Pakistan face familiar Sri Lanka in Asian Games semi-final
Sri Lanka and Pakistan have an even T20I record, with both teams winning 12 of their 25 meetings
Sumit Nagal Loses to Kwon Soon-woo, India Knocked Out of Davis Cup
India's Davis Cup campaign ended on Saturday after Sumit Nagal was beaten by South Korea's Kwon Soon-woo in the fourth match of the tie. India had survived after N Sriram Balaji and Dhakshineshwar Suresh came through to win the doubles match,
Davis Cup: Nagal falters as Korea end Indias historic Final 8 hopes with 3-1 win
After Dhakshineswar Suresh and N. Sriram Balaji had revived India's hopes with a fighting doubles victory to cut the deficit to 1-2, Sumit Nagal needed to produce his best in the must-win rubber but instead endured a forgettable outing in the difficult heat, losing 1-6 2-6 to Korea number one Soon Woo Kwon
Dominant India Face Familiar Rivals Bangladesh In Asian Games Semifinal
Defending champions India will look to carry their dominant run against Bangladesh into the women's Asian Games semifinal in Nisshin, Japan on Sunday.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Yashasvi Jaiswal, calling for opportunities to play in the ODIs as India gear up to face the West Indies in a home white-ball series.
Bangladesh stand between India and Asian Games final
Defending champions India's women's cricket team is set to face Bangladesh in the Asian Games semifinal. With a dominant head-to-head record, India aims to continue their winning streak, while Bangladesh will rely on their spinners to challenge the strong Indian batting lineup for a spot in the final.
India's Asian Games kit drama: Cricketers await right sizes
The Indian men's cricket team is facing kit sizing issues and accommodation concerns ahead of their departure for the Asian Games. While most kit problems are being resolved, the BCCI has proactively arranged its own hotel for the team in Nagoya, Japan, due to reported delays and inadequate facilities for other athletes.
Pathan Bats For Opportunities For Jaiswal During India-West Indies ODIs
West Indies ODIs: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Yashasvi Jaiswal, calling for opportunities to play in the ODIs as India gear up to face the West Indies in a home white-ball series. Jaiswal has been India's back-up opener and has been highly impressive in the limited opportunities he has had. The southpaw has two centuries in the six ODIs he has played, often providing assurance as a back-up opener behind captain Shubman Gill and veteran Rohit Sharma. As India will be locking horns with the Windies at home in a three-match ODI series from September 27, Pathan is eager to see how the Indian think tank will provide opportunities to the Southpaw, keeping in mind that he does not carry any rust for the ODI World Cup 2027. There is one player who I will keep an eye on in this series. He is Yashasvi Jaiswal, (Eager to see) how many opportunities he gets, especially in this one-day series in front of the West Indies, Pathan said in a StarSports video on X. See, one thing is sure: Jaiswal is your backup opener. He is your third opener right now. By the time you reach South Africa (for the ODI World Cup), it shouldn't be that the backup opener you have has not got ample opportunities. So for me to see him regularly playing whenever the opportunity arrives, he should be there, Pathan said. With India sending a full-strength T20I squad to defend the Asian Games gold medal, the Men in Blue have a few second-string players in the ODIs against the Windies, including Naman Dhir, who earns his maiden India call-up, Auqib Nabi, who gets his first ODI call, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who gets the nod too. Pathan saw the Windies series as an opportunity for those players. Shreyas and Axar and Washi (Washington Sundar), they are playing the Asian Games, so they are not there. It's a huge opportunity for the rest of the players. It's like a second team where a lot of players are being tried. Nitish Kumar Reddy will get an opportunity; Jurel will get an opportunity. Along with that, Auqib Nabi will get an opportunity, and Gurnoor Brar will get an opportunity to take his career forward in international cricket. Pathan saw the Windies series as an opportunity for those players. Shreyas and Axar and Washi (Washington Sundar), they are playing the Asian Games, so they are not there. It's a huge opportunity for the rest of the players. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories And this is an opportunity because, simultaneously, if the Asian Games and the West Indies series have come, then it's a blessing in disguise where a lot of young boys will definitely get a chance. One more guy I'd love to definitely talk about is Naman Dhir. I really admire him. I think he's got a great talent. But more than for his performance in domestic cricket, he has been selected for his bowling skills. He is an off-spinner, and India are missing that a little bit. Because Washi isn't available either due to the Asian Games. Riyan Parag has concerns about an injury, he highlighted. Article Source: IANS
BCCI Steps In As Asian Games Kit Concerns Surface Ahead of Men's Team's Departure
Members of the Indian men's cricket team are awaiting right size kits ahead of their departure for the Asian Games in the wee hours of Sunday.
Green could return as dominant Australia seek series sweep
Australia were in charge from start to finish in the second match against Zimbabwe despite having to go deep into their bowling resources
'Maybe the best one that I've played' - Powell pleased with match-winning CPL bash
Rovman Powell shared his Player-of-the-Match award with Shimron Hetmyer, whose 45-ball 102 not out wasn't enough to win the game for Guyana Amazon Warriors
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has said the Asia Cup trophies won by India's men's and women's teams will eventually reach the board's headquarters at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, but declined to provide a timeline.
Abhishek Nayar Offers KKR Move To Rohit Sharma. His One-Word Reply
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) assistant coach Abhishek Nayar stated that star India batter Rohit Sharma would look good in purple and gold, to which the latter had just one response.
Hetmyer Hundred In Vain As Kingsmen Rally To Reach CPL 2026 Final
Jamaica Kingsmen overcame the Guyana Amazon Warriors to reach the 2026 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final in a thrilling match at the Kensington Oval. This victory for the Jamaican franchise gives them a chance to claim the CPL in the year they returned to the competition when they face the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons on Sunday. The Guyana Amazon Warriors set a very challenging target of 207 thanks to Shimron Hetmyers second hundred of the season with Shai Hope and Quentin Sampson giving him excellent support throughout the innings. At the halfway stage it seemed that runs on the board in a knockout game would be enough to see the Amazon Warriors through to their fourth consecutive CPL final, but a blistering start from Maaz Sadaqat and a classy half century from Keacy Carty set up the Kingsmen victory which was sealed by Hassan Khan hitting four runs to reach the victory target. In the opening overs the Warriors batters struggled to get going once again as they reached 37/2 at the end of the Power Play. This was a similar position to where the Guyanese franchise had found themselves against the Falcons before they collapsed to 76 all out a day earlier. Here things were very different with Hetmyer batting brilliant in an innings that had more sixes than fours and insane level of power hitting. He reached his hundred from the last ball of the innings when he slashed Andre Russell over third for four having faced just 45 balls. In reply the Kingsmen were once again thankful for the Power Play efforts of Sadaqat who made 41 from just 17 balls. The fact that the score was 42/1 when Khary Pierre took a steepling catch to remove him shows just how dominate he was in the opening exchanges. The quick rate at which Sadaqat scored allowed Carty and Kirk McKenzie time to get themselves set and get the rate needed under control. It looked as if Jamaica were cruising to the victory but there was a twist to come as lost the wickets of Carty, Saim Ayub, Russell to give them a few jitters in the closing moments. With Rovman Powell there at the end they managed to stay calm and he has once again led a Jamaican team to the CPL just as he did in 2022. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Sundays final is a mouthwatering clash that sees two in form teams replay the very first game of this years CPL to decide who takes the 2026 honours.
Amsterdam Flames vs Belfast Wolves: Smith Backs Samra Ahead of European T20 Semi-Final
The inaugural ICC-sanctioned European T20 Premier League 2026 is set for a thrilling knockout asAmsterdam Flames face Belfast Wolves in a winner-takes-all clash at The Village in Malahide. The two sides have had to take very different routes to the knockout stage, with Flames being among the more consistent teams in the tournament, building momentum with back-to-back wins over the Glasgow Cosmic and Dublin Guardians, powered by strong top-order performances. Belfast, meanwhile, have endured a more unpredictable campaign, navigating rain-affected games and late setbacks before relying on the experience of international stars such as captain Glenn Maxwell and David Miller to secure their place in the final four. The head-to-head record gives Belfast Wolves the edge, having beaten Amsterdam Flames in both of their group-stage meetings. Their first clash at Voorburg was reduced to a five-over contest due to rain, with Belfast comfortably chasing down 57 in just 3.5 overs to win by nine wickets. The second meeting at Malahide was much closer, as Belfast Wolves bowled Amsterdam out for 141 before David Millers unbeaten 42 off 26 balls guided them to a five-wicket win. Flames, however, have shown plenty of individual quality throughout the campaign, with Bas de Leede producing a standout half-century and Steve Smith providing valuable momentum at the top of the order. Yuvraj Samra has also been an important part of Amsterdams campaign at the top of the order. The 19-year-old made a strong start to the tournament, playing with an aggressive approach and his ability to score quickly. With Amsterdam heading into a crucial semi-final, Steve Smith believes Samra has the ability to make a telling contribution when he finds his rhythm. Speaking about his opening partner ahead of the semi-final clash, Smith said,Samras extremely talented and hits the ball hard. He started the tournament off really well for us in Amsterdam, and hes 19, so hes got plenty of time left in the game. Hes obviously really aggressive and goes after it, and when he gets going, hes tricky to stop. So hopefully we can see some more of those fireworks in the finals. Steve Smith also spoke about the emerging talent in Europe,My door is always open to the boys; therere some really talented players in the squad. Ive been particularly impressed with Bas de Leede hes been sensational. Curtis Campher and a couple of other players have also stepped up at key moments and made a real impact for us. The numbers point to an interesting battle between the two sides. Belfast Wolves new-ball pair ofMark Adair and Fred Klaassenhave had success against the Flames top order, picking up five wickets between them in their last meeting while maintaining economy rates below 6.50. The Flames will look toBas de Leedeto counter that threat. At the other end, the Wolves have plenty of firepower in the middle order, withGlenn Maxwellin particular capable of changing the game quickly after his unbeaten 82 off 40 balls earlier in the tournament, alongside the finishing ability ofDavid Miller. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Conditions at The Village, Malahide, typically favour chasing teams due to short boundaries and quick outfields. Given Belfast Wolves success when batting second against Amsterdam, the toss will play a critical role, with the winning captain likely electing to bowl first to leverage any early seam movement before going for the chase.
Playing For Australia Is A Massive Ambition: Doggett Eyes Border-Gavaskar Trophy Spot
Big Bash League: Australia fast bowler Brendan Doggett is targeting a place in the squad for next years five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India, with the pacer using Australia As upcoming first-class tour to prove his fitness, adapt to subcontinental conditions and strengthen his case for selection. Doggett is returning to competitive cricket after a major hamstring injury suffered in February. Having already made two Test appearances during Australias last home season, the 31-year-old sees the India A tour as an important opportunity to put himself back in contention. Hopefully, I can be part of the Border-Gavaskar Test squad. I think thats one of the big series as an Australian. You know, growing up watching Test cricket in India, it looks like a real grind and a different challenge to what were used to in Australia and also what you get in England. So, yeah, hopefully I can be part of that squad and be able to play a role in that series, Doggett said at a Big Bash League (BBL) event in Chennai. Doggetts immediate priority, however, is getting through the India assignment after spending the past several months recovering from his hamstring problem. He has been back to full fitness for around two months and bowled during a practice session in Chennai ahead of his media interaction. The body is going well so far, Doggett said about his fitness. Ive been up and bowling and look forward to performing against India A and hopefully playing some Test cricket. Ive been up and running at full fitness now for probably the last two months. So everythings feeling good and in check. Coming off a winter back home, the conditions are going to be vastly different here. But, weve done a bit of heat adaptation work and obviously got the workloads through the body. So, its going to be a great start to our season for us. Australias pace-bowling stocks remain formidable, with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland occupying prominent places in the Test setup. Doggett accepts that breaking into that group requires patience and consistent performances. I think its probably what (player missing out) happens when you have such quality fast bowlers who have played for such a long time in Josh (Hazlewood), Pat (Cummins), Starcy (Mitchell Starc). These guys have just probably built a backlog of young fast bowlers who are trying to emulate everything that theyve done and what theyve achieved. Australias pace-bowling stocks remain formidable, with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland occupying prominent places in the Test setup. Doggett accepts that breaking into that group requires patience and consistent performances. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories With Australia scheduled to face South Africa away, New Zealand at home and India away during the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, Doggett knows opportunities could emerge as the international calendar intensifies. Article Source: IANS
New Zealand Star Suffers Freak Injury During Promo Shoot, Doubtful For India T20Is
New Zealand all-rounder's availability for the upcoming five-match T20I series against India has been thrown into doubt after he suffered a dislocated right shoulder during a promotional shoot in Auckland.
Travis Heads 112 Powers Australia to 84-Run Win Over Zimbabwe
Travis Head struck 112 to lead an Australia charge in a series-clinching 84-run win over Zimbabwe in the 2nd one-day international in Harare on Friday. Zimbabwe's decision to insert the Australians after winning the toss backfired badly as the tourists made 356-6 in 50 overs, their highest ODI score against the southern African nation, for a 2-0 series lead. Head was not the only Australian to star as Cooper Connolly (78) and captain Mitchell Marsh (53) both made half-centuries while Oliver Peake clubbed a quickfire 41. In reply, Zimbabwe posted 272 in 48.3 overs with 40-year-old captain Sikandar Raza top scoring with 45. However, the hosts never came close to matching the required run rate. It was nice to spend some time in the middle and spend some time out there with Mitch (Marsh), said player-of-the-match award winner Head. We did not train for a couple of days which was good actually. We had done a fair bit of training going into the series. It was nice to be fresh. We just tried to be aggressive. Head, who was dismissed for just four in the first Harare ODI, hit three sixes and 15 fours off 84 deliveries. The 32-year-old opener from Adelaide took 75 balls to reach 100, an ODI record for an Australian against Zimbabwe. His knock lifted the visitors to 190-2 before he lofted a Wessly Madhevere delivery out to short cover where substitute Ryan Burl took the catch. Connolly hit a second half century of the series. His 69-ball stand included three sixes and three fours before a top edge off Brad Evans was caught by Brendan Taylor at short fine leg. Marsh had his off stump uprooted by Wellington Masakadza after a patient innings laced with three sixes and three fours. In a fiery finish to the innings, 19-year-old Peake slammed 41 off 18 balls, including three sixes in the final over from Evans which went for 24. Batting at No.6, Raza struck five fours before hitting Connolly down the ground to Matt Renshaw at long off. The series at Harare Sports Club concludes on Sunday with Australia seeking a sweep. They then head to South Africa, where they will play three ODIs from September 24, and three Tests. Brief scores Australia 356-6 in 50 overs (T. Head 112, C. Connolly 78, M. Marsh 53; B. Evans 3-86) Zimbabwe 272 in 48.3 overs (S. Raza 45; C. Connolly 2-25, M. Renshaw 2-44, J. Hazlewood 2-48, A. Zampa 2-62) Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Result: Australia won by 84 runs
Board AGM: BCCI office-bearers 'authorised' to take call on Ajit Agarkar's future
Along with the future of the chairman of senior selection committee, the BCCI is also looking to fill up all five positions of the junior selection committee
Asian Games: IOA Prez PT Usha meets OCA chief and members at welcome reception
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha attended the official welcome reception for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, where she met Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and other members of the Asian sporting fraternity. Sharing pictures from the gathering on X, Usha described the evening as an opportunity to connect with the OCA leadership and members of the wider sporting community. A wonderful evening connecting with the OCA President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and the esteemed members of the OCA Family at the official welcome reception. Together, we continue to pave the way for the growth and excellence of sports across Asia, Usha wrote in an X post. The reception was held ahead of the Asian Games opening ceremony, scheduled for Saturday at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium. The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will bring together athletes from across the continent, with India set to compete in multiple sporting disciplines. Olympic Council of Asia President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani also led the 110th OCA Executive Board meeting in Nagoya, Japan, prior to the Asian Games. The meeting covered preparations for upcoming OCA events, including the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games Riyadh 2026, the Asian Beach Games in Cebu 2028, and the Asian Winter Games in Almaty 2029. Indias campaign at the Asiad got underway ahead of Saturdays opening ceremony, with action already underway in Teqball and Cricket. Mohammad Anas Imran Beg and Declan Marshall Gonsalves were eliminated from the mens doubles after losing both their Group B matches, going down 0-2 to Vietnam and South Korea. Quimcy Joaquim Dsouza, meanwhile, advanced to the womens singles semifinals after topping Group A with wins over Japans Yuina Sakamoto and Cambodias Koemyean DY. She then lost 1-2 to Indonesias Ima Sumaya in the semifinal and will now compete in the bronze-medal match against Sakamoto. India are also competing in the mixed doubles event, with Quimcy-Imran Beg to play for the bronze medal after a repechage win. Indias womens cricket team have also begun their campaign, with the sport among the events getting underway before the official opening ceremony.
Adam Zampa Scalps 200 ODI Wickets, Joins Late Shane Warne In Elite Australia List
On Friday, Adam Zampa delivered a spell of 2/62 in nine overs, getting wickets of Innocent Kaia and Craig Ervine as Australia successfully defended 357 runs to win the series.
Hetmyer century in vain as Powell powers Kingsmen to CPL final
For CPL debutants Jamaica Kingsmen, Maaz Sadaqat, Kirk McKenzie and Keacy Carty also played important innings as they got to their 207-run target in the last over
Ajit Agarkar has informed the BCCI that he does not intend to seek an extension as Indias chief selector after his current contract expires on October 4. The former India allrounder conveyed his decision to...
Ravindra in doubt for India T20Is after dislocating right shoulder during promo shoot
Initial assessments cleared major structural damage but Rachin Ravindra's return would be determined by his progress during his rehab
Rain allows Western Australia to escape after Fraser-McGurk's onslaught
Henry Thornton had taken four wickets before WA debutant Kieran Elliott rescued the home side, although it was the weather that had the final say
Doggett adds miles to his legs amid Border-Gavaskar Trophy ambitions
Fast bowler is currently in India with the Australia A team and will be back in December to play the BBL opener in Chennai
Zimbabwe enter unique list, suffer hefty defeat against Australia in 2nd ODI in Harare
Zimbabwe and Australia continued their ongoing ODI series by taking on each other in the 2nd ODI. The two sides met at the Harare Sports Club on September 18, and it was Australia that came...
PIX: Brentford score first home win over Chelsea since 1938
Brentford secured a historic 3-0 victory over Chelsea in a Premier League match, with second-half goals from Jaidon Anthony, Igor Thiago, and Fabio Carvalho. This marks Chelsea's third consecutive league game without a win and Brentford's first home win against Chelsea since 1938.
Davis Cup: India trail Korea 0-2 as Nagal, Suresh squander early leads
Now India need to win all three matches on the final day to advance to the knockout stage which has happened only twice in India's history: in 2010 against Brazil at home and in 2018 against China in away tie
Brydon Carse won't face charges over Derby nightclub incident
England and Durham seamer could face further action from Cricket Regulator
Digital Desk | Cuttack, Sep 19 (IANS) The Odisha T20 League CM Trophy is all set to kick off on Sunday at the iconic Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Six teams, Keonjhar Miners, Bhubaneswar Tigers, Kataka Panthers, Puri Titans, Rourkela Superstars and Sambalpur Warriors will battle it out for the ultimate glory. The Keonjhar Miners franchise sees its entry into the Odisha T20 League as an opportunity to build more than just a cricket team, with a focus on creating a strong regional identity and providing a platform for young talent from Keonjhar and across Odisha. Speaking about the vision behind the franchise, owner Manish Khemmka said, For us, the Keonjhar Miners is about much more than cricket. Keonjhar has a very strong connection with OCL and with our broader journey in Odisha, and we felt that a sporting franchise was a natural way to deepen that relationship with the region. Cricket has a unique ability to bring people together, create aspirations and give young people a platform to express themselves. Our vision is to build the Keonjhar Miners into a team that the people of Keonjhar and Odisha can genuinely identify with and feel proud of, he further said. Over time, we would like the Miners to represent three things talent, opportunity and a strong regional identity. We are looking at this as a long-term association, not simply as participation in one tournament, he further added. The franchise also believes the Odisha T20 League can play an important role in widening the pathway for young cricketers from districts outside the traditional cricketing centres. I think it is extremely important. One of the biggest strengths of a state-level league is that it creates a structured platform where young cricketers can compete in a professional environment and demonstrate their ability. Odisha has considerable cricketing talent beyond the traditional centres, and leagues like this can help widen the pathway for players from different districts. The OCA has also articulated the objective of creating opportunities for Odishas players and providing a pathway for them to progress to the next level. For us, the opportunity is particularly meaningful because the Keonjhar identity gives us a natural platform to connect with young talent from the region. We want aspiring cricketers to believe that they dont necessarily have to come from one of the traditional cricketing centres to get noticed. If they have the talent, dedication and discipline, there should be a pathway for them, he said. Looking beyond the tournament, the franchise is also keen to develop grassroots programmes and strengthen its engagement with the local community. Our ambition is to build something that lasts beyond the ten days of the tournament. The first step is to establish the Keonjhar Miners as a strong sporting identity and build a genuine connection with our supporters. Over the longer term, we would like to explore grassroots cricket programmes, talent identification camps, coaching initiatives and engagement with schools and local communities in Keonjhar and across Odisha. The objective would be to identify promising young players early and give them access to better coaching, competition and exposure, Khemmka noted. At the same time, we want the fans to feel that this is their team. That means taking the Miners beyond the cricket ground, engaging with communities, involving young people and creating experiences around the team. Ultimately, if a young boy or girl in Keonjhar starts dreaming of playing professional cricket because they saw the Keonjhar Miners, and if the community starts seeing the team as a source of pride for the region, then we would feel that we have achieved something much bigger than winning matches. That is the legacy we would like to build, he concluded.
Digital Desk | Dehradun, Sep 18 (IANS) The third edition of the Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL) 2026 is set to get underway with an exciting mens opening clash, as Haridwar Elmas lock horns with Nainital Tigers on September 22 at 7:30 PM at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Raipur, Dehradun. The League will bring together the leading mens and womens teams from across Uttarakhand, with the tournament scheduled to run until October 1. The womens competition will get the UPL 2026 action underway on September 21, with Pithoragarh Hurricanes taking on Dehradun Warriors at 11:00 AM, followed by Bageshwar Aerial facing Mussoorie Queens at 3:00 PM. The mens competition will begin on September 22, with Haridwar Elmas locking horns with Nainital Tigers at 7:30 PM in the opening mens fixture of the third season. The second mens fixture will see Pithoragarh Hurricanes take on Tehri Titans on September 23, as the seven-team mens competition gets underway. The subsequent days will feature double-header action, providing fans with an extended run of T20 cricket as the teams compete for a place in the knockout stages. The mens competition will feature Pithoragarh Hurricanes, USN Indians, Nainital Tigers, Rishikesh River Kings, Haridwar Elmas, Tehri Titans and Dehradun Warriors. The teams have assembled squads comprising established players, icon players, Under-23 and Under-19 cricketers and uncapped talent following the Players Draft held on September 16. Sunil Joshi, chairperson, Uttarakhand Premier League said, The announcement of the UPL 2026 schedule marks an exciting stage as we get ready for the third edition of the league. With the womens competition opening the tournament on September 21 and the mens action beginning the following day, we are looking forward to a competitive season featuring players from across Uttarakhand. We hope the league provides an engaging platform for both established and emerging cricketers and gives fans an exciting month of T20 cricket. The opening mens fixture promises an intriguing contest, with Haridwar Elmas facing Nainital Tigers on September 22. On September 23, Pithoragarh Hurricanes will face Tehri Titans, with Mayank Mishra representing Pithoragarh Hurricanes as their icon player and Tejasvi Jaiswal headlining the Tehri Titans squad. The league phase will continue with mens double-header fixtures on the subsequent days, with the teams competing for progression into the knockout stage. The Eliminator is scheduled to be played on September 30, before the tournament reaches its climax with the UPL 2026 Final on October 1. The womens competition will feature Mussoorie Queens, Bageshwar Aerial, Pithoragarh Hurricanes and Dehradun Warriors. The four teams will be led by icon players Nandini Kashyap, Prema Rawat, Raghavi Bisht and Sweta Verma, respectively. The September 21 double-header will mark the beginning of the womens competition, with Pithoragarh Hurricanes and Dehradun Warriors meeting in the opening game before Bageshwar Aerial take on Mussoorie Queens in the afternoon fixture. The UPL 2026 will be played from September 21 to October 1 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Raipur, Dehradun. The womens competition will culminate with the Final on September 24, bringing the womens leg of UPL 2026 to a close.
New France Boss Zinedine Zidane Confirms Kylian Mbappe As Captain After Naming First Squad
Zinedine Zidane confirmed on Friday that Kylian Mbappe would be his France captain after naming his first squad since being appointed as the successor to Didier Deschamps as coach of Les Bleus.
Rishabh Pant Rallies Support For Indian Contingent Ahead Of Asian Games
The Asian Games: Ace Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant has extended his support to the Indian contingent ahead of the 2026 Asian Games, urging fans across the country to rally behind the athletes and cheer them on as they compete on the international stage. In a video shared on Instagram, Pant said he was excited to watch the Games and called on fans to get behind the Indian athletes and support them throughout the competition. Really excited to watch the Asian Games. Let us get behind our Indian athletes and support them and let's hope they give their best. Regardless of what happens, let us get behind them, give them a big cheer and a lot of support, Pant said. The Asian Games are the biggest sports competition in Asia, held once every four years. They are organised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The upcoming Games will feature 45 countries and regions competing across 43 sports. This will be the 20th edition of the Games and the third time that the continental showpiece is being hosted by Japan after Tokyo 1958 and Hiroshima 1994. India headed to the continental showpiece looking to surpass the record-breaking campaign at Hangzhou 2023, where they won 107 medals, including 28 gold. India are the defending champions in both men's and women's cricket and kabaddi, while the men's hockey team coming as the reigning champions. PV Sindhu will spearhead India's badminton campaign, while Mirabai Chanu will lead the weightlifting contingent. Manu Bhaker will be among the country's leading names in shooting, with Aman Sehrawat taking the mat in wrestling. Lovlina Borgohain, meanwhile, will look to pack a punch in boxing Athletics will feature over 75 Indian track and field athletes with Gulveer Singh, Tejaswin Shankar, Murali Sreeshankar, Jyothi Yarraji, Parul Chuadhary are some of India's leading medal prospects. Tajinderpal Singh Toor heads into Aichi-Nagoya as a two-time defending champion in shot put. Olympic quotas are also available in archery, sailing, squash, surfing and tennis. Athletics will feature over 75 Indian track and field athletes with Gulveer Singh, Tejaswin Shankar, Murali Sreeshankar, Jyothi Yarraji, Parul Chuadhary are some of India's leading medal prospects. Tajinderpal Singh Toor heads into Aichi-Nagoya as a two-time defending champion in shot put. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The opening ceremony will take place at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium between 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm IST on Saturday. Article Source: IANS
Travis Head Leads Run Spree As Australia Win Zimbabwe ODI Series
Travis Head struck 112 to lead an Australia charge in a series-clinching 84-run win over Zimbabwe in the 2nd one-day international in Harare on Friday.
Umpires Set For Big Pay Increase As BCCI Unveils New Evaluation System
The revised payments will be Rs 60,000, Rs 50,000, Rs 40,000 and Rs 35,000 per day as per grades A, B, C and D.
Rishabh Pant Urges Fans To Back Indian Athletes Ahead Of Asian Games 2026
Rishabh Pant said he was excited to watch the Games and encouraged fans to support the athletes regardless of the results.
Northants denied by elements as promotion race goes to wire
Ricardo Vasconcelos scored 122 in pursuit of 349 before rain and bad light prevail
Both Asia Cup Trophies Will Land Up At BCCI Headquarters One Day, Says Devajit Saikia
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia: BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia on Friday expressed firm confidence that both the men's and women's Asia Cup trophies will eventually be housed at the board's headquarters here. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women's team declined to accept their winner's medals and the trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the PCB chairman and Pakistan's interior minister, after winning the Asia Cup final in Dubai last week. It mirrors a similar stance taken by the Indian men's team following their Asia Cup triumph last year. We congratulated our women's team for their superb victory in Dubai last week. They have very nicely won the first match against Japan and we hope that they will win the gold medal in the Asian Games on 22nd of this month. Asia Cup trophies we hope it will come one day. I will not give you a timeline, but I can assure you that both the trophies will come up and land up in this BCCI head office at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Saikia told reporters at the end of the 95th BCCI AGM held at its headquarters on Friday. The player auction for the upcoming IPL season will take place in the second week of December, which will also be the final mini-auction of the current 2023-27 rights cycle. To commemorate 20 years of the league, the BCCI is planning grand celebrations for the upcoming edition. We have also discussed about engaging and activating our state associations to give support to physically-challenged cricketers. The BCCI will complete 100 years in December 2027, so we will do centenary celebrations from December 2027 for one year, added Saikia. Saikia further clarified that former Assam Ranji Trophy cricketer Subhadeep Ghosh has been brought in as the Indian men's cricket team fielding coach on a short-term assignment following the exit of T Dilip. Ghosh, who previously worked with the senior women's side between 2021 and 2023 and serves as a fielding coach at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, assumed the role ahead of India's two-Test tour of Sri Lanka in August. Saikia further clarified that former Assam Ranji Trophy cricketer Subhadeep Ghosh has been brought in as the Indian men's cricket team fielding coach on a short-term assignment following the exit of T Dilip. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories His tenure will be evaluated following India's upcoming tour of New Zealand, based on performance assessments and feedback from the rest of Indian team management. If approved, Ghosh could continue in the role till the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. Article Source: IANS
Cricketer Abhishek Porel Gets Bail After Over A Month In Jail: Report
After spending over a month in jail, Delhi Capitals and Bengal wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel has reportedly been granted bail.
Head Heroics Power Australia to Series Win Over Zimbabwe
Australia secured an unassailable 2-0 ODI series lead against Zimbabwe after Travis Head's century powered them to a record total, backed by Adam Zampa's 200th wicket in an 84-run victory.
BCCI Boosts Umpire Pay, Implements Merit System
The BCCI has significantly revised the pay structure for umpires and match referees after a decade, introducing new categories and substantially increasing per-day fees. A merit-based promotion and relegation system has also been implemented to ensure high standards in domestic cricket officiating. Additionally, the board addressed its stance on the National Sports Governance Act, updated age-fraud policies, and called for support for physically challenged cricketers.
BCCI To Take Call On Chief Selector Agarkar's Future Within 15 Days, Says Devajit Saikia
Secretary Devajit Saikia: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will take a decision on senior men's chief selector Ajit Agarkar's future within the next 15 days, said Secretary Devajit Saikia after the 95th Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place here on Friday. Agarkar, who assumed the chief selector's role in July 2023, has been a part of a successful period for the national side. Under his term as chief selector, India reached the 2023 ODI World Cup final, won the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy, and retained the T20 World Cup title at home earlier this year. His term ends on October 4, and the BCCI will have to make a decision as India enters the final leg of preparations for the 2027 Mens ODI World Cup. Today, there has been no discussion about any individual. We still have 15 days to go. We will take a decision and in appropriate time, we will let you know, Saikia told reporters. In a major administrative decision, the BCCI has approved a substantial fee revision for domestic umpires and match referees, marking the first compensation enhancement since the 2017/18 season. Since 2017-18, there was no revision of the fees of the umpires. So we have done a restructuring of their categories. Earlier there were four categories, A+, A, B and C. Now we have restructured it as A, B, C and D. All their fees per day has been enhanced substantially, said Saikia. The BCCI has also introduced a merit-based promotion and demotion mechanism to foster accountability among match officials. Those who will be doing good, 10 umpires will be upgraded to the next level. Those umpires who are at the upper level, if they are not performing up to that level or they are a satisfactory level, they will be downgraded. 10 umpires will go up, 10 umpires will go down, he added. Saikia also quashed rumours over a possible change of venue for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Ranchi, scheduled to be held from February 19 to 23, 2027. There are six months left. We will take a call after a few days. We havent received any such requests as of now about the change of venue for the Ranchi Test. He also informed the new junior mens selection committee would soon be formed after the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) interviews candidates for the positions. We have received a large number of applicants for the junior selection committee, which we will give to our cricket committee, which will be competent to select the selectors. We will be trying to complete the process in the next 10-15 days. On the subject of aligning with the proposed Central Sports Act, Saikia clarified that the BCCI will await official notification from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports before making any structural amendments. Regarding the Sports Act, our stand is very clear. There are a lot of things which are yet to be done from the concerned authority. Once those exercises are completed, and once BCCI comes under the Sports Act, a particular notification has to be issued to make it a designated sport. On the subject of aligning with the proposed Central Sports Act, Saikia clarified that the BCCI will await official notification from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports before making any structural amendments. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Addressing the ongoing proceedings before the Supreme Court regarding the matter, Saikia said, So, as of today, there is nothing like that, which was mentioned in the Supreme Court that day. We will give the clarification on 27th of October, when the matter will be listed next time. Article Source: IANS
Abhishek Sharma Reveals Yuvraj Singh Text That Led To Record-Breaking T20I Hundred
After playing a record-breaking innings against Afghanistan in the third T20I, Abhishek Sharma revealed an interaction he had with Yuvraj Singh.
DDCA President Rohan Jaitley Praises Successful India-Afghanistan 'The Friendship Cup' In Delhi
With Afghanistan playing its home series against India in Delhi, the occasion was also a great reflection of the strong bond between the two countries and the power of sport to bring people closer.
BCCI waits on Agarkar decision; IPL 2027 auction in December
The BCCI held its 95th annual general meeting in Mumbai on Friday
Ajit Agarkar Out, BCCI Lines Up 2-Man Shortlist For Chief Selector's Role: Sources
Speculation has been mounting over the past few days regarding Ajit Agarkar's future and whether he will be granted an extension.
Ryan Patel hundred in vain as Glamorgan do double over Surrey
Kia Oval victory all but secures Welsh county's Division One spot for 2027
Accused of Corruption, Pakistan's Rizwan Seeks ICC Guidance
Former Pakistan captain Muhammad Rizwan has contacted the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit for clarification on procedures related to corruption investigations, as he faces questioning by Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over alleged links to illegal betting and gambling sites. This development follows the confiscation and forensic examination of his mobile phone, alongside Imam-ul-Haq's, during a recent tour, highlighting concerns about the PCB's compliance with ICC anti-corruption protocols and Pakistan cricket's history with such scandals.
Glenn Maxwell's Fireworks Keep Belfast Wolves' Qualification Holpes Alive
Belfast Wolves kept their qualification hopes alive with a nine-run DLS victory over Edinburgh Castle Rockers in Match 29 of the ETPL at Malahide
Pay hike for domestic umpires and match referees
Head's 75-ball hundred sets up huge Australia total
Cooper Connolly and Mitchell Marsh made half-centuries while Ollie Peake added some powerful finishing touches
BCCI secretary assures Asia Cup trophies 'will land up' at their head office
Both India's men and women's teams didn't accept the Asia Cup winners' trophy from ACC president Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the PCB chief
Worcestershire halt Durham's winning run (with aid of rain)
Visitors 32 for 1 after being set 253 to win before elements conspire against a positive result
BCCI Plays Waiting Game on Agarkar's Future Amid Rumored Rifts
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia provided updates on several key issues, including the uncertain future of chief selector Ajit Agarkar, whose contract expires soon. Saikia also denied reports of a potential venue change for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Ranchi and discussed the formation of a new junior selection committee and the short-term appointment of fielding coach Subhadeep Ghosh.
Agarkars tenure as chief selector all but over
BCCI secretary Saikia, however, remains non-committal about the Mumbaikars future
U-19 cricket | Yashbardhans all-round show helps India pip Australia
Punjab Kings Wrap Up Four-day Off-season Conditioning Camp In Bengaluru
Indian Premier League: Punjab Kings on Friday said they have concluded a four-day off-season physical preparation camp aimed at sharpening player fitness and recovery ahead of the upcoming domestic season and their next Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign. The camp, conducted in collaboration with Stance Health from September 14 to 17, brought together several key franchise players including Shashank Singh, Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, and Vishal Nishad. The sessions prioritised athletic readiness, integrating customized strength and conditioning routines, mobility drills, structured nutrition plans, and advanced recovery protocols. The short camp came after a skill-focused camp held in New Chandigarh last month, with the franchise planning further specialized training modules across the country as part of a year-round preparation cycle. This is the first fitness camp that has taken place this year. Everyone feels that the IPL is a three-month tournament, but it is not. It is a proper 12-month commitment for players competing at this level. If you want to compete with the best in one of the worlds top leagues, you have to work that hard. This camp is focused entirely on fitness, diet, and training, and we are making sure to tick all the boxes well ahead of the season, Shashank said in a statement by the franchise. Highlighting the structured daily routine, lower-order batting all-rounder Shashank added, In the morning we start with mobility and gym work, followed by a team lunch. In the evening we move into conditioning, and we finish the day with pool or recovery sessions. That routine gives us quality time together, and that is how we grow both as individuals and as a unit. Building strong bonds off the field is just as vital as our performance on it. Left-handed opener Arya noted that tailored physical management and rapid recovery still remain crucial factors for sustained performance. As the season approaches, our focus is to get as much quality training as possible and achieve peak physical condition. The facilities here, especially the dedicated physio support and strength and conditioning programmes, are tailored specifically for our individual needs. In modern cricket, fast and efficient recovery is what makes the real difference over a long season. He also praised the franchises active involvement in terms of player development during the off-season. The IPL might be played across three months, but Punjab Kings actively tracks our progress and supports us for the full nine months of the off-season. Whether we need to train in Mumbai, Bengaluru, or attend camps in Chandigarh, the franchise arranges everything within a day. Having that level of backing throughout the year gives a player immense confidence, he added. He also praised the franchises active involvement in terms of player development during the off-season. The IPL might be played across three months, but Punjab Kings actively tracks our progress and supports us for the full nine months of the off-season. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The management, players, and owners treat us like family rather than just a professional setup, and that environment inspires you to give 110 percent on the field, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
'Asia Cup trophies will be in BCCI office one day'
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the missing Asia Cup trophies for both men's and women's teams will eventually reach the BCCI headquarters, though no timeline was given. He also expressed confidence in the women's team winning gold at the Asian Games.
Japan Cricketers Hail 'Amazing' Experience Playing India At Asian Games 2026
Japan's women cricketers said they had an amazing experience at the Asian Games on Friday, despite the hosts being crushed by powerhouse India in the quarter-finals. India, ranked behind only Australia and England, bowled out Japan for 57 off 19.5 overs in the Twenty20 contest. Led by opener Shafali Verma's unbeaten 40 off 15 balls, India romped to an eight-wicket victory by reaching 59-2 off just five overs. Japan have appeared in two previous Asian Games and are benefiting from a push to promote cricket in the baseball-obsessed country, where it is a minority sport. This opportunity was amazing, especially for me, said Japan's Ahilya Chandel. Being half-Indian, it was extra special. Watching the team on TV and now being able to face them in real life has been great. From this game we can learn a lot about what we can work on in the future, if we get to face them again or play higher-ranked teams. A good-size crowd of home supporters turned out to watch Japan at the Korogi Athletic Park in Nagoya. Playing at home was really good and special, said Chandel. Friends and family came, along with supporters and our sponsors. There were probably fans who didn't know cricket but came to watch because it was a new sport for them. That's what we want as a women's cricket team, to attract Japanese people who dont know cricket. Defending Asian Games champions India will play Bangladesh in Sunday's semi-finals and Pakistan face Sri Lanka. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Sri Lanka beat Malaysia by 86 runs in the day's other quarter-final.
All-round Yashbardhan Chauhan Shines As India U-19 Beat Australia U-19 By Seven Runs
Niranjan Shah Stadium: All-rounder Yashbardhan Chauhan produced a fine all-round display as India Under-19 edged past Australia Under-19 by seven runs in a rain-curtailed first Youth ODI here at the Niranjan Shah Stadium on Friday. In a match reduced to 20 overs a side due to rain, India U-19 posted a strong total of 182/6 after being sent into bat. Chauhan led the scoring with 54 off 34 balls, laced with five boundaries and two sixes. The match also featured Anvay Dravid and Aryaveer Sehwag, the sons of legendary India cricketers Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag. Opening the batting in his father's trademark aggressive style and in front of him at the stadium, batting all-rounder Aaryavir set the early tempo with 28 off 26 balls, including hitting five fours. Later in the innings, wicketkeeper-batter Anvay turned aggressor by smashing a 18-ball 38 at an explosive strike rate of 211.11, hitting two fours and three sixes. Dravid and Chauhan joined forces for a crucial 69-run fifth-wicket stand, which pulled India out of trouble after being at 88/4 in the 12th over. Off-spinner Eli Brain was the stand-out bowler for Australia, returning with figures of 2-29 in his four overs. Chasing 183, Australia U-19 put up a spirited fight, powered by solid contributions from their top order. Captain Jack Czosnek kept the visitors in the hunt with a blistering 55 off 27 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes. With Australia needing 24 off 11 deliveries, Czosnek smashed three consecutive boundaries, including reaching his half-century off 25 balls on the second one, before falling on the very next ball. Chasing 183, Australia U-19 put up a spirited fight, powered by solid contributions from their top order. Captain Jack Czosnek kept the visitors in the hunt with a blistering 55 off 27 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Brief Scores: India Under-19s 182/6 (Yashbardhan Chauhan 54, Anvay Dravid 38; Eli Brain 2-29) beat Australia Under-19s 175/7 (Jack Czosnek 55, Neel Patel 45; Yashbardhan Chauhan 2-28) by seven runs Article Source: IANS
Asian Games Cricket Venue Under Fire, Waterlogging Among Major Concerns: Sources
Ahead of the semi-finals, concerns have been raised over the condition of the cricket venue at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
Jos Buttler Shatters Huge World Record, Sets New T20 Cricket Benchmark
Jos Buttler now has 15,000 runs in 528 matches at an average of 35.46, including nine centuries and 107 fifties.
Zimbabwe to host West Indies for womens white-ball games in September-October
Digital Desk | Harare, Sep 18 (IANS) Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) have announced that it will host West Indies for a six-match womens white-ball series starting in Harare later this month. The series will feature three ODIs and is followed by as many T20I games. The three-match ODI series is a part of the ICC Womens Championship pathway, and will be played at the Harare Sports Club on September 24, 27, and 30 respectively. Both teams will then move to the Takashinga Cricket Club for the T20I fixtures scheduled for October 3, 5, and 7 respectively. The incoming tour extends a packed international calendar for Zimbabwe, coming on the heels of their Championship away visits to New Zealand and Pakistan, alongside an ongoing domestic T20I series against South Africa at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. We are delighted to welcome West Indies Women to Harare for what promises to be an exciting series. Regular exposure to high-quality international cricket is vital to the development of Zimbabwe Women and playing a side of West Indies stature gives our players another opportunity to test their skills, learn and build the experience and confidence they need to become more competitive. This tour adds to a busy programme for our womens team and reflects our commitment to creating more opportunities for them at international level, ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni said in a statement on Friday. The ODI games will begin at 9:30 local time, while the subsequent T20I matches at Takashinga will feature afternoon starts to wrap up the tour. Following this, Zimbabwe are also scheduled to travel to India for a white-ball series in October, marking this as the first-ever bilateral meeting between the two women's teams. The tour will feature three T20Is to be played on October 16, 18, and 20 respectively at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. It is followed by three ODIs to be played in BCA Stadium, Vadodara on October 23, 25, and 28 respectively.
Sehwag's son debuts but Dravid Jr steals the show
India Under-19 secured a narrow seven-run victory over Australia U-19 in a rain-affected first Youth ODI. Anvay Dravid's explosive late innings and Yashbardhan Chauhan's all-round performance, including a half-century and two wickets, were pivotal. The match also marked the U19 debut of Aaryavir Sehwag, who contributed 28 runs.
Hampshire down as Kelly, Cox keep Foxes survival dream alive
Leicestershire get home on fifth-wicket stand of 158 to confirm Hants' relegation
Breaking Rohits Record For Fastest T20I Ton One Of My Biggest Achievements, Says Abhishek
Eclipsing Rohit Sharma: Eclipsing Rohit Sharmas record for fastest mens T20I century by an India batter through smashing a breathtaking 30-ball century against Afghanistan, left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma said achieving this at the Arun Jaitley Stadium stands as a defining milestone and attributed the blistering knock to a fearless team environment backing him to play aggressively. Abhishek tore into the Afghanistan bowling attack by hitting 108 off just 34 balls and took India to a formidable 221/7, as they won by 127 runs to win the series 3-0. His 30-ball century broke the record for the fastest T20I hundred by a Test-playing nation batter, surpassing the previous record of 33-ball tons held by Zimbabwe's Sikandar Raza and New Zealand's Finn Allen. The fastest overall hundred in T20 cricket remains Sahil Chauhans 27-ball effort for Estonia. Abhishek brought up his landmark century, his third ton in the format, with a quick single before dropping into a brief meditation pose on the pitch to celebrate. He was eventually dismissed by leg-spinner Rashid Khan, but after hitting nine boundaries and 11 sixes. It's a big achievement, not for just me, for all the Indians I could probably say, because I still remember the way Rohit bhaji used to play T20 cricket, I really loved and enjoyed when I was watching back at home and breaking that record, it's one of my biggest achievements for now, Abhishek said in a video posted on bcci.tv on Friday. Highlighting the firm backing from head coach Gautam Gambhir and T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, Abhishek stated that minor setbacks like the defeats in Ireland and England did not diminish the batting unit's aggressive blueprint built over the last two years. I said on the first day as well when I got the Man of the Match award, we dominated the whole two years before the World Cup and probably just after the World Cup, 1-2 series can't define our betting department and the way we want to play. It's our responsibility as a batter to make sure we create that atmosphere again, where we have freedom to just go and express ourselves. Big mention to coach and captain because once they are on your side, I feel it gives you more freedom and confidence. Abhishek further revealed that Gambhir explicitly tasked him with driving that high-tempo mindset from the outset by giving a pep talk in the pre-match team huddle in Punjabi. I still remember in the first practice session when we spoke about how we want to dominate again and in that process you have to be fearless, you have to think about the team always. I still remember once I started when Sky was there, so he always wanted me to utilise the power play, because if you see a T20 game is mostly about the power-plays. So that's what GG bhai was saying - he wanted me to just create that atmosphere and create that in the team dressing room where you can just go and be fearless and play the way you want and express yourself, he explained. GG bhai came to me before the game only that I have to speak in the huddle, so I asked him if I can speak in Punjabi, because I feel when a Punjabi speaks in Punjabi, it actually motivates the whole team. I called the team Soormas, that means warriors. Soormas are those who always play in their way and win the games, so that's why I wanted to create that intent in the team just before the game, he added. Addressing his team-mates in the huddle, Abhishek rallied the Indian team by saying, Im going to speak in Punjabi. So, boys, we are going to play like Soormas. Soorma means warriors. The way weve been playing this entire series, thats exactly how we need to finish it today. Warriors never show mercy to anyone. We arent letting them off the hook today. Look at the crowd, well have to give them full entertainment. Alright? Otherwise, let's smash it. Chak de phatte, nap de killi, subah Jalandhar, shaam nu Dilli. Explaining the light-hearted ending to his speech, Abhishek said, After that, as I said, because we are playing in Delhi, so we have this line, I think Navjot Singh Sidhu sir used to say a lot, so that's what I wanted to make it a bit lighter atmosphere in the team. Off the park, Abhishek credited meditation and visualization routines for helping him maintain mental clarity under pressure. I mean, yes, I was manifesting this because the things I can't tell what I'm getting from meditation and I just wanted to convey in this way because that's how as a cricketer audience and people would enjoy and they would listen to you. Explaining the light-hearted ending to his speech, Abhishek said, After that, as I said, because we are playing in Delhi, so we have this line, I think Navjot Singh Sidhu sir used to say a lot, so that's what I wanted to make it a bit lighter atmosphere in the team. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Whoever youngsters who wants to learn something new, I feel this is something which I've recovered, which I've discovered actually from last six months, seven months and it actually helped me a lot and just being a bit more spiritual, that's it. Article Source: IANS
Rahul Dravid's Son Steals Show As Sehwag Jr Debuts In India's Thrilling U-19 Win
India Under-19 rode a blistering late assault from Anvay Dravid and a fluent half-century from Yashbardhan Chauhan to set up a seven-run win over Australia U-19 in a rain-truncated first Youth ODI.
Will Ajit Agarkar Get An Extension? Report Provides Huge Update On BCCI's Decision
The member units of the BCCI entrusted the office-bearers to take a call on whether to give chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar an extension or find his replacement during the Annual General Meeting.
Sussex seal victory as Notts falter in title defence
Champions left needing favours from elsewhere in final round after succumbing to seven-wicket defeat
Chauhan, Anvay Dravid shine as India Under-19s clinch thriller
Australia Under-19s fell seven short in 183 chase after rain reduced the match to 20 overs
We Should Be Doing Incredible Things: Gautam Gambhir Sets 'Mission 300' For Team India
India should breach the 300-run mark soon in T20 cricket considering the special talent the team possesses, its head coach Gautam Gambhir has said.
Nitish and Hardik can be part of the same XI: Gambhir
With Indias next big priority being the 2027 ODI World Cup, the head coach understandably wants both all-rounders to be fit and firing
India thrash Japan, register eight-wicket win to qualify for Asian Games semi-final
Indian women registered an eight-wicket win over Japan in the ongoing Asian Games . They arrived at the contest as the favourites and were too comfortable for the entire time and made it to the semi-finals without any hard yards.
ASIAN GAMES 2026 | Its a stroll in the park for India against Japan
CRICKET | Fans brave testing conditions as the Women in Blue first decimate the Japanese batting, and then overhaul the 58-run target in five overs for an eight-wicket win
India vs Japan One-Off T20I Venue Pictures Emerge, Internet Has Questions
Team India will take on Japan in a historic one-off T20I at the Sano International Cricket Ground on September 22, with the fixture set to mark the first-ever meeting between the two nations.
BCCI AGM: Dhumal, Majumdar retained in IPL Governing Council; umpires set for pay raise
Mumbai The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday re-elected Arun Singh Dhumal and M Khairul Jamal The post BCCI AGM: Dhumal, Majumdar retained in IPL Governing Council; umpires set for pay raise appeared first on Bilkul Online .
India captain Shreyas Iyer made a special gesture towards Afghanistan skipper Ibrahim Zadran after the conclusion of the T20I series.
BCCI office-bearers authorised to take call on Ajit Agarkar's future
The BCCI's member units have authorised office-bearers to make a decision regarding the extension of chief selector Ajit Agarkar's contract, which is set to expire early next month, and to fill vacancies in the junior selection committee.
PGTI leader Saptak Talwar sees star-studded India Championship as a game changer for Indian golf
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) Saptak Talwar, Indias current No. 1 on the DP World PGTI Tour, knows the next few weeks could be life-changing for him and take the 27-year-old to the next level in the sport. The tournament not only boasts of a massive $4 million prize, the highest in India for the second year running, but could also decide the topper of the DP World PGTI Order of Merit, newly named as the Race to DP World India Championship. Following a landmark arrangement between the DP World PGTI and the DP World Tour, the winner of the domestic Indian Order of Merit will get a full status on the main Tour. The arrangement is also the latest marker of the investment global logistics provider DP World has made in Indian golf part of a wider sporting footprint that also includes cricket and a consistent focus on bringing more young people into the sport. The event brings huge benefits for both the fans and the Indian golfers. While the fans await a golfing feast with the likes of two-time Masters winner, Rory McIlroy, defending champion Tommy Fleetwood and former FedEx Cup winner, Viktor Hovland, and Major champions like Ryan Fox, Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, Patrick Reed and Bubba Watson, the top Indian golfers realise that the DP World India Championship could be a life-changer for them. The newly constituted Race to DP World India Championship is a competition to determine DP World PGTI Order of Merit Champion for 2026, DP World India Championship 2026 qualifiers and playing rights on the DP World PGTI for 2027. The race in its debut year, will feature non-stop golfing action on the DP World PGTI calendar in the run-up to the DP World India Championship 2026. The top 24 players of the standings will earn their spots for the DP World India Championship 2026 while the Top 60 players on the DP World PGTI Order of Merit who will retain their playing rights for the 2027 DP World PGTI season. The nine events of the second half of the season, which concludes with the inaugural Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship in the first week of October, will finalise 24 spots for DPWIC and the R2DPWIC for 2027 will run through the full DP World PGTI calendar from next season. Talwar currently holds a lead of more than Rs. 20 lakhs over No. 2 Jhared Hack (US), but the latter is not likely to play any more events over the next few weeks in India. Also, Talwar is more than Rs. 30 lakhs (twice what a player earns for a regular win in a Rs. One Crore event) ahead of the next best Indian, Honey Baisoya. Yet Talwar says, The DP World PGTI Order of Merit is not a done deal. With the OOM finishing at DGC (DP World India Championship), anything can happen. We have four events left and the last one on DP World PGTI is the Kapil Dev Invitational, which has double the Prize Money and then there is the big one the DP World India Championship, where the prize purse is almost 38-40 times more at $4 million. So, the top Indian golfer could well walk away with the Merit honours by doing well in DP World India Championship. And I see no reason why one of us cannot do that. However, as Amandeep Johl, CEO of DP World PGTI confirmed, Only one fourth of that prize money will be counted towards the DP World PGTI Order of Merit. Talwar added, I am also missing the Tour Championships (Kapil Dev Invitational) as I am off to Asian Games in Japan that week. So, the DP World India Championship can be a life-changer for me and many other Indian players. Talwars compatriots Yuvraj Sandhu, Veer Ahlawat, Shubhankar Sharma and Anirban Lahiri will also be playing at DP World India Championship this year. Talwar, who early in his career, also played on the Canadian Tour, has now decided to try and top the DP World PGTI OOM to get into the main Tour in 2027. There has been further recognition in the form of a place in the National three-man team for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, alongside Yuvraj Sandhu and Veer Ahlawat, who before him had earned DP World Tour cards in 2026 and 2025. This season Talwar has gained a lot of experience as he played a lot of events on the HotelPlanner (HPT), the second rung Tour in Europe, this season. At one point he had two possibly pathways to the DP World Tour for 2027. I had set myself a goal or threshold to try for a card through HPT, but when I was not inside that I decided to get back to India and play the DP World PGTI, where I was leading, says Talwar. Then there is the DP World India Championship at the Delhi Golf Club. That golf course is close to my heart and for many others in India. I literally grew up on the B course, have seen every big event. As a junior I attended many of the clinics by world class players like Ernie Els and others. So, to be playing alongside the likes of Masters winners, Major champions and PGA Tour players is a great opportunity for us to showcase Indian talent. While admitting that the current Indian pros have not won as much as the previous generation from Jeev Milkha Singh to Jyoti Randhawa and Arjun Atwal to Anirban Lahiri, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Shiv Kapur and Shubhankar Sharma, Talwar added, This event, the DP World India Championship is a game changer for Indian golf. This could a catalyst for Indian golf. In 10 years, we will see this as the one that changed the landscape of Indian golf. We have a number of good players, but they have not translated into wins. One win could ignite that fire and then we will have a big bunch of winners. Hemant Kumar Ruia, Country Manager, DP World (India) Subcontinent, said: India is one of the largest markets in our global network, and we remain focused on strengthening our ports, rail and inland logistics network across the country. Our commitment to India extends beyond our business, and supporting the growth of sport is an important part of that commitment. We are particularly pleased that the DP World India Championship can create genuinely life-changing opportunities for players like Saptak. With the newly named Race to DP World India Championship providing a pathway to the DP World Tour, Indian golfers now have a clear opportunity to take their game to the next level. We are delighted to play our part in helping make that possible. This has been his big breakthrough year for Talwar, though he won his maiden pro title in 2025. He added a second PGTI win at the Indo-Rama Ventures Open at Kalhaar and was second in the HotelPlanner event in India. Since then, he has been a prime contender for the DP World -PGTI Order of Merit, which has multiple benefits. And, now the DP World India Championship could see Saptak Talwar take the next big step in the big and highly competitive world of golf.
What Yuvi Told Abhishek before Record Ton
Abhishek Sharma's record 30-ball century against Afghanistan had a little help from mentor Yuvraj Singh.
Somerset bend to Cliff, Coad's will to leave title dream on the brink
Previous leaders now need favours if they are to lift County Championship trophy for first time
BCCI Office Bearers Authorised To Take Decision Related To Chief Selector Ajit Agarkars Future
IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) office bearers have been authorised to take a call on all things related to the mens selection committees and offered no clarity on the future of chief selector Ajit Agarkar during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Friday. The development comes amid rising uncertainty over Agarkars position as the chairman of the senior mens selection committee. Agarkars contract runs till October 2026 and its yet to be known if it will be extended till next years ODI World Cup, to be played in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia. Apart from this, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal and Khairul Jamal Majumdar have been re-elected unopposed to the IPL Governing Council. Today's meeting went well, everything went well. The same people are repeated in the IPL Governing Council - Arun Dhumal and Mamon. Regarding the selectors (in both senior and junior mens committees), an authorisation has been taken and we will decide about the selectors later, Shukla said to reporters after the AGM ended at the BCCI headquarters. If Agarkar doesnt continue, the BCCI will have to follow the standard procedure, which involves inviting applications through a public advertisement and conducting candidate interviews. It is understood that former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel, currently the assistant coach at Gujarat Titans in the IPL and ventured into commentary duties, has emerged as a potential contender to take Agarkars spot in the panel if the BCCI office bearers decide to bring in a change in the panel. The murmurs of Patel coming into an influential role in the selection committee have been in on and off mode since March, but with him already past 5 years of retiring actively from the game, he can be a potential contender to replace Agarkar. Agarkar, who missed a high-profile review meeting on September 3 due to him being at a place where internet wasnt available, had attended the recent Afghanistan-India T20I games at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, alongside his selection committee colleagues RP Singh and Ajay Ratra. In the second game held on Tuesday, Shukla along with ICC Chairman Jay Shah and BCCI President Mithun Manhas were present in the stadium alongside Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) officials. Agarkar, who missed a high-profile review meeting on September 3 due to him being at a place where internet wasnt available, had attended the recent Afghanistan-India T20I games at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, alongside his selection committee colleagues RP Singh and Ajay Ratra. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories One of the agendas at the AGM was the inclusion of Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the BCCI fold, but it is understood that their bid for affiliate membership is deferred because of legal issues. Domestic umpires, match referees, and scorers are in line for a significant pay raise, with the BCCI likely to form a three-member committee to finalise the fee structure. Article Source: IANS
What Dhruv Jurel's ODI Selection Means For Rishabh Pant? Ex-India Star Explains
The selectors preferred youngster Dhruv Jurel as India's second-choice wicketkeeper-batter behind KL Rahul.
Charani, Shafali power India past Japan and into Asian Games semi-finals
India set up semi-finals date with Bangladesh on September 20 for a spot in the gold-medal match
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) Bolstered by the experience of competing in international events in the last five-six months, Indias soft tennis stars Jay Meena and Aadhya Tiwari are aiming to clinch an elusive medal at the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya. The dynamic duo, who have a world championship medal and multiple Asian championship medals in mixed doubles, are leading a six-member soft tennis squad in Japan. Jay is competing in mens singles, mens team and mixed doubles events, while Aadhya will participate in womens singles and mixed doubles categories. The other members of the team include Yogesh Choudhary (mens team), Om Yadav (mens team), Aniket Chirag Patel (mens team) and Aryan Thakur (mens singles and mens team). The squad is accompanied by coach Devanshi Hareshbhai Patel and physiotherapist Utsav Kumar Dubey. India began their Asian Games campaign in the mens team event on a winning note entering the quarterfinals of the soft tennis competition. India defeated Laos 3-0 in the first preliminary match of Group C. The nation endured a 3-0 loss against Chinese Taipei in the second encounter before trumping Mongolia 3-0 in the third match to qualify for the quarterfinals, where they lost to Indonesia. Hailing from Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, Jay developed interest in soft tennis by chance. As a young boy, he was more interested in cricket and initially aspired to become a cricketer before his curiosity led him to watch boys play the sport at a soft tennis court adjacent to his school. By the age of 14, he was already competing internationally. He also represented India in the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games before bagging gold in mens singles at the 36th National Games in Gujarat. He never looked back thereafter. In 2024, partnering Aadhya, Jay created history by winning Indias first-ever medal at the World Soft Tennis Championships, securing bronze in mixed doubles. He strengthened his credentials by becoming the national champion in 2025. He also became the first Indian to secure a medal at the continental level by clinching bronze in the mens singles at the 2025 Asian Soft Tennis Championship. Recently he won bronze in mens singles at the 2026 Sunchang Open. Following his consistent performances, Jay was inducted in Target Asian Games Group (TAGG) last year by Sports Authority of India, offering him financial assistance towards international competition exposure and national coaching camps in Jammu and Ahmedabad. Jay said that competing in international competitions gave him and his team members the edge over their rivals. In 2018 I played my first Asian Games in Jakarta. It was a very different experience of my life. I came to know what the value of Asian Games is. This is my third Asian Games. In China too, when the Asian Games were held in Hangzhou, I reached the quarterfinals in singles and there I lost very narrowly. But this time, the Indian federation and Indian government have done a lot of hard work on the players. I want to thank the Sports Ministry and our government for their unprecedented support. We had international camps; we stayed out of the country for four-five months, playing in Korea and Japan. I am in TAGG scheme. I was provided equipment, which are generally imported, like racquets and balls etc. free of cost apart from shoes and playing kits and tracksuits. Playing in Korea and Japan has boosted my confidence. Both the countries organise leagues and tournaments throughout the year which helps the players keep in shape. You develop good muscle memory and then when there is a pressure situation in the match your body doesnt feel it. We have never won a medal at the Asian Games and this is our target this time, Jay explained. Aadhya, who hails from a small town Hoshangabad in Madhya Pradesh, started playing tennis from the age of three years even though her father was a Ranji Trophy cricketer. She initially struggled as there were no coaches to teach her the nuances of tennis. I learned tennis by myself. Then I was playing lawn tennis and was the Asia No. 6 seed. I played lawn tennis quite well; almost until 2013. After that, I went to a tournament, and there the soft tennis secretary from Madhya Pradesh approached me, saying, Why don't you try soft tennis? So, I was like, Okay, sir, I'll try once. In my very first tournament, I got two bronze and one silver medal, and my name came up in the Junior World Championship, and Senior World Championship. Ever since then, I have been continuing soft tennis because in lawn tennis, there were high costs involved, Aadhya told SAI Media from Japan. Aadhya is currently India No. 1 in soft tennis. In 2018, she was the youngest to represent India in the Asian Games at the age of 15. At 2023 Hangzhou edition, Aadhya finished fifth in womens team event. In 2025, she won bronze medals in mixed doubles and mixed team events at the Asian Soft Tennis Championship. Inducted in TAGG scheme, Aadhya was also part of the international competition exposure and national camps organized by SAI. I am very thankful to the TAGG scheme because the camps we got helped our game develop and improve a lot. SAI has helped us a lot. The training we got in the camps, and all the infrastructure, equipment, and even racquets - everything was provided by SAI, and the training went very well this time. In Korea too, there was a full one-month camp, and in Japan, a pre-Asian Games camp was held for 20 days. Right now, I would just say that there are high chances of getting a medal, Aadhya said.
BCCI office bearers authorised to take decision related to chief selector Agarkars future
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 18 (IANS) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) office bearers have been authorised to take a call on all things related to the mens selection committees and offered no clarity on the future of chief selector Ajit Agarkar during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Friday. The development comes amid rising uncertainty over Agarkars position as the chairman of the senior mens selection committee. Agarkars contract runs till October 2026 and its yet to be known if it will be extended till next years ODI World Cup, to be played in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia. Apart from this, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal and Khairul Jamal Majumdar have been re-elected unopposed to the IPL Governing Council. Today's meeting went well, everything went well. The same people are repeated in the IPL Governing Council - Arun Dhumal and Mamon. Regarding the selectors (in both senior and junior mens committees), an authorisation has been taken and we will decide about the selectors later, Shukla said to reporters after the AGM ended at the BCCI headquarters. If Agarkar doesnt continue, the BCCI will have to follow the standard procedure, which involves inviting applications through a public advertisement and conducting candidate interviews. It is understood that former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel, currently the assistant coach at Gujarat Titans in the IPL and ventured into commentary duties, has emerged as a potential contender to take Agarkars spot in the panel if the BCCI office bearers decide to bring in a change in the panel. The murmurs of Patel coming into an influential role in the selection committee have been in on and off mode since March, but with him already past 5 years of retiring actively from the game, he can be a potential contender to replace Agarkar. Agarkar, who missed a high-profile review meeting on September 3 due to him being at a place where internet wasnt available, had attended the recent Afghanistan-India T20I games at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, alongside his selection committee colleagues RP Singh and Ajay Ratra. In the second game held on Tuesday, Shukla along with ICC Chairman Jay Shah and BCCI President Mithun Manhas were present in the stadium alongside Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) officials. Asked about potential venue change for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at Ranchi, Shukla clarified that no such deliberations took place during the meeting. No, there was no discussion about the venue for that Test match. There were some fixtures. Out of them, the fixtures which were of 50 overs, it is now done of 20 overs, added Shukla. One of the agendas at the AGM was the inclusion of Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the BCCI fold, but it is understood that their bid for affiliate membership is deferred because of legal issues. Domestic umpires, match referees, and scorers are in line for a significant pay raise, with the BCCI likely to form a three-member committee to finalise the fee structure.
300 in 20 overs! Gambhir's next target for Team India
India's head coach Gautam Gambhir believes the national team possesses the talent to breach the 300-run mark in T20 cricket soon, emphasising the importance of impactful performances over individual milestones.
Asian Games 2026: India Women Meet Bangladesh In Semifinals In Bid To Defend Gold
Nagoya Asian Games: India women will face Bangladesh in the second semifinal of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 at the Korogi Sports Park on Sunday as they look to defend their gold medal from the 2023 Hangzhou Games. Harmanpreet Kaur's Women in Blue brushed aside hosts Japan in a lopsided affair in the quarterfinal to march into the semifinals of the tournament for the second straight time in as many tournament appearances. The Women in Blue are favourites to defend their gold medal that they won after beating Sri Lanka in the 2023 Asiad final in what is a similar look to the semifinals, as it was in the previous edition. Just like in the 2023 Asian Games, India will meet Bangladesh in one of the two semifinals, while Sri Lanka will lock horns against Pakistan in the other last-four encounter. The Women in Blue are fresh from winning an eighth Asia Cup title a few days ago, while Bangladesh lost to the Indian juggernaut in the semifinal of that Asia Cup in Dubai. Indian players are in great form heading into the semifinal, with the likes of Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana leading the show with the bat. The bowling unit matches foot to foot with the batters. Sree Charani is in the form of her life after picking two consecutive four-wicket hauls, with the second coming in the quarterfinal against Japan and is currently the World No.1 T20I bowler. Deepti Sharma continues to show her worth in both departments, while fast bowler Nandani Sharma has also been impressive. India have also been bolstered by the return of leg-spinner Shreyanka Patil, who picked one wicket during the quarterfinal after making a return from an injury layoff. The Women in Blue will want more from their middle order, which is a bit untested in recent times after the top order has been doing the heavy lifting in the Asia Cup. Meanwhile, Bangladesh are coming into the semifinal without any game time in Nisshin. Their quarterfinal against China was washed out, and they progressed through due to being the superior-ranked team of the two. The Women in Blue will want more from their middle order, which is a bit untested in recent times after the top order has been doing the heavy lifting in the Asia Cup. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The Bangladeshi side has defeated the Women in Blue only thrice in the 25 meetings and have often been found wanting in the batting department. They have shown decent outings with the ball, but it is their batters who have not been able to post competitive totals, not only against India, but against several other big teams. Article Source: IANS
No Sense Of Discrimination: Delhi Board Director On Hosting India-Afghanistan T20I Series
As India concluded the Afghanistan T20I series with a commanding 3-0 win, Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) Director Shyam Sunder said that hosting the India-Afghanistan T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi was a great experience.
