Category: Sports

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a six-member commentary panel for the upcoming men’s ODI tri-series involving Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka from October 18 to October 31.

One of the most successful bowlers in IPL history, Yuzvendra Chahal has faced several personal challenges, including alcohol addiction and divorce.

Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal, who recently retired from first-class cricket, has revealed that he battled alcohol addiction to the point where he had to check into a rehabilitation centre. One of the most successful bowlers in IPL history, Chahal has faced several personal challenges, including alcohol addiction and divorce. “After last year of county cricket… It (alcohol addiction) crossed all limits, so I checked into a rehab centre and stayed there for 26 days. Now, I know how to handle it,” Chahal told former India opener Aakash Chopra on a podcast.

“That decision made a massive difference to my personal life. My maturity increased. My emotions are balanced now. Last IPL, my body felt like I was 30 years old again — doing gym work, fielding drills and training properly,” he said.

He said his family and friends helped him navigate the difficult phase of his life.

“My best friend and family were there,” the 36-year-old leg-spinner said.

Chahal said his alcohol problems began around 2011, when he entered the IPL, and worsened after his divorce. However, he added that he is now in a much happier place after overcoming his addiction.

“Initially, I was young. There were parties. In 2011, I played my first IPL. (South African cricketer) AB de Villiers once told me, ‘Balance is key in life.’ It sounds easy, but it is not.

“Things got excessive after my divorce, and my mental state was not that great. I realised that if I continued down that path, I would ruin the very thing I love most — cricket. So I put an end to it, and now I am in a much happier and better space,” Chahal said.

Speaking about the turmoil in his personal life, Chahal said being a public figure often gives people a free pass to comment on his private affairs.

“When you are a public figure, everything happening in your life becomes an invitation for people to comment. I felt bad, and there were a lot of difficulties,” he said.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/yuzvendra-chahal-reveals-battle-with-alcohol-addiction-crossed-all-limits-after-divorce-12196789

Amid nationwide protests over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and demands for CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, Kapil Dev has urged youngsters to listen, act responsibly and avoid being misguided.

India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has a message for the country’s youngsters.

“They (youngsters) should learn to listen and be more responsible. They are the future of the country and we cannot let them be misguided. They are not always right and they need to consider the fact that we have experience,” Kapil said while responding to a question from Times Now.

“Ours is a beautiful country and we cannot let it go in the wrong direction,” the 67-year-old former all-rounder said.

Kapil’s remarks came amid ongoing protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), founded by 31-year-old Abhijeet Dipke, calling for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid allegations of malpractice in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The CJP, an outfit comprising youngsters, has launched protests across the country since an investigation exposed the alleged unilateral manner in which CEC Gyanesh Kumar handled the SIR process. According to the report, Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi formally objected to his decisions on 14 occasions over 10 months concerning the SIR and modifications to Form 6, which is used to enrol new voters on the electoral rolls.

Demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, the CJP announced a nationwide Tiranga March on October 16. Earlier this month, however, Delhi Police and central forces stopped protesters from marching to Jantar Mantar, where the CJP had called for a demonstration on October 6.

Later, on October 10, the INDIA bloc, a political grouping of opposition parties, held a protest march.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/kapil-dev-has-words-of-advice-for-gen-z-protesters-they-should-be-more-responsible-article-156350455

Ravichandran Ashwin lost his cool as he found Yashasvi Jaiswal’s name missing from India’s squad for the ODI series against New Zealand. Ashwin blasted the BCCI selection committee, labelling the decision, “unfair and unfortunate”.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s omission from India’s squad for the ODI series against New Zealand has left many questions unanswered. With the management beginning serious preparations for the ODI World Cup next year, the 5-match assignment against the Kiwis is not being seen as just another contest. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not picked Jaiswal for even the last couple of matches in the ODI series, for which a few other key players have been rested, leaving many bewildered and baffled, including Ravichandran Ashwin.

In a video on his YouTube channel, Ashwin expressed utter astonishment as he went on a relentless rant, questioning the logic behind Jaiswal’s absence from the ODI squad, especially considering he hasn’t featured in limited-overs cricket for India in about 4 months.

Arguing Jaiswal’s case, Ashwin said while it’s fine for the selectors to be looking after the southpaw ahead of the Test series against the Kiwis, they should’ve picked him for the last 2 ODIs, especially as Shubman Gill has been rested for those matches.

“If Shubman Gill is not playing the last two ODIs, then Yashasvi Jaiswal should definitely get that spot. It is very unfortunate because all of this can ruin his confidence. Now, with the way he was scoring runs…”

“Tell me this, I can understand Shubman Gill’s situation because he is travelling. I can also understand KL Rahul’s situation. But Yashasvi Jaiswal has no game time at all, right? I am not speaking purely from a perspective of just handing Yashasvi Jaiswal opportunities. I understand and agree with your point. However, his confidence is being completely ruined. I do not know, but if you look at his batting, he is not batting the way he used to bat two or three years ago,” Ashwin said, almost fuming over the situation.

“He was a run machine. If his confidence is getting ruined, it is the job of the team management and selectors to give him an opportunity wherever possible. But he has not been getting those opportunities at all. It has not gone to him. And it is very unfair. That is why I am saying, if there is an opportunity here for these two ODIs, honestly, if I were in the position of the team management or selectors, I would have gone and asked Yashasvi Jaiswal: ‘This is the situation for these two ODIs, do you want to play? If you want to play, please go ahead and play.’ There is absolutely nothing like international game time.”

🚨Injustice towards Jaiswal – R Ashwin

-They aren’t giving Jaiswal any international game time. He should have been selected for the last 2 ODIs.

-The team management and selectors are doing an injustice to Jaiswal & they are shattering his self-confidence.

-Jaiswal is a run-machine, but his confidence clearly appears to be down in the current Test matches.

-If Rohit Sharma plays in the 2027 World Cup, what guarantee is there that Jaiswal will be the opener afterward? After all, there’s also Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

-They are neither selecting him for T20s nor for ODIs. A great injustice is being done to him.

— Indian Cricket 🏏 (@Indiancric1cm) October 16, 2026

Ajit Agarkar, the BCCI selection committee chief whose contract has now ended, was reportedly a big believer in Jaiswal’s potential and wanted to push his case as an important player in India’s ODI team, especially for the World Cup next year. However, a potential conflict between picking one player between Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma reportedly played a role in his contract not being renewed. Now, with Jaiswal’s ODI experience being limited, big questions are being asked even over Team India’s seriousness to prepare a primary squad and bench strength for the World Cup in South Africa.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/new-zealand-vs-india-2026-27/unfair-unfortunate-r-ashwin-blasts-bcci-over-yashasvi-jaiswals-odi-snub-in-fiery-rant-12197552

 

 

A Serbian tennis player has been banned from the sport for 24 years for overseeing a “corrupt network” of match-fixing…

A Serbian tennis player has been banned from the sport for 24 years for overseeing a “corrupt network” of match-fixing, it was announced Thursday. Stefan Milicevic, 29, fixed six matches –- including five in which he played –- and attempted to fix a further six between 2022 and 2024, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said. “Milicevic was also charged with recruiting or attempting to recruit multiple professional players as part of a corrupt network during the same period, resulting in a number of other players fixing matches,” the ITIA said in a statement.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/tennis/serbian-tennis-player-hit-with-24-year-ban-for-match-fixing-12192226

Mitchell Starc’s availability for IPL 2027 remains uncertain amid a tight international schedule.

The growing stature of T20 leagues across the world has made it quite tough for national teams to have players at their disposal at all times. As Cricket Australia gears up for a busy international schedule, its top cricketers could face tough decisions regarding their participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Next year’s IPL schedule is expected to clash with Australia’s jam-packed Test calendar, which includes the historic 150th Anniversary Test against England starting March 11, 2027, and the upcoming Ashes series. Australia’s marquee pacer Mitchell Starc has already cleared his situation, suggesting his availability for the IPL 2027 season isn’t certain by any means.

Starc confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding his schedule, though no firm conclusions have been reached. “I’ve had a few discussions. Nothing’s concrete as yet,” he said.

Australia’s Head coach Andrew McDonald highlighted the challenges of balancing franchise commitments with national duties. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, McDonald admitted that the IPL’s value as a high-caliber T20 tournament that aids player development, but stressed that physical management remains paramount.

“I know people will start talking about the IPL and filling that time. The IPL is part of our management plan for a lot of our players, and to expose our best players in what I believe is the best competition in terms of T20 cricket has its performance benefits as well. You’ve just got to balance that out,” McDonald noted.

With major international events on the horizon-including a potential World Test Championship final, an away Ashes series, and an upcoming World Cup-the coaching staff and medical teams are evaluating workloads, particularly for fast bowlers. McDonald stressed that rest periods are essential for pacers to maintain optimum fitness over long campaigns.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/mitchell-starc-unsure-of-ipl-2027-participation-australia-coach-issues-warning-12192077

FIFA president Gianni Infantino gave “no satisfactory answers” when questioned on Thursday during a meeting to discuss his attempts to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, senior members of football’s global governing body said.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino gave “no satisfactory answers” when questioned on Thursday during a meeting to discuss his attempts to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, senior members of football’s global governing body said. However, he did apologise for the failed project. “We asked a great many critical questions, but there were no satisfactory answers from my point of view,” said Bernd Neuendorf, president of the German Football Association (DFB) and a member of the FIFA Council.Neuendorf was speaking after the Council met behind closed doors at FIFA’s Zurich headquarters, where Infantino’s FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal was one of the main items on the agenda.

Infantino has been under intense pressure since announcing in late July that he wanted to open FIFA’s premium competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors.

That plan was ultimately abandoned amid widespread criticism, with opposition led by European governing body UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF, which oversees football in North and Central America and the Caribbean.

“I think we had the opportunity to say what we felt, and we spoke a lot about the issues,” Debbie Hewitt, chair of the English Football Association and a FIFA vice-president, told reporters, before adding that Infantino had apologised.

“I think it is fair to say Gianni apologised at the beginning for what had happened, and he said that with some contrition. Then there were no holds barred in terms of what we felt about what happened.”

Hewitt and Neuendorf are among the 36 members of the FIFA Council, along with Infantino.

Infantino has headed FIFA since 2016 and is running for re-election next March, despite calls for him to step down in the wake of the FFE proposal.

At present, no heavyweight candidate has emerged to challenge him.

“We were asked to submit our questions” in relation to the proposal, which was not put before the FIFA Council prior to the July announcement, Hewitt said.

“One of the disappointing things was that we didn’t get answers. We didn’t get answers to anything we had specifically requested, for example getting the papers from FFE, and so we asked the question why and why not.”

‘Nothing Has Shifted’

Many leading European national associations have withdrawn their support for Infantino in the upcoming election due to the backlash over the FFE proposal and other controversies, including his relationship with US President Donald Trump.

Among the issues cited were Infantino’s decision to create a FIFA Peace Prize and award it to Trump at last December’s World Cup draw, as well as the decision to overturn the suspension of United States striker Folarin Balogun following a red card at the World Cup after Trump reportedly intervened directly by contacting Infantino.

“I speak for myself as a Council member — from my position, nothing has shifted,” Hewitt added.

“I have no new information that makes me feel any differently from how I felt when I went in, other than we do have a FIFA president who is apologetic about what has happened, and secondly, a promise again that we will get the information that we have requested.”

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/football/gianni-infantino-offers-apology-but-no-answers-at-fifa-meeting-over-world-cup-plan-12191526

Keemo Paul produced a match-winning five-wicket haul to wreck India’s chase after Shai Hope’s stunning hundred, as the West Indies secured a 24-run victory in the fourth T20 International.

Keemo Paul produced a match-winning five-wicket haul to wreck India’s chase after Shai Hope’s stunning hundred, as the West Indies secured a 24-run victory in the fourth T20 International in Hyderabad on Wednesday to force a series decider in Bengaluru. Paul returned figures of 4-0-41-5, claiming his second five-wicket haul in T20 internationals, after his 5/15 against Bangladesh in Dhaka in 2018. His decisive spell helped the visitors defend a formidable total of 247/3, built around Hope’s unbeaten century, and level the five-match series at 2-2.

India’s innings ended at 223 for nine in 19.3 overs after Arshdeep Singh retired hurt.

India made an explosive start to the chase, with Sanju Samson taking the attack to the West Indies bowlers. The opener smashed 56 off just 23 balls, striking six fours and four sixes as the hosts raced to 60 without loss in four overs.

Samson reached his half-century in just 20 deliveries, but Paul turned the contest in the fifth over by removing the opener and Ishan Kishan in quick succession. Samson was caught by Shimron Hetmyer, while Kishan departed for six off three balls, leaving India at 69/2.

Shreyas Iyer attempted to steady the innings but fell for 16 off 11 balls to Shamar Springer. Abhishek Sharma, who struck three fours and a six in his 29 off 24 deliveries, also failed to convert his start into a substantial contribution.

Gudakesh Motie then delivered a crucial double strike in the 12th over, dismissing Abhishek and Naman Dhir, who was stumped for a golden duck. Motie finished with figures of 2-0-13-2, leaving India struggling at 132/5 and firmly shifting the pressure on the home side.

Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy mounted a spirited counterattack to revive India’s hopes. The pair added 59 runs off just 26 balls, with Tilak striking 43 off 25 deliveries and Reddy smashing 41 off 20 balls.

Reddy took on Shamar Joseph in the 16th over, collecting a four and two sixes in a 21-run over that brought India to 189/5. With the required rate still within reach, the partnership briefly threatened to turn the game around.

Romario Shepherd broke the stand in the 17th over, dismissing Tilak with Rovman Powell taking the catch. Paul then returned to dismantle the lower order, removing Reddy and Prince Yadav in successive deliveries before Axar Patel fell for three, completing his five-wicket haul and leaving India’s chase in disarray.

India’s resistance ended in 19.3 overs. Arshdeep Singh, who made five off four balls, was struck on the left bicep by a sharp short delivery from Joseph in the final over. After receiving attention, he left the field, with the scorecard first recording him as retired out, which was later changed to retired hurt.

Earlier, Hope produced a breathtaking unbeaten 102 off 50 balls to power the West Indies to 247/3 after India elected to bowl. He completed his century with a six off the final delivery of the innings, recording his third T20 International hundred and second century of the series.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-west-indies-2026/4th-t20i-keemo-pauls-five-for-wrecks-indias-chase-after-shai-hopes-ton-as-west-indies-level-series-12186783

The deadline for applications to fill the West Zone vacancy ended on Wednesday, with Parthiv Patel opting to stay away from the selection process.

Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel, widely tipped to replace Ajit Agarkar as the West Zone representative on the BCCI senior men’s selection committee, has not applied for the position, paving the way for Pragyan Ojha to continue as chairman for the remainder of his tenure. The deadline for applications to fill the West Zone vacancy ended on Wednesday, with Parthiv opting to stay away from the selection process. “Don’t know if the BCCI would extend the deadline, but Parthiv had not applied till 5 pm on October 14. The situation could change if the deadline is extended or he changes his mind,” a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Ojha, the South Zone representative, is set to continue as chairman for the remainder of his term, with his higher number of Test appearances among the existing selectors strengthening his candidature.

Will Powar take over from West?

Ramesh Powar, who was widely expected to become chairman of the junior men’s selection committee, could now emerge as a contender for the senior selector’s position from the West Zone.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/bcci-chief-selector-search-takes-twist-as-parthiv-patel-opts-out-report-12184744

Former India cricketer and ex-chief selector Sandeep Patil has stated that iconic cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir, and Zaheer Khan know the reasons’ why they were phased out of the national side.

Former India cricketer and ex-chief selector Sandeep Patil has stated that iconic cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir, and Zaheer Khan ‘know the reasons’ why they were phased out of the national side, adding that his selection committee had to put the future of Indian cricket ahead of personal relationships. Patil, a member of India’s 1983 ODI World Cup-winning team, headed the five-member senior men’s selection committee during a critical transition phase from 2012 to 2016. “First of all, I want to make it clear: I wasn’t the only one making these decisions. There was a selection panel of five, and I was its chairman.”

“Whatever decisions we made, we made with the future of Indian cricket in mind. It feels very bad to bring this up today, but legends as great as Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, and Zaheer Khan had to leave the team or retire. They know the reasons.

“Our job as selectors was to put the interests of the country, the BCCI, and Indian cricket first,” Patil, currently the mentor of Mumbai’s senior and age-group men’s teams, said in an appearance on ‘The Great Indian Cricket Show’ on Doordarshan.

The tenure of Patil’s committee coincided with a major overhaul following the 2011 Men’s ODI World Cup triumph, as several veteran stalwarts made way for younger talent across formats.

Patil, who was the former head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), now known as the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), further said about the professional boundaries selectors must maintain with players as they had to take decisions that impacted long-term friendships.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/leave-the-team-or-retire-ex-bcci-selector-reveals-why-yuvraj-singh-gautam-gambhirs-india-careers-ended-early-12173218

Jos Buttler has vowed to return to full fitness with greater determination after undergoing surgery on his left hamstring, which he injured while batting during England’s ODI series against Sri Lanka last month

Jos Buttler has vowed to return to full fitness with greater determination after undergoing surgery on his left hamstring, which he injured while batting during England’s ODI series against Sri Lanka last month. The 36-year-old sustained the injury during England’s defeat in the second ODI at Headingley on September 24. He initially retired hurt before briefly returning to the crease. Buttler had already been ruled out of England’s upcoming tri-series in Pakistan, with the squad set to depart later this week. He is also likely to miss England’s white-ball tour of Australia in November, with the squad for the series scheduled to be announced on Tuesday morning.

Buttler revealed in an Instagram post on Monday that he had undergone surgery, sharing a picture of himself giving a thumbs-up from his hospital bed, with his left leg secured in a brace.

“Successful [sic] surgery and on the road to recovery,” he added. “Feeling more motivated than ever!”

Buttler’s injury has brought an untimely end to an impressive run of form for England’s former white-ball captain and two-time World Cup winner. After a difficult T20 World Cup campaign in India earlier this year, where he managed just 87 runs as England reached the semi-finals, Buttler bounced back strongly, scoring 466 runs across his next nine white-ball internationals.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/jos-buttler-out-of-action-for-a-significant-duration-posts-photo-from-hospital-bed-12175875

Zheng Qinwen became the first home winner of the China Open on Sunday as she beat Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva 7-5, 6-4.

Zheng Qinwen became the first home winner of the China Open on Sunday as she beat Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva 7-5, 6-4. The former world number four and current Olympic champion was a wildcard entry in Beijing, having struggled with form and fitness following elbow surgery in 2025. It was the 54th-ranked Zheng’s first title in nearly two years, and tears filled her eyes as she fell to the court in celebration. “The feeling was incredible to win here in Beijing… in front of my home crowd is one of my dreams,” she said during the trophy ceremony.

“I’ve been through a very, very tough year,” she added.

She congratulated Andreeva on her French Open title earlier this year before serenading the crowd with a song about chasing the “light of dreams”.

Zheng, 24, is the first Chinese player to win the prestigious tournament since its inception in 2004.

Andreeva, ranked fifth in the world, was the more consistent player early on, but Zheng pulled back a break and stayed with her 19-year-old opponent as they battled from the baseline.

Zheng saved three set points to level at 5-5 and won every point thereafter, serving an ace to take the first set.

A crowd desperate to see their homegrown talent crowned champion was at times disruptive, as cheers erupted before points had ended and shouts for Zheng punctuated serves on both sides of the net.

But the players kept their focus, holding serve until Zheng found a way through in the ninth game of the second set, firing a brilliant shot down the line to break and move ahead 5-4.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/tennis/zheng-qinwen-beats-mirra-andreeva-to-become-first-home-player-to-win-china-open-12170341

Max Verstappen won the Singapore Grand Prix for the first time in his career on Sunday to complete a perfect weekend where he also finished first in the sprint and was on pole for both races.

Max Verstappen won the Singapore Grand Prix for the first time in his career on Sunday to complete a perfect weekend, having also won the sprint race and secured pole position for both races. Red Bull’s Verstappen finished 7.335 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, with championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes finishing third after 62 laps under the lights of the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

The four-time world champion had never won, or even claimed pole position, in nine previous attempts dating back to his debut for Toro Rosso in 2015.

“It has taken a while but I think this race was very good,” said a delighted Verstappen, who was celebrating back-to-back wins after triumphing in Malaysia seven days earlier for his first victory of the 2026 season.

“We had pace when we needed to have it on the soft tyre and the medium. So of course, very happy to win here,” the Dutchman added after claiming the top step of the podium on his 250th Grand Prix start.

“I think the last few races have been really positive for us. We have a lot of motivation in the team to try and deliver even more results.

“Hopefully we can have a bit more fun until the end of the year.”

The McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were fourth and fifth, ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who dropped from third on the grid to sixth after botching his tyre strategy.

Liam Lawson’s RB was seventh, Nico Hulkenberg eighth for Audi, and George Russell, who started from the back of the grid due to engine penalties, came home ninth in his Mercedes.

“It was a very tough race out there, but really happy with a podium in the end,” said Antonelli, who increased his championship lead to 102 points over Russell.

Isack Hadjar, in the second Red Bull, started from the pit lane and rounded out the points scorers in 10th.

“We were quite strong at the beginning of the race, then we started degrading,” said Leclerc.

“We did a different strategy to Max, I gave it my all and I don’t regret anything. I don’t think there was much more to do today.”

‘Sorry boys’

Verstappen was put under immediate pressure from the fast-starting Leclerc as he launched from pole position at lights out.

The Dutchman had to move across to his left to cut off the Ferrari driver and stay ahead into Turn 1.

Leclerc stayed close behind Verstappen through the opening laps as his teammate Hamilton kept Antonelli at bay.

Hamilton was the only one of the front-runners to start on the slower medium tyres and was the first to pit, taking on fresh soft rubber on lap 19.

Verstappen stayed out until lap 32 before making his stop, and once all the top six drivers had pitted, the order remained unchanged.

Antonelli and Leclerc pitted for a second time under a Virtual Safety Car period caused by Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin breaking down.

However, Hamilton surprisingly decided to stay out on much older tyres despite being called in by his team, a decision that ultimately cost the seven-time world champion a podium finish.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/formula-1/max-verstappen-wins-singapore-grand-prix-for-first-time-12170457

Star cricketer Hardik Pandya is celebrating his 33rd birthday, with pictures featuring his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma surfacing on social media. The glimpses from the celebrations have caught fans’ attention, adding to the buzz surrounding the couple’s relationship. The Indian all-rounder continues to attract interest both for his performances on the cricket field & glimpses into his personal life.

Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya is celebrating his 33rd birthday, and pictures from his celebrations with girlfriend Mahieka Sharma are surfacing on social media. The glimpses from the special occasion have caught the attention of fans, with the Indian all-rounder once again making headlines for moments from his personal life away from the cricket field.

The pictures featuring Hardik and Mahieka have sparked interest among social media users, as fans get a glimpse of the cricketer’s birthday celebrations. Pandya, who enjoys a massive fan following, frequently finds himself in the spotlight not only for his performances on the field but also for updates about his personal life.

Inside Photos From Star Cricketer’s Birthday Celebration

Mahieka Sharma and Hardik Pandya’s relationship has attracted considerable attention, with their appearances together generating interest among fans. The birthday pictures have added to the buzz surrounding the couple, as social media users continue to follow their latest updates.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/hardik-pandya-turns-33-inside-photos-from-star-cricketers-birthday-celebration-with-gf-mahieka-sharma-surface-on-social-media

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 980th career goal as Al-Nassr defeated Diriyah 3-0 in the Saudi Pro League on Friday. The 41-year-old opened the scoring on his return to club football after leaving Portugal’s national team camp following a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus. Samu Costa and Kingsley Coman also scored as Al-Nassr secured a comfortable victory.

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to club football in style, scoring the opening goal in Al-Nassr’s 3-0 victory over Diriyah in the Saudi Pro League on Friday. The Portuguese superstar made an immediate impact after a turbulent international break that saw him leave the national team camp following a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus.

The 41-year-old striker broke the deadlock midway through the first half, reacting quickly to a rebound after Kingsley Coman’s effort from outside the penalty area was blocked by goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah. Ronaldo was perfectly positioned to finish from close range, taking his career tally to 980 goals and reminding fans of his continued goalscoring prowess.

https://t.co/YxyhA7mcLv

— Torontokingys (@torontokingys) October 9, 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo Hits 980 Career Goals In Al-Nassr Victory

Al-Nassr maintained their momentum after Ronaldo’s opener, with Samu Costa doubling the advantage shortly before half-time. Coman then capped off a convincing performance by scoring the third goal with 13 minutes remaining, helping the Saudi Arabian side secure a comfortable win.

Ronaldo’s return to club action came after a major controversy involving Portugal. The forward left the national team camp after being informed that he would not start a Nations League fixture against Denmark. He had previously been left on the bench against Norway despite warming up during the match, a decision that reportedly intensified tensions between him and Jesus.

In a statement explaining his departure, Ronaldo accused the coach of breaking his word on two occasions. However, he also apologised to his teammates and Portuguese supporters for leaving the camp, acknowledging that his position as captain made his actions more serious. Ronaldo insisted that he remained available for national duty after serving any punishment imposed by the Portuguese Football Federation.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-hits-980-career-goals-in-al-nassr-victory-after-controversial-portugal-break-moves-closer-to-1000-goal-milestone-video

 

Not every day does one witness a T20 match in which over 500 runs are scored. West Indies chased down a record target of 250 against India with nine balls to spare

Not every day does one witness a T20 match in which over 500 runs are scored. West Indies chased down a record target of 250 against India with nine balls to spare. Sanju Samson was instrumental in India posting 249/5 in 20 overs. But that was only half the story, as Shai Hope scored the second-fastest T20I century by a West Indies batter as his team chased down the target with ease. That brings us to the more important question: Do bowlers have a role in such a situation? The dew did play a part in Ranchi, as West Indies batted second, but India great Sunil Gavaskar believes the Indian bowlers could have done more.

“I thought India would score around 235-240 after a couple of quiet overs. India got nine runs more. So, clearly, the batters are not to be blamed. I don’t think they fell short. It is quite clear the bowlers did not bowl the way they should have. In fact, it would be interesting if one were to ask the bowling coach what he was expecting from these bowlers and whether they did it or not,” Sunil Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

Highest match aggregates in men’s T20Is

517 – South Africa vs West Indies, Centurion, 2009

501 – India vs West Indies, Ranchi, 2026

499 – India vs England, Mumbai, T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal

496 – India vs New Zealand, Thiruvananthapuram, 2026

489 – West Indies vs India, Lauderhill, 2016

Varun Aaron, who was part of the same discussion panel, said India should have persisted with pace after West Indies were reduced to 2 wickets down in the first over. In the fourth over, India brought on Axar Patel, who conceded 16 runs.

“Giving Axar Patel the fourth over in the Powerplay was absolutely unnecessary because you have two middle-order batters, Shai Hope and Rovman Powell, who are very shaky against the new ball. You should have bowled four overs with pace,” Aaron said.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-west-indies-2026/sunil-gavaskar-asks-the-tough-question-as-india-fail-to-defend-249-against-west-indies-in-2nd-t20i-12163983

Cristiano Ronaldo is facing a possible suspension following his abrupt departure from the national camp due to disagreements with coach Jorge Jesus. Initially expected to face a lengthy ban, reports suggest his punishment could be reduced to just 15 days.

After suddenly leaving the national camp on September 30 due to differences with coach Jorge Jesus, Cristiano Ronaldo is prepared to accept the punishment of a suspension. However, a recent story in the Portuguese media suggests an unexpected turn of events: the punishment could be shortened to just 15 days, suggesting he might be available during the upcoming international break. In a statement released on Tuesday, Ronaldo explained why he did what he did in Copenhagen. He expressed regret to his teammates and supporters and even demanded that he be punished.

Ronaldo is subject to both a ban and a fine under the rules, according to sources, even if the Portuguese Football Federation has not yet issued an official comment on the subject. But according to legal expert Gonçalo Almeida, who spoke to the Portuguese media site A Bola, the suspension started as soon as he departed the national camp late last month. He clarified that the penalties are unavoidable, but he listed a number of elements that might work in the Portugal captain’s favour.

Steve Smith is the only survivor from that controversial tour, which cost him his captaincy, with David Warner now retired and Cameron Bancroft no longer in Australia’s plans.

Australia take on South Africa in the first Test of their three-match series, starting on Friday at Kingsmead in Durban. The two teams occupy the top spots in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, with South Africa entering the series as defending champions after beating Australia in the final of the previous cycle. The series marks their first Test meeting in South Africa since the infamous Sandpapergate tour of 2018, during which Australia’s Cameron Bancroft, David Warner and then-captain Steve Smith were found guilty of ball-tampering.

Smith is the only survivor from that controversial tour, which cost him his captaincy, with Warner now retired and Bancroft no longer in Australia’s plans.

As the two teams gear up for the series opener in Durban, Alvin Naicker, who was overseeing the broadcast of the infamous Cape Town Test, made a candid admission about how a stroke of serendipity helped expose Australia’s plans.

“The way the Australians were caught was an absolute fluke,” said Nicker, as quoted by the BBC. “Coverage of rugby and football is very coordinated. It’s camera one and two, then when the ball is dead you tell the story with close-up shots,” he explained.

Naicker recalled how the 2018 series got off to an ill-tempered start, but admitted that the local broadcasters were not on the lookout for cheating by the Australians, despite the shenanigans of the first two Tests.

“No one mentioned anything to me,” says Naicker. “The first Test in Durban spiralled out of control in terms of behaviour, then in Port Elizabeth for the second Test, there were still some fireworks going on. We still didn’t understand.”

“The ball went to the wicketkeeper, then to Bancroft and he was shining the ball,” says Naicker. “First it was on his pants, then the next ball, the cameraman happened to stay on Bancroft because he was not shining the ball on his pants, but he was rubbing the ball on his palm.

“When he threw the ball on, he put his hand in his pocket. The cameraman – and these are big, big lens cameras – he zoomed into his pocket. The slow-mo operator looked at it, spooled it back and forth, then zoomed in and could see the yellow spot.”

Bancroft was caught hiding the sandpaper in his trousers, a moment that Naicker and his team replayed on the big screen.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/absolute-fluke-broadcaster-makes-stunning-sandpapergate-confession-ahead-of-south-africa-vs-australia-1st-test-12154406

 

Lionel Messi’s greatness lies in the intangible and beyond any record he set, goal he scored, or trophy he won. Sport is meant for the common man to be entertained, and the Argentine provided joy as no one else did

A whole generation of football fans woke up to a new reality on Wednesday (October 7), where Lionel Messi is no longer an active international footballer, and football is a poorer sport for it. The 39-year-old bid adieu to the Argentina national team 21 years after his debut, after a fitting, emotional farewell at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, with teammates and a jam-packed crowd.

Even someone who has followed the sport for two decades does not know the sport without Messi, and it will be a hard reality for fans to make peace with. The Argentine has set the standard for greatness at a peak, which might not be impossible for a mortal to hit.

Several reports have suggested that Bhuvneshwar’s selection is because the BCCI selectors are not confident about the current bowling line-up leading up to the ODI World Cup 2027 in Africa

India seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back in the Indian cricket team for the T20I series against New Zealand, starting October 22. Several reports have suggested that Bhuvneshwar’s selection is because the BCCI selectors are not confident about the current bowling line-up leading up to the ODI World Cup 2027 in Africa. If Bhuvneshwar Kumar proves his fitness, he could very well form a partnership with Jasprit Bumrah for the marquee event. Former India star Wasim Jaffer appreciated the decision to pick Bhuvneshwar.

“Better late than never. He deserves this. Unko select karke koi meherbani nahi ki hai kisi ne (nobody has done a favour by selecting him). His performances have been there, and his fitness has been good. I am clueless as to why he was dropped earlier,” Wasim Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.

“He has always done well in the IPL and for Uttar Pradesh. So, what was the reason he was not getting picked? We should keep age aside. We have young players, but we should not neglect those who are doing well because you ultimately need experience when there is pressure. You cannot play with an entirely young team. You need to have that mixture of experience and youth.”

Jaffer also wondered why Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj are not getting game time.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/bcci-selectors-sent-blunt-message-on-mohammed-shami-mohammed-siraj-after-bhuvneshwar-kumars-selection-dont-understand-who-your-2nd-3rd-seamers-are-12153025

Over the years, Mandhana has established herself as one of India’s leading batters across formats. She has also gained valuable leadership experience in domestic and franchise cricket.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Smriti Mandhana as the full-time captain of the Indian women’s cricket team in white-ball cricket on Tuesday. The experienced batter will take charge of the team as it enters a new phase. BCCI took the decision after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down as the captain of the team.

Over the years, Mandhana has established herself as one of India’s leading batters across formats. She has also gained valuable leadership experience in domestic and franchise cricket.

A dawn of a new era ✨

Smriti Mandhana takes charge as the Captain of the Indian Women’s cricket team 🇮🇳

Go well, Captain 🫡

More details ▶️ https://t.co/tbLb4jOiCn

#TeamIndia | @mandhana_smriti https://t.co/27AxmrUhKt

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 6, 2026

The left-handed batter has previously led India in 18 T20 Internationals and four One-Day Internationals. She also captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to Women’s Premier League (WPL) titles in 2024 and 2026, further strengthening her leadership credentials.

Speaking about her appointment, Mandhana said that leading India was a special honour. She thanked the BCCI, selectors, teammates and everyone who had supported her throughout her career. She also acknowledged Harmanpreet Kaur’s contribution as captain and said she looked forward to working with the team and helping Indian cricket move forward.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said, “Congratulations to Smriti on this important responsibility. She has grown into one of the most experienced players in the Indian team and has been part of some very important moments in the journey of Indian women’s cricket. She understands what it means to represent India and I am confident that she will bring that understanding to her role as captain.

“Leading India is a significant responsibility, but Smriti has the experience and temperament to take it on. Her success as captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League is another example of her leadership qualities. I wish her and the team every success in the journey ahead and look forward to seeing Indian Cricket continue to progress under her leadership.”

— IANS (@ians_india) October 6, 2026

BCCI President Mithun Manhas congratulated Mandhana on her appointment and expressed confidence in her ability to lead the team. He said her experience, understanding of the game and commitment would be valuable in the new role. He also wished her success as she takes Indian women’s cricket forward.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/smriti-mandhana-appointed-india-womens-cricket-team-captain-after-harmanpreet-kaur-steps-down

 

 

In a statement of nearly 2,000 words, the 41-year-old superstar apologised for walking out on the national team and said he would serve a suspension if necessary.

Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday accused Portugal coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word about giving him game time in Nations League matches, but said he remained available for his country. In a statement of nearly 2,000 words, the 41-year-old superstar apologised for walking out on the national team and said he would serve a suspension if necessary. “I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team,” Ronaldo said. Jesus left the forward unused on the bench for a Nations League match against Norway. Before the next game with Denmark, he said Ronaldo would not start and in response the 41-year-old walked out of the national team camp.

“I owe an apology to my national team teammates for having left the camp,” wrote Ronaldo. “Despite the absolute breakdown of trust in the head coach’s word… I shouldn’t have done it. The responsibility is mine alone.”

Ronaldo also apologised to Portugal supporters, but insisted he had been responding to the veteran coach’s “broken word”.

“I apologise to the Portuguese people once again, but a broken word has, for me, a defining impact,” said Ronaldo. “I felt that, from that moment on, my presence would only harm the group, and I did what I always said I would do if I didn’t feel useful: I picked up my bags and left.”

Ronaldo said Jesus, who was appointed after Portugal were knocked out of the World Cup Round of 16, had initially presented him with a plan for the international window which included starting the opening and final games at home, but not travelling for the matches in Norway and Denmark.

The Al-Nassr superstar rejected that proposal, saying it would set a poor example for the captain to remain in Portugal while his teammates travelled.

Ahead of the Norway game, Ronaldo said Jesus unexpectedly asked if he was fit to play 30 minutes. He agreed and warmed up from half-time, but was not brought on. “The head coach failed to keep his word to me,” said Ronaldo, Portugal’s most capped player and all-time top goalscorer.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/football/cristiano-ronaldo-accuses-portugal-coach-of-breaking-promise-in-1740-word-post-12148611?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

Bhuvneshwar Kumar makes comeback as BCCI announces India’s T20I squad for series against New Zealand

There was a big surprise in store when BCCI’s men’s selection Committee announced India and India A squads for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. India will play five T20Is, while India A will play three Multi-Day matches against New Zealand A. The squad for the ODIs and Test series will be announced later. Veteran India seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar on Tuesday returned to the national side nearly four years since his last appearance for the upcoming five-match T20I series, to be played in New Zealand later this month.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the second-highest wicket-taker of the IPL 2026 – 28 wickets in 16 matches. He was the best Indian bowler and was crucial in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning the IPL 2026.

The squad announced by the BCCI – first after the exit of former chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and with Pragyan Ojha as interim chair – also has Varun Chakravarthy making a comeback after an injury had ruled him out of the Asian Games.

India will play five T20Is from October 22 to November 1 in New Zealand. The first match of the series is at Christchurch on October 22, followed by second on October 22 at the same venue.

The third T20I, on October 27, will be played at Wellington while the fourth and fifth T20Is will be on October 30 and November 1 at Auckland and Hamilton respectively.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/new-zealand-vs-india-2026-27/indias-t20i-squad-vs-new-zealand-announced-by-bcci-bhuvneshwar-kumar-makes-comeback-12147454

The development comes after the Indian team refused to play against Pakistan last season following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Pakistan Champions have withdrawn from the ongoing season of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) after their demand for a written apology from the Indian team was rejected by the organisers, according to sources. The development comes after the Indian team refused to play against Pakistan last season following the Pahalgam terror attack. The group-stage fixture between the two sides was subsequently cancelled, while Pakistan advanced to the final after being awarded a walkover in the semi-final when the Indian team remained firm on its stance.

According to NDTV sources, the PCB agreed to grant NOCs to the players despite its initial reluctance, but sought a written apology from the Indian team over its actions last season. The demand, however, was rejected by the WCL organisers.

The PCB had also sought assurances from the WCL organisers that they would have no objection if Indian players chose not to participate in the tournament.

As a result, the Pakistan team decided to withdraw from the tournament. The WCL, however, stated that Pakistan Champions had pulled out due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

During the previous edition of the WCL, India Champions players declined to take the field against Pakistan Champions, citing geopolitical tensions and public sentiment in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/pakistan-team-forced-to-withdraw-from-legends-tournament-wanted-indian-players-to-issue-apology-sources-12141629?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

From Vithya Ramraj in athletics to Kumkum Mohod in archery, from Pranati Urs in golf to Parveen Hooda in boxing, Indian women shone brightest at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.

Asian Games 2026 is over, and India have finished with 85 medals, including 21 golds. Despite amassing 21 less medals than the previous edition, Aichi-Nagoya 2026 brought to the fore a number of new heroes in the Indian sporting community. One notable aspect about the recently-concluded games was that women delivered more gold medals for India than men did. This ultimately played a decisive role in India retaining fourth spot in the medal table – the same as the previous edition – narrowly ahead of Uzbekistan.

From Vithya Ramraj in athletics to Kumkum Mohod in archery, from Pranati Urs in golf to Parveen Hooda in boxing, Indian women delivered several moments of pride for the nation over the last couple of weeks.

In total, while both men and women won 38 medals each, the women won 11 gold medals compared to seven by men.

Indian women won three gold medals in archery, two in boxing, and one each in athletics, shooting, golf, cricket, kabaddi and hockey.

In archery, Kumkum Mohod secured India’s first-ever Asiad gold in the women’s individual recurve event.

A similarly historic first took place in golf, where Pranati Urs became the first Indian woman to win gold in the individual event.

India’s women’s cricket and kabaddi teams entered the Asian Games as favourites to win gold, and delivered, not showing a hint of cracking under pressure. But the Indian women’s hockey team ended a 44-year wait for Asiad gold, being the class of the tournament and defeating favourites China in the final.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/asian-games-2026/same-medal-count-bigger-impact-how-indian-women-outshone-men-at-asian-games-2026-12138090

China dominated the Asian Games with 169 golds and 341 total medals. In comparison, India finished fourth with a total of 85 medals. The reasons behind this gulf between the two countries goes beyond the sporting field.

China is a sporting powerhouse, and its repeated dominance at the Asian Games has proven that. Securing 341 total medals, including 169 golds, China finished comfortably at the top of the medal standings once again, a position the country has held continuously since 1982. To put this in perspective, China’s gold count alone exceeded the combined total of the next three highest-ranked countries (Japan with 83, South Korea with 39, and India with 21). This level of success is not accidental, but the result of years of hard work and a system designed to churn out results.

For India, which finished a respectable fourth with 21 gold medals and 85 overall, understanding China’s model offers a clear roadmap for scaling up from a regional contender to a global sporting powerhouse, especially as the country prepares to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and potentially the Olympic Games in 2036.

What Makes China a Sporting Powerhouse?

India’s medal charge at the Asian Games 2026 ended with a top-place finish by the Indian men’s hockey team on Saturday.

India’s medal charge at the Asian Games 2026 ended with a top-place finish by the Indian men’s hockey team on Saturday. After a slow start to the campaign, when India looked set to finish with far fewer medals than at the 2022 edition, the contingent gained momentum as the Games progressed. Archers and boxers provided the late push, with the Indian men’s cricket team and the men’s hockey team bringing home gold medals. India’s final medal tally stood at 85 – 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze. (Asian Games 2026 medal tally)

GOLD MEDALS (21)

Cricket

India Women’s Team (Women’s T20)

India Men’s Team

Kabaddi

India Women’s Team

India Men’s Team

Hockey

India Women’s Team

India Men’s Team

Shooting

Kamaljeet & Suruchi Singh (10m Air Pistol Mixed Team)

Neeru Dhanda (Women’s Trap)

Kynan Chenai & Neeru Dhanda (Mixed Trap Team)

Archery

Chikitha Taniparthi, Prithika Pradeep, Jyothi Surekha Vennam (Women’s Compound Team)

Sahil Jadhav & Chikitha Taniparthi (Mixed Compound Team)

Sahil Jadhav, Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru, Kushal Dalal (Men’s Compound Team)

Ankita Bhakat, Kumkum Mohod, Kirti Sharma (Women’s Recurve Team)

Kumkum Mohod (Women’s Recurve Individual)

Athletics

Kiran Pahal, Poovamma MR, Prachi Choudhary, Vithya Ramraj (Women’s 4x400m Relay)

Boxing

Lovlina Borgohain (Women’s 75kg)

Parveen Hooda (Women’s 65kg)

Ankush (Men’s 80kg)

Wrestling

Sujeet (Men’s Freestyle 65kg)

Aman Sehrawat  (men’s freestyle 57kg)

Golf

Pranavi Urs (Women’s Individual)

SILVER MEDALS (27)

Shooting

Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Maskar, Vidarsa Vinod (Women’s 10m Air Rifle Team)

Elavenil Valarivan (Women’s 10m Air Rifle)

Rudrankksh Patil, Parth Mane, Himanshu Dhillon (Men’s 10m Air Rifle Team)

Himanshu Dhillon (Men’s 10m Air Rifle)

Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Rudrankksh Patil, Niraj Kumar (Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions Team)

Vidarsa Vinod, Ashi Chouksey, Tilottama Sen (Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions Team)

Neeru Dhanda, Manisha Keer, Aashima Ahlawat (Women’s Trap Team)

Esha Singh (Women’s 25m Pistol)

Athletics

India Mixed 4x400m Relay Team

Gulveer Singh (10,000m)

Sawan Berwal (Marathon)

Tajinderpal Singh Toor (Shot Put)

Ancy Sojan (Long Jump)

Sarvesh Kushare (High Jump)

Gulveer Singh (1500m)

Murali Sreeshankar (Long Jump)

Yash Vir Singh (Javelin Throw)

Boxing

Roshibina Devi (Women’s 60kg Sanda/Wushu)

Antim Panghal (Wrestling)

Squash

Abhay Singh (Men’s Singles)

Anahat Singh (Women’s Singles)

Sailing

Prince Kurisinkal Noble & Manu Francis (Men’s Skiff)

Wrestling

Nitesh Siwach (Greco-Roman 97kg)

Archery

Kumkum Mohod & Dhiraj Bommadevara (Mixed Recurve Team)

Neeraj Chauhan, Yashdeep Bhoge, Dhiraj Bommadevara (Men’s Recurve Team)

Golf

India Women’s Team

Weightlifting

Mirabai Chanu (49kg)

Bronze Medal Highlights (37)

Notable bronze medallists included:

Athletics

Seema Kumari (10,000m)

Manpreet Kaur (Shot Put)

Baranica Elangovan (Pole Vault)

Prachi Choudhary (400m)

Haritha Bhadra (200m)

Tejaswin Shankar (Decathlon)

Parul Chaudhary (3000m Steeplechase)

Vithya Ramraj (400m Hurdles)

Parul Chaudhary (5000m)

Rohit Yadav (Javelin)

Mixed 4x100m Relay Team

Pooja Singh (High Jump)

Men’s 4x400m Relay Team

Shooting

Rudrankksh Patil (10m Air Rifle)

Women’s Skeet Team

Men’s Skeet Team

Mixed Skeet Team

Boxing

Narender Berwal

Priya Ghanghas

Kapil Pokhariya

Archery

Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru (Men’s Compound Individual)

Neeraj Chauhan (Men’s Recurve Individual)

Wrestling

Sunil Kumar (Greco-Roman)

Deepak Punia

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/asian-games-2026/full-list-of-indian-medallists-at-asian-games-2026-and-final-medal-tally-12134467

 

Five-time World Cup winners Brazil showed glimpses of their class in a 4-0 win over India in a rare football friendly between the two nations in Kolkata on Saturday.

Five-time World Cup winners Brazil showed glimpses of their class in a 4-0 win over India in a rare football friendly between the two nations in Kolkata on Saturday. India’s hosting of a senior men’s Brazil team for the first time had created buzz but a half-empty 65,000-capacity Salt Lake Stadium stadium greeted the players. Critics blamed the pricing of tickets for the low attendance despite Brazil’s top stars including Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior and Marquinhos in the line-up.

The cheapest tickets were priced at 999 rupees ($10) but they were sold minutes after going on sale, while the next categories ranged between 3,500 and 25,000 rupees.

India, ranked 138th in the world, are looking to raise the profile of the sport in a cricket-mad country of 1.4 billion people.

Although the men’s teams of the two countries were playing each other for the first time, the women’s sides faced off in the Brazilian city of Manaus in 2021.

Brazil dominated play with Vinicius denied by a brave save from Indian goalkeeper and captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu as early as the eighth minute.

India’s forward line had a few good runs at the opposition goal, before Chelsea forward Estevao put Brazil ahead in the 28th minute with a quick left-foot shot that beat Gurpreet.

The goal rattled India’s strategy and defence as Pedro doubled the lead in the 42nd minute.

Brazil’s yellow jerseys dominated the stands and Carlo Ancelotti’s team did not disappoint with their smooth play.

Every Indian move was cheered by a raucous home crowd and Manvir Singh raised the volume when his powerful strike in the 55th minute drew a fine save.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/football/brazil-clinch-4-0-victory-in-historic-friendly-on-selecaos-1st-visit-to-india-12135046

 

BCCI President Mithun Manhas on Saturday lauded the Indian men’s cricket team for retaining their Asian Games gold with a win over arch-rivals Pakistan, and said the Shreyas Iyer-led outfit handled a high-pressure final well.

BCCI President Mithun Manhas on Saturday lauded the Indian men’s cricket team for retaining their Asian Games gold with a win over arch-rivals Pakistan, and said the Shreyas Iyer-led outfit handled a high-pressure final well. India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the final at Nisshin, Japan, emulating their women’s counterparts, who had also defended their gold medal last week. “By far the best team of the tournament. We are the defending champions, and the performance they have shown this time is commendable,” Manhas told reporters here.

He was delighted to see the way the team handled pressure.

“They defeated arch-rivals Pakistan, who I feel don’t offer much competition anymore, and the way our team handled pressure situations… no other team in the world can do that,” he said.

He praised Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma for coming up with important knocks in the medal clash.

“This is a team sport. Tilak Varma batted brilliantly, and Abhishek Sharma set the tone for the game. The job of openers is to build the innings, and the middle order finishes it. So, the openers basically set the tone.

“Team India’s batting has been tremendous, and as for the bowling, I would say everyone contributed together to defend a good total,” he said.

The former Delhi cricketer also thanked ICC chairman Jay Shah for doing commendable work in strengthening Indian cricket during his tenure as BCCI secretary.

“I would like to thank Jay Shah once again. He was the then BCCI secretary and his contribution has been significant in building this team.

“Not just the men’s team, our women’s team has also won the World Cup. His contribution has been immense. So, a special thanks to him too,” he added.

Manhas dedicated the Asian Games victory to cricket fans and the Armed Forces.

“This victory, I believe, should be dedicated to the crores of fans who pray for the Indian team, and especially to those soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country,” he said.

On cricket becoming an attraction at the Asian Games, Manhas said the sport is gaining global traction.

“Different teams from around the world are participating, every country is getting involved in cricket, and it’s a very good thing that cricket is becoming global,” he said.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/asian-games-2026/pakistan-dont-offer-much-competition-anymore-bcci-after-indias-asian-games-triumph-12134478

The player has played two ODI World Cups for India in 2019 and 2023, where he was ruled out of the competition after sustaining an ankle injury in the clash against Bangladesh in Pune.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly believes star fast-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya will be vital to maintaining the side’s balance at the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup in South Africa, adding that keeping him fit and match-ready will be head coach Gautam Gambhir’s biggest off-field challenge leading into the marquee event. The ICC officially launched the schedule for the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup in Cape Town on Thursday and set the stage for the tournament to commence in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October 2 to November 21. Pandya has played two ODI World Cups for India in 2019 and 2023, where he was ruled out of the competition after sustaining an ankle injury in the clash against Bangladesh in Pune.

“I think Hardik Pandya is very important to India’s balance in the World Cup. That’s one of Gambhir’s and the team’s biggest challenges, to get him fit on the park. I don’t think he plays enough cricket, but for India, the balance has got to be right. If Hardik is injured, the next best option is Nitish Reddy.

“But if they have to look at Nitish Reddy as a second option to Hardik Pandya, then he must play all cricket till the World Cup. Jadeja is another option, whether they will look at him, because he is a terrific batter at number seven and is playing against the West Indies currently.

“But I think in October in South Africa, you will need a seaming all-rounder because none of the top five batters bowl. So you will have to get that fifth or sixth bowling option from somewhere. So that’s an area where India needs to find the right person. And that’s why I keep saying Pandya is very important,” said Ganguly to JioStar.

Having a glance at India’s campaign, Ganguly noted that India opening their campaign against Australia, in what will be a re-match of the 2023 World Cup final, rather than facing arch-rivals Pakistan is a good sign, though he’s more interested in a potential Super 7 clash against a ‘gun’ South African team.

“Good to see that India start with Australia because we are too used to India starting against Pakistan. You have to play two good teams at any stage. It doesn’t matter whether it comes first or whether it comes later.

“I think the ICC has realised that India-Pakistan is no longer the India-Pakistan game in terms of the level of competition. Pakistan is too weak and India have been beating them for a long time. I’m actually looking forward to the India-South Africa game, which will probably take place in the second round. South Africa is a gun team at the moment.

“Many of the regulars are not even a part of the squad which is playing Australia at the moment, and they have beaten them. Also, a World Cup in South Africa will be phenomenal. I was involved in SA20 last year, and the turnout for the franchise tournament was unreal. Every ground and every stand was full,” added Ganguly.

Parthiv Patel, the ex-India wicketkeeper-batter who was a part of the Ganguly-led 2003 ODI World Cup team finishing runners-up in South Africa, noted that starting with high-stakes fixtures allows India to fine-tune their combinations and manage key players workloads heading into the business end.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/icc-cricket-world-cup-2027/sourav-ganguly-identifies-this-star-as-key-to-indias-2027-world-cup-hopes-balance-has-to-be-right-12129676

Indian women’s recurve team created history and won their first-ever Asian Games gold

The Indian women’s recurve team, comprising Ankita Bhakat, Kirti and Kumkum Mohod, created history and won their first-ever Asian Games gold in the event after beating South Korea 5-3 in the final. The Indian Archers have delivered a stunning performance at the Asian Games. This was India’s 11th gold at the Asian Games 2026, and the fourth in Archery, the best among all sports. India’s Asian Games medal tally also rose to 67, with 23 silvers and 66 bronze medals.

The final against South Korea was a tense battle from the start. The opening set ended 54-54, leaving both teams level at 1-1. The second set was equally close, with Korea and India again finishing on 56 points each to make it 2-2. India then produced their best archery of the contest in the third set. South Korea struggled under pressure, with three consecutive 8s leaving them on 52. India scored 55 to take the set and move 4-2 ahead.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/india-script-history-with-first-ever-asian-games-gold-in-womens-team-recurve-archery-article-156261656

Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp reportedly after a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus and federation president Pedro Proenca. A retirement from international football could be on the cards in the coming days.

The Portugal national team has been thrown into turmoil after captain Cristiano Ronaldo left the training camp in Copenhagen following a tense disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus. Taking to social media, Ronaldo made his decision to leave the national team camp public, saying the decision was taken after he spoke to the President of the Portuguese Football Federation Pedro Proenca. Vowing to narrate the full extent of the controversy, Ronaldo pledged that he will reveal the truth in due time. However, media outlets in Europe have already started reporting inside details on the matter, explaining what transpired between Ronaldo, Portugal manager Jorge Jesus, and the federation’s president. The dramatic development has reignited fierce debate regarding the veteran forward’s role in the national setup and his relationship with the coaching staff.

Taking to social media, Ronaldo wrote: “After the National Team Coach’s press conference, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I made the decision to leave the National Team camp. In due time, I will tell the truth to all Portuguese people about the reasons that motivated my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself. Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates, without exception.”

Após a conferência de imprensa do Selecionador Nacional, e no seguimento de uma conversa com o Presidente da Federação Portuguesa de Futebol, tomei a decisão de deixar o estágio da Seleção Nacional.

A seu tempo, direi a verdade a todos os Portugueses sobre as razões que motivaram a minha saída da equipa nacional, à qual sempre me dediquei.

Agora é tempo de desejar boa sorte a Portugal e a todos os meus companheiros de equipa, sem exceção.

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) September 30, 2026

What Started The Controversy?

As reported by Portuguese media, the trouble began during Portugal’s UEFA Nations League match against Norway. After playing against Wales a few days prior, Ronaldo was named on the substitutes’ bench. Although he spent time warming up during the second half, the flow of the match changed the manager’s plans.

Goncalo Ramos played well upfront, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory, and head coach Jorge Jesus ultimately decided not to use Ronaldo at all, leaving him on the bench for the entire ninety minutes. Visibly frustrated by the lack of playing time, Ronaldo walked straight down the tunnel at the final whistle instead of joining his teammates to thank the supporters.

Explaining his selection criteria and his stance on team authority, Jorge Jesus addressed his policy regarding player status:

“His performance is what matters. The past doesn’t count. Cristiano is a player like any other. If he is performing well, he will play. If he isn’t, he won’t.”

As noted by multiple publications, although the Portuguese Football Federation and Jesus denied any physical issues, Ronaldo missed normal group training to complete gym work, which only fuelled media reports of a growing dispute between the captain and the coach. Addressing media speculation surrounding the gym session, Jesus clarified:

“He didn’t refuse [to train]. He’s going to train today. It’s the fourth day, so he’s going to train. And he didn’t refuse to train. It’s impossible. Do you believe that? Not Cris.”

The Sudden Departure

As media speculation and tension grew, Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proenca travelled to Scandinavia to hold an emergency face-to-face meeting with both Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus.

Addressing the media following the talks, Jorge Jesus played down rumours of a severe rift and maintained that team selection remained entirely under his control:

“They forced me to talk to Cris about an issue that wasn’t even an issue. Cris, there’s so much talk in Portugal that we have to talk, I don’t understand what’s going on. There was nothing to talk about.”

“The president came, obviously, he has to be here with the team. Given what was being said in Portugal, he wanted to know what had happened. But after dinner, we’d already resolved the problem, which wasn’t a problem at all.”

However, Jorge Jesus firmly reiterated his authority regarding starting line-ups and tactical substitutions ahead of the upcoming match against Denmark:

“I can promise whatever I want. I am the coach. I told the player that he was not going to play. I will put you on the bench. If I need you for 30 minutes, you will play; if not, you will not.”

“I told Cris that he wasn’t going to play these two games. During the game I thought maybe I would need him and he would warm up. Then I didn’t put him in… Any player, when we’re out there warming up for 20 or 30 minutes and then don’t get in the game, no one is happy about it. Especially Cris. Even if it were Pelé or Maradona.”

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/football/cristiano-ronaldo-leaves-portugal-camp-midway-fallout-with-national-team-explained-12122748?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

 

 

PM Modi took to social media to extend his wishes and praise their commendable performances in the games. Indian athletes managed to win 8 medals on Day 10 of the Asian Games 2026.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian medal winners in Asian Games 2026 on Monday. PM Modi took to social media to extend his wishes and praise their commendable performances in the games. Indian athletes managed to win 8 medals on Day 10 of the Asian Games 2026.

PM Modi congratulated long jump star Murali Sreeshankar for silver medal. PM Modi said, “Another Asian Games medal for Murali Sreeshankar! His leap earned him a place on the Men’s Long Jump podium. Congratulations to him. Wishing him many more successes ahead.”

Another Asian Games medal for Murali Sreeshankar!

His leap earned him a place on the Men’s Long Jump podium.

Congratulations to him. Wishing him many more successes ahead: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 28, 2026

PM Modi also hailed the double podium in javelin throw. He said, “Two Indian javelin throwers on the Asian Games podium! Congratulations to Yashvir Singh on winning the Silver with a personal best and to Rohit Yadav on bringing home the Bronze. A wonderful result for both athletes and for Indian athletics. Best wishes to them for the endeavours ahead.”

Two Indian javelin throwers on the Asian Games podium!

Congratulations to Yashvir Singh on winning the Silver with a personal best and to Rohit Yadav on bringing home the Bronze.

A wonderful result for both athletes and for Indian athletics. Best wishes to them for the endeavours ahead: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 28, 2026

He also congratulated Parul Chaudhary for winning bronze in 5000m race. The Prime Minister said, “Congratulations to Parul Chaudhary on winning bronze in the Women’s 5000m at the Asian Games. Her success is very inspiring for budding athletes. All the best to her for the endeavours ahead.”

Congratulations to Parul Chaudhary on winning bronze in the Women’s 5000m at the Asian Games. Her success is very inspiring for budding athletes. All the best to her for the endeavours ahead: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 28, 2026

PM Modi also extended his congratulations to Gulveer Singh for his silver in 1500m. He said, “Congratulations to Gulveer Singh on winning the Silver in the Men’s 1500m at the Asian Games! His achievement becomes more special as it was a personal best. India is proud of him.”

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/pm-modi-congratulates-murali-sreeshankar-parul-chaudhary-and-other-indian-medallists-at-asian-games-2026

 

Vithya Ramraj won a bronze medal in the 2026 Asian Games in the 400m hurdles category. She broke P..T Usha’s long-standing national record.

Vithya Ramraj created history in the 2026 Asian Games by securing the bronze medal in the 400m hurdles event on Monday (September 28) at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium. Alongside the podium finish, she broke a national record of P. T. Usha, which stood for 42 years after being set in the 1984 Los Angeles (LA) Olympics, where she famously finished fourth, which was the joint-best by an Indian in track and field events alongside Milkha Singh before Neeraj Chopra’s gold medal in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Ramraj finished the race in 55:41 seconds, which is a national record in the event. Usha held the record since the mega event four decades ago in LA with a time of 55:42.Meanwhile, the gold medal was won by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Mariam Kareem (54:31 seconds), while Kazakhstan’s Adelina Zems (54:58 seconds).

Mohammad Yousuf said it was a “decisive moment” for the two arch rivals, from which India has edged Pakistan.

The Indian cricket board making the right calls is the reason behind their national team’s progress since the 2007 ODI World Cup when compared to Pakistan, says former captain Mohammad Yousuf. Both India and Pakistan were eliminated in the group stage of the 2007 ODI World Cup in the Caribbean, and Yousuf said it was a “decisive moment” for the two arch rivals, from which the former has edged ahead. “It was a decisive moment for both cricket boards, and I just feel that after that, the Indian board made the right calls, like appointing MS Dhoni, etc., while in contrast, in Pakistan, the wrong calls were made, because of which Pakistan cricket is struggling now,” Yousuf said on a YouTube podcast.

Yousuf said India are also reaping benefits of having players being nurtured by former captain and head coach Rahul Dravid.

“India’s success also comes down to the way Rahul Dravid managed their junior cricket, and over the years, the work he put in identifying and grooming players has paid off for them now,” he said.

“I think Virat (Kohli) is the best white-ball player of this era. Unfortunately, after 2019, we have not produced the sort of players you need to maintain dominance at the top level, the sort of players we had in the 80s or 90s,” Yousuf said.

The former Pakistan middle-order mainstay said that the current players do not want to do the hard yards.

“The unfortunate part is that I feel some of these current players don’t want to also put in the extra hours and hard work. I have been a batting coach with the Pakistan team, and I can tell you at times felt these players didn’t want to learn,” he said.

“Cricket is a sport where no matter how much you have played, you learn something new every day. The moment you think you know everything is when you start going downhill,” Yousuf added.

Yousuf, who has served as the national team’s selector and bating coach, said Pakistan were still doing better when Sarfaraz Ahmed was their captain.

“I felt that Sarfaraz sacrificed a lot for his team because he wanted to see the team do well. I remember telling him, ‘Why don’t you bat higher?’ and he said, ‘For him, the team result mattered the most, not his position’,” he said.

Yousuf said the problems started for Pakistan cricket after the sidelining of Sarfaraz and frequent changes have not helped their cause either.

Citing his example, Yousuf said he himself couldn’t understand why he was removed as head coach of the junior team after just two events. “I don’t know; it made no sense,” he said.

Yousuf said Babar Azam has technical flaws in his batting which he is not working on.

“I spent time with Babar in New Zealand when I was batting coach trying to make him understand where he was going wrong, but he was unwilling to make any changes,” Yousuf said.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/pakistan-great-namedrops-ms-dhoni-in-massive-admission-decisive-moment-12105736

Entering the match, Virat Kohli needed 59 runs to leapfrog Sachin Tendulkar for the record.

Virat Kohli has achieved yet another ODI record. The India stalwart became the fastest player ever, and second player overall, to score 15,000 runs in ODI cricket, as he slammed a half-century against West Indies in the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram. Entering the match, Kohli needed 59 runs to leapfrog Sachin Tendulkar for the record, who is the only other player to score 15,000 ODI runs. While Tendulkar took 377 innings to get to the feat, Kohli has done it in just 303 innings.

Maestro Kohli and skipper Shubman Gill displayed their mastery in 50-over format with virtuoso hundreds as India subdued the West Indies by eight wickets in the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram.

India now lead the three-match series 1-0, after Kohli (139 not out, 10×4, 9×6) and Gill (110, 107b) milked 150 runs for the second wicket to help the hosts scale down 296 in 41.4 overs, ending up at 300 for two.

West Indies too had a centurion in their ranks in Justin Greaves, but his maiden effort – 101 – is now destined to remain as an afterthought as it was already overshadowed by Kuldeep Yadav’s excellent four-wicket burst.

But even Greaves will not complain about that after remaining a reverent student during India’s innings, watching a GOAT and another batter looking to attain that status working in tandem.

Here’s a quick look at the stats: Gill crunched his 10th ODI hundred and Kohli steamrolled Windies for his 55th ton, and 86th in international cricket.

Additionally, Kohli also became the second batter in history to register 15000 runs in one-dayers after Sachin Tendulkar.

All these are heady numbers but their batting on the day was even more so – in haste but not in hate.

After scoring 75 runs for the opening wicket with Rohit Sharma, Gill’s innings blossomed in the company of Kohli.

Gill exploited the reprieve he received on 11, when substitute Keemo Paul dropped him off Jayden Seales, to the hilt, first bringing a 50 off 49 balls and the next 50 in 47 balls.

In the interim, there were a litany of shots – a square cut and punch through the covers of Alzarri Joseph, a square cut off Seales and six and four combination off spinner Gudakesh Motie.

They were shots played with the subtle hands of a butterfly curator, and even the bowlers would not have felt the anguish.

Kohli, on the other hand, did what he has been doing all these years – running hard and then unfurling an array of dazzling shots, his blueprint while conducting ODI chases. Just that this time, he showed an increasing appetite for sixes.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/virat-kohli-scripts-history-breaks-sachin-tendulkar-all-time-odi-record-12105904

UFC Vegas 121 delivered major UFC results as Ilimbek Akylbek and Tina Black won their TUF 34 finals, while Luis Hernandez and several other fighters scored impressive finishes.

Raul Rosas Jr. and Raoni Barcelos were at the center of UFC Vegas 121, but the Las Vegas card had several results that caught attention before the main event. The night featured two The Ultimate Fighter 34 finals, with Ilimbek Akylbek facing Mahammadeli Osmanli and Tina Black meeting Melissa Amaya. Akylbek won after an illegal knee ended his fight, while Black stopped Amaya in Round 2. Luis Hernandez also made a quick impact after taking the fight on short notice. Several other fighters added finishes to a busy night at Meta APEX in Las Vegas.

Ilimbek Akylbek And Tina Black Claim TUF 34 Wins In Two Very Different Fight Endings

Ilimbek Akylbek left the bantamweight final with the win, but it did not come in the way he wanted.

Mahammadeli Osmanli landed a knee while Akylbek was down at 2:19 of Round 1. The referee stopped the fight after Akylbek could not continue. Osmanli was disqualified, giving Akylbek the victory.

The result made Akylbek the first fighter from Kyrgyzstan to win The Ultimate Fighter. It was also the first TUF victory by disqualification. The ending was sudden, and a future rematch could give both fighters a chance to settle the result inside the cage.

Tina Black had a much different finish in the women’s strawweight final. She used her striking to hurt Melissa Amaya several times before finding the stoppage in the second round.

WELCOME to the UFC 👏

Tina Black makes her mark in round 2!

[ #UFCVegas121 LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] https://t.co/hJ9WfCjiMg

— UFC (@ufc) September 27, 2026

Black won by TKO at 3:19 of Round 2. The victory made her the first Brazilian woman to win The Ultimate Fighter. She also earned her UFC contract after building experience through Dana White’s Contender Series and other promotions.

Luis Hernandez, Brady Hiestand And Other UFC Vegas 121 Winners Add More Stoppages To The Fight Card

Luis Hernandez also gave fans a quick result. Fighting on only two days’ notice, Hernandez caught Sedriques Dumas in a guillotine choke and forced the tap in the opening round.

The submission came at 0:50 of Round 1 and gave Hernandez his first UFC victory. The win kept his unbeaten record at 8-0 and added another fast finish to his rise toward the UFC roster.

The rest of the UFC Vegas 121 fight card also had several stoppages. Brady Hiestand submitted Rinya Nakamura with a rear-naked choke in Round 2. Christian Edwards stopped Rodolfo Bellato with punches in the third round after both fighters had their moments.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/us/mma/ufc-results-ilimbek-akylbek-and-tina-black-win-tuf-34-finals-luis-hernandez-scores-quick-victory-12103655

 

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been the talk of the town for the past two years, thanks to his unbelievable performances.

India’s wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel came up with quite an honest answer when asked about playing alongside Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. In the India Premier League, Jurel represents Rajasthan Royals, a side for which the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi opens the batting. The RR senior heaped massive praise on the teenager, who has been the talk of the town since the franchise paid a whopping sum of Rs 1.1 crore for him. The wonderkid soon repaid the faith shown in him with incredible performances in the T20 event. Meanwhile, he played equally well for the India Under-19 and India ‘A’ teams before earning his maiden international cap.

“He deserves all the praise. What he does is something you can’t even dream of. A 15-year-old kid smashing everybody. It’s just WOW. Honestly, there’s no jealousy. There’s no comparison either. What is there to compare? It’s beyond comprehension. Comparisons happen when you think you can do something similar. He is too good. An unbelievable kid. We watch in awe, and he makes life easier for us as batters,” Dhruv Jurel said on Aakash Chopra’s YouTube channel.

The RR wicketkeeper-batter also talked about the pressure of batting alongside Sooryavanshi.

“In the Powerplay, he keeps smashing, and watching him, you feel that if we get a chance, we should also start hitting, because he just keeps smashing,” Jurel said.

Sooryavanshi, who made his international debut on the T20I tour of England in July, was recently an unused member in India’s 3-0 series win over Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/no-jealousy-no-comparison-india-stars-honest-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-verdict-its-not-sanju-samson-12103057

Asian Games 2026 Full India Results Day 8: Kabaddi brought India two gold medals while Tajinderpal Singh Toor won silver in men’s shot put event.

Day 8 at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games turned out to be India’s best showing yet, with six medals clinched — including two gold. India started the day with a historic silver in the men’s marathon, where Sawan Barwal ended the nation’s 44-year wait for a medal in the discipline. That was followed by India’s 11th medal in shooting, a silver in the women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions.

The gold came in women’s kabaddi, where India survived a scare against Iran to retain their title. A few hours later, the men’s team clinched a gold in kabaddi after beating Iran 40-34. Tajinderpal Singh Toor then brought a silver in men’s shot put after finishing second in the final.

Squash also delivered three more medals. Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar secured mixed doubles bronze, while Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh stormed into their respective singles finals, ensuring at least two more silver medals.

Here’s the full list of results for India on Day 7 at the Asian Games:

Kabaddi:

India beat Iran 37-34 in the women’s final, win GOLD

India beat Iran 40-34 in the men’s final, win GOLD

India’s first-ever Mixed Martial Arts medallist Suchika Tariyal on Thursday said she was robbed of a “deserving” gold medal win at the Asian Games due to “weird weight rules”.

India’s first-ever Mixed Martial Arts medallist Suchika Tariyal on Thursday said she was robbed of a “deserving” gold medal win at the Asian Games due to “weird weight rules”. With MMA making its debut at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, Suchika won a bronze for India’s historic medal at the event after the 36-year-old lost to Singapore’s Tea Hui Hoon in the semifinal. Suchika said she was “clearly” winning the semifinal but the outcome of the draw was declared “very strangely”. “I was clearly winning the bout, but it was declared a draw very strangely. Instead of (having) one more round, they applied these weird weight rules which virtually robbed me of my deserving gold medal,” Suchika told PTI on her arrival at the IGI Airport here on Thursday.

“Regarding the weight rule, I felt it was a very bad rule. They could have let me play one more round. Even if I had lost that round, I could have accepted it, but I could not accept what happened,” she said.

Suchika reiterated that the way she was performing, the gold medal was within her grasp.

“I am very happy to get a medal. The way I was playing, it looked like I would win the gold medal. I know how I reached that stage. I worked very hard, and I couldn’t lose like that. As far as I know, I was winning both the bouts,” Suchika said.

“Even in the one-minute round, I was dominating her. She was running backwards, and I was on top of her. I had told you that the federation is from Singapore, so maybe they had to make her win,” she added.

“Maybe they had already made a commitment internationally and could not go back on their word.”

Suchika claimed that the officials could have announced both the competitors as winners.

“When I raised the issue with the federation, the match was declared a draw. They said both of us were equal, but then they gave her the win. I could have been given the win as well,” the 36-year-old said.

“I do not know why they did that. I am not saying it was cheating. If you are declaring the match a draw, you could have given me the win too. What was my shortcoming that you gave her the win? That is all I want to say.”

She continued, “You can call it bad luck. I am not saying that I was defeated because of cheating. I am very happy; I cannot express it.”

Suchika, however, said she is content winning the bronze medal.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/asian-games-2026/i-was-robbed-of-gold-at-asian-games-indias-first-mma-medallist-suchika-tariyal-makes-explosive-claim-12093476?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

Cristiano Ronaldo said he is focused on “the present”, refusing to set a date for his international retirement when he appeared before the press on Wednesday, on the eve of the Nations League match against Wales.

Cristiano Ronaldo said he is focused on “the present”, refusing to set a date for his international retirement when he appeared before the press on Wednesday, on the eve of the Nations League match against Wales. The 41-year-old announced earlier in the summer that this season would “probably” be the last of his career, prompting a volley of questions from reporters. “I’m no longer at an age where I think about the future,” said Ronaldo. “For me, the present is what matters most.”

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star said he was ready to step down from the national team as soon as the staff wanted it and hinted that he would announce his departure before playing his final match.

Ronaldo also confirmed his ambition to reach 1,000 career goals, having already scored 979 in all competitions.

“I’ve already said that I want to get there and I will get there, but it’s not an obsession,” he insisted on Wednesday, adding that he would like to hit that milestone in a Portugal shirt.

“That would be the cherry on the cake,” he said. “Scoring a thousandth goal with the national team would crown a beautiful story.”

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner described the arrival of new coach Jorge Jesus as “the beginning of a new era”

He said that the 72-year-old coach, with whom he worked last year at the Saudi club Al-Nassr, was “the perfect choice” to replace Spaniard Roberto Martinez.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/football/cristiano-ronaldo-refuses-to-set-retirement-date-ahead-of-wales-clash-in-uefa-nations-league-12088800

Roshibina Devi won a silver medal in Wushu at the Asian Games 2026.

Wushu star Roshibina Devi settled for a silver medal after she lost to China’s Zhang Xiaoyu in the women’s Sanda 60kg final. Zhang dominated the gold-medal bout, winning 2-0 after taking both rounds 5-0. Roshibina struggled to find a way back as the Chinese fighter maintained control throughout the contest. Zhang came into the final after an impressive run at the Asian Games, which included a victory over Vietnam’s 2023 world champion Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy.

This was Roshibina’s second silver and third medal at the Asian Games. She also finished runner-up at the 2022 Hangzhou Games, losing the final to another Chinese fighter, Xiaowei Wu, while she won a bronze medal in the 2018 Games. Roshibina was not part of the original squad after losing the qualifiers to Divyanshi, who was ruled out of the Asian Games due to an injury, paving the way for Roshibina’s pass to the Asian Games. She started the campaign with a win over over Bangladesh’s Shika Kautam on point difference in Round of 16 before beating Macau’s Chu Man Sin in the quarter-finals 5-0. She was hopeful of adding a gold, but was outplayed in the final.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/its-a-silver-roshibina-scripts-history-with-hattrick-of-medals-at-asian-games-article-156213007

Joe Root became the first English cricketer to score 23,000 international runs, and also went past Sachin Tendulkar in an elite list.

Star England batter Joe Root entered yet another record book during their first ODI clash against Sri Lanka in Durham on Tuesday. Root became the second-quickest batter in history to score 23,000 runs in international cricket. He reached the milestone in his 521st international innings. The 35-year-old went past legendary India batter Sachin Tendulkar in the elite list, who did it in 522 innings. Virat Kohli is the quickest to achieve the feat, having done it in 490 innings.

Needing just three runs to reach the milestone, Root got there with a classy boundary with the flick of the wrists.

Root became the eighth batter overall and the first Englishman to reach 23,000 international runs. Tendulkar, Kohli and Rahul Dravid from India, Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, Australia’s Ricky Ponting and South Africa’s Jacques Kallis are the others to do so.

Root has already hunted down Tendulkar in several record books, particularly in Test cricket. He recently broke the Indian legend’s record of the most half-centuries in Test cricket.

The attention of the cricket world is primarily on Root potentially breaking Tendulkar’s record for the most all-time Test runs. Currently, Root (14,278) stands 1,643 runs behind Tendulkar (15,921) in the list.

About to turn 36 in December this year, Root has still shown no signs of slowing down. He is also only 31 Tests behind Tendulkar’s record for the most Test matches played (200).

While Root’s greatness in Test cricket is well-recognized, his excellent ODI career has often gone under the radar. In fact, Root presently averages more in ODI cricket than in Tests.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/joe-root-makes-history-surpasses-sachin-tendulkar-in-yet-another-record-book-12082035

CSK announced Zaheer as the replacement for Stephen Fleming who stepped down after an 18 year association with the franchise. Zaheer’s appointment brings a new face to the CSK coaching setup ahead of the 2027 season.

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen congratulated Zaheer Khan after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) appointed the former India pacer as their head coach for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027. The development comes when the internet was abuzz with the news that Kevin Pietersen may be the first choice for the role.

Pietersen reacted to CSK’s announcement on X, wishing Zaheer well in his new role. He wrote, “Good luck to Zak on such an important and big job. CSK is a huge brand and I’m sure he’ll do a wonderful job.”

Good luck to Zak on such an important and big job. CSK is a huge brand and I’m sure he’ll do a wonderful job.

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) September 21, 2026

CSK announced Zaheer as the replacement for Stephen Fleming who stepped down after an 18 year association with the franchise. Zaheer’s appointment brings a new face to the CSK coaching setup ahead of the 2027 season.

The internet users were quick to react to KP’s congratulatory post and started commenting on the post asking him to join the franchise as the batting coach. The fans also said that CSK needs a batting coach and not a bowler as their head coach.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/leave-england-and-come-here-kevin-pietersen-congratulates-zaheer-khan-on-csk-head-coach-role-netizens-react

 

Another twist has emerged from Pakistan’s ongoing investigation on senior batters Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, with reports claiming that Rizwan has been barred by the Mohsin Naqvi-led Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) from publicly speaking about the matter.

Another twist has emerged from Pakistan’s ongoing investigation on senior batters Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, with reports claiming that Rizwan has been barred by the Mohsin Naqvi-led Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) from publicly speaking about the matter. Rizwan and Imam were among seven players sent home by the PCB from their recent tour of England. The two have since been investigated by Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over possible corruption and ‘online gambling’, leading to them being questioned for two hours, and their mobile phones being seized by the PCB’s security team.

According to a report by Pakistan-based outlet Geo News, Rizwan twice sought permission to publicly address the PCB’s investigation and inquiry on him, but he has not been allowed to do so by the board.

Rizwan reportedly wanted to provide public clarification regarding the entire controversy and explain the allegations levelled against him.

The 34-year-old batter had also written a letter to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit seeking clarity on the procedure, and reportedly wanted to publicly explain the reason behind this letter.

As per the report, Rizwan sought permission twice from the PCB in accordance with his central contract. Under Clause 4.1 of the central contract, a player is required to obtain permission before making any public statement concerning matters covered by the agreement.

Both of his requests were turned down by the PCB.

The report further claimed that Rizwan had no intention to accuse the PCB, but instead simply wanted to present his side of the story to the public.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/another-twist-in-pakistan-crickets-cyber-crime-investigation-mohammad-rizwan-barred-from-speaking-in-public-12077175

With roughly a year left until the ODI World Cup 2027, there are clouds of uncertainty over the participation of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the tournament

There has been a lot of chatter over Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future with the Indian cricket team. With roughly a year left until the ODI World Cup 2027, there are clouds of uncertainty over the two players’ participation in the tournament. By the time the mega event begins, Rohit will be 40 years old, while Kohli will be 39. Former India all-rounder Sandeep Patil praised the bench strength of the Indian cricket team and came up with a bold statement. He said that the presence or absence of the veteran duo would not impact the team or its performance.

Sandeep added that the participation of Rohit and Kohli in the ODI World Cup 2027 will depend on multiple factors, which include their willingness to play, their fitness, and the selectors’ thinking.

“It is up to these two players. Will they want to continue playing? Will they be able to maintain their fitness? What is the selectors’ strategy? Are the selectors looking ahead? Along with the current players, we always have to consider whether we have someone strong enough to replace them if the time comes for them to be left out of the team. And considering the Indian team’s bench strength, which I just spoke about, I don’t think there will be any problems, whether Virat or Rohit are in the team or not,” the former India all-rounder told SportsNext.

“These two players have been around for many years and will be regarded as legends. Rohit Sharma has been a remarkable player in white-ball cricket. As far as Virat is concerned, the more I say about him, the less it will be,” he added.

Both Rohit and Kohli have been named in India’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against West Indies.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-virat-kohli-not-needed-ex-india-stars-bold-remark-regarding-odi-world-cup-turns-heads-12072383

Asian Games organisers offered “deepest apologies” on Saturday for playing the North Korean national anthem for the South Korean men’s hockey team.

Asian Games organisers offered “deepest apologies” on Saturday for playing the North Korean national anthem for the South Korean men’s hockey team. South Korean officials were left angered by the latest mishap to hit the Nagoya-Aichi Games, which officially opened after a troubled build-up. At their Friday contest against Bangladesh, South Korea’s players lined up for the traditional playing of the anthems, only to look bemused as North Korea’s song rang out. Organisers then played Bangladesh’s anthem and later the South Korean one, the South’s Yonhap news agency said. South Korea went on to win 5-0.

“During the men’s hockey match between (South) Korea and Bangladesh on September 18, an incorrect national anthem was mistakenly played before the match,” the Asian Games organising committee told AFP on Saturday.

The statement said that, on Friday, “officials responsible for (National Olympic Committee) relations visited the delegation of the Republic of Korea and offered their sincere apologies for the incident”.

“We will also work to prevent a recurrence and would like to express our deepest apologies to all those affected by this matter.”

A stadium announcer apologised for the blunder but Min Tae-seok, coach of South Korea, was unimpressed.

“This is a really serious problem. When we protested, they said, ‘We’re sorry. It wasn’t that it wasn’t prepared, there was a mistake on the part of those responsible for playing it’,” he said.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/asian-games-2026/asian-games-forced-to-apologise-after-major-anthem-blunder-in-south-korea-match-12069110

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed that it pays a massive amount of ₹3000 in tax just days after the Supreme Court (SC) questioned why it should not be governed by the National Sports Governance Act.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia has revealed that the Indian cricket governing body pays a massive ₹3,000 annually in income tax. The revelation came at the end of the board’s 95th Annual General Meeting, which took place on Friday (September 18) in Mumbai, inside their headquarters on the Wankhede Stadium premises.

“We are paying taxes amounting to Rs 3,000 crore on an average annually. This was read out at the AGM and there was a big round of applause from the members,” said Saikia in an interaction with reporters after the meeting ended.

The National Sports Governance Act Factor

The comments come at an interesting time as the BCCI is currently in a battle to ensure they stay outside the thresholds of the National Sports Governance Act, which was passed in 2025. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court (SC) questioned the world’s richest cricket board on why it should not be governed by the Act.

The matter comes down to the fact that, unlike other sporting bodies in the country, the BCCI does not rely on government grants and instead, as revealed by Saikia, is paying enormous amounts in taxes.

The board’s secretary claimed that the BCCI is waiting for the government to take action and is not trying to take measures to stay away from the Act’s provisions. He pointed out how cricket is not a designated sport in the Act yet.

“Regarding the Sports Act, our stand is very clear. There are a lot of things which have to be done by the concerned authority. Once those exercises are completed and once the BCCI comes under the Sports Act, a particular notification has to be issued to make it a designated sport,” Saikia explained.

 

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/bcci-pays-3000-crore-in-tax-reveals-devajit-saikia-amid-national-sports-governance-act-case-article-156183920

As per NDTV sources, Ajit Agarkar has expressed his intention to step down from the top job at the end of his term.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has begun its search for a new chief selector for the senior men’s cricket team, with the current chairman of the selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, reportedly set to step down, according to sources. Agarkar, whose term at the helm of the selection committee is set to expire in the coming weeks, had reportedly sought an extension from the BCCI until the 2027 ODI World Cup. As per NDTV sources, Agarkar has expressed his intention to step down from the top job at the end of his term.

It is understood that discussions between the BCCI and Ajit Agarkar have already taken place, with an official announcement regarding the former pacer’s departure expected in the coming days.

NDTV had earlier reported that Agarkar’s tenure is all but over and that he had already chaired his final selection meeting when Team India’s squad for the upcoming white-ball series was announced.

Sources had told NDTV that former India cricketer Parthiv Patel is one of the leading candidates to replace Agarkar, whose contract expires next month.

Along with the future of the chairman of senior selection committee, the BCCI is reportedly looking to fill up all five positions of the junior selection committee.

The BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the board has received a lot of applications for the junior selection committee and it aims to complete the process within a fortnight.

“We have received a very large number of applicants and once the shortlisting is completed, then we will give it to our cricket committee,” he said.

“They will be the competent authority to select for the junior selection committee, so that process is going on, and we are trying to complete it within the next 10-15 days time because all the five (current) selectors, their tenure is going to be over very soon,” he added.

Saikia said the appointment of current Indian fielding coach Subhadeep Ghosh is for short term but his performance would be assessed.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/ajit-agarkar-set-to-quit-as-bcci-chief-selector-search-for-successor-underway-sources-12065978

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has backed his club and Argentina legend Lionel Messi for a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or win, saying that nobody is doing the things he has done at the age of 39 in the sport

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has backed his club and Argentina legend Lionel Messi for a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or win, saying that nobody is doing the things he has done at the age of 39 in the sport. Messi was among the 30 nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or award, with his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo absent from the list for the fourth successive year. Beckham spoke to the media after Inter Miami’s Campeones Cup win over Cruz Azul. In his club’s 2-0 victory, Messi delivered a goal and an assist, winning the 49th major trophy of his illustrious career. The goal was also his 100th for Inter Miami.

Messi’s masterclass came just days after he announced his international retirement following a bittersweet FIFA World Cup. Despite an individually excellent campaign, in which he scored eight goals and provided four assists, his side finished runners-up to Spain, losing 1-0.

“When you see him do things like this, when you see him have the World Cup that he has had, there is no one at 39 that is doing that, and doing it at that level. He deserves to be considered for the Ballon d’Or. In my opinion, he should win it,” Beckham said of Messi, according to Goal.com.

Casemiro, who scored from Messi’s assist, agreed with the sentiments of the former England captain. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United stalwart urged fans to enjoy whatever remains of Messi’s career, as he is in the final phase of his playing days.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/football/lionel-messis-stunning-form-at-39-leaves-david-beckham-convinced-about-ballon-dor-success-12060702

Opener Abhishek Sharma hit a record T20 century off 30 balls to set up a crushing 127-run win for India in the third match against Afghanistan and sweep the series 3-0 on Thursday.

Opener Abhishek Sharma hit a record T20 century off 30 balls to set up a crushing 127-run win for India in the third match against Afghanistan and sweep the series 3-0 on Thursday. Left-handed Abhishek’s ton was the fastest in a T20 international between full Test-playing nations as he guided India to 221-7 at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. Afghanistan, who were the official hosts for the series, checked the opposition surge after Abhishek departed for 108 off 34 balls and India lost their way from 142-1 in 10 overs. But the Afghan batters once again disappointed and were bowled out for 94 in 14.1 overs.

 

Afghanistan had posted 156-8 and 159-8 while batting first in the first two matches.

Left-arm spinner Axar Patel struck twice in his first over to send back Rahmanullah Gurbaz, for 15, and Sediqullah Atal, for one, and Afghanistan could never recover from the losses.

Seam bowler Nitish Kumar Reddy also took two wickets in one over to return figures of 3-25.

Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi wrapped up the Afghanistan innings with his third strike of the match.

Abhishek stood out with his third T20 century as he surpassed Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza’s ton off 33 balls against Gambia in 2024 and Finn Allen’s effort from the same number of deliveries in New Zealand’s T20 World Cup semi-final win over South Africa earlier this year in India.

The only two faster T20I hundreds came in matches betwen the lower-tiered associate members of the ICC.

Sahil Chauhan of Estonia holds the overall record of 27 balls after his century against Cyprus two years ago while Muhammad Fahad needed just 29 balls for his ton for Turkey against Bulgaria in 2025.

Swashbuckling

Abhishek tore into the Afghanistan bowling attack after India were invited to bat first.

The swashbuckling opener hit a six to reach 99. He completed the hundred with a single and sat in meditation pose to celebrate.

He finally fell for 108 off 34 balls to leg-spinner Rashid Khan. The 26-year-old’s knock was laced with nine fours and 11 sixes.

His opening stand of 142 with Sanju Samson, who hit 50, put India on course for a big total but the Afghan bowlers hit back with regular wickets.

Tilak Varma was run out for two by Rashid and Samson departed after his second successive half-century as he fell to pace bowler Azmatullah Omarzai.

Omarzai struck another blow helped by a stunning catch by Rashid in the deep to send back Shivam Dube for 14.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/abhishek-sharma-hits-record-t20i-century-as-india-sweep-t20i-series-3-0-vs-afghanistan-12061512

Sanju Samson played a blazing 57-run knock off 22 balls in the second T20I against Afghanistan.

Sanju Samson finally managed to get a big score next to his name in T20I cricket. The wicketkeeper-batter shone in the T20 World Cup 2026 by winning the Player of the Tournament award, but he has failed to replicate that consistency after India’s title victory. In the Indian Premier League that followed the world event, Samson did register big scores, but once again, consistency was missing. A similar showing from the veteran after resuming international cricket saw Team India give opportunities to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

However, for the first two T20Is against Afghanistan, India backed Samson, and he repaid the faith shown in him with a blazing 57-run knock off 22 balls in the most recent game. His innings was laced with seven fours and four sixes.

Former India players Mohit Sharma and Mohammad Kaif heaped praise on Samson following his knock against Afghanistan.

“The world champions played like world champions. Sanju Samson batted amazingly. At times, we are too quick to judge him. But the way he has batted, debate band kardi (ended the debate),” Mohit told Cricbuzz during a discussion.

Adding to it, Kaif said, “The biggest thing is that Sanju Samson has scored runs.”

The former international batter further pointed out that Sooryavanshi entered Team India’s playing XI picture due to Samson’s inconsistency. He added that if the wicketkeeper-batter performs consistently, Sooryavanshi will remain benched.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/debate-band-kardi-ex-india-star-on-sanju-samson-amid-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-buzz-12054311

 

It’s sort of a deja vu. After 2025, it’s the same story in 2026. After the men’s team, now the women’s cricket team has refused to receive the Asia Cup trophy from Pakistan’s Mohsin Naqvi

It’s sort of a deja vu. After 2025, it’s the same story in 2026. After the men’s team, now the women’s cricket team has refused to receive the Asia Cup trophy from Pakistan’s Mohsin Naqvi. Besides being the head of Asian cricket, he is also Pakistan’s interior minister. The Indian women’s team’s refusal to accept the trophy from Naqvi was a repeat of the position first taken in the 2025 men’s edition of the tournament. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side did not accept the winner’s trophy from Naqvi to protest against the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people that same year.

Indian cricket great Kapil Dev was asked about India’s refusal to accept the Women’s Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi. “Tell all of them to play golf,” was his short reply.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice-President Rajeev Shukla said the decision not to accept the Women’s Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi following their tournament victory in Dubai was taken after thorough discussion.

At the Dubai International Stadium, India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs on Sunday to secure their record eighth Women’s Asia Cup title. But Harmanpreet Kaur’s squad declined to collect the trophy from Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister and head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/kapil-dev-asked-about-indias-refusal-to-receive-womens-asia-cup-trophy-from-mohsin-naqvi-india-greats-one-line-reply-12055005

On October 6, Lionel Messi will wear the Albiceleste shirt one last time, with the icon picked for a farewell game in an upcoming friendly at home.

On August 31, 2026, Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football, bringing an illustrious Argentina career to a close. But on October 6, he will wear the Albiceleste shirt one last time, with the icon picked for a farewell game in an upcoming friendly at home.

There had been speculation over how long Messi would continue his international career, with the 2028 Copa America considered a potential swansong. But the Inter Miami star announced his retirement from Argentina last month, a decision he had reportedly made shortly after the 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain.

However, Messi will be back in Argentina colour for a last dance as coach Lionel Scaloni picked him in the preliminary 26-member squad for an upcoming friendly match against Benin in Buenos Aires on October 6.

Argentina are scheduled to play three friendly matches at home, starting September 30, against Bolivia in Cordoba, before taking in Burkina Faso on October 3 at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Three days later, the same Monumental Stadium will stage Messi’s farewell game.

The Argentina Football Association (AFA) confirmed, along with Giovani Lo Celso and Rodrigo de Paul, who won the 2022 World Cup alongside the captain in Qatar, that Messi will play only one friendly match, against the west African nation.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/football/lionel-messi-set-for-final-argentina-appearance-weeks-after-announcing-retirement-monumental-farewell-confirmed-101789521395113.html

 

India is exploring Formula One’s return, with a NITI Aayog-led task force formed to assess the feasibility of hosting a Grand Prix and prepare a motorsport roadmap. It will examine taxation, infrastructure, policy, tourism and investment benefits and PPP models. The Buddh International Circuit, which last hosted F1 in 2013, is being considered again.

India is exploring the revival of Formula One in the country, with the government constituting a task force under NITI Aayog to assess the feasibility of hosting a Formula One Grand Prix and develop a roadmap for the growth of the motorsports ecosystem.

Task force to assess feasibility

The Task Force for Formula One Grand Prix feasibility assessment will examine challenges affecting the sector, including taxation-related issues, and assess measures required for sustainable development of motorsports in India.

The task force will also evaluate the international, economic, tourism and investment benefits associated with hosting motorsport events, while identifying key priorities, infrastructure requirements and operational needs.

It will further examine the need for a comprehensive policy framework and recommend suitable Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to support the growth of motorsports in the country.

The task force is chaired by Yugal Kishore Joshi, PD (YAS), NITI Aayog.

The members include Kunal, Joint Secretary, Department of Sports; Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce; Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism; representatives from CBIC and CBDT under the Department of Revenue; representatives from Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra State Governments; representatives from Buddh International Circuit (BIC) and Madras International Circuit (MIC); President/Secretary General of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI); a technical expert nominated by FMSCI; and any other member co-opted by the chairperson based on requirement.

Indian Grand Prix revival

The move comes as the government considers bringing back Formula One to the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida, nearly 13 years after the last Indian Grand Prix was held at the track.

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had earlier visited the Buddh International Circuit, indicating potential plans to revive the Indian Grand Prix.

The Indian Grand Prix was held at the Buddh International Circuit from 2011 to 2013, with Germany’s Sebastian Vettel winning all three editions for Red Bull Racing.

The inaugural race was held on October 30, 2011, as the 17th round of the 2011 Formula One season, where Vettel emerged victorious.

Formula One has not returned to the Indian calendar since 2013. Besides Formula One, India hosted a MotoGP round in September 2023 at the Buddh International Circuit, though the event has not returned since.

Plans for global motorsport events

Earlier this year, Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) President Arindam Ghosh attended a meeting with the Sports Ministry in New Delhi and said that efforts are underway to bring Formula 1 back to India by 2030, a round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) and MotoGP by 2028.

Later, at the FMSCI Annual Awards function, Ghosh said, “The meeting with Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State Raksha Khadse, senior officials and potential stakeholders in New Delhi, focused primarily on bringing F1, MotoGP and a round of the WRC to India.”

“The Federation stressed the need to develop Indian drivers and the overall development of motorsports in India, and the FMSCI’s inputs were well received,” he added.

Senior Pakistan batter Mohammed Rizwan has sought clarification over why he was summoned by the country’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), amid the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) investigation over possible corruption during the recent tour of England.

Senior Pakistan batter Mohammed Rizwan has sought clarification over why he was summoned by the country’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), amid the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) investigation over possible corruption during the recent tour of England. Rizwan was questioned for two hours and had his mobile phone examined in an investigation concerning possible dressing room leaks. Initially, it was reported that Rizwan had been totally compliant with the ongoing investigation. However, a new report has emerged claiming that Rizwan has written to the NCCIA seeking clarification on the situation.

According to a report by Pakistan-based outlet Geo News, Rizwan has raised multiple questions in his letter and demanded the reasons for his summoning.

Rizwan and fellow senior batter Imam-ul-Haq were questioned by the NCCIA last Tuesday. Their mobile phones were also seized and their financial dealings during the tour were scrutinised by the PCB’s security team.

Rizwan and Imam were among seven players sent home midway during the Test series, in which Pakistan were whitewashed 3-0 by England.

“Why was I called by the NCCIA? I want to know for what reason you are calling me,” Rizwan wrote in his letter, as per the report.

The 34-year-old also reportedly questioned why his mobile phone has not yet been returned after it was seized by the PCB and handed over to relevant authorities.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/senior-pakistan-star-demands-explanation-pcb-yet-to-return-mobile-amid-cyber-crime-investigation-report-12049457

Harry Kane scored 73 goals and won a domestic treble with Bayern Munich, combining individual brilliance with team success in 2025-26 to emerge as one of the top Ballon d’Or contenders this year.

The last Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or was Michael Owen in 2001. The last Frenchman to win the Ballon d’Or was Ousmane Dembele in 2025. The last Spanish player to win the Ballon d’Or was Rodri in 2024. As Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane emerges as a strong candidate to win the Golden Ball this year, it isn’t just the likes of Mbappe and Yamal this year, but also a perception that tends to lean towards players from Real Madrid and Barcelona, irrespective of what some others have done that season. The last time a player from Bayern Munich came close to winning the Ballon d’Or was Robert Lewandowski after the Bundesliga club’s historic sextuple in 2020, when France Football decided to cancel the award. The next year, Lewandowski stood second on the podium, behind Lionel Messi. Though it doesn’t look like the Ballon d’Or ceremony could be cancelled this time, Kane isn’t the ‘favourite’ to stand on the top podium spot despite being the ‘favourite’ in footballing terms.

The Ballon d’Or is often decided by one of two things. First, extraordinary individual numbers or a season defined by trophies. Kylian Mbappe has produced the goals, while Lamine Yamal has been at the heart of a trophy-laden campaign for both Spain and Barcelona. But Harry Kane’s case is compelling precisely because he has combined both.

“𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆’𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒏.” 👑

@rioferdy5 on why Harry Kane deserves the Ballon d’Or! https://t.co/keCuLgI0a5

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) September 12, 2026

What Has Harry Kane Done Over Last 12 Months?

Kane ended the 2025-26 season for club and country with 73 goals and 8 assists to his name in 65 games, taking his overall goal involvement to 81. These numbers put his second on the list of most prolific seasons in front of goal, only behind Lionel Messi’s historic 2011-12 campaign. He also completed a domestic treble with Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga, the DFB Pokal and the German Super Cup.

While the German Bundesliga is often labelled the ‘farmer’s league’ for lack of competition, the fact that often goes unnoticed is that it was the first time after a gap of 6 years that Bayern had won the league cup in Germany.

Kane also ended the last season as the Bundesliga top scorer with 36 goals, winning the award for a third consecutive season. He became the first player in Bundesliga history to finish as top scorer in each of his first three seasons. These goals also earned him the European Golden Shoe.

Kane’s feat of 14 goals in the Champions League season is also a single-season record for an English player in the competition. In Europe for Bayern, Lewandowski scored in eight consecutive Champions League matches, joining an elite group containing Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski and Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Club statistics aside, Kane was also crucial for England’s third-placed finish in the FIFA World Cup this year, scoring six goals during the tournament. It was the second-best World Cup finish for the Three Lions in their history.

The former Tottenham man also displayed exceptional clutch finishing ability. His crowning club moment came in the DFB-Pokal final, where he scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory over VfB Stuttgart to seal the domestic double for Bayern Munich.

Comparison With Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal

Mbappe is a prolific goalscorer, and there’s no one in the world who can deny that. In terms of sheer attacking prowess and goalscoring ability, he is in a class of his own. But is that enough to win the Ballon d’Or?

For Real Madrid in 2025-26, he scored 42 goals in 44 appearances, including 25 in La Liga and 15 in the Champions League. He then added 10 goals for France at the 2026 World Cup, winning the Golden Boot and taking his World Cup career tally to 22, a new all-time record. Overall, he scored 56 goals for club and country in that season, till the conclusion of the World Cup.

The weakness in Mbappe’s Ballon d’Or case is the trophy cabinet, which was completely empty last season, for both club and country. Real Madrid did not win a major trophy during the season, while France were eliminated by Spain in the World Cup semi-finals. Furthermore, it was Harry Kane’s England that defeated his France in the third-place playoff.

Lamine Yamal’s argument is almost the reverse. He was a part of two teams that did extremely well last season – Barcelona and Spain – without himself doing anything special on a consistent basis. He scored 16 goals and provided 11 assists in La Liga, playing a recognisable role in Barcelona retaining the league title, and finished as the league’s leading assist provider.

Across all competitions, he finished the season with roughly 24 goals and more than 20 assists, while also being an important player in attack for Barcelona. His trophy case is stronger than Mbappe’s. Barcelona won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, while Yamal was subsequently part of Spain’s historic 2026 World Cup-winning campaign.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/football/ballon-dor-2026-debate-mbappe-scored-goals-yamal-won-trophies-but-harry-kane-did-it-all-12052104

 

Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved another incredible record, this time with his club side Al-Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr have made football history. On Saturday, in their 1-1 draw against Al-Khaleej, Al-Nassr became the team with the longest-ever scoring streak in a top-flight league in club football. Al-Nassr have now scored at least one goal in 94 consecutive games in the Saudi Pro League, beating the previous record of 93 set by Argentine side River Plate between 1936 and 1939. The historic goal was scored by 27-year-old forward Abdullah Al-Hamdan when he netted a 72nd-minute equaliser.

It is yet another special achievement in Ronaldo’s career as he has been Al-Nassr’s captain throughout this 94-match streak. Ronaldo joined the club in 2023, and has played 113 matches in the Saudi Pro League, in which he has scored 105 goals.

No team in club football history has scored in more consecutive matches in a top-flight league.

Al-Nassr’s incredible streak started following a 3-0 defeat to rivals Al-Hilal in December 2023. The next match, Al-Nassr beat Al-Riyadh 4-1, kickstarting the historic run.

However, Al-Nassr could not celebrate their record with a win, dropping points to a side that is just above the relegation zone in the Saudi Pro League.

The result saw Ronaldo and co. drop to third in the league, two points behind Al-Hilal and one behind Al-Ittihad.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/football/cristiano-ronaldos-al-nassr-script-world-record-become-1st-team-in-football-history-to-achieve-this-12046661

India had informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) that the Indian women’s team would not attend the trophy presentation ceremony of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 if Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi handed over the cup.

India had informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) that the Indian women’s team would not attend the trophy presentation ceremony of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 if Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi handed over the cup. “We communicated with ACC and yesterday I personally informed the ACC chairman that we won’t be part of the presentation ceremony if it is done in the same manner as done in case of the men’s cricket team, they did not want to change their position so we had no option,” revealed BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia to NDTV.

“We have honoured all the victims of the Pahalgam attack by not attending the ceremony” Saikia said.

He added that both the cups for the men and the women would come to India soon.

“We can assure very soon we will not only get the Women’s Asia Cup trophy but also the Men’s Asia Cup trophy” Saikia added.

He also alleged that Naqvi is not following established traditions.

“When present ICC chair was in ACC, it was the normal traditional practice that winning team office-bearer to hand over the trophy. But since last year, they are not following this tradition” Saikia added.

Saikia also expressed that the work being put behind the Indian women’s team in the T20 format. The Indian women’s cricket team won the 50-over World Cup for the first time in 2025.

“We are basically trying to build our team in the T20 format for the ICC T20 World Cup. In T20 format in women’s cricket we have challenges, and our target is the Asian Games ” Saikia added.

He further said that BCCI had given an alternative to ACC for the presentation ceremony.

“We had also requested that they could have done the presentation by the president or the vice chairman,” he said.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/womens-asia-cup-2026/bcci-provided-alternative-over-womens-asia-cup-trophy-presentation-heres-what-acc-replied-12046720

Indian cricket team skipped Women’s Asia Cup final presentation, refusing to accept trophy from Mohsin Naqvi.

The Indian cricket team didn’t show up at the Women’s Asia Cup final presentation at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, effectively refusing to take the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi. This was a repeat of the 2025 men’s Asia Cup final, which ended in Naqvi taking the trophy back to the ACC office in Dubai, where it still is.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s team beat Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final and celebrated as usual, including with interviews for the broadcaster. The presentation usually follows in 15-20 minutes, but this time, it took over an hour. In the meantime, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and vice-president Rajeev Shukla interacted with the squad on the sidelines, even sharing the team’s private dressing-room medal ceremony.

Reports in Pakistani media said earlier in the day that Naqvi reached the ground with the intention to present the trophy, which is his decision as the ACC chief. He took part in the ceremony, too, and presented Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu with a cheque for their runners-up finish.

But the Indian team, coach, and officials were nowhere to be seen near the stage. Pakistan media also claims that he’ll likely take the women’s Asia Cup trophy to the ACC office yet again.

Deja Vu for Mohsin Naqvi

Naqvi was present at the same venue for last year’s India-Pakistan men’s final, where a similar controversy unfolded. After India won the tournament, the team refused to receive the trophy from Naqvi, asking instead for another ICC or ACC official to present it.

The snub was part of India’s broader stance during the tournament in light of the Pahalgam terror attack. The team had already refused to participate in the customary handshakes before and after matches against Pakistan, and then India captain Suryakumar Yadav had dedicated the first of three tournament wins over the rivals to the Indian army.

Source : https://www.news18.com/cricket/india-refuse-to-take-womens-asia-cup-trophy-from-mohsin-naqvi-skips-presentation-ws-l-10327155.html

England skipper Joe Root surpassed legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most fifties in Test cricket during England’s eight-wicket win over Pakistan in the third and final Test at Edgbaston on Saturday.

England skipper Joe Root surpassed legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most fifties in Test cricket during England’s eight-wicket win over Pakistan in the third and final Test at Edgbaston on Saturday. Root remained unbeaten on 62 off 39 balls, hitting nine fours, as England chased down the target of 130 to complete a 3-0 series whitewash over Pakistan. With his unbeaten half-century, Root took his Test fifties tally to 69, moving past Tendulkar’s 68. Shivnarine Chanderpaul follows with 66 fifties, while Allan Border and Rahul Dravid have 63 each and Ricky Ponting 62.

Root also became the first batter to score more than 1,000 Test runs at Edgbaston. The venue is now the fourth where he has crossed the 1,000-run mark, after Lord’s, Manchester and The Oval.

Root has scored 2,203 Test runs at Lord’s, 1,128 at Manchester and 1,050 at The Oval, besides becoming the latest member of an elite group to achieve the 1,000-plus run milestone at four different venues.

He is only the third player after former South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis and Australian great Ricky Ponting to score more than 1,000 Test runs at four different venues.

Root’s latest landmark came as England completed a dominant 3-0 Test series sweep over Pakistan, with the hosts winning the Edgbaston Test by eight wickets.

Coming to the match, England thrashed Pakistan at Edgbaston to complete a 3-0 series whitewash. Chasing 130, England reached 130/2, with Joe Root unbeaten on 62 and Jordan Cox on 59.

Pakistan, after being bowled out for 133 in the first innings, fought back with 449 in the second. Shan Masood scored 95, Babar Azam 76 and debutant Razaullah 81, while Razaullah and Mohammad Abbas (42) added 121 runs for the ninth wicket.

England had earlier posted 453, taking a 320-run first-innings lead. Harry Brook (75), Jamie Smith (69), Dan Lawrence (65), Emilio Gay (60) and Ollie Robinson (50) were among the key contributors.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/joe-root-beats-sachin-tendulkar-for-massive-all-time-test-record-12037771

Former Pakistan chief selector Haroon Rasheed blamed Imran Khan’s decision to reduce domestic teams for Pakistan’s decline, contrasting the country’s limited structure with India’s deeper cricketing talent pipeline.

Pakistan cricket is in freefall, and it’s been a quick one. Till late 1990s and early 2000s, Pakistan were one of the top teams in the world, but they’ve lost their spark in the last decade or two. One of the main reasons why Pakistan has struggled so badly is the lack of quality players they’ve produced over the years. Now compare that to neighbours India, which can easily produce multiple teams for every format and each team can beat the best sides in the world. So what’s exactly wrong with Pakistan?

Haroon Rasheed, the former chief selector and head coach, feels the issue lies in the broken domestic structure. Haroon, who was a part of the task force set up to study the domestic structure during Imran Khan’s tenure as the Prime Minister, pinned the blame for the steep decline in recent times on the 1992 World Cup-winning captain, who reduced the number of domestic teams from 10-16 to just six in 2022. Haroon said that Imran might have meant well for the team, but the decision backfired and is one of the main reasons why Pakistan cricket is struggling.

“I was part of the cricket board and task force, and I remember when we met with Imran, we submitted a hybrid domestic cricket model. But he rejected it outright,” Haroon said on a podcast on the ‘Smash It’ sports channel.

“How much time do you think a Prime Minister can give? We were ordered to submit a revised domestic cricket plan, and we did that, and it was a hybrid one,” Haroon said.

“I remember we told Imran that the hybrid model was best for our cricket, as while we had reduced teams to eight, we had kept the participation of departmental teams in domestic cricket,” said Haroon.

“But Imran, in his short meeting with us, rejected the hybrid model and said he didn’t want eight but a maximum of five to six teams in the domestic structure. We told him it would be better to gradually switch to a new domestic structure, but eventually, you have to listen to the Prime Minister. He might have meant well, but it didn’t work out for Pakistan cricket,” he added.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/imran-khan-blamed-for-pakistan-cricket-crisis-youve-to-listen-to-the-pm-article-156143250

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Highlights, Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Semi-Final 2: Fatima Sana’s all-round show went in vain as Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by four wickets on Friday to set up a Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final against India.

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Highlights, Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Semi-Final 2: Fatima Sana’s all-round show went in vain as Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by four wickets on Friday to set up a Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Fatima led Pakistan’s fightback with a superb unbeaten 47 as the side posted 130 for 5 after being invited to bat first. Fatima returned with figures of 4 for 38 with the ball, but Sri Lanka fought back to book a spot in the final.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/womens-asia-cup-2026/sri-lanka-vs-pakistan-women-live-score-womens-asia-cup-2026-2nd-semi-final-live-updates-dubai-cricket-stadium-12033309

Sensational six-hitting by No. 9 batter Razaullah on debut capped an extraordinary Pakistan fightback against England in the Edgbaston cricket test on Friday.

Sensational six-hitting by No. 9 batter Razaullah on debut capped an extraordinary Pakistan fightback against England in the Edgbaston cricket test on Friday. The Pakistanis were expected to follow the previous two tests in the series and be cleaned up during day three of the third and last test by an England pace attack that has been rampant against the lackluster visitors. But Pakistan finally flexed its batting muscles to be dismissed for 449 in the last over of the day, snatch a lead of 129 runs and force a fourth day of action nobody predicted.

England needs 130 runs on Saturday to complete a first three-test whitewash since 2024 on the same ground against the West Indies.

Gutsy half-centuries by Shan Masood (95), captain Babar Azam (76) and opener Azan Awais (59) lifted Pakistan to the brink of wiping out a 320-run deficit on the first innings, then Razaullah and No. 10 batter Mohammad Abbas smashed past it in style in a thrilling late-day partnership.

Razaullah, who has a first-class century, hammered nine sixes, tied for the most in an innings in England with Ben Stokes in the 2023 Ashes at Lord’s.

Razaullah’s 43-ball fifty at Edgbaston is the fastest for Pakistan on Test debut. The previous fastest was by Faheem Ashraf off 52 balls vs Ireland in 2018.

His first six gave Pakistan the lead and he hit three sixes in an over off Gus Atkinson. His fifth six off Jofra Archer got him a 43-ball fifty. His next six off Archer earned Pakistan’s 400.

Abbas was out for a career-best 42, including two sixes and five boundaries, ending an entertaining partnership of 121 from 123 balls. It was the highest ninth-wicket stand against England since 1984.

Abbas walked off to a standing ovation and Razaullah received the same when he was stumped for 81 off 63 balls just moments before scheduled stumps.

England started the day expected to wrap up another innings win in quick time. There was good reason to believe that.

Pakistan was blown away in Leeds and Lord’s, didn’t once make a 200 total or bat 50 overs. The Pakistan Cricket Board pressed the panic button a week ago and yanked home seven players and sacked the head coach. With three debutants, Pakistan’s first innings scrounged 133 runs.

England replied with 453 on Thursday, a lead of 320 runs, and nobody thought England would need to bat again.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/pakistan-star-razaullah-scripts-huge-record-with-43-ball-fifty-on-debut-in-3rd-test-vs-england-12035307

India will play the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final for the 9th time in a row after beating Bangladesh in the semi-final by a margin of 40 runs in Dubai. They will play either Pakistan or Sri Lanka in the summit clash.

The Indian women’s cricket team made it to their ninth consecutive final in the Women’s Asia Cup (sixth in the T20I format) after sealing their place in the 2026 summit clash by beating Bangladesh in the first semi-final on Thursday (September 10) at the Dubai International Stadium. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side defeated the Tigeress by 40 runs.

Talking about the match, Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bowl first. Shafali Verma (64 off 40) played a sublime knock which included seven boundaries and three sixes, while India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana (2 of 5) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (24 off 28) played a turgid knock. Richa Ghosh (21 off 16) and Deepti Sharma (13 off 6) played valuable knocks to ensure India secured a total of 149 on the board.

In reply, Bangladesh posted just 109 runs (for the loss of seven wickets) in their allocated quota of 20 overs. Deepti Sharma (3-26) was the pick of the bowlers while Nandani Sharma (2-10 in 2 overs) and Shree Charani (1-14) bowled fine spells.

Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final
India will play the winner of the second semi-final between Pakistan and defending champions Sri Lanka, which takes place on Friday (September 11). The final is scheduled to take place on Sunday (September 11).

India will aim to win the title for a record-extending eighth time. They have won seven of the nine editions so far with wins in 2004, 2005-06, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2022. They lost the final to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, respectively, in 2018 and 2024.

Sri Lanka hold the record for being the team with the most appearances in the final of the continental showpiece event and can extend that record if they win tomorrow with a 6th final. Meanwhile, Pakistan have played the summit clash on two occasions.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/india-reach-10th-consecutive-womens-asia-cup-final-article-156135208

Fans suggested that Rohit Sharma’s apparent dig was aimed at India chief selector Ajit Agarkar over the latter’s remarks last year.

Ahead of his return to the cricket field, former India captain Rohit Sharma is currently busy shooting for an upcoming TV show, which will mark his television hosting debut. Titled “Family Full House With Rohit Sharma”, the show is set to premiere on September 19 and will air every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 PM on Sony Entertainment Television (SET), while also streaming on Sony LIV. Several promos of the show have already been released, with Rohit fever taking over social media.

However, in the latest promo, Rohit was seen wearing a cryptic T-shirt that has caught the attention of fans. In the promo, Rohit was seen wearing a white T-shirt featuring a “non-committal” message printed on it.

Fans suggested that Rohit’s apparent dig was aimed at India chief selector Ajit Agarkar over the latter’s remarks last year. During a press conference, Agarkar had hinted that both Rohit and Virat Kohli were non-committal about playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Rohit’s future with the national team has been a topic of debate in Indian cricket circles.

After months of speculation over his participation in the 2027 World Cup, Rohit recently opened up on the matter.

October 2027 is still far away, said star Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma on Thursday as he responded to a query on whether he would play the ODI World Cup at that time.

The one-line response came on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai, a rare comment from the former captain amid swirling speculation around his participation in the mega-event and the course his career will take given he longer plays the T20I and Test formats.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/is-rohit-sharmas-non-committal-t-shirt-a-dig-at-ajit-agarkar-internet-thinks-so-12029706

Joe Root has so far scored 14,208 runs in 307 Test innings and is not far behind Tendulkar’s tally of 15,921 runs.

Former West Indies captain Viv Richards has backed England batter Joe Root to break India maestro Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most runs scored in Test cricket history. England batter Root has so far scored 14,208 runs in 307 Test innings and is not far behind Tendulkar’s tally of 15,921 runs. Speaking on Test Match Special, Richards suggested that if Root continues to play for England, he has a great chance of breaking Tendulkar’s record. He also made a cheeky comment about former England batter Geoffrey Boycott.

“Well, if he’s captain, why not? He is captain at present, so he is in a good place for that. Nothing is wrong with him trying to achieve that. It would be a milestone for him and would certainly send a message to Sir Geoffrey Boycott that the best batter to come out of Yorkshire is not Sir Geoff. The baton would have been passed on to Joe Root,” said Richards.

While the debate continues over whether Root will be able to achieve the stunning record, the England batter’s father recently gave a clear verdict.

“I don’t think so. The last time he was captain… one of the years, he scored 1,700 runs. He’s proved that being captain doesn’t tend to affect his batting. As long as he stays fit and focused and he’s still got a desire to play, there’s no reason he shouldn’t get somewhere near Sachin’s record,” Matt Root said in a conversation with talkSPORT Breakfast.

Root recently expressed concerns over the growing trend of being vulnerable to leg-before-wicket dismissals. However, Root said that he has been playing cricket for a long time and isn’t too bothered about the pattern.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/as-joe-root-closes-in-on-sachin-tendulkars-world-record-viv-richards-gives-blunt-verdict-12027952

The demonstrators gathered outside a hotel in southern England where Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team were staying, mistakenly believing them to be asylum seekers.

The ongoing anti-immigrant protests in the United Kingdom took a bizarre turn on Tuesday. According to a report, demonstrators gathered outside a hotel in southern England where Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team were staying, mistakenly believing them to be asylum seekers. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening in Portsmouth, just 48 hours after protesters disrupted the disembarkation of dozens of migrants near the port city and clashed with police in scenes that were widely condemned. Interestingly, Pakistan’s senior men’s team is also in England, currently playing the third Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

Immigration and the arrival of tens of thousands of asylum seekers annually on small boats from mainland Europe has become a politically toxic issue in Britain, sparking numerous protests in recent years, some turning violent.

Tuesday’s incident came after reports online about a coach with young Asian men on board being seen at a Marriott Hotel in the Portsmouth suburb of Cosham drew protestors to the venue, according to media reports.

A councillor from anti-immigration party Reform UK went to the scene and helped disperse the crowd after confirming the men were in fact members of Pakistan’s teenage cricket team, The Guardian newspaper said.

A spokesman for Hampshire Police — which is responsible for the region — said the force “were notified that a group of people were starting to congregate” near the hotel Tuesday evening.

“Officers subsequently attended and spoke to members of the public that had gathered who were expressing concerns about a coach that had been seen in the area,” the spokesman added.

“The officers explained that their concerns were not correct,” the spokesman said, without confirming the Pakistani cricketers were the mistaken target.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/pakistan-team-mistaken-for-asylum-seekers-in-uk-by-anti-immigrant-protestors-12026116

IOA forms a four-member independent committee to probe sexual harassment and intimidation allegations against Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh following complaints by former India captain Asunta Lakra.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has formed a four-member independent Committee to probe allegations of sexual harassment and institutional intimidation levelled against Hockey India (HI) secretary general Bhola Nath Singh. The allegations were made by former India women’s hockey captain Asunta Lakra, who claimed that she was threatened by Bhola Nath Singh after she objected to the alleged sexual allegations against girls in Jharkhand by hockey coach Sudhir Golla.

In a letter to Hockey India, IOA President P. T. Usha has asked the federation to extend full cooperation to the committee and also fund all expenses, including travel and accommodation. The four-member committee include Justice (retd) Deepa Sharma, Vandana Rao, former women’s hockey captain Mamta Kharab and lawyer Sitwat Nabi.

“Hockey India is requested to make the requisite payments towards the honorarium and other expenses of the chairperson and members of the committee, including their travel, accommodation and other incidental expenses incurred in connection with the work of the committee,” the IOA president said in her letter.

“Hockey India is also requested to extend its full cooperation to the committee and to ensure that all relevant records, documents, information and such other assistance as may be required are made available to the committee in a timely manner, so as to enable it to discharge its mandate effectively and expeditiously,” the letter added.

The committee was formed after the Sports Ministry in July had asked the IOA to probe allegations of sexual harassment and institutional intimidation.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/hockey/ioa-forms-panel-to-probe-asunta-lakras-sexual-harassment-allegations-against-hockey-india-official-article-156123112

The growing popularity of American football in Australia will see the NFL play a regular-season game there for the first time when a sellout crowd packs into the 100,000-capacity Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The growing popularity of American football in Australia will see the NFL play a regular-season game there for the first time when a sellout crowd packs into the 100,000-capacity Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Los Angeles Rams are nominally the home team on Friday when they face the San Francisco 49ers in the second match of the new NFL season, which kicks off this week. Tickets at the cavernous MCG were snapped up within minutes, echoing the interest the NFL has enjoyed when staging games in other overseas markets.

This year the league will play in seven countries across four continents in an unprecedented global schedule.

Australia — a sports-mad nation of 28 million people — is the latest added to the slate, the league saying the country has 6.6 million NFL fans.

The apparent growing interest is driven by the popularity of flag football — a fast-paced, five-a-side, non-contact version of the game.

Boosted by its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and potentially the Brisbane Games four years later, flag football is now played in 500 Australian schools, up from 10 in 2022 when a pilot programme was launched.

“Australia has emerged as one of the most exciting growth markets for flag football globally,” Charlotte Offord, the NFL’s general manager for Australia and New Zealand, said.

Offord was speaking last month after the NFL teamed up with American Football Australia (AFA) to expand its national schools programme further as part of a grassroots initiative to boost the game internationally.

Australia is seen as a significant overseas market for the NFL.

Since 2024 the Gold Coast has been home to an NFL academy with a growing number of Australians making their mark, led by the Philadelphia Eagles’ Jordan Mailata, Michael Dickson (Seattle Seahawks) and Cameron Johnston (Pittsburgh Steelers).

‘This isn’t a circus’

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said this week’s game was part of their long-term strategy for Australia, despite the logistical challenges and 17-hour time difference to the US West Coast.

“Our view is that we’re coming here for the long-term. We don’t come as a one-off, this isn’t a circus,” he said.

“This is something that’s an investment in this market and we believe that this is long-term and will be great for the NFL long-term.

“Every ticket that we put out for public sale was gone in a matter of minutes,” he added. “I think that’s a demonstration of the demand for this event.”

To cater for a prime-time audience in the United States, the game will kick off at 10:35 am in Australia, which is Thursday evening in the US.

The Rams, who are one of the title favourites, and 49ers have taken vastly different approaches to being ready.

The 49ers arrived late last week to give themselves time to acclimatise, but the Rams are only due to touch down 24 hours before kick off in a bid to stay as close as possible to West Coast time and avoid jet lag.

Speaking in Australia this week, San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan had a bit of fun with it all.

“We’re a little confused… when I look at my clock and it says a time and then I try to see my family’s time and then it says the time, but it says yesterday,” he said.

“I don’t even get how that’s possible, so I feel like I’m in the future.”

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/othersports/nfl-breaks-new-ground-as-100-000-set-to-pack-mcg-in-australia-12020909

PCB took the extraordinary step of sending seven players home after the second Test and sacking Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, with white-ball boss Mike Hesson replacing him.

Joe Root has insisted it’s “disrespectful” to accuse Pakistan of showing “no fight” with the tourists on the brink of suffering a Test series whitewash by his England side. England head into the third Test at Edgbaston starting Wednesday with an unbeatable 2-0 up in a three-match series after mammoth wins at Headingley and Lord’s. Last week, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took the extraordinary step of sending seven players home after the second Test and sacking Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, with white-ball boss Mike Hesson replacing him.

Seven players have been added to the Pakistan squad, five of whom have yet to make their Test debuts ahead of the series finale in Birmingham.

The team has been labelled one of the worst Pakistan cricket sides in decades.

Root, during his pre-match press conference at Edgbaston on Tuesday, was asked what it was like to face opponents offering “no fight”, with Pakistan yet to make 200 in four innings so far this series against a revamped England pace quartet of Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson.

England captain Root took issue with the question, saying it was “disrespectful” to both sides.

“Absolutely we have found (Pakistan) a challenge,” Root said, even though England thrashed Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley, before inflicting a 194-run defeat upon the tourists at Lord’s.

“I think that’s a bit disrespectful to both Pakistan as a team and to us as a team,” added Root, in his second spell as full-time England skipper following the shock international retirement of Ben Stokes.

“I don’t think we’ve allowed them to get into games because of how well we’ve played as well and how quickly we’ve read the situations and the surfaces that we’ve had.

“I think it’s very easy to say one team is excellent and one team is poor. Normally it’s somewhere in the middle.”

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/joe-root-fires-back-at-one-of-the-worst-pakistan-teams-criticism-disrespectful-12018663

AB de Villiers dropped his unfiltered verdict on the Babar Azam-led Pakistan team over their recent performances and management style.

Pakistan’s cricketing affairs continue to make waves all across the globe. Ahead of the third Test between Pakistan and England in Edgbaston, the touring side is under the spotlight over the significant changes that have been made to the roster. As Pakistan look to avoid a 0-3 sweep against England, former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has shared his unfiltered opinion of Babar Azam’s team, suggesting they lack both guts and fight to deliver at this level of the sport.

De Villiers also feels players in the Pakistan team are playing for their egos, rather than the demands of the situation, and are, hence, failing.

“I don’t often currently see a lot of Pakistan players individually being prepared to put in those extra hard yards. Especially with the batting unit. Not enough, what’s the word, guts. Fight. It doesn’t always have to be pretty. Lots of soft wickets, and that’s what it comes down to. It’s a decision that you make,” De Villiers said in a video on his YouTube channel.

“It’s sometimes ugly and terribly difficult to watch. If I played for my ego, I probably would have been a different player. It was always about how much character I could show out here today. It always felt like a threat to my character from the opposition. That’s the way I decided to play the situation,” he added.

For De Villiers, Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the sport, the format that demands the most from players. However, he feels that the character to deliver in this format is what Pakistani players are lacking.

“I always felt that Test cricket was a test of your character. That’s maybe what Pakistan is lacking at the moment. A bit of character, a bit of fight. An individual leadership group of four or five players who decide together, you know what, let’s be the leaders here and show the guys,” said the former Proteas skipper.

“Let’s be the example. Show the youngsters what it takes to win Test matches, ODIs, or T20s. Maybe that is the area they’re lacking in,” he added.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/ab-de-villiers-tears-into-babar-azams-pakistan-not-enough-guts-or-fight-12011547

KL Rahul’s Maldives comment on Kevin Pietersen’s appointment as England’s white-ball mentor left the internet in stitches.

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen returns to the national team after 12 years, taking up the role of a mentor in the white-ball side. With an eye on next year’s ODI World Cup in South Africa, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) roped in Pietersen, hoping to build a side that can challenge for the title in 2027. Pietersen, who recently worked with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals (DC) as a mentor, drew a cheeky comment from India’s KL Rahul that left the internet ROFL.

Pietersen and Rahul worked together at the Delhi Capitals for one season before the Englishman decided to move on. As Pietersen prepares for a new chapter in his career as a coach or mentor, Rahul pulled his leg, asking if his new role also comes with a trip to the Maldives.

“Is the Maldives holiday included in the package? @kevinpietersen.”Rahul commented on an Instagram post shared by England cricket.

Pietersen responded to Rahul’s post with laughing emoticons. Even Delhi Capitals joined the social media banter, asking Pietersen, “What’s a mentor?”

For the unversed, the Delhi Capitals team spent a few days in the Maldives midway through the IPL 2025 season, with Pietersen also in company.

Kevin Pietersen As England Mentor

Pietersen will join Brendon McCullum’s white-ball coaching setup for England’s upcoming Vitality IT20 and Metro Bank ODI series against Sri Lanka later this month. The coaching team will also include Marcus Trescothick, Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel and Sarah Taylor.

Pietersen will also be involved in England’s white-ball tours of Australia and South Africa this winter. He will then rejoin the team for the home series against Pakistan and New Zealand next summer before working with the squad during the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/kl-rahuls-unmissable-comment-as-kevin-pietersen-takes-up-mentors-role-in-england-team-12015680

 

Misbah-ul-Haq, who recently stepped down as national selector, has complained about differential treatment meted out to foreign and local coaches in Pakistan cricket.

Former Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who recently stepped down as national selector, has complained about differential treatment meted out to foreign and local coaches in Pakistan cricket. Misbah, who offered to resign as national selector after the Pakistan Cricket Board issued a notice to the selectors after the national team shake-up in England, said foreign coaches enjoyed more authority and power. “It is a fact that local and foreign coaches are treated differently in Pakistan cricket. Local coaches have to face more scrutiny and criticism when compared to foreign coaches,” Misbah said on a television show. “I don’t think there is anything wrong in having foreign coaches but what bothers me is we (fans, critics, media, PCB) tend to have a soft corner for foreign coaches,” he added.

He said more authority was given to foreign coaches.

“We tend to give foreign coaches more authority and power and he is held less responsible if the team performs poorly. In contrast, local coaches always facing scrutiny from everyone.” Misbah said Pakistani cricket fans, critics, former players and board need to offer more support to local coaches and not just criticise them for the sake.

He also felt that there is a negative trend nowadays in Pakistan cricket to start bashing players and put them down mentally after any poor show.

“It becomes very difficult for our players to regain form and confidence.” He said Pakistan cricket’s main issue was the need to have more consistency, patience and a long-term plan.

“We shouldn’t panic and do cosmetic surgery because of pressure. We need to analyse performances and the situation and then decide how to move forward,” Misbah said.

“Unfortunately we are used to taking reactive decisions in Pakistan cricket.” The PCB changed seven players in the touring squad in England and also released Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul – their head coach and bowling coach, respectively – for the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston following a harrowing 194-run defeat which sealed the Test series 2-0 in the favour of the hosts.

The selectors were also asked to explain why axed players Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan were picked in the touring squad and the criteria for selection.

Misbah said Indian cricket had moved forward because they didn’t panic and stuck to their plans.

He gave examples of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the Indian cricket set-up.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/more-drama-in-pakistan-cricket-misbah-ul-haq-drops-bombshell-treated-differently-12009970

The video shows Pakistan players practising a celebration before their India match. After the result, the video was shared widely on social media, with users pointing out the contrast between the planned celebrations and what happened on the field.

A video of Pakistan women’s cricket team’s victory celebration practice has viral on social media. The video has triggered a wave of reactions on social media after the team suffered a heavy defeat against India in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 at Dubai International Stadium on Saturday. The viral video shows Pakistan captain Fatima Sana training the players on how to celebrate after victory against India.

The video shows Pakistan players practising a celebration before their India match. After the result, the video was shared widely on social media, with users pointing out the contrast between the planned celebrations and what happened on the field.

Bhai batting ki practice ki hoti toh 55/10 pe all-out na hote! 😭💀
Yahan match se pehle dance moves aur victory celebration ki rehearsal chal rahi thi, aur pitch pe jaate hi poori team dher ho gayi! Overconfidence ka dusra naam: Pakistan Cricket. 🤣💃🏏 #INDvsPAK #CricketMemes… https://t.co/F1gIWk1pLQ pic.twitter.com/IBPUsNacTa

— Gaurav (@k_gauravs) September 6, 2026

A social media user shared the video with the caption, Bhai batting ki practice ki hoti toh 55/10 pe all-out na hote! Yahan match se pehle dance moves aur victory celebration ki rehearsal chal rahi thi, aur pitch pe jaate hi poori team dher ho gayi! Overconfidence ka dusra naam: Pakistan Cricket. #INDvsPAK #CricketMemes #T20WorldCup.”

Another said that whether the practice was for a photoshoot, a reel or the cricket ground, it looked “hilarious” considering Pakistan’s performance in the match. He added that the team should instead have been practising “to look sad” given their performance.

One user wrote, “They always win on social media only,” while another questioned why the team would post such a video online. Another user joked that the Indian team had been “generous” and could have completed the chase even faster.

Imagine practicing a victory celebration like this, only to get all out for 55 runs and watch the other team chase it down in 8.4 overs 🤡 pic.twitter.com/MF89hYigBU

— Varun Kumar Rana (@VarunKrRana) September 6, 2026

The reactions came after Pakistan were completely outplayed by India in their Women’s Asia Cup Group A match in Dubai.

Pakistan, after choosing to bat first, were bowled out for just 55 runs in 18.1 overs. It was their lowest-ever total in T20I cricket. Shree Charani and Prema Rawat took three wickets each, while Deepti Sharma claimed two wickets as India’s spinners dismantled the Pakistan batting line-up.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/they-always-win-on-social-media-pakistans-victory-celebration-practice-video-goes-viral-after-india-rout-netizens-react

 

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell named Indian batting icon Virat Kohli as the “best-ever” in ODI cricket, hailing his ability to time the ball well and put it into gaps effortlessly.

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell named Indian batting icon Virat Kohli as the “best-ever” in ODI cricket, hailing his ability to time the ball well and put it into gaps effortlessly. Maxwell was speaking on the ‘Keeping it Cricket’ podcast, with former Australia cricketers Brad Haddin and Alyssa Healy as hosts. Speaking on his all-time bests across formats, Maxwell first mentioned Virat for ODIs, saying, “The best I ever saw in one-day cricket, is Kohli. Like, some of the innings he has played against us have been ridiculous. He has just got more time. He is able to put the ball where he wants in the field, and yeah, just a different level.”

With 14,941 runs in 314 ODIs and 302 innings at an average of 58.59, including 54 centuries and 79 fifties, Virat is one of the finest, and perhaps the finest-ever, ODI batters. He has an incredible record in successful run chases, having made 6,235 runs in 111 matches and 105 innings at an average of 89.07, including 24 centuries and 29 fifties. This year in ODIs, Virat has 384 runs in six innings at an average of 64.00 and a strike rate of over 106, with a century and three fifties.

In T20 cricket, he named West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell, who is still active on the league circuit, as the best because of his power, fine fielding and ability to bowl 140 clicks, all at the same time.

“In T20s, it is hard to go past someone like Andre Russell. Just their power is ridiculous. If they keep going, you cannot stop them. They hit the ball so hard and far, and to back that up, he was bowling 140 clicks and fielding in hot spots. He is just literally a perfect cricketer,” said Maxwell on the West Indies titan’s T20 credentials.

In 607 T20s, Russell has made 9,919 runs at an average of 26.03 and a strike rate of 166.70, with two centuries and 36 fifties, with a best score of 121*. He has hit a total of 808 sixes in the format. With the ball, he has taken 535 wickets at an average of 25.57, including 10 four-wicket hauls and a five-wicket haul, with best figures of 5/15.

In Test cricket, he chose none other than his teammate, Steve Smith.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/glenn-maxwell-settles-odi-goat-debate-with-one-name-says-hes-just-a-different-level-12002629

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi dropped a baffling Team India reference when questioned over Pakistan’s unending slump in form.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi does find it hard to leave out India and the Indian cricket team from his conversations with journalists. When questioned over Pakistan’s harrowing performance on the England tour, which saw them lose the first two Tests, Naqvi played down the debacle, saying that even the Indian team lost to Ireland recently. Naqvi, who brought sweeping changes to the Pakistan senior team after the Babar Azam-led side lost the first couple of Tests, has been at the centre of severe criticism for playing musical chairs at almost every position in the team, as well as in the support staff.

Speaking to the media in London, Naqvi cited other teams’ losses to weaker opponents to assert that a few setbacks do not define an outfit. Clearly irritated by the criticism from all quarters, Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister, said it was unfair to claim that the country’s cricket is at its worst right now.

“Let me ask you one thing: South Africa lost to Namibia, and India lost to Ireland. Has cricket ended there as well?” Naqvi said over questions around the Pakistan team’s credentials

“You used to be ranked eighth in ODIs, which has now gone up to fifth. You have had six ODI series, out of which you have won four, but still, our cricket is finished?” he said.

“Our success rate has gone up from 24 per cent to 73 per cent, and I’m not talking about just one or the other specific match, but still, our cricket is finished?”

Naqvi, however, admitted that the Pakistan team doesn’t have the star power that they once used to have. Hence, he said that the task of taking the current team to the highs of the old times, is going to take time.

The Pakistani team has drawn criticism from former stars such as Shahid Afridi, Mohammed Yousuf and Rashid Latif among others

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/mohsin-naqvis-india-remark-at-pakistans-england-test-fiasco-leaves-fans-fuming-12000376

Rohit Sharma’s future in India’s ODI team was reportedly a subject of discussion during the BCCI meeting on Thursday. However, the cricketing gods seem to be favouring the Hitman at the moment.

Every time the external noise around Rohit Sharma steps up, he steps up to silence the doubters. On the tour of England, the former India captain did the same as he smashed a brilliant 138 off 110 balls in the third and final ODI. Though India went on to lose the game, the knock silenced the ‘outside noise’ that had suggested that the match would be his last in the Indian shirt. That has been the case for the veteran opener the last couple of years at least. With his departure from T20Is and Test cricket sealed, the central question grew increasingly pointed: can the 39-year-old push all the way to the 2027 ODI World Cup in pursuit of the trophy that has continued to evade him?

Yet, following a crucial high-level review meeting in Mumbai on Thursday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) firmly stepped in to silence the retirement chatter around the Hitman.

Addressing reporters following the briefing, which featured head coach Gautam Gambhir, BCCI’s new Director of Cricket VVS Laxman, alongside format leaders Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, the board’s Joint Secretary Devajit Saikia came out fiercely in support of the former India captain.

“He is playing superbly in all the matches. So what more do you want? In the last match, he scored 138 runs. So why is there speculation? For now, I don’t want to give any fodder to the speculators,” Saikia said after the meeting amid speculations that Rohit’s future was also discussed in the meeting.

Saikia also pointed to Rohit’s recent hundred at Lord’s, a masterclass of controlled aggression that proved his elite timing, range, and tempo remain completely intact.

BCCI Unperturbed By Outside Chatter

Despite endless debate over whether Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar and Gambhir are preparing to fast-track an immediate succession plan, Saikia made it clear that Rohit’s position in the 50-over setup was never up for debate during the meeting.

“No, no. We have basically thought about what should be our way forward in terms of team preparation and all, because we have a lot of series coming up.”

Highlighting the long road of international commitments ahead, Saikia outlined a demanding calendar that leaves little room for unnecessary distractions.

“We have the Afghanistan series immediately, followed by the West Indies ODI series, as well as the T20Is, and thereafter a very important and crucial series in New Zealand. That will be followed by another series, most probably against Zimbabwe, and then we have the five-Test series against Australia – the Border-Gavaskar Trophy,” he added.

Are Gambhir, Agarkar On Board?

For the leadership group of Gambhir and Agarkar, managing the twilight phase of a legend’s career is a tricky affair. The duo has already been in the line of fire over the way Rohit and Virat Kohli’s Test careers came to an end. They might have to handle Rohit’s ODI swansong a little more carefully, maybe learn from the mistake Mumbai Indians made in the IPL.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/rohit-sharmas-endgame-gautam-gambhir-ajit-agarkar-and-a-world-cup-dream-12000155

Indian para-swimmer Jiya Rai, 18, created history by completing the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming, becoming the first female para-swimmer with ASD to achieve the feat.

At just 18 years old, Indian para-swimmer Jiya Rai scripted history and became the first female para-swimmer to win the triple crown of open-water swimming. Jiya completed the 48-km 20 Bridges Swim Around Manhattan in New York on August 30, finishing the record swim in a mammoth 8 hours and 53 minutes. Jiya Rai thus became the first para-swimmer with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to complete the feat in the tournament’s nearly 100-year history.

Meanwhile, Jiya’s Triple Crown includes the English Channel (2024), Catalina Channel and the Bridges Swim Around Manhattan.

For the unversed, the Manhattan swim is one of the toughest open-water challenges. The swimmers have to deal with strong currents, unpredictable weather and cold water, and they must also remain in the water to complete the challenge, but Jiya aced it in style. She dedicated her achievement to raising awareness about autism.

Who Is Jiya Rai?

Jiya is the daughter of Indian Navy officer Madan Rai. Apart from the Manhattan swim, she has also completed difficult swims like Palk Strait and more. The para-swimmer was honoured by Vishal Jayeshbhai Harsh, Deputy Consul General of India in New York, for her colossal feat.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/jiya-rai-makes-history-at-18-indian-para-swimmer-with-autism-completes-stunning-open-water-triple-crown-article-156039609

Anaya Bangar, the daughter of former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar, recently announced that she will be eligible to participate in elite women’s cricket in Australia starting March 2027.

Anaya Bangar, the daughter of former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar, recently announced that she will be eligible to participate in elite women’s cricket in Australia starting March 2027. While the decision has drawn scrutiny, Anaya’s journey has been a truly special one. The 23-year-old began hormone replacement therapy in 2024 and has now received clearance under Cricket Australia’s ‘Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse Players in Elite Cricket Policy’. While CA’s decision has raised a few eyebrows-with South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp among those voicing displeasure-the policy marks a major step toward inclusivity in the sport.

In an exclusive chat with NDTV’s Vimal Mohan, Anaya opened up about her dream to represent India at the Women’s World Cup and win an Olympic medal, while acknowledging the challenges ahead.

Question: You may have seen father-son or father-daughter pairs such as Sachin Tendulkar-Arjun Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag-Aryavir Sehwag, Rahul Dravid-Anvay Dravid, and Pullela Gopichand-Gayatri Gopichand achieve fame. But the pair of Sanjay Bangar and Anaya Bangar is different from all of them in many ways.

Anaya, you have shown great courage. Around 3 percent of the world’s population, or more than 200 million people, feel the need for gender transition while living in a body that does not align with their identity. How difficult was your journey from being a boy to becoming a girl? Who helped you the most during this journey, and where did the challenges come from?

Anaya Bangar: The person who helped me the most was myself. My family supported me, but I fought the biggest battles on my own to get where I am today. I’m happy that people are now talking about this. If there are proper regulations and more discussions around it, things can improve further.

Question: You mentioned the need for regulations. The ICC and BCCI may not have very clear policies on this issue, but the Olympics appear to have more defined rules. Athletes such as Lia Thomas (American swimmer) and Chris Mosier (American triathlete) have participated in the Games as transgender athletes. Your case is also different from athletes like Dutee Chand, Caster Semenya, and Imane Khelif.

Cricket Australia has stated that your testosterone level must remain below 10 nmol/L for 12 months. What does that mean?

Anaya Bangar: When you begin hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you take testosterone suppressants and estrogen pills to help your body develop female characteristics. Your body essentially goes through a second puberty. As a result, your stamina decreases. You experience loss of bone mineral density and muscle mass. Along with that, I have also undergone surgery.

Question: How much has all of this affected your cricketing skills and physical strength?

Anaya Bangar: It definitely affects both your strength and your skills. With muscle loss, your style of play also changes. At present, my testosterone level is 0.6 nmol/L, which is even lower than the typical female range. I have maintained this for three years now. As an athlete, it has reduced my capabilities as well.

When I was in England, I partnered with the University of Manchester and participated in one of their studies. I had been on testosterone-suppressing hormones for a year. They conducted various tests on my body over a 12-week period. They measured my lung capacity, hemoglobin levels, power output, and several other performance indicators. They then compared my data with that of female athletes. All my results were comparable to those of female athletes.

Question: Cricket Australia has allowed you to play community cricket. How do you see your cricketing journey progressing from here?

Anaya Bangar: Cricket Australia evaluated all my paperwork under its existing regulations. They have decided that when I return to Australia in March 2027, they will test my testosterone levels again. Based on those results and their guidelines, they may permit me to play in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).

Before that, I want to prove myself in club cricket so that I can eventually earn an opportunity to play in the WBBL as well.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/exclusive-anaya-bangar-on-hormone-replacement-therapy-cricket-australias-verdict-and-world-cup-dreams-11994871

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced a special tribute for Lionel Messi following his retirement from international football.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced a special tribute for Lionel Messi following his retirement from international football. The Argentine superstar, who guided them to the FIFA World Cup title in 2022, stunned the world by his announcement. The Argentine football governing body said that every fixture taking place in the country on the next matchday – both men’s and women’s – will be stopped when the clock reaches 10 minutes in the first half. At that point, there will be a minute of applause to honour Messi’s contribution to the game of football and the Argentina national team.

“The next round of matches in all categories and all men’s and women’s disciplines (11-a-side, futsal and beach soccer) will be stopped after 10 minutes of the first half for a minute of applause in recognition of Lionel Messi’s career with the Argentine national team,” the AFA announced.

The tribute will extend beyond 11-a-side football as it will also include futsal and beach football. The AFA also announced that stadiums with screens will show the farewell video for Messi before matches begin. The video, which is almost two minute in length, features images from various stages of Messi’s journey with the national team.

“Thank you for uniting an entire country behind this crest. We are going to miss you,” reads the farewell message.

Meanwhile, Argentina President Javier Milei described Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football as a “huge loss” for the national team, while also noting that the decision was understandable.

Speaking on Radio El Observador, as quoted by TyC Sports, President Milei said Messi’s departure would present a major challenge for Argentina as the team looks to move forward without its iconic captain.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/football/lionel-messi-to-receive-huge-tribute-in-argentina-after-international-retirement-it-goes-beyond-11-a-side-games-11995109

Rohit Sharma’s future will be discussed at the BCCI meeting on Thursday.

It is not just Rohit Sharma. The futures of Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja will also be up for discussion at the BCCI meeting on Thursday in Mumbai as India step into the ODI World Cup cycle for next year’s ICC tournament in Africa. However, unlike Rohit, who has been in the line of fire, the latter two are not under considerable pressure for now.

Speculation was rife earlier this summer that Rohit was all set to bid adieu to international cricket. The ODI series finale against England at Lord’s in July was rumoured to be his last appearance in an India jersey, with the former India captain having already retired from Tests in 2025 and T20Is in 2024.

According to a report by news agency PTI, Rohit was informed by a member of the selection committee, but not the chairman, that the panel had already decided to move on, implying that he was no longer in its scheme of things. Rohit was even asked whether he could announce his retirement after the ODI at Lord’s during the tour of England.

There was silence from the senior India batter and those close to him, but the report cited that while he was angry, “Rohit had agreed.”

Rohit Sharma’s Lord’s ton shut the chatter

However, his knock of 138 in London, albeit in a losing cause, temporarily postponed the chatter. But the report indicated that the century did not guarantee him a place in India’s ODI squad for the 2027 World Cup.

Ahead of Rohit’s knock, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had shut down the rumours, saying that Rohit was still here to stay. According to a report last month, that act did not sit well with the selectors, causing tensions in the BCCI corridors between the Ajit Agarkar-led committee and the board’s top brass.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-was-angry-but-ready-to-retire-after-selectors-july-message-wc-spot-still-uncertain-despite-lords-ton-101788368299560.html

Netflix’s latest series, Operation Safed Sagar, is based on the journey of the real-life members of the Indian Air Force’s Golden Arrows squadron

Netflix’s latest series, Operation Safed Sagar, has earned excellent reviews. Based on the journey of the real-life members of the Indian Air Force’s Golden Arrows squadron, whose bravery was decisive during the Kargil War in 1999, the series has received praise from all quarters. Sachin Tendulkar, who was awarded the honorary rank of Group Captain in the Indian Air Force on September 3, 2010, watched the series and paid an emotional tribute to the brave men.

“Just finished watching Operation Safed Sagar. It made me think about how different life is for the people who are out there, carrying the pressure and uncertainty, while the rest of us are able to sleep peacefully and carry on with our everyday lives,” Tendulkar wrote in a post on X.

“I had met Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa many years ago. Watching Operation Safed Sagar now, and seeing what he and so many others went through during Kargil, made me look back at that meeting with a deeper sense of appreciation. The courage is extraordinary. So is the discipline and mental strength behind it.

“I feel fortunate to be associated with the IAF and to have an understanding of the values that define it. Watching this story only made me more grateful. Thank you for everything you do for us. Jai Hind!”

Dear @IAF_MCC,

Just finished watching Operation Safed Sagar. It made me think about how different life is for the people who are out there, carrying the pressure and uncertainty, while the rest of us are able to sleep peacefully and carry on with our everyday lives.

I had met… pic.twitter.com/vbwzmpxIUx

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 1, 2026

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/sachin-tendulkar-finishes-watching-operation-safed-sagar-then-writes-open-letter-to-indian-air-force-11988529 

Lionel Messi first announced his international retirement following Argentina’s defeat to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final. Ten years on, he has hung up his boots once again.

Lionel Messi’s World Cup title defence with Argentina did not produce the result he had desired, as Spain lifted the coveted trophy this year in North America. The defeat in the final turned out to be Messi’s last match for Argentina, with the former Barcelona star announcing his retirement from international football just weeks later. On Monday, Messi confirmed his intention not to wear the Argentina shirt again, though it is not the first time he has stepped away. Messi first announced his international retirement after Argentina lost the 2016 Copa America final to Chile, a decision that even prompted a reaction from his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

Heartbroken by repeated defeats in finals, Messi had vowed never to play international football again after his missed penalty in the 2016 Copa America final helped Chile secure the title. However, Messi did not just return to the international arena-he went on to win multiple honours, including the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, as well as the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Messi’s initial announcement sent shockwaves across the sporting world, especially given that he was only 29 at the time. Ronaldo, sympathising with his rival back then, urged people to understand the emotions behind the difficult call.

“Messi has taken a tough decision, and people should understand,” Ronaldo had told Mundo Deportivo at that time.

“He is not accustomed to defeats and disappointments, not even finishing second. Missing a penalty does not make you a bad player,” he added.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/football/what-cristiano-ronaldo-said-when-lionel-messi-first-announced-international-retirement-11984443

It’s the end of an era. Months after Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in a loss to Spain, Messi decided that the time was right to bid adieu to the Beautiful Game

The G.O.A.T has left the stage and it’s the end of an era. Months after Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in a loss to Spain in the final, Messi decided that the time was right to bid adieu to the Beautiful Game. He posted a handwritten note on Instagram announcing the decision. Messi, who played in six World Cups, won the tournament in Qatar in 2022 and led Argentina to the final in 2026, where they lost to Spain. At 39 years old, after nearly two decades representing the national side, Messi goes down as absolute legend.

“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team. It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul, but I understand that this is the right moment,” Messi wrote on Instagram.

“I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.

“There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give. Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here.”

While his international career has now come to an end, Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami, where he remains under contract until 2028. His departure from the Argentina national team closes a remarkable chapter that began in 2005 and ultimately saw him achieve the World Cup triumph that had long defined his international ambition.

Message For Argentina Fans

In his retirement post, Messi mentioned that he had a special message for Argentina’s fans.

“Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones.

“Thank you to my family for always being there and for being with me throughout this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and director I had the chance to share it with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.

“I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you!

“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.

“Vamos Argentina!

Retirement letter 

Messi explained that he wrote his retirement letter on June 21, two days after losing the World Cup final, but waited to publish it because his father was facing health issues that eventually claimed his life. Jorge Messi died on August 8 in his native Rosario, Argentina. Messi made his debut for the senior national team in 2005, but his journey was fraught with frustration until he finally lifted the World Cup in 2022.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/football/lionel-messi-retires-from-international-football-argentina-great-announces-decision-on-instagram-hurts-deep-in-my-soul-11983260?pfrom=home-ndtvworld_world_top_scroll

Germany joined Pakistan as the joint most successful team in Men’s Hockey World Cup history by defending their title after beating Spain 1-0 in an all-European clash.

Germany created history by beating Spain 1-0 in the final of the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup on Sunday (August 30) at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre to lift the trophy for a record-equaling fourth time in history. The Europeans defended their title, which they won in 2023 after beating Belgium in the final at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

The Germans are the second team to win the title four times after Pakistan and are now the joint-most successful team in the competition’s rich history. Previously, the Honamas have lifted the trophy in 2002, 2006, and 2023.

Germany has become the first team to defend the trophy twice. Apart from them, only Pakistan (1978, 1982) and Australia (2010, 20114) have won the tournament in back-to-back editions.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has told Pakistan players to not speak about Imran Khan during their ongoing tour of England. The ex-captain’s imprisonment has become a major issue after both his sons gave an interview to Michael Atherton.

After Javed Miandad and Moin Khan raised their voices in favor of the jailed Imran Khan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a strict diktat on their players not to speak about the 1992 World Cup-winning captain. The subject has become a source of controversy during their ongoing series against England after the host broadcaster SKY Sports aired an interview with Imran’s sons.

The interaction was conducted by former England captain Michael Atherton and shot in the writers’ room inside Lord’s just a day before the second Test kick-started. The interview was aired during the lunch break of the second day of play.

It later emerged that PCB tried to stop the English broadcaster from playing the interview and even threatened to boycott the match. However, their attempt failed, while their players also returned to the field for play for the second session.

In a post-day press conference, the visiting team’s head coach, Sarfaraz Khan, was asked about the plan to boycott the match. In reply, the former captain of the Men in Green claimed that it was something that he was not aware of.

“No we don’t know anything about it, we were having lunch,” said Sarfaraz in an interaction.

As per a report from news agency Press Trust of India (PTI), the PCB has advised all players in the squad not to say anything about Imran if asked by the media.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/pcb-tells-pakistani-cricketers-to-stay-silent-on-imran-khan-issue-after-javed-miandad-moin-khan-raise-voice-article-156013711

Danielle McGahey has backed Anaya Bangar after Cricket Australia cleared a pathway for her to pursue elite women’s cricket from March 2027. Speaking to India Today, McGahey urged people to base the transgender participation debate, on evidence while treating Bangar with dignity and respect.

For Danielle McGahey, Anaya Bangar’s fight to keep her cricketing dream alive carries a familiar weight.

Nearly three years after becoming the first transgender cricketer to play in an official international match, McGahey saw her own international career brought to an end by an ICC rule change. Now, as Cricket Australia clears a pathway for Bangar to pursue elite women’s cricket from March 2027, McGahey has chosen to stand firmly behind her.

“I want to express my full support for Anaya. I’m incredibly proud of her for continuing to pursue the sport she loves while facing an enormous amount of public scrutiny,” McGahey told India Today in an exclusive interview.

McGahey represented Canada before the ICC ruling ended her international career. Her experience has given her a personal connection to the scrutiny surrounding Bangar, who can play Premier Cricket in Australia in the interim before becoming eligible for elite cricket, subject to the relevant requirements.

A NEW CHAPTER AWAITS IN AUSTRALIA

For Bangar, Cricket Australia’s decision offers something that has been missing for a long time: a pathway back to competitive cricket.

Her potential journey could take her from Premier Cricket to elite domestic cricket and, eventually, the Women’s Big Bash League. But eligibility does not guarantee selection or a contract.

Her case also highlights the different approaches taken by cricket’s governing bodies. Cricket Australia uses a testosterone-based eligibility framework for domestic competitions, while the ICC has stricter regulations for international cricket.

Under the ICC’s current policy, transgender women who have experienced male puberty are not eligible to play international women’s cricket, regardless of surgery or gender reassignment treatment. The policy was approved in November 2023 following a nine-month consultation process.

MCGAHEY CHALLENGES THE ASSUMPTIONS

McGahey believes the discussion around transgender participation should be grounded in research rather than assumptions about transgender athletes.

“My position remains very clear: trans women are women, and trans women belong in women’s sport. After years of gender-affirming hormone therapy, the physiological picture is very different from what is often portrayed in public debate.

“Research has shown substantial reductions in strength, muscle mass and other performance-related measures following hormone therapy, with a number of measures moving toward or becoming comparable with cisgender female ranges over time. These conversations deserve to be based on evidence rather than assumptions about transgender bodies.”

Her comments come as Bangar’s eligibility continues to generate debate among players and supporters of the women’s game. South Africa international Marizanne Kapp has publicly criticised Cricket Australia’s decision, calling it “absolutely ridiculous”.

The contrasting positions reflect the wider challenge facing sporting bodies as they navigate questions of inclusion, competitive fairness and eligibility.

A CAREER THAT FELL APART ABRUPTLY

For McGahey, the debate is not an abstract one. She has lived through its consequences.

The Australian-born cricketer moved to Canada and made history in September 2023 when she became the first transgender player to feature in an official international cricket match, making her T20I debut against Brazil.

She went on to play six T20Is for Canada, scoring 118 runs at an average of 19.66, with a highest score of 48.

At the time, McGahey had been deemed eligible under the ICC’s existing transgender participation criteria. But on November 21, 2023, the governing body approved new regulations barring transgender women who had experienced male puberty from international women’s cricket.

“With a very heavy heart, I must say that my international cricketing career is over,” she said at the time.

The decision brought a sudden end to the international journey of a player who had made history only months earlier.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/anaya-bangar-danielle-mcgahey-cricket-australia-womens-cricket-interview-2983067-2026-08-31

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has denied knowledge of any discussion about the team refusing to return after lunch at Lord’s. His comments came after reports linked the alleged threat to a Sky Sports interview with Imran Khan’s sons.

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has denied reports that the team considered refusing to return to the field after lunch on Day 1 of the Lord’s Test amid the controversy surrounding a Sky Sports interview with Imran Khan’s sons. Babar said he had no knowledge of any such discussion when asked about the reports after Pakistan’s defeat.

England beat Pakistan by 194 runs at Lord’s on Sunday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Speaking after the match, Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam was asked whether there had been any conversation within the Pakistan camp about not taking the field after the lunch break on the opening day.

“No, no. I have not heard that thing,” Babar said.

When pressed on whether he was aware of any discussions surrounding the matter, Babar again indicated that he had no knowledge of them.

“No, I have not heard anything about that,” Babar said.

His comments come after reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board had threatened not to send the team back onto the field if Sky Sports aired an interview with Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, the sons of former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan. The interview, conducted by former England captain Michael Atherton, was eventually broadcast during the lunch interval, with Pakistan returning for the afternoon session as scheduled.

PAKISTAN KEEPS DENYING BOYCOTT REPORTS

The controversy emerged during the lunch break on the opening day, when Sky Sports aired the pre-recorded interview. The PCB had reportedly complained to the broadcaster over the segment, which focused on concerns surrounding Imran Khan’s treatment and health.

Babar’s comments are also in line with remarks made earlier by Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, who said he and the players were unaware of the reported threat and remained focused on the match.

Despite the off-field dispute, Pakistan returned after lunch and the Test continued without interruption. England eventually secured a comprehensive victory, leaving Pakistan 2-0 down in the series with one match remaining.

ENGLAND SEAL SERIES AT LORD’S

Pakistan’s latest defeat followed another difficult batting display. Chasing 389 for victory, they were bowled out for 194, with Saud Shakeel providing the main resistance before falling for 97.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/babar-azam-eng-vs-pak-denies-boycott-talk-imran-khan-sons-interview-lords-test-2983296-2026-08-31

Neeraj Chopra sustained an ankle ligament tear during training which has ended his season.

In a latest injury setback, star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has suffered a ligament tear which has ended his ongoing season, meaning he won’t take part in the Asian Games scheduled to be held in Japan next month. Besides, he will also miss the Diamond League final and the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest for which he looked on course for qualifying.

Chopra headlined India’s 492-member strong contingent for the Asian Games announced by the Sports Ministry earlier this month.

“After a period of hard work, I finally felt I was gaining the momentum I had been looking for with a Season’s Best throw in Lausanne,” Chopra said in a statement on Instagram.

“Unfortunately, shortly after, I sustained a ligament tear in my ankle during training. After discussions with my doctor and team, we’ve decided that I will sit out the rest of this season,” he added.

Chopra, who won silver at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, had returned to action at the Doha Diamond League after spending months recovering from a lower-back injury that had kept him out since September 2025.

Source : https://www.news18.com/sports/other-sports/neeraj-chopra-out-of-asian-games-after-ligament-injury-i-will-sit-out-the-rest-of-this-season-ws-bkl-10299490.html

England Test captain Joe Root continues to touch new heights in Test cricket. The right-handed batter scripted another record to his name, this time during the second Test match against Pakistan at Lord’s, London.

England Test captain Joe Root continues to touch new heights in Test cricket. The right-handed batter scripted another record to his name, this time during the second Test match against Pakistan at Lord’s, London. Batting on Day 2, Root scored 24 runs before being dismissed LBW by Pakistan pacer Mohammad Ali. While the Test star couldn’t take his innings deep, it was enough for him to break a long-standing record of Australia great Ricky Ponting. Root surpassed Ponting to become the player with the most Test runs on home soil.

Root now holds the top spot with 7594 Test runs to his credit in England. Ponting, who scored 7578 runs in the format in Australia, has slipped to the second spot. India’s Sachin Tendulkar is in third position with 7216 runs in India.

Root is just 1713 runs away from overtaking Sachin Tendulkar in the list of batters with the most runs in Test cricket. While Sachin is at the top of the list with 15921 runs, Root currently has 14208 runs in 168 matches. While the debate continues over whether Root will be able to achieve the stunning record, his father gave a clear verdict recently.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/joe-root-breaks-ricky-pontings-big-world-record-during-2nd-test-vs-pakistan-11975311

Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said that he doesn’t know anything about the conversation that took place between the PCB and ECB over Michael Atherton interviewing Imran Khan’s sons.

Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was put under the spotlight as he attended the press conference at the end of the second day’s play at Lord’s in the second Test against England. While it is usual for coaches and players to be asked about cricketing affairs on the field, when a question about the saga over the interview featuring Imran Khan’s sons was asked, Sarfaraz looked visibly rattled. The former Pakistan wicket-keeper batter looked keen to move on from the topic. Sometimes, he even responded to questions before being asked, as if he had memorised the answers to those topics.

When asked by a reporter about the conversation between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) about the interview on Sky, where Michael Atherton spoke to Imran Khan’s sons, Sarfaraz played dumb.

“I don’t know anything. I’m just focusing on the match,” said Sarfaraz in response to the question.

When the reporter asked if there ever was a suggestion that the Pakistani players would not take the field in the second session of the game as Sky went ahead with the interview despite being warned by the PCB, Sarfaraz didn’t even let the question be completed and started saying “no, no, no, no, no”.

“You’re talking about the interview? We don’t know about the interview,” said the Pakistan head coach. “All are OK. We were having lunch at that time.”

In the interview conducted by Atherton, Suleiman and Kasim expressed concerns over the treatment and security given to their father, who has been behind bars since 2023.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/no-no-no-no-pakistan-coach-sarfaraz-ahmed-ends-silence-on-row-over-imran-khans-sons-interview-11973262

On the cusp of reclaiming her cricketing life, trans-athlete Anaya Bangar revealed she was “served with silence” by the BCCI when she first approached the Board for assistance in becoming a part of India’s women’s cricket set-up.

It’s been lonely, it’s been brutal, but it’s also been worth it. On the cusp of reclaiming her cricketing life, trans-athlete Anaya Bangar is unruffled by what the sceptics and critics have to say as she feels a bit of “education” is all it would take for them to come around. “Served with silence” by the BCCI when she first approached the Board for assistance in becoming a part of India’s women’s cricket set-up, the 25-year-old found support from Cricket Australia, which allowed her to compete at the community shield level.

In an exclusive interview to PTI, Anaya said she has been through a roller-coaster ride since the beginning of her transition in 2022, a process which culminated with a gender affirming surgery in March this year.

“…when you’re transitioning, and when you’re a trans-athlete, during this political climate in this world, it can get very isolating. You feel very lonely, you feel like there’s no one who really understands out there,” she said.

“Everyone out there is trying to give you solutions, when you know that your own case is the right one. You know what is happening with you is injustice. So, during all of this, just the fact of being with myself, solitude has helped me a lot throughout all this,” added the left-arm spin bowling all-rounder, whose father is former India player and decorated coach Sanjay Bangar.

“Right now, just hearing the news about Cricket Australia clearing me, and basically providing me a path to play women’s cricket, to play cricket as who I am is huge for me.” Anaya had given up hope of ever playing the game and although she is grateful towards her family for the support it offered for “necessities”, it is the universe that, she feels, changed her circumstances for the better.

“To be honest, emotionally, it’s just been all by myself, but I’m grateful for the support for the necessities that I had from my family.

“I never thought that I’ll be able to get (to) play cricket ever since the day I started transitioning. I just tried to put myself out there and see what happens, and whatever works, works. And throughout all this, I think the universe has backed me a lot, and here we are,” she said.

Stronger and wiser now

Anaya was still recovering from the after-effects of her surgery when she approached Cricket Australia’s Head of Integrity Jacqui Partridge in June after coming to know about their policy of allowing trans players in women’s cricket.

The process thereafter was smooth and swift unlike the lack of response that she encountered on approaching the BCCI. She hoped the Indian Board would figure out a policy for future.

“…it is very disappointing and heartbreaking that I was served with silence.

“I knew that transitioning was going to make me steer away from cricket…I hope that BCCI is open to this and tries to form policies surrounding this topic, since I’m the first case in India.

“I would be happy to be a part of the team and provide my insights and gatherings throughout my whole journey and what would work best for our country and women’s sport in the future,” she said.

The experience though made her “stronger and wiser”.

“To be honest, transitioning was always about being happy and comfortable in my own skin. And I had to take the necessary steps during that time in my life to basically give up the sport that I loved. Go through major changes, go through major family dynamic changes and everything,” she said.

“…And I couldn’t be more grateful for this journey. It’s been a rollercoaster, it’s been brutal, it’s been filled with emotions, but I’m glad I’m on the stepping stone now.”

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/served-with-silence-anaya-bangar-reveals-bccis-stance-sends-big-message-to-cricket-board-11971655

Indian grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu staged a stunning comeback against GM Fabiano Caruana to win the final match and claim his maiden Grand Chess Tour Finals title

Indian grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu staged a stunning comeback against GM Fabiano Caruana to win the final match and claim his maiden Grand Chess Tour Finals title, along with the $200,000 first prize on Thursday (local time) in St.Louis. With this win, Praggnanandhaa scripted history, becoming the first Indian to win the Grand Chess Tour, as per Chess.com. The Indian grandmaster began the day six points behind Caruana but quickly turned the match around, winning both rapid games to take the lead. He then held Caruana to an even score in blitz, securing the title by a final score of 15-13.

In the first blitz game, Praggnanandhaa had winning chances but blundered in a time scramble. His position quickly deteriorated, but Caruana failed to capitalise, and the game ultimately ended in a draw.

🏆 PRAGGNANANDHAA IS THE 2026 GRAND CHESS TOUR CHAMPION! 🏆♟️
Congratulations to Praggnanandhaa on winning his first-ever Grand Chess Tour title! 🎉
Pragg defeats Fabiano Caruana in a thrilling final match to cap off an incredible season and claim the GCT crown for the first time… pic.twitter.com/joROgGaOxH

— Grand Chess Tour (@GrandChessTour) August 27, 2026

GM Wesley So also staged a comeback in the third-place match against GM Vincent Keymer.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/chess/r-praggnanandhaa-scripts-history-becomes-first-indian-to-win-grand-chess-tour-11969138

 

Kylian Mbappe scored a brilliant hat-trick to help Real Madrid thrash Real Sociedad 4-1 in La Liga in Jose Mourinho’s first home match back at the Santiago Bernabeu as the club’s coach.

Kylian Mbappe scored a brilliant hat-trick to help Real Madrid thrash Real Sociedad 4-1 in La Liga in Jose Mourinho’s first home match back at the Santiago Bernabeu as the club’s coach. Mourinho’s Madrid made it two wins from two with Vinicius Junior also on the scoresheet, while Jude Bellingham provided two assists as the star trio picked apart their Basque visitors. Veteran Portuguese coach Mourinho selected the same side that snatched a late 2-1 win at Espanyol in his first match at the helm last Saturday.

Mourinho said it would be tricky but not impossible to get the team’s three biggest names in the same team all at their best, and this match suggested he is on the right track.

“This guy is incredible,” said Mourinho of Mbappe, while also praising Madrid’s overall display.

“I see him really hungry to make history with Real Madrid, and I see a team where, despite Kylian being Kylian, it’s hard for me not to talk about the team.”

Vinicius fired over and Alex Remiro saved low at his near post from Mbappe during an open start to the game. At the other end, Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a smart stop from Mikel Oyarzabal.

Remiro was called into action again to deny Vinicius after Mbappe slipped in the Brazil international, while La Real’s Sergio Gomez sent a volley screaming just wide of Courtois’s far post.

Five minutes before half-time, Madrid found the breakthrough, with Federico Valverde feeding Mbappe.

The French forward, top scorer in La Liga in each of the last two seasons, took a clever touch to escape his marker and buried the ball in the top corner to claim the first goal of his campaign.

“It’s spectacular, incredible (to have Mbappe), we have to enjoy Mbappe and make the most of him as possible,” captain Valverde told Real Madrid TV.

“We have to give him a thousand balls so he is comfortable, he can score goals, and he’s happy.”

However, Los Blancos could not survive to the break without conceding the equaliser against last season’s Copa del Rey winners.

Job Ochieng dallied on the ball and his shot was blocked, but it fell nicely to Luka Sucic, who rammed home with the help of a deflection off Alvaro Carreras.

Star trio shine

Valverde said that Madrid tweaked their approach to pressing in the second half and it paid dividends.

“We were finding it hard to get the ball back in their half… We adjusted that and in the second half we were a lot more comfortable,” explained the Uruguayan midfielder.

Arda Guler played in Mbappe, whom Remiro denied early in the second half, but the Spanish goalkeeper could do nothing about the former Paris Saint-Germain star’s next effort.

A neat move involving Valverde and then Bellingham led to the latter playing in Mbappe, who calmly stroked home. Madrid’s third came from Vinicius, who had been quiet to this point, and he had the tenacity of Bellingham to thank.

The England midfielder’s shot was blocked but he refused to give up, winning the ball back in Real Sociedad’s area and putting it on a plate for Vinicius to tap home.

The Brazilian, brought to life by his goal, set up Mbappe with a perfectly weighted pass for the striker’s third, a dink over Remiro which was the pick of the goals.

Vinicius, substituted with seven minutes to go for record Madrid signing Yan Diomande, embraced Mourinho after being brought off with the job done.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/football/kylian-mbappe-hits-hat-trick-as-real-madrid-thrash-real-sociedad-11963968

Former Indian cricket team T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav had a hilarious conversation with Sri Lanka legend Sanath Jayasuriya during an event in Colombo.

Former Indian cricket team T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav had a hilarious conversation with Sri Lanka legend Sanath Jayasuriya during an event in Colombo. In a video on social media, Suryakumar was seen greeting Jayasuriya during the event as both of them had a brief conversation. The India batter joked that Jayasuriya looked fit and even jokingly asked whether he was looking to make an international comeback. “Getting fitter, trying to make a comeback? Looks like 100%,” he said. The Sri Lanka legend smiled at the comment and the video has won the hearts of several users on social media.

Earlier, a a source in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) told ANI that Suryakumar Yadav can still make a comeback to the Indian side given he scores runs in domestic cricket consistently.

Suryakumar Yadav and Sanath Jayasuriya during an event in Colombo.

Sanath to Surya There is always an element of humour when suryakumar Yadav is around.

Surya to Sanath: Getting fitter, trying to make a comeback pic.twitter.com/AHPlGHCORd

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) August 25, 2026

Suryakumar, who led India to the 2026 T20 World Cup title, has been stripped of the T20I captaincy and dropped from the squad following a lean patch with the bat ahead of India’s tour of Ireland and England. The BCCI named Shreyas Iyer as the new T20I captain.

However, India’s fortunes have dipped under Iyer’s leadership. The Men in Blue were whitewashed 2-0 by Ireland before suffering a 4-0 series defeat to England in the five-match T20I series, with the opening game ending in a no-result due to rain.

Source: https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/suryakumar-yadavs-hilarious-chat-with-sri-lanka-legend-goes-viral-trying-to-make-a-comeback-11958639

Sreejesh said the focus should not simply shift to the upcoming Asian Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after the World Cup exits. He questioned whether winning a medal at the Asian Games would be enough to “cover everything that went wrong at the World Cup.”

Former India hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has questioned the lack of accountability after both the Indian men’s and women’s teams exited the Hockey World Cup. In a strongly worded post on X, Sreejesh said the World Cup should not be treated as a learning exercise and asked whether Indian hockey is serious about beating the best teams in the world.

Sreejesh said the focus should not simply shift to the upcoming Asian Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after the World Cup exits. He questioned whether winning a medal at the Asian Games would be enough to “cover everything that went wrong at the World Cup.”

Don’t worry… the World Cup doesn’t matter. 🤡

The Asian Games are coming. Win a medal 🥇 there, and then we can start dreaming about LA 2028. Apparently, that’s enough to cover everything that went wrong at the World Cup.

Women’s chief coach on holiday just before the World…

— sreejesh p r (@16Sreejesh) August 24, 2026

He also raised concerns about the Indian women’s team and the timing of the chief coach’s absence before the World Cup. Sreejesh praised the players for fighting hard and exceeding expectations but questioned where the accountability lies if the chief coach was away during the final stage of preparations.

The Indian Men’s Team went down 3–5 against Argentina in their last Pool E clash at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 to bow out of contention for a place in the semi-finals. 🏑

Sukhjeet Singh scored twice, while Hardik Singh added a third goal for India.… pic.twitter.com/6WxztSEBVe

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 24, 2026

The former goalkeeper also questioned the way the men’s team’s results are viewed. He said defeats against top teams are often called “learning experiences”, while wins against Asian teams are celebrated as “great victories”.

He asked whether India are building a team that can simply play good hockey or one that can actually beat the best teams in the world.

Chief Coach Craig Fulton shares his thoughts after the Indian Men’s Team’s Pool E clash against Argentina at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026. 🏑

India lost 3-5 in their concluding Pool E match. #HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #HWC2026 #INDvsARG pic.twitter.com/6Ys6jNHlTa

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 24, 2026

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/world-cup-is-not-a-rehearsal-pr-sreejesh-slams-hockey-federation-after-indias-double-exit-demands-accountability 

 

The 22-year-old bagged his biggest career title and, with the US Open starting in one week, he is projected to jump from 21st in the world rankings to a career-high 11th.

Arthur Fils surged past Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 1-6, 6-0 to win his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati on Sunday. The 22-year-old bagged his biggest career title and, with the US Open starting in one week, he is projected to jump from 21st in the world rankings to a career-high 11th. Fils swept through the opening set, dropping just three points behind his serve. Tiafoe turned the tables as Fils’s errors mounted in the second, but after receiving treatment before the third set Tiafoe was no match for the surging Frenchman in the third.

He saved two match points in the final game, but Fils set up another with a lob and was able to celebrate as Tiafoe sent a forehand over the baseline to end it after 98 minutes.

Fils blazed through the opening games, breaking Tiafoe on the way to a 3-0 lead and dropping just one point in the first three games.

He dictated the rallies from the baseline and even as Tiafoe began to find his range the American was unable to apply any pressure on Fils’s serve, Fils finishing off the opening set in 29 minutes with his eighth ace.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/tennis/arthur-fils-tops-frances-tiafoe-to-claim-first-atp-masters-title-in-cincinnati-11949387

Lionel Messi was found guilty and fined an undisclosed amount for slapping Union’s Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck.

Lionel Messi was fined an undisclosed amount for making contact with the head and neck area of opponent during second-half stoppage time in a 2-2 draw against Philadelphia. Messi slapped the Union’s Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck during a tense exchange. This was against the rules of Major League Soccer (MLS), which bars players from hitting the face, neck and head of the opponent.

The incident occurred in the 101st minute of the contest. In the videos that went from the contest on social media, Messi looked upset with Quinn and was involved in a heated exchange. He then slapped Sullivan on the back of the head as he walked past Messi, leading to another confrontation. Union midfielder Ian Fray was also fined for hitting Sullivan on the head in a separate incident. After Sullivan lost his footing dribbling into the penalty area, he got tangled with Fray, who then grabbed his neck. Sullivan jumped up and tackled Fray.

The match ended on a dramatic note as Miami’s Yannick Bright and Philadelphia Union teenager Cavan Sullivan were shown red cards after getting involved in a stoppage-time scuffle. However, MLS later overturned Sullivan’s red card after its Independent Review Panel unanimously ruled the decision in his favour. The decision also cancelled the one-match suspension that came with the dismissal, meaning the 16-year-old will be available for Philadelphia’s next game. Sullivan had entered the confrontation while defending his older brother, Quinn Sullivan.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/football/lionel-messi-fined-after-slapping-quinn-sullivan-in-heated-mls-clash-article-155952006