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<p>In a major shake-up in Pakistan Cricket following the Lord’s Test loss against England, the PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi is set to remove the country’s chief selector Aaqib Javed as part of a ‘wider clean-up’ exercise. After dropping seven first-team players and releasing two coaches after conceding the ongoing Test series in the UK, the axe has fallen on Javed, who chairs the selection committee and is being publicly held responsible by several experts and former players for Pakistan cricket’s downfall.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The PCB took a shocking call by sending home seven players and two coaches midway through England Tests, including Salman Ali Agha, who took over the skipper’s hat in the series opener in regular captain Babar Azam's absence. After Babar attained full fitness in time for the second Test, he replaced Agha in the playing XI, before Pakistan sent the white-ball captain home, alongside first-team keeper Mohammad Rizwan and underfire opener Imam-ul-Haq.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>While Rizwan’s poor returns with the bat across four innings led to his exile, Imam’s left-calf strain and reports of him faking injuries earlier to avoid playing forced him out of the squad. Meanwhile, PCB’s latest decision to remove Javed has also raised questions over Pakistan’s selection policy and team management.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read| </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/did-cricket-end-in-india-after-loss-to-ireland-pcb-chief-mohsin-naqvi-defends-pakistan-cricket-amid-meltdown-1788506201199"><strong>'Did cricket end in India after loss to Ireland?' PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi defends Pakistan Cricket amid meltdown</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>"Aaqib is also likely to be told to focus on his role as Director Development at the Lahore High-Performance Centre,” a source close to the information said to PTI.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The source also said that the decision to send back Rizwan, Imam and Salman was also part of PCB’s wider clean-up plan. The shocking development here was that form alone was not the main reason behind axing Rizwan and Imam from the Test squad mid-tour.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>“The rest of the players sent back were done so on the recommendation of interim red-ball head coach Mike Hesson, who wanted to try out some players he had worked with in the white-ball camp,” the source added.</p><h2>Changes in the Selection Committee</h2><p>Shortly after the PCB decided to overhaul the squad after the Lord’s Test defeat, former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, also part of the four-member selection committee, tendered his resignation.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The PCB, however, did not accept his resignation until it sent a show-cause notice to the selection committee over the selection of Rizwan and Imam in two away series (West Indies and England), urging a response within 24 hours.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The third Test begins on September 9 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.&nbsp;</p>

PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi is set to remove chief selector Aaqib Javed in a "wider clean-up" following Pakistan's Test loss to England. Read details on player drops and selection committee changes.

In a major shake-up in Pakistan Cricket following the Lord’s Test loss against England, the PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi is set to remove the country’s chief selector Aaqib Javed as part of a ‘wider clean-up’ exercise. After dropping seven first-team players and releasing two coaches after conceding the ongoing Test series in the UK, the axe has fallen on Javed, who chairs the selection committee and is being publicly held responsible by several experts and former players for Pakistan cricket’s downfall. The PCB took a shocking call by sending home seven players and two coaches midway through England Tests, including Salman Ali Agha, who took over the skipper’s hat in the series opener in regular captain Babar Azam's absence. After Babar attained full fitness in time for the second Test, he replaced Agha in the playing XI, before Pakistan sent the white-ball captain home, alongside first-team keeper Mohammad Rizwan and underfire opener Imam-ul-Haq. While Rizwan’s poor returns with the bat across four innings led to his exile, Imam’s left-calf strain and reports of him faking injuries earlier to avoid playing forced him out of the squad. Meanwhile, PCB’s latest decision to remove Javed has also raised questions over Pakistan’s selection policy and team management. Also read| 'Did cricket end in India after loss to Ireland?' PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi defends Pakistan Cricket amid meltdown "Aaqib is also likely to be told to focus on his role as Director Development at the Lahore High-Performance Centre,” a source close to the information said to PTI. The source also said that the decision to send back Rizwan, Imam and Salman was also part of PCB’s wider clean-up plan. The shocking development here was that form alone was not the main reason behind axing Rizwan and Imam from the Test squad mid-tour. “The rest of the players sent back were done so on the recommendation of interim red-ball head coach Mike Hesson, who wanted to try out some players he had worked with in the white-ball camp,” the source added. Changes in the Selection Committee Shortly after the PCB decided to overhaul the squad after the Lord’s Test defeat, former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, also part of the four-member selection committee, tendered his resignation. The PCB, however, did not accept his resignation until it sent a show-cause notice to the selection committee over the selection of Rizwan and Imam in two away series (West Indies and England), urging a response within 24 hours. The third Test begins on September 9 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

<p>PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi is set to remove chief selector Aaqib Javed in a "wider clean-up" following Pakistan's Test loss to England. Read details on player drops and selection committee changes.</p>

PCB chief Naqvi set to remove Pakistan chief selector Aaqib Javed in 'wider clean-up'

<p>The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has told the Indian Cricket Board that it can arrange logistics for their travelling entourages for the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Japan. After the BCCI and other ACC members raised concerns over a lack of ‘proper 5-star facilities’ for their men’s and women’s squads, the organisers and the IOA gave them a free hand to arrange their own accommodations. The IOA also asked the BCCI to take responsibility for their food and transport and to ensure the teams reach the match venue on time.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The players, however, also remain bound by Games protocol, accreditation, security, and WADA/ITA anti-doping location reporting.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read| </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-vvs-laxman-back-as-india-men-s-head-coach-for-shreyas-iyer-led-side-1788495953574"><strong>Asian Games 2026: VVS Laxman back as India men's head coach for Shreyas Iyer-led side</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>A Times of India (TOI) report suggests that a fruitful discussion between the BCCI and the IOA led to a mutual agreement that the BCCI will shoulder all logistical responsibilities, with the IOA urging equal treatment and welfare for the Indian contingent across 36 sports.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>“BCCI CEO Hemang Amin got in touch with us (IOA), and we had a fruitful discussion. They are contemplating sending an advance team to Japan to assess the facilities. The IOA is completely fine with that. Based on their assessment, they can decide whether they want to use the organisers’ facilities or make their own arrangements. It is for the BCCI and the organisers to work out the best solution. All sports, athletes, coaches and the entire delegation are treated equally by IOA,” IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer said in a chat with TOI.</p><h2>Stays, Issues and Beyond</h2><p>Per the latest report, the men’s and women’s cricket teams have been allotted different hotels. While the men’s team is scheduled to put up at the three-star APA Hotel Nagoya Ekimae, the women’s team will stay at the four-star Meitetsu Grand Hotel. The two properties have the requisite amenities, although both are grades below the 5-star accommodations the Indian players are accustomed to. Meanwhile, the mandate for twin-sharing rooms has emerged as a primary point of friction for the board.</p><h3>From Dubai to Nagoya</h3><p>With Harmanpreet Kaur’s Indian team expected to reach the ongoing Women's Asia Cup final on Sunday (Sep 13) in Dubai, they would need to fly to Nagoya, Japan, the next day for their six-team competition. The Asian Games tournament begins with the women’s quarterfinal on Sep 18, with their final scheduled on Sep 22. The men’s competition, led by T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, will fly to Japan on Sep 21, with India’s schedule beginning on Sep 28 and the final on Oct 4.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>With the BCCI having arrival and departure window schedules for both teams, they are now looking at accommodation and logistics. An advance team will travel to Japan early next week to inspect the hotels, cricket venues and other facilities before the two squads fly out.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Moreover, Aichi-Nagoya, the host city, is already under severe accommodation pressure, with the number of athletes and coaches expected to be around 17,000, up from their estimated figure of 15,000.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>“The BCCI is taking care of its athletes, and sending an advance team is the right way to assess the facilities before making a decision. We are completely for the well-being of the athletes. Our objective is that the entire Indian delegation has a comfortable stay and a wonderful experience in Japan,” he concluded.</p>

The IOA has told the BCCI there will be "no special treatment" for cricket at the 2026 Asian Games. If the board wants 5-star facilities instead of 3-star official hotels, it must manage its own logistics. Read more. 

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has told the Indian Cricket Board that it can arrange logistics for their travelling entourages for the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Japan. After the BCCI and other ACC members raised concerns over a lack of ‘proper 5-star facilities’ for their men’s and women’s squads, the organisers and the IOA gave them a free hand to arrange their own accommodations. The IOA also asked the BCCI to take responsibility for their food and transport and to ensure the teams reach the match venue on time. The players, however, also remain bound by Games protocol, accreditation, security, and WADA/ITA anti-doping location reporting. Also read| Asian Games 2026: VVS Laxman back as India men's head coach for Shreyas Iyer-led side A Times of India (TOI) report suggests that a fruitful discussion between the BCCI and the IOA led to a mutual agreement that the BCCI will shoulder all logistical responsibilities, with the IOA urging equal treatment and welfare for the Indian contingent across 36 sports. “BCCI CEO Hemang Amin got in touch with us (IOA), and we had a fruitful discussion. They are contemplating sending an advance team to Japan to assess the facilities. The IOA is completely fine with that. Based on their assessment, they can decide whether they want to use the organisers’ facilities or make their own arrangements. It is for the BCCI and the organisers to work out the best solution. All sports, athletes, coaches and the entire delegation are treated equally by IOA,” IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer said in a chat with TOI. Stays, Issues and Beyond Per the latest report, the men’s and women’s cricket teams have been allotted different hotels. While the men’s team is scheduled to put up at the three-star APA Hotel Nagoya Ekimae, the women’s team will stay at the four-star Meitetsu Grand Hotel. The two properties have the requisite amenities, although both are grades below the 5-star accommodations the Indian players are accustomed to. Meanwhile, the mandate for twin-sharing rooms has emerged as a primary point of friction for the board. From Dubai to Nagoya With Harmanpreet Kaur’s Indian team expected to reach the ongoing Women's Asia Cup final on Sunday (Sep 13) in Dubai, they would need to fly to Nagoya, Japan, the next day for their six-team competition. The Asian Games tournament begins with the women’s quarterfinal on Sep 18, with their final scheduled on Sep 22. The men’s competition, led by T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, will fly to Japan on Sep 21, with India’s schedule beginning on Sep 28 and the final on Oct 4. With the BCCI having arrival and departure window schedules for both teams, they are now looking at accommodation and logistics. An advance team will travel to Japan early next week to inspect the hotels, cricket venues and other facilities before the two squads fly out. Moreover, Aichi-Nagoya, the host city, is already under severe accommodation pressure, with the number of athletes and coaches expected to be around 17,000, up from their estimated figure of 15,000. “The BCCI is taking care of its athletes, and sending an advance team is the right way to assess the facilities before making a decision. We are completely for the well-being of the athletes. Our objective is that the entire Indian delegation has a comfortable stay and a wonderful experience in Japan,” he concluded.

<p>The IOA has told the BCCI there will be "no special treatment" for cricket at the 2026 Asian Games. If the board wants 5-star facilities instead of 3-star official hotels, it must manage its own logistics. Read more.&nbsp;</p>

Asian Games 2026: IOA tells BCCI 'no special treatment' for cricket, asks board to handle own logistics

<p>Kylian Mbappe missed a late penalty as Troy Parrott scored his first goal for Real Betis in a 1-0 win over Real Madrid on Friday, ending Jose Mourinho's side's perfect start to the La Liga season.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Madrid had won each of their first three matches under Mourinho in his second spell in charge, but Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles denied Mbappe from the spot deep into stoppage time to seal a memorable victory at La Cartuja.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read| </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-premier-league-referee-mike-dean-reveals-playing-games-mid-match-1788512131356"><strong>Former Premier League referee Mike Dean reveals playing games mid-match</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Vinicius Junior hit the post in the first half from Arda Guler's pass across the face of goal, with Mbappe foiled twice by heroic blocks from Natan and Marc Bartra after a rapid Madrid counter-attack.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As Madrid pushed in search of the breakthrough, Betis took a surprise lead nine minutes from time when Parrott fired home the rebound after Thibaut Courtois had produced a fine save to keep out Nelson Deossa's header.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Republic of Ireland striker Parrott arrived in Seville last month on a five-year deal after his move from AZ Alkmaar, delivering on his home debut the sort of clinical finish Betis fans will hope to see regularly after his prolific spell in the Netherlands.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Carlos Espi thought he had equalised with a superb acrobatic finish from a Vinicius cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside in the build-up.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Mbappe then brushed the crossbar with a delicate effort before being handed a glorious chance to level from the penalty spot after Natan's crunching late challenge on Vinicius.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, Valles saved his attempt to secure a victory that lifted Betis level with Madrid on nine points from four matches ahead of just their second Champions League appearance next week.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"The team played a great game. Sometimes you lose and cannot explain how," said Mourinho.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"We were really dominant, created a lot going forward and had plenty of chances. If the match had ended in a draw we would have been frustrated, so imagine how we feel after a defeat."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Asked about the incidents in the closing stages, including Espi's disallowed goal and Mbappe's fluffed penalty, the Portuguese coach refused to be drawn into refereeing controversies.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Honestly, I don't know why we lost. We created a lot of chances, missed three or four of them, and their goalkeeper also made three or four exceptional saves," said Mourinho.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"I have nothing to reproach my players for. We probably deserved to win, but deserving to win does not earn you any points."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Barcelona can move three points clear at the top on Sunday with a fourth straight victory if they beat Valencia at Mestalla.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Madrid begin their Champions League campaign at home to Italian champions Inter Milan next Tuesday, while Betis travel to France to face Lille.</p>

Real Madrid's perfect La Liga start under Jose Mourinho ends with a 1-0 shock loss to Real Betis as Kylian Mbappe misses a late penalty and Troy Parrott scores.

Kylian Mbappe missed a late penalty as Troy Parrott scored his first goal for Real Betis in a 1-0 win over Real Madrid on Friday, ending Jose Mourinho's side's perfect start to the La Liga season. Madrid had won each of their first three matches under Mourinho in his second spell in charge, but Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles denied Mbappe from the spot deep into stoppage time to seal a memorable victory at La Cartuja. Also read| Former Premier League referee Mike Dean reveals playing games mid-match Vinicius Junior hit the post in the first half from Arda Guler's pass across the face of goal, with Mbappe foiled twice by heroic blocks from Natan and Marc Bartra after a rapid Madrid counter-attack. As Madrid pushed in search of the breakthrough, Betis took a surprise lead nine minutes from time when Parrott fired home the rebound after Thibaut Courtois had produced a fine save to keep out Nelson Deossa's header. Republic of Ireland striker Parrott arrived in Seville last month on a five-year deal after his move from AZ Alkmaar, delivering on his home debut the sort of clinical finish Betis fans will hope to see regularly after his prolific spell in the Netherlands. Carlos Espi thought he had equalised with a superb acrobatic finish from a Vinicius cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside in the build-up. Mbappe then brushed the crossbar with a delicate effort before being handed a glorious chance to level from the penalty spot after Natan's crunching late challenge on Vinicius. However, Valles saved his attempt to secure a victory that lifted Betis level with Madrid on nine points from four matches ahead of just their second Champions League appearance next week. "The team played a great game. Sometimes you lose and cannot explain how," said Mourinho. "We were really dominant, created a lot going forward and had plenty of chances. If the match had ended in a draw we would have been frustrated, so imagine how we feel after a defeat." Asked about the incidents in the closing stages, including Espi's disallowed goal and Mbappe's fluffed penalty, the Portuguese coach refused to be drawn into refereeing controversies. "Honestly, I don't know why we lost. We created a lot of chances, missed three or four of them, and their goalkeeper also made three or four exceptional saves," said Mourinho. "I have nothing to reproach my players for. We probably deserved to win, but deserving to win does not earn you any points." Barcelona can move three points clear at the top on Sunday with a fourth straight victory if they beat Valencia at Mestalla. Madrid begin their Champions League campaign at home to Italian champions Inter Milan next Tuesday, while Betis travel to France to face Lille.

<p>Real Madrid's perfect La Liga start under Jose Mourinho ends with a 1-0 shock loss to Real Betis as Kylian Mbappe misses a late penalty and Troy Parrott scores.</p>

La Liga Shocker: Real Madrid surrender top spot after shocking Betis defeat

<p>Defending singles champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka sailed into the last 16 of the US Open on Friday as tennis icons Serena and Venus Williams suffered an agonising defeat on their long-awaited return to Grand Slam doubles. Alcaraz, coming off a four-month injury absence, beat China's Wu Yibing 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 to book his place in the fourth round while Sabalenka was similarly dominant in a 6-3, 6-4 defeat of Kamilla Rakhimova.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Alcaraz will face 20th-seeded American Tommy Paul for a place in the quarter-finals after Paul beat 15th-seeded Alexander Bublik 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1, 6-3.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read| </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-2026-auger-aliassime-out-but-swiatek-osaka-and-gauff-advance-into-third-round-1788489742697"><strong>US Open 2026: Auger-Aliassime out but Swiatek, Osaka, and Gauff advance into third round</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>"The way he plays is unbelievable, the rhythm he has on every shot -- forehand, backhand," Alcaraz said of Wu. "His balls skid a lot on the court and, for me, it's really difficult to control sometimes.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"But I think I stayed there. I played aggressively. I played smart in the toughest moments."<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Wu recovered an early break in each of the first two sets, but Alcaraz pocketed both with breaks in the final games, and after saving a pair of break points in the first game of the third, the Spaniard rolled home.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"I think my level is really good," he said. "I've got into the rhythm of the competition. I'm getting there."<br>&nbsp;</p><p>World number one Sabalenka didn't face a break point in her dismissal of Rakhimova, firing 29 winners with 10 aces. The numbers didn't tell the whole tale of a match that saw 92nd-ranked Rakhimova challenge Sabalenka in a second-set slugfest. Sabalenka was also unimpressed by the pervasive smell of marijuana -- an increasingly common issue at the US Open -- wafting down from the stands during her match.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"It's a bit tricky to handle that smell while you're trying to compete at your best," said Sabalenka, who at one point complained to the umpire about the issue.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Sabalenka, who must repeat as champion to have a chance of remaining number one, next faces Taylor Townsend, the 96th-ranked American who beat 15th-seeded Russian Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3.</p><h2>Williams sisters lose thriller</h2><p>With Alcaraz and Sabalenka among the early starters, all eyes on the evening session were on the Williams sisters, partnering in a Grand Slam doubles event for the first time since 2022.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The duo's return to the US Open stage comes after 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena came out of a four-year retirement to play at Wimbledon.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>But the most famous sister act in tennis -- who won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together along with three Olympic gold medals -- were beaten 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (10/7) by 14th seeds Chan Hao-ching of Taiwan and Australia's Maya Joint in a marathon three-hour battle.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The Williams duo had shown flashes of their brilliant best after recovering from losing the first set to level the match after taking the second set on a tie-break.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Momentum and a raucous New York crowd appeared to be carrying them towards victory after they sprinted into a 5-0 lead in the third-set tie-break. But Chan and Joint fought back superbly to erase the deficit before clinching victory.</p>

US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka reach the last 16, while tennis icons Serena and Venus Williams suffer a heartbreaking doubles defeat on their return.

Defending singles champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka sailed into the last 16 of the US Open on Friday as tennis icons Serena and Venus Williams suffered an agonising defeat on their long-awaited return to Grand Slam doubles. Alcaraz, coming off a four-month injury absence, beat China's Wu Yibing 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 to book his place in the fourth round while Sabalenka was similarly dominant in a 6-3, 6-4 defeat of Kamilla Rakhimova. Alcaraz will face 20th-seeded American Tommy Paul for a place in the quarter-finals after Paul beat 15th-seeded Alexander Bublik 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1, 6-3. Also read| US Open 2026: Auger-Aliassime out but Swiatek, Osaka, and Gauff advance into third round "The way he plays is unbelievable, the rhythm he has on every shot -- forehand, backhand," Alcaraz said of Wu. "His balls skid a lot on the court and, for me, it's really difficult to control sometimes. "But I think I stayed there. I played aggressively. I played smart in the toughest moments." Wu recovered an early break in each of the first two sets, but Alcaraz pocketed both with breaks in the final games, and after saving a pair of break points in the first game of the third, the Spaniard rolled home. "I think my level is really good," he said. "I've got into the rhythm of the competition. I'm getting there." World number one Sabalenka didn't face a break point in her dismissal of Rakhimova, firing 29 winners with 10 aces. The numbers didn't tell the whole tale of a match that saw 92nd-ranked Rakhimova challenge Sabalenka in a second-set slugfest. Sabalenka was also unimpressed by the pervasive smell of marijuana -- an increasingly common issue at the US Open -- wafting down from the stands during her match. "It's a bit tricky to handle that smell while you're trying to compete at your best," said Sabalenka, who at one point complained to the umpire about the issue. Sabalenka, who must repeat as champion to have a chance of remaining number one, next faces Taylor Townsend, the 96th-ranked American who beat 15th-seeded Russian Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3. Williams sisters lose thriller With Alcaraz and Sabalenka among the early starters, all eyes on the evening session were on the Williams sisters, partnering in a Grand Slam doubles event for the first time since 2022. The duo's return to the US Open stage comes after 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena came out of a four-year retirement to play at Wimbledon. But the most famous sister act in tennis -- who won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together along with three Olympic gold medals -- were beaten 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (10/7) by 14th seeds Chan Hao-ching of Taiwan and Australia's Maya Joint in a marathon three-hour battle. The Williams duo had shown flashes of their brilliant best after recovering from losing the first set to level the match after taking the second set on a tie-break. Momentum and a raucous New York crowd appeared to be carrying them towards victory after they sprinted into a 5-0 lead in the third-set tie-break. But Chan and Joint fought back superbly to erase the deficit before clinching victory.

<p>US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka reach the last 16, while tennis icons Serena and Venus Williams suffer a heartbreaking doubles defeat on their return.</p>

US Open 2026: Alcaraz & Sabalenka reach last 16 as Williams sisters fall in doubles thriller

<p>India's Smriti Mandhana, who broke two records in women's cricket on Thursday (Sep 3) during the ongoing Women's Asia Cup 2026 in Dubai, UAE, says 'it is just the start.' Mandhana hit a 64-ball 124 against Hong Kong Women and became the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/women-s-asia-cup-2026-india-s-smriti-mandhana-is-now-best-batter-ever-in-women-s-cricket-1788491747077">all-time highest run-getter in women's international cricket as well as the player with the most international centuries</a>. She went past former India women's captain Mithali Raj for the most runs, and Meg Lanning as well as Laura Wolvaardt for the most international tons. Mandhana now has 10,880 runs in all international cricket to go with 18 tons.</p><h2>Mandhana reacts to breaking batting records in women's cricket</h2><p>"Till I was batting, I didn't know what record because I didn't know what were the exact runs or all of that," Mandhana said after the match in Dubai. "But yeah, looking back, definitely a very good day for Indian cricket, I would say. Of course, Mithali di has been such a legend and a role model, and we've all grown up watching her bat, so to go past her in the tally of runs is [something] I definitely never imagined to do. But happy that there are two Indians at the top two."</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/did-cricket-end-in-india-after-loss-to-ireland-pcb-chief-mohsin-naqvi-defends-pakistan-cricket-amid-meltdown-1788506201199">'Did cricket end in IND after loss to Ireland?' PCB chief on Pak Cricket decline</a><br>"Going past the international record of the centuries, I mean, 18 is a good number to go past, firstly I will say that," Mandhana said. "But again, two of the legends of women's cricket, Meg Lanning and Mithali Raj. Genuinely, these are the two people who I have grown up watching a lot of my cricket, tried to take a lot of things from them as batters. So really happy that I could go past them in whatever way. But again, it's just the start I would say."</p><h2>India beat HK-W to enter semis</h2><p>Thanks to Mandhana, India posted 193/5 in 20 overs against HK-W in a Women's Asia Cup 2026 group stage fixture. She hit 14 fours and seven sixes in her innings — becoming India's highest six-hitter with a total tally of 95 and the fourth highest in the world. In reply, HK-W were bowled out for a paltry score of 56 in 16.2 overs. For India, Nandani Sharma, Shree Charani, and Prema Rawat took two wickets apiece, while Deepti Sharma picked up 3/9 as India won by 137 runs. India next play against arch-rivals Pakistan Women on Saturday (Sep 5).</p>

Smriti Mandhana smashed a 64-ball 124 against Hong Kong Women, becoming the all-time leading run-scorer (10,880) and most century-maker (18) in women's internationals, powering India to a 137-run win.

India's Smriti Mandhana, who broke two records in women's cricket on Thursday (Sep 3) during the ongoing Women's Asia Cup 2026 in Dubai, UAE, says 'it is just the start.' Mandhana hit a 64-ball 124 against Hong Kong Women and became the all-time highest run-getter in women's international cricket as well as the player with the most international centuries. She went past former India women's captain Mithali Raj for the most runs, and Meg Lanning as well as Laura Wolvaardt for the most international tons. Mandhana now has 10,880 runs in all international cricket to go with 18 tons. Mandhana reacts to breaking batting records in women's cricket "Till I was batting, I didn't know what record because I didn't know what were the exact runs or all of that," Mandhana said after the match in Dubai. "But yeah, looking back, definitely a very good day for Indian cricket, I would say. Of course, Mithali di has been such a legend and a role model, and we've all grown up watching her bat, so to go past her in the tally of runs is [something] I definitely never imagined to do. But happy that there are two Indians at the top two." Also Read - 'Did cricket end in IND after loss to Ireland?' PCB chief on Pak Cricket decline "Going past the international record of the centuries, I mean, 18 is a good number to go past, firstly I will say that," Mandhana said. "But again, two of the legends of women's cricket, Meg Lanning and Mithali Raj. Genuinely, these are the two people who I have grown up watching a lot of my cricket, tried to take a lot of things from them as batters. So really happy that I could go past them in whatever way. But again, it's just the start I would say." India beat HK-W to enter semis Thanks to Mandhana, India posted 193/5 in 20 overs against HK-W in a Women's Asia Cup 2026 group stage fixture. She hit 14 fours and seven sixes in her innings — becoming India's highest six-hitter with a total tally of 95 and the fourth highest in the world. In reply, HK-W were bowled out for a paltry score of 56 in 16.2 overs. For India, Nandani Sharma, Shree Charani, and Prema Rawat took two wickets apiece, while Deepti Sharma picked up 3/9 as India won by 137 runs. India next play against arch-rivals Pakistan Women on Saturday (Sep 5).

<p>Smriti Mandhana smashed a 64-ball 124 against Hong Kong Women, becoming the all-time leading run-scorer (10,880) and most century-maker (18) in women's internationals, powering India to a 137-run win.</p>

'Never imagined': India's Smriti Mandhana reacts to breaking women's batting record

<p>Former English Premier League (PL) referee Mike Dean has made some startling claims about quirky things he used to do during his 22-year officiating career. Dean revealed engaging in secret games, such as staying in the centre circle and going without blowing his whistle for as long as possible. His claims, however, have been refuted by the professional referee organization as "improbable" to do without being noticed. Dean was considered one of the most effective referees in England's top-flight football, where he officiated 553 matches and issued a record 114 red cards.</p><h2>Former PL referee Mike Dean makes startling claims about secret games during matches</h2><p>Dean, who retired from officiating in 2022, followed it with a brief stint as a video assistant referee. He was on Jamie Vardy's Having a Party podcast earlier this week, where he talked about getting into secret games during matches he officiated.</p>

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<p>"We used to say, 'We’ll kick off now. Right, see how long we can go without blowing a whistle.' I’ve done that a few times in the Premier League, before VAR obviously – [I] went 20, 25 minutes without blowing a whistle," he said.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-vvs-laxman-back-as-india-men-s-head-coach-for-shreyas-iyer-led-side-1788495953574">Asian Games 2026: VVS Laxman back as India men's head coach for Iyer-led side</a></p><p>"I used to do another thing. I used to stand in the centre circle – see how long I could stay in the centre circle before I had to leave. That was just me joking about. I got about 15 minutes once," he added.</p><p>The refereeing organization, Pro Ref, officials are puzzled by Dean's claims. The organization sees Dean's claim of a referee staying in the centre circle for about 15 minutes as highly improbable to do without being noticed, even in the pre-VAR era.</p><p>Dean's career as a VAR referee came to a halt in 2023 after he failed to intervene in an error during a PL match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in 2022.</p>

Ex-PL referee Mike Dean claimed he played secret games during matches, like avoiding his whistle or remaining in the center circle. Referee body Pro Ref dismissed the claims as highly improbable.

Former English Premier League (PL) referee Mike Dean has made some startling claims about quirky things he used to do during his 22-year officiating career. Dean revealed engaging in secret games, such as staying in the centre circle and going without blowing his whistle for as long as possible. His claims, however, have been refuted by the professional referee organization as "improbable" to do without being noticed. Dean was considered one of the most effective referees in England's top-flight football, where he officiated 553 matches and issued a record 114 red cards. Former PL referee Mike Dean makes startling claims about secret games during matches Dean, who retired from officiating in 2022, followed it with a brief stint as a video assistant referee. He was on Jamie Vardy's Having a Party podcast earlier this week, where he talked about getting into secret games during matches he officiated.

<p>Ex-PL referee Mike Dean claimed he played secret games during matches, like avoiding his whistle or remaining in the center circle. Referee body Pro Ref dismissed the claims as highly improbable.</p>

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean reveals playing games mid-match

<p>Pakistan Cricket is in turmoil after the Test series loss in England, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has defended the actions taken mid-tour. The Pakistan management, after the 194-run loss in the second of the three-Test series, sent back seven players from the 15-man squad and sacked red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed as well as bowling coach Umar Gul. The move drew sharp criticism from former coaches and players, given one more Test is left to be played in the series. Naqvi, however, backed the action and called out former players for discouraging the current players.</p><h2>PCB chairman Naqvi cites India's loss to Ireland in defense of declining Pakistan cricket</h2><p>Pakistan lost the first Test against England by an innings and the second Test by 194 runs, putting them at the bottom of the <a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/world-test-championship/standings">World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle points table</a>. Once an Asian giant, Pakistan now have lost 15 of its last 20 Tests. Their record in the white-ball format isn't good either, as they failed to make it to the semis in the last three ICC tournaments — 2024 T20 World Cup (group stage), 2025 Champions Trophy (group stage), and 2026 T20 World Cup (Super Eight).</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/women-s-asia-cup-2026-india-s-smriti-mandhana-is-now-best-batter-ever-in-women-s-cricket-1788491747077">Women's Asia Cup 2026: India's Smriti Mandhana is now best batter ever in women's cricket</a></p><p>Naqvi, meanwhile, cited South Africa and India's recent losses to Namibia and Ireland, respectively, to reject the 'cricket has died in Pakistan' narrative.</p><p>"Did cricket come to an end in South Africa and India after they lost to Namibia and Ireland? Every match of a series is important for us and we are not left with any option if a player is not performing but to look for his replacement. The purpose behind these changes is not to axe players from contention, but just to replace them," said Naqvi in a conversation with Pakistan-based broadcaster Geo TV.</p><h2>Naqvi hits back at former players for criticism</h2><p>After the board's decision to send back players and coaches mid-tour, former skipper Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik had hit out at the board. Naqvi, without taking names, called out the former players for their criticism.</p><p>"It is not acceptable for those [former] players who have not achieved anything in life to push this narrative. I would not allow anyone to blame the players for the sake of it and ask everyone to stop demotivating the players. It is unfair," he said.</p>

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi defended sending 7 players and 2 coaches home mid-tour after a Test series loss to England. Citing India’s loss to Ireland, he rejected claims that Pakistan cricket is dead.

Pakistan Cricket is in turmoil after the Test series loss in England, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has defended the actions taken mid-tour. The Pakistan management, after the 194-run loss in the second of the three-Test series, sent back seven players from the 15-man squad and sacked red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed as well as bowling coach Umar Gul. The move drew sharp criticism from former coaches and players, given one more Test is left to be played in the series. Naqvi, however, backed the action and called out former players for discouraging the current players. PCB chairman Naqvi cites India's loss to Ireland in defense of declining Pakistan cricket Pakistan lost the first Test against England by an innings and the second Test by 194 runs, putting them at the bottom of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle points table. Once an Asian giant, Pakistan now have lost 15 of its last 20 Tests. Their record in the white-ball format isn't good either, as they failed to make it to the semis in the last three ICC tournaments — 2024 T20 World Cup (group stage), 2025 Champions Trophy (group stage), and 2026 T20 World Cup (Super Eight). Also Read - Women's Asia Cup 2026: India's Smriti Mandhana is now best batter ever in women's cricket Naqvi, meanwhile, cited South Africa and India's recent losses to Namibia and Ireland, respectively, to reject the 'cricket has died in Pakistan' narrative. "Did cricket come to an end in South Africa and India after they lost to Namibia and Ireland? Every match of a series is important for us and we are not left with any option if a player is not performing but to look for his replacement. The purpose behind these changes is not to axe players from contention, but just to replace them," said Naqvi in a conversation with Pakistan-based broadcaster Geo TV. Naqvi hits back at former players for criticism After the board's decision to send back players and coaches mid-tour, former skipper Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik had hit out at the board. Naqvi, without taking names, called out the former players for their criticism. "It is not acceptable for those [former] players who have not achieved anything in life to push this narrative. I would not allow anyone to blame the players for the sake of it and ask everyone to stop demotivating the players. It is unfair," he said.

<p>PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi defended sending 7 players and 2 coaches home mid-tour after a Test series loss to England. Citing India’s loss to Ireland, he rejected claims that Pakistan cricket is dead.</p>

'Did cricket end in India after loss to Ireland?' PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi defends Pakistan Cricket amid meltdown

<p>Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced a landmark initiative in the State Assembly under Rule 110, unveiling plans to construct a world-class 'TN Olympic City' in Chennai. Spearheaded by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), the ambitious integrated sports hub is envisioned to transform the state into a premier athletic powerhouse. The primary objective behind this massive infrastructure push is to nurture local talent, provide elite international-level training, and produce elite athletes capable of securing podium finishes and winning medals at the Olympics and major global sporting tournaments.</p><h2>Where will the Olympic City be built?</h2><p>The upcoming project will be developed at Semmencheri along the OMR corridor, taking over the site previously slated for the now-terminated Global Sports City project. Set to be built on a significantly larger and more comprehensive scale, the Olympic City will house world-class sporting arenas, cutting-edge equipment, a dedicated High-Performance Training Centre, and advanced sports science and medicine facilities. Alongside full residential accommodations for athletes and coaches, the complex is designed to host major national and international championships. SDAT is also establishing a Talent Research Wing (TRW) and 10 regional Olympic Centres of Excellence statewide to scout grassroots talent.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-2026-auger-aliassime-out-but-swiatek-osaka-and-gauff-advance-into-third-round-1788489742697">US Open 2026: Auger-Aliassime out but Swiatek, Osaka, and Gauff advance into R3</a></p><h2>TN to also build a Motosports City</h2><p>Complementing this grand athletic push, Tamil Nadu is simultaneously accelerating its plans to establish a dedicated Motorsports City, cementing its reputation as the racing capital of India. Building on the successful hosting of India's first-ever night street circuit race in Chennai, the state government is expanding its high-speed racing infrastructure. The facility will feature FIA-standard racing circuits, advanced testing tracks, drag strips, and specialized academies to train young drivers. By providing state-of-the-art engineering support and professional tracks, the initiative aims to attract global motorsporting events while grooming the next generation of Indian racers for Formula and endurance championships.</p>

Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay announced a 'TN Olympic City' in Chennai with elite training facilities to boost medal prospects. The state is also expanding infrastructure for a dedicated Motorsports City.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced a landmark initiative in the State Assembly under Rule 110, unveiling plans to construct a world-class 'TN Olympic City' in Chennai. Spearheaded by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), the ambitious integrated sports hub is envisioned to transform the state into a premier athletic powerhouse. The primary objective behind this massive infrastructure push is to nurture local talent, provide elite international-level training, and produce elite athletes capable of securing podium finishes and winning medals at the Olympics and major global sporting tournaments. Where will the Olympic City be built? The upcoming project will be developed at Semmencheri along the OMR corridor, taking over the site previously slated for the now-terminated Global Sports City project. Set to be built on a significantly larger and more comprehensive scale, the Olympic City will house world-class sporting arenas, cutting-edge equipment, a dedicated High-Performance Training Centre, and advanced sports science and medicine facilities. Alongside full residential accommodations for athletes and coaches, the complex is designed to host major national and international championships. SDAT is also establishing a Talent Research Wing (TRW) and 10 regional Olympic Centres of Excellence statewide to scout grassroots talent. Also Read - US Open 2026: Auger-Aliassime out but Swiatek, Osaka, and Gauff advance into R3 TN to also build a Motosports City Complementing this grand athletic push, Tamil Nadu is simultaneously accelerating its plans to establish a dedicated Motorsports City, cementing its reputation as the racing capital of India. Building on the successful hosting of India's first-ever night street circuit race in Chennai, the state government is expanding its high-speed racing infrastructure. The facility will feature FIA-standard racing circuits, advanced testing tracks, drag strips, and specialized academies to train young drivers. By providing state-of-the-art engineering support and professional tracks, the initiative aims to attract global motorsporting events while grooming the next generation of Indian racers for Formula and endurance championships.

<p>Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay announced a 'TN Olympic City' in Chennai with elite training facilities to boost medal prospects. The state is also expanding infrastructure for a dedicated Motorsports City.</p>

CM Vijay announces Olympic and Motorsports City in Tamil Nadu

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is keen to keep players fit after a recent spate of injuries to multiple players. The board, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir, Centre of Excellence (CoE) chief VVS Laxman, ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill, and T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer, met in Mumbai on Thursday (Sep 3) to discuss the matter. The top-brass meeting with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia came after recent T20I series losses against Ireland and England, as well as an ODI series loss against the latter. Many players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, and Nitish Reddy, were either injured on the UK tour or in the lead-up to it, which eventually reflected in the results.</p><h2>How the BCCI plans to keep players injury-free</h2><p>The board secretary acknowledged, while talking after the Thursday meeting as reported by ESPNcricinfo, that "individual players are having injuries because they have to play a lot of matches."</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/women-s-asia-cup-2026-india-s-smriti-mandhana-is-now-best-batter-ever-in-women-s-cricket-1788491747077">Women's Asia Cup 2026: India's Smriti Mandhana is now best batter ever in women's cricket</a></p><p>The players who were selected for the UK tour had played in the IPL for two months right before it, which "takes a toll on the health of the players as well. And to avoid those kinds of situations, what best we can do under the present windows and present FTPs, we are trying to find a way forward."</p><p>"The only challenges which we are facing is that there are too many matches in the year and that is why in the next FTP, we will do certain things, we will take certain measures," he said. "We have instructed our FTP person, who will be meeting very soon in various international forums, that our FTP should be scheduled in such a way that there is proper rest for the players as well as some kind of acclimatisation or friendly matches before any major series in SENA countries."</p><h2>What is next for the Indian men's cricket team?</h2><p>The Indian men's team recently returned from Sri Lanka, where they won the two-Test series 1-0. The team next plays three T20Is against Afghanistan on Sep 13, 15, and 17 in New Delhi. After that, the Indian team will compete in the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, where the board has announced a full-strength squad.</p>

Following player injury concerns, the BCCI met with leadership—including Gautam Gambhir, VVS Laxman, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer—to plan workload fixes and FTP scheduling changes for rest.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is keen to keep players fit after a recent spate of injuries to multiple players. The board, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir, Centre of Excellence (CoE) chief VVS Laxman, ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill, and T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer, met in Mumbai on Thursday (Sep 3) to discuss the matter. The top-brass meeting with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia came after recent T20I series losses against Ireland and England, as well as an ODI series loss against the latter. Many players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, and Nitish Reddy, were either injured on the UK tour or in the lead-up to it, which eventually reflected in the results. How the BCCI plans to keep players injury-free The board secretary acknowledged, while talking after the Thursday meeting as reported by ESPNcricinfo, that "individual players are having injuries because they have to play a lot of matches." Also Read - Women's Asia Cup 2026: India's Smriti Mandhana is now best batter ever in women's cricket The players who were selected for the UK tour had played in the IPL for two months right before it, which "takes a toll on the health of the players as well. And to avoid those kinds of situations, what best we can do under the present windows and present FTPs, we are trying to find a way forward." "The only challenges which we are facing is that there are too many matches in the year and that is why in the next FTP, we will do certain things, we will take certain measures," he said. "We have instructed our FTP person, who will be meeting very soon in various international forums, that our FTP should be scheduled in such a way that there is proper rest for the players as well as some kind of acclimatisation or friendly matches before any major series in SENA countries." What is next for the Indian men's cricket team? The Indian men's team recently returned from Sri Lanka, where they won the two-Test series 1-0. The team next plays three T20Is against Afghanistan on Sep 13, 15, and 17 in New Delhi. After that, the Indian team will compete in the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, where the board has announced a full-strength squad.

<p>Following player injury concerns, the BCCI met with leadership—including Gautam Gambhir, VVS Laxman, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer—to plan workload fixes and FTP scheduling changes for rest.</p>

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia shares how board is planning to keep players injury free

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) National Cricket Academy (NCA) director VVS Laxman is back as India men's head coach for the upcoming Asian Games 2026. The continental event will run from September 19 to October 4 in Japan's Aichi-Nagoya. Laxman will have a support staff of Sunil Joshi, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, and new fielding coach Subhadeep Ghosh. Laxman was also India's head coach for Asian Games 2023 where the team won the gold medal. The news was confirmed by a <a href="https://yas.gov.in/sites/default/files/Asian_Games_sanction_for_coaches_and_suppor_%20staff.pdf">circular issued by India's Ministry of Youth Affairs</a> and Sports on Wednesday (Sep 2). The Asian Games cricket event will take place from September 17 to October 3 (men's and women's).</p><h2>Why VVS Laxman and not Gambhir coaching India men's team at Asian Games 2026?</h2><p>This is not the first time VVS Laxman has been roped in to coach the Indian side. He was recently the head coach for India's tour of Zimbabwe and has handled the responsibilities multiple times since 2022. For the Asian Games 2026, he has been asked to handle the head coach position as the India men's team schedule at the continental games will overlap with a home ODI series against West Indies. India's regular head coach Gautam Gambhir will be with the ODI squad at home during the series.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-s-from-all-players-pakistan-skipper-babar-azam-exchange-with-uk-king-charles-goes-viral-1788425476025">'It's from all players': Babar's exchange with UK King Charles goes viral</a></p><p>The India men's team has received a bye in the first round of the Asian Games and will play in their first match, a quarter-final, on September 28. The home ODI series against West Indies runs from September 27 to October 3. India has announced a full-strength squad for the Asian Games 2026 led by Shreyas Iyer and featuring players like Tilak Varma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and Jasprit Bumrah.</p><h2>What about the India women's team?</h2><p>The India women's team, which is also the gold medal holder from the previous edition, will be coached by their regular staff of head coach Amol Muzumdar, bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi, and fielding coach Munish Bali. The team will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur with Smriti Mandhana, who recently became women's cricket's highest run-getter, as her deputy.</p>

VVS Laxman will coach the Indian men's cricket team at the 2026 Asian Games as regular coach Gautam Gambhir leads the ODI squad vs West Indies. Amol Muzumdar remains women's head coach.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) National Cricket Academy (NCA) director VVS Laxman is back as India men's head coach for the upcoming Asian Games 2026. The continental event will run from September 19 to October 4 in Japan's Aichi-Nagoya. Laxman will have a support staff of Sunil Joshi, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, and new fielding coach Subhadeep Ghosh. Laxman was also India's head coach for Asian Games 2023 where the team won the gold medal. The news was confirmed by a circular issued by India's Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Wednesday (Sep 2). The Asian Games cricket event will take place from September 17 to October 3 (men's and women's). Why VVS Laxman and not Gambhir coaching India men's team at Asian Games 2026? This is not the first time VVS Laxman has been roped in to coach the Indian side. He was recently the head coach for India's tour of Zimbabwe and has handled the responsibilities multiple times since 2022. For the Asian Games 2026, he has been asked to handle the head coach position as the India men's team schedule at the continental games will overlap with a home ODI series against West Indies. India's regular head coach Gautam Gambhir will be with the ODI squad at home during the series. Also Read - 'It's from all players': Babar's exchange with UK King Charles goes viral The India men's team has received a bye in the first round of the Asian Games and will play in their first match, a quarter-final, on September 28. The home ODI series against West Indies runs from September 27 to October 3. India has announced a full-strength squad for the Asian Games 2026 led by Shreyas Iyer and featuring players like Tilak Varma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and Jasprit Bumrah. What about the India women's team? The India women's team, which is also the gold medal holder from the previous edition, will be coached by their regular staff of head coach Amol Muzumdar, bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi, and fielding coach Munish Bali. The team will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur with Smriti Mandhana, who recently became women's cricket's highest run-getter, as her deputy.

<p>VVS Laxman will coach the Indian men's cricket team at the 2026 Asian Games as regular coach Gautam Gambhir leads the ODI squad vs West Indies. Amol Muzumdar remains women's head coach.</p>

Asian Games 2026: VVS Laxman back as India men's head coach for Shreyas Iyer-led side

<p>India's Smriti Mandhana is now officially the best batter in the world. Mandhana, who hit a 64-ball 124 against Hong Kong Women in the ongoing Women's Asia Cup 2026 on Thursday (Sep 3) in Dubai (UAE), went past former India women's skipper Mithali Raj for the most runs in all of women's international cricket. The left-hand batter now has <a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/mandhana-surpasses-historic-milestones-in-asia-cup">10,880 runs in all of women's Tests, ODIs, and T20Is</a> - 12 runs more than Mithali's 10,868 runs. The century against HK-W was Mandhana's 18th in international cricket - also the most by any women's batter - going past Meg Lanning (Australia) and Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa) who have 17 tons each.</p><h2>Mandhana takes over Mithali to be the most successful women's batter ever</h2><p>Mandhana's 124 against HK is the highest individual score for India women in T20I cricket - going past her own best of 112 against England in 2025. After Mandhana overtook Mithali, the former Indian women's skipper was ecstatic with joy and congratulated her with a heartfelt post on X.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bangladesh-batter-towhid-hridoy-creates-history-with-350-not-out-in-south-africa-1788407494871">Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy creates history with 350 not out in South Africa</a></p><p>"Well deserved, @mandhana_smriti! I’ve watched you grow from a young player into one of the finest batters India has produced. To see you go past my record and become the highest run-scorer in international cricket is a moment I’m genuinely proud of. Here’s to many more runs and milestones. Keep going!" Mithali wrote.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Well deserved, <a href="https://x.com/mandhana_smriti?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mandhana_smriti</a> ! I’ve watched you grow from a young player into one of the finest batters India has produced. To see you go past my record and become the highest run-scorer in international cricket is a moment I’m genuinely proud of. Here’s to many more runs and…</p>&mdash; Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) <a href="https://x.com/M_Raj03/status/2095542913162002594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2><a href="https://www.bcci.tv/matches/47033df8-8bfd-4ea4-931f-a342fefe94aa/india-women-vs-hong-kong-women">Mandhana and bowlers power India into Women's Asia Cup 2026 semis</a></h2><p>Thanks to Mandhana, India posted 193/5 in 20 overs against HK-W in a women's Asia Cup 2026 group stage fixture. Apart from her, Shafali Verma scored 28, Pratika Rawal hit 10, Richa Ghosh 11, and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur managed 10. Mandhana hit 14 fours and seven sixes in her innings - becoming India's highest six hitter with a total tally of 95 and fourth highest in the world.</p><p>In reply, HK-W were bowled out for a paltry score of 56 in 16.2 overs. For India, Nandini Sharma, Shree Charani, and Prema Rawat took two wickets apiece while Deepti Sharma picked 3/9 as India won by 137 runs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Smriti Mandhana broke Mithali Raj's record for most runs in women's international cricket, hitting 124 off 64 balls vs Hong Kong in the 2026 Asia Cup. Her 18th ton led India to a 137-run win and the semis.

India's Smriti Mandhana is now officially the best batter in the world. Mandhana, who hit a 64-ball 124 against Hong Kong Women in the ongoing Women's Asia Cup 2026 on Thursday (Sep 3) in Dubai (UAE), went past former India women's skipper Mithali Raj for the most runs in all of women's international cricket. The left-hand batter now has 10,880 runs in all of women's Tests, ODIs, and T20Is - 12 runs more than Mithali's 10,868 runs. The century against HK-W was Mandhana's 18th in international cricket - also the most by any women's batter - going past Meg Lanning (Australia) and Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa) who have 17 tons each. Mandhana takes over Mithali to be the most successful women's batter ever Mandhana's 124 against HK is the highest individual score for India women in T20I cricket - going past her own best of 112 against England in 2025. After Mandhana overtook Mithali, the former Indian women's skipper was ecstatic with joy and congratulated her with a heartfelt post on X. Also Read - Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy creates history with 350 not out in South Africa "Well deserved, @mandhana_smriti! I’ve watched you grow from a young player into one of the finest batters India has produced. To see you go past my record and become the highest run-scorer in international cricket is a moment I’m genuinely proud of. Here’s to many more runs and milestones. Keep going!" Mithali wrote.

<p>Smriti Mandhana broke Mithali Raj's record for most runs in women's international cricket, hitting 124 off 64 balls vs Hong Kong in the 2026 Asia Cup. Her 18th ton led India to a 137-run win and the semis.</p>

Women's Asia Cup 2026: India's Smriti Mandhana is now best batter ever in women's cricket

<p>Third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime tumbled out of the US Open on Thursday as former champions Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff reached the third round. Karen Khachanov, ranked 50th in the world, downed Auger-Aliassime 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, pulling away relentlessly from the physically ailing Canadian who said he was "dizzy and seeing spots.</p><p>"I thought maybe it would pass, but it didn't," a dejected Auger-Aliassime said.</p><p>Khachanov took full advantage of 47 unforced errors, with eight double faults, from Auger-Aliassime, who struggled particularly on serve.</p><p><strong>Also Read </strong>- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-2026-carlos-alcaraz-aryna-sabalenka-advance-into-third-round-after-contrasting-wins-1788431134881">US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka advance into third round after contrasting wins</a></p><p>"I thought maybe he had some physical issues, it's part of our sport," Khachanov said. "From my side I tried to give my best performance, fighting, fighting.</p><p>"I'm super happy to get this win," added the 2022 semi-finalist after posting his first top-10 win of the year.</p><p>It was the second big upset on the men's side, after Novak Djokovic was ousted in the first round.</p><p>Sixth-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur also bowed out, falling to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 to further open up a men's field headed by world number two Alexander Zverev.</p><p>French Open champion Zverev anchored the night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium, taking on 52nd-ranked Frenchman Quentin Halys.</p><p>Meanwhile three former women's champions -- Swiatek, Gauff and Osaka, booked their third-round berths.</p><p>Gauff thrilled the Ashe night crowd with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) victory over former world number two Paula Badosa of Spain.</p><p>Swiatek marched through with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Nadia Podoroska while Osaka survived a second-set swoon to beat Katerina Siniakova 6-2, 5-7, 6-1.</p><p>Gauff, 22, had lost five of her eight prior meetings with Badosa, so she was ready when the Spaniard piled on the pressure in the second set, regaining a break to force the tiebreaker.</p><p>"I knew she would raise her level. She's capable of blasting winners and blasting return winners," said Gauff, who was pleased she kept her composure.</p><p>"I think I need matches like this to build my confidence," the 2023 US Open winner said.</p><p>Swiatek, whose six Grand Slam titles include the 2022 US Open, had things mostly her own way against Podroska, a former top-40 player now sunk to 449th in the world.</p><p>She fought off four break points at 5-3 in the first set then pulled away to polish off the win in little more than an hour.</p><p>It was another encouraging performance for the former world number one, who hadn't reached a final in 2026 until her run to the title at Toronto in August.</p><h2>Osaka fights</h2><p>Japan's Osaka, who counts two US Open titles among her four major trophies, looked in total control against Siniakova as she raced through the first set and to a 4-2 lead in the second without facing a break point.</p><p>But the Japanese star's unforced errors began to pile up and doubles world number one Siniakova pounced to climb from 5-3 down and take the set.</p><p>Osaka regrouped in the decider, riding a quick break to a 3-0 lead and fending off a pair of break points on the way to victory.</p><p>"I just felt like I had to fight," she said.</p><p>So did former Australian Open champion Madison Keys, who saved five match points as she rallied from 5-2 down in the third set to beat Anna Bondar 4-7, 6-4, 7-6 (10/5).</p><p>In other early matches, reigning French Open champion Mirra Andreeva, seeded fifth, rolled over Germany's Eva Lys 6-0, 6-2.</p><p>Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina was in action later, taking on Spain's Jessica Bouzas.</p><p>Generations collided on Louis Armstrong Stadium, where 20-year-old American Learner Tien ended 40-year-old Gael Monfils's Grand Slam career with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 victory.</p><p>Monfils felt the love in New York, where he made his US Open debut in 2005, chants of "Monfils" erupting frequently and intensifying in the third set.</p><p>"It's been a long ride," Monfils said. "You are my second best crowd. Of course, it can't top Paris, but you are up there!"</p>

Sixth-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur also bowed out, falling to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 to further open up a men's field headed by world number two Alexander Zverev.

Third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime tumbled out of the US Open on Thursday as former champions Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff reached the third round. Karen Khachanov, ranked 50th in the world, downed Auger-Aliassime 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, pulling away relentlessly from the physically ailing Canadian who said he was "dizzy and seeing spots. "I thought maybe it would pass, but it didn't," a dejected Auger-Aliassime said. Khachanov took full advantage of 47 unforced errors, with eight double faults, from Auger-Aliassime, who struggled particularly on serve. Also Read - US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka advance into third round after contrasting wins "I thought maybe he had some physical issues, it's part of our sport," Khachanov said. "From my side I tried to give my best performance, fighting, fighting. "I'm super happy to get this win," added the 2022 semi-finalist after posting his first top-10 win of the year. It was the second big upset on the men's side, after Novak Djokovic was ousted in the first round. Sixth-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur also bowed out, falling to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 to further open up a men's field headed by world number two Alexander Zverev. French Open champion Zverev anchored the night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium, taking on 52nd-ranked Frenchman Quentin Halys. Meanwhile three former women's champions -- Swiatek, Gauff and Osaka, booked their third-round berths. Gauff thrilled the Ashe night crowd with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) victory over former world number two Paula Badosa of Spain. Swiatek marched through with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Nadia Podoroska while Osaka survived a second-set swoon to beat Katerina Siniakova 6-2, 5-7, 6-1. Gauff, 22, had lost five of her eight prior meetings with Badosa, so she was ready when the Spaniard piled on the pressure in the second set, regaining a break to force the tiebreaker. "I knew she would raise her level. She's capable of blasting winners and blasting return winners," said Gauff, who was pleased she kept her composure. "I think I need matches like this to build my confidence," the 2023 US Open winner said. Swiatek, whose six Grand Slam titles include the 2022 US Open, had things mostly her own way against Podroska, a former top-40 player now sunk to 449th in the world. She fought off four break points at 5-3 in the first set then pulled away to polish off the win in little more than an hour. It was another encouraging performance for the former world number one, who hadn't reached a final in 2026 until her run to the title at Toronto in August. Osaka fights Japan's Osaka, who counts two US Open titles among her four major trophies, looked in total control against Siniakova as she raced through the first set and to a 4-2 lead in the second without facing a break point. But the Japanese star's unforced errors began to pile up and doubles world number one Siniakova pounced to climb from 5-3 down and take the set. Osaka regrouped in the decider, riding a quick break to a 3-0 lead and fending off a pair of break points on the way to victory. "I just felt like I had to fight," she said. So did former Australian Open champion Madison Keys, who saved five match points as she rallied from 5-2 down in the third set to beat Anna Bondar 4-7, 6-4, 7-6 (10/5). In other early matches, reigning French Open champion Mirra Andreeva, seeded fifth, rolled over Germany's Eva Lys 6-0, 6-2. Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina was in action later, taking on Spain's Jessica Bouzas. Generations collided on Louis Armstrong Stadium, where 20-year-old American Learner Tien ended 40-year-old Gael Monfils's Grand Slam career with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 victory. Monfils felt the love in New York, where he made his US Open debut in 2005, chants of "Monfils" erupting frequently and intensifying in the third set. "It's been a long ride," Monfils said. "You are my second best crowd. Of course, it can't top Paris, but you are up there!"

<p>Sixth-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur also bowed out, falling to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 to further open up a men's field headed by world number two Alexander Zverev.</p>

US Open 2026: Auger-Aliassime out but Swiatek, Osaka, and Gauff advance into third round

<p>Carlos Alcaraz got off to a sluggish start but stormed home, and Aryna Sabalenka was in control all the way as the defending champions led a stream of contenders into the third round of the US Open on Wednesday. Spain's Alcaraz, seeded second in his first tournament since a wrist injury forced him to the sideliines in April, got off to a sluggish start but finished in convincing fashion in a 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 victory over 72nd-ranked Jaime Faria of Portugal.</p><p>Alcaraz won his seventh major title at the Australian Open in January but arrived in New York an unknown quantity after a wrist injury forced a four-month layoff that saw him miss Roland Garros and Wimbledon.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-retirement-argentina-football-matches-to-halt-in-tribute-to-legend-1788417815400">Lionel Messi retirement: Argentina football matches to halt in tribute to legend</a></p><p>He dispelled doubts with a straight-sets first-round victory over Roman Safiullin, but took some time to find his range against the big-serving Faria, who claimed the first break of the match for a 4-3 lead in the first when Alcaraz flubbed a forehand.</p><p>He made the break stand up to take the set, but Alcaraz stepped up his intensity and Faria folded under the pressure.</p><p>"Tough match for me," Alcaraz said, adding that after failing to convert an early break point he briefly lost his composure.</p><p>"After that I was in a rush. I did't take time, I wasn't patient and that obviously cost me the break," he said. "I tried to stay calm ... think good things are going to happen again."</p><p>Meanwhile a ruthless Sabalenka took the next step on the road to a rare US Open three-peat with a 6-1, 6-1 rout of 160th-ranked Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko that lasted just 53 minutes.</p><p>Sabalenka, without a title since her impressive Indian Wells-Miami double in March, delivered 24 winners, showcasing her power from the baseline and an effective touch at the net.</p><p>She dropped just four points on serve in the opening set and was broken just once to give Iatcenko her only game of the second set. Sabalenka responded by winning the next three to secure the win.</p><p>"Happy with the level I played today, happy with the focus," said Sabalenka, who will face Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova for place in the round of 16.</p><p>Jessica Pegula and former champion Daniil Medvedev also raced into the third round.</p><p>World number three Pegula needed just 56 minutes to trounce Sofia Kenin, the former Australian Open champion now ranked 110th, 6-3, 6-1.</p><p>Seventh-seeded Medvedev downed US wild card Sebastian Gorzny 6-1, 6-3, 7-5.</p><p>Pegula, who is among a trio of players who could supplant Sabalenka atop the world rankings in New York, dropped just seven points on serve.</p><p>"I was just trying to stay focused on what I needed to do," said the 2024 US Open runner-up, who next meets another former finalist in Canadian Leylah Fernandez - a 6-4, 6-1 winner over Thailand's Mananchaya Sawangkaew 6-4, 6-1.</p><p>Medvedev, who has struggled in the hard court build-up to the year's final Grand Slam, dominated 731st-ranked Gorzny.</p><h2>Battle to the end</h2><p>Eighth-seeded American Ben Shelton prevailed in a tense "battle to the end" with former world number six Hubert Hurkacz 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5.</p><p>His 11th-seeded compatriot Frances Tiafoe also advanced holding off Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 7-5.</p><p>Another American tipped as a contender -- in-form 16th-seed Brandon Nakashima -- bowed out, upset by 46th-ranked compatriot Alex Michelsen 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.</p><p>Argentina's Mariano Navone backed up his epic five-set upset of Serbian star Novak Djokovic with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) victory over Italian Matteo Berrettini.</p><p>Outside the covered confines of Ashe and the Louis Armstrong Stadium, rain again disrupted play.</p><p>Sixth-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur finally got his campaign underway in a match postponed from Tuesday but had to wait out another mid-match rain delay on the way to a 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 first-round victory over Italian Andrea Guerrieri.</p><p>Lucky loser Bu Yunchaokete of China pulled off a first-round upset, stunning 12th-seeded Spaniard Rafael Jodar 6-2, 6-1, 6-1.</p><p>Jodar committed 37 unforced errors with just 15 winners in a humbling defeat for the 19-year rising ATP star, who won the ATP title in Marrakech this year and reached the final in Washington and the semis in Montreal recent weeks.</p>

Carlos Alcaraz rallied past Jaime Faria in four sets while Aryna Sabalenka stormed into the US Open third round with a 53-minute win, leading contenders Jessica Pegula and Daniil Medvedev through.

Carlos Alcaraz got off to a sluggish start but stormed home, and Aryna Sabalenka was in control all the way as the defending champions led a stream of contenders into the third round of the US Open on Wednesday. Spain's Alcaraz, seeded second in his first tournament since a wrist injury forced him to the sideliines in April, got off to a sluggish start but finished in convincing fashion in a 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 victory over 72nd-ranked Jaime Faria of Portugal. Alcaraz won his seventh major title at the Australian Open in January but arrived in New York an unknown quantity after a wrist injury forced a four-month layoff that saw him miss Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Also Read - Lionel Messi retirement: Argentina football matches to halt in tribute to legend He dispelled doubts with a straight-sets first-round victory over Roman Safiullin, but took some time to find his range against the big-serving Faria, who claimed the first break of the match for a 4-3 lead in the first when Alcaraz flubbed a forehand. He made the break stand up to take the set, but Alcaraz stepped up his intensity and Faria folded under the pressure. "Tough match for me," Alcaraz said, adding that after failing to convert an early break point he briefly lost his composure. "After that I was in a rush. I did't take time, I wasn't patient and that obviously cost me the break," he said. "I tried to stay calm ... think good things are going to happen again." Meanwhile a ruthless Sabalenka took the next step on the road to a rare US Open three-peat with a 6-1, 6-1 rout of 160th-ranked Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko that lasted just 53 minutes. Sabalenka, without a title since her impressive Indian Wells-Miami double in March, delivered 24 winners, showcasing her power from the baseline and an effective touch at the net. She dropped just four points on serve in the opening set and was broken just once to give Iatcenko her only game of the second set. Sabalenka responded by winning the next three to secure the win. "Happy with the level I played today, happy with the focus," said Sabalenka, who will face Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova for place in the round of 16. Jessica Pegula and former champion Daniil Medvedev also raced into the third round. World number three Pegula needed just 56 minutes to trounce Sofia Kenin, the former Australian Open champion now ranked 110th, 6-3, 6-1. Seventh-seeded Medvedev downed US wild card Sebastian Gorzny 6-1, 6-3, 7-5. Pegula, who is among a trio of players who could supplant Sabalenka atop the world rankings in New York, dropped just seven points on serve. "I was just trying to stay focused on what I needed to do," said the 2024 US Open runner-up, who next meets another former finalist in Canadian Leylah Fernandez - a 6-4, 6-1 winner over Thailand's Mananchaya Sawangkaew 6-4, 6-1. Medvedev, who has struggled in the hard court build-up to the year's final Grand Slam, dominated 731st-ranked Gorzny. Battle to the end Eighth-seeded American Ben Shelton prevailed in a tense "battle to the end" with former world number six Hubert Hurkacz 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5. His 11th-seeded compatriot Frances Tiafoe also advanced holding off Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 7-5. Another American tipped as a contender -- in-form 16th-seed Brandon Nakashima -- bowed out, upset by 46th-ranked compatriot Alex Michelsen 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. Argentina's Mariano Navone backed up his epic five-set upset of Serbian star Novak Djokovic with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) victory over Italian Matteo Berrettini. Outside the covered confines of Ashe and the Louis Armstrong Stadium, rain again disrupted play. Sixth-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur finally got his campaign underway in a match postponed from Tuesday but had to wait out another mid-match rain delay on the way to a 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 first-round victory over Italian Andrea Guerrieri. Lucky loser Bu Yunchaokete of China pulled off a first-round upset, stunning 12th-seeded Spaniard Rafael Jodar 6-2, 6-1, 6-1. Jodar committed 37 unforced errors with just 15 winners in a humbling defeat for the 19-year rising ATP star, who won the ATP title in Marrakech this year and reached the final in Washington and the semis in Montreal recent weeks.

<p>Carlos Alcaraz rallied past Jaime Faria in four sets while Aryna Sabalenka stormed into the US Open third round with a 53-minute win, leading contenders Jessica Pegula and Daniil Medvedev through.</p>

US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka advance into third round after contrasting wins

<p>Pakistan are currently on a Test tour of England and are in meltdown after losing the first two of three Tests. The team, including Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi, met King Charles at Clarence House on Wednesday (Sep 2), as seen in photos shared on The Royal Family's official Instagram handle. During the meeting, the Pakistan Test captain presented King Charles with a bat, and a conversation between Babar and the British monarch is going viral on social media.</p><h2>Babar goofs up English again, this time with King Charles</h2><p>At Clarence House, Babar and the Pakistan team, along with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi and new Test coach Mike Hesson, met with King Charles. The Pakistan skipper gave the British king a cricket bat, with which the monarch seemed surprisingly pleased. The exchange between Babar and the King went as follows:</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">King Charles was gifted a signed bat by Pakistan&#39;s national cricket team, during their visit to Clarence House in London today. <a href="https://t.co/8CCUGiLx4S">pic.twitter.com/8CCUGiLx4S</a></p>&mdash; Test Match Special (@bbctms) <a href="https://x.com/bbctms/status/2095212760015708540?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p><strong>King Charles (upon receiving the bat):</strong> "Wonderful. Thank you very much. That's fantastic [looking at the bat]. Thank you."</p><p><strong>King Charles (pointing at the bat):</strong> "Is this made in Pakistan?"</p><p><strong>Babar: </strong>"Yes."</p><p><strong>King Charles:</strong> "Is it Pakistani willow?"</p><p><strong>Babar:</strong> "Yes, it's from all players."</p><p><strong>King Charles:</strong> "Really? Thank you all very much."</p>

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<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/meltdown-in-pakistan-cricket-pcb-director-of-high-performance-aaqib-javed-explains-reasoning-behind-dropping-7-players-sacking-coaches-1788320388158">Pakistan cricket melts down during UK tour</a></h2><p>The tour of England has exposed major gaps in the Pakistan cricket team. As a result, the board and team have suffered a meltdown, resulting in seven players being sent back after the second Test at Lord's. Red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also sacked, while PCB selection committee member Misbah-ul-Haq resigned from his post amid the reshuffle.</p><p>PCB Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed, in an interview with Pakistan-based broadcaster Geo TV, said: "The world is laughing at us because we can't even compete. The message we're sending to the recalled players is that you have to raise your game on important tours and compete, and we should be able to see some effort."<br>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Amid a chaotic 2-0 Test series loss in England, Pakistan captain Babar Azam and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi met King Charles at Clarence House, presenting him a signed bat during a viral language-muddle moment.

Pakistan are currently on a Test tour of England and are in meltdown after losing the first two of three Tests. The team, including Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi, met King Charles at Clarence House on Wednesday (Sep 2), as seen in photos shared on The Royal Family's official Instagram handle. During the meeting, the Pakistan Test captain presented King Charles with a bat, and a conversation between Babar and the British monarch is going viral on social media. Babar goofs up English again, this time with King Charles At Clarence House, Babar and the Pakistan team, along with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi and new Test coach Mike Hesson, met with King Charles. The Pakistan skipper gave the British king a cricket bat, with which the monarch seemed surprisingly pleased. The exchange between Babar and the King went as follows:

<p>Amid a chaotic 2-0 Test series loss in England, Pakistan captain Babar Azam and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi met King Charles at Clarence House, presenting him a signed bat during a viral language-muddle moment.</p>

'It's from all players': Pakistan skipper Babar Azam's exchange with UK King Charles goes viral

<p>French authorities have discovered that Kylian Mbappe, captain of the national football team and Real Madrid superstar, was one of the potential kidnapping targets of an organized crime ring. Mbappe was one of 26 names found on phones seized from 18-year-old Clement L and his associates. The alleged ringleader, Clement, who is currently in solitary confinement in pretrial detention, was charged by authorities on August 21 for organized robbery among other offences.</p><h2>How Mbappe kidnapping plot was foiled</h2><p>Clement, who went by the pseudonym Lester Z, had 26 people on his hit list for kidnapping, <a href="https://x.com/le_Parisien/status/2095120200974614532">reported French newspaper Le Parisien</a> on its X handle.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-retirement-argentina-football-matches-to-halt-in-tribute-to-legend-1788417815400">Lionel Messi retirement: Argentina football matches to halt in tribute to legend</a></p><p>"Jailed for organized gang theft and pimping, an 18-year-old man planned to target 26 people. This gang planned to kidnap and assault business leaders, but also a rapper and… the footballer Kylian Mbappe," the post read (translated from French).</p><p>Details about the kidnapping targets were found on phones seized from the suspect's cell at Villepinte penitentiary (Seine-Saint-Denis). Clement used the name Lester Z on Snapchat and issued orders under the pseudonym.</p><p>"Two phones were seized by prison guards, and their contents were highly revealing," Le Parisien reported, citing a source. "He also wanted to go after a rapper and the footballer Kylian Mbappe," the source added.</p><p>According to the newspaper report, Clement and his group are believed to have carried out crimes between April 11 and August 19 in towns such as Neuilly-sur-Seine, Saint-Brice-sous-Forêt, and Santenay.</p><h2>Who is Clement L—alleged mastermind behind foiled kidnapping plan?</h2><p>The 18-year-old dropped out of school during his first year of vocational training in cooking. He, however, told authorities that he wants to resume his education and become a chef.</p>

Kylian Mbappe was named among 26 potential kidnapping targets found on phones seized from 18-year-old inmate Clement L, who allegedly ran an organized crime ring via Snapchat under "Lester Z."

French authorities have discovered that Kylian Mbappe, captain of the national football team and Real Madrid superstar, was one of the potential kidnapping targets of an organized crime ring. Mbappe was one of 26 names found on phones seized from 18-year-old Clement L and his associates. The alleged ringleader, Clement, who is currently in solitary confinement in pretrial detention, was charged by authorities on August 21 for organized robbery among other offences. How Mbappe kidnapping plot was foiled Clement, who went by the pseudonym Lester Z, had 26 people on his hit list for kidnapping, reported French newspaper Le Parisien on its X handle. Also Read - Lionel Messi retirement: Argentina football matches to halt in tribute to legend "Jailed for organized gang theft and pimping, an 18-year-old man planned to target 26 people. This gang planned to kidnap and assault business leaders, but also a rapper and… the footballer Kylian Mbappe," the post read (translated from French). Details about the kidnapping targets were found on phones seized from the suspect's cell at Villepinte penitentiary (Seine-Saint-Denis). Clement used the name Lester Z on Snapchat and issued orders under the pseudonym. "Two phones were seized by prison guards, and their contents were highly revealing," Le Parisien reported, citing a source. "He also wanted to go after a rapper and the footballer Kylian Mbappe," the source added. According to the newspaper report, Clement and his group are believed to have carried out crimes between April 11 and August 19 in towns such as Neuilly-sur-Seine, Saint-Brice-sous-Forêt, and Santenay. Who is Clement L—alleged mastermind behind foiled kidnapping plan? The 18-year-old dropped out of school during his first year of vocational training in cooking. He, however, told authorities that he wants to resume his education and become a chef.

<p>Kylian Mbappe was named among 26 potential kidnapping targets found on phones seized from 18-year-old inmate Clement L, who allegedly ran an organized crime ring via Snapchat under "Lester Z."</p>

French authorities foil plan of 18-year-old jailed criminal to kidnap footballer Kylian Mbappe

<p>It has been three days since Lionel Messi, arguably the biggest football star, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DctWzhYxElg/?hl=en">announced his international retirement</a> and hung up his Argentina jersey. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has now announced a tribute plan for the magical footballer. As part of the tribute to Leo Messi for his service to the Argentina national football team, all matches in the country on the coming weekend of Sep 5-6 will be paused in the 10th minute. Stadiums equipped with video scoreboards will showcase various photos of Messi's journey before kickoff, alongside a one-minute applause during the pause.</p><h2>Football matches will come to a halt in Argentina in tribute to Messi</h2><p>In a statement released on Wednesday (Sep 2), the AFA said: "For the upcoming matchday across all men's and women's divisions and disciplines, matches will be paused in the 10th minute of the first half for a minute of applause in recognition of Lionel Messi's career with the Argentina national team."</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-brazil-football-friendly-tickets-go-on-sale-and-coach-khaild-jamil-wants-support-from-the-fans-1788410106751">India vs Brazil football friendly tickets go on sale and coach Khalid Jamil wants 'support from the fans'</a></p><p>Stadiums equipped with video boards "must play a tribute video before kickoff," added the statement.</p><p>Messi, on August 31, in an Instagram post, announced his retirement and wrote: "It was a decision that hurt—and still hurts deep down—but I understand that the time has come."</p><h2>Messi's Argentina career in numbers</h2><p>Messi started his career with the Argentina senior national side in 2005 and went on to play 207 matches, scoring 125 goals—the highest for an Argentine player. He also featured in six FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026), playing 34 matches and winning 23—the most for any player in history.</p><p>He finished his FIFA World Cup career with 21 goals—the second-most by a player behind France's Kylian Mbappé (22). He won the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and played his last match in the 2026 edition, with Argentina losing to Spain in the final.</p>

Argentina matches will pause in the 10th minute on Sep 5–6 for a minute's applause as part of an AFA tribute honoring Lionel Messi following his international retirement.

It has been three days since Lionel Messi, arguably the biggest football star, announced his international retirement and hung up his Argentina jersey. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has now announced a tribute plan for the magical footballer. As part of the tribute to Leo Messi for his service to the Argentina national football team, all matches in the country on the coming weekend of Sep 5-6 will be paused in the 10th minute. Stadiums equipped with video scoreboards will showcase various photos of Messi's journey before kickoff, alongside a one-minute applause during the pause. Football matches will come to a halt in Argentina in tribute to Messi In a statement released on Wednesday (Sep 2), the AFA said: "For the upcoming matchday across all men's and women's divisions and disciplines, matches will be paused in the 10th minute of the first half for a minute of applause in recognition of Lionel Messi's career with the Argentina national team." Also Read - India vs Brazil football friendly tickets go on sale and coach Khalid Jamil wants 'support from the fans' Stadiums equipped with video boards "must play a tribute video before kickoff," added the statement. Messi, on August 31, in an Instagram post, announced his retirement and wrote: "It was a decision that hurt—and still hurts deep down—but I understand that the time has come." Messi's Argentina career in numbers Messi started his career with the Argentina senior national side in 2005 and went on to play 207 matches, scoring 125 goals—the highest for an Argentine player. He also featured in six FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026), playing 34 matches and winning 23—the most for any player in history. He finished his FIFA World Cup career with 21 goals—the second-most by a player behind France's Kylian Mbappé (22). He won the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and played his last match in the 2026 edition, with Argentina losing to Spain in the final.

<p>Argentina matches will pause in the 10th minute on Sep 5–6 for a minute's applause as part of an AFA tribute honoring Lionel Messi following his international retirement.</p>

Lionel Messi retirement: Argentina football matches to halt in tribute to legend

<p>India are set to play Brazil in a historic friendly football match on October 3 in Kolkata at the city's iconic Salt Lake Stadium, also known as the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan. It is the first time India will face five-time FIFA World Cup champion Brazil in a football match. Apart from Brazil, India will also face Panama on September 26 and Uruguay—a two-time FIFA World Cup winner—on October 6. The matches, according to India football head coach Khalid Jamil, "will be a turning point for Indian football." Tickets for the much-anticipated India vs Brazil football match have gone live for sale on the District app.</p><h2>What India vs Brazil means for football in the country</h2><p>At the FIFA World Cup 2026, India were criticised for not being able to qualify despite having far greater resources than some participating nations, including Cape Verde. These matches against high-profile teams, coach Jamil said, are "a very good thing happening for Indian football" ahead of next year's 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pcb-linkedin-fielding-coach-vacancy-pakistan-cricket-shakeup-1788356845017">PCB turns to LinkedIn to hire new fielding coach after Test shake-up</a></p><p>"We are playing Brazil for the first time in history. We must think positively. We must focus on only one thing: India must go ahead. Our main target is next year, 2027, Asian Cup qualification. Before that, we are playing with strong teams. This is a very good thing happening for Indian football,” Jamil said to news agency PTI in an interview on Wednesday (Sep 2).</p><p>"This is history for India. If anybody talks negatively, he must stop. We need support from the fans. I feel that if the crowd supports India 100 per cent, the players will be motivated and will perform well. It is very useful for the players and for everyone. It is a motivation. It is one step, and then the next step is that we need to play more matches to gain confidence," he added.</p><h2>Where to buy India vs Brazil match tickets</h2><p>The India vs Brazil match is scheduled to be played on October 3 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, starting at 7:00 PM IST. The gates will open at 4:00 PM IST for ticket holders, who can <a href="https://www.district.in/events/fifa-international-friendly-india-vs-brazil-buy-tickets">make purchases via the District app</a>. Below are the ticket prices for various stands, which start at INR 999 and go up to INR 15,000:</p>

India vs Brazil Football Friendly Seat Layout

<p><ul><li><strong>VIP Left / VIP Right:</strong> Rs 15,000</li><li><strong>A2 (Left) / A2 (Right): </strong>Rs 9,000</li><li><strong>A3 (Left) / A3 (Right), C2 (Left) / C2 (Right):</strong> Rs 7,000</li><li><strong>B2, C3 (Left) / C3 (Right), D2:</strong> Rs 6,000</li><li><strong>A1 (Left) Gold / A1 (Right) Gold, B3, D3:</strong> Rs 4,500</li><li><strong>C1 (Left) Gold / C1 (Right) Gold, A1 (Left) Silver / A1 (Right) Silver:</strong> Rs 3,500</li><li><strong>B1 Gold, D1 Gold:</strong> Rs 2,500</li><li><strong>C1 (Left) Silver / C1 (Right) Silver:</strong> Rs 2,000</li><li><strong>B1 Silver, D1 Silver:</strong> Rs 999–Rs 1,500</li></ul></p>

India will play Brazil for the first time in a historic friendly on Oct 3 in Kolkata, alongside games vs Panama and Uruguay. Head coach Khalid Jamil called it a turning point for Indian football.

India are set to play Brazil in a historic friendly football match on October 3 in Kolkata at the city's iconic Salt Lake Stadium, also known as the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan. It is the first time India will face five-time FIFA World Cup champion Brazil in a football match. Apart from Brazil, India will also face Panama on September 26 and Uruguay—a two-time FIFA World Cup winner—on October 6. The matches, according to India football head coach Khalid Jamil, "will be a turning point for Indian football." Tickets for the much-anticipated India vs Brazil football match have gone live for sale on the District app. What India vs Brazil means for football in the country At the FIFA World Cup 2026, India were criticised for not being able to qualify despite having far greater resources than some participating nations, including Cape Verde. These matches against high-profile teams, coach Jamil said, are "a very good thing happening for Indian football" ahead of next year's 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification. Also Read - PCB turns to LinkedIn to hire new fielding coach after Test shake-up "We are playing Brazil for the first time in history. We must think positively. We must focus on only one thing: India must go ahead. Our main target is next year, 2027, Asian Cup qualification. Before that, we are playing with strong teams. This is a very good thing happening for Indian football,” Jamil said to news agency PTI in an interview on Wednesday (Sep 2). "This is history for India. If anybody talks negatively, he must stop. We need support from the fans. I feel that if the crowd supports India 100 per cent, the players will be motivated and will perform well. It is very useful for the players and for everyone. It is a motivation. It is one step, and then the next step is that we need to play more matches to gain confidence," he added. Where to buy India vs Brazil match tickets The India vs Brazil match is scheduled to be played on October 3 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, starting at 7:00 PM IST. The gates will open at 4:00 PM IST for ticket holders, who can make purchases via the District app. Below are the ticket prices for various stands, which start at INR 999 and go up to INR 15,000:

<p>India will play Brazil for the first time in a historic friendly on Oct 3 in Kolkata, alongside games vs Panama and Uruguay. Head coach Khalid Jamil called it a turning point for Indian football.</p>

India vs Brazil football friendly tickets go on sale and coach Khalid Jamil wants 'support from the fans'

<p>Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy has created history with his 350 not out for Bangladesh A against South Africa A in a four-day match in Potchefstroom, South Africa. The batter now holds the highest individual score by a Bangladesh player in first-class cricket, surpassing current Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Tamim Iqbal's 334 not out, which he scored back in 2020 in Dhaka during a Bangladesh Cricket League match. Hridoy's 350 is also the highest score by an overseas batter in South Africa in first-class cricket.</p><h2>Bangladesh batter Hridoy rewrites record books with 350 not out in South Africa</h2><p>Hridoy, who had played only 17 first-class games before the match against South Africa A, was largely considered a limited-overs batter, but has now done enough to change that reputation. He faced 481 balls for his unbeaten 350, which included 27 fours and 10 sixes, as Bangladesh A posted 676/8 before declaring against SA A's 512 in the first innings. The match ended in a draw after SA A scored 18/0 in their second innings.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-womens-champions-trophy-2027-india-host-venues-sri-lanka-1788374552917">India to host inaugural 2027 Women's Champions Trophy across Mumbai and Vadodara</a></p><p>Hridoy, with his 350, also crossed the 1,000-run mark in first-class cricket. He now has 1,345 runs in 26 innings across 18 matches at an average of 56, with four fifties and four hundreds.</p><p>Hridoy, in a chat after the reaching his double century, said: "I made my first-class debut in my hometown Bogura. Today, I scored a double-century on the same ground where we won the World Cup in 2020. I am thankful to the Almighty."</p><p>It is the same ground where Bangladesh won the U-19 World Cup in 2020.</p><p>Hridoy is also only the third Bangladesh batter to score a triple century, following Tamim (334 not out in 2020) and Raqibul Hasan (313 not out in 2007).</p><h2>How did Tamim react to Hridoy's record innings?</h2><p>Tamim, who now leads Bangladesh cricket as BCB chief, was ecstatic after his record was broken and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TamimOfficial/posts/1632121331610883">wrote on Facebook</a> (translated from Bangla): "Scoring an innings of 350 runs—regardless of the venue, level, or context is a magnificent feat. If that innings takes place in South Africa, it must be described as extraordinary. They say records are meant to be broken. I am delighted that my record has been surpassed. Congratulations to Towhid Hridoy on making history. Becoming the first batsman from the country to reach the 350-run mark is not merely a personal achievement; it is also a symbol of the progress of the nation's cricket."</p>

Towhid Hridoy scored a record-breaking 350* for Bangladesh A vs South Africa A, surpassing Tamim Iqbal's 334* for the highest first-class score by a Bangladeshi, drawing praise from Tamim.

Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy has created history with his 350 not out for Bangladesh A against South Africa A in a four-day match in Potchefstroom, South Africa. The batter now holds the highest individual score by a Bangladesh player in first-class cricket, surpassing current Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Tamim Iqbal's 334 not out, which he scored back in 2020 in Dhaka during a Bangladesh Cricket League match. Hridoy's 350 is also the highest score by an overseas batter in South Africa in first-class cricket. Bangladesh batter Hridoy rewrites record books with 350 not out in South Africa Hridoy, who had played only 17 first-class games before the match against South Africa A, was largely considered a limited-overs batter, but has now done enough to change that reputation. He faced 481 balls for his unbeaten 350, which included 27 fours and 10 sixes, as Bangladesh A posted 676/8 before declaring against SA A's 512 in the first innings. The match ended in a draw after SA A scored 18/0 in their second innings. Also Read - India to host inaugural 2027 Women's Champions Trophy across Mumbai and Vadodara Hridoy, with his 350, also crossed the 1,000-run mark in first-class cricket. He now has 1,345 runs in 26 innings across 18 matches at an average of 56, with four fifties and four hundreds. Hridoy, in a chat after the reaching his double century, said: "I made my first-class debut in my hometown Bogura. Today, I scored a double-century on the same ground where we won the World Cup in 2020. I am thankful to the Almighty." It is the same ground where Bangladesh won the U-19 World Cup in 2020. Hridoy is also only the third Bangladesh batter to score a triple century, following Tamim (334 not out in 2020) and Raqibul Hasan (313 not out in 2007). How did Tamim react to Hridoy's record innings? Tamim, who now leads Bangladesh cricket as BCB chief, was ecstatic after his record was broken and wrote on Facebook (translated from Bangla): "Scoring an innings of 350 runs—regardless of the venue, level, or context is a magnificent feat. If that innings takes place in South Africa, it must be described as extraordinary. They say records are meant to be broken. I am delighted that my record has been surpassed. Congratulations to Towhid Hridoy on making history. Becoming the first batsman from the country to reach the 350-run mark is not merely a personal achievement; it is also a symbol of the progress of the nation's cricket."

<p>Towhid Hridoy scored a record-breaking 350* for Bangladesh A vs South Africa A, surpassing Tamim Iqbal's 334* for the highest first-class score by a Bangladeshi, drawing praise from Tamim.</p>

Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy creates history with 350 not out in South Africa

<p>India remains Afghanistan cricket’s most important partner, Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman Mirwais Ashraf has said, praising New Delhi’s role in funding, venues, and bilateral cricket. In an exclusive interview with WION's Sidhant Sibal, Ashraf singled out the 2023 Asian Cricket Council meeting in Bahrain, held under Jay Shah’s presidency, when Afghanistan’s share of ACC distributions rose from about 6 percent to 15 percent, matching other Asian Full Members. “This was an important development… and provided additional financial support for the growth of the game,” he said.</p><p>He also thanked the BCCI for giving Afghanistan access to three Indian grounds—Dehradun, Greater Noida, and Lucknow—to stage international fixtures when home options were limited. India, he noted, was the first country to host Afghanistan’s maiden Test after it achieved Full Member status. Infrastructure is the unfinished chapter. India began four projects in Afghanistan: grounds in Paktika, Logar, and Balkh, and a guest house at Kandahar. “The ACB hopes that India will resume its support for the remaining projects,” Ashraf said, adding that the board would raise the issue with Indian officials.</p><p><strong>Also Read </strong>- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-womens-champions-trophy-2027-india-host-venues-sri-lanka-1788374552917">India to host inaugural 2027 Women's Champions Trophy across Mumbai and Vadodara</a></p><p>He pointed out that Afghanistan's cricket rise is no longer a surprise but the product of talent, planning, and a widening domestic pathway. “Natural talent, unity, and hard work” sit alongside board strategy, he said. Full interview:</p><p><strong>Sidhant Sibal:</strong> How do you see the standing of Afghan cricket currently in the global cricketing world?</p><p><strong>Mirwais Ashraf:</strong> Afghanistan cricket has achieved several major milestones across ICC, ACC, and bilateral competitions in recent years. At the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Afghanistan produced their best-ever ODI World Cup campaign, defeating England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands and finishing sixth overall in the tournament. Afghanistan then reached the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 for the first time in their history. During that remarkable campaign, they recorded memorable victories over teams including New Zealand, Australia, Bangladesh, and Uganda. Their strong performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup also earned them qualification for their maiden ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. Afghanistan continued to make history at that tournament by defeating England, registering their first-ever Champions Trophy victory.</p><p>Success has not been limited to the senior national team. Afghan Abdalyan (Afghanistan A) won the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, defeating Sri Lanka A in the final to claim their first title in the competition. At the youth level, the Afghanistan U19 national team reached the semi-finals of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, further demonstrating the strength and depth of Afghanistan’s developing cricket structure. These outstanding performances across the senior, A-team, and U19 levels reflect Afghanistan’s continued rise and growing presence in international cricket.</p><p>Afghanistan’s progress has also been evident outside ICC and ACC tournaments. In bilateral cricket, the national team has produced impressive performances and recorded significant series and match victories against established international sides such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and South Africa. Together, these achievements demonstrate Afghanistan cricket’s growing competitiveness, depth, and ability to perform consistently against leading teams on the international stage.</p><p><strong>Sidhant Sibal:</strong> Afghanistan cricket has achieved notable successes in recent ICC events, including strong showings in the 2024 T20 World Cup. What do you see as the key factors behind this progress, and how is the Board sustaining that momentum?</p><p><strong>Mirwais Ashraf:</strong> Several key factors have contributed to Afghanistan’s major achievements at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, and ICC Champions Trophy 2025. One of the most important factors behind Afghanistan’s remarkable progress in international cricket is the country’s natural cricketing talent, combined with the dedication, unity, discipline, and hard work of the players.</p><p>At the same time, the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s (ACB) strategic planning and preparation played a significant role in the national team’s outstanding performances at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. As part of its preparations, the ACB organized the Shpageeza Cricket League ahead of the World Cup, providing national team players with valuable competitive match exposure before the tournament. In addition, the team traveled to the West Indies well in advance of the competition to participate in conditioning and preparation camps. This early arrival helped the players adapt to the local weather, pitches, and playing conditions, which proved highly beneficial during the tournament.</p><p>The appointment of former West Indies star Dwayne “DJ” Bravo as the team’s mentor was another important step. His extensive international experience, particularly in T20 cricket and Caribbean conditions, provided additional technical and strategic support to the players and coaching staff. Together, these measures formed part of a well-planned preparation strategy that contributed significantly to Afghanistan’s impressive World Cup campaign.</p><p>More broadly, the combination of natural talent, a stronger domestic cricket structure, regular competitive exposure, improved player welfare, greater international experience, the participation of national team players in domestic competitions, specialized high-performance programs, and continued investment in qualified technical and coaching staff has helped create a stronger and more sustainable cricketing system in Afghanistan.</p><p><strong>Sidhant Sibal:</strong> Infrastructure and grassroots development remain critical for a cricket-playing nation like Afghanistan. What are the Board’s current priorities for expanding facilities, academies, and pathways across the provinces?</p><p><strong>Mirwais Ashraf:</strong> The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has continued to make significant investments in cricket infrastructure across the country. At present, the ACB has around 15 cricket grounds and approximately 20 cricket academies nationwide. Eight of these grounds have already been equipped with facilities approaching international standards, including academies, pavilions, grandstands, and other essential infrastructure. The ACB is also working to further upgrade these venues to meet higher international standards. Planned and ongoing improvements include the construction of additional grandstands, installation of spectator seating, floodlights for day-night matches, guest houses, gyms, and other facilities required for high-level domestic and international cricket.</p><p>One of the ACB’s most ambitious infrastructure projects is the recently launched Kabul International Cricket Complex, which is being developed on approximately 86 Jerib (172,000 square meters) of land. The complex is planned to include a main international cricket ground, two additional ovals, indoor and outdoor academies featuring different types of wickets, spectator stands with a capacity of around 50,000, dedicated media and broadcast production facilities, a guest house, fitness gym, game zone, swimming pool, rehabilitation center, parking areas, and several other facilities required for a modern international cricket venue.</p><p>With an estimated investment of approximately USD 45 million, the Kabul International Cricket Complex represents a major long-term project for Afghanistan cricket. The ACB is contributing its own resources to the development while also seeking support from donors and development partners to help complete the project and establish a world-class cricket facility. We have already shared our proposals with a number of countries and donor organizations, and we remain hopeful that they will contribute to these initiatives in support of cricket development in Afghanistan. Their support would play an important role in creating more opportunities for young players, nurturing the country’s natural cricketing talent, and strengthening the long-term development of the game.</p><p>Infrastructure development has also expanded significantly at the provincial level. In 2025 alone, the ACB constructed four new cricket grounds in Logar, Laghman, Baghlan, and Balkh provinces, in addition to establishing 11 cricket academies across different parts of the country. We have paid particular attention to regions where cricket opportunities and facilities have traditionally been limited, especially in the northern parts of the country.</p><p>We are confident that our academy project in Badakhshan that was completed in 2024—one of Afghanistan’s remote provinces—together with the development of cricket grounds in Balkh and Baghlan, recently completed, will play a significant role in expanding access to professional cricket opportunities for young people in these regions. These projects are expected to help identify and nurture local talent, improve access to proper training facilities, and create a stronger pathway for young cricketers to develop their skills and pursue opportunities within Afghanistan’s cricketing system.</p><p>Alongside infrastructure development, the ACB has also expanded its high-performance structure. In addition to the main High-Performance Center (HPC) at the Afghanistan Cricket Board, the ACB has recently established Regional High-Performance Centers (RHPCs). These regional centers are designed to provide structured training, coaching, talent identification, and player development opportunities closer to where players live. The establishment of RHPCs is expected to significantly strengthen Afghanistan’s talent pathway by allowing promising players from different regions to receive high-quality coaching and performance support without relying solely on the central HPC in Kabul. This will help broaden the national talent pool, improve the transition from grassroots and domestic cricket to higher levels, and ensure that talented players from across the country have a clearer pathway toward professional and international cricket.</p><p><strong>Sidhant Sibal:</strong> Domestic competitions and the Afghanistan Premier League (or similar structures) are vital for talent identification. What is the vision for strengthening the domestic calendar and professional opportunities for Afghan cricketers?</p><p><strong>Mirwais Ashraf:</strong> Afghanistan’s domestic cricket structure has played a central role in identifying, developing, and preparing players who now represent the country at the international level. One of the major competitions is the Afghanistan Premier League (APL), preparations for the second edition of which are currently underway. As part of this process, three teams were sold during a special ceremony held in Dubai on August 25. The event also featured the unveiling of the APL’s striking new trophy, which received widespread praise for its distinctive design and visual appeal. The player registration process has also commenced, while the players’ draft ceremony is expected to be held in the near future.</p><p>Another major competition is the Shpageeza Cricket League, one of Afghanistan’s leading domestic tournaments. Its most recent, 11th edition was held in Khost province and featured high-standard production and broadcast coverage. The competition brings together many of Afghanistan’s most prominent national team players and popular cricket stars, while also providing an important platform for emerging players to showcase their abilities, gain valuable competitive exposure, and progress toward professional and international cricket. It is also noteworthy that Afghan Abdalyan was largely formed from the standout performers of the 2024 Shpageeza Cricket League. The team went on to compete in the Emerging Asia Cup that same year and achieved historic success by winning the championship title.</p><p>This achievement demonstrated the important role of domestic competitions in identifying talented players and preparing them for higher levels of international cricket. Age-group cricket has been equally important in developing the next generation of Afghan cricketers. Many players who currently represent the Afghanistan National Team and Afghan Abdalyan have progressed through these domestic, age-group, and high-performance pathways. Together, these competitions form an important part of the ACB’s player-development system and help ensure a continuous supply of talent for Afghanistan cricket.</p><p>The Afghanistan Cricket Board has developed a clear domestic cricket pathway that starts with around 500 registered clubs and 8,000 players nationwide. Top performers progress through Grade Two and Grade One provincial competitions, then move into regional and major domestic tournaments such as three-day cricket, First-Class cricket, List A, the National T20 Cup, and the Shpageeza Cricket League.</p><p>This step-by-step structure creates a direct pathway from grassroots cricket to Afghan Abdalyan and ultimately the senior national team. Another important element of Afghanistan’s domestic cricket development has been the live broadcast of major competitions. Leading events, including First-Class, List A, the National T20 Cup, and the Shpageeza Cricket League, are broadcast live, giving young and emerging cricketers valuable exposure on a professional platform. The combination of a structured pathway from club cricket to provincial, regional, A-team, and national-team levels, together with high-quality competitions and live broadcasting, has created a strong platform for talent development. It has enabled Afghanistan to continuously identify promising players, provide them with meaningful competitive experience, and prepare them for the demands of international cricket.</p><p><strong>Sidhant Sibal:</strong> How has the Afghanistan Cricket Board benefited from India's support in developing cricket infrastructure and training facilities over the years?</p><p><strong>Mirwais Ashraf:</strong> India has extended valuable support to the Afghanistan Cricket Board on a number of occasions, and we remain appreciative of that cooperation. One significant example came during the Asian Cricket Council meeting held in Bahrain in 2023, when the ACB raised the issue of Afghanistan’s share of the ACC’s financial distribution. At the time, Afghanistan was receiving approximately 6 percent, despite being a Full Member. Following discussions at the meeting, under the presidency of Mr. Jay Shah, Afghanistan’s share was increased to 15 percent, bringing it in line with the other Full Member cricket boards in Asia. This was an important development for Afghanistan cricket and provided additional financial support for the growth of the game.</p><p>We are sincerely grateful to India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their valuable support in providing Afghanistan with access to three cricket venues in India—Dehradun, Greater Noida, and Lucknow—where we host our international events. These venues played an important role in ensuring the continuity of our cricketing programs.</p><p>India had also initiated four cricket infrastructure projects in four provinces of Afghanistan, including cricket grounds in Paktika, Logar, and Balkh, as well as a guest house at the Kandahar Cricket Ground. Following the change of government in Afghanistan, three of these projects remained incomplete, while the guest house project at the Kandahar venue was completed. The Afghanistan Cricket Board hopes that India will resume its support for the remaining projects and facilitate their completion. The ACB intends to raise this matter during its upcoming meeting with Indian officials and discuss possible ways forward for completing these important infrastructure projects.</p><p><strong>Sidhant Sibal:</strong> Are there plans for more bilateral series between India and Afghanistan beyond multilateral tournaments?</p><p><strong>Mirwais Ashraf:</strong> In bilateral cricket, we remain deeply appreciative of the support and cooperation of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). After Afghanistan gained Full Member status, India became the first country to host Afghanistan in its historic maiden Test match, marking an important milestone in the development of Afghan cricket.</p><p>In recent years, Afghanistan and India have increasingly engaged in bilateral cricket. India hosted Afghanistan for a highly competitive and entertaining T20I series that produced quality cricket, close contests, and memorable moments for fans of both nations. This year, the two sides have been involved across all three formats. India hosted Afghanistan for a Test and ODI series, and Afghanistan is now set to host India for a T20I series. This growing bilateral engagement reflects the strength of the cricketing relationship between the two countries.</p><p>Bilateral cricket, particularly in the shorter formats, not only provides exciting contests for cricket fans around the world but also creates valuable opportunities for Afghan players to compete against top-quality opposition, gain experience in high-pressure situations, and further develop their skills in modern international cricket. We hope this cooperation will continue and expand in the years ahead. We also encourage all Full Member cricket boards to strengthen bilateral engagement with Afghanistan, with the focus remaining on cricket and sporting cooperation. Regular bilateral cricket can contribute significantly to player development, competitive growth, and stronger friendly relations between cricketing nations.</p><p><strong>Sidhant Sibal:</strong> What steps is the ACB taking to strengthen long-term cricket ties with India amid regional geopolitical challenges? We saw how Pakistani strikes killed Afghan cricketers.</p><p><strong>Mirwais Ashraf:</strong> Cricket is a gentleman’s game and has always carried a message of friendship, peace, mutual respect, and entertainment across the world. Afghanistan strongly believes in building positive and healthy relationships with other countries, not only through sport but also in wider areas such as economic, social, and diplomatic cooperation.</p><p>As part of this approach, Afghanistan recently invited and hosted the Uzbekistan national cricket team and played a T20 match against them. The Afghanistan Cricket Board has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Uzbekistan to provide technical support, assist in the development of their coaching staff, and contribute to the training and development of their players.</p><p>Our cooperation is not limited to Uzbekistan. The ACB has similar agreements and development partnerships with a number of emerging cricket nations. These initiatives reflect Afghanistan’s goodwill, its commitment to strengthening international cricket relationships, and its willingness to contribute to the development of the game beyond its own borders. We hope to see the same spirit of cooperation from other cricketing nations, particularly our neighboring countries. Strong sporting relationships can create mutual understanding, strengthen friendships between nations, and contribute to the continued growth and development of cricket across the region and beyond.</p>

ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf praised India’s vital support in funding and venues while highlighting natural talent, structured domestic pathways, and board strategy behind Afghanistan's rise.

India remains Afghanistan cricket’s most important partner, Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman Mirwais Ashraf has said, praising New Delhi’s role in funding, venues, and bilateral cricket. In an exclusive interview with WION's Sidhant Sibal, Ashraf singled out the 2023 Asian Cricket Council meeting in Bahrain, held under Jay Shah’s presidency, when Afghanistan’s share of ACC distributions rose from about 6 percent to 15 percent, matching other Asian Full Members. “This was an important development… and provided additional financial support for the growth of the game,” he said. He also thanked the BCCI for giving Afghanistan access to three Indian grounds—Dehradun, Greater Noida, and Lucknow—to stage international fixtures when home options were limited. India, he noted, was the first country to host Afghanistan’s maiden Test after it achieved Full Member status. Infrastructure is the unfinished chapter. India began four projects in Afghanistan: grounds in Paktika, Logar, and Balkh, and a guest house at Kandahar. “The ACB hopes that India will resume its support for the remaining projects,” Ashraf said, adding that the board would raise the issue with Indian officials. Also Read - India to host inaugural 2027 Women's Champions Trophy across Mumbai and Vadodara He pointed out that Afghanistan's cricket rise is no longer a surprise but the product of talent, planning, and a widening domestic pathway. “Natural talent, unity, and hard work” sit alongside board strategy, he said. Full interview: Sidhant Sibal: How do you see the standing of Afghan cricket currently in the global cricketing world? Mirwais Ashraf: Afghanistan cricket has achieved several major milestones across ICC, ACC, and bilateral competitions in recent years. At the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Afghanistan produced their best-ever ODI World Cup campaign, defeating England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands and finishing sixth overall in the tournament. Afghanistan then reached the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 for the first time in their history. During that remarkable campaign, they recorded memorable victories over teams including New Zealand, Australia, Bangladesh, and Uganda. Their strong performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup also earned them qualification for their maiden ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. Afghanistan continued to make history at that tournament by defeating England, registering their first-ever Champions Trophy victory. Success has not been limited to the senior national team. Afghan Abdalyan (Afghanistan A) won the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, defeating Sri Lanka A in the final to claim their first title in the competition. At the youth level, the Afghanistan U19 national team reached the semi-finals of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, further demonstrating the strength and depth of Afghanistan’s developing cricket structure. These outstanding performances across the senior, A-team, and U19 levels reflect Afghanistan’s continued rise and growing presence in international cricket. Afghanistan’s progress has also been evident outside ICC and ACC tournaments. In bilateral cricket, the national team has produced impressive performances and recorded significant series and match victories against established international sides such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and South Africa. Together, these achievements demonstrate Afghanistan cricket’s growing competitiveness, depth, and ability to perform consistently against leading teams on the international stage. Sidhant Sibal: Afghanistan cricket has achieved notable successes in recent ICC events, including strong showings in the 2024 T20 World Cup. What do you see as the key factors behind this progress, and how is the Board sustaining that momentum? Mirwais Ashraf: Several key factors have contributed to Afghanistan’s major achievements at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, and ICC Champions Trophy 2025. One of the most important factors behind Afghanistan’s remarkable progress in international cricket is the country’s natural cricketing talent, combined with the dedication, unity, discipline, and hard work of the players. At the same time, the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s (ACB) strategic planning and preparation played a significant role in the national team’s outstanding performances at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. As part of its preparations, the ACB organized the Shpageeza Cricket League ahead of the World Cup, providing national team players with valuable competitive match exposure before the tournament. In addition, the team traveled to the West Indies well in advance of the competition to participate in conditioning and preparation camps. This early arrival helped the players adapt to the local weather, pitches, and playing conditions, which proved highly beneficial during the tournament. The appointment of former West Indies star Dwayne “DJ” Bravo as the team’s mentor was another important step. His extensive international experience, particularly in T20 cricket and Caribbean conditions, provided additional technical and strategic support to the players and coaching staff. Together, these measures formed part of a well-planned preparation strategy that contributed significantly to Afghanistan’s impressive World Cup campaign. More broadly, the combination of natural talent, a stronger domestic cricket structure, regular competitive exposure, improved player welfare, greater international experience, the participation of national team players in domestic competitions, specialized high-performance programs, and continued investment in qualified technical and coaching staff has helped create a stronger and more sustainable cricketing system in Afghanistan. Sidhant Sibal: Infrastructure and grassroots development remain critical for a cricket-playing nation like Afghanistan. What are the Board’s current priorities for expanding facilities, academies, and pathways across the provinces? Mirwais Ashraf: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has continued to make significant investments in cricket infrastructure across the country. At present, the ACB has around 15 cricket grounds and approximately 20 cricket academies nationwide. Eight of these grounds have already been equipped with facilities approaching international standards, including academies, pavilions, grandstands, and other essential infrastructure. The ACB is also working to further upgrade these venues to meet higher international standards. Planned and ongoing improvements include the construction of additional grandstands, installation of spectator seating, floodlights for day-night matches, guest houses, gyms, and other facilities required for high-level domestic and international cricket. One of the ACB’s most ambitious infrastructure projects is the recently launched Kabul International Cricket Complex, which is being developed on approximately 86 Jerib (172,000 square meters) of land. The complex is planned to include a main international cricket ground, two additional ovals, indoor and outdoor academies featuring different types of wickets, spectator stands with a capacity of around 50,000, dedicated media and broadcast production facilities, a guest house, fitness gym, game zone, swimming pool, rehabilitation center, parking areas, and several other facilities required for a modern international cricket venue. With an estimated investment of approximately USD 45 million, the Kabul International Cricket Complex represents a major long-term project for Afghanistan cricket. The ACB is contributing its own resources to the development while also seeking support from donors and development partners to help complete the project and establish a world-class cricket facility. We have already shared our proposals with a number of countries and donor organizations, and we remain hopeful that they will contribute to these initiatives in support of cricket development in Afghanistan. Their support would play an important role in creating more opportunities for young players, nurturing the country’s natural cricketing talent, and strengthening the long-term development of the game. Infrastructure development has also expanded significantly at the provincial level. In 2025 alone, the ACB constructed four new cricket grounds in Logar, Laghman, Baghlan, and Balkh provinces, in addition to establishing 11 cricket academies across different parts of the country. We have paid particular attention to regions where cricket opportunities and facilities have traditionally been limited, especially in the northern parts of the country. We are confident that our academy project in Badakhshan that was completed in 2024—one of Afghanistan’s remote provinces—together with the development of cricket grounds in Balkh and Baghlan, recently completed, will play a significant role in expanding access to professional cricket opportunities for young people in these regions. These projects are expected to help identify and nurture local talent, improve access to proper training facilities, and create a stronger pathway for young cricketers to develop their skills and pursue opportunities within Afghanistan’s cricketing system. Alongside infrastructure development, the ACB has also expanded its high-performance structure. In addition to the main High-Performance Center (HPC) at the Afghanistan Cricket Board, the ACB has recently established Regional High-Performance Centers (RHPCs). These regional centers are designed to provide structured training, coaching, talent identification, and player development opportunities closer to where players live. The establishment of RHPCs is expected to significantly strengthen Afghanistan’s talent pathway by allowing promising players from different regions to receive high-quality coaching and performance support without relying solely on the central HPC in Kabul. This will help broaden the national talent pool, improve the transition from grassroots and domestic cricket to higher levels, and ensure that talented players from across the country have a clearer pathway toward professional and international cricket. Sidhant Sibal: Domestic competitions and the Afghanistan Premier League (or similar structures) are vital for talent identification. What is the vision for strengthening the domestic calendar and professional opportunities for Afghan cricketers? Mirwais Ashraf: Afghanistan’s domestic cricket structure has played a central role in identifying, developing, and preparing players who now represent the country at the international level. One of the major competitions is the Afghanistan Premier League (APL), preparations for the second edition of which are currently underway. As part of this process, three teams were sold during a special ceremony held in Dubai on August 25. The event also featured the unveiling of the APL’s striking new trophy, which received widespread praise for its distinctive design and visual appeal. The player registration process has also commenced, while the players’ draft ceremony is expected to be held in the near future. Another major competition is the Shpageeza Cricket League, one of Afghanistan’s leading domestic tournaments. Its most recent, 11th edition was held in Khost province and featured high-standard production and broadcast coverage. The competition brings together many of Afghanistan’s most prominent national team players and popular cricket stars, while also providing an important platform for emerging players to showcase their abilities, gain valuable competitive exposure, and progress toward professional and international cricket. It is also noteworthy that Afghan Abdalyan was largely formed from the standout performers of the 2024 Shpageeza Cricket League. The team went on to compete in the Emerging Asia Cup that same year and achieved historic success by winning the championship title. This achievement demonstrated the important role of domestic competitions in identifying talented players and preparing them for higher levels of international cricket. Age-group cricket has been equally important in developing the next generation of Afghan cricketers. Many players who currently represent the Afghanistan National Team and Afghan Abdalyan have progressed through these domestic, age-group, and high-performance pathways. Together, these competitions form an important part of the ACB’s player-development system and help ensure a continuous supply of talent for Afghanistan cricket. The Afghanistan Cricket Board has developed a clear domestic cricket pathway that starts with around 500 registered clubs and 8,000 players nationwide. Top performers progress through Grade Two and Grade One provincial competitions, then move into regional and major domestic tournaments such as three-day cricket, First-Class cricket, List A, the National T20 Cup, and the Shpageeza Cricket League. This step-by-step structure creates a direct pathway from grassroots cricket to Afghan Abdalyan and ultimately the senior national team. Another important element of Afghanistan’s domestic cricket development has been the live broadcast of major competitions. Leading events, including First-Class, List A, the National T20 Cup, and the Shpageeza Cricket League, are broadcast live, giving young and emerging cricketers valuable exposure on a professional platform. The combination of a structured pathway from club cricket to provincial, regional, A-team, and national-team levels, together with high-quality competitions and live broadcasting, has created a strong platform for talent development. It has enabled Afghanistan to continuously identify promising players, provide them with meaningful competitive experience, and prepare them for the demands of international cricket. Sidhant Sibal: How has the Afghanistan Cricket Board benefited from India's support in developing cricket infrastructure and training facilities over the years? Mirwais Ashraf: India has extended valuable support to the Afghanistan Cricket Board on a number of occasions, and we remain appreciative of that cooperation. One significant example came during the Asian Cricket Council meeting held in Bahrain in 2023, when the ACB raised the issue of Afghanistan’s share of the ACC’s financial distribution. At the time, Afghanistan was receiving approximately 6 percent, despite being a Full Member. Following discussions at the meeting, under the presidency of Mr. Jay Shah, Afghanistan’s share was increased to 15 percent, bringing it in line with the other Full Member cricket boards in Asia. This was an important development for Afghanistan cricket and provided additional financial support for the growth of the game. We are sincerely grateful to India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their valuable support in providing Afghanistan with access to three cricket venues in India—Dehradun, Greater Noida, and Lucknow—where we host our international events. These venues played an important role in ensuring the continuity of our cricketing programs. India had also initiated four cricket infrastructure projects in four provinces of Afghanistan, including cricket grounds in Paktika, Logar, and Balkh, as well as a guest house at the Kandahar Cricket Ground. Following the change of government in Afghanistan, three of these projects remained incomplete, while the guest house project at the Kandahar venue was completed. The Afghanistan Cricket Board hopes that India will resume its support for the remaining projects and facilitate their completion. The ACB intends to raise this matter during its upcoming meeting with Indian officials and discuss possible ways forward for completing these important infrastructure projects. Sidhant Sibal: Are there plans for more bilateral series between India and Afghanistan beyond multilateral tournaments? Mirwais Ashraf: In bilateral cricket, we remain deeply appreciative of the support and cooperation of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). After Afghanistan gained Full Member status, India became the first country to host Afghanistan in its historic maiden Test match, marking an important milestone in the development of Afghan cricket. In recent years, Afghanistan and India have increasingly engaged in bilateral cricket. India hosted Afghanistan for a highly competitive and entertaining T20I series that produced quality cricket, close contests, and memorable moments for fans of both nations. This year, the two sides have been involved across all three formats. India hosted Afghanistan for a Test and ODI series, and Afghanistan is now set to host India for a T20I series. This growing bilateral engagement reflects the strength of the cricketing relationship between the two countries. Bilateral cricket, particularly in the shorter formats, not only provides exciting contests for cricket fans around the world but also creates valuable opportunities for Afghan players to compete against top-quality opposition, gain experience in high-pressure situations, and further develop their skills in modern international cricket. We hope this cooperation will continue and expand in the years ahead. We also encourage all Full Member cricket boards to strengthen bilateral engagement with Afghanistan, with the focus remaining on cricket and sporting cooperation. Regular bilateral cricket can contribute significantly to player development, competitive growth, and stronger friendly relations between cricketing nations. Sidhant Sibal: What steps is the ACB taking to strengthen long-term cricket ties with India amid regional geopolitical challenges? We saw how Pakistani strikes killed Afghan cricketers. Mirwais Ashraf: Cricket is a gentleman’s game and has always carried a message of friendship, peace, mutual respect, and entertainment across the world. Afghanistan strongly believes in building positive and healthy relationships with other countries, not only through sport but also in wider areas such as economic, social, and diplomatic cooperation. As part of this approach, Afghanistan recently invited and hosted the Uzbekistan national cricket team and played a T20 match against them. The Afghanistan Cricket Board has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Uzbekistan to provide technical support, assist in the development of their coaching staff, and contribute to the training and development of their players. Our cooperation is not limited to Uzbekistan. The ACB has similar agreements and development partnerships with a number of emerging cricket nations. These initiatives reflect Afghanistan’s goodwill, its commitment to strengthening international cricket relationships, and its willingness to contribute to the development of the game beyond its own borders. We hope to see the same spirit of cooperation from other cricketing nations, particularly our neighboring countries. Strong sporting relationships can create mutual understanding, strengthen friendships between nations, and contribute to the continued growth and development of cricket across the region and beyond.

<p>ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf praised India’s vital support in funding and venues while highlighting natural talent, structured domestic pathways, and board strategy behind Afghanistan's rise.</p>

Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman Mirwais Ashraf credits players’ hard work &  partnership with India for rise of Afghan Cricket

<p>The NBA on Tuesday walloped the Los Angeles Clippers with a record $30 million fine, stripped the team of five first-round draft picks and banned owner Steve Ballmer for a year after a probe uncovered major salary cap violations involving star Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers, who said they plan to fight the punishments, will forfeit a first-round NBA Draft pick every year 2029-2033 after having been found to have aided Leonard in evading salary cap rules in deals with team corporate sponsors when he signed in 2022.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/enzo-fernandez-reacts-after-joining-built-for-success-manchester-city-in-record-deal-1788337166040">Enzo Fernandez reacts after joining 'built for success' City in record deal</a></p><p>Clippers owner Ballmer was banned from all league and team activities for one year, president of business operations Gillian Zucker was suspended for a year and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank was suspended for six months, while Leonard was fined $700,000.</p><p>The $30 million fine is comfortably the largest ever imposed on a team by the NBA, eclipsing the previous largest penalty of $3.5 million against the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2000 for breaching salary cap rules.</p><p>"I'm deeply disappointed by the flagrant violations of our rules and by the Clippers' institutional and leadership failures that led to this misconduct," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said.</p><p>"The severity of the penalties reflects the seriousness of the violations."</p><p>The Clippers, responding in a statement, said the probe was biased to fit what the team called a "predetermined narrative" and vowed to challenge the penalties.</p><p>"We vehemently reject the NBA's findings, which are the result of a heavily biased investigation seeking to justify a predetermined narrative rather than facts and evidence," a club statement said.</p><p>The Clippers said feedback it had received directly from the NBA "differs from what it announced today publicly."</p><p>"For the past year, we cooperated fully and in good faith and we will now fight just as hard to demonstrate our innocence," the statement said.</p><p>"We intend to vigorously challenge these findings and penalties through every avenue available to us and look forward to an ethical and impartial arbitration process."</p><p>The Clippers agreed to trade Leonard to Toronto in July but the Raptors said they would await the result of the investigation before finalizing the deal.</p><p>"As I return to Toronto, I am focused on what I can control, closing this chapter, and moving forward with a clean slate," Leonard said in a statement.</p><p>The investigation was into allegations the Clippers compensated Leonard $28 million through an endorsement deal with now-bankrupt Aspiration.</p><p>It found what the NBA called "a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant rules violations by the Clippers organization, a prior offender of the salary cap circumvention rules."</p><p>Law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen &amp; Katz found the Clippers initiated and facilitated sponsorship income deals between Leonard and four team corporate sponsors -- Aspiration, Boingo Wireless, Daktronics and Lockton Insurance.</p><p>The probe found the club induced companies to enter into agreements with Leonard by offering them business, also paid personal expenses for Leonard and his representatives, and failed to report improper solicitations for income opportunities by Leonard's then-business manager, Dennis Robertson.</p><p>Leonard, through Robertson, violated salary cap rules by obtaining improper off-court income, pressuring the Clippers to assist him in getting those opportunities and failing to reimburse the Clippers for expenses.</p><p>Robertson was banned from engaging with NBA teams on behalf of any player, employee or other NBA or team personnel for five years.</p><h2>'No knowledge'</h2><p>Leonard accepted responsibility for actions by his representatives but said he had no clue salary cap violations were involved.</p><p>"Integrity and respect for this game are fundamental to who I am. I accept full responsibility for lapses in judgment by people within my inner circle and regret the distraction this situation has caused the fans and my family," Leonard said in a statement.</p><p>"I entered into my contract with the Clippers as well as the agreements in question in good faith, fully committed to fulfilling my obligations and with no knowledge of any intent on anyone's part to circumvent the salary cap."</p><p>The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association agreed the penalties are final and binding to all parties but the league said it will "consider further action as appropriate."</p>

Clippers owner Ballmer was banned from all league and team activities for one year, president of business operations Gillian Zucker was suspended for a year and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank was suspended for six months, while Leonard was fined $700,000.

The NBA on Tuesday walloped the Los Angeles Clippers with a record $30 million fine, stripped the team of five first-round draft picks and banned owner Steve Ballmer for a year after a probe uncovered major salary cap violations involving star Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers, who said they plan to fight the punishments, will forfeit a first-round NBA Draft pick every year 2029-2033 after having been found to have aided Leonard in evading salary cap rules in deals with team corporate sponsors when he signed in 2022. Also Read - Enzo Fernandez reacts after joining 'built for success' City in record deal Clippers owner Ballmer was banned from all league and team activities for one year, president of business operations Gillian Zucker was suspended for a year and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank was suspended for six months, while Leonard was fined $700,000. The $30 million fine is comfortably the largest ever imposed on a team by the NBA, eclipsing the previous largest penalty of $3.5 million against the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2000 for breaching salary cap rules. "I'm deeply disappointed by the flagrant violations of our rules and by the Clippers' institutional and leadership failures that led to this misconduct," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said. "The severity of the penalties reflects the seriousness of the violations." The Clippers, responding in a statement, said the probe was biased to fit what the team called a "predetermined narrative" and vowed to challenge the penalties. "We vehemently reject the NBA's findings, which are the result of a heavily biased investigation seeking to justify a predetermined narrative rather than facts and evidence," a club statement said. The Clippers said feedback it had received directly from the NBA "differs from what it announced today publicly." "For the past year, we cooperated fully and in good faith and we will now fight just as hard to demonstrate our innocence," the statement said. "We intend to vigorously challenge these findings and penalties through every avenue available to us and look forward to an ethical and impartial arbitration process." The Clippers agreed to trade Leonard to Toronto in July but the Raptors said they would await the result of the investigation before finalizing the deal. "As I return to Toronto, I am focused on what I can control, closing this chapter, and moving forward with a clean slate," Leonard said in a statement. The investigation was into allegations the Clippers compensated Leonard $28 million through an endorsement deal with now-bankrupt Aspiration. It found what the NBA called "a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant rules violations by the Clippers organization, a prior offender of the salary cap circumvention rules." Law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz found the Clippers initiated and facilitated sponsorship income deals between Leonard and four team corporate sponsors -- Aspiration, Boingo Wireless, Daktronics and Lockton Insurance. The probe found the club induced companies to enter into agreements with Leonard by offering them business, also paid personal expenses for Leonard and his representatives, and failed to report improper solicitations for income opportunities by Leonard's then-business manager, Dennis Robertson. Leonard, through Robertson, violated salary cap rules by obtaining improper off-court income, pressuring the Clippers to assist him in getting those opportunities and failing to reimburse the Clippers for expenses. Robertson was banned from engaging with NBA teams on behalf of any player, employee or other NBA or team personnel for five years. 'No knowledge' Leonard accepted responsibility for actions by his representatives but said he had no clue salary cap violations were involved. "Integrity and respect for this game are fundamental to who I am. I accept full responsibility for lapses in judgment by people within my inner circle and regret the distraction this situation has caused the fans and my family," Leonard said in a statement. "I entered into my contract with the Clippers as well as the agreements in question in good faith, fully committed to fulfilling my obligations and with no knowledge of any intent on anyone's part to circumvent the salary cap." The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association agreed the penalties are final and binding to all parties but the league said it will "consider further action as appropriate."

<p>Clippers owner Ballmer was banned from all league and team activities for one year, president of business operations Gillian Zucker was suspended for a year and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank was suspended for six months, while Leonard was fined $700,000.</p>

NBA fines LA Clippers $30 million for salary cap violation involving Kawhi Leonard

<p>The ICC has shifted the venue for the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy in 2027 from Sri Lanka to India. Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium and the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium will host all matches, to be played in the T20 format, from February 14 to 28.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Despite losing the tournament's hosting rights due to the government’s interference in its cricket board, Sri Lanka will feature in this six-team competition, having qualified after being in the top six of the T20I rankings on the July 6 qualification cut-off date. The remaining five teams are hosts India, Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>According to an official release, the ICC assessed Bangladesh, India and South Africa as potential replacements against its established host evaluation criteria before zeroing in on India as Sri Lanka’s replacement host on Wednesday.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read| </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pcb-linkedin-fielding-coach-vacancy-pakistan-cricket-shakeup-1788356845017"><strong>PCB turns to LinkedIn to hire new fielding coach after Test shake-up</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>While Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium hasn’t hosted an international game since December 2022, when the Indian women’s team hosted Australia in T20Is, it hosted the Women’s Premier League (WPL) inaugural season in 2023. It later hosted some WPL matches in 2025. Vadodara, meanwhile, has also hosted WPL matches in the past two editions.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The women’s Champions Trophy was due to be Sri Lanka’s second ICC event in two years, since last co-hosting the men’s T20 World Cup with India in February this year. At this competition, the six participating teams will compete in a round-robin stage, with the top two sides advancing to the final on February 28.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, the SLC is under interim administration – the Transformation Committee, which was put in place by the Sri Lanka government and oversees major board changes. The ICC, however, does not recognise politically appointed administrations, and SLC members have been absent at ICC board meetings since the committee was put in place.</p>

India will host the inaugural ICC Women's Champions Trophy in 2027 after the venue was moved from Sri Lanka. Matches take place in Mumbai and Vadodara from Feb 14 to 28. 

The ICC has shifted the venue for the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy in 2027 from Sri Lanka to India. Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium and the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium will host all matches, to be played in the T20 format, from February 14 to 28. Despite losing the tournament's hosting rights due to the government’s interference in its cricket board, Sri Lanka will feature in this six-team competition, having qualified after being in the top six of the T20I rankings on the July 6 qualification cut-off date. The remaining five teams are hosts India, Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa. According to an official release, the ICC assessed Bangladesh, India and South Africa as potential replacements against its established host evaluation criteria before zeroing in on India as Sri Lanka’s replacement host on Wednesday. Also read| PCB turns to LinkedIn to hire new fielding coach after Test shake-up While Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium hasn’t hosted an international game since December 2022, when the Indian women’s team hosted Australia in T20Is, it hosted the Women’s Premier League (WPL) inaugural season in 2023. It later hosted some WPL matches in 2025. Vadodara, meanwhile, has also hosted WPL matches in the past two editions. The women’s Champions Trophy was due to be Sri Lanka’s second ICC event in two years, since last co-hosting the men’s T20 World Cup with India in February this year. At this competition, the six participating teams will compete in a round-robin stage, with the top two sides advancing to the final on February 28. Meanwhile, the SLC is under interim administration – the Transformation Committee, which was put in place by the Sri Lanka government and oversees major board changes. The ICC, however, does not recognise politically appointed administrations, and SLC members have been absent at ICC board meetings since the committee was put in place.

<p>India will host the inaugural ICC Women's Champions Trophy in 2027 after the venue was moved from Sri Lanka. Matches take place in Mumbai and Vadodara from Feb 14 to 28.&nbsp;</p>

India to host inaugural 2027 Women's Champions Trophy across Mumbai and Vadodara

<p>Golf veteran Tiger Woods had his driver’s license suspended for five years on Wednesday (Sep 2) after pleading no contest to careless and reckless driving charges following a Florida car crash in March.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"If you were to drive for any reason at all you would go immediately back to jail," Judge Darren Steele said to Woods during a live streamed hearing at the Martin County Courthouse in Stuart, Florida.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read| </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-set-to-change-his-no-guilty-plea-in-dui-crash-from-march-1788317279728"><strong>Tiger Woods set to change his 'no guilty' plea in DUI crash from March</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>Initially, Woods faced a severe offence of driving under the influence (DUI), but that was dropped under the terms of an agreement with prosecutors in which he pleaded no contest to lesser charges of careless and reckless driving. Had he been convicted on the DUI charge, Woods would have faced jail time.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The 15-time major champion was accompanied to the court hearing by his girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of President Donald Trump's son Donald Trump Jr.</p><h2>What Happened?</h2><p>On March 27, Woods was involved in a rollover car crash near his Jupiter Island home, where his SUV clipped a truck pulling a trailer as he attempted to overtake on a narrow residential road. Although the authorities determined that Woods had not been under the influence of alcohol, he appeared to be impaired.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Having undergone several back operations and surgeries for severe leg injuries suffered in a 2021 car accident in California, Woods was found to have two pills containing the opioid painkiller hydrocodone in his pocket. He then refused a urinalysis and was charged, jailed and released on bond.<br>Meanwhile, Woods initially pleaded not guilty to charges of DUI with property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test, revealing to the authorities that he was looking at his phone and changing radio channels when the accident occurred.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Days later, he said he was "stepping away" to seek treatment and focus on his health.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i>(With inputs from AFP)</i></p>

Tiger Woods had his driver’s license suspended for five years on Wednesday after pleading no contest to reckless driving in his Florida crash case.

Golf veteran Tiger Woods had his driver’s license suspended for five years on Wednesday (Sep 2) after pleading no contest to careless and reckless driving charges following a Florida car crash in March. "If you were to drive for any reason at all you would go immediately back to jail," Judge Darren Steele said to Woods during a live streamed hearing at the Martin County Courthouse in Stuart, Florida. Also read| Tiger Woods set to change his 'no guilty' plea in DUI crash from March Initially, Woods faced a severe offence of driving under the influence (DUI), but that was dropped under the terms of an agreement with prosecutors in which he pleaded no contest to lesser charges of careless and reckless driving. Had he been convicted on the DUI charge, Woods would have faced jail time. The 15-time major champion was accompanied to the court hearing by his girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of President Donald Trump's son Donald Trump Jr. What Happened? On March 27, Woods was involved in a rollover car crash near his Jupiter Island home, where his SUV clipped a truck pulling a trailer as he attempted to overtake on a narrow residential road. Although the authorities determined that Woods had not been under the influence of alcohol, he appeared to be impaired. Having undergone several back operations and surgeries for severe leg injuries suffered in a 2021 car accident in California, Woods was found to have two pills containing the opioid painkiller hydrocodone in his pocket. He then refused a urinalysis and was charged, jailed and released on bond. Meanwhile, Woods initially pleaded not guilty to charges of DUI with property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test, revealing to the authorities that he was looking at his phone and changing radio channels when the accident occurred. Days later, he said he was "stepping away" to seek treatment and focus on his health. (With inputs from AFP)

<p>Tiger Woods had his driver’s license suspended for five years on Wednesday after pleading no contest to reckless driving in his Florida crash case.</p>

Tiger Woods' driver's license suspended for 5 years after car crash

<p>The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) turned to job-hunting giant LinkedIn in search of its new fielding coach. The move comes less than a week after the PCB formally opened applications following Shane McDermott’s departure, and arrives amidst a major Test squad shake-up. Pakistan dropped seven squad players midway through the series and released two coaches. All those dropped and released were sent home after Pakistan conceded the three-match series.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The PCB posted the opening for the fielding coach position across formats on LinkedIn on Monday, writing, “The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is seeking an experienced and skilled Fielding Coach to join the Pakistan Men’s National Cricket Team. The Fielding Coach will play a crucial role in developing and enhancing the fielding skills of Pakistan National Team Players.”<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The post, however, instantly went viral on social media, with the recruitment manner drawing attention, as such an appeal from a cricket board for that position is unusual. Like every corporate or IT job opening, the PCB laid out the requirements. Those applying for the job must hold at least a Level II cricket coaching qualification and have a minimum of five years’ experience in a similar role. Candidates must also have worked with elite cricketers, national and international teams and franchise sides.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The cricket board also emphasised that the role would go beyond usual fielding drills, with candidates expected to have a deep understanding of game analysis and player development. Those interested in the role must also have experience in monitoring and evaluating systems and processes used at the top level to develop modern fielding techniques.</p>

<p>The last date for applying is September 9 through PCB’s official website.</p><h2>Widespread Squad Shake-Up</h2><p>After losing the second Test at Lord’s, the PCB made ground-breaking changes to the travelling entourage. While they released several first-team players, including Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad, and coaches Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul, white-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke have been asked to take over the coaching duties for the final Test.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Pakistan picked seven players in their places, including five uncapped ones: Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, and Razaullah. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who previously represented Pakistan in Tests, have also been recalled.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Read More| </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pcb-issues-show-cause-notice-selectors-rizwan-imam-picks-1788279578988"><strong>PCB demands explanation within 24 hours from selectors over Rizwan, Imam inclusion</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>Moreover, the PCB has issued a show-cause notice to the selection committee over the inclusion of Mohammad Rizwan and opener Imam-ul-Haq for the West Indies and England Tests. PCB chief selector Aaqib Javed has also launched a scathing attack on Imam over his calf strain, which prevented him from batting in the Lord’s Test, amid reports questioning the authenticity of his previous injuries.</p>

The PCB has posted a vacancy on LinkedIn for Pakistan's next national fielding coach following a major squad overhaul during the England Test series.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) turned to job-hunting giant LinkedIn in search of its new fielding coach. The move comes less than a week after the PCB formally opened applications following Shane McDermott’s departure, and arrives amidst a major Test squad shake-up. Pakistan dropped seven squad players midway through the series and released two coaches. All those dropped and released were sent home after Pakistan conceded the three-match series. The PCB posted the opening for the fielding coach position across formats on LinkedIn on Monday, writing, “The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is seeking an experienced and skilled Fielding Coach to join the Pakistan Men’s National Cricket Team. The Fielding Coach will play a crucial role in developing and enhancing the fielding skills of Pakistan National Team Players.” The post, however, instantly went viral on social media, with the recruitment manner drawing attention, as such an appeal from a cricket board for that position is unusual. Like every corporate or IT job opening, the PCB laid out the requirements. Those applying for the job must hold at least a Level II cricket coaching qualification and have a minimum of five years’ experience in a similar role. Candidates must also have worked with elite cricketers, national and international teams and franchise sides. The cricket board also emphasised that the role would go beyond usual fielding drills, with candidates expected to have a deep understanding of game analysis and player development. Those interested in the role must also have experience in monitoring and evaluating systems and processes used at the top level to develop modern fielding techniques.

<p>The PCB has posted a vacancy on LinkedIn for Pakistan's next national fielding coach following a major squad overhaul during the England Test series.</p>

PCB turns to LinkedIn to hire new fielding coach after Test shake-up

<p>India A will play three four-day matches in New Zealand ahead of the two-match Test series in late November. The ‘A’ games, from October 24 to November 10, will run parallel with India’s white-ball leg against the Kiwis, including five T20Is and three ODIs from October 22 to November 15. While the first ‘A’ match will be played from October 24 to 27 in Lincoln, the second will get underway from October 31 to November 3 in Christchurch and the third from November 7 to 10 in Lincoln.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>However, the ‘A’ series will also overlap with the domestic tournaments of both India and New Zealand.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>For the Indian players, this ‘A’ series will clash with the Ranji Trophy tournament, which starts on October 11 – meaning those picked for four-day matches in New Zealand will miss the opening rounds of the Ranji Trophy for their state teams. On the other hand, the ‘A’ tour will coincide with the Ford Trophy (One-Day Tournament), which takes place from October 28 to November 12.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read| </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tilak-varma-south-zone-north-zone-duleep-trophy-semifinal-2026-1788346593695"><strong>Tilak Varma's masterclass drives South Zone into Duleep Trophy final</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, India and New Zealand will see this ‘A’ series as preparatory matches for the two-match Test series, crucial to their respective World Test Championship (WTC) standings.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The Kiwis, placed third in the current WTC standings, will first host India before touring Australia for four Tests from November to January. After that, New Zealand will host Sri Lanka and travel to Pakistan as part of their WTC schedule.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Elsewhere, India is fifth in the standings after winning the away Sri Lanka Tests 1-0. The New Zealand Test series is their next assignment before they host Australia for five Tests in January-February next year, wrapping up their WTC schedule for this cycle.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>While Australia, South Africa and even New Zealand are top contenders for the 2027 WTC Final, two-time runners-up India could also make a late push for qualification. For Shubman Gill’s side to qualify for their third WTC Final, they must win at least five of their remaining seven matches.</p>

India A will play three four-day matches in New Zealand ahead of the two-Test WTC series in November. Read the full tour schedule and WTC breakdown.

India A will play three four-day matches in New Zealand ahead of the two-match Test series in late November. The ‘A’ games, from October 24 to November 10, will run parallel with India’s white-ball leg against the Kiwis, including five T20Is and three ODIs from October 22 to November 15. While the first ‘A’ match will be played from October 24 to 27 in Lincoln, the second will get underway from October 31 to November 3 in Christchurch and the third from November 7 to 10 in Lincoln. However, the ‘A’ series will also overlap with the domestic tournaments of both India and New Zealand. For the Indian players, this ‘A’ series will clash with the Ranji Trophy tournament, which starts on October 11 – meaning those picked for four-day matches in New Zealand will miss the opening rounds of the Ranji Trophy for their state teams. On the other hand, the ‘A’ tour will coincide with the Ford Trophy (One-Day Tournament), which takes place from October 28 to November 12. Also read| Tilak Varma's masterclass drives South Zone into Duleep Trophy final Meanwhile, India and New Zealand will see this ‘A’ series as preparatory matches for the two-match Test series, crucial to their respective World Test Championship (WTC) standings. The Kiwis, placed third in the current WTC standings, will first host India before touring Australia for four Tests from November to January. After that, New Zealand will host Sri Lanka and travel to Pakistan as part of their WTC schedule. Elsewhere, India is fifth in the standings after winning the away Sri Lanka Tests 1-0. The New Zealand Test series is their next assignment before they host Australia for five Tests in January-February next year, wrapping up their WTC schedule for this cycle. While Australia, South Africa and even New Zealand are top contenders for the 2027 WTC Final, two-time runners-up India could also make a late push for qualification. For Shubman Gill’s side to qualify for their third WTC Final, they must win at least five of their remaining seven matches.

<p>India A will play three four-day matches in New Zealand ahead of the two-Test WTC series in November. Read the full tour schedule and WTC breakdown.</p>

India A to play three four-day games in New Zealand ahead of Test series

<p>Talismanic former England captain Ben Stokes could take up a new role in his latest journey in franchise cricket. After signing a one-year contract with the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL), Stokes could open during the upcoming season, team head coach Tim Paine hinted. Having played most of his cricket as a middle-order batter across formats, Stokes has a chance to unlock his ‘360-degree game’ at the top, as Paine highlighted.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Paine’s presence as head coach played a key role in bringing Stokes to Adelaide. With the two being at opposite ends as captains during the 2019 Ashes -- which made Stokes a national hero for his Leeds outing -- Paine knew exactly how destructive he would be on bouncy tracks Down Under, which suits his game.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read| </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ben-stokes-signs-adelaide-strikers-record-bbl-deal-1788273751583"><strong>Ben Stokes joins Adelaide Strikers in record AUD $500k BBL deal</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>"He [Stokes] gives us a lot of flexibility," Paine said. "I think initially my chats around how we would use him would probably be opening the batting. I think he's made to open the batting in Big Bash. I think the pacey, bouncy wickets in Australia really suit him.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"I've been on the end of a couple of these devastating innings in Test cricket where you feel like you can't defend the field. He can play 360 [degrees]. He's got power. He's got some real class."<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Only 16 of Stokes’ 148 T20 innings have come as an opener, as he mostly batted at 3, 4 or 5. However, one of his two T20 hundreds came while opening, when he scored a brilliant 107 off just 60 balls for Rajasthan Royals during the 2020 IPL edition.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Stokes last played a T20 game during the 2024 edition of The Hundred. &nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"I think he can do a terrific job opening the batting," Paine said. "Playing pretty normally, as we've seen in the past, he can flick a switch, and he's got amazing power. His skill level with the bat and his play of spin, he's just a well-rounded, world-class batter. We think that's probably the best fit for him and for us.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"Then with the ball, we think he can surprise people. I've played against him. He's a bit quicker than people think. He's got great skill. He can swing the ball both ways. We feel like we can use him in all phases of the game with the ball as well. He'll impact in the field with his athleticism and just the way he competes,” Paine said.&nbsp;</p><h2>All Spotlights on Stokes</h2><p>Stokes knows how to garner attention because of his cricketing aura and personality, and Paine pinpointed that with wild coverage around his BBL signing since Tuesday. Speaking on how it all magnifies when Stokes takes the field at the Adelaide Oval, Paine said, "He's someone that's always drawn a lot of attention because of his personality and the way he plays the game.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"I think we've seen in the last 24 hours just how much light he's shone on the Big Bash just with his announcement. I'm sure that will only magnify when he lands in Adelaide and when he starts playing well and scoring runs and taking wickets.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"There's some intangible stuff with Stokesy as well, I think, around his leadership, his presence and commercially and fan engagement. So there's not that many players I wouldn't have thought out in the world that tick all of those boxes and are still at a really high level as a cricketer. So, yeah, we made that decision pretty quickly and pursued him quite aggressively,” the former Australian captain added.</p>

Ben Stokes could open the batting for Adelaide Strikers in BBL 16, head coach Tim Paine hinted following the former England captain's blockbuster signing.

Talismanic former England captain Ben Stokes could take up a new role in his latest journey in franchise cricket. After signing a one-year contract with the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL), Stokes could open during the upcoming season, team head coach Tim Paine hinted. Having played most of his cricket as a middle-order batter across formats, Stokes has a chance to unlock his ‘360-degree game’ at the top, as Paine highlighted. Paine’s presence as head coach played a key role in bringing Stokes to Adelaide. With the two being at opposite ends as captains during the 2019 Ashes -- which made Stokes a national hero for his Leeds outing -- Paine knew exactly how destructive he would be on bouncy tracks Down Under, which suits his game. Also read| Ben Stokes joins Adelaide Strikers in record AUD $500k BBL deal "He [Stokes] gives us a lot of flexibility," Paine said. "I think initially my chats around how we would use him would probably be opening the batting. I think he's made to open the batting in Big Bash. I think the pacey, bouncy wickets in Australia really suit him. "I've been on the end of a couple of these devastating innings in Test cricket where you feel like you can't defend the field. He can play 360 [degrees]. He's got power. He's got some real class." Only 16 of Stokes’ 148 T20 innings have come as an opener, as he mostly batted at 3, 4 or 5. However, one of his two T20 hundreds came while opening, when he scored a brilliant 107 off just 60 balls for Rajasthan Royals during the 2020 IPL edition. Stokes last played a T20 game during the 2024 edition of The Hundred. "I think he can do a terrific job opening the batting," Paine said. "Playing pretty normally, as we've seen in the past, he can flick a switch, and he's got amazing power. His skill level with the bat and his play of spin, he's just a well-rounded, world-class batter. We think that's probably the best fit for him and for us. "Then with the ball, we think he can surprise people. I've played against him. He's a bit quicker than people think. He's got great skill. He can swing the ball both ways. We feel like we can use him in all phases of the game with the ball as well. He'll impact in the field with his athleticism and just the way he competes,” Paine said. All Spotlights on Stokes Stokes knows how to garner attention because of his cricketing aura and personality, and Paine pinpointed that with wild coverage around his BBL signing since Tuesday. Speaking on how it all magnifies when Stokes takes the field at the Adelaide Oval, Paine said, "He's someone that's always drawn a lot of attention because of his personality and the way he plays the game. "I think we've seen in the last 24 hours just how much light he's shone on the Big Bash just with his announcement. I'm sure that will only magnify when he lands in Adelaide and when he starts playing well and scoring runs and taking wickets. "There's some intangible stuff with Stokesy as well, I think, around his leadership, his presence and commercially and fan engagement. So there's not that many players I wouldn't have thought out in the world that tick all of those boxes and are still at a really high level as a cricketer. So, yeah, we made that decision pretty quickly and pursued him quite aggressively,” the former Australian captain added.

<p>Ben Stokes could open the batting for Adelaide Strikers in BBL 16, head coach Tim Paine hinted following the former England captain's blockbuster signing.</p>

BBL 16: Tim Paine teases opening role for Ben Stokes at Adelaide Strikers

<p>T20I batting mainstay Tilak Varma impressed with his first-class game for South Zone in the Duleep Trophy semifinal against North Zone. The left-hander, who is reportedly being drafted into the ODI squad for the 2027 World Cup, smashed an unbeaten 116 in the first innings, before his 51 not out helped South complete the run chase with seven wickets remaining. South Zone will now face East Zone in the tournament final starting September 6 at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>WATCH WINNING MOMENT -</strong></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">South Zone cruise into the final 🙌<br><br>They chase down 181 and beat North Zone by 7 wickets 👌<br><br>Scorecard ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/AGjIStrDAT">https://t.co/AGjIStrDAT</a><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/DuleepTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DuleepTrophy</a> | <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SZvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SZvNZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/UXTDC4wdF4">pic.twitter.com/UXTDC4wdF4</a></p>&mdash; BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) <a href="https://x.com/BCCIdomestic/status/2095075292226392324?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Batting at number four, his preferred position, Tilak added an unbeaten 80-run stand for the fourth wicket with Smaran Ravichandran to see his team home on Wednesday (Sep 2). Chasing 181 for a spot in the Duleep Trophy final, South Zone started well before losing two batters within six balls.</p><p>Keeper-batter Narayan Jagadeesan was the next to depart on 43 before Tilak and Ravichandran completed the job.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read| </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-cricket-teams-allowed-to-book-own-stays-after-complaints-over-hotel-facilities-1788323869805"><strong>Asian Games 2026: Cricket teams allowed to book own stays after complaints over hotel facilities</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>North Zone opted to bat first after winning the toss but failed to capitalise on their call as they were all out on 195 in the first innings. In reply, South Zone scored 312, with Tilak top-scoring for his team. Shreyas Gopal’s 87 at the death also helped the cause as South took a 117-run lead.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>North Zone’s second innings saw handy contributions from the top order, including opener Sanat Sangwan (76) and Ayush Doseja (52) and 30s from all-rounders Nishant Sindhu (35*) and Anshul Kamboj (36). As a result, they were bowled out for 297, setting South Zone a target of 181.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Among the capped players, North Zone seamers Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar returned with two and five wickets, respectively. Anshul Kamboj also picked up two wickets in the first innings before impressing with his batting cameo in the second.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Tilak, meanwhile, is reported to be picked as a backup for Shreyas Iyer for the showpiece event, with the BCCI selectors keen on having a solid left-hander in the middle order.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The left-hander is also picked in India’s T20I squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.</p>

Tilak Varma's unbeaten 116 and 51* powered South Zone past North Zone into the Duleep Trophy 2026 final. Read the full semifinal match report. 

T20I batting mainstay Tilak Varma impressed with his first-class game for South Zone in the Duleep Trophy semifinal against North Zone. The left-hander, who is reportedly being drafted into the ODI squad for the 2027 World Cup, smashed an unbeaten 116 in the first innings, before his 51 not out helped South complete the run chase with seven wickets remaining. South Zone will now face East Zone in the tournament final starting September 6 at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium. WATCH WINNING MOMENT -

<p>Tilak Varma's unbeaten 116 and 51* powered South Zone past North Zone into the Duleep Trophy 2026 final. Read the full semifinal match report.&nbsp;</p>

Tilak Varma's masterclass drives South Zone into Duleep Trophy final

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