Did India risk its US trade deal despite softer stance at BRICS?

Pakistan puts Pak Rs 70 lakh bounty on UN terrorist Masood Azhar; move draws skepticism in Delhi

First naval drone battle? Ukraine says Sargan 3000 sank Russian unmanned boat

Practical Magic 2 breaks Spidey spell over North American box office

'Huge destructive power': North Korea calls its latest missile launches 'live-fire drill' even as US dismisses 'immediate threat'

Meet top 5 batters fastest to 3000 runs in T20Is

‘Let’s go’: Newly declassified videos show dramatic rescue of US Air Force officers downed in Iran

Delhi’s balancing act: BRICS serves as a stage for West Asia diplomacy

Why European Meteor missiles use ramjet engines compared to standard US solid rockets

Iran, India agree to deepen humanitarian and political ties, President Pezeshkian says

‘Want to reset ties with India, have engagement based on mutual interests,’ says Bangladesh minister

Trump says Canada eager to reach a deal, it could come ‘fairly soon’ if Ottawa treats US farmers better

Turkish Airlines plane flies through a storm three times, triggering severe turbulence

Why Chinese PL-15 air-to-air missiles use dual-pulse motors compared to European interceptors

China thinned Himalayan troop presence in 2025, India defence report says; terms border situation 'stable'

800 million years old - Scientists discover 'fingerprints' of supercontinent Gondwana in ancient rocks

Russia proposes to build 360 kmph Ivolga FG trains in India: What happened on sidelines of BRICS

Israeli minister calls to strip Gaza film directors of citizenship

China discovers vast gold and silver 'mine' in the Pacific with unheard-of deposits

Russian drone hits Warsaw-bound train near Polish border, Zelensky accuses Moscow of ‘deliberate’ targeting

War is making Russia stronger? How Ukraine is shaping Moscow’s next generation of weapons

Plane carrying prominent figure crashes at Libya’s Misrata airport: Report

NEET-UG to move to computer-based test soon, NTA DG says ‘CBT is the future’

Woman removes all her clothes on American Airlines flight, performs 'indecent acts'; arrested

Liam Neeson sparks romance rumours after holding hands with Stella Stocker at TIFF 2026

New OTT releases this week (September 14-20, 2026): Lust Stories 3, Waiting Hai, Irumudi- 5 new titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Indian importers urge Bangladesh to lift export ban on 'Hilsa' fish ahead of Durga Puja

Did China give Iran intel before US base strike that killed 3 troops? Trump says, 'You’re right...'

Meghan Markle shares first glimpse of family life with Prince Harry and children in UK

Crude oil prices jump more than $107 per barrel following Houthi attacks on Saudi

From Rinku Singh to Mayank Yadav, 5 players dropped from India’s squad for Afghanistan T20Is

PM Modi and China's Xi offered to help resolve Russia-Ukraine war: Kremlin

Women's Asia Cup 2026: India denied trophy once again despite winning the title

Humans may lose control of AI: Anthropic CEO calls for slowdown, Altman, Musk back him

In a shocking turn of events, England Test captain Ben Stokes announced his decision to retire from international cricket after the end of the ongoing third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. Midway through the fourth day of the decisive Test, Stokes, who returned to leading England following the nightclub incident after the series opener at Lord’s, decided to relinquish Test captaincy and walk away from international cricket.&nbsp;England Cricket’s social media handles broke this news on Sunday evening (Jun 28).&nbsp;&nbsp;“One of England's all-time greatest captains, Ben Stokes, has decided to retire from international cricket at the end of this Test match.&nbsp;Ben, you have been the most inspirational captain, leader and legend this team could have ever hoped for.&nbsp;&nbsp;We love you so much and wish you all the best in your retirement&nbsp;❤️&nbsp;England will never be the same again,” their social media note read.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">One of England&#39;s all-time greatest captains, Ben Stokes, has decided to retire from international cricket at the end of this Test match. Ben, you have been the most inspirational captain, leader and legend this team could have ever hoped for. We love you so much and wish you… <a href="https://t.co/U5grq0F0kj">pic.twitter.com/U5grq0F0kj</a>&mdash; England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://x.com/englandcricket/status/2071238453598035972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The handle also uploaded a video of Stokes breaking this news to his teammates inside the dressing room, revealing the next two days, including the ongoing fourth day, would be his last as their captain and as an English cricketer.<h3>Time to say goodbye to international cricket</h3>Stokes will bring curtains down on his decorated 15-year-old international career, wherein he won the 2019 ODI World Cup at home, playing the protagonist in the dramatic final at Lord’s. He had also won the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, scoring a clinical fifty in the final against Pakistan at the iconic MCG.&nbsp; &nbsp;Besides winning major ICC tournaments, Stokes’ greatest knock came during the 2019 Leeds Test, when he single-handedly won the game for his team with one wicket remaining. The drama around that finish puts him on a pedestal, enlarging his legacy as one of the most influential English cricketers of the 21st century.<h3>Stokes' Last Hurray and controversy</h3>Meanwhile, at the ongoing Test in Nottingham, Stokes is bowling his heart out, trying to restrict New Zealand, who have lost eight wickets for 234, leading by 318 runs and counting. &nbsp;However, earlier, Stokes and his teammate Gus Atkinson were suspended indefinitely for breaching the ECB’s midnight curfew. After England won at Lord’s, Stokes and Atkinson went partying in a Chelsea club, where they reportedly indulged in a physical brawl, leaving England security bloodied. &nbsp;The ECB and Cricket Regulator conducted independent probes into the matter, with both coming out clean.&nbsp; &nbsp;While that was happening in the background, the English selectors dropped the pair from the squad for the second Test, which they lost horrendously by 253 runs.&nbsp; &nbsp;The two, however, were asked to play for their respective County clubs, and while they did so, impressing all, the selectors withdrew them from those matches. Later, Stokes and Atkinson were made available for selection for the third Test and eventually returned to the setup. &nbsp;In the meantime, several reports suggested that Stokes did contemplate international retirement and relinquishing Test captaincy, only for him to come back and then announce the same publicly. &nbsp;

England captain Ben Stokes has announced a shock retirement from international cricket, confirming he will step down after the ongoing Trent Bridge Test against New Zealand. 

In a shocking turn of events, England Test captain Ben Stokes announced his decision to retire from international cricket after the end of the ongoing third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. Midway through the fourth day of the decisive Test, Stokes, who returned to leading England following the nightclub incident after the series opener at Lord’s, decided to relinquish Test captaincy and walk away from international cricket. England Cricket’s social media handles broke this news on Sunday evening (Jun 28). “One of England's all-time greatest captains, Ben Stokes, has decided to retire from international cricket at the end of this Test match. Ben, you have been the most inspirational captain, leader and legend this team could have ever hoped for. We love you so much and wish you all the best in your retirement ❤️ England will never be the same again,” their social media note read.

England captain Ben Stokes has announced a shock retirement from international cricket, confirming he will step down after the ongoing Trent Bridge Test against New Zealand.&nbsp;

England captain Ben Stokes to retire from international cricket after Trent Bridge Test vs NZ

Team India has fielded two debutants, seamer Prince Yadav and all-rounder Suryansh Shedge, against Ireland for the second and decisive T20I, while leaving out Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. As Team India prepares for the must-win game in Belfast, its captain, Shreyas Iyer, won the toss and elected to bowl first. 513 days since India played a newcomer in Harshit Rana in January 2025, two new faces will don the Indian jersey in the shortest format. The wait to see Vaibhav in Indian colours continues. Ireland, on the other hand, is playing the same side that beat India in the series opener.<h3>Check out the playing XIs for the second T20I –</h3>India - Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer(c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Suryansh Shedge, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav&nbsp;Ireland - Tim Tector, Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(w/c), Benjamin Calitz, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Liam McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Jai Moondra, Matthew Hollard&nbsp;Speaking at the toss, India’s T20I captain Iyer said, “We’re going to bowl first considering the weather conditions. It can pour any time, so we want to maximise the advantage of it.”&nbsp;“Yeah, we’ve got two changes. Suryansh Shedge and Prince Yadav come in. Both are making their debut. So, these are the two changes we’ve made,” Iyer said of the team changes for the second T20I.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wi-vs-sl-1st-test-amir-jangoo-hits-highest-ever-wtc-individual-score-for-west-indies-1782638834795">WI vs SL, 1st Test: Amir Jangoo hits highest-ever WTC individual score for West Indies</a> &nbsp;Praising the rookie all-rounder Shedge, whom he captains and plays alongside at Punjab Kings in the IPL, Iyer said, “He’s a powerful, destructive batter. Yes, he’s a sensational youngster who has been scoring runs in domestic cricket and also in the IPL. He’s got a tremendous amount of experience in youth cricket. So definitely he’s performed in the A tours. So, he’s getting, he’s reaping the benefits.”<h3>Wait grows for Sooryavanshi's debut</h3>Meanwhile, the fans await Sooryavanshi’s debut, who has been picked on the back of a tremendous last year for his IPL team, Rajasthan Royals and India A and Under-19 teams. The attacking left-hander, in only his second IPL season, won the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs (776 runs in the 2026 edition), alongside four others in a record feat. &nbsp;Earlier in February this year, Vaibhav became an Under-19 ODI World Cup winner, helping India's U19 team to beat England in a pulsating final. The left-hander smashed his career-best ODI score of 175 runs in the final.&nbsp;

Team India hands debuts to Suryansh Shedge and Prince Yadav for the must-win 2nd T20I against Ireland in Belfast, while teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi sits out. Check out the full playing XIs as captain Shreyas Iyer wins the toss and opts to bowl!

Team India has fielded two debutants, seamer Prince Yadav and all-rounder Suryansh Shedge, against Ireland for the second and decisive T20I, while leaving out Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. As Team India prepares for the must-win game in Belfast, its captain, Shreyas Iyer, won the toss and elected to bowl first. 513 days since India played a newcomer in Harshit Rana in January 2025, two new faces will don the Indian jersey in the shortest format. The wait to see Vaibhav in Indian colours continues. Ireland, on the other hand, is playing the same side that beat India in the series opener. Check out the playing XIs for the second T20I – India - Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer(c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Suryansh Shedge, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav Ireland - Tim Tector, Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(w/c), Benjamin Calitz, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Liam McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Jai Moondra, Matthew Hollard Speaking at the toss, India’s T20I captain Iyer said, “We’re going to bowl first considering the weather conditions. It can pour any time, so we want to maximise the advantage of it.” “Yeah, we’ve got two changes. Suryansh Shedge and Prince Yadav come in. Both are making their debut. So, these are the two changes we’ve made,” Iyer said of the team changes for the second T20I. Also read| WI vs SL, 1st Test: Amir Jangoo hits highest-ever WTC individual score for West Indies Praising the rookie all-rounder Shedge, whom he captains and plays alongside at Punjab Kings in the IPL, Iyer said, “He’s a powerful, destructive batter. Yes, he’s a sensational youngster who has been scoring runs in domestic cricket and also in the IPL. He’s got a tremendous amount of experience in youth cricket. So definitely he’s performed in the A tours. So, he’s getting, he’s reaping the benefits.” Wait grows for Sooryavanshi's debut Meanwhile, the fans await Sooryavanshi’s debut, who has been picked on the back of a tremendous last year for his IPL team, Rajasthan Royals and India A and Under-19 teams. The attacking left-hander, in only his second IPL season, won the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs (776 runs in the 2026 edition), alongside four others in a record feat. Earlier in February this year, Vaibhav became an Under-19 ODI World Cup winner, helping India's U19 team to beat England in a pulsating final. The left-hander smashed his career-best ODI score of 175 runs in the final.

Team India hands debuts to Suryansh Shedge and Prince Yadav for the must-win 2nd T20I against Ireland in Belfast, while teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi sits out. Check out the full playing XIs as captain Shreyas Iyer wins the toss and opts to bowl!

IRE vs IND 2nd T20I: India play two debutants but no sign of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi yet; check playing XI

Amir Jangoo produced a sensational knock as the West Indies dominated the first Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua. The 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batter reached an unbeaten 226 off 370 deliveries by the end of Day 3, hammering 19 fours and two sixes. His innings has rewritten the record books, making it the highest individual score by a West Indies batter in the history of the World Test Championship (WTC). Jangoo surpassed the previous benchmark of 210 not out, set by Kyle Mayers against Bangladesh in Chattogram during the 2021 Test.&nbsp;Jangoo also became only the third West Indies batter to register a double century in a WTC fixture. Justin Greaves joined the exclusive list after his unbeaten 202 in the fourth innings against New Zealand in Christchurch in Dec 2025.&nbsp;Among all batters in WTC history, Australia’s David Warner still holds the highest individual score with his unbeaten 335 against Pakistan in Adelaide in 2019. England’s Harry Brook is second to have crossed the 300-run mark, having smashed 317 against Pakistan in Multan in October 2024.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-nine-out-of-ten-african-nations-advance-to-round-of-32-1782631816315">FIFA World Cup 2026: Nine out of ten African nations advance to Round of 32</a>&nbsp;The landmark innings also placed Jangoo in elite West Indies list. He is now only the third Caribbean batter to score a Test double century against Sri Lanka, following legends Brian Lara and Chris Gayle.&nbsp;<h2>Batters with highest individual scores in WTC for West Indies</h2>

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Player</td><td>R</td><td>Balls</td><td>4/6s</td><td>Against</td><td>Venue</td><td>Start date</td></tr><tr><td>Amir Jangoo</td><td>226*</td><td>370*</td><td>19/2</td><td>Sri Lanka</td><td>North Sound</td><td>25 Jun, 2026</td></tr><tr><td>Kyle Mayers</td><td>210*</td><td>310</td><td>20/7</td><td>Bangladesh</td><td>Chattogram</td><td>3 Feb, 2021</td></tr><tr><td>Justin Greaves</td><td>202*</td><td>388</td><td>19/0</td><td>New Zealand</td><td>Christchurch</td><td>2 Dec, 2025</td></tr><tr><td>Roston Chase</td><td>175*</td><td>306*</td><td>11/2</td><td>Sri Lanka</td><td>North Sound</td><td>25 Jun, 2026</td></tr><tr><td>Kraigg Brathwaite</td><td>160</td><td>489</td><td>17/0</td><td>England</td><td>Bridgetown</td><td>16 Mar, 2022</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Before Jangoo's knock, the record belonged to Kyle Mayers, who scored an unbeaten 210 off 310 balls against Bangladesh in Chattogram in February 2021.

Amir Jangoo produced a sensational knock as the West Indies dominated the first Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua. The 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batter reached an unbeaten 226 off 370 deliveries by the end of Day 3, hammering 19 fours and two sixes. His innings has rewritten the record books, making it the highest individual score by a West Indies batter in the history of the World Test Championship (WTC). Jangoo surpassed the previous benchmark of 210 not out, set by Kyle Mayers against Bangladesh in Chattogram during the 2021 Test. Jangoo also became only the third West Indies batter to register a double century in a WTC fixture. Justin Greaves joined the exclusive list after his unbeaten 202 in the fourth innings against New Zealand in Christchurch in Dec 2025. Among all batters in WTC history, Australia’s David Warner still holds the highest individual score with his unbeaten 335 against Pakistan in Adelaide in 2019. England’s Harry Brook is second to have crossed the 300-run mark, having smashed 317 against Pakistan in Multan in October 2024. Also Read - FIFA World Cup 2026: Nine out of ten African nations advance to Round of 32 The landmark innings also placed Jangoo in elite West Indies list. He is now only the third Caribbean batter to score a Test double century against Sri Lanka, following legends Brian Lara and Chris Gayle. Batters with highest individual scores in WTC for West Indies

Before Jangoo's knock, the record belonged to Kyle Mayers, who scored an unbeaten 210 off 310 balls against Bangladesh in Chattogram in February 2021.

WI vs SL, 1st Test: Amir Jangoo hits highest-ever WTC individual score for West Indies

From Piyush Chawla to Sachin Tendulkar, here's a look at the top five youngest players to debut for India. This list also includes Maninder Singh, Parthiv Patel and Harbhajan Singh

From Piyush Chawla to Sachin Tendulkar, here's a look at the top five youngest players to debut for India. This list also includes Maninder Singh, Parthiv Patel and Harbhajan Singh

Meet top 5 youngest players to debut for India

Ever since he was picked up by Rajasthan Royals in thw auction before IPL 2025, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become the torch bearer of Indian cricket's next gen. The batter, just 15 years of age, has taken the cricketing world by storm with his performance in the IPL 2026, for India U-19 and India A sides. Thanks to his performance, he was included in India's T20I squad for upcoming tour of Ireland and England which begins with the T20I series against Ireland on friday (Jun 26). Sooryavanshi has truly taken the world cricket by storm and his presence at the international level will only further transcends into roots of Indian cricket.<h2>How Sooryavanshi has become the latest icon of Indian cricket at grass root level?</h2>Sooryavanshi's age and his power-hitting has helped him becoming the breakout star among cricket playing children all over the country. The confidence he exudes while batting and his India senior selection in turn has cascaded to the very roots of Indian cricket at the beginner lever with kids all over the country now feeling inspired to push themselves and daring to dream beyond their age.Also read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-stay-alive-in-icc-women-s-t20-world-cup-semis-race-with-five-wicket-win-over-bangladesh-1782408170818">India stay alive in Women’s T20 World Cup semis race with win over Bangladesh</a>WION spoke to cricket academy coach Mr. Ram, who is based out of National Capital Region's (NCR) Faridabad area, about the Sooryavanshi effect and he says: "Young children are now feeling inspired that if someone their age can make it to the Indian national squad and so can they. They are think about preparing like him and work hard like him so if they get a chance in future, they can reprsent India as well."This impact of a 15-year-old batter on children taking up cricket in India and outside is unprecedented, making him the latest icon of Indian cricket at grass root level.<h2>What sets Sooryavanshi apart?</h2>The last time a teenager got the whole country talking was Sachin Tendulkar when he made his debut at the age of 16 against Pakistan in 1989. He went on to become one of the greatest batters ever played not only for India but in the world. Sachin and Sooryavanshi's game and technique, however, are completely different.Sachin was a complete technique batter while Sooryavanshi is a fearless T20-generation batter who takes on the bowlers from the word go if the delivery is pitched in his area.Speaking on his power hitting, Mr. Ram added: "Sooryavanshi is a see ball hit ball batter and power hitting is something which depends person to person while taking technical aspect out of it. There's genetics involved as well. One thing he does that he keeps mind clear about watching the ball and knowing where to hit that ball and that sets him apart from others."Will Sooryavanshi debut for India on Friday (Jun 26) or not is something that remains to be seen but the teenager surely has gotten the world talking and watching him with eager eyes.&nbsp;

Sooryavanshi, 15, has been selected in India squad for white-ball tour of Ireland and England and might make his international debut against Ireland on Friday (Jun 26).

Ever since he was picked up by Rajasthan Royals in thw auction before IPL 2025, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become the torch bearer of Indian cricket's next gen. The batter, just 15 years of age, has taken the cricketing world by storm with his performance in the IPL 2026, for India U-19 and India A sides. Thanks to his performance, he was included in India's T20I squad for upcoming tour of Ireland and England which begins with the T20I series against Ireland on friday (Jun 26). Sooryavanshi has truly taken the world cricket by storm and his presence at the international level will only further transcends into roots of Indian cricket. How Sooryavanshi has become the latest icon of Indian cricket at grass root level? Sooryavanshi's age and his power-hitting has helped him becoming the breakout star among cricket playing children all over the country. The confidence he exudes while batting and his India senior selection in turn has cascaded to the very roots of Indian cricket at the beginner lever with kids all over the country now feeling inspired to push themselves and daring to dream beyond their age. Also read - India stay alive in Women’s T20 World Cup semis race with win over Bangladesh WION spoke to cricket academy coach Mr. Ram, who is based out of National Capital Region's (NCR) Faridabad area, about the Sooryavanshi effect and he says: "Young children are now feeling inspired that if someone their age can make it to the Indian national squad and so can they. They are think about preparing like him and work hard like him so if they get a chance in future, they can reprsent India as well." This impact of a 15-year-old batter on children taking up cricket in India and outside is unprecedented, making him the latest icon of Indian cricket at grass root level. What sets Sooryavanshi apart? The last time a teenager got the whole country talking was Sachin Tendulkar when he made his debut at the age of 16 against Pakistan in 1989. He went on to become one of the greatest batters ever played not only for India but in the world. Sachin and Sooryavanshi's game and technique, however, are completely different. Sachin was a complete technique batter while Sooryavanshi is a fearless T20-generation batter who takes on the bowlers from the word go if the delivery is pitched in his area. Speaking on his power hitting, Mr. Ram added: "Sooryavanshi is a see ball hit ball batter and power hitting is something which depends person to person while taking technical aspect out of it. There's genetics involved as well. One thing he does that he keeps mind clear about watching the ball and knowing where to hit that ball and that sets him apart from others." Will Sooryavanshi debut for India on Friday (Jun 26) or not is something that remains to be seen but the teenager surely has gotten the world talking and watching him with eager eyes.

Sooryavanshi, 15, has been selected in India squad for white-ball tour of Ireland and England and might make his international debut against Ireland on Friday (Jun 26).

How 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the latest icon of Indian cricket at grass root level?

Shreyas Iyer’s era in Indian Cricket is about to begin with the away Ireland T20Is starting June 26 in Belfast. More than three months after lifting the T20 World Cup for the record third time at home, the Men in Blue are back with a fresh start and newer faces on the block. As much as everyone awaits Iyer’s T20I captaincy debut, replacing Suryakumar Yadav, the fans cannot wait to see the 15-year-old batting sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, break onto the international scene and make T20 cricket all about himself. Will he debut? Let’s wait and watch!<h2>The BIG Preview</h2>India is back in Ireland for a short T20I series, a rather shadow tour ahead of the eight-match white-ball leg against England. While India and Ireland will face off in just two T20Is, one on Friday and the next on Sunday (Jun 28), the five-match T20Is against England begin July 1 in Chester-Le-Street.&nbsp; &nbsp;All eyes are on the new T20I captain, Shreyas Iyer. A mainstay in One-Day cricket, Iyer replaced SKY as the new leader. The selectors chose him with an eye on India’s maiden gold medal at the LA28 Summer Games and record fourth T20 crown in Australia and New Zealand in the same year. To help the bigger cause, the selectors took some bold calls, including selecting Sooryavanshi, who needs no introduction.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/43-years-of-1983-world-cup-triumph-how-kapil-dev-led-indian-team-defied-odds-to-create-history-against-west-indies-lord-s-1782398096655">43 Years of 1983 World Cup Triumph: How Kapil Dev’s Indian team defied odds to create history</a> &nbsp;However, with the World Cup-winning pair, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, available for selection, it remains to be seen if Vaibhav will get his break, and if yes, then at what position? He could potentially open with Abhishek or Samson, with Ishan Kishan retaining his number three spot. In another scenario, India could rest Abhishek and debut Sooryavanshi. &nbsp;In the bowling department, with no Bumrah around, India could bring back Harshit Rana, who missed all action in the home T20Is against New Zealand in January due to injury, while playing Arshdeep Singh and either of Prince Yadav or Prasidh Krishna. Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube all could play, with leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi also on the comeback radar. &nbsp;Meanwhile, the hosts, Ireland, could hand out a debut to a teenager, Reuben Wilson. Left-arm quick Jai Moondra, born in Rajasthan, is also in line for a debut.<h3>Check out the predicted playing XIs of both teams –</h3>India – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh and Ravi Bishnoi &nbsp;Ireland - Tim Tector, Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (captain &amp; wk), Ben Calitz, Gareth Delaney, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Matt Holard, Reuben Williams and Jai Moondra &nbsp;Moreover, per the revised schedule, India-Ireland games will start at 6 PM IST.&nbsp;

Shreyas Iyer begins his T20I captaincy era as India faces Ireland from June 26. Will 15-year-old phenom Vaibhav Sooryavanshi debut? Get the predicted XIs.

Shreyas Iyer’s era in Indian Cricket is about to begin with the away Ireland T20Is starting June 26 in Belfast. More than three months after lifting the T20 World Cup for the record third time at home, the Men in Blue are back with a fresh start and newer faces on the block. As much as everyone awaits Iyer’s T20I captaincy debut, replacing Suryakumar Yadav, the fans cannot wait to see the 15-year-old batting sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, break onto the international scene and make T20 cricket all about himself. Will he debut? Let’s wait and watch! The BIG Preview India is back in Ireland for a short T20I series, a rather shadow tour ahead of the eight-match white-ball leg against England. While India and Ireland will face off in just two T20Is, one on Friday and the next on Sunday (Jun 28), the five-match T20Is against England begin July 1 in Chester-Le-Street. All eyes are on the new T20I captain, Shreyas Iyer. A mainstay in One-Day cricket, Iyer replaced SKY as the new leader. The selectors chose him with an eye on India’s maiden gold medal at the LA28 Summer Games and record fourth T20 crown in Australia and New Zealand in the same year. To help the bigger cause, the selectors took some bold calls, including selecting Sooryavanshi, who needs no introduction. Also read| 43 Years of 1983 World Cup Triumph: How Kapil Dev’s Indian team defied odds to create history However, with the World Cup-winning pair, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, available for selection, it remains to be seen if Vaibhav will get his break, and if yes, then at what position? He could potentially open with Abhishek or Samson, with Ishan Kishan retaining his number three spot. In another scenario, India could rest Abhishek and debut Sooryavanshi. In the bowling department, with no Bumrah around, India could bring back Harshit Rana, who missed all action in the home T20Is against New Zealand in January due to injury, while playing Arshdeep Singh and either of Prince Yadav or Prasidh Krishna. Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube all could play, with leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi also on the comeback radar. Meanwhile, the hosts, Ireland, could hand out a debut to a teenager, Reuben Wilson. Left-arm quick Jai Moondra, born in Rajasthan, is also in line for a debut. Check out the predicted playing XIs of both teams – India – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh and Ravi Bishnoi Ireland - Tim Tector, Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (captain & wk), Ben Calitz, Gareth Delaney, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Matt Holard, Reuben Williams and Jai Moondra Moreover, per the revised schedule, India-Ireland games will start at 6 PM IST.

Shreyas Iyer begins his T20I captaincy era as India faces Ireland from June 26. Will 15-year-old phenom Vaibhav Sooryavanshi debut? Get the predicted XIs.

Shreyas Iyer prepares for T20I captaincy debut as Team India welcomes fresh faces for Ireland series

43 years to this day, on June 25, 1983, Kapil Dev’s Indian Cricket Team achieved an unbelievable feat against all odds and the mightiest West Indies to clinch their maiden World Cup crown. India was not even in contention or talked about as among the favourites to win the Prudential 60-Over World Cup in England, let alone doing so at the Mecca of Cricket at Lord's. Up against the likes of Clive Lloyd, Vivian Isaac Richards, Malcolm Marshall, Andy Roberts and Joel Garner - the giants of world cricket, the Indian captain Dev injected the belief in the team that changed cricket forever.<h2>Against All Odds</h2>Imagine facing the West Indies, the reigning and defending two-time winners, in the final of the 1983 World Cup and defeating them; the Indian Team did so. &nbsp;With its set of veterans, India batted first in the Cricket World Cup final. Down on runs and confidence, the original Master Blaster, Sunil Gavaskar, departed early on two, before Kris Srikkanth and Mohinder Amarnath added 57 for the second wicket.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/why-15-year-old-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-must-use-a-separate-changing-room-on-england-tour-ecb-safeguarding-regulations-ind-vs-eng-2026-1782311413624">Why 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must use a separate changing room on England tour</a> &nbsp;India maintained a decent scoring rate up until the mid-overs before a flurry of wickets broke their back and reduced them to 111 for six from 90 for two. Late hand from the Indian bowlers helped them cross 150, but it was not enough, as the West Indian quicks ran through the tail to dismiss them for a paltry 183 inside 55 overs.<h3>The run chase that was never meant to be&nbsp;</h3>Boasting a batting attack of Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge at the top and Richards at three, chasing 184 should have been a walk in the park for the title contenders. However, the very thought of doing so, unfortunately, bit them back as they suffered one of the greatest upsets in all of cricket. &nbsp;Greenidge departed on just one before Haynes followed him on 13. Still ahead in the run chase and with the legendary Richards at the crease, the West Indies fancied their chances only for Kapil Dev to grab the catch of the tournament, running backwards, to get rid of the dangerous Viv on 33. The whole of India began believing! &nbsp;Wickets kept falling; Madan Lal accounted for the West Indian captain Lloyd on just eight, reducing them to 76 at six at one stage. &nbsp;Keeper-batter Jeff Dujon and seamer Marshall tried their hands at saving their team’s grace but failed eventually, as all-rounder Mohinder Amarnath broke that stand. He later picked up the final wicket of Michael Holding to help India beat the mighty West Indies by 43 runs and win the first World Cup. &nbsp;That moment withstood the passage of time and remained one of the greatest and most unexpected in a World Cup final. &nbsp;43 years later, and after that 43-run win in that game, Team India has emerged as a powerhouse in world cricket, having won a 50-over World Cup (in 2011) and three T20 World Cups (2007, 2024 and 2026). Besides, the Men in Blue have also clinched three ICC Champions Trophy titles (2002, 2013 and 2025). &nbsp;

Celebrate 43 years since Kapil Dev’s underdogs stunned the mighty West Indies at Lord's. Relive the historic 1983 World Cup triumph that changed Indian cricket forever.

43 years to this day, on June 25, 1983, Kapil Dev’s Indian Cricket Team achieved an unbelievable feat against all odds and the mightiest West Indies to clinch their maiden World Cup crown. India was not even in contention or talked about as among the favourites to win the Prudential 60-Over World Cup in England, let alone doing so at the Mecca of Cricket at Lord's. Up against the likes of Clive Lloyd, Vivian Isaac Richards, Malcolm Marshall, Andy Roberts and Joel Garner - the giants of world cricket, the Indian captain Dev injected the belief in the team that changed cricket forever. Against All Odds Imagine facing the West Indies, the reigning and defending two-time winners, in the final of the 1983 World Cup and defeating them; the Indian Team did so. With its set of veterans, India batted first in the Cricket World Cup final. Down on runs and confidence, the original Master Blaster, Sunil Gavaskar, departed early on two, before Kris Srikkanth and Mohinder Amarnath added 57 for the second wicket. Also read| Why 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must use a separate changing room on England tour India maintained a decent scoring rate up until the mid-overs before a flurry of wickets broke their back and reduced them to 111 for six from 90 for two. Late hand from the Indian bowlers helped them cross 150, but it was not enough, as the West Indian quicks ran through the tail to dismiss them for a paltry 183 inside 55 overs. The run chase that was never meant to be Boasting a batting attack of Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge at the top and Richards at three, chasing 184 should have been a walk in the park for the title contenders. However, the very thought of doing so, unfortunately, bit them back as they suffered one of the greatest upsets in all of cricket. Greenidge departed on just one before Haynes followed him on 13. Still ahead in the run chase and with the legendary Richards at the crease, the West Indies fancied their chances only for Kapil Dev to grab the catch of the tournament, running backwards, to get rid of the dangerous Viv on 33. The whole of India began believing! Wickets kept falling; Madan Lal accounted for the West Indian captain Lloyd on just eight, reducing them to 76 at six at one stage. Keeper-batter Jeff Dujon and seamer Marshall tried their hands at saving their team’s grace but failed eventually, as all-rounder Mohinder Amarnath broke that stand. He later picked up the final wicket of Michael Holding to help India beat the mighty West Indies by 43 runs and win the first World Cup. That moment withstood the passage of time and remained one of the greatest and most unexpected in a World Cup final. 43 years later, and after that 43-run win in that game, Team India has emerged as a powerhouse in world cricket, having won a 50-over World Cup (in 2011) and three T20 World Cups (2007, 2024 and 2026). Besides, the Men in Blue have also clinched three ICC Champions Trophy titles (2002, 2013 and 2025).

Celebrate 43 years since Kapil Dev’s underdogs stunned the mighty West Indies at Lord's. Relive the historic 1983 World Cup triumph that changed Indian cricket forever.

43 Years of 1983 World Cup Triumph: How Kapil Dev’s Indian team defied odds to create history

In a boost for Indian Cricket fans, they can now watch the start of two crucial fixtures on Sunday (Jun 28) without one game overlapping the other’s timings. To avoid a clash of two matches beginning at the same time (India vs Australia in the Women’s T20 World Cup at Lord’s and India vs Ireland 2nd T20I in Belfast), Cricket Ireland (CI) late on Wednesday (Jun 24) confirmed the new start time for the T20I series against India, starting on Friday (Jun 26). While the Women’s WC match begins at 7 PM IST, the second of the two T20Is between India and Ireland will start an hour earlier, at 6 PM IST (1:30 PM local time).&nbsp;The first T20I between India and Ireland will also begin at 6 PM IST on Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/why-15-year-old-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-must-use-a-separate-changing-room-on-england-tour-ecb-safeguarding-regulations-ind-vs-eng-2026-1782311413624">Why 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must use a separate changing room on England tour</a> &nbsp;While the T20Is, to be played for the Spinny Cup, will anyway clash with the marquee Women’s T20 World Cup match, the match timings were adjusted to minimise the overlap, at least partially.&nbsp; &nbsp;A Cricbuzz report claims that Cricket Ireland agreed to the new start times, considering the significance of the India-Australia Women’s T20 WC game. &nbsp;Cricket Ireland, the organisers for the two scheduled T20Is against India, is also said to have discussed the new start time with the Indian broadcaster, the Sony Sports Network. Although they would have preferred a 7 PM IST start time for the India games, ideal and usual for India’s away T20I fixtures, the broadcaster is believed to have agreed to the revised timing to avoid clashing with the Indian women’s match against Australia.<h3>England series schedule, match timings</h3>After the Ireland T20Is, the Indian Team will travel to England for five T20Is and three ODIs, starting July 1. While two of the five T20Is will begin at 7 PM IST (the second T20I in Manchester on July 4 and the fifth in Southampton on July 11), the remaining three (1st T20I in Chester-Le-Street, 3rd T20I in Nottingham and 4th T20I in Bristol) will begin at 10 PM IST. &nbsp;However, the three ODIs (1st at Edgbaston on July 14th, 2nd at Sophia Gardens on July 17th and 3rd at Lord’s on July 19) will start at 3:30 PM IST. &nbsp;India T20I squad for Ireland series - &nbsp;Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Prince Yadav &nbsp;India T20I squad for England series – &nbsp;Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Prince Yadav &nbsp;India ODI squad for England series – &nbsp;Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli*, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar

IND vs IRE T20I timings changed! Cricket Ireland shifts match times to avoid a direct broadcast clash with the India-Australia Women's World Cup.

In a boost for Indian Cricket fans, they can now watch the start of two crucial fixtures on Sunday (Jun 28) without one game overlapping the other’s timings. To avoid a clash of two matches beginning at the same time (India vs Australia in the Women’s T20 World Cup at Lord’s and India vs Ireland 2nd T20I in Belfast), Cricket Ireland (CI) late on Wednesday (Jun 24) confirmed the new start time for the T20I series against India, starting on Friday (Jun 26). While the Women’s WC match begins at 7 PM IST, the second of the two T20Is between India and Ireland will start an hour earlier, at 6 PM IST (1:30 PM local time). The first T20I between India and Ireland will also begin at 6 PM IST on Friday. Also read | Why 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must use a separate changing room on England tour While the T20Is, to be played for the Spinny Cup, will anyway clash with the marquee Women’s T20 World Cup match, the match timings were adjusted to minimise the overlap, at least partially. A Cricbuzz report claims that Cricket Ireland agreed to the new start times, considering the significance of the India-Australia Women’s T20 WC game. Cricket Ireland, the organisers for the two scheduled T20Is against India, is also said to have discussed the new start time with the Indian broadcaster, the Sony Sports Network. Although they would have preferred a 7 PM IST start time for the India games, ideal and usual for India’s away T20I fixtures, the broadcaster is believed to have agreed to the revised timing to avoid clashing with the Indian women’s match against Australia. England series schedule, match timings After the Ireland T20Is, the Indian Team will travel to England for five T20Is and three ODIs, starting July 1. While two of the five T20Is will begin at 7 PM IST (the second T20I in Manchester on July 4 and the fifth in Southampton on July 11), the remaining three (1st T20I in Chester-Le-Street, 3rd T20I in Nottingham and 4th T20I in Bristol) will begin at 10 PM IST. However, the three ODIs (1st at Edgbaston on July 14th, 2nd at Sophia Gardens on July 17th and 3rd at Lord’s on July 19) will start at 3:30 PM IST. India T20I squad for Ireland series - Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Prince Yadav India T20I squad for England series – Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Prince Yadav India ODI squad for England series – Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli*, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar

IND vs IRE T20I timings changed! Cricket Ireland shifts match times to avoid a direct broadcast clash with the India-Australia Women's World Cup.

IND vs IRE T20I match timings changed to avoid clash with India-Australia Women's World Cup fixture

Former New Zealand fast bowler Bob Blair, whose courage in the face of immense grief made him a hero beyond the cricket field, has died at the age of 94, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced on Wednesday (Jun 24). Having played 19 Tests from 1953 to 1964, Blair is best remembered for those 10 minutes he spent at the crease batting during the 1953 Johannesburg Test.&nbsp;21 years old at that time, Blair learned about the passing of his fiancée, Nerissa Love, in the early hours of the second morning of the Test match. She was among 151 killed in the Tangiwai rail disaster in New Zealand's North Island on Christmas Eve. &nbsp;Even though he initially stayed back at his team hotel to grieve, with New Zealand struggling, the last man, Blair, walked out to bat, joining a bloodied Bert Sutcliffe, who had earlier been to the hospital after taking numerous blows while batting. 23,000 fans watching the game live maintained silence, with players from both teams reportedly weeping throughout his stay.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-nz-3rd-test-ben-stokes-i-was-man-enough-to-apologise-to-my-teammates-after-curfew-breach-trent-bridge-nightclub-incident-1782307003525">Ben Stokes: I was ‘Man Enough’ to apologise to my teammates after curfew breach</a> &nbsp;Meanwhile, New Zealand's last-wicket duo added 33, including a then world record 25 off a single Hugh Tayfield over, before Blair was stumped for just six and then cheered off the field by spectators.<h3>Blair’s courage gives birth to the Tangiwai Shield</h3>Blair's courage was the inspiration behind the creation of the Tangiwai Shield, which in 2024 became the trophy for the men’s Test series between New Zealand and South Africa. &nbsp;"The story of Bob Blair and the Tangiwai rail disaster has left an indelible mark on cricket in both New Zealand and South Africa," said NZC interim chief executive Graham Parks. "To have been able to honour that inspirational story with the introduction of the Tangiwai Shield in 2024 was both poignant and will ensure the legacy of Bob Blair lives on." &nbsp;The Kiwi quick finished his international career against South Africa in Auckland in 1964, where he bagged his best Test figures of 4/85. After retiring, Blair settled in Cheshire, northwest England, with his wife Barbara. &nbsp;As a sign of respect, the New Zealand team will wear black armbands in memory of Blair for the first day of the third Test against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on Thursday (Jun 25).&nbsp;

Former New Zealand pacer Bob Blair, celebrated as cricket's ultimate symbol of courage after the 1953 Tangiwai tragedy, has passed away on his 94th birthday.

Former New Zealand fast bowler Bob Blair, whose courage in the face of immense grief made him a hero beyond the cricket field, has died at the age of 94, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced on Wednesday (Jun 24). Having played 19 Tests from 1953 to 1964, Blair is best remembered for those 10 minutes he spent at the crease batting during the 1953 Johannesburg Test. 21 years old at that time, Blair learned about the passing of his fiancée, Nerissa Love, in the early hours of the second morning of the Test match. She was among 151 killed in the Tangiwai rail disaster in New Zealand's North Island on Christmas Eve. Even though he initially stayed back at his team hotel to grieve, with New Zealand struggling, the last man, Blair, walked out to bat, joining a bloodied Bert Sutcliffe, who had earlier been to the hospital after taking numerous blows while batting. 23,000 fans watching the game live maintained silence, with players from both teams reportedly weeping throughout his stay. Also read | Ben Stokes: I was ‘Man Enough’ to apologise to my teammates after curfew breach Meanwhile, New Zealand's last-wicket duo added 33, including a then world record 25 off a single Hugh Tayfield over, before Blair was stumped for just six and then cheered off the field by spectators. Blair’s courage gives birth to the Tangiwai Shield Blair's courage was the inspiration behind the creation of the Tangiwai Shield, which in 2024 became the trophy for the men’s Test series between New Zealand and South Africa. "The story of Bob Blair and the Tangiwai rail disaster has left an indelible mark on cricket in both New Zealand and South Africa," said NZC interim chief executive Graham Parks. "To have been able to honour that inspirational story with the introduction of the Tangiwai Shield in 2024 was both poignant and will ensure the legacy of Bob Blair lives on." The Kiwi quick finished his international career against South Africa in Auckland in 1964, where he bagged his best Test figures of 4/85. After retiring, Blair settled in Cheshire, northwest England, with his wife Barbara. As a sign of respect, the New Zealand team will wear black armbands in memory of Blair for the first day of the third Test against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on Thursday (Jun 25).

Former New Zealand pacer Bob Blair, celebrated as cricket's ultimate symbol of courage after the 1953 Tangiwai tragedy, has passed away on his 94th birthday.

New Zealand's Bob Blair, cricket’s symbol of courage amid personal tragedy, dies at 94

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is exploring the viability of sending a handful of promising cricketers to the US as part of a specialised power-hitting program. While the logistics are not yet complete, a final call on the list of players to travel is also underway, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson confirmed.&nbsp;The multi-month initiative is designed not only to enhance players’ power-hitting in an alien environment, but also to work on the fitness regimes of brighter talents whose careers have been marred by injuries. &nbsp;"We're sending some players to the US. There's some power-hitting expertise over there, and we're exploring some options. We've got some players who've had some longer-term injuries, and players we want to expose to different methods of power hitting and just a different learning environment, spending four months in one place to get some new fresh ideas,” Hesson said in a chat with Cricinfo.&nbsp;<h3>Re-engineering Pakistan's fitness standards</h3>Hesson also highlighted that this program doesn’t just serve a single purpose but multiple, including changing the way players are trained. His comments have come on the back of PCB’s Director of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Dr Javed Mughal, who, earlier in a presser, said that 'fitness is non-negotiable in professional sport', and that the PCB developed a 'robust, reliable and repeatable testing and screening battery we had started to apply to all players.' &nbsp;"There's a bit of collaboration. It's certainly not just strength and conditioning," Hesson said. “We've got Javed Mughal, who's come in here and changing the way players are training and assessing them in a different way. So he needs time to plan it out as well.”<h3>Young pacers among those travelling to the US</h3>Under-19 quick Ali Raza, often regarded as the most exciting white-ball prospect in Pakistan, is among the players likely to be sent to the US, should the plan materialise. Raza, 18, has shown promise, including his match-winning performance against India in the final of the 50-over U19 Asia Cup last year, where he picked up four wickets for 42 runs. He also accounted for India's teenage prodigy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, early in the innings. Representing Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL, Raza also picked up his maiden tournament hat-trick, later helping them lift the title.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/why-15-year-old-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-must-use-a-separate-changing-room-on-england-tour-ecb-safeguarding-regulations-ind-vs-eng-2026-1782311413624">Why 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must use a separate changing room on England tour</a> &nbsp;Raza, however, is yet to make his international debut, with the PCB keen to prioritise and manage his fitness and workload. &nbsp;"Pace bowling-wise, there's no more injuries [within Pakistan] than there are anywhere else in the world," Hesson said. "We're trying to get Ali Raza fit and strong enough to deal with the demands of international cricket. It's tough trying to be able to bowl multiple spells and sustain his pace. We know when he's at his top-end pace, he's exciting. But when the pressure ramps up, the pressure on the body ramps up. So he's got to work on his body so he can deal with those.”

PCB to send Pakistan's rising cricket talents, including young pacer Ali Raza, to the US for an intense four-month power-hitting and fitness training camp.


The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is exploring the viability of sending a handful of promising cricketers to the US as part of a specialised power-hitting program. While the logistics are not yet complete, a final call on the list of players to travel is also underway, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson confirmed. The multi-month initiative is designed not only to enhance players’ power-hitting in an alien environment, but also to work on the fitness regimes of brighter talents whose careers have been marred by injuries. "We're sending some players to the US. There's some power-hitting expertise over there, and we're exploring some options. We've got some players who've had some longer-term injuries, and players we want to expose to different methods of power hitting and just a different learning environment, spending four months in one place to get some new fresh ideas,” Hesson said in a chat with Cricinfo. Re-engineering Pakistan's fitness standards Hesson also highlighted that this program doesn’t just serve a single purpose but multiple, including changing the way players are trained. His comments have come on the back of PCB’s Director of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Dr Javed Mughal, who, earlier in a presser, said that 'fitness is non-negotiable in professional sport', and that the PCB developed a 'robust, reliable and repeatable testing and screening battery we had started to apply to all players.' "There's a bit of collaboration. It's certainly not just strength and conditioning," Hesson said. “We've got Javed Mughal, who's come in here and changing the way players are training and assessing them in a different way. So he needs time to plan it out as well.” Young pacers among those travelling to the US Under-19 quick Ali Raza, often regarded as the most exciting white-ball prospect in Pakistan, is among the players likely to be sent to the US, should the plan materialise. Raza, 18, has shown promise, including his match-winning performance against India in the final of the 50-over U19 Asia Cup last year, where he picked up four wickets for 42 runs. He also accounted for India's teenage prodigy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, early in the innings. Representing Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL, Raza also picked up his maiden tournament hat-trick, later helping them lift the title. Also read | Why 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must use a separate changing room on England tour Raza, however, is yet to make his international debut, with the PCB keen to prioritise and manage his fitness and workload. "Pace bowling-wise, there's no more injuries [within Pakistan] than there are anywhere else in the world," Hesson said. "We're trying to get Ali Raza fit and strong enough to deal with the demands of international cricket. It's tough trying to be able to bowl multiple spells and sustain his pace. We know when he's at his top-end pace, he's exciting. But when the pressure ramps up, the pressure on the body ramps up. So he's got to work on his body so he can deal with those.”

PCB to send Pakistan's rising cricket talents, including young pacer Ali Raza, to the US for an intense four-month power-hitting and fitness training camp.

PCB may send Pakistan’s rising talents to US for power-hitting training camp: Mike Hesson

15-year-old batting sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, must use a separate changing room from the main one used by senior Indian players on the upcoming UK tour, which includes two T20Is against Ireland and five against England. Sooryavanshi, 15, will be allowed to use the main dressing room during matches and for team talks, but will use a separate one while changing. Alternatively, guidelines allow him to change at a designated time in the main dressing room on his own and leave when his senior teammates change. This, however, will be done because of ECB safeguarding regulations for players under the age of 16.&nbsp;As first reported by The Guardian, similar regulations will be applied to India’s short T20I tour of Ireland, starting on Friday (Jun 26) in Belfast. Sunday (Jun 28) will host the second game, after which India will fly to England for the five T20Is, beginning July 1 at Chester-Le-Street.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-nz-3rd-test-ben-stokes-i-was-man-enough-to-apologise-to-my-teammates-after-curfew-breach-trent-bridge-nightclub-incident-1782307003525">Ben Stokes: I was ‘Man Enough’ to apologise to my teammates after curfew breach</a> &nbsp;Elsewhere, even in Premier League football, Arsenal players Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman were required to use a separate changing room from teammates while featuring for first-team matches under similar regulations. After they turned 16, they could use the same changing room as their seniors. &nbsp;"This is an ICC event, with their safeguarding procedures active as they have jurisdiction," an ECB spokesperson said. "A safeguarding concern occurring during the event may be managed by the ICC. In addition to this, the ECB Safe Hands policy applies at all times."&nbsp; &nbsp;Considering his parents are also accompanying him on this UK tour and will be staying at the same hotel as he does, which is outside of usual family-related travel guidelines, all parties involved have agreed to this due to his age. &nbsp;"The Cricket Regulator is in contact with the Team Liaison Officer (TLO) for the Indian team to discuss requirements and expectations for the player while he is in the UK. Each County Safeguarding Officer for the relevant cricket venue is also working closely with the Team Liaison Officer to ensure venue protocols and arrangements are understood and adhered to. This is conducted via safeguarding risk assessments. &nbsp;"It is our understanding that the player's parents will be travelling with him at all times. They are staying in the same hotel, which is outside of usual protocol, but agreed on this occasion due to his age. This additional measure provides us with further confidence that he has family members that can provide the additional level of support and care,” the statement read. &nbsp;Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia earlier revealed that Sooryavanshi’s parents will accompany him on his first-ever international tour as an Indian cricketer, with the Indian board bearing all expenses for his family members.

Why 15-year-old India prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must use a separate changing room from senior teammates on the 2026 UK tour under strict ECB rules.

15-year-old batting sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, must use a separate changing room from the main one used by senior Indian players on the upcoming UK tour, which includes two T20Is against Ireland and five against England. Sooryavanshi, 15, will be allowed to use the main dressing room during matches and for team talks, but will use a separate one while changing. Alternatively, guidelines allow him to change at a designated time in the main dressing room on his own and leave when his senior teammates change. This, however, will be done because of ECB safeguarding regulations for players under the age of 16. As first reported by The Guardian, similar regulations will be applied to India’s short T20I tour of Ireland, starting on Friday (Jun 26) in Belfast. Sunday (Jun 28) will host the second game, after which India will fly to England for the five T20Is, beginning July 1 at Chester-Le-Street. Also read| Ben Stokes: I was ‘Man Enough’ to apologise to my teammates after curfew breach Elsewhere, even in Premier League football, Arsenal players Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman were required to use a separate changing room from teammates while featuring for first-team matches under similar regulations. After they turned 16, they could use the same changing room as their seniors. "This is an ICC event, with their safeguarding procedures active as they have jurisdiction," an ECB spokesperson said. "A safeguarding concern occurring during the event may be managed by the ICC. In addition to this, the ECB Safe Hands policy applies at all times." Considering his parents are also accompanying him on this UK tour and will be staying at the same hotel as he does, which is outside of usual family-related travel guidelines, all parties involved have agreed to this due to his age. "The Cricket Regulator is in contact with the Team Liaison Officer (TLO) for the Indian team to discuss requirements and expectations for the player while he is in the UK. Each County Safeguarding Officer for the relevant cricket venue is also working closely with the Team Liaison Officer to ensure venue protocols and arrangements are understood and adhered to. This is conducted via safeguarding risk assessments. "It is our understanding that the player's parents will be travelling with him at all times. They are staying in the same hotel, which is outside of usual protocol, but agreed on this occasion due to his age. This additional measure provides us with further confidence that he has family members that can provide the additional level of support and care,” the statement read. Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia earlier revealed that Sooryavanshi’s parents will accompany him on his first-ever international tour as an Indian cricketer, with the Indian board bearing all expenses for his family members.

Why 15-year-old India prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must use a separate changing room from senior teammates on the 2026 UK tour under strict ECB rules.

Why 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must use a separate changing room on England tour

England Test captain Ben Stokes revealed he was 'man enough' to apologise to his teammates over his and Gus Atkinson’s curfew breach that led to their exile from the squad for the second Test against New Zealand. With both returning to the playing XI for the series decider at Trent Bridge starting on Thursday (Jun 25), Stokes addressed the media on the eve of the match, admitting his mistake but urging those with the mic to provide him space as a crucial Test looms.&nbsp;"Of course. That was one of the first things I had to do as captain,” Stokes said on apologising to his teammates for letting them down over his nightclub episode. "It's all fine, everything being fine and dandy, when it's going well, but you need to take responsibility for things as well. &nbsp;"You need to be big enough and man enough to be able to take that upon your shoulders, look everyone in the eye who it's affected and apologise how you need to apologise. That’s something I did,” he said.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-rankings-joe-root-reclaims-no-1-test-batter-spot-matt-henry-joins-jasprit-bumrah-at-top-1782304573595">ICC Rankings: Joe Root reclaims no.1 Test batter spot, Matt Henry joins Jasprit Bumrah at top</a> &nbsp;Stokes and Atkinson were reportedly involved in a physical altercation at a London club while celebrating England’s first Test win over the Kiwis at Lord’s. By doing so, they also breached midnight curfew protocols laid by the ECB following the drinking controversies that marred England's 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia. &nbsp;The two, however, were left out of England’s squad for the Oval Test, led by veteran Joe Root, which ended with them conceding a 253-run defeat. &nbsp;While the ECB and Cricket Regulator cleared them of any wrongdoing in a physical altercation, the two were given a written warning. &nbsp;"I understand there's a lot of questions that you (the media) probably want to ask and want to hear from me, but I hope you respect, in terms of this whole week, I'm (only) focusing on this week," Stokes said on the eve of the match.&nbsp; &nbsp;"That's where my focus is at right now... I'm here as captain of this team, and all I want to do is get the team focused on winning here," insisted Stokes, who made 95 for county side Durham last week. &nbsp;"We are 1-1 in a three-match series, and this week is massive for the team,” he continued. &nbsp;Meanwhile, England was also docked 12 WTC points for maintaining the slow over rate against New Zealand in the second Test. They are currently seventh on the table with four wins and seven losses in 12 contested matches in the ongoing 2025-27 cycle.&nbsp;

England captain Ben Stokes takes full responsibility for his midnight curfew breach, declaring he was "man enough" to look his teammates in the eye and apologise.


England Test captain Ben Stokes revealed he was 'man enough' to apologise to his teammates over his and Gus Atkinson’s curfew breach that led to their exile from the squad for the second Test against New Zealand. With both returning to the playing XI for the series decider at Trent Bridge starting on Thursday (Jun 25), Stokes addressed the media on the eve of the match, admitting his mistake but urging those with the mic to provide him space as a crucial Test looms. "Of course. That was one of the first things I had to do as captain,” Stokes said on apologising to his teammates for letting them down over his nightclub episode. "It's all fine, everything being fine and dandy, when it's going well, but you need to take responsibility for things as well. "You need to be big enough and man enough to be able to take that upon your shoulders, look everyone in the eye who it's affected and apologise how you need to apologise. That’s something I did,” he said. Also read | ICC Rankings: Joe Root reclaims no.1 Test batter spot, Matt Henry joins Jasprit Bumrah at top Stokes and Atkinson were reportedly involved in a physical altercation at a London club while celebrating England’s first Test win over the Kiwis at Lord’s. By doing so, they also breached midnight curfew protocols laid by the ECB following the drinking controversies that marred England's 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia. The two, however, were left out of England’s squad for the Oval Test, led by veteran Joe Root, which ended with them conceding a 253-run defeat. While the ECB and Cricket Regulator cleared them of any wrongdoing in a physical altercation, the two were given a written warning. "I understand there's a lot of questions that you (the media) probably want to ask and want to hear from me, but I hope you respect, in terms of this whole week, I'm (only) focusing on this week," Stokes said on the eve of the match. "That's where my focus is at right now... I'm here as captain of this team, and all I want to do is get the team focused on winning here," insisted Stokes, who made 95 for county side Durham last week. "We are 1-1 in a three-match series, and this week is massive for the team,” he continued. Meanwhile, England was also docked 12 WTC points for maintaining the slow over rate against New Zealand in the second Test. They are currently seventh on the table with four wins and seven losses in 12 contested matches in the ongoing 2025-27 cycle.

England captain Ben Stokes takes full responsibility for his midnight curfew breach, declaring he was "man enough" to look his teammates in the eye and apologise.

Ben Stokes: I was ‘Man Enough’ to apologise to my teammates after curfew breach

Former India captain Rohit Sharma shared a photograph of himself with the prestigious Padma Shri on X on Tuesday (Jun 23). The veteran Mumbai batter was presented with the honour by Indian President Droupadi Murmu during the Padma Awards ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Reflecting on the occasion, Rohit wrote on X: “23rd June bringing all kinds of magic. Nineteen years ago, it began with an India cap. Today, another proud chapter is added to the story."&nbsp;The date carries special meaning for Rohit, as he made his international debut for India on 23 Jun, 2007, in an ODI against Ireland in Belfast.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">23rd June bringing all kinds of magic ✨🇮🇳 19 years ago, it began with an India cap. Today, another proud chapter is added to the story. <a href="https://t.co/WCiILcc7M3">pic.twitter.com/WCiILcc7M3</a>&mdash; Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) <a href="https://x.com/ImRo45/status/2069465930326053100?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Over a long 19-year international career, Rohit has represented India in 67 Tests, 285 ODIs and 159 T20Is, amassing 4,301, 11,720 and 4,231 runs respectively. He remains India’s leading run-scorer in T20 Internationals and is third among Indian batters in ODI runs.&nbsp;The 39-year-old, who is also the oldest Indian cricketer to feature in an ODI, last appeared in the format against Afghanistan in Chennai on 20 Jun, 2026, scoring 79 from 69 deliveries. He is expected to return to action in India’s three-match ODI series against England in Jul 2026.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-returns-to-delhi-capitals-kuldeep-yadav-moves-to-lsg-in-blockbuster-ipl-2027-trade-transfer-news-1782236710751">Pant returns to Delhi Capitals, Kuldeep moves to LSG in blockbuster IPL trade</a>&nbsp;Rohit ended his T20I career after guiding India to victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 on 29 Jun, 2024 and retired from Test cricket in May 2025. As captain, he also led India to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-day-13-recap-colombia-qualify-croatia-beat-panama-england-play-out-a-draw-1782276923339">FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 13 Recap: Colombia qualify, Croatia beat Panama, England play out a draw</a>&nbsp;Earlier in his career, he was part of India’s triumphant squads at the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 and the ICC World Twenty20 2007 under the leadership of MS Dhoni.&nbsp;Widely regarded as one of the finest batters of his generation, Rohit continues to represent Mumbai Indians in the IPL. He has played a pivotal role in the franchise’s success, helping them secure five league titles while becoming both their highest run-scorer and most-capped player.&nbsp;

Rohit received the honour from Indian President Droupadi Murmu at the Padma Awards ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday.

Former India captain Rohit Sharma shared a photograph of himself with the prestigious Padma Shri on X on Tuesday (Jun 23). The veteran Mumbai batter was presented with the honour by Indian President Droupadi Murmu during the Padma Awards ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Reflecting on the occasion, Rohit wrote on X: “23rd June bringing all kinds of magic. Nineteen years ago, it began with an India cap. Today, another proud chapter is added to the story." The date carries special meaning for Rohit, as he made his international debut for India on 23 Jun, 2007, in an ODI against Ireland in Belfast.

Rohit received the honour from Indian President Droupadi Murmu at the Padma Awards ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday.

‘23rd June brings all kinds of magic’: Rohit Sharma after Padma Shri honour

In a blockbuster IPL trade ahead of the 2027 edition, Rishabh Pant has returned home to Delhi Capitals (DC) with Kuldeep Yadav joining the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Pant will be back playing for Delhi, for whom he made his IPL debut and represented them for nine seasons from 2016 to 2024. Lucknow bought Pant at the mega auction ahead of the 2025 edition for a record price of INR 27 crore, making him the most expensive player in the tournament’s auction history. While Pant took a significant cut for his switch to DC at a revised fee of INR 15 crore, Kuldeep moved to LSG for his current fee of INR 13.50 crore.&nbsp;This financial gap leaves LSG with an extra INR 13.50 crore in their purse ahead of the upcoming mini-auction (INR 27cr - 13.50cr). Conversely, Delhi Capitals will see INR 1.50 crore deducted from their remaining balance. &nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vaibhav-sooryavanshi-india-jersey-number-03-puts-him-in-elite-company-of-harbhajan-singh-paolo-maldini-roberto-carlos-1782228906063">Sooryavanshi’s India jersey number puts him in elite company of Harbhajan, Maldini &amp; Roberto Carlos</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Pant is the second high-profile player after Ravindra Jadeja to take a pay cut for a move to another franchise. Ahead of IPL 2026, Jadeja, playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), was part of a swap trade, which also included English all-rounder Sam Curran, moving to Rajasthan Royals, with Sanju Samson joining CSK. In 2022, CSK retained Jadeja for INR 18 crore, but his move to RR cost the inaugural champions INR 14 crore. &nbsp;Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal wrote a thank-you note for Kuldeep, while welcoming his former franchise captain Pant with open arms. &nbsp;“Dear Kuldeep thank you for your service over the last 5 years @DelhiCapitals you have been a core part of our team and you will be sorely missed. Go well - you are a champion player and I am sure you will do extremely well back in your home ground. Rishabh - Kiran and I are both happy to have you back at DC. Hope you can find your best form back home in Delhi. @IPL,” he wrote on his X handle.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Dear Kuldeep thank you for your service over the last 5 years <a href="https://x.com/DelhiCapitals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiCapitals</a> you have been a core part of our team and you will be sorely missed. Go well - you are a champion player and i am sure you will do extremely well back in your home ground. Rishabh - Kiran and I are both…&mdash; Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) <a href="https://x.com/ParthJindal11/status/2069336766054633796?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meanwhile, both players struggled for their respective teams in IPL 2026. While Pant’s LSG finished at the bottom of the points table with just four wins from 14 matches, Kuldeep’s Delhi also failed to qualify for the playoffs. Personally, their performances were below par too. &nbsp;Pant scored just 312 runs in 13 outings, striking at close to 140 (138.05), and Kuldeep returned with fewer wickets than the matches he played in, finishing with 10 scalps in 11 games. Overall, though, Kuldeep fared decently for Delhi, picking up 72 wickets in 65 outings at an economy of 8.24.

In a blockbuster IPL trade, Rishabh Pant returns to Delhi Capitals on a revised INR 15Cr fee, while spinner Kuldeep Yadav joins LSG. Read details here.

In a blockbuster IPL trade ahead of the 2027 edition, Rishabh Pant has returned home to Delhi Capitals (DC) with Kuldeep Yadav joining the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Pant will be back playing for Delhi, for whom he made his IPL debut and represented them for nine seasons from 2016 to 2024. Lucknow bought Pant at the mega auction ahead of the 2025 edition for a record price of INR 27 crore, making him the most expensive player in the tournament’s auction history. While Pant took a significant cut for his switch to DC at a revised fee of INR 15 crore, Kuldeep moved to LSG for his current fee of INR 13.50 crore. This financial gap leaves LSG with an extra INR 13.50 crore in their purse ahead of the upcoming mini-auction (INR 27cr - 13.50cr). Conversely, Delhi Capitals will see INR 1.50 crore deducted from their remaining balance. Also read | Sooryavanshi’s India jersey number puts him in elite company of Harbhajan, Maldini & Roberto Carlos Meanwhile, Pant is the second high-profile player after Ravindra Jadeja to take a pay cut for a move to another franchise. Ahead of IPL 2026, Jadeja, playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), was part of a swap trade, which also included English all-rounder Sam Curran, moving to Rajasthan Royals, with Sanju Samson joining CSK. In 2022, CSK retained Jadeja for INR 18 crore, but his move to RR cost the inaugural champions INR 14 crore. Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal wrote a thank-you note for Kuldeep, while welcoming his former franchise captain Pant with open arms. “Dear Kuldeep thank you for your service over the last 5 years @DelhiCapitals you have been a core part of our team and you will be sorely missed. Go well - you are a champion player and I am sure you will do extremely well back in your home ground. Rishabh - Kiran and I are both happy to have you back at DC. Hope you can find your best form back home in Delhi. @IPL,” he wrote on his X handle.

In a blockbuster IPL trade, Rishabh Pant returns to Delhi Capitals on a revised INR 15Cr fee, while spinner Kuldeep Yadav joins LSG. Read details here.

Rishabh Pant returns to Delhi Capitals, Kuldeep Yadav moves to LSG in blockbuster IPL trade

15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the talk of the town, and after being bestowed with his first official Team India jersey ahead of the Ireland T20Is, he joined global sports royalty. Should he debut during the first leg of the away UK tour, which starts with two T20Is in Belfast on June 26, Sooryavanshi will become the youngest Indian men’s cricketer. However, he will do it by having '03' written on his Indian jersey, a number that signifies domination, authority on the game, longevity, and a promising career ahead, like spin king Harbhajan Singh and football icons Paolo Maldini and Roberto Carlos.&nbsp;Much like these stars, Sooryavanshi is as skilful as any the game has seen, maintains his authority over the bowlers, even the best of them, and with age on his side, can guarantee a career filled with records and accolades.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dreamed-of-this-moment-15-year-old-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-wears-india-jersey-for-first-time-watch-video-youngest-indian-cricketer-india-vs-ireland-2026-1782217837697">'Dreamed of this moment': 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi wears India jersey for first time| WATCH</a> &nbsp;"Ever since I first held a bat and walked onto a cricket field to practice, I dreamed of this moment...I cannot explain this feeling in words," Sooryavanshi said in the BCCI video.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ladies &amp; Gentlemen The moment the nation has been waiting for has arrived! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> jersey. Witness this incredibly special moment ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/sUUytFMPVw">pic.twitter.com/sUUytFMPVw</a>&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://x.com/BCCI/status/2069261818997170269?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>A new star on the block</h2>Sooryavanshi is a star in the making. Picked in the senior men’s team following his exploits in IPL 2026, where he earned a record five accolades in a single season, Sooryavanshi has won medals, titles and praises from all quarters, all before stepping out for the first time as an Indian player. &nbsp;The left-handed attacking opener is already an Under-19 T20 World Cup winner, an IPL Orange Cap winner (for scoring 776 runs in the 2026 edition), has smashed the most sixes in an IPL edition, and is a winner of the recently concluded ODI tri-series in Sri Lanka alongside several others. &nbsp;His video-game-like strokeplay forces fans to sit up and admire him, and makes statisticians worry about putting the right stat out every second. And the best part is that he does all of this with utter ease, no pressure and purely for the love of the game, at just 15 years old.<h3>Jersey number and Vaibhav’s elite company</h3>In Indian Cricket, the newcomers can pick their jersey number. After selecting one, which should be vacant, not attained by an active player and is also not retired (to honour selective players), it undergoes a complete process before being allotted to that player. &nbsp;Now that Vaibhav has picked No.3, previously used by two-time World Cup winner Harbhajan Singh, it remains to be seen how well he justifies it and carries its legacy forward. &nbsp;Let alone in cricket, several global stars across various sports have donned the No.3 jersey, entertaining billions all over. &nbsp;In football, former Italy captain Maldini and Brazilian fullback and FIFA World Cup winner, Roberto Carlos, are there. In the NBA, Allen Iverson, Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul wore that number jersey. &nbsp;Given all these names have done their bit to shine at the top stage, it’s time for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to make this number and cricket all about himself by serving and performing for Indian cricket for decades to come.&nbsp;

15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi unboxes his senior India kit and picks the iconic No. 3 jersey, joining a legendary sports club.

15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the talk of the town, and after being bestowed with his first official Team India jersey ahead of the Ireland T20Is, he joined global sports royalty. Should he debut during the first leg of the away UK tour, which starts with two T20Is in Belfast on June 26, Sooryavanshi will become the youngest Indian men’s cricketer. However, he will do it by having '03' written on his Indian jersey, a number that signifies domination, authority on the game, longevity, and a promising career ahead, like spin king Harbhajan Singh and football icons Paolo Maldini and Roberto Carlos. Much like these stars, Sooryavanshi is as skilful as any the game has seen, maintains his authority over the bowlers, even the best of them, and with age on his side, can guarantee a career filled with records and accolades. Also read | 'Dreamed of this moment': 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi wears India jersey for first time| WATCH "Ever since I first held a bat and walked onto a cricket field to practice, I dreamed of this moment...I cannot explain this feeling in words," Sooryavanshi said in the BCCI video.

15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi unboxes his senior India kit and picks the iconic No. 3 jersey, joining a legendary sports club.

Sooryavanshi’s India jersey number puts him in elite company of Harbhajan, Maldini & Roberto Carlos

Teen batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi wore his first official India jersey and said he had long dreamed of this moment. At 15 years and 88 days, Vaibhav is on the path to becoming the youngest Indian debutant in men’s cricket since the veteran Sachin Tendulkar, who made his Test debut at 16 years and 205 days in 1989.&nbsp;On the back of a successful IPL 2026, Vaibhav earned his maiden senior team call-up for the away UK tour, commencing with two T20Is against Ireland on June 26 in Belfast.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/suryansh-shedge-replaces-injured-nitish-kumar-reddy-team-india-t20i-squad-for-ireland-and-england-series-1782214808450">Suryansh Shedge replaces injured Nitish Reddy in India’s T20I squad for UK tour</a> &nbsp;The BCCI, on Tuesday (Jun 23), released a video of the moment when the Indian jersey was delivered to Vaibhav, calling it ‘the moment the nation has been waiting for’. &nbsp;WATCH -

"Ever since I first held a bat and walked onto a cricket field to practice, I dreamed of this moment...I cannot explain this feeling in words," Sooryavanshi said in the BCCI video. &nbsp;Vaibhav was shown on camera unpacking his India jersey, with his name on the back and the number 03.<h3>Vaibhav’s miraculous rise</h3>The spotlight has been on Sooryavanshi since his batting exploits in the IPL, where he amassed 776 runs for Rajasthan Royals to finish as the tournament's leading run-scorer. The left-handed opener struck one century and five fifties during IPL 2026 to pick up the Orange Cap. He won five awards, the most by any player in a single season, including the Super Striker, the MVP and the most sixes hit in an edition.&nbsp; &nbsp;Moreover, just after the IPL, Sooryavanshi featured for India A in the ODI tri-series alongside the A sides of Afghanistan and hosts Sri Lanka. He failed to score big until the final, where he recorded the quickest List-A fifty in just 11 balls, smashing Sri Lanka A bowlers to all parts of the ground. &nbsp;Vaibhav departed on a breathtaking 94 off 29 balls, hitting eight maximums and 11 fours. Courtesy of his knock, India A posted 377 in the first innings and won the match by 66 runs, lifting the trophy.

WATCH: 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gets emotional unboxing his first Team India jersey ahead of the UK tour. See the viral BCCI video here!

Teen batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi wore his first official India jersey and said he had long dreamed of this moment. At 15 years and 88 days, Vaibhav is on the path to becoming the youngest Indian debutant in men’s cricket since the veteran Sachin Tendulkar, who made his Test debut at 16 years and 205 days in 1989. On the back of a successful IPL 2026, Vaibhav earned his maiden senior team call-up for the away UK tour, commencing with two T20Is against Ireland on June 26 in Belfast. Also read | Suryansh Shedge replaces injured Nitish Reddy in India’s T20I squad for UK tour The BCCI, on Tuesday (Jun 23), released a video of the moment when the Indian jersey was delivered to Vaibhav, calling it ‘the moment the nation has been waiting for’. WATCH -

WATCH: 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gets emotional unboxing his first Team India jersey ahead of the UK tour. See the viral BCCI video here!

'Dreamed of this moment': 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi wears India jersey for first time| WATCH

Nitish Kumar Reddy is ruled out of India’s T20I series against Ireland and England with a left quadriceps injury, with uncapped all-rounder Suryansh Shedge named as his replacement. The 23-year-old received his maiden India call-up just days after helping India A clinch the ODI tri-series in Sri Lanka, which also included Afghanistan A.&nbsp;A lower-order batter, Shedge scored 147 runs at a strike rate in excess of 120, while bowling 23 overs across five games and picking up two wickets. He bowled at an economy of 6.04.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-t20i-squad-for-india-series-uncapped-james-coles-earns-maiden-call-up-jofra-archer-included-1782147222672">England T20I Squad for India Series: Uncapped James Coles earns maiden call-up, Archer included</a> &nbsp;Representing Punjab Kings in IPL 2026, Shedge scored 158 runs in seven outings, striking at close to 180 (175.55) and averaging 39.50 with the bat. Reddy’s injury was aggravated during the third and final ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai, and he will now undergo his rehab at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) for at least a month. The selectors will follow his recovery, eyeing his comeback to the side for the away Test series in Sri Lanka in August. &nbsp;Besides Reddy, ace quick Mohammed Siraj (workload management) and Varun Chakravarthy (foot injury) were previously withdrawn from the T20I squad picked for the UK tour. &nbsp;Meanwhile, England also announced their potent 17-man squad for the five T20Is against India, starting July 1 in Chester-Le-Street. Harry Brook will lead the squad, with Jofra Archer returning to England’s T20I scheme of things. Seamers Jamie Overton and Brydon Carse have missed out on selection due to respective injuries, and uncapped all-rounder James Coles received his maiden call-up to the national side.<h3>Team India UK Schedule -</h3><h3>Against Ireland</h3><ul><li>1st T20I - June 26, Belfast</li><li>2nd T20I - June 28, Belfast</li></ul><h3>Against England</h3><h3>T20I Series Schedule –</h3><ul><li>1st T20I - July 1, Chester-Le-Street</li><li>2nd T20I – July 4, Manchester</li><li>3rd T20I – July 7, Nottingham</li><li>4th T20I – July 9, Bristol</li><li>5th T20I – July 11, Southampton</li></ul>Team Squads - &nbsp;India's Updated T20I Squad for Ireland and England Series - &nbsp;Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (vice-capt), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Suryansh Shedge and Prasidh Krishna &nbsp;England T20I Squad for India Series - &nbsp;Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, James Coles, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood

Uncapped Mumbai all-rounder Suryansh Shedge replaces injured Nitish Kumar Reddy in India's T20I squad for the UK tour. Check out the updated squads and full match schedule.

Nitish Kumar Reddy is ruled out of India’s T20I series against Ireland and England with a left quadriceps injury, with uncapped all-rounder Suryansh Shedge named as his replacement. The 23-year-old received his maiden India call-up just days after helping India A clinch the ODI tri-series in Sri Lanka, which also included Afghanistan A. A lower-order batter, Shedge scored 147 runs at a strike rate in excess of 120, while bowling 23 overs across five games and picking up two wickets. He bowled at an economy of 6.04. Also read | England T20I Squad for India Series: Uncapped James Coles earns maiden call-up, Archer included Representing Punjab Kings in IPL 2026, Shedge scored 158 runs in seven outings, striking at close to 180 (175.55) and averaging 39.50 with the bat. Reddy’s injury was aggravated during the third and final ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai, and he will now undergo his rehab at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) for at least a month. The selectors will follow his recovery, eyeing his comeback to the side for the away Test series in Sri Lanka in August. Besides Reddy, ace quick Mohammed Siraj (workload management) and Varun Chakravarthy (foot injury) were previously withdrawn from the T20I squad picked for the UK tour. Meanwhile, England also announced their potent 17-man squad for the five T20Is against India, starting July 1 in Chester-Le-Street. Harry Brook will lead the squad, with Jofra Archer returning to England’s T20I scheme of things. Seamers Jamie Overton and Brydon Carse have missed out on selection due to respective injuries, and uncapped all-rounder James Coles received his maiden call-up to the national side. Team India UK Schedule - Against Ireland 1st T20I - June 26, Belfast 2nd T20I - June 28, Belfast Against England T20I Series Schedule – 1st T20I - July 1, Chester-Le-Street 2nd T20I – July 4, Manchester 3rd T20I – July 7, Nottingham 4th T20I – July 9, Bristol 5th T20I – July 11, Southampton Team Squads - India's Updated T20I Squad for Ireland and England Series - Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (vice-capt), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Suryansh Shedge and Prasidh Krishna England T20I Squad for India Series - Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, James Coles, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood

Uncapped Mumbai all-rounder Suryansh Shedge replaces injured Nitish Kumar Reddy in India's T20I squad for the UK tour. Check out the updated squads and full match schedule.

Suryansh Shedge replaces injured Nitish Reddy in India’s T20I squad for UK tour

Uncapped all-rounder James Coles has earned his maiden England call-up for the five-match T20Is against India, starting July 1. The promising youngster bats in the top three for Sussex and bowls left-arm spin, having recently featured for the England Lions against South Africa. England announced a potent 17-man squad for the marquee home T20I series against India, led by Harry Brook. Jofra Archer will lead the pace attack consisting of Luke Wood, Sonny Baker, Saqib Mahmood and Josh Tongue.<h2>England squad for India T20Is -</h2>Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, James Coles, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood &nbsp;Coles even attracted the highest bid at the inaugural player auction, with London Spirit paying £390,000 ($516,000) to sign him earlier this year. &nbsp;"James Coles is an exciting addition and has earned his place following his performances with the England Lions and in T20 competitions here and abroad during the past 12 months," national selector Marcus North said.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-regulator-drops-investigation-into-ben-stokes-gus-atkinson-london-nightclub-incident-ecb-eng-vs-nz-3rd-test-trent-bridge-1782140545839">Cricket Regulator drops investigation into Stokes, Atkinson nightclub incident</a> &nbsp;England will don the T20I jersey just two days after the scheduled end of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. While Baker and Tongue were released from the squad for the series decider against the Kiwis, Archer, captain Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell and Jordan Cox are among those picked for the final Test. &nbsp;On the other hand, Lancashire fast bowler Saqib Mahmood regains his place for the first time since January, whereas Brydon Carse and Jamie Overton miss out due to injuries. &nbsp;"We have selected a larger squad to accommodate for the fact that this series will begin shortly after the Test series against New Zealand is due to conclude, which allows us to be flexible," North said.<h3>T20I Series Schedule –</h3><ul><li>1st T20I - July 1, Chester-Le-Street</li><li>2nd T20I – July 4, Manchester</li><li>3rd T20I – July 7, Nottingham</li><li>4th T20I – July 9, Bristol</li><li>5th T20I – July 11, Southampton</li></ul>

James Coles earns his maiden England T20I call-up to face India, just months after his record-breaking £390k Hundred auction move. Jofra Archer returns to spearhead a 17-man squad under captain Harry Brook. Full squad, injuries, and schedule inside.

Uncapped all-rounder James Coles has earned his maiden England call-up for the five-match T20Is against India, starting July 1. The promising youngster bats in the top three for Sussex and bowls left-arm spin, having recently featured for the England Lions against South Africa. England announced a potent 17-man squad for the marquee home T20I series against India, led by Harry Brook. Jofra Archer will lead the pace attack consisting of Luke Wood, Sonny Baker, Saqib Mahmood and Josh Tongue. England squad for India T20Is - Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, James Coles, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood Coles even attracted the highest bid at the inaugural player auction, with London Spirit paying £390,000 ($516,000) to sign him earlier this year. "James Coles is an exciting addition and has earned his place following his performances with the England Lions and in T20 competitions here and abroad during the past 12 months," national selector Marcus North said. Also read | Cricket Regulator drops investigation into Stokes, Atkinson nightclub incident England will don the T20I jersey just two days after the scheduled end of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. While Baker and Tongue were released from the squad for the series decider against the Kiwis, Archer, captain Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell and Jordan Cox are among those picked for the final Test. On the other hand, Lancashire fast bowler Saqib Mahmood regains his place for the first time since January, whereas Brydon Carse and Jamie Overton miss out due to injuries. "We have selected a larger squad to accommodate for the fact that this series will begin shortly after the Test series against New Zealand is due to conclude, which allows us to be flexible," North said. T20I Series Schedule – 1st T20I - July 1, Chester-Le-Street 2nd T20I – July 4, Manchester 3rd T20I – July 7, Nottingham 4th T20I – July 9, Bristol 5th T20I – July 11, Southampton

James Coles earns his maiden England T20I call-up to face India, just months after his record-breaking £390k Hundred auction move. Jofra Archer returns to spearhead a 17-man squad under captain Harry Brook. Full squad, injuries, and schedule inside.

England T20I Squad for India Series: Uncapped James Coles earns maiden call-up, Archer included

The Cricket Regulator has dropped the investigation into Ben Stokes and his England teammate Gus Atkinson’s nightclub incident, which led to their exile from the squad for the second Test against New Zealand. Although the two have returned to the playing XI for the series decider at Trent Bridge, they have also been cleared of regulatory breaches in that London club episode that made headlines all over. ECB’s probe, which ran in parallel, has also ended as the two parties cleared the Test captain and seamer in a major boost to England Cricket.&nbsp;Per earlier reports, both Stokes and Atkinson were said to be involved in an altercation involving Saracens rugby union player Totoa Auvaa that also left a member of the England security team bloodied.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-nz-3rd-test-ben-stokes-to-return-as-captain-for-final-test-against-new-zealand-confirms-england-head-coach-brendon-mccullum-1782046378250">ENG vs NZ: Ben Stokes to return as captain for final Test, confirms McCullum</a> &nbsp;"The Cricket Regulator's role is to determine whether any participant or player has breached any applicable ECB Cricket Regulations. &nbsp;"The investigation followed multiple lines of enquiry to gather and assess evidence in relation to the events in question. &nbsp;"Having carefully reviewed all currently available information, the Cricket Regulator has determined that there is insufficient evidence to establish that any regulatory breach occurred. Accordingly, no further action will be taken against either player,” The Cricket Regulator, which does not cover team protocols in its remit, said in a public statement. &nbsp;Meanwhile, the Cricket Regulator, headed by director Chris Haward, a former national chief constable lead for serious and organised crime, interviewed the two players before clearing them of any violent conduct. However, the two have been handed written warnings for breaching curfew/conduct standards. &nbsp;Stokes and Atkinson celebrated England’s first Test win over the Kiwis (at Lord’s) at a London nightclub before a brawl broke out, leaving the two out of England's cricket scheme of things. While the investigation was on, the ECB allowed the star players to play for their respective teams in the County Championship. Stokes featured for Durham, scoring 95, and Atkinson returned with four wickets playing for Surrey. &nbsp;Just before the conclusion of the second Test against New Zealand, which England lost by 253 runs, Stokes and Atkinson were withdrawn from their respective County games; the ECB recalled them to the side for the third and final Test in an official announcement soon after.&nbsp; &nbsp;Stokes returned as the captain, replacing Joe Root, who took over the baton temporarily in his absence.<h3>ECB probe’s outcome</h3>The ECB probe into the late-night trip to the Rex Rooms in Chelsea determined that Atkinson had been subject to two "unprovoked attacks" to which he did not retaliate. &nbsp;Stokes, meanwhile, was found not to be present at the time. &nbsp;On the other hand, Rob Key, the ECB's managing director of men's cricket, has said the relevant information was shared with the Team England Player Partnership; the head coach, Brendon McCullum, however, accepted on Sunday that an element of "ambiguity" may have existed.&nbsp;(With inputs from AFP)

The Cricket Regulator has dropped its probe into Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson over a London nightclub brawl, clearing the duo ahead of the Trent Bridge Test.

The Cricket Regulator has dropped the investigation into Ben Stokes and his England teammate Gus Atkinson’s nightclub incident, which led to their exile from the squad for the second Test against New Zealand. Although the two have returned to the playing XI for the series decider at Trent Bridge, they have also been cleared of regulatory breaches in that London club episode that made headlines all over. ECB’s probe, which ran in parallel, has also ended as the two parties cleared the Test captain and seamer in a major boost to England Cricket. Per earlier reports, both Stokes and Atkinson were said to be involved in an altercation involving Saracens rugby union player Totoa Auvaa that also left a member of the England security team bloodied. Also read| ENG vs NZ: Ben Stokes to return as captain for final Test, confirms McCullum "The Cricket Regulator's role is to determine whether any participant or player has breached any applicable ECB Cricket Regulations. "The investigation followed multiple lines of enquiry to gather and assess evidence in relation to the events in question. "Having carefully reviewed all currently available information, the Cricket Regulator has determined that there is insufficient evidence to establish that any regulatory breach occurred. Accordingly, no further action will be taken against either player,” The Cricket Regulator, which does not cover team protocols in its remit, said in a public statement. Meanwhile, the Cricket Regulator, headed by director Chris Haward, a former national chief constable lead for serious and organised crime, interviewed the two players before clearing them of any violent conduct. However, the two have been handed written warnings for breaching curfew/conduct standards. Stokes and Atkinson celebrated England’s first Test win over the Kiwis (at Lord’s) at a London nightclub before a brawl broke out, leaving the two out of England's cricket scheme of things. While the investigation was on, the ECB allowed the star players to play for their respective teams in the County Championship. Stokes featured for Durham, scoring 95, and Atkinson returned with four wickets playing for Surrey. Just before the conclusion of the second Test against New Zealand, which England lost by 253 runs, Stokes and Atkinson were withdrawn from their respective County games; the ECB recalled them to the side for the third and final Test in an official announcement soon after. Stokes returned as the captain, replacing Joe Root, who took over the baton temporarily in his absence. ECB probe’s outcome The ECB probe into the late-night trip to the Rex Rooms in Chelsea determined that Atkinson had been subject to two "unprovoked attacks" to which he did not retaliate. Stokes, meanwhile, was found not to be present at the time. On the other hand, Rob Key, the ECB's managing director of men's cricket, has said the relevant information was shared with the Team England Player Partnership; the head coach, Brendon McCullum, however, accepted on Sunday that an element of "ambiguity" may have existed. (With inputs from AFP)

The Cricket Regulator has dropped its probe into Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson over a London nightclub brawl, clearing the duo ahead of the Trent Bridge Test.

Cricket Regulator drops investigation into Stokes, Atkinson nightclub incident

From Kieron Pollard to Chris Gayle, here's a look at the top five batters with most runs in T20s. This list also includes Jos Buttler, Alex Hales and David Warner

From Kieron Pollard to Chris Gayle, here's a look at the top five batters with most runs in T20s. This list also includes Jos Buttler, Alex Hales and David Warner

Meet top 5 batters with most runs in T20s

India Women started their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a bang, beating Pakistan by 64 runs in the first match and then beating Netherlands by 95 runs in the second match. Thier loss against South Africa, however, has left them in a bit of trouble to make it to the semis. Only top two teams from each group of six teams will enter final four and India are vying for a place alongside Australia and South Africa as contenders. While the loss against Proteas does make their life difficult, India still have things not too out of control but would have to be on top of their game.<h2>How can India qualify for T20 World Cup 2026 semis?</h2>India are currently second in Group B with four points from two wins and one loss in three matches but it is their net run rate (NRR) of +2.511 which is in their favour. South Africa, on the other hand, also have four points from two wins and one loss in three matches, but have a net run rate (NRR) of -0.546.Also read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-2025-27-why-england-were-docked-12-points-during-the-second-test-against-new-zealand-1782117447611">WTC 2025-27: Why England were docked 12 points during the second Test against New Zealand</a>Both the teams have two matches left - India play against Bangladesh and Australia, while South Africa play against Bangladesh and Netherlands.Winning both the matches will take India to eight points, same as Australia, assuming they win against Pakistan and lose against India. South Africa, if manage to win their reamining matches, will have have eight points and the three team will then battle it out over net run rate.<h2>How is net run rate calculated?</h2>The net run rate is calculated as the difference of run scored by a team and runs scored againt them by the oppostiion divided by the overs. For example, India scored 200 runs in 20 overs and then stopped the other team at 180. The net run rate after that match would be (200/20 = 20) - (180/20 = 9), i.e +1.000.<h2>What if India lose against Australia?</h2>Aussuming India win against Bangladesh and lose against Australia, they would then on the mercy of South Africa losing at least one of their matches - against Bangladesh or Netherland.If Bangladesh beat South Africa, they would also reach six points, just India if they lose against Australia in group stage and win against Bangladesh. The net run rate (NRR), however, would again be in India's advantage as Bangladesh currently have a NRR of -0.641.

While the loss against Proteas does make their life difficult, India still have things not too out of control but would have to be on top of their game.

India Women started their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a bang, beating Pakistan by 64 runs in the first match and then beating Netherlands by 95 runs in the second match. Thier loss against South Africa, however, has left them in a bit of trouble to make it to the semis. Only top two teams from each group of six teams will enter final four and India are vying for a place alongside Australia and South Africa as contenders. While the loss against Proteas does make their life difficult, India still have things not too out of control but would have to be on top of their game. How can India qualify for T20 World Cup 2026 semis? India are currently second in Group B with four points from two wins and one loss in three matches but it is their net run rate (NRR) of +2.511 which is in their favour. South Africa, on the other hand, also have four points from two wins and one loss in three matches, but have a net run rate (NRR) of -0.546. Also read - WTC 2025-27: Why England were docked 12 points during the second Test against New Zealand Both the teams have two matches left - India play against Bangladesh and Australia, while South Africa play against Bangladesh and Netherlands. Winning both the matches will take India to eight points, same as Australia, assuming they win against Pakistan and lose against India. South Africa, if manage to win their reamining matches, will have have eight points and the three team will then battle it out over net run rate. How is net run rate calculated? The net run rate is calculated as the difference of run scored by a team and runs scored againt them by the oppostiion divided by the overs. For example, India scored 200 runs in 20 overs and then stopped the other team at 180. The net run rate after that match would be (200/20 = 20) - (180/20 = 9), i.e +1.000. What if India lose against Australia? Aussuming India win against Bangladesh and lose against Australia, they would then on the mercy of South Africa losing at least one of their matches - against Bangladesh or Netherland. If Bangladesh beat South Africa, they would also reach six points, just India if they lose against Australia in group stage and win against Bangladesh. The net run rate (NRR), however, would again be in India's advantage as Bangladesh currently have a NRR of -0.641.

While the loss against Proteas does make their life difficult, India still have things not too out of control but would have to be on top of their game.

T20 WC 2026 | How can India qualify for semis after loss against South Africa?

England have been hit with a significant penalty in the World Test Championship (WTC) after being found guilty of maintaining a slow over rate during the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval. The International Cricket Council (ICC) deducted 12 WTC points from the team and imposed the maximum allowable fine of 50 per cent of their match fees.&nbsp;&nbsp;The punishment was handed down after England were ruled to be 12 overs behind the required rate after time allowances were taken into account. Under WTC playing conditions, teams lose one championship point for every over they fall short, leading to the points deduction. &nbsp;The sanction effectively cancels out the 12 points England earned from their victory in the first Test at Lord’s, according to ESPNcricinfo.&nbsp;England’s players were also fined fifty per cent of their match fees for each over short.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-mohamed-salah-scripts-history-becomes-egypt-s-oldest-world-cup-goalscorer-1782114790656">FIFA 2026 | Mohamed Salah scripts history, becomes Egypt's oldest World Cup goalscorer</a>&nbsp;The offence was reported by on-field umpires Adrian Holdstock and Nitin Menon, supported by third umpire Rod Tucker and fourth umpire Graham Lloyd.&nbsp;&nbsp;Acting captain Joe Root admitted the breach and accepted the sanction, removing the need for a formal hearing before match referee Andy Pycroft.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/women-t20i-world-cup-2026-south-africa-spoil-india-skipper-harmanpreet-kaur-200th-game-with-clinical-win-6-wicket-marizanne-kapp-1782064844515">T20I World Cup: South Africa spoil Harmanpreet’s 200th game with clinical win</a>&nbsp;The penalty adds to England’s frustrations following their crushing 253-run loss to New Zealand in the second Test, a result that equalled the three-match series at 1-1.&nbsp;After the points deduction, England are placed seventh in the nine-team WTC standings with 38 points from 12 matches.&nbsp;It marks England’s second slow over-rate violation in the current WTC cycle. Earlier, they were penalised two points after their 22-run victory over India at Lord’s in 2025.&nbsp;England will now focus on the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, scheduled to begin on Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Captain Ben Stokes is expected to return after missing the previous match, while fast bowler Gus Atkinson is also back in contention.&nbsp;&nbsp;Both players were unavailable for the Oval Test due to a nightclub controversy that caused embarrassment for the England and Wales Cricket Board.

England have been docked 12 World Test Championship (WTC) points and fined 50 per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over rate during their defeat to New Zealand in the Oval Test.

England have been hit with a significant penalty in the World Test Championship (WTC) after being found guilty of maintaining a slow over rate during the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval. The International Cricket Council (ICC) deducted 12 WTC points from the team and imposed the maximum allowable fine of 50 per cent of their match fees. The punishment was handed down after England were ruled to be 12 overs behind the required rate after time allowances were taken into account. Under WTC playing conditions, teams lose one championship point for every over they fall short, leading to the points deduction. The sanction effectively cancels out the 12 points England earned from their victory in the first Test at Lord’s, according to ESPNcricinfo. England’s players were also fined fifty per cent of their match fees for each over short. Also Read - FIFA 2026 | Mohamed Salah scripts history, becomes Egypt's oldest World Cup goalscorer The offence was reported by on-field umpires Adrian Holdstock and Nitin Menon, supported by third umpire Rod Tucker and fourth umpire Graham Lloyd. Acting captain Joe Root admitted the breach and accepted the sanction, removing the need for a formal hearing before match referee Andy Pycroft. Also Read - T20I World Cup: South Africa spoil Harmanpreet’s 200th game with clinical win The penalty adds to England’s frustrations following their crushing 253-run loss to New Zealand in the second Test, a result that equalled the three-match series at 1-1. After the points deduction, England are placed seventh in the nine-team WTC standings with 38 points from 12 matches. It marks England’s second slow over-rate violation in the current WTC cycle. Earlier, they were penalised two points after their 22-run victory over India at Lord’s in 2025. England will now focus on the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, scheduled to begin on Thursday. Captain Ben Stokes is expected to return after missing the previous match, while fast bowler Gus Atkinson is also back in contention. Both players were unavailable for the Oval Test due to a nightclub controversy that caused embarrassment for the England and Wales Cricket Board.

England have been docked 12 World Test Championship (WTC) points and fined 50 per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over rate during their defeat to New Zealand in the Oval Test.

WTC 2025-27: Why England were docked 12 points during the second Test against New Zealand

South Africa spoiled Harmanpreet Kaur’s 200th T20I game as they beat the title contenders, India, by six wickets in their Group A Women's T20 World Cup clash on Sunday (Jun 21). Unbeaten until this game, India looked uncharacteristically sloppy on the field and failed to make the most of the chances. As a result, they lost the match but remain second on the points table, behind Australia, who are unbeaten after three games.&nbsp;Harmanpreet Kaur made history with her 200th appearance for India in this format, becoming the first player, in men’s or women’s cricket, to achieve this feat. She also captained India for the 200th time across all formats, becoming the first Indian to do so. While she wanted to make the most of this monumental feat by extending India’s unbeaten run to three games, a loss at the hands of the Proteas will bring them back to the drawing board and rightly so.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-a-vs-sri-lanka-a-odi-tri-series-in-sri-lanka-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-stars-in-final-with-record-11-ball-fifty-fastest-in-list-a-1782049605791">India-A win tri-series in Sri Lanka; Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stars in final with record 11-ball fifty</a> &nbsp;Sharing disappointment over this loss, Harmanpreet said, “We got a couple of chances in between but couldn't take those chances. We have two matches, and this is the time to stay positive. Shree Charani and Shafali bowled well, but the fielders didn't support them. We have to take opportunities at this level.&nbsp; &nbsp;“We were not lucky enough with that. We have two matches, and this is the time to think about that. We will sit and rethink what to do and then will see the changes to be done,” she added. &nbsp;India batted first after winning the toss, with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana adding 30 for the first wicket. The two departed inside the Powerplay, with Verma scoring 31 off 15 balls. The middle order looked sluggish on the Manchester track, with only captain Harmanpreet and all-rounder Deepti Sharma getting into the 20s afterwards. &nbsp;India scored 158 for seven in the first innings, with Marizanne Kapp returning with two wickets.<h3>Kapp’s show steals Harman’s spotlight</h3>Kapp backed up her clinical bowling display with a brilliant, unbeaten 81 off 45 balls to see her side home with six wickets to spare. The renowned all-rounder smashed seven fours and four sixes, with opener Tazmin Brits also scoring 40 in 36 deliveries to help the cause. &nbsp;“It was a tough game. Playing India is always tough. And I am very proud of the way the team came back. I was just praying, to be honest. I do well if I am in earlier. I struggled in the first few balls. The partnership with Taz set us up beautifully. We said it is a tough place to bat because you can't let it get too far, but you also can't lose too many wickets. We had the big hitters in the back-end and just wanted to put our heads down,” the Player of the Match, Kapp, said.&nbsp;

Marizanne Kapp's sensational unbeaten 81 spoiled skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s historic 200th T20I match as South Africa defeated India by six wickets in a thrilling Group A Women's T20 World Cup clash in Manchester.

South Africa spoiled Harmanpreet Kaur’s 200th T20I game as they beat the title contenders, India, by six wickets in their Group A Women's T20 World Cup clash on Sunday (Jun 21). Unbeaten until this game, India looked uncharacteristically sloppy on the field and failed to make the most of the chances. As a result, they lost the match but remain second on the points table, behind Australia, who are unbeaten after three games. Harmanpreet Kaur made history with her 200th appearance for India in this format, becoming the first player, in men’s or women’s cricket, to achieve this feat. She also captained India for the 200th time across all formats, becoming the first Indian to do so. While she wanted to make the most of this monumental feat by extending India’s unbeaten run to three games, a loss at the hands of the Proteas will bring them back to the drawing board and rightly so. Also read | India-A win tri-series in Sri Lanka; Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stars in final with record 11-ball fifty Sharing disappointment over this loss, Harmanpreet said, “We got a couple of chances in between but couldn't take those chances. We have two matches, and this is the time to stay positive. Shree Charani and Shafali bowled well, but the fielders didn't support them. We have to take opportunities at this level. “We were not lucky enough with that. We have two matches, and this is the time to think about that. We will sit and rethink what to do and then will see the changes to be done,” she added. India batted first after winning the toss, with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana adding 30 for the first wicket. The two departed inside the Powerplay, with Verma scoring 31 off 15 balls. The middle order looked sluggish on the Manchester track, with only captain Harmanpreet and all-rounder Deepti Sharma getting into the 20s afterwards. India scored 158 for seven in the first innings, with Marizanne Kapp returning with two wickets. Kapp’s show steals Harman’s spotlight Kapp backed up her clinical bowling display with a brilliant, unbeaten 81 off 45 balls to see her side home with six wickets to spare. The renowned all-rounder smashed seven fours and four sixes, with opener Tazmin Brits also scoring 40 in 36 deliveries to help the cause. “It was a tough game. Playing India is always tough. And I am very proud of the way the team came back. I was just praying, to be honest. I do well if I am in earlier. I struggled in the first few balls. The partnership with Taz set us up beautifully. We said it is a tough place to bat because you can't let it get too far, but you also can't lose too many wickets. We had the big hitters in the back-end and just wanted to put our heads down,” the Player of the Match, Kapp, said.

Marizanne Kapp's sensational unbeaten 81 spoiled skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s historic 200th T20I match as South Africa defeated India by six wickets in a thrilling Group A Women's T20 World Cup clash in Manchester.

Women’s T20I World Cup: South Africa spoil India skipper Harmanpreet’s 200th game with clinical win

The concept of a ‘hat-trick’ has ironically nothing to do with football - the most-followed sport worldwide, as the word derived from another sport, famous in the UK at the start and now across the globe, cricket. Its latest mention was for Argentine great Lionel Messi, who scored three successive goals in a FIFA World Cup 2026 game against Algeria to earn his first ‘World Cup hat-trick’. So, where did this word come from, what does this mean, and who holds the record for the most hat-tricks in modern football?<h2>What is a hat-trick?</h2>A hat-trick in sports is a feat achieved across three successive events; it could be wickets (in cricket) or goals (in football and hockey). In cricket, if a bowler picks up three wickets off three successive deliveries, it will be termed a hat-trick of those events. Similarly, in football, if a player scores three goals in a game, not necessarily consecutively, a hat-trick would be written on his scoring sheet. &nbsp;So, where did this word come from? &nbsp;Historians suggest that the hat-trick's first mention was during a cricket match in the UK in 1858. &nbsp;On September 11, 1858, an All-England Eleven team faced off against a local twenty-two from Hallam (Sheffield) at the Hyde Park Ground. Heathfield Harman (H.H.) Stephenson, representing All-England, bowled three batters on three consecutive deliveries. &nbsp;At this point, there was no official reward system for exceptional individual play. So, to mark the sheer improbability of three consecutive bowled wickets, a local fan initiated a ‘whip-round’ (a spontaneous crowd collection). The money collected was taken to a local haberdasher (a merchant selling men's clothing items) to buy a physical top hat, which was later presented to Stephenson.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Live on Zee5

For several years, the concept of ‘tricking a batter to earn a hat’ remained an oral slang among cricketers until its earliest known appearance occurred in the Chelmsford Chronicle in 1865, 12 years before the first-ever international cricket game was played between England and Australia. &nbsp;Meanwhile, that newspaper used the term to describe a game of cricket, where a bowler took three wickets off three balls, noting that he had performed a hat-trick. However, by the launch of Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack editions in the 1870s, the term was officially codified into the lexicon of English sport.<h3>Hat-trick’s migration to football</h3>As football grew as a sport across the UK (by the late 1800s), later in Europe and elsewhere, fans began using this term for someone who scored three goals in a 90-minute match.&nbsp; &nbsp;By the mid-20th century, this word entered the ice-hockey arena and soon spread across countless sports, played with and around individual skill.&nbsp;However, with the passage of time, teams winning three back-to-back matches, events or even tournaments, are also noted as completing a hat-trick.<h3>Who has scored the most hat-tricks in modern-day football?</h3>Modern-day football is completely dominated by two generational icons, Argentina’s Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo. Considering the top modern goal-scorers, Ronaldo leads the hat-trick tally against his closest opponent, Messi, sitting at the top with 66 and counting across all competitions.&nbsp; &nbsp;A prolific goal-scorer, Ronaldo is also inching closer to completing 1000 goals since his professional debut in 2003. &nbsp;Second is Messi, who has over 59 hat-tricks in all competitions, the latest of which came during his team’s title-defence opener in the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Poland and former Bayern Munich great Robert Lewandowski is third with 33 hat-tricks, while Messi’s former teammate at Barcelona, Luis Suarez, is next with 31. &nbsp;Meanwhile, should the two (Ronaldo and Messi) proceed further in the tournament, chances of both adding more hat-tricks to their tallies increase.

Discover the fascinating 19th-century cricket history behind the word 'hat-trick' and see who leads the all-time leaderboard between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The concept of a ‘hat-trick’ has ironically nothing to do with football - the most-followed sport worldwide, as the word derived from another sport, famous in the UK at the start and now across the globe, cricket. Its latest mention was for Argentine great Lionel Messi, who scored three successive goals in a FIFA World Cup 2026 game against Algeria to earn his first ‘World Cup hat-trick’. So, where did this word come from, what does this mean, and who holds the record for the most hat-tricks in modern football? What is a hat-trick? A hat-trick in sports is a feat achieved across three successive events; it could be wickets (in cricket) or goals (in football and hockey). In cricket, if a bowler picks up three wickets off three successive deliveries, it will be termed a hat-trick of those events. Similarly, in football, if a player scores three goals in a game, not necessarily consecutively, a hat-trick would be written on his scoring sheet. So, where did this word come from? Historians suggest that the hat-trick's first mention was during a cricket match in the UK in 1858. On September 11, 1858, an All-England Eleven team faced off against a local twenty-two from Hallam (Sheffield) at the Hyde Park Ground. Heathfield Harman (H.H.) Stephenson, representing All-England, bowled three batters on three consecutive deliveries. At this point, there was no official reward system for exceptional individual play. So, to mark the sheer improbability of three consecutive bowled wickets, a local fan initiated a ‘whip-round’ (a spontaneous crowd collection). The money collected was taken to a local haberdasher (a merchant selling men's clothing items) to buy a physical top hat, which was later presented to Stephenson.

Discover the fascinating 19th-century cricket history behind the word 'hat-trick' and see who leads the all-time leaderboard between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Why is it called a ‘Hat-Trick’—and who has the most in modern football?

India-A opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi announced himself on the bigger stage. His moment came in the final against the hosts, Sri Lanka-A, on Sunday (Jun 21). Batting first in the summit clash, Sooryavanshi brought his IPL game to the table, smashing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-a-vs-sl-a-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-scripts-history-smashes-fastest-list-a-fifty-in-just-11-balls-1782023306828">quickest-ever fifty in all of List-A cricket</a> in just 11 balls. His breathtaking strokeplay stunned the viewers and statisticians. Riding on his 29-ball 94, India-A clobbered 377 for nine before wrapping up Sri Lanka A on 311 to win the match by 66 runs and clinch the tri-series.&nbsp;WATCH Winning Moment -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">SERIAL WINNERS 🏆 Here&#39;s the moment <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> sealed the Tri-Series <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/TalentTVCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TalentTVCup</a> title! 🎉 <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SonySportsNetwork?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SonySportsNetwork</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SonyLIV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SonyLIV</a> <a href="https://t.co/biMk40VJJ7">pic.twitter.com/biMk40VJJ7</a>&mdash; Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) <a href="https://x.com/SonySportsNetwk/status/2068685492510654464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Sri Lanka A won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision Vaibhav made them regret in the end. Opening alongside Priyansh Arya, Vaibhav smashed an 11-ball fifty and inched closer to his first hundred of the tournament soon after, before departing on 94. His record-filled innings included eight sixes, 11 fours and a strike rate of 324.14. His dismissal came in the ninth over, when India-A had already scored 132 runs.&nbsp; &nbsp;“I didn't think too much, just wanted to make the most of the first 10 overs and execute what I had planned,” the Player of the Match, Sooryavanshi, said.&nbsp; &nbsp;“There was no pressure, but I was trying to execute the plans that were not working. I talked to the coaches and worked on it in practice. Today, the plan was executed, and the result came out on its own,” he added.&nbsp;WATCH Sooryavanshi's 94-run knock -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">RUTHLESS REDEMPTION. 😈 Ruthless Boss Baby making sure revenge is s̶w̶e̶e̶t̶ explosive. ☄️🔥 🥵 Watch Sri Lanka &#39;A&#39; vs India &#39;A&#39;, LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels &amp; Sony LIV. 📺<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SonySportsNetwork?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SonySportsNetwork</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SonyLIV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SonyLIV</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/TalentTVCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TalentTVCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/8MH0fKnB8C">pic.twitter.com/8MH0fKnB8C</a>&mdash; Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) <a href="https://x.com/SonySportsNetwk/status/2068574342934675598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Arya got out in the next over on 39. India-A captain Tilak Varma and Ruturaj Gaikwad then stitched an 84-run stand for the third wicket. A cluster of wickets late in the innings held back India-A's scoring rate, but thanks to an unbelievable cameo from Anukul Roy, who smashed an unbeaten 39 off just 15 balls, India-A posted a winning total.<h3>India-A triumph over Sri Lanka-A</h3>Sri Lanka lost two wickets inside the fifth over, with the third one coming in the 10th, as their scorecard read 75/3 at one stage. Sadeera Samarawickrama starred with the bat, scoring 52 off 44 balls, but fell to pace express Ashok Sharma.&nbsp; &nbsp;Skipper Sahan Arachchige also tried his hand at saving the team’s grace, only to be dismissed by Vipraj Nigam on 19, who picked up three wickets. &nbsp;Bowling all-rounder Wanuja Sahan was the hosts’ last hope, but even his 62 off 69 balls couldn’t save his team from the loss, as they were bundled out on 311, conceding the final by 66 runs and a chance to win the tri-series at home. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Sooryavanshi will now head to the UK as part of the T20I squads for the Ireland and England series. India will face Ireland in the first of two T20Is on June 26 in Belfast.

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed a historic 11-ball fifty as India-A crushed Sri Lanka-A by 66 runs to clinch the tri-series title.

India-A opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi announced himself on the bigger stage. His moment came in the final against the hosts, Sri Lanka-A, on Sunday (Jun 21). Batting first in the summit clash, Sooryavanshi brought his IPL game to the table, smashing the quickest-ever fifty in all of List-A cricket in just 11 balls. His breathtaking strokeplay stunned the viewers and statisticians. Riding on his 29-ball 94, India-A clobbered 377 for nine before wrapping up Sri Lanka A on 311 to win the match by 66 runs and clinch the tri-series. WATCH Winning Moment -

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed a historic 11-ball fifty as India-A crushed Sri Lanka-A by 66 runs to clinch the tri-series title.

India-A win tri-series in Sri Lanka; Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stars in final with record 11-ball fifty

Ben Stokes will return as England’s Test captain for his team’s third and final Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge starting Thursday (Jun 25). Stokes and his teammate Gus Atkinson were pulled out of the squad for the second Test amid the ECB’s investigation into their London nightclub episode. The two breached England’s midnight curfew, thus facing the axe. After <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-n-2nd-test-2026-matt-henry-bags-11-wickets-as-new-zealand-crush-england-by-253-runs-to-level-series-1782041645814">England conceded the second Test at the Oval by 253 runs</a>, its head coach, Brendon McCullum, has confirmed talks of fast-tracking Stokes’ return to the playing XI for the series decider and reclaiming the captaincy. In a shocking turn of events, just days after the local media reported that Stokes is contemplating international retirement after the ECB supposedly asked him to relinquish Test captaincy, the veteran all-rounder is on the cusp of a surprise return to the playing XI.&nbsp;Earlier on Sunday (Jun 21), Stokes (Durham) and Atkinson (Surrey) were withdrawn from their respective County Championship games, indicating their recall to the Test side for the Trent Bridge match.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-nz-2026-ben-stokes-gus-atkinson-withdrawn-from-county-championship-games-ahead-of-3rd-test-new-zealand-ecb-investigation-nightclub-brawl-1782038738581">Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson in line for shock England recall amid ECB nightclub probe</a> &nbsp;Meanwhile, in Stokes and Atkinson’s absence, England played three debutants in the second Test and lost it by a whopping margin. &nbsp;"Yeah, at this stage, that's what we're planning on. The rest of the squad will be out later on this afternoon. It's a quick turnaround, so we need to give guys that consistency of message and deliver it appropriately, but we are anticipating that Ben will be back as captain,” McCullum answers on Stokes’ potential return to cricket.&nbsp; &nbsp;Even though Joe Root led England at the Oval, his interim captaincy tenure seemed to have ended with Stokes’ return as captain looking inevitable.<h3>‘Backing Stokes but chats are private’</h3>Disclosing how he remained in constant touch with Stokes after that incident, McCullum revealed he tried to be supportive of his team captain during this time but denied giving more details about their chats. He, however, sounded elated with Stokes finding some form with the bat, after scoring 95 in his lone outing for Durham against Northamptonshire – his best score in all of cricket since his Test hundred against India last July.&nbsp; &nbsp;"People will always have difference of opinion, that's the way things are. People read things differently. I've been speaking to Ben every day since we had the incident, obviously trying to be supportive. I think it's great he was able to play this week and get some runs, and hopefully rediscover some of that form. We know that a fit and firing, and performing at optimum level, Ben Stokes is an asset that every team would like. &nbsp;"Those conversations with Stokesy, they're private; I won't go into those at all. But people can assess their view of things differently. But I care about Ben and am pleased that he was able to get some game time [for Durham] and a bit of pep in his step as well,” he continued.&nbsp;

Head coach Brendon McCullum confirms plans to fast-track Ben Stokes back as Test captain for England’s high-stakes Trent Bridge decider against New Zealand.

Ben Stokes will return as England’s Test captain for his team’s third and final Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge starting Thursday (Jun 25). Stokes and his teammate Gus Atkinson were pulled out of the squad for the second Test amid the ECB’s investigation into their London nightclub episode. The two breached England’s midnight curfew, thus facing the axe. After England conceded the second Test at the Oval by 253 runs, its head coach, Brendon McCullum, has confirmed talks of fast-tracking Stokes’ return to the playing XI for the series decider and reclaiming the captaincy. In a shocking turn of events, just days after the local media reported that Stokes is contemplating international retirement after the ECB supposedly asked him to relinquish Test captaincy, the veteran all-rounder is on the cusp of a surprise return to the playing XI. Earlier on Sunday (Jun 21), Stokes (Durham) and Atkinson (Surrey) were withdrawn from their respective County Championship games, indicating their recall to the Test side for the Trent Bridge match. Also read | Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson in line for shock England recall amid ECB nightclub probe Meanwhile, in Stokes and Atkinson’s absence, England played three debutants in the second Test and lost it by a whopping margin. "Yeah, at this stage, that's what we're planning on. The rest of the squad will be out later on this afternoon. It's a quick turnaround, so we need to give guys that consistency of message and deliver it appropriately, but we are anticipating that Ben will be back as captain,” McCullum answers on Stokes’ potential return to cricket. Even though Joe Root led England at the Oval, his interim captaincy tenure seemed to have ended with Stokes’ return as captain looking inevitable. ‘Backing Stokes but chats are private’ Disclosing how he remained in constant touch with Stokes after that incident, McCullum revealed he tried to be supportive of his team captain during this time but denied giving more details about their chats. He, however, sounded elated with Stokes finding some form with the bat, after scoring 95 in his lone outing for Durham against Northamptonshire – his best score in all of cricket since his Test hundred against India last July. "People will always have difference of opinion, that's the way things are. People read things differently. I've been speaking to Ben every day since we had the incident, obviously trying to be supportive. I think it's great he was able to play this week and get some runs, and hopefully rediscover some of that form. We know that a fit and firing, and performing at optimum level, Ben Stokes is an asset that every team would like. "Those conversations with Stokesy, they're private; I won't go into those at all. But people can assess their view of things differently. But I care about Ben and am pleased that he was able to get some game time [for Durham] and a bit of pep in his step as well,” he continued.

Head coach Brendon McCullum confirms plans to fast-track Ben Stokes back as Test captain for England’s high-stakes Trent Bridge decider against New Zealand.

ENG vs NZ: Ben Stokes to return as captain for final Test, confirms McCullum

cricket

Cricket, News on Cricket, stories on Cricket, articles on Cricket, Cricket stories at Wion, Cricket news, Cricket latest news

cricket

England captain Ben Stokes to retire from international cricket after Trent Bridge Test vs NZ

No sign of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as India play two debutants in 2nd T20I vs IRE

WI vs SL: Amir Jangoo hits highest-ever WTC individual score for West Indies

Meet top 5 youngest players to debut for India

How 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the latest icon of Indian cricket?

Shreyas Iyer prepares for captaincy debut as India gear up for Ireland T20Is

43 Years of 1983 World Cup Triumph: How India defied odds to create history

IND vs IRE T20I match timings changed to avoid clash with IND-AUS Women's WC tie

NZ's Bob Blair, cricket’s symbol of courage amid personal tragedy, dies at 94

PCB may send Pakistan’s rising talents to US for power-hitting training camp

Why 15-year-old Sooryavanshi must use a separate changing room on England tour

Ben Stokes: I was ‘Man Enough’ to apologise to my teammates after curfew breach

‘23rd June brings all kinds of magic’: Rohit Sharma after Padma Shri honour

Rishabh Pant returns to Delhi Capitals, Kuldeep Yadav moves to LSG in blockbuster IPL trade

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s India jersey puts him in Harbhajan & Maldini's elite club

'Dreamed of this moment': Sooryavanshi wears India jersey for first time| WATCH

Suryansh Shedge replaces injured Nitish Reddy in India’s T20I squad for UK tour

England T20I Squad for India Series: Uncapped James Coles earns maiden call-up

Cricket Regulator drops investigation into Stokes, Atkinson nightclub incident

Meet top 5 batters with most runs in T20s

T20 WC 2026 | How can India qualify for semis after loss against South Africa?

WTC: Why England were docked 12 points during second Test against New Zealand

T20I World Cup: South Africa spoil Harmanpreet’s 200th game with clinical win

Why is it called a ‘Hat-Trick’—and who has the most in modern football?

Sooryavanshi stars in final with record 11-ball fifty as India-A win tri-series

ENG vs NZ: Ben Stokes to return as captain for final Test, confirms McCullum