It all came down to the final drive by Maye late in the fourth quarter. The Patriots QB, who was the runner-up for MVP last season, threw the ball into the end zone on 3rd-and-5 with seconds left, but it was intercepted by Josh Jobe near the sideline, ending the game.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">JOSH JOBE TOE TAP INT NEvsSEA on NBC/Peacock Stream on <a href="https://x.com/NFLPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLPlus</a> <a href="https://t.co/MrmQx0a3fo">pic.twitter.com/MrmQx0a3fo</a>&mdash; NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/2097889018105184513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>How is Darnold doing?</h2>The Seahawks also breathed a sigh of relief after Darnold was cleared of a hip fracture, as informed by head coach Mike Macdonald postgame. The team, as per Macdonald, still doesn't know the extent of Darnold's injury after the QB underwent a CT scan at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Darnold, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, will undergo an MRI on Thursday (Sep 10).&nbsp;

The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 13-10 in the 2026 NFL opener. Drew Lock replaced the injured Sam Darnold, and Josh Jobe sealed the win with a late interception.

The NFL 2026 season kicked off on Wednesday (Sep 9), and last season's Super Bowl champs, the Seattle Seahawks, beat the New England Patriots 13-10 at Lumen Field in Seattle. It was all down to an interception by Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe in the final seconds of the fourth quarter, which sealed the opening-night win for Seattle. The Super Bowl champions had to face the loss of quarterback Sam Darnold on the opening drive, and after two scoreless quarters, backup QB Drew Lock led them to victory with two late scoring drives. Seahawks win in Super Bowl rematch despite losing QB on opening drive In the first Super Bowl rematch on opening night since 2016—which the Seahawks had won 29-13 in Super Bowl LX—Seattle was dealt a bad hand early on when QB Darnold went off the field due to a hip injury he sustained on the opening drive. The Seahawks were unable to score a single point in the first two quarters after that and trailed 7-0 at halftime. Also Read - Brazil announce 26-member squad for friendlies, including against India In the third quarter, the Patriots got a field goal to make the score 10-0 before the Seahawks got on the scoreboard. Lock then tied the game with a 45-yard touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba on 4th-and-1, which came after Nehemiah Pritchett intercepted Drake Maye. On the next drive, Maye was intercepted again, this time by Julian Love, setting up a field goal as the Seahawks went up 13-10 in the fourth quarter. It all came down to the final drive by Maye late in the fourth quarter. The Patriots QB, who was the runner-up for MVP last season, threw the ball into the end zone on 3rd-and-5 with seconds left, but it was intercepted by Josh Jobe near the sideline, ending the game.

The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 13-10 in the 2026 NFL opener. Drew Lock replaced the injured Sam Darnold, and Josh Jobe sealed the win with a late interception.

NFL 2026: Josh gets job done for Seahawks after Seattle lose QB Darnold on opening drive in Super Bowl rematch vs Patriots

Pakistan made seven changes to the squad after the 194-run loss at Lord's against England and four changes to their playing XI for the third and final Test at Edgbaston in a series they were already trailing 0-2. The changes, however, didn't pay off for Pakistan as the visitors were bowled out for 133 in the first innings - their second lowest team total on the tour. Pakistan batter Saud Shakeel, who top-scored with 43 off 47, called the performance 'depressing' as the batters continued to make the same mistakes and failed to build partnerships. After Shakeel, bowler Mohammad Abbas, who came in at No. 10, was the second-highest scorer with 21 - one more than England's 20 extras.<h2>Shakeel calls out Pak batting after another failure</h2>It was never going to be easy for Pakistan under the overcast Birmingham sky after they lost the toss and were asked to bat first. They were 26/4 inside 10 overs, and by the time the team score reached 100 at lunch, seven Pakistani batters were already out. The highest partnership of 26 runs came for the 10th wicket - highlighting their top-order struggles.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-batter-jordan-hermann-hits-highest-individual-score-on-odi-debut-1789019503936">SA batter Hermann hits highest individual score on ODI debut</a>"The toss isn't in our hands, but we lost it and batted first, and the overcast conditions favoured England there. That was an opportunity to strike up a partnership because the pitch improved as the day went on. With the new ball, even England's top order struggled, so it was important to see off the new ball," Shakeel said after the day's play."It's depressing, we're making the same mistakes as a batting unit. We're getting out in bunches and there were lots of soft dismissals today. We're trying, but yes it's frustrating that we keep making the same mistakes. I don't think it's a confidence issue. If you don't have the confidence to play at this level, then you don't deserve to play here. But in difficult conditions, poor form can be quite hard to break out of."<h2>England get ahead on 14-wicket Day 1 at Edgbaston</h2>After bowling Pakistan out, England faced early troubles as well, with their first three wickets adding just 39 runs. Emilio Gay (60) and Harry Brook (52 not out) then added 104 runs for the fourth wicket to take England into the lead. Before the end of play, England had scored 156/4, with Brook still batting alongside Dan Lawrence (5).

Pakistan were bowled out for 133 on Day 1 of the third Test against England at Edgbaston. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 43, calling the performance "depressing." England ended the day at 156/4.

Pakistan made seven changes to the squad after the 194-run loss at Lord's against England and four changes to their playing XI for the third and final Test at Edgbaston in a series they were already trailing 0-2. The changes, however, didn't pay off for Pakistan as the visitors were bowled out for 133 in the first innings - their second lowest team total on the tour. Pakistan batter Saud Shakeel, who top-scored with 43 off 47, called the performance 'depressing' as the batters continued to make the same mistakes and failed to build partnerships. After Shakeel, bowler Mohammad Abbas, who came in at No. 10, was the second-highest scorer with 21 - one more than England's 20 extras. Shakeel calls out Pak batting after another failure It was never going to be easy for Pakistan under the overcast Birmingham sky after they lost the toss and were asked to bat first. They were 26/4 inside 10 overs, and by the time the team score reached 100 at lunch, seven Pakistani batters were already out. The highest partnership of 26 runs came for the 10th wicket - highlighting their top-order struggles. Also Read - SA batter Hermann hits highest individual score on ODI debut "The toss isn't in our hands, but we lost it and batted first, and the overcast conditions favoured England there. That was an opportunity to strike up a partnership because the pitch improved as the day went on. With the new ball, even England's top order struggled, so it was important to see off the new ball," Shakeel said after the day's play. "It's depressing, we're making the same mistakes as a batting unit. We're getting out in bunches and there were lots of soft dismissals today. We're trying, but yes it's frustrating that we keep making the same mistakes. I don't think it's a confidence issue. If you don't have the confidence to play at this level, then you don't deserve to play here. But in difficult conditions, poor form can be quite hard to break out of." England get ahead on 14-wicket Day 1 at Edgbaston After bowling Pakistan out, England faced early troubles as well, with their first three wickets adding just 39 runs. Emilio Gay (60) and Harry Brook (52 not out) then added 104 runs for the fourth wicket to take England into the lead. Before the end of play, England had scored 156/4, with Brook still batting alongside Dan Lawrence (5).

Pakistan were bowled out for 133 on Day 1 of the third Test against England at Edgbaston. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 43, calling the performance "depressing." England ended the day at 156/4.

'Don't deserve to play': Shakeel calls out Pak batting after another sorry display in England

South Africa batter Jordan Hermann made his ODI debut on Wednesday (Sep 9) against Namibia in Windhoek and instantly got his name into the history books. Opening the batting, Hermann scored 150 off 126 balls, hitting 17 fours and three sixes in his marathon innings as South Africa posted 348/6 in 50 overs. Hermann's 150 is the joint-highest score for a player on ODI debut, equaling the record set by Matthew Breetzke, also from South Africa, who scored 150 against New Zealand in Lahore in Feb 2025. Hermann is the fifth South African batter to score a ton on ODI debut.<h2>SA batter Hermann enters record books on ODI debut</h2>Hermann had a bit of luck on his side as well. He was on 30 runs when a direct hit at the non-striker's end should have ended his innings. The match, however, had no run-out referral technology / third umpire and he was given not out. The batter then went on to score an additional 120 runs to achieve the joint-highest score on ODI debut. He added 190 runs for the second wicket with Tony de Zorzi (72), and South Africa were 275/3 when he got out in the 42nd over. The match was interrupted by rain, and Namibia, who were set a revised target of 262 runs in 31 overs, could only manage 162/8, losing the match by 99 runs—essentially the runs that came after Hermann got a reprieve.Before Hermann, the South African batters who had scored a ton on ODI debut were: Breetzke (150 vs NZ in 2025), Colin Ingram (124 vs Zimbabwe in 2010), Temba Bavuma (113 vs Ireland in 2016), and Reeza Hendricks (102 vs Sri Lanka in 2018). Only 20 players have scored a ton on ODI debut in the history of 50-over cricket, and Hermann sits at the top of that list alongside Breetzke.The only Indian player on the list is KL Rahul, who scored an exact 100 on his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in 2016.<h2>What did Hermann say after scoring the joint-most runs on ODI debut?</h2>"It's incredibly special," Hermann said about his innings after the match. "I've been taught my whole life that you don't just get a hundred, you try to push it further and further. I think that was also what the conditions were asking, so not just get a hundred but push on a bit. I was trying to kill all sense of any bad patches of play that they can capitalise on. [I'm] chuffed that I could do that and get us in a winning position."

South Africa's Jordan Hermann scored 150 off 126 balls against Namibia, equaling teammate Matthew Breetzke's record for the highest score on ODI debut. SA posted 348/6 and won by 99 runs via DLS.

South Africa batter Jordan Hermann made his ODI debut on Wednesday (Sep 9) against Namibia in Windhoek and instantly got his name into the history books. Opening the batting, Hermann scored 150 off 126 balls, hitting 17 fours and three sixes in his marathon innings as South Africa posted 348/6 in 50 overs. Hermann's 150 is the joint-highest score for a player on ODI debut, equaling the record set by Matthew Breetzke, also from South Africa, who scored 150 against New Zealand in Lahore in Feb 2025. Hermann is the fifth South African batter to score a ton on ODI debut. SA batter Hermann enters record books on ODI debut Hermann had a bit of luck on his side as well. He was on 30 runs when a direct hit at the non-striker's end should have ended his innings. The match, however, had no run-out referral technology / third umpire and he was given not out. The batter then went on to score an additional 120 runs to achieve the joint-highest score on ODI debut. He added 190 runs for the second wicket with Tony de Zorzi (72), and South Africa were 275/3 when he got out in the 42nd over. The match was interrupted by rain, and Namibia, who were set a revised target of 262 runs in 31 overs, could only manage 162/8, losing the match by 99 runs—essentially the runs that came after Hermann got a reprieve. Before Hermann, the South African batters who had scored a ton on ODI debut were: Breetzke (150 vs NZ in 2025), Colin Ingram (124 vs Zimbabwe in 2010), Temba Bavuma (113 vs Ireland in 2016), and Reeza Hendricks (102 vs Sri Lanka in 2018). Only 20 players have scored a ton on ODI debut in the history of 50-over cricket, and Hermann sits at the top of that list alongside Breetzke. The only Indian player on the list is KL Rahul, who scored an exact 100 on his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in 2016. What did Hermann say after scoring the joint-most runs on ODI debut? "It's incredibly special," Hermann said about his innings after the match. "I've been taught my whole life that you don't just get a hundred, you try to push it further and further. I think that was also what the conditions were asking, so not just get a hundred but push on a bit. I was trying to kill all sense of any bad patches of play that they can capitalise on. [I'm] chuffed that I could do that and get us in a winning position."

South Africa's Jordan Hermann scored 150 off 126 balls against Namibia, equaling teammate Matthew Breetzke's record for the highest score on ODI debut. SA posted 348/6 and won by 99 runs via DLS.

South Africa batter Jordan Hermann hits highest individual score on ODI debut

Brazil, the five-time FIFA World Cup winner, will be playing three friendlies in the coming days, including their first-ever match against India on October 3 in Kolkata. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who had vowed squad changes after their Round of 16 elimination against Norway in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has announced a new-look 26-member team. Before India, Brazil will play two friendlies against Australia - on September 25 in Townsville and on September 29 in Brisbane. Brazil's next big tournament is the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 before preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup begins.<h2>Brazil names 26-member squad for friendlies, including match against India</h2>The most noticeable change Ancelotti made was an overhaul of goalkeepers, which includes three new players in Hugo Souza (Corinthians), Pedro Morisco (Coritiba), and Otavio (Cruzeiro), while Liverpool's Alisson Becker failed to find a place.From the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, the known players missing from the new-look squad are veteran midfielder Casemiro (Inter Miami) and Fabinho. Brazil's all-time highest goalscorer, Neymar, who announced his retirement post the FIFA World Cup debacle, is also not in the squad.Among the players who made the cut are Athletico Paranaense defender Arthur Dias and PSV Eindhoven full-back Mauro Junior.Ancelotti, however, retained experienced players such as Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, Barcelona's Raphinha, Arsenal's Bruno Guimaraes, and Paris Saint-Germain skipper Marquinhos."With these three friendlies, we will start the new cycle to project the Selecao in the objectives of the coming years, which are the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup," said Ancelotti while announcing the squad.<h2>Brazil full squad for friendlies, including India:</h2>Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza (Corinthians), Pedro Morisco (Coritiba), and Otavio (Cruzeiro)Defenders: Arthur Dias (Athletico-PR), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Jair (Nottingham Forest), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Matheuzinho (Corinthians), Mauro Junior (PSV), Vitor Reis (Manchester City), and Wesley (Roma)Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Manchester United), Breno Bidon (Corinthians), Bruno Guimaraes (Arsenal), Danilo (Botafogo), Douglas Luiz (Juventus), and Gabriel Bontempo (Santos)Forwards: Endrick (Real Madrid), Estavao (Chelsea), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Pedro (Flamengo), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Samuel Lino (Flamengo), and Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)

Carlo Ancelotti named a new-look 26-man Brazil squad for upcoming friendlies against Australia and India (Oct 3, Kolkata). Stars Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, and Marquinhos return, while Neymar, Casemiro, and Alisson miss out.

Brazil, the five-time FIFA World Cup winner, will be playing three friendlies in the coming days, including their first-ever match against India on October 3 in Kolkata. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who had vowed squad changes after their Round of 16 elimination against Norway in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has announced a new-look 26-member team. Before India, Brazil will play two friendlies against Australia - on September 25 in Townsville and on September 29 in Brisbane. Brazil's next big tournament is the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 before preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup begins. Brazil names 26-member squad for friendlies, including match against India The most noticeable change Ancelotti made was an overhaul of goalkeepers, which includes three new players in Hugo Souza (Corinthians), Pedro Morisco (Coritiba), and Otavio (Cruzeiro), while Liverpool's Alisson Becker failed to find a place. From the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, the known players missing from the new-look squad are veteran midfielder Casemiro (Inter Miami) and Fabinho. Brazil's all-time highest goalscorer, Neymar, who announced his retirement post the FIFA World Cup debacle, is also not in the squad. Among the players who made the cut are Athletico Paranaense defender Arthur Dias and PSV Eindhoven full-back Mauro Junior. Ancelotti, however, retained experienced players such as Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, Barcelona's Raphinha, Arsenal's Bruno Guimaraes, and Paris Saint-Germain skipper Marquinhos. "With these three friendlies, we will start the new cycle to project the Selecao in the objectives of the coming years, which are the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup," said Ancelotti while announcing the squad. Brazil full squad for friendlies, including India: Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza (Corinthians), Pedro Morisco (Coritiba), and Otavio (Cruzeiro) Defenders: Arthur Dias (Athletico-PR), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Jair (Nottingham Forest), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Matheuzinho (Corinthians), Mauro Junior (PSV), Vitor Reis (Manchester City), and Wesley (Roma) Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Manchester United), Breno Bidon (Corinthians), Bruno Guimaraes (Arsenal), Danilo (Botafogo), Douglas Luiz (Juventus), and Gabriel Bontempo (Santos) Forwards: Endrick (Real Madrid), Estavao (Chelsea), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Pedro (Flamengo), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Samuel Lino (Flamengo), and Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)

Carlo Ancelotti named a new-look 26-man Brazil squad for upcoming friendlies against Australia and India (Oct 3, Kolkata). Stars Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, and Marquinhos return, while Neymar, Casemiro, and Alisson miss out.

Brazil announce 26-member squad for friendlies, including against India

Holders Paris Saint-Germain made a smooth start to their bid for a third consecutive Champions League title as Ferran Torres scored a hat-trick in a 6-1 rout of Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday, while Liverpool came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid. Barcelona kicked off their campaign by scoring five goals against Feyenoord, while Arsenal impressed with a 1-0 win at Napoli. PSG, who are hoping to become only the fourth club to win three European Cups in a row, visit Manchester City and host Barca in their next two European games.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ballon-dor-2026-nominees-messi-ferran-torres-shortlist-1788965614180">Ballon d’Or 2026 Nominees: World Cup finalists Messi, Ferran Torres shortlisted</a>"It is the Champions League, we always play against tough teams, but we have to be focused first in Ligue 1 because we didn't start in the right way," said Torres, with PSG yet to win a domestic game this season.But they wasted little time in picking apart Yaya Toure's Slovan at the Parc des Princes.Ousmane Dembele hammered in a rebound and then nodded in a deflected cross to put Luis Enrique's men two goals ahead inside 22 minutes.Torres tapped home Dembele's cross just after the half-hour mark and drilled in his second less than two minutes after the restart.Spain's World Cup final hero completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute, shanking a shot with his knee that spun into the bottom corner.Suleiman Camara crashed in a consolation for Slovan, but Fabian Ruiz had the final say for PSG when he pounced on a mishit clearance.Liverpool made it successive victories after winning at Ipswich in the Premier League last week by beating Atletico 2-1 at Anfield.Atletico grabbed a 17th-minute lead as Julian Alvarez, starting for the first time this season after failing to force a move away from the club, played in Marcos Llorente to dink the ball over Alisson in the Liverpool goal.Llorente has now scored five times in three visits to Anfield, after netting a double at Liverpool last season and in Atletico's dramatic last-16 victory in 2020.Liverpool hit back five minutes before the break through Dominik Szoboszlai, courtesy of a clever backheeled pass from Ronald Araujo.Alexis Mac Allister then hammered the hosts in front five minutes into the second half with a left-footed strike from outside the box, and Atletico could not find a response."I've loved it. The atmosphere has been incredible and I feel lucky, lucky to experience it," said Liverpool's new manager Andoni Iraola after his Champions League coaching debut.<h2>Odegaard sinks Napoli</h2>Arsenal missed several first-half chances at the Stadio Armando Diego Maradona, with Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret making an excellent save to keep out Mikel Merino's header.Piero Hincapie fired over a golden chance from just three yards out as the English champions continued to push after half-time, but last season's runners-up finally forged ahead with 15 minutes left.Martin Odegaard, who scored the winner against Chelsea at the weekend, played a clever one-two with Christos Tzolis on the edge of the area and crashed a shot in off the far post.Barcelona made an excellent start to their latest bid to end a 12-year wait to lift the trophy, as Raphinha continued his superb form by scoring twice in a 5-1 thumping of Feyenoord.Hansi Flick's men, who lost to Atletico in the quarter-finals last season, have won all five of their matches in all competitions so far this season, scoring five goals in four of them."We controlled the game, we are dominant and this is fantastic to see. This is our style and how we want to play," said Flick.Raphinha put Barca into a third-minute lead before a brilliant long-range strike from summer signing Karim Adeyemi.Brazilian Raphinha, playing up front this season after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Torres, made it eight goals already for the campaign in the second half.Lamine Yamal netted a free-kick which crept through the wall, and although Sem Steijn pulled one back for Feyenoord, Gabriel Jesus came off the bench and then headed in his first Barca goal.Ermedin Demirovic scored a first-half hat-trick as Stuttgart eased to a 3-1 home win over Norwegian champions Viking, playing in the competition for the first time in 34 years.Sporting, quarter-finalists last season for the first time since 1983, fought back to see off Galatasaray 3-1 in Lisbon.

Holders Paris Saint-Germain rout Slovan Bratislava, while Liverpool came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid. Barcelona scored five goals against Feyenoord and Arsenal beat Napoli 1-0.

Holders Paris Saint-Germain made a smooth start to their bid for a third consecutive Champions League title as Ferran Torres scored a hat-trick in a 6-1 rout of Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday, while Liverpool came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid. Barcelona kicked off their campaign by scoring five goals against Feyenoord, while Arsenal impressed with a 1-0 win at Napoli. PSG, who are hoping to become only the fourth club to win three European Cups in a row, visit Manchester City and host Barca in their next two European games. Also Read - Ballon d’Or 2026 Nominees: World Cup finalists Messi, Ferran Torres shortlisted "It is the Champions League, we always play against tough teams, but we have to be focused first in Ligue 1 because we didn't start in the right way," said Torres, with PSG yet to win a domestic game this season. But they wasted little time in picking apart Yaya Toure's Slovan at the Parc des Princes. Ousmane Dembele hammered in a rebound and then nodded in a deflected cross to put Luis Enrique's men two goals ahead inside 22 minutes. Torres tapped home Dembele's cross just after the half-hour mark and drilled in his second less than two minutes after the restart. Spain's World Cup final hero completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute, shanking a shot with his knee that spun into the bottom corner. Suleiman Camara crashed in a consolation for Slovan, but Fabian Ruiz had the final say for PSG when he pounced on a mishit clearance. Liverpool made it successive victories after winning at Ipswich in the Premier League last week by beating Atletico 2-1 at Anfield. Atletico grabbed a 17th-minute lead as Julian Alvarez, starting for the first time this season after failing to force a move away from the club, played in Marcos Llorente to dink the ball over Alisson in the Liverpool goal. Llorente has now scored five times in three visits to Anfield, after netting a double at Liverpool last season and in Atletico's dramatic last-16 victory in 2020. Liverpool hit back five minutes before the break through Dominik Szoboszlai, courtesy of a clever backheeled pass from Ronald Araujo. Alexis Mac Allister then hammered the hosts in front five minutes into the second half with a left-footed strike from outside the box, and Atletico could not find a response. "I've loved it. The atmosphere has been incredible and I feel lucky, lucky to experience it," said Liverpool's new manager Andoni Iraola after his Champions League coaching debut. Odegaard sinks Napoli Arsenal missed several first-half chances at the Stadio Armando Diego Maradona, with Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret making an excellent save to keep out Mikel Merino's header. Piero Hincapie fired over a golden chance from just three yards out as the English champions continued to push after half-time, but last season's runners-up finally forged ahead with 15 minutes left. Martin Odegaard, who scored the winner against Chelsea at the weekend, played a clever one-two with Christos Tzolis on the edge of the area and crashed a shot in off the far post. Barcelona made an excellent start to their latest bid to end a 12-year wait to lift the trophy, as Raphinha continued his superb form by scoring twice in a 5-1 thumping of Feyenoord. Hansi Flick's men, who lost to Atletico in the quarter-finals last season, have won all five of their matches in all competitions so far this season, scoring five goals in four of them. "We controlled the game, we are dominant and this is fantastic to see. This is our style and how we want to play," said Flick. Raphinha put Barca into a third-minute lead before a brilliant long-range strike from summer signing Karim Adeyemi. Brazilian Raphinha, playing up front this season after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Torres, made it eight goals already for the campaign in the second half. Lamine Yamal netted a free-kick which crept through the wall, and although Sem Steijn pulled one back for Feyenoord, Gabriel Jesus came off the bench and then headed in his first Barca goal. Ermedin Demirovic scored a first-half hat-trick as Stuttgart eased to a 3-1 home win over Norwegian champions Viking, playing in the competition for the first time in 34 years. Sporting, quarter-finalists last season for the first time since 1983, fought back to see off Galatasaray 3-1 in Lisbon.

Holders Paris Saint-Germain rout Slovan Bratislava, while Liverpool came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid. Barcelona scored five goals against Feyenoord and Arsenal beat Napoli 1-0.

Champions League: PSG start title defence with rout of Slovan; Liverpool, Barca, Arsenal win

Anti-immigration demonstrators in southern England massed outside a hotel where Pakistan's Under-19 cricket team were staying after mistaking them for asylum seekers, British media reported Wednesday. The incident Tuesday evening in a northern suburb of Portsmouth occurred some 48 hours after protesters disrupted the disembarkation of scores of migrants near the port city and confronted police in widely condemned scenes. Immigration and the arrival of tens of thousands of asylum seekers annually on small boats from mainland Europe has become a politically toxic issue in Britain, sparking numerous protests in recent years, some turning violent.&nbsp;Tuesday's incident came after reports online about a coach with young Asian men on board being seen at a Marriott Hotel in the Portsmouth suburb of Cosham drew protestors to the venue, according to media reports.&nbsp;A councilor from anti-immigration party Reform UK went to the scene and helped disperse the crowd after confirming the men were in fact members of Pakistan's teenage cricket team, The Guardian newspaper said.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ask-them-why-pak-skipper-babar-azam-on-pcb-s-wholesale-changes-after-lord-s-defeat-1788926295318">'Ask them why': Pak skipper Babar Azam on PCB's wholesale changes after Lord's defeat</a>&nbsp;The senior Pakistan men's side are currently involved in the third Test against England at Birmingham's Edgbaston ground.&nbsp;A spokesman for Hampshire Police -- which is responsible for the region -- said the force "were notified that a group of people were starting to congregate" near the hotel Tuesday evening.&nbsp;"Officers subsequently attended and spoke to members of the public that had gathered who were expressing concerns about a coach that had been seen in the area," the spokesman added. "The officers explained that their concerns were not correct," the spokesman said, without confirming the Pakistani cricketers were the mistaken target.&nbsp;He noted the crowd of around 30 people dispersed a short time later and no offences were identified.&nbsp;Michael Bradley, a national organiser from the Stand Up To Racism organisation, condemned the incident as showing "where the scapegoating of refugees and migrants can lead".&nbsp;"When a Pakistan U-19's team is faced by protests because it 'might' in fact be a group of migrants it means that effectively any group of black or Asian people coming into the city are being seen by the far right as a potential target," he said. "It's obvious where all this is going to end -- racist attacks and more violence."

Anti-migrant protesters gathered at a Portsmouth hotel after mistaking the Pakistan U-19 cricket team for asylum seekers. Read full details on the incident.

Anti-immigration demonstrators in southern England massed outside a hotel where Pakistan's Under-19 cricket team were staying after mistaking them for asylum seekers, British media reported Wednesday. The incident Tuesday evening in a northern suburb of Portsmouth occurred some 48 hours after protesters disrupted the disembarkation of scores of migrants near the port city and confronted police in widely condemned scenes. Immigration and the arrival of tens of thousands of asylum seekers annually on small boats from mainland Europe has become a politically toxic issue in Britain, sparking numerous protests in recent years, some turning violent. Tuesday's incident came after reports online about a coach with young Asian men on board being seen at a Marriott Hotel in the Portsmouth suburb of Cosham drew protestors to the venue, according to media reports. A councilor from anti-immigration party Reform UK went to the scene and helped disperse the crowd after confirming the men were in fact members of Pakistan's teenage cricket team, The Guardian newspaper said. Also read| 'Ask them why': Pak skipper Babar Azam on PCB's wholesale changes after Lord's defeat The senior Pakistan men's side are currently involved in the third Test against England at Birmingham's Edgbaston ground. A spokesman for Hampshire Police -- which is responsible for the region -- said the force "were notified that a group of people were starting to congregate" near the hotel Tuesday evening. "Officers subsequently attended and spoke to members of the public that had gathered who were expressing concerns about a coach that had been seen in the area," the spokesman added. "The officers explained that their concerns were not correct," the spokesman said, without confirming the Pakistani cricketers were the mistaken target. He noted the crowd of around 30 people dispersed a short time later and no offences were identified. Michael Bradley, a national organiser from the Stand Up To Racism organisation, condemned the incident as showing "where the scapegoating of refugees and migrants can lead". "When a Pakistan U-19's team is faced by protests because it 'might' in fact be a group of migrants it means that effectively any group of black or Asian people coming into the city are being seen by the far right as a potential target," he said. "It's obvious where all this is going to end -- racist attacks and more violence."

Anti-migrant protesters gathered at a Portsmouth hotel after mistaking the Pakistan U-19 cricket team for asylum seekers. Read full details on the incident.

Anti-migrant crowd mistakes Pakistan U-19 squad for asylum seekers at UK hotel

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has opened an unused sixth-tier seating area at Eden Park in Auckland for the first time in six years for the 4th T20I against India, having last been used during a match against the Men in Blue in 2019. A surge in ticket demand for India’s tour of New Zealand later this winter forced the home board to tap the unused seating space for the crowd. &nbsp;“High demand at Eden Park has required the stadium’s sixth tier of seating to open for the first time since the 2019 India tour of New Zealand, with the upper level available for the fourth T20I against India on Friday, October 30,” said NZC in a statement. &nbsp;“The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2015 and a men’s T20I against Australia in 2018 are the only other times in recent history that the sixth tier has opened up, signalling huge anticipation for the rematch between this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup finalists.”&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/joe-root-surpasses-waugh-ponting-third-most-capped-test-player-1788955580781">Joe Root surpasses Steve Waugh, Ponting to become third-most capped Test player</a> &nbsp;Over 50,000 tickets have been sold in the first week of tickets going live for the public. The NZC opened tickets for the fans on Monday after a two-week pre-sale window ‘for Cricket Nation members, Sky customers, and ANZ customers, with several matches on track to sell out, including the second T20I against India in Christchurch which sits at 75% sold out.’ &nbsp;Considering India will tour New Zealand for a full tour, including white-ball matches (ODIs and T20Is) and two Tests, NZC’s Head of Marketing Tim Ellis said that the board is ‘deep into planning for a number of events surrounding the tour and have some exciting at-game activations in the works.’ &nbsp;“Being able to open up the top level of Eden Park for the first time in years is really exciting and speaks to the swell of excitement building around the tour,” he said. “Matches at Hagley Oval (which will host the first two T20Is and the second Test) have always been well attended, but to have one of them over three-quarters sold already is quite remarkable.”

NZC opens Eden Park's sixth tier for the 4th T20I against India as ticket sales surge past 50,000 in the first week for the 2026 tour.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has opened an unused sixth-tier seating area at Eden Park in Auckland for the first time in six years for the 4th T20I against India, having last been used during a match against the Men in Blue in 2019. A surge in ticket demand for India’s tour of New Zealand later this winter forced the home board to tap the unused seating space for the crowd. “High demand at Eden Park has required the stadium’s sixth tier of seating to open for the first time since the 2019 India tour of New Zealand, with the upper level available for the fourth T20I against India on Friday, October 30,” said NZC in a statement. “The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2015 and a men’s T20I against Australia in 2018 are the only other times in recent history that the sixth tier has opened up, signalling huge anticipation for the rematch between this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup finalists.” Also read| Joe Root surpasses Steve Waugh, Ponting to become third-most capped Test player Over 50,000 tickets have been sold in the first week of tickets going live for the public. The NZC opened tickets for the fans on Monday after a two-week pre-sale window ‘for Cricket Nation members, Sky customers, and ANZ customers, with several matches on track to sell out, including the second T20I against India in Christchurch which sits at 75% sold out.’ Considering India will tour New Zealand for a full tour, including white-ball matches (ODIs and T20Is) and two Tests, NZC’s Head of Marketing Tim Ellis said that the board is ‘deep into planning for a number of events surrounding the tour and have some exciting at-game activations in the works.’ “Being able to open up the top level of Eden Park for the first time in years is really exciting and speaks to the swell of excitement building around the tour,” he said. “Matches at Hagley Oval (which will host the first two T20Is and the second Test) have always been well attended, but to have one of them over three-quarters sold already is quite remarkable.”

NZC opens Eden Park's sixth tier for the 4th T20I against India as ticket sales surge past 50,000 in the first week for the 2026 tour.

NZC opens Auckland’s unused seating tier for India T20I amid surge in ticket demand

Ferran Torres, who scored the winning goal for Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina, has been nominated for the coveted Ballon d’Or this year. Besides him, Lionel Messi also received his 17th nomination, with the two leading the 30-man Ballon d’Or list revealed on Tuesday. Torres has since joined the Champions League winners, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and is one of six Spanish World Cup winners, including Rodri and teen sensation Lamine Yamal, to make the cut. Yamal finished second behind France and PSG forward Ousmane Dembele for the ultimate prize last season. &nbsp;Amongst women’s nominations, three-time winner Aitana Bonmatí failed to make the list after breaking her leg midway through the season; however, her former Barcelona teammate Alexia Putellas, who won the women’s Ballon d’Or in 2021 and 2022, is there. &nbsp;Spanish forward Torres also won La Liga with Barcelona in May, but will now team up with Dembele, who is one of nine PSG players on the list, who have also won back-to-back Champions Leagues in the last two years. Torres’s summer move to PSG brings the French champions’ total to 10 nominees.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-mourinho-makes-winning-comeback-as-real-madrid-beat-inter-milan-1788922260426">Champions League: Mourinho makes winning comeback as Real Madrid beat Inter Milan</a> &nbsp;However, Fabian Ruiz is the only player to have won the Champions League and World Cup in 2026. Besides them, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and the Portuguese midfield pair of Vitinha and Joao Neves have also been nominated for the top individual prize in all of football this year.<h2>Messi nominated for 17th time</h2>2022 World Cup winner and record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi, continued to lead nominations for the 17th time for his prize, while his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo missed out. Messi inspired Argentina to back-to-back World Cup finals before losing to Spain in extra time in what was a lopsided final in New Jersey. &nbsp;Other high-profile names include England captain and talismanic striker Harry Kane, who won the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich. His German club teammate and French playmaker Michael Olise has also been nominated. &nbsp;Real Madrid and England midfield maverick, Jude Bellingham, also earned his nomination for a stellar World Cup, scoring seven goals – as many as Norwegian striker and fellow nominee Erling Haaland’s tally at the tournament. Only Messi (eight) and Kylian Mbappe (10) scored more goals than them. &nbsp;Bellingham’s Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappé also features on the shortlist after becoming the first player to win the World Cup golden boot a second time, while also leading the tournament’s all-time tally. &nbsp;Interestingly, Vozinha, the 40-year-old goalkeeper from Cape Verde, who earned recognition for his heroics in his maiden World Cup, has also been nominated for the Yachine Trophy (goalkeeper category).&nbsp; &nbsp;The winners will be announced in a ceremony at the London Palladium Theatre on October 26.

Lionel Messi earns his 17th Ballon d’Or nomination alongside Spain World Cup hero Ferran Torres as the 2026 30-man shortlist is revealed.

Ferran Torres, who scored the winning goal for Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina, has been nominated for the coveted Ballon d’Or this year. Besides him, Lionel Messi also received his 17th nomination, with the two leading the 30-man Ballon d’Or list revealed on Tuesday. Torres has since joined the Champions League winners, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and is one of six Spanish World Cup winners, including Rodri and teen sensation Lamine Yamal, to make the cut. Yamal finished second behind France and PSG forward Ousmane Dembele for the ultimate prize last season. Amongst women’s nominations, three-time winner Aitana Bonmatí failed to make the list after breaking her leg midway through the season; however, her former Barcelona teammate Alexia Putellas, who won the women’s Ballon d’Or in 2021 and 2022, is there. Spanish forward Torres also won La Liga with Barcelona in May, but will now team up with Dembele, who is one of nine PSG players on the list, who have also won back-to-back Champions Leagues in the last two years. Torres’s summer move to PSG brings the French champions’ total to 10 nominees. Also read| Champions League: Mourinho makes winning comeback as Real Madrid beat Inter Milan However, Fabian Ruiz is the only player to have won the Champions League and World Cup in 2026. Besides them, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and the Portuguese midfield pair of Vitinha and Joao Neves have also been nominated for the top individual prize in all of football this year. Messi nominated for 17th time 2022 World Cup winner and record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi, continued to lead nominations for the 17th time for his prize, while his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo missed out. Messi inspired Argentina to back-to-back World Cup finals before losing to Spain in extra time in what was a lopsided final in New Jersey. Other high-profile names include England captain and talismanic striker Harry Kane, who won the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich. His German club teammate and French playmaker Michael Olise has also been nominated. Real Madrid and England midfield maverick, Jude Bellingham, also earned his nomination for a stellar World Cup, scoring seven goals – as many as Norwegian striker and fellow nominee Erling Haaland’s tally at the tournament. Only Messi (eight) and Kylian Mbappe (10) scored more goals than them. Bellingham’s Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappé also features on the shortlist after becoming the first player to win the World Cup golden boot a second time, while also leading the tournament’s all-time tally. Interestingly, Vozinha, the 40-year-old goalkeeper from Cape Verde, who earned recognition for his heroics in his maiden World Cup, has also been nominated for the Yachine Trophy (goalkeeper category). The winners will be announced in a ceremony at the London Palladium Theatre on October 26.

Lionel Messi earns his 17th Ballon d’Or nomination alongside Spain World Cup hero Ferran Torres as the 2026 30-man shortlist is revealed.

Ballon d’Or 2026 Nominees: World Cup finalists Lionel Messi and Ferran Torres shortlisted

Ollie Robinson claimed his 100th Test wicket as Pakistan collapsed to 100/7 in the opening session on day one of the third Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Pakistan made several changes, naming three debutants in their playing XI for this Test, but failed to alter their fate. Beyond the fresh faces and recalled players, including opener Saim Ayub, who departed for a 10-ball duck, batting mainstays like Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique and even captain Babar Azam departed cheaply. Lord’s Test hero for Pakistan, Saud Shakeel, however, remains the only seasoned batter to hold onto his wicket at lunch on day one. &nbsp;For the third time in this series, Robinson provided an early breakthrough with the new ball. Coming from around the wicket to the left-handers, the right-arm seamer set up Ayub before trapping him in front of the wickets for a duck. Jofra Archer removed his opening partner Azan Awais, caught at mid-wicket for nine, before Robinson claimed Shafique’s wicket for just three. Archer’s extra pace caught Masood off guard, as he top-edged one for five, with Pakistan’s scorecard reading 26/4 inside 10 overs.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/joe-root-surpasses-waugh-ponting-third-most-capped-test-player-1788955580781">Joe Root surpasses Steve Waugh, Ponting to become third-most capped Test player</a> &nbsp;Captain Babar and Shakeel tried reviving Pakistan’s batting with a brief 22-run stand for the fifth wicket, only for Josh Tongue to clean up Babar’s off stump for seven. His dismissal saw Pakistan register an unwanted record of becoming the first Test side to have its top five batters get out without entering double digits in the first innings of a Test match in England.&nbsp;WATCH Babar Azam's Wicket -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Josh Tongue on target 🎯 Follow every ball live 👉 <a href="https://t.co/VUdUehsgT2">https://t.co/VUdUehsgT2</a> <a href="https://t.co/uzGWAoT65y">pic.twitter.com/uzGWAoT65y</a>&mdash; England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://x.com/englandcricket/status/2097648645944345063?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Shakeel was, however, impressive with his clean stroke-making but failed to get any assistance from the other end as wickets kept tumbling. By lunchtime, Pakistan had lost seven wickets for 100, with Robinson returning and Archer picking up two, and Tongue grabbing three.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">New stump please... Click here to follow the action 📲 <a href="https://t.co/VUdUehsgT2">https://t.co/VUdUehsgT2</a> <a href="https://t.co/3mhb78TFhh">pic.twitter.com/3mhb78TFhh</a>&mdash; England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://x.com/englandcricket/status/2097655611559198910?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Soon after play resumed, Robinson picked his third and Tongue his fourth by breaking Shakeel’s stumps as Pakistan’s batting continued to struggle.&nbsp;WATCH Shakeel's Dismissal -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Josh Tongue with his fourth of the day 🤝 Click here to follow the action 📲 <a href="https://t.co/VUdUehsgT2">https://t.co/VUdUehsgT2</a> <a href="https://t.co/8jnSQI08gW">pic.twitter.com/8jnSQI08gW</a>&mdash; England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://x.com/englandcricket/status/2097673641009787206?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Ollie Robinson claims his 100th Test wicket as Pakistan collapse to 100/7 in the opening session on day one of the third Test at Edgbaston. 

Ollie Robinson claimed his 100th Test wicket as Pakistan collapsed to 100/7 in the opening session on day one of the third Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Pakistan made several changes, naming three debutants in their playing XI for this Test, but failed to alter their fate. Beyond the fresh faces and recalled players, including opener Saim Ayub, who departed for a 10-ball duck, batting mainstays like Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique and even captain Babar Azam departed cheaply. Lord’s Test hero for Pakistan, Saud Shakeel, however, remains the only seasoned batter to hold onto his wicket at lunch on day one. For the third time in this series, Robinson provided an early breakthrough with the new ball. Coming from around the wicket to the left-handers, the right-arm seamer set up Ayub before trapping him in front of the wickets for a duck. Jofra Archer removed his opening partner Azan Awais, caught at mid-wicket for nine, before Robinson claimed Shafique’s wicket for just three. Archer’s extra pace caught Masood off guard, as he top-edged one for five, with Pakistan’s scorecard reading 26/4 inside 10 overs. Also read| Joe Root surpasses Steve Waugh, Ponting to become third-most capped Test player Captain Babar and Shakeel tried reviving Pakistan’s batting with a brief 22-run stand for the fifth wicket, only for Josh Tongue to clean up Babar’s off stump for seven. His dismissal saw Pakistan register an unwanted record of becoming the first Test side to have its top five batters get out without entering double digits in the first innings of a Test match in England. WATCH Babar Azam's Wicket -

Ollie Robinson claims his 100th Test wicket as Pakistan collapse to 100/7 in the opening session on day one of the third Test at Edgbaston.&nbsp;

Robinson reaches 100 Test wickets as Pakistan collapse to 100/7 in opening session at Edgbaston

England Test captain Joe Root became the third-most capped Test player in cricket history after taking the field on day one of the Edgbaston Test against Pakistan on Wednesday (Sep 9). Root surpassed former Australian captains and Test veterans Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting – who appeared in the same number of Test matches (168) – to feature in his 169th Test match and counting. Only two cricketers have played more Test matches than Root: James Anderson (188) and Sachin Tendulkar (200).<h2>Players to Play Most Test Matches –</h2><ul><li>Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 200 Test Matches</li><li>James Anderson (England) – 188 Test Matches</li><li>Joe Root (England) – 169 Test Matches*</li><li>Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 168 Test Matches</li><li>Steve Waugh (Australia) – 168 Test Matches</li></ul>Root is the only active cricketer on this top-five list, with the remaining four retired from all forms of the game. Tendulkar’s number of Test appearances is not the only record that Root is chasing, as the current England captain is only second to the Master Blaster for most Test runs scored. Root is 1,713 runs behind Sachin’s tally of 15,921 runs that he scored in 200 Test matches.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ollie-robinson-100th-test-wicket-pakistan-collapse-edgbaston-1788956659241">Robinson reaches 100 Test wickets as Pakistan collapse to 100/7 in opening session at Edgbaston</a> &nbsp;Meanwhile, Root was named England’s Test captain after talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes announced his shock retirement after the New Zealand Test series. Root, who led England for six years until 2022, returned to the helm, with the ECB not too confident of handing over the Test baton to white-ball skipper Harry Brook. &nbsp;Since assuming the leadership role once again, Root began the second innings of his captaincy stint with thumping wins in the first two Tests against Pakistan, leading England to convincing wins in Leeds and Lord’s. The pace trio of Robinson, Archer and Tongue never allowed the visitors to score more than 200 in any of the four innings, with England staying at the top throughout. &nbsp;Even during the ongoing third and final Test at Edgbaston, Root’s England wrapped up Pakistan for 133 inside the second session on day one.

Joe Root surpassed Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting to become the third-most capped Test player in history during the Edgbaston Test against Pakistan.

England Test captain Joe Root became the third-most capped Test player in cricket history after taking the field on day one of the Edgbaston Test against Pakistan on Wednesday (Sep 9). Root surpassed former Australian captains and Test veterans Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting – who appeared in the same number of Test matches (168) – to feature in his 169th Test match and counting. Only two cricketers have played more Test matches than Root: James Anderson (188) and Sachin Tendulkar (200). Players to Play Most Test Matches – Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 200 Test Matches James Anderson (England) – 188 Test Matches Joe Root (England) – 169 Test Matches* Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 168 Test Matches Steve Waugh (Australia) – 168 Test Matches Root is the only active cricketer on this top-five list, with the remaining four retired from all forms of the game. Tendulkar’s number of Test appearances is not the only record that Root is chasing, as the current England captain is only second to the Master Blaster for most Test runs scored. Root is 1,713 runs behind Sachin’s tally of 15,921 runs that he scored in 200 Test matches. Also read| Robinson reaches 100 Test wickets as Pakistan collapse to 100/7 in opening session at Edgbaston Meanwhile, Root was named England’s Test captain after talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes announced his shock retirement after the New Zealand Test series. Root, who led England for six years until 2022, returned to the helm, with the ECB not too confident of handing over the Test baton to white-ball skipper Harry Brook. Since assuming the leadership role once again, Root began the second innings of his captaincy stint with thumping wins in the first two Tests against Pakistan, leading England to convincing wins in Leeds and Lord’s. The pace trio of Robinson, Archer and Tongue never allowed the visitors to score more than 200 in any of the four innings, with England staying at the top throughout. Even during the ongoing third and final Test at Edgbaston, Root’s England wrapped up Pakistan for 133 inside the second session on day one.

Joe Root surpassed Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting to become the third-most capped Test player in history during the Edgbaston Test against Pakistan.

Joe Root surpasses Steve Waugh, Ponting to become third-most capped Test player

Ace India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has returned to competitive cricket for the first time since IPL 2026, with the BCCI selectors picking him for the three-match One-Day series between India A and Australia A. Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad were handed captaincy duties for the four-day and 50-over series, respectively. Puducherry will host five Australia A matches, including two four-day games, starting September 22. The three 50-over games will follow on October 6, 9 and 11. The second multi-day game will take place from September 29 to October 2. &nbsp;Hardik Pandya has not played any white-ball cricket for India since IPL 2026, where his team, Mumbai Indians (MI), finished ninth on the table. Although his selection is subject to fitness, the selectors would be keen on tapping his progress, with plenty of white-ball cricket scheduled for the senior men’s team in the coming months.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-whatever-they-are-providing-we-are-staying-there-rajiv-shukla-on-india-cricketers-accommodation-1788888280164">Asian Games 2026: ‘Whatever they are providing, we are staying there’: Rajiv Shukla on India cricketers' accommodation in Nagoya</a> &nbsp;Earlier reports suggested that Pandya underwent a Performance Block Programme at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) to recover from a back spasm.<h2>Padikkal, Gaikwad named captains</h2>In-form Test batter Devdutt Padikkal will lead the India A team in two four-day matches against Australia A. Fresh from his breakthrough series in Sri Lanka and a handy contribution for South Zone in the ongoing Duleep Trophy final, Padikkal will have Sai Sudharsan as his deputy for the red-ball matches.&nbsp; &nbsp;Promising names like Aman Mokhade, Ayush Pandey, Yash Rathod and Shaik Rasheed have also been picked, while Kumar Kushagra and N Jagadeesan are the two wicketkeeping options. Among the bowlers, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande and Anshul Kamboj have made the cut for the multi-day matches. &nbsp;Indian opener and CSK captain Gaikwad will lead the One-Day team against Australia A.&nbsp; &nbsp;While Padikkal will serve as his deputy, Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Priyansh Arya, Nishant Sindhu, Arshin Kulkarni and Naman Dhir are among those picked for the 50-over games.&nbsp; &nbsp;India A Multi-Day Squad:&nbsp;&nbsp;Aman Mokhade, Ayush Pandey, Devdutt Padikkal (captain), Sai Sudharsan (vice-captain), Yash Rathod, Shaik Rasheed, Kumar Kushagra (WK), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande, Anshul Kamboj, Praful Hinge, Narayan Jagadeesan (wk), Nachiket Bhute and V Vyshak* (subject to fitness) &nbsp;India A One-Day Squad:&nbsp;&nbsp;Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Priyansh Arya, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal (vice-captain), Rajat Patidar, Kumar Kushagra (wk), Nishant Sindhu, Vipraj Nigam, Arshin Kulkarni, Arshad Khan, Naman Dhir, Hardik Pandya* (subject to fitness), Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Gurjapneet Singh and Yash Thakur<h3>India A vs Australia A 2026 Schedule -&nbsp;</h3>

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Date</td><td>Match</td><td>Venue</td></tr><tr><td>Sep 22 - 25&nbsp;</td><td>1st Multi-Day Match</td><td>Puducherry</td></tr><tr><td>Sep 29 - Oct 2</td><td>2nd Multi-Day Match</td><td>Puducherry</td></tr><tr><td>Oct 6</td><td>1st One-Day Match</td><td>Puducherry</td></tr><tr><td>Oct 9</td><td>2nd One-Day Match</td><td>Puducherry</td></tr><tr><td>Oct 11</td><td>3rd One-Day Match</td><td>Puducherry</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Hardik Pandya makes his return as BCCI announces India A squads for the Australia A series in Puducherry. Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad are named captains. 

Ace India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has returned to competitive cricket for the first time since IPL 2026, with the BCCI selectors picking him for the three-match One-Day series between India A and Australia A. Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad were handed captaincy duties for the four-day and 50-over series, respectively. Puducherry will host five Australia A matches, including two four-day games, starting September 22. The three 50-over games will follow on October 6, 9 and 11. The second multi-day game will take place from September 29 to October 2. Hardik Pandya has not played any white-ball cricket for India since IPL 2026, where his team, Mumbai Indians (MI), finished ninth on the table. Although his selection is subject to fitness, the selectors would be keen on tapping his progress, with plenty of white-ball cricket scheduled for the senior men’s team in the coming months. Also read| Asian Games 2026: ‘Whatever they are providing, we are staying there’: Rajiv Shukla on India cricketers' accommodation in Nagoya Earlier reports suggested that Pandya underwent a Performance Block Programme at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) to recover from a back spasm. Padikkal, Gaikwad named captains In-form Test batter Devdutt Padikkal will lead the India A team in two four-day matches against Australia A. Fresh from his breakthrough series in Sri Lanka and a handy contribution for South Zone in the ongoing Duleep Trophy final, Padikkal will have Sai Sudharsan as his deputy for the red-ball matches. Promising names like Aman Mokhade, Ayush Pandey, Yash Rathod and Shaik Rasheed have also been picked, while Kumar Kushagra and N Jagadeesan are the two wicketkeeping options. Among the bowlers, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande and Anshul Kamboj have made the cut for the multi-day matches. Indian opener and CSK captain Gaikwad will lead the One-Day team against Australia A. While Padikkal will serve as his deputy, Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Priyansh Arya, Nishant Sindhu, Arshin Kulkarni and Naman Dhir are among those picked for the 50-over games. India A Multi-Day Squad: Aman Mokhade, Ayush Pandey, Devdutt Padikkal (captain), Sai Sudharsan (vice-captain), Yash Rathod, Shaik Rasheed, Kumar Kushagra (WK), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande, Anshul Kamboj, Praful Hinge, Narayan Jagadeesan (wk), Nachiket Bhute and V Vyshak* (subject to fitness) India A One-Day Squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Priyansh Arya, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal (vice-captain), Rajat Patidar, Kumar Kushagra (wk), Nishant Sindhu, Vipraj Nigam, Arshin Kulkarni, Arshad Khan, Naman Dhir, Hardik Pandya* (subject to fitness), Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Gurjapneet Singh and Yash Thakur India A vs Australia A 2026 Schedule -

Hardik Pandya makes his return as BCCI announces India A squads for the Australia A series in Puducherry. Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad are named captains.&nbsp;

Hardik Pandya back in India A squad; Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad appointed captains

Hundreds of Asian Games athletes in Japan were briefly evacuated from their accommodation as record rainfall lashed host city Nagoya, with competition beginning in 10 days. Rainwater also leaked into some competition venues, with more wet weather forecast for the coming days. About 104mm (four inches) of rain fell in an hour in part of Nagoya on Tuesday, prompting municipal officials to issue an evacuation order for parts of the city.&nbsp;Cars were forced to plough through heavily flooded roads, causing huge jams, while water streamed into subway stations. Scientists say human-induced climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of weather events in Japan and elsewhere.&nbsp;There is no dedicated athletes' village at this year's Asian Games, with organisers instead relying on a cruise ship, temporary wooden containers and hotels.&nbsp;An official with Nagoya Port Authority told AFP that "hundreds" of athletes staying at the city's Garden Pier area, where the wooden container huts are located, were told to move to safety.&nbsp;The athletes returned after the evacuation order was lifted about two hours later.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Asian Games officially begin with an opening ceremony on September 19, but several events get under way before that. The basketball competition begins on Thursday. Rainwater was found in several competition venues, but Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa said the facilities were not seriously affected and that events would go on as scheduled.&nbsp;"There has been limited impact like rainwater leaking from the roofs of some buildings, but the situation is not so serious that the opening on the 19th is in jeopardy for now," he said. "Given the current circumstances, I believe there will be no obstacles to holding the Asian Games."&nbsp;More than 17,000 athletes and officials are expected at the Games -- a bigger number than the Olympics.<h2>‘Unable to go home’</h2>Subway and bus services in Nagoya were temporarily halted on Tuesday, and the Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest flood warning for a major river in the area.&nbsp;Television footage showed rainwater pouring onto a railway line like a waterfall from elevated ground.&nbsp;In another part of Nagoya, an abandoned car sat on a pedestrian sidewalk on Wednesday.&nbsp;"Traffic congestion is terrible because cars that can't move any more are here and there, blocking the roads," said Hitomi Terada, who works at a hotel in hard-hit Chigusa district. "Most of our 25 guest rooms were filled with guests who were unable to go home because of traffic congestion," the 44-year-old told AFP.&nbsp;"Some of our hotel employees couldn't come this morning for work because of traffic problems."&nbsp;Japan's weather agency issued warnings Wednesday for heavy rain and landslides, with rainfall expected to continue intermittently through Thursday in many areas of the country, including Aichi Prefecture, which is hosting the Asian Games.

Record rainfall and heavy flooding in Nagoya forced the brief evacuation of hundreds of Asian Games athletes from temporary accommodations, though officials confirm events will proceed as scheduled.

Hundreds of Asian Games athletes in Japan were briefly evacuated from their accommodation as record rainfall lashed host city Nagoya, with competition beginning in 10 days. Rainwater also leaked into some competition venues, with more wet weather forecast for the coming days. About 104mm (four inches) of rain fell in an hour in part of Nagoya on Tuesday, prompting municipal officials to issue an evacuation order for parts of the city. Cars were forced to plough through heavily flooded roads, causing huge jams, while water streamed into subway stations. Scientists say human-induced climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of weather events in Japan and elsewhere. There is no dedicated athletes' village at this year's Asian Games, with organisers instead relying on a cruise ship, temporary wooden containers and hotels. An official with Nagoya Port Authority told AFP that "hundreds" of athletes staying at the city's Garden Pier area, where the wooden container huts are located, were told to move to safety. The athletes returned after the evacuation order was lifted about two hours later. The Asian Games officially begin with an opening ceremony on September 19, but several events get under way before that. The basketball competition begins on Thursday. Rainwater was found in several competition venues, but Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa said the facilities were not seriously affected and that events would go on as scheduled. "There has been limited impact like rainwater leaking from the roofs of some buildings, but the situation is not so serious that the opening on the 19th is in jeopardy for now," he said. "Given the current circumstances, I believe there will be no obstacles to holding the Asian Games." More than 17,000 athletes and officials are expected at the Games -- a bigger number than the Olympics. ‘Unable to go home’ Subway and bus services in Nagoya were temporarily halted on Tuesday, and the Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest flood warning for a major river in the area. Television footage showed rainwater pouring onto a railway line like a waterfall from elevated ground. In another part of Nagoya, an abandoned car sat on a pedestrian sidewalk on Wednesday. "Traffic congestion is terrible because cars that can't move any more are here and there, blocking the roads," said Hitomi Terada, who works at a hotel in hard-hit Chigusa district. "Most of our 25 guest rooms were filled with guests who were unable to go home because of traffic congestion," the 44-year-old told AFP. "Some of our hotel employees couldn't come this morning for work because of traffic problems." Japan's weather agency issued warnings Wednesday for heavy rain and landslides, with rainfall expected to continue intermittently through Thursday in many areas of the country, including Aichi Prefecture, which is hosting the Asian Games.

Record rainfall and heavy flooding in Nagoya forced the brief evacuation of hundreds of Asian Games athletes from temporary accommodations, though officials confirm events will proceed as scheduled.

Asian Games athletes evacuated as heavy rain triggers flooding in Nagoya

Ben Shelton and his girlfriend, Trinity Rodman, recreated the American tennis player's iconic 'dialed in' phone celebration on Wednesday (Sep 9) at the US Open 2026. The moment came after Shelton <a href="https://www.usopen.org/en_US/players/overview/ben-shelton/atps0s1.html">beat defending champion Carlos Alcaraz</a> in a five-set thriller at Arthur Ashe Stadium in a quarterfinal match that went on for four hours and 28 minutes before a roaring New York City crowd. With the 6–7(5), 6–1, 6–3, 1–6, 7–6(10–7) win in five sets, Shelton now has a place in the semifinals against fellow countryman Frances Tiafoe, ensuring the US has a presence in the final of the event.<h2>Ben Shelton performs iconic 'phone' celebration with soccer star girlfriend Trinity Rodman at US Open</h2>After Alcaraz won the first set in a tiebreaker, Shelton won the next two sets before losing the fourth set. The fifth and final set went into a tiebreaker as well, and Shelton came out the winner, 10–7. After the win, both Alcaraz and Shelton shook hands and hugged at the net. Shelton then acknowledged his girlfriend Trinity Rodman—who plays for the Washington Spirit in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)—in the crowd. Trinity, the daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman, gestured a phone with her hand. Shelton did the same back to her, and the couple shared a laugh.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Ben Shelton scores the biggest win of his career and a spot in the US Open semifinals! <a href="https://t.co/2PCndRLcpL">pic.twitter.com/2PCndRLcpL</a>&mdash; US Open Tennis (@usopen) <a href="https://x.com/usopen/status/2097590532910297451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The celebration symbolizes that Ben is "dialed in", meaning fully focused on winning.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-2026-let-s-go-ben-shelton-beats-alcaraz-in-five-set-qf-thriller-before-roaring-nyc-crowd-and-girlfriend-trinity-rodman-1788940478584">US Open 2026: 'Let's go, Ben' - Shelton beats Alcaraz in five-set QF thriller before roaring NYC crowd</a><h2>Who is Trinity Rodman?</h2>Trinity is the daughter of former NBA star and Michael Jordan's ex-teammate Dennis Rodman. She is a professional soccer player who plays for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL. The soccer star caught the eyes of the cameras during her boyfriend Ben's quarterfinal against Alcaraz and was praised for her fashion as well. Trinity donned an orange cap on backwards along with a patterned Adidas jacket.

Ben Shelton and girlfriend Trinity Rodman recreated his 'dialed-in' phone celebration after his 5-set US Open quarterfinal win over Carlos Alcaraz. Shelton faces Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals.

Ben Shelton and his girlfriend, Trinity Rodman, recreated the American tennis player's iconic 'dialed in' phone celebration on Wednesday (Sep 9) at the US Open 2026. The moment came after Shelton beat defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set thriller at Arthur Ashe Stadium in a quarterfinal match that went on for four hours and 28 minutes before a roaring New York City crowd. With the 6–7(5), 6–1, 6–3, 1–6, 7–6(10–7) win in five sets, Shelton now has a place in the semifinals against fellow countryman Frances Tiafoe, ensuring the US has a presence in the final of the event. Ben Shelton performs iconic 'phone' celebration with soccer star girlfriend Trinity Rodman at US Open After Alcaraz won the first set in a tiebreaker, Shelton won the next two sets before losing the fourth set. The fifth and final set went into a tiebreaker as well, and Shelton came out the winner, 10–7. After the win, both Alcaraz and Shelton shook hands and hugged at the net. Shelton then acknowledged his girlfriend Trinity Rodman—who plays for the Washington Spirit in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)—in the crowd. Trinity, the daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman, gestured a phone with her hand. Shelton did the same back to her, and the couple shared a laugh.

Ben Shelton and girlfriend Trinity Rodman recreated his 'dialed-in' phone celebration after his 5-set US Open quarterfinal win over Carlos Alcaraz. Shelton faces Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals.

US Open 2026: Trinity Rodman recreates boyfriend Ben Shelton's iconic 'phone' celebration after QF win over Alcaraz

American Ben Shelton earned the biggest win of his career, <a href="https://www.usopen.org/en_US/players/overview/ben-shelton/atps0s1.html">beating Carlos Alcaraz 6–7(5), 6–1, 6–3, 1–6, 7–6(10–7)</a> in a five-set thriller at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday (Sep 9) in the US Open 2026 quarterfinals. With his girlfriend, Trinity Rodman, the US soccer star, in attendance and the crowd chanting "Let's go, Ben" well past midnight in New York City, Shelton rose to the occasion and sealed a spot in the final four of the year's last Grand Slam. Shelton will face fellow countryman Frances Tiafoe - who beat No. 46 Alex Michelsen, also an American, in the quarterfinals - ensuring the presence of an American in the final.<h2>Shelton overcomes Alcaraz in five-set thriller</h2>The first set between Shelton and defending champion Alcaraz, who did not play the French Open and Wimbledon earlier this year because of an injury, went to a tiebreaker, which the Spaniard won. Shelton was sensational in the next two sets, winning them 6–1, 6–3. Alcaraz, known for his comebacks, won the next set 6–1 to take the match into a final set. The fifth set also went into a 10-point tiebreaker as both players refused to give an inch. Shelton eventually came out the winner, 10–7, to take the match.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">All the credit to the crowd from Ben 🫶 <a href="https://t.co/AZ53MfaD3d">pic.twitter.com/AZ53MfaD3d</a>&mdash; US Open Tennis (@usopen) <a href="https://x.com/usopen/status/2097592147037851856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Shelton credits crowd for win as girlfriend Trinity steals the show</h2>After the match, Shelton credited the crowd for staying put for the match, which ran for nearly four and a half hours, saying: "For me, it's always about the crowd. Whether it's my coaches or my team, all my family and friends over here, or the City of New York tonight that showed up till 3 a.m. with the USA chants until the very end, that's what kept me going and that's what got me this win tonight."&nbsp;Ben's girlfriend Trinity, daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman, who plays for the Washington Spirit in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), was also in attendance and stole the show with her orange hat and patterned Adidas jacket.

Trinity Rodman cheers for boyfriend Ben Shelton at US Open 2026 QF

Ben Shelton beat Carlos Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(7) at Arthur Ashe Stadium to reach the US Open semifinals. Cheered on past 3 a.m. by the NYC crowd and girlfriend Trinity Rodman, he faces Frances Tiafoe next.

American Ben Shelton earned the biggest win of his career, beating Carlos Alcaraz 6–7(5), 6–1, 6–3, 1–6, 7–6(10–7) in a five-set thriller at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday (Sep 9) in the US Open 2026 quarterfinals. With his girlfriend, Trinity Rodman, the US soccer star, in attendance and the crowd chanting "Let's go, Ben" well past midnight in New York City, Shelton rose to the occasion and sealed a spot in the final four of the year's last Grand Slam. Shelton will face fellow countryman Frances Tiafoe - who beat No. 46 Alex Michelsen, also an American, in the quarterfinals - ensuring the presence of an American in the final. Shelton overcomes Alcaraz in five-set thriller The first set between Shelton and defending champion Alcaraz, who did not play the French Open and Wimbledon earlier this year because of an injury, went to a tiebreaker, which the Spaniard won. Shelton was sensational in the next two sets, winning them 6–1, 6–3. Alcaraz, known for his comebacks, won the next set 6–1 to take the match into a final set. The fifth set also went into a 10-point tiebreaker as both players refused to give an inch. Shelton eventually came out the winner, 10–7, to take the match.

Ben Shelton beat Carlos Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(7) at Arthur Ashe Stadium to reach the US Open semifinals. Cheered on past 3 a.m. by the NYC crowd and girlfriend Trinity Rodman, he faces Frances Tiafoe next.

US Open 2026: 'Let's go, Ben' - Shelton beats Alcaraz in five-set QF thriller before roaring NYC crowd and girlfriend Trinity Rodman

LIV Golf, the breakaway league that caused a civil war in the golfing world, filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 in a United States court on Monday (Sep 8, 2026). The move comes as LIV's financial backbone, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), abruptly withdrew its long-term backing from the league. According to the court documents, multiple players, including Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, are still owed millions of dollars. The move comes as LIV, along with its new prospective investor, BC Partners, plans a relaunch in 2027. Whether the star players, whom LIV lured from the PGA Tour and other tours for exorbitant amounts of money, will stay with the league remains to be seen.<h2>LIV Golf files for bankruptcy protection as players are owed millions</h2>According to the <a href="https://casedocs.omniagentsolutions.com/cmsvol2/pub_47610/d798eb79-0294-4ccb-b10b-d7ebc9fb53ef_189-1.pdf">court filing</a>, Rahm is owed nearly $7.4 million and DeChambeau is owed about $5.7 million by LIV under their Player Participation Agreements. Among the others owed are Dustin Johnson ($5.4 million), Cameron Smith ($4.8 million), Tyrrell Hatton ($3.3 million), and Adrian Meronk ($4.4 million).Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lamine-yamal-ballon-dor-comments-mbappe-dembele-barcelona-1788879907390">Lamine Yamal takes stand on Ballon d'Or race amid Mbappe, Dembele claims</a>"This process gives us the structure and time to pursue a landmark transaction and begin the next chapter of LIV Golf – one built around the fans, an innovative, player-first ownership model, and being a part of the global golf ecosystem. We are excited about what lies ahead, yet there is still much to accomplish in the months ahead," said LIV's CEO, Scott O’Neil, in a statement.<h2>What's next for the players?</h2>The players, according to a LIV source as reported by The Times, will have the choice of signing up for LIV 2.0. The other tours, including the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, aren't welcoming the players back without due diligence."Anyone who’s interested in coming to the PGA Tour needs to demonstrate that they are relieved of their contractual commitments or any tail obligations in that legacy model," said Brian Rolapp, chief executive of the PGA Tour, last month.

LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after Saudi Arabia's PIF pulled funding. Players like Rahm and DeChambeau are owed millions as LIV plans a 2027 relaunch with prospective partner BC Partners.

LIV Golf, the breakaway league that caused a civil war in the golfing world, filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 in a United States court on Monday (Sep 8, 2026). The move comes as LIV's financial backbone, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), abruptly withdrew its long-term backing from the league. According to the court documents, multiple players, including Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, are still owed millions of dollars. The move comes as LIV, along with its new prospective investor, BC Partners, plans a relaunch in 2027. Whether the star players, whom LIV lured from the PGA Tour and other tours for exorbitant amounts of money, will stay with the league remains to be seen. LIV Golf files for bankruptcy protection as players are owed millions According to the court filing, Rahm is owed nearly $7.4 million and DeChambeau is owed about $5.7 million by LIV under their Player Participation Agreements. Among the others owed are Dustin Johnson ($5.4 million), Cameron Smith ($4.8 million), Tyrrell Hatton ($3.3 million), and Adrian Meronk ($4.4 million). Also Read - Lamine Yamal takes stand on Ballon d'Or race amid Mbappe, Dembele claims "This process gives us the structure and time to pursue a landmark transaction and begin the next chapter of LIV Golf – one built around the fans, an innovative, player-first ownership model, and being a part of the global golf ecosystem. We are excited about what lies ahead, yet there is still much to accomplish in the months ahead," said LIV's CEO, Scott O’Neil, in a statement. What's next for the players? The players, according to a LIV source as reported by The Times, will have the choice of signing up for LIV 2.0. The other tours, including the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, aren't welcoming the players back without due diligence. "Anyone who’s interested in coming to the PGA Tour needs to demonstrate that they are relieved of their contractual commitments or any tail obligations in that legacy model," said Brian Rolapp, chief executive of the PGA Tour, last month.

LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after Saudi Arabia's PIF pulled funding. Players like Rahm and DeChambeau are owed millions as LIV plans a 2027 relaunch with prospective partner BC Partners.

LIV Golf, owing millions of dollars to star players, files for bankruptcy protection

Pakistan's wholesale squad changes after defeat in the second of three England Tests even left skipper Babar Azam surprised. The Pakistan skipper, speaking on the eve of the third Test, which begins September 9 at Edgbaston, answered some difficult questions after the mid-tour drama. Pakistan, after losing the first two Tests, sent seven players back home and sacked red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed as well as bowling coach Umar Gul. Misbah-ul-Haq, one of the selectors, resigned amid the chaos, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also announced an inquest into player behavior and conduct.<h2>Babar Azam says he was blindsided by PCB's wholesale changes</h2>Babar said he found out about the squad changes after the PCB had made them—and not before, as should have been the case given he is the skipper. "It was news to me. I found out after. The PCB decided it, so they'll be able to explain better."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/joe-root-defends-pakistan-disrespectful-lack-of-fight-criticism-1788878363554">‘Disrespectful’: Joe Root defends Pakistan against ‘lack of fight’ criticism</a>On why the PCB decided to go this route mid-tour, Babar said: "The PCB's decision must have been taken after some thought process. It's better if you ask them why."The PCB appointed white-ball coach Mike Hesson as Sarfaraz's replacement for the third Test, which Babar says is an opportunity for the new players. Notably, five of the seven replacement players announced by the PCB have not played a single Test."The series is lost, but we have nothing to lose. We should play freely and believe in ourselves as a team. We've practiced for a couple of days and explained things to the new boys. Any young player who comes in is excited, and that excitement is visible. I believe that will be visible in the match, too," said the skipper.<h2>Pakistan in WTC 2025–27</h2>Pakistan are currently at the bottom of the <a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/world-test-championship/standings">World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27</a> cycle's points table. The Asian team have played eight Tests in the cycle, winning only two of them and losing the remaining six. The third Test, even if Pakistan manage to win, won't really help them with their aspirations of playing in the WTC final, for which they are very much out of the race.

Babar Azam admitted being blindsided after Pakistan sacked their coaches, sent seven players home, and brought in five uncapped recruits amid mid-tour chaos following back-to-back Test losses to England.

Pakistan's wholesale squad changes after defeat in the second of three England Tests even left skipper Babar Azam surprised. The Pakistan skipper, speaking on the eve of the third Test, which begins September 9 at Edgbaston, answered some difficult questions after the mid-tour drama. Pakistan, after losing the first two Tests, sent seven players back home and sacked red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed as well as bowling coach Umar Gul. Misbah-ul-Haq, one of the selectors, resigned amid the chaos, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also announced an inquest into player behavior and conduct. Babar Azam says he was blindsided by PCB's wholesale changes Babar said he found out about the squad changes after the PCB had made them—and not before, as should have been the case given he is the skipper. "It was news to me. I found out after. The PCB decided it, so they'll be able to explain better." Also Read - ‘Disrespectful’: Joe Root defends Pakistan against ‘lack of fight’ criticism On why the PCB decided to go this route mid-tour, Babar said: "The PCB's decision must have been taken after some thought process. It's better if you ask them why." The PCB appointed white-ball coach Mike Hesson as Sarfaraz's replacement for the third Test, which Babar says is an opportunity for the new players. Notably, five of the seven replacement players announced by the PCB have not played a single Test. "The series is lost, but we have nothing to lose. We should play freely and believe in ourselves as a team. We've practiced for a couple of days and explained things to the new boys. Any young player who comes in is excited, and that excitement is visible. I believe that will be visible in the match, too," said the skipper. Pakistan in WTC 2025–27 Pakistan are currently at the bottom of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle's points table. The Asian team have played eight Tests in the cycle, winning only two of them and losing the remaining six. The third Test, even if Pakistan manage to win, won't really help them with their aspirations of playing in the WTC final, for which they are very much out of the race.

Babar Azam admitted being blindsided after Pakistan sacked their coaches, sent seven players home, and brought in five uncapped recruits amid mid-tour chaos following back-to-back Test losses to England.

'Ask them why': Pak skipper Babar Azam on PCB's wholesale changes after Lord's defeat

Jose Mourinho got off to a winning start on his return to the Champions League with Real Madrid on Tuesday as the Spanish giants beat Inter Milan 2-1, while Erling Haaland scored twice in Manchester City's victory at Porto. There were also wins for Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund on the first night of action in this season's league phase, as the opening matchday spreads across three nights.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lamine-yamal-ballon-dor-comments-mbappe-dembele-barcelona-1788879907390">Lamine Yamal takes stand on Ballon d'Or race amid Mbappe, Dembele claims</a>Record 15-time European champions Real have brought back Mourinho for a second spell in charge, and his first game back in the competition came against the side he led to Champions League glory in 2010.Madrid were two goals ahead midway through the first half at the Bernabeu thanks to two gifts from the Inter defence, with Yann Bisseck at fault as Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring on his 99th appearance in the competition.Mbappe has now scored 71 Champions League goals, equalling the tally of Real legend Raul.The home side doubled their lead when Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez tried to turn away from Fede Valverde inside his own six-yard box only for the Uruguayan to tackle him and score.Carlos Augusto pulled one back for Inter, but Real held on for the victory."It was a crazy game," Mourinho told broadcaster Movistar. "A game that finished 2-1 could have finished 7-6 without any problems."Enzo Maresca's City won 2-0 away to Portuguese champions Porto thanks to a second-half brace by Haaland, the first coming two minutes after the restart when he headed in Enzo Fernandez's cross.Haaland sealed the points in stoppage time and has now scored an astonishing 59 goals in 59 appearances in the Champions League."Erling Haaland is an animal. He is a beast, so every time he is on the pitch, I'm going to look for him, and hopefully give him many more assists," Fernandez told Amazon Prime.It was a fourth straight victory in all competitions for City, Champions League winners in 2023, whose next European game will be at home to title-holders Paris Saint-Germain.<h2>Welcome win for Villa</h2>Villa, last season's Europa League winners, put their poor start to this campaign behind them to beat Belgian champions Club Brugge 3-2 away.John McGinn curled into the far corner to open the scoring for Unai Emery's side, who have not yet scored a goal three games into the Premier League season.Hugo Vetlesen equalised for the hosts, but Emiliano Buendia quickly restored Villa's lead and then Nicolas Jackson made it 3-1 two minutes before the break.The summer signing ran through to score his first Villa goal after home goalkeeper Yann Sommer came flying out of his box and failed to get to the ball.Nicolo Tresoldi pulled another one back just after the hour mark following a handball by Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The same player hit the post soon after, but Villa claimed a welcome victory."We took one step forward today and it was very, very important for our confidence and stability," said Emery.Serhou Guirassy was the chief protagonist as Dortmund, runners-up in 2024, started their campaign with a 3-2 home win against Villarreal.Renato Veiga's own goal gave Dortmund the lead early in the second half, but Santiago Mourino headed in the equaliser for the Spanish side.However, Guirassy put the Germans back in front with 10 minutes left, then converted a penalty for his second and his team's third. He rounded things off with an own goal when a Gregor Kobel save ricocheted back off Guirassy's face and went in.<h2>UEFA Champions League</h2>Troy Parrott was the hero for Real Betis for the second time in five days as the Spaniards came from behind twice to win 3-2 against Lille in France.Marc Bartra equalised twice for Betis, cancelling out goals by Japan's Ayase Ueda and Brazil defender Alexsandro for Davide Ancelotti's Lille.Irish striker Parrott, who scored his new club's winner against Madrid at the weekend, then struck the decisive goal on 53 minutes as Betis claimed a victory on their return to the Champions League after a 21-year absence.Lille finished with 10 men as Ethan Mbappe, younger brother of Kylian, was sent off.In the night's other game, Greek champions AEK Athens beat Austrian title winners LASK 1-0 thanks to a stunning Razvan Marin free-kick.

Record 15-time European champions Real have brought back Mourinho for a second spell in charge, and his first game back in the competition came against the side he led to Champions League glory in 2010.

Jose Mourinho got off to a winning start on his return to the Champions League with Real Madrid on Tuesday as the Spanish giants beat Inter Milan 2-1, while Erling Haaland scored twice in Manchester City's victory at Porto. There were also wins for Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund on the first night of action in this season's league phase, as the opening matchday spreads across three nights. Also Read - Lamine Yamal takes stand on Ballon d'Or race amid Mbappe, Dembele claims Record 15-time European champions Real have brought back Mourinho for a second spell in charge, and his first game back in the competition came against the side he led to Champions League glory in 2010. Madrid were two goals ahead midway through the first half at the Bernabeu thanks to two gifts from the Inter defence, with Yann Bisseck at fault as Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring on his 99th appearance in the competition. Mbappe has now scored 71 Champions League goals, equalling the tally of Real legend Raul. The home side doubled their lead when Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez tried to turn away from Fede Valverde inside his own six-yard box only for the Uruguayan to tackle him and score. Carlos Augusto pulled one back for Inter, but Real held on for the victory. "It was a crazy game," Mourinho told broadcaster Movistar. "A game that finished 2-1 could have finished 7-6 without any problems." Enzo Maresca's City won 2-0 away to Portuguese champions Porto thanks to a second-half brace by Haaland, the first coming two minutes after the restart when he headed in Enzo Fernandez's cross. Haaland sealed the points in stoppage time and has now scored an astonishing 59 goals in 59 appearances in the Champions League. "Erling Haaland is an animal. He is a beast, so every time he is on the pitch, I'm going to look for him, and hopefully give him many more assists," Fernandez told Amazon Prime. It was a fourth straight victory in all competitions for City, Champions League winners in 2023, whose next European game will be at home to title-holders Paris Saint-Germain. Welcome win for Villa Villa, last season's Europa League winners, put their poor start to this campaign behind them to beat Belgian champions Club Brugge 3-2 away. John McGinn curled into the far corner to open the scoring for Unai Emery's side, who have not yet scored a goal three games into the Premier League season. Hugo Vetlesen equalised for the hosts, but Emiliano Buendia quickly restored Villa's lead and then Nicolas Jackson made it 3-1 two minutes before the break. The summer signing ran through to score his first Villa goal after home goalkeeper Yann Sommer came flying out of his box and failed to get to the ball. Nicolo Tresoldi pulled another one back just after the hour mark following a handball by Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The same player hit the post soon after, but Villa claimed a welcome victory. "We took one step forward today and it was very, very important for our confidence and stability," said Emery. Serhou Guirassy was the chief protagonist as Dortmund, runners-up in 2024, started their campaign with a 3-2 home win against Villarreal. Renato Veiga's own goal gave Dortmund the lead early in the second half, but Santiago Mourino headed in the equaliser for the Spanish side. However, Guirassy put the Germans back in front with 10 minutes left, then converted a penalty for his second and his team's third. He rounded things off with an own goal when a Gregor Kobel save ricocheted back off Guirassy's face and went in. UEFA Champions League Troy Parrott was the hero for Real Betis for the second time in five days as the Spaniards came from behind twice to win 3-2 against Lille in France. Marc Bartra equalised twice for Betis, cancelling out goals by Japan's Ayase Ueda and Brazil defender Alexsandro for Davide Ancelotti's Lille. Irish striker Parrott, who scored his new club's winner against Madrid at the weekend, then struck the decisive goal on 53 minutes as Betis claimed a victory on their return to the Champions League after a 21-year absence. Lille finished with 10 men as Ethan Mbappe, younger brother of Kylian, was sent off. In the night's other game, Greek champions AEK Athens beat Austrian title winners LASK 1-0 thanks to a stunning Razvan Marin free-kick.

Record 15-time European champions Real have brought back Mourinho for a second spell in charge, and his first game back in the competition came against the side he led to Champions League glory in 2010.

Champions League: Mourinho makes winning comeback as Real Madrid beat Inter Milan

The Indian hockey teams will return to their traditional blue jerseys for the upcoming Asian Games, bringing an end to the controversial shift to an orange-coloured kit that had triggered widespread criticism. Hockey India (HI) had faced strong backlash after moving away from the long-standing blue jersey, with the teams wearing orange during the FIH World Cups in the Netherlands and Belgium.&nbsp;The jersey change also led to differences within Hockey India, with federation president Dilip Tirkey publicly questioning the decision and stating that it had been implemented without the knowledge or approval of the elected leadership and Executive Board. “The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had given us options regarding the team kit colours and Hockey India selected blue as the first choice for the Indian team’s kit. Orange will be the second choice,” HI president Dilip Tirkey said on the sidelines of send-off ceremony of Asian Games-bound Indian contingent.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-whatever-they-are-providing-we-are-staying-there-rajiv-shukla-on-india-cricketers-accommodation-1788888280164">Asian Games 2026: ‘Whatever they are providing, we are staying there’: Rajiv Shukla on India cricketers' accommodation in Nagoya</a>&nbsp;“I had stated even before the World Cup that the orange jersey colour was not permanent, it could be changed in the future. Now, blue is back for the Asian Games. The team will play in blue jerseys.” he added. The controversy started when the Indian hockey team’s traditional blue jersey was replaced by orange shortly before the World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. The change subsequently took on a political dimension, with opposition parties targeting the government over the decision.&nbsp;Tirkey had also questioned the process behind the change, saying that the decision had been taken without his knowledge or that of the Executive Board. At the time, the explanation for moving away from blue was that the colour could create visibility issues when played against a blue turf. However, several former India captains and hockey greats, including Viren Rasquinha, Pargat Singh, Dhanraj Pillay and Ajit Pal Singh, had also raised questions over the change.&nbsp;India’s men’s hockey team endured a disappointing campaign at the World Cup, finishing eighth. The women’s team, meanwhile, finished fifth, their best result in the competition since 1974. The Asian Games will be a major assignment for both Indian hockey teams. Apart from providing an opportunity to compete for continental honours, the tournament will also be crucial in the race for qualification to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Asian Games 2026: Indian hockey teams will return to traditional blue jerseys after the controversial orange kit, confirms Dilip Tirkey

The Indian hockey teams will return to their traditional blue jerseys for the upcoming Asian Games, bringing an end to the controversial shift to an orange-coloured kit that had triggered widespread criticism. Hockey India (HI) had faced strong backlash after moving away from the long-standing blue jersey, with the teams wearing orange during the FIH World Cups in the Netherlands and Belgium. The jersey change also led to differences within Hockey India, with federation president Dilip Tirkey publicly questioning the decision and stating that it had been implemented without the knowledge or approval of the elected leadership and Executive Board. “The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had given us options regarding the team kit colours and Hockey India selected blue as the first choice for the Indian team’s kit. Orange will be the second choice,” HI president Dilip Tirkey said on the sidelines of send-off ceremony of Asian Games-bound Indian contingent. Also Read: Asian Games 2026: ‘Whatever they are providing, we are staying there’: Rajiv Shukla on India cricketers' accommodation in Nagoya “I had stated even before the World Cup that the orange jersey colour was not permanent, it could be changed in the future. Now, blue is back for the Asian Games. The team will play in blue jerseys.” he added. The controversy started when the Indian hockey team’s traditional blue jersey was replaced by orange shortly before the World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. The change subsequently took on a political dimension, with opposition parties targeting the government over the decision. Tirkey had also questioned the process behind the change, saying that the decision had been taken without his knowledge or that of the Executive Board. At the time, the explanation for moving away from blue was that the colour could create visibility issues when played against a blue turf. However, several former India captains and hockey greats, including Viren Rasquinha, Pargat Singh, Dhanraj Pillay and Ajit Pal Singh, had also raised questions over the change. India’s men’s hockey team endured a disappointing campaign at the World Cup, finishing eighth. The women’s team, meanwhile, finished fifth, their best result in the competition since 1974. The Asian Games will be a major assignment for both Indian hockey teams. Apart from providing an opportunity to compete for continental honours, the tournament will also be crucial in the race for qualification to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Indian hockey teams will return to traditional blue jerseys at the Asian Games 2026 after controversy over the orange kit used at the World Cup

Asian Games 2026: Indian hockey teams to return to traditional blue jerseys after orange kit controversy

The Indian cricketers travelling to Japan for the Asian Games will stay at accommodation designated by the Games’ Organising Committee, BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla said on Tuesday, amid recent concerns over the facilities available in Nagoya. Unlike their usual stays at five-star hotels during overseas tours, the Indian players will be housed in the accommodation arranged for participating athletes. Shukla, however, said the BCCI and the players were satisfied with the arrangements after reviewing photographs and videos of the facilities.&nbsp;“Whatever they (organisers) are providing, we are staying there and we are keeping a watch on what kind of accommodation is being given so that our players are comfortable. Definitely those are not five-star but good accommodation,” Shukla said at the send-off ceremony of the Indian contingent. “Whatever has been offered to our cricketers that accommodation we have got the photographs all the way and the videos also of that, so I think it’s comfortable. They (cricketers) will be going and staying there because otherwise the options were to make them stay in Osaka or Tokyo that’s far away.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lamine-yamal-ballon-dor-comments-mbappe-dembele-barcelona-1788879907390">‘I will not beg’: Lamine Yamal takes stand on Ballon d'Or race amid Mbappe, Dembele claims</a>&nbsp;Shukla also confirmed that the Indian cricketers will be given individual rooms rather than being made to stay in twin-sharing accommodation. The accommodation issue had gained attention last week after multiple reports suggested that the BCCI was unhappy with the arrangements. The difficulty stemmed largely from a shortage of top-rated hotels in Nagoya, the host city for the Games. “The problem was that Nagoya didn’t have many hotels. Tokyo is one and a half hours by bullet train, so is Osaka. But in the Asian Games, all the participants are like families, it doesn’t look nice that some teams stay in Tokyo and some in Osaka so it has been decided that our players will live at hotel accommodation there (at Nagoya),” he added further.&nbsp;According to Shukla, accommodation was not the primary concern for the BCCI. Instead, the condition of the playing surface and player facilities had emerged as the bigger issue ahead of the tournament. “The big issue was the ground, wicket and dressing rooms. They (organisers) have addressed those things. Asian Cricket Council’s team has gone there and now they (ACC team) are satisfied with the ground, the wickets and dressing rooms, everything is fine.”&nbsp;Shukla said the accommodation arrangements were being coordinated by the Indian Olympic Association, the Asian Games Organising Committee and the Japan Cricket Association. “That’s being organized by Indian Olympic Association, Asian Games Organising Committee and Japan Cricket Association.

Rajiv Shukla confirms India cricketers will stay in designated Nagoya accommodation for the Asian Games, with separate rooms for players

The Indian cricketers travelling to Japan for the Asian Games will stay at accommodation designated by the Games’ Organising Committee, BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla said on Tuesday, amid recent concerns over the facilities available in Nagoya. Unlike their usual stays at five-star hotels during overseas tours, the Indian players will be housed in the accommodation arranged for participating athletes. Shukla, however, said the BCCI and the players were satisfied with the arrangements after reviewing photographs and videos of the facilities. “Whatever they (organisers) are providing, we are staying there and we are keeping a watch on what kind of accommodation is being given so that our players are comfortable. Definitely those are not five-star but good accommodation,” Shukla said at the send-off ceremony of the Indian contingent. “Whatever has been offered to our cricketers that accommodation we have got the photographs all the way and the videos also of that, so I think it’s comfortable. They (cricketers) will be going and staying there because otherwise the options were to make them stay in Osaka or Tokyo that’s far away.” Also Read: ‘I will not beg’: Lamine Yamal takes stand on Ballon d'Or race amid Mbappe, Dembele claims Shukla also confirmed that the Indian cricketers will be given individual rooms rather than being made to stay in twin-sharing accommodation. The accommodation issue had gained attention last week after multiple reports suggested that the BCCI was unhappy with the arrangements. The difficulty stemmed largely from a shortage of top-rated hotels in Nagoya, the host city for the Games. “The problem was that Nagoya didn’t have many hotels. Tokyo is one and a half hours by bullet train, so is Osaka. But in the Asian Games, all the participants are like families, it doesn’t look nice that some teams stay in Tokyo and some in Osaka so it has been decided that our players will live at hotel accommodation there (at Nagoya),” he added further. According to Shukla, accommodation was not the primary concern for the BCCI. Instead, the condition of the playing surface and player facilities had emerged as the bigger issue ahead of the tournament. “The big issue was the ground, wicket and dressing rooms. They (organisers) have addressed those things. Asian Cricket Council’s team has gone there and now they (ACC team) are satisfied with the ground, the wickets and dressing rooms, everything is fine.” Shukla said the accommodation arrangements were being coordinated by the Indian Olympic Association, the Asian Games Organising Committee and the Japan Cricket Association. “That’s being organized by Indian Olympic Association, Asian Games Organising Committee and Japan Cricket Association.

India’s cricketers will stay in designated Nagoya accommodation at the Asian Games, with BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla saying the facilities are comfortable.

Asian Games 2026: ‘Whatever they are providing, we are staying there’: Rajiv Shukla on India cricketers' accommodation in Nagoya

Teen sensation and World Cup winner with Spain, Lamine Yamal, said he will not beg for the coveted Ballon d’Or after winning two crucial titles this year. After leading La Liga giants Barcelona to a league title and helping Spain clinch their second World Cup in North America in July this year, Yamal remains among the top candidates to win the highest individual prize in football. &nbsp;On Monday, Kylian Mbappe pressed his case to win his first Ballon d’Or trophy, highlighting his World Cup Golden Boot win, which also saw him become the competition's all-time top goalscorer. Although Yamal, 19, thinks the same about his performance, he is happy to leave the decision to those who vote. &nbsp;Meanwhile, he, Mbappe, Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are the front-runners to win the award at the ceremony in London on October 26.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-matches-to-observe-a-minute-of-silence-in-soilidarity-for-nepal-flood-victims-1788840087613">Champions League matches to observe a minute of silence in solidarity with Nepal flood victims</a> &nbsp;"I don't think I need to (make a campaign for it), I'm not thinking about what I deserve; everyone can think what they like," Yamal told reporters. "I'm proud of everything I've done this year with my club and with the national team. We've become world champions; we've won the league again. I can't ask for anything more. &nbsp;"I think... I've shown an incredible level; it's (the media's) job, and I will not beg for anything." &nbsp;Even last year, the then-18-year-old Yamal finished second behind PSG star Dembele in Ballon d'Or voting. Meanwhile, France forward Dembele recently told France Football that Kvaratskhelia, Kane and Mbappe would be in his top three to win the award. &nbsp;"He's a friend of Kylian, right?" joked Yamal of the French winger, formerly of Barcelona. "The truth is, I don't care; I'm very happy with the year I had. When I played against both of them together, I must have annoyed them."&nbsp;WATCH -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨🌕 Lamine Yamal on Ousmane Dembélé not including him into his top 3 for the Ballon d’Or: “He’s Kylian Mbappé’s friend, right?”. 😅 “I’m very happy with the season I had. I think every time we faced each other, I probably did something that made them dislike me! And that’s… <a href="https://t.co/jNcDbNTt3S">pic.twitter.com/jNcDbNTt3S</a>&mdash; Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2097303745461617054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

At this year’s World Cup, Yamal’s Spain denied France a place in the final, with Mbappe and Dembele leading the frontline, by beating them 2-0 in the semis. &nbsp;Yamal suffered a hamstring injury in April and has only just returned to his best level. The winger appeared unhappy at the start of the season but seemed far more cheerful as he netted two goals against Rayo Vallecano and Valencia in his last two outings. &nbsp;"In the end, I'm 19, coming off winning a World Cup, having had the best holidays of my life," said Yamal. "I've never been happier at any point in my life than I am now."&nbsp;(With inputs from AFP)

Lamine Yamal says he will not beg for the Ballon d'Or despite leading Barcelona and Spain to silverware, responding to comments from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.

Teen sensation and World Cup winner with Spain, Lamine Yamal, said he will not beg for the coveted Ballon d’Or after winning two crucial titles this year. After leading La Liga giants Barcelona to a league title and helping Spain clinch their second World Cup in North America in July this year, Yamal remains among the top candidates to win the highest individual prize in football. On Monday, Kylian Mbappe pressed his case to win his first Ballon d’Or trophy, highlighting his World Cup Golden Boot win, which also saw him become the competition's all-time top goalscorer. Although Yamal, 19, thinks the same about his performance, he is happy to leave the decision to those who vote. Meanwhile, he, Mbappe, Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are the front-runners to win the award at the ceremony in London on October 26. Also read| Champions League matches to observe a minute of silence in solidarity with Nepal flood victims "I don't think I need to (make a campaign for it), I'm not thinking about what I deserve; everyone can think what they like," Yamal told reporters. "I'm proud of everything I've done this year with my club and with the national team. We've become world champions; we've won the league again. I can't ask for anything more. "I think... I've shown an incredible level; it's (the media's) job, and I will not beg for anything." Even last year, the then-18-year-old Yamal finished second behind PSG star Dembele in Ballon d'Or voting. Meanwhile, France forward Dembele recently told France Football that Kvaratskhelia, Kane and Mbappe would be in his top three to win the award. "He's a friend of Kylian, right?" joked Yamal of the French winger, formerly of Barcelona. "The truth is, I don't care; I'm very happy with the year I had. When I played against both of them together, I must have annoyed them." WATCH -

Lamine Yamal says he will not beg for the Ballon d'Or despite leading Barcelona and Spain to silverware, responding to comments from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.

‘I will not beg’: Lamine Yamal takes stand on Ballon d'Or race amid Mbappe, Dembele claims

England Test captain Joe Root has thrown his weight behind the underfire Pakistani team amid ‘lack of fight’ criticism. Root said it's ‘disrespectful’ to accuse the touring side of not showing stomach for a battle so far in this Test series, having trailed by 2-0, with one match to go. Pakistan will head into the third and final Test at Edgbaston on Wednesday having faced severe punishment for the Lord’s Test defeat, with the PCB dropping seven first-squad players and releasing the head coach (Sarfaraz Ahmed) and bowling coach (Umar Gul) midway through the series. &nbsp;The PCB called up seven players for the final Test, including five uncapped cricketers, and white-ball coaches (Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke) for the final Test. &nbsp;This team, however, has also been labelled as the worst Pakistan side to tour England.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bazid-khan-accuses-ecb-pitch-bias-india-pakistan-tests-1788870161580">Bazid Khan accuses ECB of pitch bias; claims India get 5-day tracks for commercial value</a> &nbsp;Meanwhile, Root addressed all the drama during the pre-match presser in Edgbaston, saying, "Absolutely we have found (Pakistan) a challenge." &nbsp;"I think that's a bit disrespectful to both Pakistan as a team and to us as a team," added Root, in his second spell as full-time England skipper following the shock international retirement of Ben Stokes. &nbsp;"I don't think we've allowed them to get into games because of how well we've played as well and how quickly we've read the situations and the surfaces that we've had. &nbsp;"I think it's very easy to say one team is excellent and one team is poor. Normally it's somewhere in the middle." &nbsp;"If one team has been outstanding, then the other team can't have been poor and vice-versa. I think it's important to live in that middle area somewhere and understand that that's not how it is. &nbsp;"Regardless of what's happened over the last two games, this week it's a completely different proposition for us. &nbsp;"There's a very talented group of players in that dressing room, and you've got to be ready for it, so we'll make sure that we are,” Root said. &nbsp;Pakistan lost the series opener in Leeds by an innings and 103 runs, and suffered another embarrassing loss in the second Test at Lord’s by 194 runs. Amid the leadership drama, with two separate captains leading the Test team in the first two matches, Pakistan failed to cross 200 in any of the four innings they played.&nbsp;

England captain Joe Root has defended Pakistan against claims of lacking fight, calling such accusations disrespectful ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston.

England Test captain Joe Root has thrown his weight behind the underfire Pakistani team amid ‘lack of fight’ criticism. Root said it's ‘disrespectful’ to accuse the touring side of not showing stomach for a battle so far in this Test series, having trailed by 2-0, with one match to go. Pakistan will head into the third and final Test at Edgbaston on Wednesday having faced severe punishment for the Lord’s Test defeat, with the PCB dropping seven first-squad players and releasing the head coach (Sarfaraz Ahmed) and bowling coach (Umar Gul) midway through the series. The PCB called up seven players for the final Test, including five uncapped cricketers, and white-ball coaches (Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke) for the final Test. This team, however, has also been labelled as the worst Pakistan side to tour England. Also read| Bazid Khan accuses ECB of pitch bias; claims India get 5-day tracks for commercial value Meanwhile, Root addressed all the drama during the pre-match presser in Edgbaston, saying, "Absolutely we have found (Pakistan) a challenge." "I think that's a bit disrespectful to both Pakistan as a team and to us as a team," added Root, in his second spell as full-time England skipper following the shock international retirement of Ben Stokes. "I don't think we've allowed them to get into games because of how well we've played as well and how quickly we've read the situations and the surfaces that we've had. "I think it's very easy to say one team is excellent and one team is poor. Normally it's somewhere in the middle." "If one team has been outstanding, then the other team can't have been poor and vice-versa. I think it's important to live in that middle area somewhere and understand that that's not how it is. "Regardless of what's happened over the last two games, this week it's a completely different proposition for us. "There's a very talented group of players in that dressing room, and you've got to be ready for it, so we'll make sure that we are,” Root said. Pakistan lost the series opener in Leeds by an innings and 103 runs, and suffered another embarrassing loss in the second Test at Lord’s by 194 runs. Amid the leadership drama, with two separate captains leading the Test team in the first two matches, Pakistan failed to cross 200 in any of the four innings they played.

England captain Joe Root has defended Pakistan against claims of lacking fight, calling such accusations disrespectful ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston.

‘Disrespectful’: England captain Joe Root defends Pakistan against ‘lack of fight’ criticism

Former Pakistan captain and bowling great Wasim Akram is the latest high-profile player to comment on Imran Khan’s deteriorating health. Having played with and under Imran and won Pakistan’s only 50-over World Cup in 1992, Wasim called his mentor Imran a friend, adding that he misses him a lot and hasn’t spoken with him in three years. After several of his former teammates, including Javed Miandad, Moin Khan and others, demanded medical attention for the former captain, Wasim joined a growing chorus of international figures, adding that whatever has happened to him has been unfortunate. &nbsp;"He's my friend, I miss him a lot," Akram said in an exclusive chat with The Athletic. "I haven't spoken to him for three years. It's so unfortunate, politically, what's happening with him. The court of law is the court of law. But as far as his health is concerned, there can be no compromise on that."&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bazid-khan-accuses-ecb-pitch-bias-india-pakistan-tests-1788870161580">Bazid Khan accuses ECB of pitch bias; claims India get 5-day tracks for commercial value</a> &nbsp;Meanwhile, 22 international captains wrote an open letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, asking for Imran’s basic dignity and needs to be respected, including allowing him access to his personal doctor and his family members. While Australian Test captain Pat Cummins also became the first active cricketer to speak in support of Imran Khan, who has been behind bars at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since late 2023, batting giant Brian Lara took to his social media to call Imran a ‘legend of our game’, who deserved basic humanity.<h2>Akram on Sky Sports Interview Controversy</h2>Just ahead of the start of the second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's, Sky Sports interviewed Imran Khan’s sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, and teased its telecast during lunch on day one. That decision created quite a stir in Pakistan, as reports suggesting that the touring team decided not to take the field after lunch, should the interview go live, began making headlines. &nbsp;With PTV in Pakistan using Sky’s live feed for telecasting the Test series, they did not run the interview after the first session and instead ran commercials for nearly half an hour. &nbsp;Speaking on the reaction back home to that interview, Wasim said, "There was a bit of uproar here [in Pakistan] after that. I then read that the Pakistani government came up with how many visits Imran has had, with all the numbers included, with all the phone calls he has had. But, you know, it's difficult to believe, and hard to know what to believe right now. &nbsp;"Even after we retired, him and me, we were regularly in touch. I used to go and spend time with him. I miss talking to him. I miss him in general as a friend, politics apart,” Akram said. &nbsp;Setting aside politics and vendettas, Wasim said he spoke from his heart, and as a friend, about Imran.&nbsp; &nbsp;"There's a movement in England and elsewhere [to improve Imran's conditions], but here [in Pakistan]? I'm not so sure," said Wasim. "I'm speaking from the heart as someone who is worried about him as a person. Convicted or not convicted. Jail or no jail. We need to safeguard his health. We don't know what's happening; the government are saying his health apparently is fine. But I'm worried. I miss him a lot,” he continued.

Wasim Akram has spoken out regarding Imran Khan's health in prison, calling him a mentor and friend while expressing concern following the Sky Sports Lord's Test interview.

Former Pakistan captain and bowling great Wasim Akram is the latest high-profile player to comment on Imran Khan’s deteriorating health. Having played with and under Imran and won Pakistan’s only 50-over World Cup in 1992, Wasim called his mentor Imran a friend, adding that he misses him a lot and hasn’t spoken with him in three years. After several of his former teammates, including Javed Miandad, Moin Khan and others, demanded medical attention for the former captain, Wasim joined a growing chorus of international figures, adding that whatever has happened to him has been unfortunate. "He's my friend, I miss him a lot," Akram said in an exclusive chat with The Athletic. "I haven't spoken to him for three years. It's so unfortunate, politically, what's happening with him. The court of law is the court of law. But as far as his health is concerned, there can be no compromise on that." Also read| Bazid Khan accuses ECB of pitch bias; claims India get 5-day tracks for commercial value Meanwhile, 22 international captains wrote an open letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, asking for Imran’s basic dignity and needs to be respected, including allowing him access to his personal doctor and his family members. While Australian Test captain Pat Cummins also became the first active cricketer to speak in support of Imran Khan, who has been behind bars at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since late 2023, batting giant Brian Lara took to his social media to call Imran a ‘legend of our game’, who deserved basic humanity. Akram on Sky Sports Interview Controversy Just ahead of the start of the second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's, Sky Sports interviewed Imran Khan’s sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, and teased its telecast during lunch on day one. That decision created quite a stir in Pakistan, as reports suggesting that the touring team decided not to take the field after lunch, should the interview go live, began making headlines. With PTV in Pakistan using Sky’s live feed for telecasting the Test series, they did not run the interview after the first session and instead ran commercials for nearly half an hour. Speaking on the reaction back home to that interview, Wasim said, "There was a bit of uproar here [in Pakistan] after that. I then read that the Pakistani government came up with how many visits Imran has had, with all the numbers included, with all the phone calls he has had. But, you know, it's difficult to believe, and hard to know what to believe right now. "Even after we retired, him and me, we were regularly in touch. I used to go and spend time with him. I miss talking to him. I miss him in general as a friend, politics apart,” Akram said. Setting aside politics and vendettas, Wasim said he spoke from his heart, and as a friend, about Imran. "There's a movement in England and elsewhere [to improve Imran's conditions], but here [in Pakistan]? I'm not so sure," said Wasim. "I'm speaking from the heart as someone who is worried about him as a person. Convicted or not convicted. Jail or no jail. We need to safeguard his health. We don't know what's happening; the government are saying his health apparently is fine. But I'm worried. I miss him a lot,” he continued.

Wasim Akram has spoken out regarding Imran Khan's health in prison, calling him a mentor and friend while expressing concern following the Sky Sports Lord's Test interview.

‘I miss him a lot; he is my mentor’: Wasim Akram breaks silence on Imran Khan’s health

Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar picked up two wickets each as East Zone kept South Zone in check at stumps on day three of the Duleep Trophy Final. After being smashed left, right and centre by East Zone batters, mainly captain Ishan Kishan, who clobbered a magnificent 270, South Zone failed to replicate a similar batting masterclass, as they were reduced to 242 for six in 80 overs on day three, trailing by 466 runs. Despite the scorecard, East Zone bowlers rallied on this placid Chepauk surface, with India internationals Devdutt Padikkal and captain Tilak Varma among the half-centurions. &nbsp;Unlike the East Zone openers, who added 100 for the first wicket on the opening day, South Zone openers Ricky Bhui and keeper-batter Narayan Jagadeesan departed within 100 in the first session. While Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s quick call to take a review for a caught behind proved vital as Bhui departed in just the sixth over, Shikhar Mohan, who impressed with the bat in the first innings, dismissed Jagadeesan on 32.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/duleep-trophy-karun-nair-terms-omission-as-inexplicable-as-south-zone-coach-cites-personal-reasons-1788855628869">Duleep Trophy: Karun Nair terms omission as 'inexplicable' as South Zone coach cites ‘personal reasons’</a> &nbsp;Padikkal, fresh from his breakthrough series in Sri Lanka where he top-scored for India (328 in two Tests), also including two hundreds, continued from where he had left off. His partner and touted future star, Shaik Rasheed, scored a gritty 27 before Shami’s snorter trapped him in the middle of the stumps. Soon after, Padikkal departed on 62 off 104 balls, with Mukesh Kumar providing a crucial wicket.&nbsp;&nbsp;WATCH - Shami and Mukesh tear through South Zone's middle order -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Shami-Mukesh combo strikes 🤝 The pace bowling duo dismiss set batters Shaik Rasheed and Devdutt Padikkal and breaks 56-run stand 🙌 South Zone are 134/4, trail by 574 runs. Scorecard ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/BhTkGWeeoD">https://t.co/BhTkGWeeoD</a><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/DuleepTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DuleepTrophy</a> | <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/EZvSZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EZvSZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/NAvgCYBdkA">pic.twitter.com/NAvgCYBdkA</a>&mdash; BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) <a href="https://x.com/BCCIdomestic/status/2097233632943645170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

South Zone, at one stage, were reeling at 129 for four. &nbsp;Tilak Varma stitched partnerships with Smaran Ravichandran (23) and Shreyas Gopal (26) but stood his ground till the end. Unbeaten on 56 off 133 balls, hitting five fours, Tilak remains South Zone’s only hope heading into the fourth day of this title match.

Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar struck key blows as East Zone reduced South Zone to 242/6 on Day 3 of the Duleep Trophy final following Ishan Kishan's mammoth 270.

Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar picked up two wickets each as East Zone kept South Zone in check at stumps on day three of the Duleep Trophy Final. After being smashed left, right and centre by East Zone batters, mainly captain Ishan Kishan, who clobbered a magnificent 270, South Zone failed to replicate a similar batting masterclass, as they were reduced to 242 for six in 80 overs on day three, trailing by 466 runs. Despite the scorecard, East Zone bowlers rallied on this placid Chepauk surface, with India internationals Devdutt Padikkal and captain Tilak Varma among the half-centurions. Unlike the East Zone openers, who added 100 for the first wicket on the opening day, South Zone openers Ricky Bhui and keeper-batter Narayan Jagadeesan departed within 100 in the first session. While Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s quick call to take a review for a caught behind proved vital as Bhui departed in just the sixth over, Shikhar Mohan, who impressed with the bat in the first innings, dismissed Jagadeesan on 32. Also read| Duleep Trophy: Karun Nair terms omission as 'inexplicable' as South Zone coach cites ‘personal reasons’ Padikkal, fresh from his breakthrough series in Sri Lanka where he top-scored for India (328 in two Tests), also including two hundreds, continued from where he had left off. His partner and touted future star, Shaik Rasheed, scored a gritty 27 before Shami’s snorter trapped him in the middle of the stumps. Soon after, Padikkal departed on 62 off 104 balls, with Mukesh Kumar providing a crucial wicket. WATCH - Shami and Mukesh tear through South Zone's middle order -

Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar struck key blows as East Zone reduced South Zone to 242/6 on Day 3 of the Duleep Trophy final following Ishan Kishan's mammoth 270.

Duleep Trophy Final: Shami and Mukesh hand East Zone command over South Zone

Former Pakistan batter Bazid Khan has accused the ECB of pitch bias following Pakistan’s Test series loss in England. Bazid's comments come amid a turbulent week for Pakistan cricket and selectors, following the PCB's internal investigation into dressing room conduct, which is further linked to match- and spot-fixing allegations. Since losing the Lord’s Test by 194 runs, which led to seven first-squad players facing the axe and two top coaches being released, the former Pakistan cricketer touched on another topic and brought India into the conversation. &nbsp;Bazid said that, for the commercial value India brings to the table, they often get pitches where the matches last all five days, while that is not the case when other teams, including Pakistan, tour England for the Test series. Bazid’s comments have come on the back of Pakistan’s horror show thus far against England, having failed to cross 200 across four innings in two contested Tests.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/deflated-me-mentally-ex-pak-coach-gillespie-slams-aaqib-javed-s-intereference-claims-pcb-owes-him-money-1788860291800">'Deflated me mentally': Ex-Pak coach Gillespie slams Aaqib Javed's interference, claims PCB owes him money</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;“When India go to England for a Test series, they get pitches that make the game last all five days. Every Test match with India lasts five days. Why? Because if it ends early, there will be a financial hit to the wallet of the board. Any other team goes to England, the Test ends in three days. It’s not like the nature of the pitch changed. You are creating pitches that way that the game would last five days for India games,” Bazid said on OutSide EDGE. &nbsp;He, however, put every country that hosts India in the same bracket as that of England. &nbsp;“When India come for a tour, it’s a money-making opportunity,” he added.&nbsp; &nbsp;When he was asked if the apex body (ICC) should look into this, Bazid said, “This is not an ICC call. These are bilateral tours.” &nbsp;Meanwhile, India’s last tour of England, consisting of five Tests, spanned all 25 days, with cricket being played on all days of each Test. Elsewhere, Pakistan’s ongoing tour saw them play only seven days across two Tests. The series opener at Headingley in Leeds wrapped up within three days, with Pakistan suffering an innings and 103-run defeat; the second Test lasted four days, with the visitors facing another crushing loss. &nbsp;Edgbaston, Birmingham, will host the third and final Test starting Wednesday (Sep 9).

Former Pakistan batter Bazid Khan has accused the ECB of pitch bias, alleging host boards prepare 5-day tracks for India for commercial gain while giving Pakistan 3-day pitches.

Former Pakistan batter Bazid Khan has accused the ECB of pitch bias following Pakistan’s Test series loss in England. Bazid's comments come amid a turbulent week for Pakistan cricket and selectors, following the PCB's internal investigation into dressing room conduct, which is further linked to match- and spot-fixing allegations. Since losing the Lord’s Test by 194 runs, which led to seven first-squad players facing the axe and two top coaches being released, the former Pakistan cricketer touched on another topic and brought India into the conversation. Bazid said that, for the commercial value India brings to the table, they often get pitches where the matches last all five days, while that is not the case when other teams, including Pakistan, tour England for the Test series. Bazid’s comments have come on the back of Pakistan’s horror show thus far against England, having failed to cross 200 across four innings in two contested Tests. Also read| 'Deflated me mentally': Ex-Pak coach Gillespie slams Aaqib Javed's interference, claims PCB owes him money “When India go to England for a Test series, they get pitches that make the game last all five days. Every Test match with India lasts five days. Why? Because if it ends early, there will be a financial hit to the wallet of the board. Any other team goes to England, the Test ends in three days. It’s not like the nature of the pitch changed. You are creating pitches that way that the game would last five days for India games,” Bazid said on OutSide EDGE. He, however, put every country that hosts India in the same bracket as that of England. “When India come for a tour, it’s a money-making opportunity,” he added. When he was asked if the apex body (ICC) should look into this, Bazid said, “This is not an ICC call. These are bilateral tours.” Meanwhile, India’s last tour of England, consisting of five Tests, spanned all 25 days, with cricket being played on all days of each Test. Elsewhere, Pakistan’s ongoing tour saw them play only seven days across two Tests. The series opener at Headingley in Leeds wrapped up within three days, with Pakistan suffering an innings and 103-run defeat; the second Test lasted four days, with the visitors facing another crushing loss. Edgbaston, Birmingham, will host the third and final Test starting Wednesday (Sep 9).

Former Pakistan batter Bazid Khan has accused the ECB of pitch bias, alleging host boards prepare 5-day tracks for India for commercial gain while giving Pakistan 3-day pitches.

Bazid Khan accuses ECB of pitch bias; claims India get 5-day tracks for commercial value

Japan named the same group of players picked for the multilateral Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya for the landmark one-off T20I against India on September 22 at the Sano International Cricket Ground. Japan and India will face off for the first time in international cricket for the Suzuki Cup, launching celebrations of the 75th anniversary of India-Japan diplomatic relations. &nbsp;Japan’s leading batter, Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming, will lead his team against Shreyas Iyer’s Indian T20I team. Fleming has scored 1871 runs in 54 T20Is, with fellow seasoned cricketers Ibrahim Takahashi and Declan Suzuki-McComb, who have played 56 and 54 T20Is, respectively, also featuring against the reigning T20 World Cup champions.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/where-to-watch-india-vs-japan-historic-t20i-live-streaming-channel-details-1788703019306">Where to watch India vs Japan historic T20I: Channel and live streaming details</a> &nbsp;21-year-old Jake Kusuda-Nairn, a spin-bowling all-rounder, has earned his maiden call-up to the senior team. Tsuyoshi Takada, who played three T20Is in 2023, was also recalled to the squad.<h3>Japan T20I Squad vs India –</h3>Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming (captain), Charlie Hara-Hinze, Benjamin Ito-Davis, Alester Kadowaki-Fleming, Kohei Kubota, Jake Kusuda-Nairn, Wataru Miyauchi (wk), Reo Sakurano-Thomas, Alex Shirai-Patmore (wk), Shoma Sugaya-Slater, Declan Suzuki-McComb, Tsuyoshi Takada, Ibrahim Takahashi, Makoto Taniyama, Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake<h2>India to Play with Full-Strength Squad&nbsp;</h2>Similarly, India also named a strong 15-member squad for the historic fixture and the upcoming Asian Games.&nbsp; &nbsp;Newly appointed T20I captain Shreyas Iyer will lead the team against Japan, with India’s ace quick Jasprit Bumrah also making the squad. Besides him, Arshdeep Singh and former world number one T20I bowler Varun Chakaravarthy have also been picked. Harshit Rana is the remaining quick in the team, and Ravi Bishnoi will lead the spin attack, including spin-bowling all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. &nbsp;India’s batting looks lethal, with ultra-attacking openers in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma at the top, followed by two keeper-batters and T20 World Cup winners, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson. Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube and Nitish Kumar Reddy round out the middle and lower order as India will enter the contest as favourites.<h3>India T20I Squad vs Japan –</h3>Shreyas Iyer (captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Nitish Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi

Japan and India have named full-strength squads for their historic T20I in Sano ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. Check team lists, captains, and key players.

Japan named the same group of players picked for the multilateral Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya for the landmark one-off T20I against India on September 22 at the Sano International Cricket Ground. Japan and India will face off for the first time in international cricket for the Suzuki Cup, launching celebrations of the 75th anniversary of India-Japan diplomatic relations. Japan’s leading batter, Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming, will lead his team against Shreyas Iyer’s Indian T20I team. Fleming has scored 1871 runs in 54 T20Is, with fellow seasoned cricketers Ibrahim Takahashi and Declan Suzuki-McComb, who have played 56 and 54 T20Is, respectively, also featuring against the reigning T20 World Cup champions. Also read| Where to watch India vs Japan historic T20I: Channel and live streaming details 21-year-old Jake Kusuda-Nairn, a spin-bowling all-rounder, has earned his maiden call-up to the senior team. Tsuyoshi Takada, who played three T20Is in 2023, was also recalled to the squad. Japan T20I Squad vs India – Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming (captain), Charlie Hara-Hinze, Benjamin Ito-Davis, Alester Kadowaki-Fleming, Kohei Kubota, Jake Kusuda-Nairn, Wataru Miyauchi (wk), Reo Sakurano-Thomas, Alex Shirai-Patmore (wk), Shoma Sugaya-Slater, Declan Suzuki-McComb, Tsuyoshi Takada, Ibrahim Takahashi, Makoto Taniyama, Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake India to Play with Full-Strength Squad Similarly, India also named a strong 15-member squad for the historic fixture and the upcoming Asian Games. Newly appointed T20I captain Shreyas Iyer will lead the team against Japan, with India’s ace quick Jasprit Bumrah also making the squad. Besides him, Arshdeep Singh and former world number one T20I bowler Varun Chakaravarthy have also been picked. Harshit Rana is the remaining quick in the team, and Ravi Bishnoi will lead the spin attack, including spin-bowling all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. India’s batting looks lethal, with ultra-attacking openers in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma at the top, followed by two keeper-batters and T20 World Cup winners, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson. Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube and Nitish Kumar Reddy round out the middle and lower order as India will enter the contest as favourites. India T20I Squad vs Japan – Shreyas Iyer (captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Nitish Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi

Japan and India have named full-strength squads for their historic T20I in Sano ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. Check team lists, captains, and key players.

Japan pick Asian Games squad for landmark India T20I: Check captain and top players

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Japan pick Asian Games squad for landmark India T20I: Check captain, top players