The Times of India

The Indian cricket team has officially unveiled their 15-member squad for the T20I series against Afghanistan, with Shreyas Iyer as captain and Tilak Varma as vice-captain. The pace attack is bolstered by the return of Jasprit Bumrah, alongside Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. Notable batsmen include Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, although some players still await fitness clearance prior to the series start.

Seventeen-year-old Thea Frodin is making her U.S. Open singles debut against No. 2-ranked Elena Rybakina after earning a wild card. Before stepping onto the tennis court in New York, Frodin appeared in King Richard as Serena Williams body double. She says tennis remains her priority, but she would love to balance her career with acting if Hollywood calls again.

Where is Hardik Pandya headed? We break down the latest Mumbai Indians trade buzz, the teams reportedly interested in Hardik, and what could happen ahead of IPL 2027.

Lionel Messi has announced his second international retirement from football. This decision follows a highly successful period of winning major trophies. He leaves the national team after a distinguished career with many achievements. Messi's departure marks the end of a significant chapter in his football journey. He expressed gratitude and acknowledged the emergence of new talent.

Mickey Arthur, the former coach of the Pakistan cricket team, expresses his disappointment in the Pakistan Cricket Board's hasty decisions following a series of Test losses. After sending seven players packing and altering the coaching setup, Arthur argues that such frequent changes hinder team stabilization and undermine performance consistency. With the addition of debutants among the replacements, Pakistan now faces a challenging position at the World Test Championship.

Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali alleges a captaincy dispute between Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi. This alleged rift significantly contributed to the national team's recent poor performances. Pakistan's leadership has seen frequent changes since the 2023 ODI World Cup. Following a disastrous tour of England, the PCB has initiated major changes within the team. Several players and coaches have been removed as the board reassesses its strategy.

Hardik Pandyas return to international cricket is set to face another setback due to a leg niggle, casting doubts on his participation in the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan. He remains under observation by the medical team at BCCI CoE.

Carlos Alcaraz returned to Grand Slam action with a straight-sets win over Roman Safiullin at the US Open, easing concerns about his wrist injury. The Spaniard said he felt completely pain-free and wants to enjoy the tournament. Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also won her opener, while Novak Djokovics early exit and Jannik Sinners injury boost Alcarazs title chances.

Australia have dropped Marnus Labuschagne from their ODI squad for tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa after a poor run of form. His Test future is also uncertain. Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh return, while Joel Davies earns his first ODI call-up. Spencer Johnson and Billy Stanlake strengthen the pace attack as Australia prepares for the 2027 World Cup.

King Charles has reportedly backed Prince Harry and Meghan Markles return to the UK, but Prince Williams continued distance is raising fresh questions about the royal familys deepening rift. As speculation grows over a possible Sussex comeback, the reported divide between the brothers could determine whether a lasting reconciliation is possible.

India has rejected the Indus Waters Treaty award, calling the Court of Arbitration illegally constituted and saying it has no jurisdiction over India. The tribunal said the treaty remains in force and ordered interim restrictions linked to the Ratle hydropower project, including limits on concreting parts of the dam wall and intake structure. India did not participate in the proceedings and says its decision to hold the treaty in abeyance remains unchanged. Pakistan backs the ruling. The dispute

A new U.S.-China trade battle erupted after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that the world could not sustain Chinas $1.2 trillion trade surplus. Bessent urged G20 nations to reassess their trade terms with Beijing and accused China of relying on exports instead of boosting domestic demand. Beijing pushed back sharply, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun saying China had never deliberately sought a trade surplus and opposed unilateral tariffs in any form.

Trump shared an AI-generated video showing a dramatic attack on Irans Kharg Island, claiming the key oil hub had been blown to smithereens. But a U.S. official confirmed the island was not targeted in the overnight strikes. The development came after U.S. forces struck Iranian launchers on Larak Island, while Tehran retaliated with attacks on U.S. bases in Jordan and the UAE. Kharg remains vital to Irans oil exports and economy.

India's head coach Khalid Jamil has officially unveiled a 26-member squad as the team gears up for an intense series of international matches. The Blue Tigers will challenge themselves against esteemed squads from Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay. This series serves as a prime opportunity to evaluate the team's strengths against formidable rivals.

Following a string of losses, the Pakistan Cricket Board has made significant changes by releasing seven players and parts of the coaching staff. Five new uncapped players have been brought on board, while Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul step aside from their coaching positions. Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke will now oversee the coaching duties as the team readies itself for the third Test match against England at Edgbaston.

Jordans official account said eight Iranian missiles were destroyed before threatening people or property. But ABC is now reported to have cited two Jordanian security sources saying an unspecified number penetrated the defensive screen. Trump says one missile was deliberately allowed through because it posed no significant threat. Iran claims US bases were heavily damaged, but the impact locations, target hits and damage remain independently unverified. Watch.

Nepal is counting the dead after a glacier-linked flash flood tore through the Himalayan borderlands. Its government reported 734 deaths and 2,498 missing on August 30. China reported 16 dead and 546 missing in Gyirong. Beijing says the collapse started on Nepals side and calls claims of a missed warning or failed Chinese structure fake news. Reports that local videos were removed from Chinese platforms have raised a second question: who controls the evidence? China says its rescue effort uses m

China has rewritten its defence mobilisation law. Effective October 1, it lets the state mobilise citizens, specialists, companies, data and civilian resources during a defence emergency. Men aged 18 to 60 and women aged 18 to 55 may be assigned defence duties. Some specialists face no age limit. Vehicles, factories, ports, networks and other assets can be requisitioned, with compensation promised. Refusal can bring compulsory enforcement. Beijing says the changes modernise readiness and connect

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has hit back at claims that Iran is unfazed by American pressure, pointing to increasingly severe economic and fuel problems inside the country. They now have three, four-hour gas lines, Bessent said as the Trump administration intensifies its campaign against Tehran.

Lionel Messi has decided to retire from international football at 39, marking the end of an extraordinary era for Argentina. After an impressive career spanning nearly two decades, Messi guided his national team to triumph in the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup, as well as reaching the final of the 2026 World Cup. His departure signifies a deeply emotional farewell to a remarkable journey.