How K L Rahul's advice helped this UP batter overcome tough times
Kashi Rudras captain Karan Sharma revealed that a conversation with KL Rahul during his Lucknow Super Giants stint profoundly influenced his cricketing philosophy, with Rahul's advice to prioritise the process over results helping him navigate challenging phases and slumps.
Inspired by Kohli, ambidextrous spinner Yadav eyes IPL breakthrough
Kashi Rudras' ambidextrous spinner Vijay Yadav has set an ambitious target of making it to the IPL within the next one to two years, driven by his dedication to all three departments of the game and profound inspiration from Virat Kohli's aggression and commitment.
Mayank Agarawal joins English county side Durham
India batter Mayank Agarwal has signed with Durham for the final four matches of the County Championship's Division Two, aiming to help the team secure promotion to Division One.
Argentina football legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to one of the most celebrated careers in the history of the national team.
UPT20 League: Lucknow Falcons Knock Kanpur Superstars Out Of Playoff Race
Impact Player Sameer Rizvi: Lucknow Falcons signed off from the league stage with a 13-run victory over Kanpur Superstars via the DLS method in Match 28 of the UP T20 League 2026 at the Green Park Stadium, eliminating Kanpur from the playoff race and moving into second place on the points table. With six wins from 10 matches, Lucknow finished the league stage on 13 points and will now turn their attention to Qualifier 1 against Meerut Mavericks. Having already secured their place in the playoffs, Lucknow rested regular captain Bhuvneshwar Kumar and lead pacer Abhinandan Singh, with all-rounder Vipraj Nigam taking over the captaincy. Kanpur skipper Adarsh Singh won the toss and elected to bowl in what was a must-win contest for his side. Lucknow began positively before rain interrupted play for around 30 minutes after the opening over. When the match resumed without any reduction in overs, openers Yashu Pradhan and Himanshu Singh provided the Falcons with a strong platform. Pradhan struck 40 off 27 balls, while Himanshu made 43 off 33 as the pair added 72 runs in just 43 deliveries. Kanpur fought back effectively in the middle overs, reducing Lucknow from 72/0 to 96/4. However, Priyam Garg and stand-in captain Vipraj ensured the Falcons finished strongly. Garg remained unbeaten on 32 off 21 balls, while Vipraj contributed a brisk 18 not out from eight deliveries to take Lucknow to 160/5. Kanpur's chase never quite gathered momentum as Lucknow struck regularly with the ball. The Superstars were reduced to 47/4 in 6.3 overs, with the dismissal of star Impact Player Sameer Rizvi proving particularly damaging. Satyam Sangu and Yashovardhan Singh attempted to rebuild the innings, adding an unbeaten 22 runs together, before rain returned at the end of the 10th over with Kanpur on 68/4. The DLS par score at that stage was 81, leaving Kanpur 13 runs behind. Persistent rain prevented any further play, handing Lucknow the victory. Satyam Sangu and Yashovardhan Singh attempted to rebuild the innings, adding an unbeaten 22 runs together, before rain returned at the end of the 10th over with Kanpur on 68/4. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The defeat ended Kanpur Superstars' playoff hopes, while Lucknow Falcons head into the knockout stage with momentum firmly on their side. Article Source: IANS
I Remain Committed To My Team, Says Deepti After Becoming Leading Wicket-taker In Womens T20I
New Delhi: India all-rounder Deepti Sharma reflected on an emotional record-breaking outing in the Womens Asia Cup 2026 opener against Thailand, saying she remains determined to continue contributing to the team after becoming the leading wicket-taker in Womens T20I cricket. Deepti entered the match in Dubai level with Thailand's Thipatcha Putthawong on 170 wickets and needed just one dismissal to claim the record outright. The milestone came in spectacular fashion as the off-spinner returned extraordinary figures of 3/0 in 1.1 overs, taking three wickets without conceding a run to move her career tally to 171. Sharing her thoughts after the historic achievement, Deepti wrote on X, Yesterday was a day which filled me with emotion and gratitude. Some achievements make you feel how lucky you are to do what you love the most. I remain committed to my team and fans to play with the same excitement and winning more matches and trophies for my country, Deepti wrote on X. The record came in Deepti's 150th T20I appearance, making the occasion even more memorable for the Indian all-rounder. She became only the third Indian woman to reach the 150-match milestone in the format after Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana. Deepti's landmark spell played a key role as India began their Asia Cup campaign with a commanding 94-run victory. India posted 159/9 after being asked to bat, with Shafali Verma top-scoring with 64. The record came in Deepti's 150th T20I appearance, making the occasion even more memorable for the Indian all-rounder. She became only the third Indian woman to reach the 150-match milestone in the format after Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories For Deepti, the opening match delivered both a historic individual milestone and a winning start to India's title defence as she added another chapter to her already remarkable international career. Article Source: IANS
Nahida, Marufa help Bangladesh brush aside Indonesia
The pair shared five wickets to bowl Indonesia out for 58
FIFA Boss Gianni Infantino's Emotional Tribute After Lionel Messi's Retirement
Lionel Messi brought the curtain down on a historic Argentina career on Monday after making a record 207 appearances for his country and scoring 125 goals.
Sher-E-Punjab T20: Gourav Choudharys Brilliance Helps Bathinda Win Campaign Opener
Punjab T20 League: Bathinda Royals kicked off their Sher-E-Punjab T20 League 2026 with a win, beating Mohali Kings by seven wickets at the I.S. Bindra Stadium, Mohali, on Monday. The Royals chose to bowl first and quickly made an impact, causing Mohali Kings to fall to 34/3 by the seventh over. Gourav Choudhary took the initial breakthrough, getting Gurmehar Sara out for a duck on the very first ball. Sumit Sharma then dismissed Manpreet Johal for 11 off 19 balls, followed by Anmolpreet Singh, who scored 8 off 10, putting Mohali in early trouble. Captain Ramandeep Singh and Aryan Bhatia then steadied the innings with a crucial 55-run partnership for the fourth wicket. However, Bathinda continued to pick up wickets at regular intervals and kept the scoring under control. Mohali Kings concluded their innings with a total of 176/9 in 20 overs. Gourav Choudhary and Sumit Sharma were the standout bowlers for the Royals, claiming three wickets each. Aryan Bhatia was the top scorer for Mohali, scoring 48 off 37 balls, supported by Ramandeep, who contributed significantly during the middle overs. Chasing 177, Bathinda Royals initially struggled and were 54/3. However, Gourav Choudhary responded by taking charge with the bat. Gourav teamed up with Ridham Satyawan and significantly altered the pace of the chase. They started slowly but later sped up, forcing the Mohali bowling attack to face increased pressure. The pair formed an unbeaten 126-run partnership for the fourth wicket, enabling Bathinda to win comfortably. Gourav teamed up with Ridham Satyawan and significantly altered the pace of the chase. They started slowly but later sped up, forcing the Mohali bowling attack to face increased pressure. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The Royals achieved the target with three wickets remaining, thanks in large part to Gouravs all-round performance, which was crucial in their impressive seven-wicket win. Article Source: IANS
Rohit Sharma Set For TV Debut With New Show 'Family Full House'
Star Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma is set to make his TV debut as Sony Pictures Networks India today announced the title of its upcoming show, 'Family Full House with Rohit Sharma'.
'Like Father, Like Son': Suresh Raina's Son Rio Begins Cricket Journey
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina's son Rio has started his cricketing journey, with his father expressing that he looks forward to experiencing the joy, excitement and innocence of the game all over again.
T20I tri-series: Evans' final over heroics help Zimbabwe edge Namibia
Zimbabwe secured a dramatic five-run victory over hosts Namibia in the third match of the T20 tri-series, taking four wickets in the final over to defend their total of 195-6.
Pakistan Sack Seven Players After Test Series Loss vs England, Replace Coaching Staff Members
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has executed a major mid-tour overhaul by releasing seven players and replacing coaching staff members following their heavy 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at Lord's on Sunday
Maphaka Ready To Lead South Africa Attack If Rabada Misses Tests Against Australia
Young South African: Young South African fast bowler Kwena Maphaka said he is ready to step up and lead the national pace bowling attack in the upcoming Test series against Australia if injured spearhead Kagiso Rabada fails to recover in time. Maphaka has played only two Tests and could take on a prominent role during a packed international schedule featuring eight Tests, 12 ODIs, and multiple Twenty20 matches. Rabada was ruled out of the ODI series against Australia after injuring his right hamstring in training. Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed that a decision on his Test availability will be made closer to the series opener on October 9. I've had a good start and I'm just looking to continue that momentum into the summer. I think I'll be able to do the job if I'm asked to do so. I really hope that KG (Rabada) is back in time. But if that doesn't happen, it's one of those things where somebody has to step up, and if that's me, I'm really confident in my abilities. I've led a bowling attack before with the Lions, with South Africa under-19 and I've been in the Proteas for a little bit now. So yeah, I'm really confident in my abilities, Maphaka was quoted as saying by Cricinfo. The youngster also spent the off-season working closely with national bowling coach Piet Botha and former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald to refine his red-ball technique and build consistency, after spending IPL 2026 on the bench for Rajasthan Royals. After not playing in the IPL, I definitely just wanted to knuckle down, work on my game, leading into a massive summer. Coach Shuks (head coach Shukri Conrad) and I had a chat about skipping the leagues in the winter to have a bit of a rest and then do some work leading into a big summer. The biggest thing for me was really working on my consistency. I was decent in the T20 format, but there was a lot of work to do in the longer formats that would also help in T20s. We worked on a little bit of my run-up but the biggest thing was just consistency and making sure that I can hit an area as consistently as possible. I feel that I've done that so far, he added. After not playing in the IPL, I definitely just wanted to knuckle down, work on my game, leading into a massive summer. Coach Shuks (head coach Shukri Conrad) and I had a chat about skipping the leagues in the winter to have a bit of a rest and then do some work leading into a big summer. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories I've had the opportunity to play a home Under-19 World Cup, something that a lot of people haven't been able to do. That experience and being able to play in front of home crowds would be really special to do a second time round. Article Source: IANS
Pakistan send seven players home and bring in Hesson to coach Test side
Five uncapped players have been added to the squad in England along with Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal
Zimbabwe survive Green, Busing-Volschenk scare to win thriller
Chasing 196, Namibia fell five short despite their counterattacking 110-run stand for seventh wicket
I Have Nothing Left To Give: Lionel Messi Announces Retirement From Argentina After 21-Year Career
The Greatest Of All Time, Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international career with Argentina, after 21-years marvellous career. In his 21 years of career, Messi came through a lot of disappointment before winning 2022 Football World Cup. The
BCCI Completes Specialised U19 Mens Training Camps At Centre Of Excellence
Narendra Modi Stadium: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said it has completed a series of targeted training camps for under-19 mens cricketers at its Centre of Excellence (CoE) facility in Bengaluru ahead of upcoming domestic and international fixtures. The specialised sessions catered to distinct player disciplines, bringing together emerging wicketkeepers, spinners, and fast bowlers from across the country to work alongside elite coaching staff. Camps and training stints for the Wicket Keepers, Spinners and Fast bowlers was conducted at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. This batch from the U19 group sharpened their basics and built on their skill sets which will aid them to be ready for the next set of opportunities that come their way, wrote the BCCI on its 'X' account on Monday. CoE fielding coach Dishant Yagnik and spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi were spotted coaching the players in images shared by the BCCI. This comes at a time when the CoE has been a busy hub of various activities. In addition to injured mens and womens players undertaking their respective rehab, the facility has conducted various targeted camps and mandated pre-season testing for its senior mens players, who arrived at the high-performance facility in batches and completed their tests ahead of a busy season. CoE fielding coach Dishant Yagnik and spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi were spotted coaching the players in images shared by the BCCI. This comes at a time when the CoE has been a busy hub of various activities. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Uttarakhand batter Lakshya Raichandani will captain the one-day side, with Madhya Pradeshs Yashbardhan Chauhan named vice-captain. The duo will swap roles for the subsequent multi-day fixtures in Rajkot and Ahmedabad. The first red-ball game will commence in Rajkot on September 27, before moving to the Narendra Modi Stadium 'B' Ground in Ahmedabad for the final match, which starts on October 5. Article Source: IANS
Messi Vs Gayle: Keralas Contrasting Saga Of Two Sporting Superstars
Congress MLA Chandy Oommen: One sporting superstar arrived in a helicopter, watched cricket, visited a grave, and went sightseeing for a proposed stadium, and the other has so far arrived only in announcements, promises, and government files, and now an investigation into the episode has been announced by Chief Minister V.D.Satheesan. That, in a nutshell, is Keralas curious tale of Chris Gayle versus Lionel Messi. Gayle, the Universe Boss, landed in the state capital on Saturday, watched two Kerala Premier League matches and was in Puthuppally, Kottayam, the following day. His visit was coordinated by Congress MLA Chandy Oommen, son of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. After arriving by helicopter, Gayle first visited Oommen Chandys tomb, before attending a meeting at a local school and being driven around by Chandy to possible sites for an international cricket stadium, proposed under the PPP model, and the brainchild of the Congress lawmaker. Messi, meanwhile, was supposed to do something even bigger: bring Argentina to Kerala. The announcement first raised hopes in 2024. When the Argentine superstar did not arrive, 2025 became the new schedule. Then came 2026. Kerala waited, football fans waited, and assurances kept coming. Messi, however, remained firmly elsewhere. Gayle, rather inconveniently for those selling the Messi dream, actually turned up. The political after-match analysis has naturally begun on social media. Left-leaning handles have been having fun over what they describe as the shortcomings in the organisation of Gayles visit. Congress handles, equally enthusiastic, have found their own talking point: why discuss the choreography of Gayles visit when Messi never even made it to the stage? There is another small detail that makes the comparison rather interesting. Gayles visit came under the aegis of the Oommen Chandy Foundation and did not draw money from the already strained state exchequer. The proposed Messi event, on the other hand, involved expenditure from the public purse and has now become the subject of a wider financial and administrative probe. On Monday, Chief Minister Satheesan recommended a comprehensive investigation into the Messi project, including its financial transactions, agreements, sponsor selection, government approvals, stadium handover and foreign visits undertaken in connection with the proposed event. So Kerala has managed an unusual double header: the cricketer came without a government-funded spectacle, while the footballer never came despite one. Gayle left behind photographs, matches, and a stadium proposal. So Kerala has managed an unusual double header: the cricketer came without a government-funded spectacle, while the footballer never came despite one. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories For once, the Universe Boss may have won a match he never knew he was playing. Article Source: IANS
Pakistan to send Rizwan, Imam back home from England tour
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has launched a formal inquiry into opening batter Imam-ul-Haq's left calf muscle injury, which prevented him from batting in the second Test against England, amid suspicions he may have faked the injury.
Captain Tilak Varma stood tall with a patient unbeaten 106 while Shreyas Gopal made 87 to give South Zone a vital first-innings lead of 90 runs in their Duleep Trophy semifinal against North Zone on Monday.
DPL: South Delhi Superstarz Co-owner Shikhar Dhawan Congratulates Team On Title Triumph
Watching South Delhi Superstarz: Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan congratulated the South Delhi Superstarz after the franchise clinched the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 title at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, describing the triumph as a moment that reinforced his belief in the impact and power of sport. Dhawan, Chairman of Da One Group and Founder of the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, co-owns the South Delhi Superstarz through Da One Sports. The former India opener was present at the Arun Jaitley Stadium for the final and joined the players in celebrating their title-winning performance. Sharing his thoughts in an Instagram post after the victory, Dhawan wrote, Watching South Delhi Superstarz become Delhi Premier League champions, right there at the final, was a moment Ill carry with me. South Delhi Superstarz sealed the title with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Central Delhi Kings in the final, successfully chasing 183 with 10 balls to spare. Ankit Dabas and Anmol Sharma played key roles in the successful chase, scoring 62 runs each. The victory marked another significant achievement for the franchise, which has now seen both its men's and women's teams enjoy title success across successive editions of the tournament. The women's team won the DPL in 2025, while the men's side followed with the 2026 crown. The franchise's women's team is also set to feature in the final of the ongoing season on Wednesday. For Dhawan, however, the significance of the title extends beyond silverware. He highlighted the opportunities that competitions such as the DPL provide to young cricketers seeking to showcase their abilities and develop their careers. What excites me most isnt just the trophies. Its seeing young cricketers get a platform, take responsibility, play without fear and discover what they are capable of, he said in his Instagram post. Through Da One Sports, Dhawan has expanded his involvement in sport beyond his playing career, supporting academies and sporting programmes, including a High Performance Centre in Gwalior and initiatives in regions such as Jammu and Kashmir. After the final, Dhawan joined the South Delhi Superstarz players in their celebrations before taking a lap of honour around the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Fans gathered around the former India opener as he signed autographs and distributed South Delhi Superstarz jerseys among spectators. Dhawan also reserved special praise for everyone associated with the franchise and credited the collective effort behind the team's success. After the final, Dhawan joined the South Delhi Superstarz players in their celebrations before taking a lap of honour around the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Fans gathered around the former India opener as he signed autographs and distributed South Delhi Superstarz jerseys among spectators. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The title triumph underlined a memorable campaign for South Delhi Superstarz and added another chapter to the franchise's growing success in the Delhi Premier League. Article Source: IANS
Indonesia opt to bowl in maiden Asia Cup appearance
These two teams will be facing each other for the first time in international cricket.
'Like Father, Like Son': Suresh Raina's Son Starts Cricket
Former India cricketer Suresh Raina's son, Rio, has started his cricketing journey, with Raina expressing his excitement to relive the game through his son's experiences.
Pakistan squad, management set for overhaul after Lord's defeat
There is speculation around Pakistan's white-ball coach Mike Hesson taking over from Sarfaraz Ahmed
Abbas: 'Everyone is worried' as Pakistan's grim run of form is extended
Despite improvements, particularly with the ball, from Headingley, lack of competitiveness persists
KCL | Trivandrum Royals continues resurgence with fourth straight win
Trouble is brewing in Pakistan cricket. Opener Imam-ul-Haq could face strong disciplinary action after the Pakistan Cricket Board decided to conduct a probe into his left calf muscle injury
Duleep Trophy semifinals | Exceptional Sooryavanshi the focal point at the Centre of Excellence
The 15-year-old became the youngest half-centurion in Duleep Trophy history, breaking Rajasthan batter Laxman Singhs record for Central Zone from January 1969 when the latter was 16
UP T20 League: Playoffs And Final Relocated To Lucknow Amid Heavy Rains In Kanpur
Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: The UP T20 League has relocated its playoff matches and final from Kanpur to Lucknow following continuous heavy rainfall in the city, the tournament's governing council announced on Monday. The knockout fixtures of the fourth season of the competition will now take place at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, with the match dates retained as per the original schedule. Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator will be played on September 3, with Qualifier 2 the next day and the title clash on September 6. Sanjay Kapoor, Chairman of the UP T20 League Governing Council, officially confirmed the venue change at a press conference at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. Due to the continuous rain in Kanpur, it has become nearly impossible to complete full matches, which directly impacts the game and the players' ability to showcase their talent. In crucial and decisive encounters like the playoffs, it is essential that all participating teams get a fair and equal opportunity to play a complete 20-over match, said Kapoor. The announcement was made in the presence of UPCA Media Committee Chairman Mohammad Faheem and UP T20 League Governing Council Member Sanjeev Kumar Singh, along with other senior regional cricket administrators. Kapoor noted that local weather forecasts indicated further rain in Kanpur over the coming days, leaving organisers with no option but to move the remaining fixtures to Lucknow. This decision was not made in favour of or against any particular team, but strictly to uphold the fairness of the sport and the welfare of the players. A wet outfield due to persistent rain significantly increases the risk of injuries. Kapoor noted that local weather forecasts indicated further rain in Kanpur over the coming days, leaving organisers with no option but to move the remaining fixtures to Lucknow. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Moving the final stages to Lucknows state-of-the-art facilities will provide an ideal environment for teams to compete in full 20-over contests without the risk of rain delays. At the same time, tournament management expressed its gratitude to local supporters, players, and match officials for their cooperation throughout the Kanpur leg of the competition. Article Source: IANS
Duleep Trophy: Tilak Varma's unbeaten ton puts South Zone ahead
Captain Tilak Varma's unbeaten 106 and Shreyas Gopal's 87 helped South Zone secure a vital 90-run first-innings lead against North Zone in their Duleep Trophy semifinal, overcoming an early collapse.
Pakistan's Test Crisis: Two Stars Asked To Return Home After England Debacle - Report
The touring Pakistan media in England has also reported on a high-level meeting of officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board following the team's defeat in the second Test.
Ellyse Perry Credits Tactical Shifts And Leadership For Australia Achieving T20 WC Win
T20 World Cup: Australias seam-bowling all-rounder Ellyse Perry has credited targeted strategic shifts and strong leadership from Sophie Molineux for the sides recent ICC Women's T20 World Cup win in England, which she described as one of the most consistent campaigns of her career. Australia went undefeated throughout the tournament and capped off their dominant run with a decisive victory over hosts England in the final at Lords in July. The triumph marked a successful turnaround for the side after disappointing semi-final exits at the previous T20 World Cup and the 2025 Womens ODI World Cup. The English summer was a really great one for us, and successful in the end in that T20 World Cup. After the last couple of World Cups and falling short in semi-finals, to come back with a win was really cool. I think the way that we maintained such a great level of performance was really cool, certainly something I haven't experienced before and probably a real testament to the preparation we put in, the staff's input into that, and then Soph's leadership on the field, Ellyse was quoted as saying by ICC on Monday. The 35-year-old also revealed that analysing past failures prompted key tactical adjustments, giving the group clear direction heading into the mega event. I think it was the opportunity to learn, and often from failure, is probably a little bit starker than when you're successful. We did a lot before this World Cup to be in a really good position to perform when maybe in the last two World Cups we fell a bit short. I think the way that we maintained such a great level of performance was really cool, certainly something I haven't experienced before and probably a real testament to the preparation we put in, the staff's input into that, and then Soph's leadership on the field, Ellyse was quoted as saying by ICC on Monday. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories When you've got a really clear focus on what you need to be better at and then put together a bit of a plan to improve on those things, it gives you an impetus. I think sometimes losing can be a really great thing in terms of winning, which is a huge cliche, but I think it definitely holds true. Article Source: IANS
Duleep Trophy: Tilak Varma's Ton Puts South Zone In Ascendancy Against North On Day 2
Duleep Trophy: South Zone captain Tilak Varma smashed an unbeaten century, while Shreyas Gopal made a strong 88, as the team ended Day 2 of their Duleep Trophy semifinal against North Zone in the ascendancy at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2 here. Tilak, India's T20I vice-captain, went to stumps unbeaten on 106 off 225 balls, with a composed innings and an innings-saving 175-run partnership with Gopal, which helped South close the day at 285/9, having a 90-run lead in response to North's 195. Tilak came to bat with South in a precarious position at 39/2 after they lost Ricky Bhui (5) and Shaik Rasheed (0). He anchored the innings, but Narayan Jagadeesan and Smaran Ravichandran were also dismissed as Gurnoor Brar ran through the South batting attack in the first session. South were reeling at 80/5 before a strong resistance came from Tilak and Gopal. The two put up 175 runs for the sixth wicket, frustrated the North bowlers, tired them out, and took South to the lead. Gopal, however, missed his century when he was dismissed by Arshdeep Singh for 99 in an innings packed with 11 fours. This triggered a collapse as Anshul Kamboj and Arshdeep each got one, while MD Nidheesh was run out at the fag end of the day, with Tilak holding the fort. Tilak smashed his eighth first-class century and is now looking to put the pedal to the metal as he stays with Kavuri Saiteja in the middle. South are in ascendancy now with 285/9 on the board and a lead of 90 runs. Gopal, however, missed his century when he was dismissed by Arshdeep Singh for 99 in an innings packed with 11 fours. This triggered a collapse as Anshul Kamboj and Arshdeep each got one, while MD Nidheesh was run out at the fag end of the day, with Tilak holding the fort. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Brief scores: South Zone 285/9 in 94 overs (Tilak Varma 106*, Shreyas Gopal 88; Gurnoor Brar 4-70, Anshul Kamboj 2-53) lead North Zone 195 in 59.1 overs (Qamran Iqbal 76, Kanhaiya Wadhawan 35; Vidhwath Kaverappa 4-66, Tanay Thyagarajan 2-31) by 90 runs Article Source: IANS
'Ruined This Team': Mohsin Naqvi-Led PCB Blamed For Pakistan's Debacle In England
Placed at the bottom of the points table in the World Test Championship, Pakistan lost the opening Test to England by an innings and 103 runs at Leeds and the second Test at Lord's by 194 runs.
Joe Root Says New Balls Behind Batsmen's Struggles In England
Joe Root believes a new batch of Dukes balls are the reason why there have been few big scores in Test cricket in England this season. Neither England nor Pakistan have managed an individual century in the first two Tests of an ongoing three-match series, where the hosts have established an unbeatable 2-0 lead. Pakistan have yet to pass 200 as a team in four innings so far. There have only been two totals above 400 all summer -- the first by New Zealand in their series-deciding win over England at Trent Bridge and the second by England in their innings and 103-run thrashing of Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley. Bowlers have largely dominated with recalled England seamer Ollie Robinson taking 23 wickets in three Tests at a staggeringly low average of 8.34 following eight more scalps in a series-clinching 194-run win over Pakistan at Lord's. I think the balls have been very different this year, said England captain Root after watching his pacemen overpower Pakistan on Sunday to wrap up a convincing victory at Lord's. I think there's a different lacquer to them. I've not got evidence on that, I probably need to ask Dukes, but I think there's a lacquer on the seam. They don't want them to go out of shape and get them changed. Root, England's all-time leading run-scorer in Test cricket, managed just 28 runs in two innings at Lord's and has now been lbw nine times in his past seven matches. He believes the balls are also helping make pitches more bowler-friendly. They seem a lot firmer and probably if they're dinting the wickets then it's going to seam off the dints, it's going to make it move more. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories He added: Sometimes you do come across summers where you know it is the perfect storm. You get overcast conditions, you get a bit of rain to contend with, the balls are slightly different and it's hard. But that's part of the challenge of Test cricket.
Sher-E-Punjab T20: Abhishek Promises More Fireworks Will Come From Amritsar Soormas
Punjab T20 League: Amritsar Soormas captain Abhishek Sharma has promised that his side will maintain their aggressive, entertaining brand of cricket despite opening their 2026 Sher-E-Punjab T20 League campaign with a dramatic five-wicket defeat to Mohali Kings. The Soormas produced a blistering batting display at Mohali on Sunday, posting 258 after Abhishek smashed a rapid 77 off 26 deliveries. However, Mohali Kings overhauled the massive target with an extraordinary run-chase, completing it with three balls to spare. Despite the opening-day setback, Abhishek insisted that the performance demonstrated the high-octane batting intent he expects from his squad throughout the tournament. I said to the boys and the coaches, I think this was the start I wanted. Not as a captain, but as a batting unit. Because if you see, 260, on any ground, any pitch, it's always a par score, Abhishek said in a statement on Monday. Head coach Sandeep Sawal echoed his skipper's sentiments, acknowledging that although the team fell slightly short of an unassailable total, the squad would swiftly correct their tactical errors. In the first innings, we had at least 25 runs short. We couldn't finish the way we should have, but it was still a good target. We made a few mistakes which we will cover in the next match and discuss, he said. Head coach Sandeep Sawal echoed his skipper's sentiments, acknowledging that although the team fell slightly short of an unassailable total, the squad would swiftly correct their tactical errors. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Speaking directly to the team's fanbase, Abhishek urged supporters to stay behind the team as they aim to turn explosive performances into victories in their upcoming fixtures. All the Ambarsaras, keep it tight. Those who are Surma's fans. We'll keep getting this kind of entertainment. We'll convert the loss into a win next time. So, support us. This team will entertain you. Article Source: IANS
Rule changes to be tested in Thimmappaiah Memorial tournament to make it result-oriented
After Ignoring For 5 Years, BCCI 'Discusses' India Star For T20I Series vs Afghanistan: Report
The India vs Afghanistan three-T20I series later this month is going to see some big names making a comeback, as per a report
South Delhi Superstarz: Batting all-rounder Ankit Dabas said he was thrilled to see youngsters step up, crediting team unity and skipper Tejasvi Dahiya's exceptional leadership for South Delhi Superstarz's 2026 Delhi Premier League (DPL) title win, a seven-wicket victory over Central Delhi Kings in the title clash. Chasing a target of 183 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, South Delhi completed the chase in 18.2 overs. Anmol Sharma laid the platform with a fluent 64 off 42 balls before Dabas smashed an unbeaten 61 off 33 balls. Dahiya added a rapid 33 off 18 balls before Ekansh Dobal sealed the championship win with a six. When I went in to bat, my priority was assessing what the team required. If an early wicket falls, my job is to provide stability and keep one end secure. But once I realised how good the pitch was and saw scoring opportunities, I shifted gears and played my shots. I was confident we could pull off the win, said Dabas, who took the Player of the Match award, at the conclusion of the tournament. He also noted that Dahiyas time with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2026 influenced his decision-making in high-pressure moments. Tejasvi led the side exceptionally well. His bowling rotations and tactical changes at key moments were spot on. Having played in the IPL last year, he brought invaluable experience and maturity into our dressing room. Even when conditions turned tricky and the ball started spinning, he finished the game in a flash. He is truly one of the best in this league. He also noted that Dahiyas time with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2026 influenced his decision-making in high-pressure moments. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories State leagues are creating healthy competition in Indian cricket. They all feed into the same national pathway. People often call these state leagues the second IPL, which shows their growing stature and importance. Winning a tournament like this requires a collective team effort; different players put their hands up in different games. Article Source: IANS
Duleep Trophy: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Dazzles, Mukesh Strikes Twice As East Zone Keep Central To 45/3
The Madhya Pradesh: East Zone vice-captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi dazzled with a stroke-filled 92, helping his side reach parity with defending champions Central Zone before Mukesh Kumar struck twice to end Day 2 on a high for East on Monday. With eyes glued on Sooryavanshi in his red-ball Test, the 15-year-old starred with a record-breaking 92 off 81 balls, turning heads with seven sixes and as many fours at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1. During his stroke-filled knock, the Bihar batter became the youngest-ever player to score a half-century in the Duleep Trophy. At 15 years and 157 days, Sooryavanshi broke the 57-year-old record of Laxman Singh, who was 16 years and 23 days old when he smashed a fifty in the red-ball tournament in 1969. He could well have become the youngest centurion in the Duleep Trophy had he not holed out to deep midwicket off Harsh Dubey. While Sooryavanshi put the bowlers to the sword, his senior opening partner Abhimanyu Easwaran was content to hold the end up, scoring 69 off 106 balls as the two put on 161 for the opening wicket. Meanwhile, Sooryavanshi's dismissal triggered a collapse of the Ishan Kishan-led East side as Dubey and seamers Aryan Pandey and Yash Thakur ripped through the line-up. Dubey removed two in two, dismissing Kumar Kushagra on the next ball before Aryan took the baton. The Madhya Pradesh seamer bowled brilliantly after lunch, taking three wickets in 15 minutes. This included the scalps of Easwaran, Virat Singh and Sudip Gharami. Yash also impressed with three wickets of his own, as East managed to score 266 in the first innings, the same total Central made on Day 1. Meanwhile, Sooryavanshi's dismissal triggered a collapse of the Ishan Kishan-led East side as Dubey and seamers Aryan Pandey and Yash Thakur ripped through the line-up. Dubey removed two in two, dismissing Kumar Kushagra on the next ball before Aryan took the baton. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Mukesh then removed the big wicket of captain Rajat Patidar, dismissing him on a short ball yet again, after a similar chopped-on dismissal in the first innings, as Central Zone went to the stumps on Day 2 at 45/3 with a lead of 45 in the second innings. Article Source: IANS
India Batter Mayank Agarwal Signs Four-game County Championship Deal With Durham
County Championship Division Two: India opener Mayank Agarwal has signed a four-game contract with Durham for the final phase of the ongoing County Championship Division Two season, the English county club announced on Monday. Agarwal, 35, joins head coach Ryan Campbell's squad to bolster their promotion push in Division Two, starting with their upcoming fixture against Northamptonshire at the cinch County Ground. Agarwal replaces South Africa batter David Bedingham, who has returned home to prepare for the Proteas mens international red-ball summer at home. We are delighted to have Mayank joining us for our County Championship run in. With David Bedingham returning to South Africa ahead of their international red ball summer it was important we acted by recruiting a high-class international cricketer for the remainder of the season, Campbell said in a statement released by the club. Mayank has featured in 21 Tests for India, scoring 1488 runs, with the highlight being four centuries, including a career-best score of 243 against Bangladesh in Indore in 2019. Hes also played five ODIs, scoring 86 runs. Mayank is a hugely talented batter who has a superb first-class record, we look forward to him contributing to Durham as we look to secure our return to Division One of the County Championship, added Campbell. Agarwal also has experience of playing in English conditions, having represented Yorkshire during the closing stages of the 2025 County Championship season. In that phase, Agarwal scored 201 runs for Yorkshire, with the highlight being a match-winning 175 against Durham in his final innings. Beyond his red-ball achievements, where he's closing in on 9,000 first-class career runs, including 21 hundreds, the Bengaluru-born Agarwal has scored over 5,000 runs in T20 cricket while representing six Indian Premier League franchises. Agarwal also has experience of playing in English conditions, having represented Yorkshire during the closing stages of the 2025 County Championship season. In that phase, Agarwal scored 201 runs for Yorkshire, with the highlight being a match-winning 175 against Durham in his final innings. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Agarwal joins several Indian players currently plying their trade in the English domestic season. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who took 16 wickets on the Test tour of Sri Lanka, is rejoining Warwickshire, while left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav will play for Yorkshire. Surrey has India leg-spinner Rahul Chahar and uncapped batting all-rounder Mahipal Lomror in their squad and is expected to have seam-bowling all-rounder Auqib Nabi as well. Article Source: IANS
India Opener Mayank Agarwal Signs Four-game County Championship Deal With Durham
County Championship Division Two: India opener Mayank Agarwal has signed a four-game contract with Durham for the final phase of the ongoing County Championship Division Two season, the English county club announced on Monday. Agarwal, 35, joins head coach Ryan Campbell's squad to bolster their promotion push in Division Two, starting with their upcoming fixture against Northamptonshire at the cinch County Ground. Agarwal replaces South Africa batter David Bedingham, who has returned home to prepare for the Proteas mens international red-ball summer at home. We are delighted to have Mayank joining us for our County Championship run in. With David Bedingham returning to South Africa ahead of their international red ball summer it was important we acted by recruiting a high-class international cricketer for the remainder of the season, Campbell said in a statement released by the club. Mayank has featured in 21 Tests for India, scoring 1488 runs, with the highlight being four centuries, including a career-best score of 243 against Bangladesh in Indore in 2019. Hes also played five ODIs, scoring 86 runs. Mayank is a hugely talented batter who has a superb first-class record, we look forward to him contributing to Durham as we look to secure our return to Division One of the County Championship, added Campbell. Agarwal also has experience of playing in English conditions, having represented Yorkshire during the closing stages of the 2025 County Championship season. In that phase, Agarwal scored 201 runs for Yorkshire, with the highlight being a match-winning 175 against Durham in his final innings. Beyond his red-ball achievements, where he's closing in on 9,000 first-class career runs, including 21 hundreds, the Bengaluru-born Agarwal has scored over 5,000 runs in T20 cricket while representing six Indian Premier League franchises. Agarwal also has experience of playing in English conditions, having represented Yorkshire during the closing stages of the 2025 County Championship season. In that phase, Agarwal scored 201 runs for Yorkshire, with the highlight being a match-winning 175 against Durham in his final innings. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Agarwal joins several Indian players currently plying their trade in the English domestic season. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who took 16 wickets on the Test tour of Sri Lanka, is rejoining Warwickshire, while left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav will play for Yorkshire. Surrey has India leg-spinner Rahul Chahar and uncapped batting all-rounder Mahipal Lomror in their squad and is expected to have seam-bowling all-rounder Auqib Nabi as well. Article Source: IANS
Unchanged Namibia bowl; Zimbabwe bring in Masakadza for Cremer
This is the 17th meeting between the two closely matched sides, with Namibia in a position of slight advantage
Trescothick Sees Shades Of 2005 Ashes Pace Quartet In Current England Attack After Lords Win
Marcus Trescothick: England interim head coach Marcus Trescothick has said he sees similarities between his current pace attack and the famed four-man seam quartet that secured the iconic 2005 Ashes victory over Australia on home soil. Dominant victories over Pakistan at Headingley and Lord's have prompted observers to draw parallels between the current lineup and the 2005 attack. Ollie Robinson has stepped into Matthew Hoggard's swing-bowling role, Jofra Archer provides the express pace of Steve Harmison, while Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson replicate the aggressive middle-overs impact of Andrew Flintoff and Simon Jones. Trescothick, who played as an opening batter in the epic 2005 series win, acknowledged the similarities after England's recent performances. I think we've got a good contrast in what we're trying to do at the moment. What we do have is three guys bowling at 92 miles an hour, which is really nice to have in your armoury, and to have the potency in what you're trying to do. The more that they play together and the more experience that everyone gets together, then it sort of fits into place. We do have some real skill, and you look back to '05 and the sort of comparisons of Harmy, Fred, Simon and Hoggy. But I'm enjoying the fact that we've got four who are match-fit at the moment and we've a few behind it that we're starting to get ready, he told reporters at the conclusion of the game. England face an extensive Test schedule over the next year, including tours of South Africa and Bangladesh, before hosting Australia for the Ashes. I don't want to get too far ahead on it because there's a lot of cricket to be played beforehand. But I think we're building an attack in four people that we've had here in this game, and a few guys backing it up, with pace and skill around it. And I think combining the two together and the more Test matches they all gain together, the better opportunity we've got when you go to more challenging conditions, and away from home in particular. So no doubt there'll be five, six or seven bowlers going to South Africa, and it'll be the same for next summer when we come back here for the Ashes. And they'll be in a much better position than what they've been for the last couple of years, added Trescothick. Despite holding an unassailable 2-0 lead over Pakistan, Trescothick insisted that England will not rotate players merely to experiment ahead of upcoming tours. Well, first and foremost I want to win the series 3-0, and I think if you're going to do that, you want to play the most consistent team possible. So no doubt there'll be five, six or seven bowlers going to South Africa, and it'll be the same for next summer when we come back here for the Ashes. And they'll be in a much better position than what they've been for the last couple of years, added Trescothick. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories We want to go there and win the series 3-0, so that is what exactly what I'll be telling the players this evening, and when we're prepping for next week, is (to keep) the hunger and desire to keep driving forward, and keep doing well even when you've had success, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Pakistan's Performance A Concern For Everyone: Star Makes Big Admission
Once an Asian side that challenged all opponents away from home, Pakistan dominated the English conditions, especially in the late 1980s and the 1990s.
10 losses in 11 away Tests: Pakistan cricket in a shambles
Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas expressed deep concern over the team's persistent issues, including poor fielding and an inexperienced pace attack, following their heavy 194-run defeat to England at Lord's, marking their 10th loss in 11 away Tests.
BCB Chief Drops Big Update On India's Long-Pending White-Ball Tour Of Bangladesh
BCB has expressed optimism that India will tour Bangladesh for a six-match white-ball series during the 2026-27 season.
Matter Of Great Pride: Bihar Cricket Association Lauds Sooryavanshi's Historic Duleep Trophy Fifty
BCA President Harsh Vardhan: Bihar Cricket Association officials congratulated young batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for becoming the youngest player to score a half-century in Duleep Trophy history during East Zones ongoing semi-final against Central Zone in Bengaluru. At the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) Ground in Bengaluru, Sooryavanshi, who became the youngest debutant for India in international cricket via the T20I series in England in July, reached his milestone fifty off 42 deliveries before eventually ending up making a sparkling 92 off 81 balls, an innings featuring seven fours and seven sixes. In doing so, he surpassed a 57-year-old mark set in 1969 by Laxman Singh, who scored a fifty at 16 years and 23 days. On behalf of the Bihar Cricket Association, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on this historic achievement. Breaking a 57-year-old record in the Duleep Trophy at such a young age is an extremely proud moment for Bihar cricket. Vaibhav has once again proved through his talent, confidence and hard work that he is a star for the future. We are confident that he will go on to achieve many more milestones in the years to come, BCA President Harsh Vardhan said in a statement on Monday. The teenager's record-breaking knock laid the foundation for a 161-run opening partnership with Abhimanyu Easwaran, thus placing East Zone in complete control of the match after they previously bowled out Central Zone for 266. Vaibhav has once again proved through his talent, confidence and hard work that he is a star for the future. We are confident that he will go on to achieve many more milestones in the years to come, BCA President Harsh Vardhan said in a statement on Monday. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories His magnificent innings of 92 runs showcased his aggressive batting and tremendous confidence. On behalf of the Bihar Cricket Association, we extend our best wishes to him and pray for a bright future. We are confident that Vaibhav will continue to bring greater glory to Bihar and the country in the years ahead, he added. Article Source: IANS
New Zealand's Trent Boult set the tone with 5/24 against Glasgow Cosmic on August 27, surpassing his previous best T20 figures of 4/13, recorded against Sri Lanka in 2022
Trescothick sees parallels with 2005 attack as England seamers gel
Interim coach plans to roll out same foursome at Edgbaston in bid to be ruthless against Pakistan
Womens Asia Cup: 'Atmosphere Of Happiness,' Says Shafali After Indias Victory Over Thailand
Dubai International Cricket Stadium: Explosive opener Shafali Verma said there is a great atmosphere of happiness within the squad after India got their 2026 Womens Asia Cup campaign off to a winning start with a comfortable 94-run victory over Thailand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Shafali top-scored with a 36-ball 64 as India posted 159/9, despite going from 91/1 to 137/9 in a span of 50 deliveries. Nandni and veteran off-spin bowling all-rounder Deepti Sharma took three wickets each as India bowled out Thailand for 65 in 16.1 overs. Of course, I think, giving my best for the team, obviously, it feels very good. Along with that, we know that within the team, there is a greater atmosphere of happiness. Just talking about the game, we all know the conditions, we all know what we have to do, Verma said in a video posted on BCCIs social media accounts on Monday. She also had some words of admiration for Deepti, who became the third womens player to play 150 T20Is. I am so happy that all the players did what they had to do -- they all made an effort, and we are so happy about the win. Talking about Deepti, first of all, congratulations to her for the 150th game, and I think there are a lot more games coming for her. I am pretty sure she is always someone who is working hard every day. Shafali further praised Nandni for her spell, but felt more improvements can be made when they take on Hong Kong China on Thursday. Talking about Nandni, the way she is bowling, she really works hard; we all really work hard, and it is just praising what she is bowling, and I am so happy the way she is doing her thing. We will have to get used to the conditions as a batting unit. Talking about our bowling unit, they bowled really well, and there were things where we have to improve. I am pretty sure our bowling coach will fill those areas. Just talking about the Thailand team, the way they improved, I am so happy that women's cricket is improving. They are so cute, and we are just happy to play with them. Shafali further praised Nandni for her spell, but felt more improvements can be made when they take on Hong Kong China on Thursday. Talking about Nandni, the way she is bowling, she really works hard; we all really work hard, and it is just praising what she is bowling, and I am so happy the way she is doing her thing. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Playing with such consistency and performing in every match, it is a very big thing (for Deepti), and she is doing it. It feels very good; it is my first Asia Cup game, and we won, so it feels even better. Bowling-wise, personally, I was feeling good, but it was also difficult because there was a lot of energy. But the wicket was good for the spinners as well. Article Source: IANS
England and Pakistan took on each other in the second Test of the ongoing series between the two. The teams met at Lords Cricket Ground in London for the clash, and it was England who...
Virat Kohli's New Tattoo Goes Viral; 5 Sessions In, Work Still Underway
Former India captain Virat Kohli has added another tattoo to his collection ahead of the ODI series against the West Indies next month.
'His Spot Is Almost Untenable': Ricky Ponting's Harsh Verdict On Australia Star
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting also urged the selectors to make decisive changes ahead of October's three-match Test tour to South Africa.
I Feel Like I've Got A Good Sense Of Where I'm At With Both Ball And Bat, Says Sutherland
T20 World Cup: Star seam-bowling all-rounder Annabel Sutherland believes she has now achieved optimal balance in her T20 game, as she looks to carry her good form into Australia's upcoming domestic and international summer. Annabel, 24, was named player of the tournament during the recently concluded The Hundred womens competition, where she topped the run-scoring charts with 315 runs at an average of 63 and claimed 11 wickets for Sunrisers Leeds, who finished runners-up in the competition. Her impressive stint in England came after being a member of Australias T20 World Cup triumph at Lord's in July. I feel like I'm really enjoying my cricket. I had a really great time in the Hundred. It's an awesome tournament, so I think that helps, and then the other thing is just contributing in both phases of the game. I feel like I've got a good sense of where I'm at with both ball and bat, Annabel told reporters at the launch of Play Cricket Week in Sydney on Monday. Annabel will lead the Melbourne Stars for the second time in WBBL season 12 under new head coach Richard Pryah, before Australia embark on a home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, the inaugural T20 Champions Trophy in February, and a multi-format tour of South Africa. Reflecting on Australia's T20 World Cup victory, Sutherland noted that back-to-back semi-final defeats in the 2024 edition and the 2025 Womens ODI World Cup prompted crucial self-reflection that ultimately reshaped the squad's approach to high-pressure matches. Annabel will lead the Melbourne Stars for the second time in WBBL season 12 under new head coach Richard Pryah, before Australia embark on a home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, the inaugural T20 Champions Trophy in February, and a multi-format tour of South Africa. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories We were so calm and composed, and credit to Sophie for the way that she drove that. T20 cricket is so unpredictable there are a lot of things outside your control. But I just think the way we handled it as a group pretty much dominated every game, which is a little bit unheard of in that format and to cap it off with a win against England at Lord's, it was pretty special, she concluded. Article Source: IANS
Labuschagne's Spot In Australian Test Team Almost Untenable, Says Ponting
Sky Sports News: Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes Marnus Labuschagnes position in the Test side has become almost untenable following a prolonged period of poor form. He also urged the selectors to make decisive changes ahead of October's three-match Test tour to South Africa. Labuschagne, 32, managed scores of just one, 31, and four during Australia's recent 1-1 series draw against Bangladesh at home. The number three batter has now gone 43 Test innings without registering a century, with his last triple-figure score coming against England in the Ashes at Manchester in July 2023. This has been a very dominant side for a long period of time, but I think they have been carrying a few guys through the last couple of years. I think it is inevitable that change is made going to South Africa - Labuschagne's spot in the side is almost untenable, so they have to look at someone at No 3, Ponting told Sky Sports News on Monday. He also suggested that moving opener Travis Head back down to his familiar middle-order position could open the door for fresh blood to be injected into the batting line-up, as Australia prepare for the Test series starting on October 9 in Durban. Eventually they will also want Travis Head back at No 5 rather than opening, so that could present a chance for a youngster to come in and open the batting. It won't be easy against that South Africa attack, but we have got to the point where we have to try something. I don't think we are going to get any worse or lose anything and may just unearth a really good talent as well, he added. Addressing ongoing speculation that his former teammate Mike Hussey could be appointed as England's new Test batting coach, Ponting joked that he had attempted to steer his compatriot away from taking the role under newly-appointed head coach Stephen Fleming. Eventually they will also want Travis Head back at No 5 rather than opening, so that could present a chance for a youngster to come in and open the batting. It won't be easy against that South Africa attack, but we have got to the point where we have to try something. I don't think we are going to get any worse or lose anything and may just unearth a really good talent as well, he added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories I also read a report that he might be the next head coach of Chennai Super Kings, which could rule him out of everything anyway. At the end of the day, we are all coaches and in it to do whatever we can do. He has done it before and could easily slip back into that role again. Article Source: IANS
SLC Hoping Women's Champions Trophy Stays In Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's interim cricket Board says it would correct itself from the very foundation to ensure that the inaugural Women's Champions Trophy next year remains in the country.
5 Star Room Shortage Hits Asian Games Cricket: Official
The Asian Cricket Council has heard concerns over a lack of five-star hotel accommodation for players at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, a Sri Lankan official said Monday. The men's and women's T20 cricket will be played at Japan's newly built cricket ground in Nisshin starting September 17. But reports of tents serving as dressing rooms for players, distant washroom facilities and lack of top-class accommodation for cricketers have raised eyebrows. There are some concerns with regard to the quality of accommodation being provided and also with regard to the logistics, Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Prakash Schaffter told reporters in Colombo. He said the ACC executive committee had discussed the Asian Games with some degree of detail at its recently concluded meeting in Bangkok. Member states had agreed to send representatives to examine the grounds and other logistical arrangements, but hoped the tournament would still go ahead, he said. There is a lack of available five-star rooms. Cricketers are generally provided with five-star accommodation, he said, adding that the host city did not have luxury hotels to accommodate all athletes and spectators. However, he said the ground prepared for the T20 series was suitable for play. Media reports in India said the country's cricket board was unhappy with the Asian Games' arrangements for the tournament and looking to send a second-string team. India have named a 15-member squad led by Shreyas Iyer and including teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for the Asiad. The Bangladesh Cricket Board said the member boards of the ACC are looking at the concerns regarding player facilities at the Asian Games. The cricket part of the Asian Games will be looked after by the Asian Cricket Council, BCB cricket operations manager Shahriar Nafees said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The individual boards have already discussed it at the ACC forum, and they will take a collective decision on the issue.
India Head Coach Muzumdar: 'They Are Hungry For Success'
Indian head coach Amol Muzumdar acknowledged the absence of 'clutch player' Jemimah Rodrigues due to injury for the Women's Asia Cup but emphasised the team's strong hunger for success in upcoming tournaments, including the Asia Cup and Asian Games.
Joe Root surpasses Andrew Strauss in elite list after Test series victory against Pakistan
England performed brilliantly against Pakistan in the second Test of the ongoing three-game series between the two sides. It is worth noting that after a win in the first Test, England took on Pakistan in...
Bangladesh Board Chief Tamim Iqbal Hopeful Of Staging Series Against India In Future
Bangladesh Cricket Board: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Tamim Iqbal said he remains optimistic about hosting a home white-ball series against India in the future, adding that both governing bodies are actively searching for a suitable window in their congested schedules. The proposed tour, featuring three ODIs and as many T20Is, was initially slated to be played in August-September this year. But India's upcoming T20 series against Afghanistan starting on September 13 effectively postponed their clashes against Bangladesh. That it (the series against India) won't happen hasn't been decided yet. Still, let me give a quick piece of information. Both boards are very sincere that this thing happens. Both the BCCI and the BCB, and we are looking at windows as well, to see what can be done at that time. Roughly a date, around which we are also thinking whether it can be done at this time or not. If I saw the intention was negative, then today I wouldn't even have said this word to you, 'Let's see what happens, we're hopeful.' I wouldn't have even said this word. Intentions are very positive, Tamim told popular YouTube channel 'Not Out Noman'. Relations between the two cricket boards grew strained earlier this year prior to the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup in India, from which Bangladesh ultimately withdrew, citing security concerns. That standoff was preceded by fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman being released from his IPL 2026 contract with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Reflecting on the fallout, Tamim acknowledged that Bangladesh's administrative handling of the crisis was flawed and argued that political disputes should not derail major international sporting commitments. I feel that we could have negotiated the thing much better. Look, Mustafizur's issue was obviously something that the whole country was disappointed with. And I say today as well; I said that day too, it should never have happened. This was in no way the right thing to do; this should never have been done. At that time I endorsed this; I am saying it even now. But we are going to play a World Cup. Every single person in Bangladesh celebrated like anything when we first qualified for the World Cup. It may be that now every two years a T20 World Cup happens, or every four years it happens, but it is a World Cup Bangladesh is going to represent, right? So, I feel we probably could have dealt with it better. We went to a point of no return right from the beginning. If you go to a point of no return on the very first day, then that (solution) won't happen. And I feel in some cases, sports should remain as sports. At that time I endorsed this; I am saying it even now. But we are going to play a World Cup. Every single person in Bangladesh celebrated like anything when we first qualified for the World Cup. It may be that now every two years a T20 World Cup happens, or every four years it happens, but it is a World Cup Bangladesh is going to represent, right? Also Read: Special Cricket Stories I feel that in some cases, we should treat sports as sports. Unfortunately, we sometimes might not be staying within this line. We often drag sports with other aspects as well. So whenever this topic comes up, I say the same thing again: that we should have definitely played the World Cup. We should have definitely done the negotiation in a better way. And that's it; I cannot say many things even though I know them, he added. Article Source: IANS
Little Variety To Trouble Batters: Sunil Gavaskar's Blunt Take On India Debutant
Sunil Gavaskar said the player could have been nervous as it was his first game for the country.
Duleep Trophy: Sooryavanshi Becomes Youngest Player To Score Fifty In Tournaments History
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Teenaged batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on Monday etched his name into the history books by becoming the youngest player to score a half-century in the Duleep Trophy during East Zones ongoing semifinal clash against Central Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) Ground in Bengaluru. At 15 years and 175 days old, Sooryavanshi reached his milestone off just 42 deliveries. He eventually made 92 off 81 balls and broke a 57-year-old record previously held by Laxman Singh, who reached his maiden tournament fifty in 1969 at the age of 16 years and 23 days. Former India leg-spinner Piyush Chawla sits third on the list, having scored a fifty in the Duleep Trophy at 16 years and 307 days. The teenager's whirlwind knock, which fell eight runs short of a debut century in the prestigious first-class cricket competition, dominated the headlines on a day when he showed maturity well beyond his years yet again. During the course of his innings, Sooryavanshi shared a 161-run opening stand with Abhimanyu Easwaran, before being dismissed by India and Central Zone left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey. In his knock, Sooryavanshi slammed seven fours and as many sixes at a strike rate of 113.58. On day one, Sooryavanshi was unexpectedly thrust into a leadership role when regular skipper Ishan Kishan suffered a hand injury during the morning session. The youngster stepped in as stand-in captain for roughly an hour on either side of the lunch break. During the course of his innings, Sooryavanshi shared a 161-run opening stand with Abhimanyu Easwaran, before being dismissed by India and Central Zone left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey. In his knock, Sooryavanshi slammed seven fours and as many sixes at a strike rate of 113.58. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Earlier, Central Zone were bowled out for 266 in 80.1 overs after Kishan opted to field. Mukesh (3-56) and Abhijit Sarkar (3-38) were the standout bowlers for East Zone, while veteran pacer Mohammed Shami (2-42) and off-spinner Kounain Quraishi (2-49) were other wicket-takers. India batter Rinku Singh top-scored for Central Zone with an 88-ball 60, but East Zone remained firmly in command to win the semi-final. Article Source: IANS
BCB president Tamim Iqbal 'hopeful' of India touring Bangladesh in 2026-27 season
Cricinfo understands that the six-ball white-ball series is likely to take place early next year
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Smashes Record-Breaking 92 In Duleep Trophy Semi-Final
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to make headlines, this time rewriting the Duleep Trophy records. The teenage sensation has created his own history, scoring a brilliant 92 runs off just 81 deliveries for the East Zone against the Central Zone in the Duleep
India And Bangladesh To Play White-Ball Series? BCB President Gives Big Update
The three one-day internationals and three T20 matches in Bangladesh were originally planned for August 2025 but then political relations soured between the two countries.
'Everyone is talking about the Pakistan team, and how it is the worst touring team in the last 50 years. But nobody is speaking about how the current board is the worst in the last 70 years.'
The Best Way Forward For Me Is To Play As Much As I Can: Hazlewood
Play Cricket Week: Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is targeting a busy run of one-day cricket to maintain his bowling intensity and build towards Octobers Test series in South Africa, saying he wants to play as much as possible after making a successful return to Test action against Bangladesh. Hazlewood is expected to feature in Australias ODI squads for the upcoming tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa, with the squads set to be announced on Tuesday. The experienced quick has identified playing potentially two matches in each three-game series as an ideal way to prepare for the challenges ahead. I think still the best way forward for me is to play as much as I can (within) reason. We've got two ODI series before that Test match series, so it might be playing two out of three in both of those. I think once you're at that intensity, which we're all at now, (it) is trying to maintain that as best we can, Hazlewood told reporters at the launch of Play Cricket Week in Sydney, as quoted by Cricinfo. The upcoming white-ball fixtures offer Hazlewood an opportunity to continue building on his encouraging return against Bangladesh. He claimed seven wickets in the first Test in Darwin, his first appearance in the format for more than a year, before again bowling impressively in the quickfire two-day Test in Mackay, where he took one wicket. After an extended period of preparation before the Bangladesh series, Hazlewood said he was particularly satisfied with how his body had responded to the workload. I'm very pleased with where I'm at physically. (I've) done a lot of work, probably the 10 weeks leading into that series; it was probably our last big training block before what's to come. Very pleased to come out the other side pretty much unscathed, he added. Australia's white-ball plans across Zimbabwe and South Africa are expected to vary, with Pat Cummins, who remains the official ODI captain, likely to feature only in the South Africa leg. Selection decisions could also be influenced by Australia's concurrent Australia A red-ball tour of India, with some players potentially prioritised for that programme as preparations begin for the five-match Border-Gavaskar series in January and February. The Test squad for South Africa is expected to be named early next week, with attention also focused on the fitness of South Africa pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada, who is facing a race against time to recover from a hamstring injury after being ruled out of the ODI series. Hazlewood acknowledged that the full extent of Rabada's injury remains unclear but said Australia would not underestimate the South African fast bowler's ability to recover quickly. We don't know exactly how bad the hamstring is. He seems to recover from any sort of niggle pretty quickly. He's an unbelievable athlete. So I guess we don't think about it too much this far out. Things will become clearer as we get closer. But I'm sure the batters would rather face someone else than KG, the pacer stated. Meanwhile, fellow pace bowler Michael Neser remains hopeful of recovering in time to be considered for the South Africa Test tour as he continues his rehabilitation from a calf injury sustained while training ahead of the Bangladesh series. (I'm) actually ahead of schedule. Neser said after signing a new two-year BBL deal with Brisbane Heat. I had another scan and results came back very good, so I'm progressing quite nicely. Meanwhile, fellow pace bowler Michael Neser remains hopeful of recovering in time to be considered for the South Africa Test tour as he continues his rehabilitation from a calf injury sustained while training ahead of the Bangladesh series. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories While Neser may not be an automatic choice in Australia's starting XI, his return would provide the selectors with valuable pace-bowling depth alongside Hazlewood, Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland. Article Source: IANS
Bangladesh, India 'Sincere' Over Delayed Cricket Series: Tamim Iqbal
Bangladesh and India are sincere in their search for a new date for a white-ball series that was first supposed to take place last year, Bangladesh cricket chief Tamim Iqbal said. The three one-day internationals and three T20 matches in Bangladesh were originally planned for August 2025 but then political relations soured between the two countries. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) then said the series would be played this September, but there is no sign of it happening imminently. Both boards are very sincere that this thing happens, Tamim, president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), said on the podcast Not out Noman on Sunday. Both BCCI and BCB, we are looking at windows as well, which time what can be done. He added: Intentions are very positive. There was no immediate response from the BCCI. Dhaka and New Delhi have been at odds since a 2024 mass uprising toppled then Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina. She fled to India, her long-time ally, where she remains in hiding. In February, Bangladesh refused to send a team to India for the T20 World Cup, citing security concerns. India last toured Bangladesh for a cricket series in 2022. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Bangladesh visited India in September-October 2024.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashes 57-year-old record, scores magnificent 92 against Central Zone
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi put forth a brilliant performance in the first innings as Central Zone took on East Zone in the ongoing Duleep Trophy semi-final. The two sides met at the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India)Centre of Excellence Ground 1, Bengaluru, from August 30th, and the game saw Central Zone come in to bat first and post a total of 266 runs on the board.
Babar Azam admits why Pakistan collapsed at Lord's
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam attributed his team's 194-run defeat against England in the second Test at Lord's primarily to their batting failures in both innings, despite winning the toss and opting to bowl first.
Odisha T20 League CM Trophy Returns With Six Teams And 17 Matches At Cuttack
Odisha T20 League CM Trophy: Odisha cricket enthusiasts can look forward to an engaging tournament as the Odisha T20 League CM Trophy makes a comeback. Six franchises will compete for the title at the historic Barabati Stadium in Cuttack from September 20 to 29. The tournament, titled the CM Trophy to symbolise the dedication and backing of Honble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi for the growth and promotion of cricket and sports in Odisha, will serve as a significant platform for the states rising cricketers to display their talent on a larger stage. The six teams participating are Cuttack Panthers, Bhubaneswar Tigers, Rourkela Steelers, Keonjhar Miners, Puri Titans, and Sambalpur Warriors. The player draft is scheduled for September 6, before the start of the 17-match tournament. For Odishas young cricketers, the league will offer an opportunity to play competitive T20 cricket under lights at one of the states most iconic venues, Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. With seasoned players, coaches, and franchise support, the tournament is likely to provide young athletes with important match experience and serve as a stepping stone in their careers. The trophy was revealed in the presence of Odisha Cricket Association's Office Bearers, officially launching the tournament's second edition. Attendees included Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, President of OCA; Prabhat Bhol, Joint Secretary; Bikash Pradhan, Treasurer; and Pratap Chandra Pradhan, an Apex Council Member. The previous edition saw Cuttack Panthers emerge as champions, and the six teams will now look to build on that competition and challenge for the trophy in the new season. Speaking about the tournament, Odisha Cricket Association President Pankaj Lochan Mohanty said, The Odisha T20 League CM Trophy is an important step towards strengthening the cricketing ecosystem in the state. Our focus is not only on organising a competitive tournament but also on creating a platform where young players can perform, learn and grow. We want Odishas talented cricketers to get the exposure they need to take their careers forward. The league will prioritise increasing visibility for Odishas players. By hosting matches at Barabati Stadium and broadcasting them to a broader audience, young athletes will have a better chance to attract scouts and team attention beyond Odisha. The league is expected to allow Odishas players to perform before a much larger audience, potentially attracting the attention of IPL franchises. The league will provide Odishas players with an opportunity like no other to showcase their talent at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Over 10 days and across 17 matches, they will get the chance to perform on a big stage, he added. The league will prioritise increasing visibility for Odishas players. By hosting matches at Barabati Stadium and broadcasting them to a broader audience, young athletes will have a better chance to attract scouts and team attention beyond Odisha. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The 17-match tournament is set to take place at the Barabati Stadium from September 20 to 29, including an exhibition womens match on the final day. The Odisha T20 League CM Trophy, featuring six franchises, 17 competitive matches, and a talented pool of young cricketers eager to shine, aims to be more than just a domestic T20 event. It serves as a platform for Odishas emerging players to aspire bigger, excel under pressure, and begin their journey toward top-tier opportunities in cricket. Article Source: IANS
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Scripts History At 15, Shatters 57-Year-Old Duleep Trophy Record
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the youngest to score a half-century in Duleep Trophy history at 15 years and 157 days.
US Open Shock: Novak Djokovic Suffers Stunning First-Round Defeat After Gruelling Battle
Novak Djokovic's early exit from the US Open is a major shock to tennis fans after a stellar quest for the 25th record-breaking Grand Slam fell victim in the very first round. Fourth seed Djokovic was defeated by Argentina's Mariano Navone
15-YO Sooryavanshi Breaks 57-Year-Old Duleep Trophy Record
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old batter, made history by becoming the youngest player to score a half-century in the Duleep Trophy. Playing for East Zone against Central Zone, he scored an unbeaten 80 off 69 balls, breaking a 57-year-old record.
England V Pakistan Second Test: 3 Talking Points
England thrashed Pakistan by 194 runs to win the second Test at Lord's on Sunday and so take an unbeatable 2-0 lead in a three-match campaign. Below AFP Sport looks at three talking points that emerged as England completed their first multi-match Test series win in over a year. Relentless Robinson The present England management have sometimes given the impression the only thing that matters in a pace attack is sheer speed. But Ollie Robinson has demonstrated the importance of accuracy and movement as well. Robinson lacks the express pace and physical threat of Sussex and England team-mate Jofra Archer. But the seamer's range of skills were on display at Lord's where, albeit helped by a green-tinged pitch, Robinson was named player-of-the-match for a haul of 8-35 that included a remarkable 4-11 in 13 overs during Pakistan's first innings. While concerns over his fitness and questions regarding some social media posts have threatened to derail his England career, there have rarely been any doubts over the 32-year-old Robinson's talent. In his three Tests this season the Sussex captain has taken 23 wickets at a stunningly low average of 8.34, with England skipper Joe Root saying on Sunday Robinson was horrendous (to face) in these conditions. Pitch problems a worry for Lord's The way England opener Emilio Gay fell lbw for 31 to a 'pea-shooter' delivery from Pakistan paceman Mohammad Abbas was the kind of dismissal that really should not happen on the third day of a Test and certainly not at a ground that styles itself as the Home of Cricket. For Gay, struggling to cement his place in the England side, it was a particularly cruel exit as what should be a game of skill was turned into a lottery by uneven bounce. It was also a worrying sign for Marylebone Cricket Club, the owners of Lord's. The pitch for the previous Test at Lord's, against New Zealand, was rated as unsatisfactory by the International Cricket Council, with next year's World Test Championship final relocated across London to the Oval partly as a consequence. And while previous surfaces at Lord's, renowned for its steep slope across the ground, faced criticism for being bland and too much in favour of the batsmen, clearly there are limits. MCC recognised they had an issue after the New Zealand match, announcing the creation of an agronomy advisory group and a phased pitch-relaying programme, although any benefits from may not be seen for several years and are unlikely to be of much consolation to Gay. Shakeel salvages some batting respect for Pakistan Pakistan have yet to make 200 so far this series, with the tourists dismissed for 171 and 135 during an innings and 103-run defeat in the first Test at Headingley before managing 110 and 194 at Lord's. But that Pakistan, already bottom of the World Test Championship table before this latest thumping loss, at least got close to a benchmark total on Sunday was largely down to Saud Shakeel's enterprising 97. Coming in with Pakistan in dire straits at 14-3, he initially scored briskly without taking undue risks before a flurry of thrilling boundaries, including two superb hooked sixes off fast bowler Josh Tongue took him to within sight of a hundred. Shakeel fell just short of what would have been his fifth century in 25 Tests when he holed out off Tongue, the left-hander failing to join Abbas on the Lord's honours boards following the veteran seamer's five-wicket haul earlier Sunday. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories In the batting, we weren't up to the mark (in the first innings), said Babar Azam, the Pakistan captain. Saud Shakeel showed his class and dedication in the second innings.
Shafali Verma On India's Batting Struggles Vs Thailand
India opener Shafali Verma acknowledged the team's batting unit needs to address its shortcomings on turning pitches, despite securing a 94-run victory against Thailand in the Women's Asia Cup opener. Verma, who scored a brisk 64, noted that while the new ball came on well, the older ball gripped and turned, causing difficulties for the middle order. She emphasised the need for adaptation and praised Thailand's improving performance.
Pakistan Hit Panic Button: Squad Clear-Out And Coaching Change Unloading Ahead Of 3rd Test
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has hit the panic button, with sweeping change unloading ahead of the third and final Test against England.
U.S. Open: Djokovic loses in opening round for first time
The 39-year-old lost to Mariano Navone in a five-set marathon that lasted four hours and 36 minutes
Hazlewood looks to maintain intensity after successful Test return
Australia's ODI squads for the Zimbabwe and South Africa series will be named this week
The Indian team kicked off their campaign in the ongoing Womens Asia Cup 2026. The side took on Thailand women in their first game of the tournament, and the two sides met at the Dubai...
Joe Root's Blockbuster Praise For Team England After Dominating Win vs Pakistan
England Test captain Joe Root praised his team's all-round performance after the Three Lions secured a commanding 194-run victory over Pakistan in the second Test at Lord's on Sunday.
It's Time To Replace Gambhir As Test Coach
India have never looked so vulnerable in Test cricket in recent times. They need a complete reset of their approach to Test cricket, and perhaps a new coach with fresh ideas could revitalise Shubman Gill and his boys.
From Bali To Dubai, How Womens Asia Cup Debutants Indonesia Built A Team From Scratch
Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini: Twelve years ago, Indonesia had no Women's T20I status, no turf ground, and, the federation admits, barely a cricket structure outside expatriate clubs. On Monday, at Dubai International Stadium, the Indonesia senior women's team will walk out for their first-ever Women's Asia Cup match against Bangladesh. They will also take on defending champions Sri Lanka and hosts UAE. For Indonesia, the fourth most populous country in the world with over 17,000 islands, it's a milestone twelve years in the making, one that almost nobody outside the country saw coming. Leading them out will be Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini, a wicketkeeper-batter who discovered the sport at high school in 2013. Badminton, not cricket, was the sport she grew up with. Her parents dabbled in it too, and badminton remains Indonesia's standout Olympic sport, with eight golds, six silvers and eight bronzes. Because of that, I loved the sport. But badminton has so many players, and it was difficult to be involved in the national team. So, I thought cricket was good for me, and now it's my career, Nanda told IANS. After an early development tour to Jaipur in 2015, after a national womens championship was set up in 2014 to provide a more formal competitive competition, Nanda made her Indonesia T20I debut in 2019. Now she captains a side making its maiden appearance in Asian cricket's flagship senior event. It's really an exciting and incredible feeling and a big honour for me to lead Indonesia on such a big stage. I feel very proud to be part of this journey. It's taken a long time for me to get into this position. Moreover, I am feeling very nervous because this is the first time we are in the Asia Cup, she added. Head coach Nitish Salekar, previously with Thailand's women's set-up, described a similar sense of pride. I feel really proud, to be honest. The way we played in the qualifiers and to come so far till now, I feel really happy, and I'm excited to play the Asia Cup with this bunch of players, he said to IANS. Indonesia is neither a Test-playing nation nor part of the Commonwealth bandwagon. It has no rock-solid domestic first-class structure, but what it has built over the last twelve years, as per current Persatuan Cricket Indonesia chairman Abhiram Singh Yadav, is building and executing a vision to develop women's cricket at the same pace as the men's game in the country. We have about 200,000 cricketers in Indonesia, and about 100,000 women are playing cricket. So, this Asia Cup, we hope it becomes an amazing moment to inspire the other girls throughout the archipelago of Indonesia. Also, we hope to make some unique surprises in the competition, he said to IANS. Salekar, who played cricket in India for 16 years and represented Maharashtra, feels the talent pool has grown considerably since he arrived in Indonesia. When you compare to Thailand, there are some similarities - the passion with which they play cricket. But when I came, the depth of women cricketers was more in Indonesia. We probably had 30-35 girls playing in the national camp at one point. So, there's definitely more participation over here. Thailand was a much more experienced side, and now when I see this group, I hope they play for a long time. The longer this team plays, the more successful they'll get. It also helps that a few members of the senior squad came through the country's debut at the inaugural U19 Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2023, after cricket was included in Indonesias National Sports Games in 2016. We started cricket from zero, began by introducing it to schools, and we now have cricket on 21 different islands. But the fruit from the seeds sown in the last 12 years is seen now - the women's team are ranked 21 in the world and are now set to play in this Asia Cup. The lucky part is that the women are performing at a much, much higher stage, says Yadav, who became the associations chairman in 2023, after being a part of various youth movements to businesses, including the Indonesian Chambers of Commerce and being a special staff member in the Indonesian Parliament. The federation used Kasti, a traditional bat-and-ball game, to explain cricket in schools, and wrote its cricket coaching curriculum in Bahasa Indonesia from the outset. The International Cricket Council (ICC) also has its own push to make its documents and commentary in Bahasa Indonesia too, apart from commentary of its major events in the language spoken by 90 percent of its residents. The ICC's Cricket Criiio initiative, a global programme to celebrate playing cricket in a fun way, has helped too. Under this, the sport has been introduced via plastic bats and balls in elementary schools, points out Yadav, who himself moved to Indonesia as a four-year-old, with his family roots in Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state. The quest to play cricket has come at a personal cost for Indonesias players. Nanda gave up teaching physical education to commit to cricket full-time. Most of the players are full-time cricketers. But it was difficult for me to maintain the time for cricket and teaching. So, I quit the teaching job. Also, some of the girls are still studying at the university. But now, because we practice six times a week. The squad draws players from as far as Papua, East Nusa Tenggara and Jakarta, beyond the Bali base most call home - a distance from family, friends and normal life that Nanda calls part of the sacrifice of representing the country at this level. Indonesia's fortunes turned when they joined the Asian Cricket Council in 2024 through its AGM in Bali, with membership approved by then chairman Jay Shah, now head of the ICC. Having missed that year's Women's Asia Cup, Indonesia were determined to make the cut this time. With a camp in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh in November 2025 and a partnership with Western Australia, leading to Ni Made Putri Suwandewi, known as Tori, being an associate rookie for Perth Scorchers in the 2024 WBBL, Indonesia responded with five successive wins over Singapore, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman and Hong Kong at this years ACC Women's Premier Cup in Malaysia in June. A 113-run victory over Oman confirmed their first-ever Womens Asia Cup berth. I was obviously happy and excited for the girls. This will be my second Asia Cup, so I know the stage. I was quietly confident about the team qualifying due to knowing how we are playing our cricket. But it was actually a good feeling when they qualified. The one thing I have told them is to enjoy this stage, and make the most out of it... It's a great opportunity to showcase your talent on a big stage, said Salekar. The country has never had a turf pitch - all 21 provinces currently use AstroTurf. The federation has just completed contracting two international-standard turf grounds, which Yadav hopes will be ready by November or December this year. Actually, it will be a massive game-changer, especially considering the fact that this team has come so far practising on synthetic wickets till now - it's not easy. So, this team getting access to turf grounds will make them much better in terms of skills. Batters will be able to bat on different wicket conditions every day... The overall cricket will dramatically change when you shift from astro to turf, added Salekar. Drawing from his coaching time with Thailand in the Womens T20 World Cup qualifiers in Dubai, Salekar thinks the stadium with a proper outfield will allow batters to play shots properly, something which matters for a player like Nanda, whose game is built on timing rather than power. No need to hit hard, just get timing with the bat effortlessly, she said, describing what she admires in MS Dhoni, South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt and India's Smriti Mandhana - the last of whom Salekar compared her to independently. Nanda is a good timer of the ball herself and she also kind of plays in the same mould like Smriti, where she relies more on timing than strength, he said. Off the field, the Indonesian dressing room has a very diverse look. Bali, home to most of the squad, has many Hindus, while parts of Sulawesi are dominated by Christians. The current squad includes players who wear the hijab and players who do not, alongside Christian, Catholic, Buddhist and Hindu players. Our difference in religion does not really matter because we share the same goals - to represent Indonesia... Everyone has different beliefs, and we respect each other's beliefs, support each other, and I will always make sure everyone feels included in the team, said Nanda. Yadav described a dressing room where faith is openly shared rather than set aside. When it comes to cricket, our team is very diverse... we are blessed that Indonesian anthropology is very plural. The environment is very supportive, and the uniqueness is that, apart from whatever religion, they support each other. In fact, before every match, all the players stand and pray together by taking turns, despite whatever their religion is. Another beautiful thing about our Indonesian team is they are 100 percent local. For our men's team, yes, we do have expat players. But for our women's team, we have 100 percent local players. Nobody in the camp is treating Monday as a ceiling. Yadav believes Indonesia can overtake long-time regional rival Thailand within one to two years, with the federation scheduled to host the Women's East Asia World Cup qualifier on the new Bali ground next May. Our target is definitely reaching the top 12 in the next five years, and hopefully, afterwards, we can be in the top 10. Our philosophy is always very simple: we are ready to learn, and we are ready to win. The government has been supporting us very well, including the National Olympic Committee and the Ministry - that's why cricket is part of the national games. The result is not only about qualifying for the Asia Cup, but how their skills and mentality are developing. While Salekar's estimate is three to five years before Indonesia is competitive at senior World Cups, Nanda's framing is tied to what the next generation might take from watching the team play in Dubai. Apart from more finances coming in, more game time is in store via the Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games, where Indonesia have been medallists. I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to wear the Indonesian jersey on such a big stage. I hope we can show the world that we also can compete against big teams. I also want to inspire the young girls in Indonesia to get more involved in cricket. She was careful not to look too far ahead, especially with cricket now back in the Olympics. It's very nice to see cricket back in the Olympics. Obviously, one has to take it step by step... We'll start with the Asia Cup, and hopefully, sometime in the future, we'll play in the Olympics as well. I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to wear the Indonesian jersey on such a big stage. I hope we can show the world that we also can compete against big teams. I also want to inspire the young girls in Indonesia to get more involved in cricket. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories No one knows what will happen when Indonesia take the field in their first-ever Womens Asia Cup game on Monday night. They have no blueprint to experience this feeling for a mammoth moment like this. But thirteen years after Nanda first started hitting a ball around in a country with nowhere to play the sport, just being out there and playing in Dubai will be a victory in itself. Article Source: IANS
Mitchell Santners 5-Wicket Haul Powers Edinburgh to 4-Wicket ETPL Win
Mitchell Santner delivered a captains performance with the ball as Edinburgh Castle Rockers secured a commanding four-wicket victory over Dublin Guardians in Match 8 of the European T20 Premier League at Sportpark Westvliet. Dublin Guardians won the toss and elected to bat, but Edinburghs bowling attack quickly turned the decision into a difficult day for the Guardians. The Rockers struck regularly throughout the innings, preventing Dublin from building any substantial partnerships and eventually dismissing them for 109 in 18 overs. James Vince provided the strongest resistance for Dublin, producing an attacking 40 from 30 balls, including five fours and a six. He initially gave the Guardians momentum, but his dismissal for 40 triggered another period of pressure as Dublin struggled to maintain their scoring rate. Sanjay Krishnamurthy added 24 from 24 balls, while Matt Hollard contributed a late nine. However, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals as Edinburgh's attack kept Dublin from building the partnerships they needed. The defining spell came from Edinburgh captain Mitchell Santner. The New Zealand all-rounder produced a superb five-wicket haul, finishing with 5 for 16 from four overs. Santner repeatedly found ways to break Dublins resistance, accounting for Daryl Mitchell, Benjamin Calitz, George Dockrell, James Vince and Matt Hollard. His spell also came at an exceptional economy rate of just four runs an over. Trent Boult supported his captain with two wickets, while Tom Curran, Jack Jarvis and JJ Smuts also claimed one apiece as Edinburgh completed the job with two overs to spare. Chasing 110, the Rockers approached the target with confidence. With the total modest, Edinburgh were able to maintain control despite losing six wickets during the chase. The decisive contribution came through their ability to keep the required rate comfortably within reach. Edinburgh reached 110 for six in 13.4 overs, completing a four-wicket victory with 38 balls remaining. For Dublin, the defeat continues a difficult start to the tournament. Despite individual contributions from James Vince and Sanjay Krishnamurthy, the Guardians were unable to build the substantial total needed to put Edinburgh under pressure. For the Rockers, the victory was built on a ruthless bowling performance and a composed chase. Santners five-wicket burst provided the defining moment of the match, restricting Dublin to a total that Edinburghs batting unit could comfortably overhaul. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The result strengthens Edinburgh Castle Rockers position in the early ETPL campaign, while Dublin Guardians are still searching for their first win and a complete performance with both bat and ball.
SA vs Aus: Rabada sidelined for ODIs, doubtful for Tests
South African pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Australia due to a right hamstring strain and faces uncertainty regarding his participation in the subsequent three-match Test series.
Central Zone vs East Zone, Duleep Trophy 1st Semi-Final Live: After impressing in the leadership role on Day 1, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will be under the spotlight again as a batter on Day 2.
Dhruv Jurel ablend of versatility andfortitude
The decision-makers continued to invest their belief in him and the batter has responded in style. Towards the end of June, he was a part of the India A squad that travelled on the shadow tour of Sri Lanka for two unofficial Tests
South Zone vs North Zone, Duleep Trophy 2026 Semi-Final Day 2, Live Updates
South Zone vs North Zone, Duleep Trophy 2026 Semi-Final Day 2, Live Updates: South Zone will resume their innings from 40/2 on Day 2 of the semi-final match of Duleep Trophy 2026 against North Zone in Bengaluru.
