Cricket

'One Last Dance': Five Icons Set For Their FIFA World Cup Swansong

One Last Dance: As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, fans around the world are preparing for a month of unforgettable moments and dramatic finishes, but beyond the race for footballs biggest prize, the tournament is also expected to mark the end of an era. For several of the games most celebrated names, this World Cup could be the final chapter of careers that have inspired millions and defined a generation of football. Some have already lifted the trophy, others are still chasing the one achievement, but all will step onto the field knowing this could be their last appearance on the sports grandest stage. Here are five football legends who are likely playing their final FIFA World Cup. 1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) After completing footballs ultimate dream by leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, Lionel Messi returns for what is expected to be his final appearance at the tournament. The eight-time Ballon dOr winner ended decades of debate by lifting the trophy in Qatar and now has a chance to achieve another historic feat, helping Argentina become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title. Regardless of how far Argentina go, Messis legacy as one of footballs greatest players is already secure. 2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) Few athletes have redefined longevity quite like Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar has enjoyed a remarkable international career spanning more than two decades and remains his countrys biggest inspiration. The World Cup is the only major trophy missing from Ronaldos collection, making 2026 one final opportunity to complete footballs ultimate challenge. At 41, he enters the tournament knowing every match could be his last on the World Cup stage. 3. Luka Modric (Croatia) Luka Modric has been the symbol of Croatias rise as a football powerhouse. From guiding his nation to the 2018 final to another podium finish in 2022, the midfield maestro has consistently delivered on the biggest occasions. Now 40, Modric remains Croatias leader and creative force. A strong run in 2026 would provide a fitting farewell to one of the finest midfielders the game has ever seen. 4. Thomas Muller (Germany) A World Cup winner in 2014 and one of Germanys greatest tournament performers, Thomas Mller has built a reputation for thriving under pressure. His intelligence, movement and knack for producing decisive moments have made him a fan favourite for more than a decade. As Germany look to reclaim their place among footballs elite, the 36-year-old will hope to sign off with one final memorable campaign. 5. Neymar (Brazil) His intelligence, movement and knack for producing decisive moments have made him a fan favourite for more than a decade. As Germany look to reclaim their place among footballs elite, the 36-year-old will hope to sign off with one final memorable campaign. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 international matches, has not played for Brazil since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in October 2023. However, he has been included in the squad and would look to turn things around for Brazil, who are searching for their sixth FIFA World Cup trophy in 24 years. Article Source: IANS

Rohit, Virat's Presence An Advantage For Captain Gill In 2027 WC: Raina

ODI World Cup: Former India batter Suresh Raina touched upon the importance of ODI skipper Shubman Gill having veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's experience by his side in the 2027 World Cup, saying, The presence of experience from the two veterans can make all the difference. Kohli and Rohit, who have retired from T20I and Test cricket, remain exclusively active in ODIs. During the 2019 ODI World Cup, Rohit was the top scorer with 648 runs in nine games at an average of 81.00 with five hundreds and a half-century. He also became the first batsman in World Cup history to score five centuries in a single edition. In the 2023 edition, Kohli was the leading run-scorer, amassing a historic 765 runs in 11 innings. Sachin Tendulkar's record (673 runs) for most runs in a single edition. Kohli was named the Player of the Tournament. Physical and mental preparation will be key for Virat Kohli. He looks very strong in white-ball cricket. The same goes for Rohit Sharma. Both are proven run-scorers in ICC World Cups. Rohit topped the run charts in 2019, and Virat did the same in 2023. They have also won ICC trophies, which adds immense value to their leadership and presence. They know how to handle pressure in knockout games. They have been there, done that, Raina said on JioStar. Experience matters in big tournaments. The young batters around them will benefit from their guidance. For Shubman Gill, captaining India in a World Cup, having Rohit and Virat alongside him will be a huge advantage. Their experience will be invaluable on and off the field. In a high-pressure tournament like the World Cup, that kind of presence can make all the difference, he added. Meanwhile, former spinner and coach Anil Kumble praised Gill for not letting the captaincy affect his batting. Shubman Gill is a very experienced captain. We have seen it in the IPL, he has rotated his bowlers well, used his spinners at the right time, and handled pressure situations with clarity. His form with the bat has not dipped. Sometimes, when players take up the captaincy role, they go through a dip in form. That is not the case with Shubman. He does not let the pressure of captaincy affect his batting. What helps him is the presence of experienced players around him. The Indian ODI team is very strong. Having players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma on the field helps him read the game better. They can guide him with field placements, bowling changes, and key tactical decisions. Shreyas Iyer is now the T20I captain, and he can share his inputs as well. So, Shubman doesn't have to carry the burden alone. He has the right mindset and the right people around him to succeed, he said. Shubman Gill is a very experienced captain. We have seen it in the IPL, he has rotated his bowlers well, used his spinners at the right time, and handled pressure situations with clarity. His form with the bat has not dipped. Sometimes, when players take up the captaincy role, they go through a dip in form. That is not the case with Shubman. He does not let the pressure of captaincy affect his batting. What helps him is the presence of experienced players around him. Also Read: Live Cricket Score However, Kohli has been ruled out of the upcoming three-ODI series against Afghanistan after injuring his hamstring during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's run to the IPL 2026 title last week. Yashasvi Jaiswal has replaced him in the squad. Article Source: IANS

Women's T20 WC: Australia Coach Nitschke 'hopeful' For Litchfield To Play Opener Amid Injury Concern

T20 World Cup: Australia's preparations for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup have been clouded by a fitness concern surrounding Phoebe Litchfield, but the defending champions remain optimistic that the young batter will be available for their opening fixture against South Africa. Litchfield did not feature in Australia's warm-up games after experiencing discomfort in her quad, prompting team management to take a cautious approach ahead of their campaign opener. With the six-time champions set to begin their quest for a record seventh title in Manchester on Saturday, head coach Shelley Nitschke expressed confidence that the left-hander would be ready when it matters most. Yeah, we hope so. Obviously, she had some quad awareness, and it was just on the conservative side to leave her out of these two games. But we're hopeful that she's going to be able to take her place in the side for the first round (match), Nitschke said when asked whether Litchfield would be available for their T20 WC opener. Australia head into the tournament with momentum after closing out their warm-up schedule with a comfortable six-wicket victory over the West Indies in Cardiff. While Litchfield remained on the sidelines, the batting unit showed few signs of disruption, with Georgia Voll producing an aggressive 77 at the top of the order, supported by Beth Mooney's 34. The bowling attack was equally effective, with seven different players sharing the wickets, further underlining the depth available to the Australian camp ahead of the World Cup. That depth, however, has posed a different challenge for Nitschke as she works towards finalising her starting XI for the clash against South Africa. Australia head into the tournament with momentum after closing out their warm-up schedule with a comfortable six-wicket victory over the West Indies in Cardiff. While Litchfield remained on the sidelines, the batting unit showed few signs of disruption, with Georgia Voll producing an aggressive 77 at the top of the order, supported by Beth Mooney's 34. Also Read: Live Cricket Score As the countdown to the tournament opener enters its final stages, Australia will spend the next two days monitoring Litchfield's recovery. The early indications are encouraging, but her fitness remains one of the key storylines ahead of the six-time champions' highly anticipated clash against the Proteas. Article Source: IANS

Giants Under Pressure In Open Women's T20 World Cup

The Women's T20 World Cup starts on Friday when hosts England face Sri Lanka in Birmingham, with at least one leading nation guaranteed an early exit from what promises to be an unusually open tournament. A 12-team competition where the teams are split into two pools of six ought to be without a 'group of death'. But women's cricket heavyweights Australia, India and South Africa are all in Group One and, with only the top two advancing to the semi-finals, one of the trio will be heading home before a knockout phase that culminates in a Lord's final on July 5. A Group Two featuring defending champions New Zealand and England looks more straightforward, albeit both teams will be wary of the West Indies, tournament winners back in 2016 but rarely hitting such heights in recent times. Meanwhile, Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands will all fly the flag for European cricket alongside established Asian nations such as Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The growth of white-ball competitions such as Australia's Big Bash, England's Hundred and India's Women's Premier League means top female cricketers are now exposed to top-level competition outside of major international tournaments as never before. Australia have dominated the women's game for decades, but for the first time since 2018 the six-time T20 champions do not have global silverware to defend. - 'Evolved' - I think it can free us up if we harness that, said Australia captain Sophie Molineux. The last couple of World Cups we've learnt a whole lot from that and been able to implement a few things. I feel like we've really evolved as a team in the last few months. But in appointing left-arm spinner Molineux, troubled by back problems, as skipper in succession to retired all-time great Alyssa Healy, Australia may have created a problem for themselves, with talented leg-spinner Alana King set to be omitted from the team. India are the 50-over world champions and boast some of the best batters in women's cricket in Smriti Mandhana, Yastika Bhatia and Jemimah Rodrigues, with the big-hitting Harmanpreet Kaur leading the side. They have been inconsistent since arriving for a bilateral series with tournament hosts England but remain capable of beating any side on their day, with defiant skipper Kaur, asked by a reporter on Sunday if, at the age of 37, this might be her last global tournament: You think I should stop? South Africa have reached the last three major women's finals but have still recalled two veterans out of retirement in fast bowler Shabnim Ismail and batter Dane van Niekerk. Ismail holds the record for the fastest ball ever bowled in women's international cricket -- 128 kmh (80 mph) against the West Indies in 2016. New Zealand will be bidding farewell to two all-time greats in Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine at this tournament, with Lea Tahuhu also set to retire as well. The surprise champions of 2024, the pressure appears to be off New Zealand this time around. England Women have won every World Cup on home soil but they are without a world title of any kind since their 2017 50-over triumph at Lord's. Charlotte Edwards, a serial winner as England captain, was appointed as coach following the team's humiliating 16-0 loss in the 2024/25 multi-format Ashes. Nevertheless, she has kept faith with many of the same players who were badly exposed in Australia and whose nerve has repeatedly failed them in knockout games. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But Edwards, speaking after announcing an England squad led by all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt and featuring 21-year-olds Freya Kemp and Alice Capsey, said: It's a very different side to the one that walked out in the last game of the Ashes... We've seen a real confidence build in those players. A real belief.

India-born Nikhil Chaudhary called into Australia T20 squad

Former Punjab allrounder Chaudhary replaces Travis Head for Bangladesh T20Is after three excellent seasons with Hurricanes in the BBL

Bhavika Ahire To Lead India U19 As BCCI Unveils Squads For SL U19 White-ball Series

U19 World Cup: India's pathway programme for emerging women's cricketers will take centre stage later this month as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squads and schedule for the upcoming Under-19 white-ball series against Sri Lanka at home. The six-match assignment, comprising three T20s in Chennai and three One-Day matches in Puducherry, is set to provide another important testing ground for players pushing to establish themselves in India's growing youth cricket ecosystem. The announcement highlights Bhavika Ahire's elevation as wicketkeeper-batter and captain in both formats, reflecting her leadership qualities and recent age-group cricket performances. Supporting her will be Mahak Narwase, appointed vice-captain for both the T20 and One-Day teams. This leadership pair will manage a squad composed of players who have progressively advanced through domestic and junior levels. While the selectors have maintained a strong core across both formats, the squads also feature a blend of specialist options tailored to the demands of T20 and 50-over cricket. The continuity suggests a long-term focus on developing combinations and identifying players capable of progressing through the national pathway. Several youngsters have retained the confidence of the selectors across both squads, including Ira Jadhav, Ishwari Awasare, Purva Siwach, Kumari Palak, Kashvi Kandikuppa, Gouri Goyal, Janvi Vikar and Anaadi Tagde. Their inclusion in both formats underlines their growing stature within the junior setup and offers them an opportunity to gain valuable international exposure. The series comes at a significant time for women's age-group cricket, with the Under-19 structure becoming an increasingly important stepping stone toward higher honours. Bilateral contests against overseas opposition provide young players with experiences that domestic cricket alone cannot replicate, including adapting to pressure situations, handling unfamiliar opponents and adjusting to different game scenarios. India's women's cricket system has increasingly benefited from a strong developmental pipeline, with several players successfully transitioning from youth cricket to the senior national side in recent years. The upcoming series against Sri Lanka will therefore be closely watched by selectors and team management as they continue to assess the next wave of talent to build up for the next U19 World Cup. T20 squad: Bhavika Ahire (c & wk), Ira Jadhav, Tanishka Sharma, Ishwari Awasare, Avni Chawda, Mahto Nidhi, Purva Siwach, Kumari Palak, Mahak Narwase (vc), Kashvi Kandikuppa, Maniar Maitri, Gouri Goyal, Janhavi Virkar, Anaadi Tagde, K Deeksha (wk) One-Day squad: Bhavika Ahire (c & wk), Ira Jadhav, Deeya Yadav, Ishwari Awasare, V Pratiksha, Mahto Nidhi, Purva Siwach, Kumari Palak, Mahak Narwase (vc), Kashvi Kandikuppa, Vidhi Parmar, Gouri Goyal, Janhavi Virkar, Anaadi Tagde, K Deeksha (wk) T20I Schedule: June 22: 1st T20 June 24: 2nd T20 June 27: 3rd T20 (All matches to be played in Chennai) ODI Schedule: June 30: 1st OD July 3: 2nd OD June 30: 1st OD Also Read: Live Cricket Score (All matches to be played in Puducherry) Article Source: IANS

FIFA WC: When and where to watch Mexico vs South Africa in India, know all details

The fixture mirrors the opening game of the 2010 World Cup, when South Africa hosted Mexico. South Africa qualified for their fourth World Cup after topping Group C in CAF qualifiers. Indian fans can watch the match live on Zee5 via subscription

Happy To Contribute In Ujjain Falcons' Win, Says Madhav Tiwari On Win Against Bhopal Leopards In MPL

Madhya Pradesh League: Ujjain Falcons all-rounder Madhav Tiwari was pleased after his crucial contribution led to the team's 16-run win against Bhopal Leopards in the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Scindia Cup 2026 at Holkar Stadium on Wednesday. Madhav Tiwari delivered an outstanding all-round performance, staying unbeaten on 61 off 28 balls to help Ujjain Falcons reach 195/8, before taking 2/26 in four overs. He also became the new Orange Cap holder, scoring 194 runs in four matches. Madhav reflected that the win was vital for the team's campaign following a mixed beginning to the tournament. The most important thing for us was getting this win because it gives us the momentum we needed in the tournament. We started well, then had a few close losses, so it was important to bounce back strongly. The atmosphere in the dressing room remained positive throughout. Our coach, support staff and management were very supportive, and everyone was focused on making a comeback, he said. The young player also discussed his strategy during his unbeaten innings, which contributed to the Falcons setting a difficult total. Personally, while batting, my focus was on spending some time in the middle and understanding the wicket. Once I got settled, I was able to play my shots and finish the innings well. Most importantly, Im happy that my contribution helped the team get over the line, he added. The young player also discussed his strategy during his unbeaten innings, which contributed to the Falcons setting a difficult total. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Falcons made a strong return to winning ways in the tournament, beating Bhopal Leopards by 16 runs here at the Holkar Stadium on Wednesday. Madhav capped off a memorable all-round performance by picking up two wickets for 26 runs in his four-over spell. Article Source: IANS

Womens T20 WC: Aakash Chopra Feels India Will 'have To Go Through A Trial By Fire' In Group Stage

T20 World Cup: Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes India's quest for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 title will be shaped by a demanding group-stage campaign, but he sees the challenge as a necessary test for a team aspiring to become world champions. Drawn alongside heavyweight opponents Australia and South Africa, India face one of the tournament's toughest paths to the knockout stages. Chopra, however, argued that there is no easy route to lifting a World Cup. You will have to beat either South Africa or Australia. If you're not in this group, then you'll get New Zealand and England. So, you are going to be up against at least two formidable opponents. And if you want to win the World Cup, you will have to go through a trial by fire, Chopra told JioStar. While acknowledging the difficulty of the group, Chopra pointed to India's schedule as a potential advantage. With matches against Pakistan and the Netherlands preceding the clash against South Africa, he believes India will have an opportunity to build momentum before facing their biggest tests. But the good thing is that by the time India play South Africa, their campaign will be well underway, having hopefully won a couple of games already against Pakistan and the Netherlands, he stated. Chopra stressed that victories alone may not be enough in a tightly contested group, urging India to target convincing wins against the lower-ranked teams to strengthen their net run rate. Ideally, what should happen is that you win against Bangladesh, the Netherlands and Pakistan by a good margin, so the net run rate is also on your side, he noted. The former batter also outlined what he believes would be the ideal scenario heading into India's meeting with six-time champions Australia, as he said, You need to have your campaign peak in a fashion that by the time you meet Australia, you're almost through, and the pressure is on the opposition. Beyond the group's competitive landscape, Chopra highlighted a significant change in India's batting identity, claiming the side now possesses the explosive firepower that was previously missing from its T20 arsenal. According to Chopra, India's inability to consistently match other teams in the six-hitting department had often been a factor behind their struggles in major T20 tournaments. We have a strong batting unit. There was always a discussion about why India used to fall short in T20 cricket, because the other teams had the ability to hit more sixes. We were still more of a four-hitting team. According to Chopra, India's inability to consistently match other teams in the six-hitting department had often been a factor behind their struggles in major T20 tournaments. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With power-hitters spread throughout the batting order, Chopra feels India are now better equipped to meet the demands of modern T20 cricket. He said, So, you have plenty of six-hitters across your playing XI. Given the demands of modern T20 cricket, this is a must-have ability in your side. Article Source: IANS

Delhi-born All-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary Added To Australia Squad For Bangladesh T20I

Bangladesh T20I: Australia have added Delhi-born uncapped spinner Nikhil Chaudhary to their squad for their upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. The 30-year-old drafted into the squad following Travis Heads withdrawal on personal leave. Chaudhary could become the only Indian born player to play for Australia in more than 60 years after the Hobart Hurricanes all-rounder was called up for the T20I series against Bangladesh. Chaudhary, currently playing for JB Bruges in the EUT20 competition in Belgium after a stint with Delhi Capitals in the IPL, is set to join the Australian squad in Dhaka on Friday. Born in Delhi before moving Down Under at the start of the decade,the leg-spin all-rounder will compete for a middle-order berth with the likes of Joel Davies and Aaron Hardie, who are also in the T20I squad only. Australia selector Tony Dodemaide is confident the bowling all-rounder can perform well should he win selection. Nikhil has been a player of national interest for some time. He was a standby player for this tour, joining the squad at pre-season camps in Brisbane and comes in as a replacement for Travis Head, Dodemaide said. The panel has been impressed by his BBL form, particularly last season, leading to his addition to the squad. He has also been part of the Delhi Capitals setup in this years IPL. Nikhil will gain invaluable experience in Bangladesh and will be in contention to play his first game for Australia when we sit down to pick a team for the opening T20 fixture here next week, he added. Born in Delhi, Chaudhary played 14 limited-overs games for the state side Punjab alongside the likes of Harbhajan Singh, Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, and trialled with the IPL side Mumbai Indians. He was visiting an uncle in Queensland when the pandemic shut international borders, seeing him pivot to furthering his cricket ambitions in Australia. Born in Delhi, Chaudhary played 14 limited-overs games for the state side Punjab alongside the likes of Harbhajan Singh, Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, and trialled with the IPL side Mumbai Indians. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Australia T20I squad: Mitchell Marsh(c), Xavier Bartlett, Nikhil Chaudhary, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Adam Zampa. Article Source: IANS

AFI To Host Inaugural Indian Athletic Awards On June 20 In New Delhi

AFI Senior Vice President Anju: The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) will host the inaugural edition of the Indian Athletic Awards on June 20 in Delhi, to recognise excellence in Indian athletics. The awards have been conceptualised as a platform to honour current and former athletes, coaches, technical officials, mentors, state associations, sponsors, and all other stakeholders whose contributions have played a vital role in Indias growing success on the global athletics stage, AFI said in a release. The ceremony will honour excellence across 10 award categories, including Lifetime Achievement Awards, Best Athlete (Male & Female), Best Coach, Best Technical Official, Best State Association and Best State Supporting Athletics. AFI president Bahadur Singh Sagoo said: Indian athletics has witnessed a lot of growth over the last few years, with our athletes delivering strong performances on the global stage. The Indian Athletic Awards are a celebration of not only medal winners, but also the coaches, officials, mentors, associations and institutions that work tirelessly behind the scenes to strengthen the sport in the country. We look forward to honouring individuals who continue to inspire the next generation of athletes. Most of Indias leading current and former athletes are expected to be part of the event, making it a significant gathering for the Indian athletics fraternity and a celebration of the sports rapid rise in the country. AFI Senior Vice President Anju Bobby George said: This awards ceremony serves to honour the commitment and resilience demonstrated at all levels of Indian athletics. From promising newcomers to established champions and their vital support networks, every effort plays a crucial role in fostering a robust sporting culture. Indian athletics is poised for an exhilarating chapter, and these awards will pay tribute to the individuals who are instrumental in shaping this journey. Olympic and World Championships medallist Neeraj Chopra said, To boost the morale and confidence of young Indian athletes, initiatives like the Indian Athletic Awards are extremely important. Recognising and celebrating the hard work of athletes, coaches and support staff motivates the entire sporting ecosystem and inspires the next generation to dream bigger and perform better for the country. The awards to be presented during the event include- Best Male Athlete of the Year: 2025 Best Female Athlete of the Year: 2025 Best Coach of the Year: 2025 Life-time Achievement Athletics Award (3 Awards) Best State Association of the Year: 2025 Best Technical Official of the Year: 2025 Best State Supporting Athletics Best Technical Official of the Year: 2025 Also Read: Live Cricket Score Partner supporting Athletics Article Source: IANS

When Smriti Scores, India Wins; We've Seen Her Do Well In WCs: Veda

T20 World Cup: Former India batter Veda Krishnamurthy believes that vice-captain Smriti Mandhana could hold the key to India's hopes at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, insisting that the star opener's performances in the biggest matches could determine whether the trophy finally returns home. Mandhana heads into the tournament as one of the most experienced and accomplished batters in the Indian setup, and Veda said her ability to deliver on the grandest stage makes her indispensable to the team's title ambitions. When Smriti scores, India wins. So, she knows that it is very important for her to score in those big games. We've seen her do well in World Cups. She has done well in England and is one of those batters who scores runs all around the globe, Veda told JioStar. With India set to face some of the strongest sides in women's cricket during the tournament, Veda highlighted the importance of Mandhana producing match-defining knocks against elite opposition. So, I hope she does well in all the games, but more importantly, in the big games, against South Africa, against Australia, and hopefully in the semi-final and the final. Because if she scores big in those games, the cup is definitely coming home, she said. Vedas confidence in India's chances extends beyond Mandhana's form. The former batter also expressed strong support for the squad selected for the global event, describing it as the strongest available group despite a handful of injury-enforced absences. Definitely the best available squad was picked. Of course, a couple of players missed out because of injury. But apart from that, I cannot put a finger on anyone and say they deserved to be there or would have made a difference to the squad, Veda noted. India's selectors have also opted to back experience, recalling players who have spent extended periods away from the national setup. Veda believes those decisions could prove crucial in a high-pressure tournament environment. It's a perfectly balanced squad. There have been a couple of comebacks. They were out for a really long time, but the selectors have trusted their experience, she mentioned. India's selectors have also opted to back experience, recalling players who have spent extended periods away from the national setup. Veda believes those decisions could prove crucial in a high-pressure tournament environment. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I think the World Cup victory is going to play a huge part because, after that, not just Harmanpreet, but the entire team, when you talk to them, the positivity and the aura they have been carrying, there is a lot of confidence. They have realised that they are capable of achieving certain things, and that belief is very important when you go into a World Cup, Veda said. Article Source: IANS

Australia Revise Women's NZ, BAN Home Series Schedule To Accommodate Champions Trophy

ODI World Cup: Cricket Australia has overhauled its women's international schedule for next summer after the ICC's decision to bring forward the inaugural Women's Champions Trophy created a significant clash in the calendar. The governing body was forced to revise a slate of home fixtures following the ICC's announcement that the tournament, originally earmarked for June, would instead be played in February. The reshuffle has resulted in New Zealand splitting its Australian tour into two separate visits, while Australia's women's home season has been trimmed from 12 matches to nine. The revised program, however, has handed the Australian women a prominent role in the lead-up to the men's 150th Anniversary Test at the MCG, with a pair of ODIs against New Zealand scheduled in Melbourne during the historic week. Under the new arrangement, New Zealand will travel to Australia in October for a three-match T20I series before returning in March for a three-match ODI campaign. The October leg replaces a previously scheduled T20I series against Bangladesh, although the venues and timing remain unchanged. Australia's ODI commitments against both Bangladesh and New Zealand have been retained due to their significance in the Women's World Championship, which also serves as the qualification pathway for the next Women's ODI World Cup. The March ODI series against New Zealand will form part of a marquee week for Australian cricket. Junction Oval will host the second and third ODIs of the series, including a day-night international on March 8, which coincides with International Women's Day and Victoria's Labour Day public holiday. The fixture will also be the first full international match played under the venue's newly installed floodlights. The third and final ODI is scheduled for March 10, just 24 hours before the opening day of the 150th Anniversary Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The scheduling changes came from the ICC's decision to move the Women's Champions Trophy into an already crowded February window, forcing Cricket Australia to revisit plans that had initially accommodated bilateral series against both Bangladesh and New Zealand within a single home summer. Meanwhile, Junction Oval could also play a role in England's preparations for the anniversary Test. Although not yet officially confirmed, plans are understood to include a pink-ball warm-up fixture for England's Test squad. The proposal follows criticism of England's lead-up to the most recent Ashes series, when much of the touring party opted not to play in the day-night Prime Minister's XI match in Canberra. The scheduling changes came from the ICC's decision to move the Women's Champions Trophy into an already crowded February window, forcing Cricket Australia to revisit plans that had initially accommodated bilateral series against both Bangladesh and New Zealand within a single home summer. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We're particularly excited that womens cricket will feature prominently in the lead up to the 150th Anniversary Test with the historic first international match under lights at Junction Oval. We are thankful to Bangladesh and NZ for their cooperation and understanding particularly NZ for agreeing to travel to Australia twice, he said. Article Source: IANS

Australia opt to bat, Meredith called in, Soumya returns

Meredith will play his first ODI in five years having been added to the squad on match morning as he was previously only in the T20I squad

Sri Lanka look to their bowlers against big-hitting West Indies

There is a threat of rain in Kingston on the day of the first T20I, but the hope is that it will be clear by the time the match starts

Australia change NZ and Bangladesh schedules due to women's Champions Trophy

New Zealand to tour twice in October and March due to February Champions Trophy while Bangladesh T20Is have been scrapped

MPL T20 Scindia Cup 2026: Ujjain Falcons Return To Winning Ways; Rewa Jaguars Seal Commanding Win

Madhya Pradesh League: Ujjain Falcons made a strong return to winning ways in the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Scindia Cup 2026, defeating Bhopal Leopards by 16 runs at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Wednesday. Batting first, the Falcons posted an impressive 195/8 in their 20 overs, powered by half-centuries from Yash Dubey and Madhav Tiwari. Despite losing a few early wickets, Dubey and Harshvardhan Hardia steadied the innings with a crucial 53-run partnership. Dubey played a fluent knock of 54 off 31 deliveries before his dismissal triggered a brief collapse in the middle overs. With the innings at a critical stage, Madhav Tiwari, who is now the new Orange Cap-holder with 194 runs in four matches to his name, took charge and anchored the Falcons recovery. The all-rounder remained unbeaten on 61 off just 28 balls, smashing four sixes and providing the late acceleration. He was well supported by Ojaswa Yadav and Rishi Miglani, who chipped in with handy cameos of 15 off 10 and 15 off 9, respectively, helping Ujjain finish with a formidable total. For Bhopal Leopards, Himanshu Shinde was the standout performer with the ball, returning remarkable figures of 2/2 from a single over. In reply, Bhopal Leopards got off to a promising start through an opening partnership of 60 runs. However, the momentum shifted after Rahul Chandrols dismissal for a quickfire 31 off 13 balls. The Leopards struggled to rebuild thereafter, losing wickets at regular intervals, with Tanishq Yadav, who top-scored with 42 off 27, also going back in the hut. The side eventually finished at 179/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Madhav Tiwari capped off a memorable all-round performance by picking up two wickets for 26 runs in his four-over spell, while Aayush Mankar, who became the new Purple Cap holder, also impressed with figures of 2/25 from four overs as the Falcons sealed a convincing 16-run victory. Reflecting on the win, Tiwari said, The most important thing for us was getting this win because it gives us the momentum we needed in the tournament. We started well, then had a few close losses, so it was important to bounce back strongly. The atmosphere in the dressing room remained positive throughout. Our coach, support staff, and management were very supportive, and everyone was focused on making a comeback. Personally, while batting, my focus was on spending some time in the middle and understanding the wicket. Once I got settled, I was able to play my shots and finish the innings well. Most importantly, Im happy that my contribution helped the team get over the line, he added. Rewa Jaguars vs Indore Pink Panthers Rewa Jaguars produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Indore Pink Panthers by 31 runs at Daly College, Indore. Batting first, Rewa Jaguars scored 209/5 in 20 overs, powered by brilliant knocks from Anant Verma and Sagar Solanki (60 runs in 28 balls). After a steady start from captain Prithviraj Singh Tomar (22) and Akshat Raghuwanshi (18), the Jaguars accelerated through the middle overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Anant Verma anchored the innings with a superb unbeaten 71 off 37 balls, smashing four boundaries and five sixes. He was well supported by Sagar Solanki, who played a scintillating knock of 60 off just 28 deliveries, striking five fours and five sixes. Their aggressive partnership helped Rewa cross the 200-run mark and set a daunting target. Batting first, Rewa Jaguars scored 209/5 in 20 overs, powered by brilliant knocks from Anant Verma and Sagar Solanki (60 runs in 28 balls). After a steady start from captain Prithviraj Singh Tomar (22) and Akshat Raghuwanshi (18), the Jaguars accelerated through the middle overs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rewa Jaguars' bowlers struck at crucial intervals to keep the Panthers under pressure. Ankit Kushwaha led the attack with 3 wickets, while Ramveer Gujjar, Rohit Rajawat, and captain Prithviraj Singh Tomar picked up two wickets each. Article Source: IANS

T20 Mumbai League: Deshpande's Late Six Blitz After Ayaz 87 Helps Maratha Royals Seal Semis Spot

But Ayaz Ahmed Khan: Tushar Deshpande smashed three sixes in four balls to seal a semifinal berth for defending champions MSC Maratha Royals after their five-wicket win over Arcs Andheri in the T20 Mumbai League 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday. Deshpande had earlier claimed 2-39 and, along with Irfan Umair (2-27) and Atharva Bhosale (2-35), helped Maratha Royals bundle out Arcs Andheri for 168 in 20 overs. In reply, Maratha Royals rode on a superb 87 by Ayaz Khan and late heroics by Deshpande romped to 170/5 in 18.2 overs to seal victory in what was a must-win match for them. Chasing the modest target, the Royals were off to a poor start as they lost openers Sahil Jadhav (0) and Siddhesh Lad (9) cheaply and were tottering at 41/2. But Ayaz Ahmed Khan struck his maiden half-century in the T20 Mumbai League, rescuing the Maratha Royals from a difficult situation and taking them to safety. Khan shared a 62-run partnership in just 45 balls for the third wicket with Om Bangar (29), taking them into three figures when the latter was out. Arjun Amit Dani (3) was out early, but Ayaz Khan found another willing partner in Maxwell David Swaminathan (18 off 16) as they shared a 44-run partnership for the fifth wicket, Ayaz Khan was finally out for 87 off 49 balls, studded with seven fours and half a dozen sixes to keep the team in the chase. Deshpande then sealed the semi spot with his six-hitting heroics as he remained unbeaten on 20 off six balls. Earlier, Musheer Ahmed Khan slammed a 36-ball 62, but Arcs Andheri lost wickets at regular intervals to some disciplined bowling by the Maratha Royals bowlers to reach 168 before being bowled out. While Musheer kept one end going, Andheri lost Divyansh Saxena (2), Arjun Tendulkar (14), Pragnesh Kanpille (14), skipper Prasad Pawar (1), and Ayush Jethwa (3) cheaply as they reached 103/6 when Musheer got out. Gaurav Jathar (22) and Moin Ahmed (28) ensured they reached a respectable total. For Maratha Royals, besides Deshpande, Irfan Umair and Atharva Bhosale, Swaminathan and Aditya Dhumal also claimed two wickets each. On Thursday (June 11), Arcs Andheri will face Aakash Tigers MWS in the first semifinal, while North Mumbai Panthers will meet MSC Maratha Royals in the second semifinal. Gaurav Jathar (22) and Moin Ahmed (28) ensured they reached a respectable total. For Maratha Royals, besides Deshpande, Irfan Umair and Atharva Bhosale, Swaminathan and Aditya Dhumal also claimed two wickets each. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Arcs Andheri 168 all out in 20 overs (Musheer Khan 62, Moin Ahmed 28; Irfan Umair 2-27, Atharva Bhosale 2-35, Tushar Deshpande 2-39) lost to MSC Maratha Royals 170/5 in 18.2 overs (Ayaz Khan 87, Om Bangar 29, Tushar Deshpande 20 not out; Prasoon Angad Singh 3-26) by five wickets. Article Source: IANS

Ashwin sees 'no reason' why Kohli and Rohit shouldn't play 2027 ODI World Cup

Till you have experienced cricketers like Virat and Rohit, going for an away World Cup, you should extract as much experience as you can from those, Ashwin said

Lawrence's latest hundred not enough for Surrey win - or England call-up

Lawrence launches 64-ball ton but Hampshire dig in for rain-affected draw at The Oval

Root rides again in moment of crisis as England pay the price for optics

Calm but reluctant ex-captain steps up to avoid nonsensical prospect of Brook deputising for Stokes

FIFA World Cup: Iran Warns To Halt Matches Over Unauthorised Flags And Anti-team Slogans

Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali: Iran has warned it could stop its World Cup matches if unauthorised flags are displayed or slogans targeting the national team are chanted inside stadiums, according to reports in Iranian media citing Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali. The warning comes just days before Iran starts its Group G campaign at the World Cup, which begins on Thursday. Iran will face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium at the same venue on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26. We have informed FIFA that if unofficial flags are brought or slogans against the national team are chanted in the stadiums where Iran plays in the World Cup, the team manager will definitely be responsible for stopping the match, Donyamali said on Tuesday, according to Iranian media. The minister added that Iranian officials had received assurances about the team's final group-stage fixture. We have been assured that no disruptive incidents will occur in the stadium during the match against Egypt, he said. These comments come amid growing scrutiny of Iran's participation in the tournament. In April, demonstrators gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver and called for Iran to be excluded from the World Cup. They argued that the national team represented the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps rather than the Iranian people. Iran's match against Egypt has also gained attention after the football associations of both countries reportedly urged FIFA to prevent LGBTQ+ Pride-related activities around the game. Local organisers have designated this match as a Pride Match for Seattle's Pride weekend celebrations. These comments come amid growing scrutiny of Iran's participation in the tournament. In April, demonstrators gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver and called for Iran to be excluded from the World Cup. They argued that the national team represented the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps rather than the Iranian people. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The team is currently training in Tijuana, Mexico, and has also dealt with travel challenges due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently confirmed that Iran's squad will be allowed to enter the United States the day before each of its World Cup matches. Article Source: IANS

Joe Root Returns As England Captain After Stokes Left Out Of Second New Zealand Test

Wales Cricket Board: Joe Root will make a surprise return to the England captaincy after Ben Stokes was ruled out of the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval amid an ongoing investigation into an off-field incident involving the England skipper and pace bowler Gus Atkinson. Stokes and Atkinson have both been left out of the squad for breaking the team's midnight curfew early Monday morning. They were at a London nightclub when a member of England's security was reportedly struck by a Saracens rugby player named Totoa Auvaa. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that neither player would be available for selection while investigations are underway. Given the ongoing investigation, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have not been made available for selection for the second Test against New Zealand, said an ECB statement. Although Harry Brook is England's vice-captain, selectors chose Root to lead the team. Brook himself was involved in an off-field incident in New Zealand last October when a bouncer punched him outside a nightclub on the eve of a one-day international. Root's appointment marks a noteworthy return to the role he held from 2017 to 2022. England's all-time leading run-scorer captained the team in a record 64 Tests before stepping down after a tough stretch that included just one win in 17 matches. Stokes, a close friend of Root, took over as captain. England have also added Jofra Archer and Jordan Cox to the squad that achieved a 115-run victory in the opening Test at Lord's. The Cricket Regulator is conducting a separate investigation into the nightclub incident. This process could take several weeks to finish. Stokes, 35, has been given time by the ECB to consider his future options, but the governing body has dismissed claims that he has been asked to resign as captain. This controversy is another blow for English cricket after a disappointing 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia, a tour that was also marred by off-field issues. England's strong win over New Zealand at Lord's seemed to indicate a positive turnaround, but now they must try to win the series without their captain and top all-rounder, as well as one of their main fast bowlers. While Stokes' batting form has faced criticism in recent months, his contributions go beyond scoring runs. His ability to perform with both bat and ball is crucial for England's balance and strategy. Atkinson, on the other hand, had a challenging winter but showed signs of improvement during the first Test, taking seven wickets in the match. The 28-year-old will now miss the chance to play at his home ground, The Oval. His absence could create an opportunity for Archer, who missed the series opener after returning from his time in the Indian Premier League. England also need to decide on the team's balance. Spin-bowling all-rounder Rehan Ahmed is seen as the most fitting replacement for Stokes and remains in the squad after not playing at Lord's. While Stokes' batting form has faced criticism in recent months, his contributions go beyond scoring runs. His ability to perform with both bat and ball is crucial for England's balance and strategy. Atkinson, on the other hand, had a challenging winter but showed signs of improvement during the first Test, taking seven wickets in the match. The 28-year-old will now miss the chance to play at his home ground, The Oval. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Joe Root (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue Article Source: IANS

Stokes, Atkinson omitted from second Test as Root steps up as interim captain

England name Jofra Archer and Jordan Cox in rejigged squad after nightclub incident

Womens T20 WC: Richas Fifty In Vain As India Lose Warm-up Match To England By Five Runs

T20 World Cup: Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh marked a welcome return to her run-scoring best by hitting a blistering 68 off 36 balls and nearly pulled off a remarkable chase for India. But England held their nerve to secure a tense fiverun victory in the 2026 Womens T20 World Cup warm-up match at the Sophia Garden on Wednesday. Before a rain break, Indias bowlers did well to keep a check on Englands scoring rate. But skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt found her rhythm by hitting 57, while wicketkeeper-batter Amy Jones was in fine nick by top-scoring with 64. Danielle Gibson also smashed 30 not out off just 12 balls to take England past 170. Chasing 172, India faltered early and never looked set to complete the chase. But Richa took charge to hit a sensational knock laced with nine fours and two sixes at a strike-rate of 188.89 to almost single-handedly take India home. But her fightback fell agonisingly short as she was stumped on the very next delivery off Linsey Smith, who took the final wicket to seal a thrilling victory for England by bowling out India for 166. While England now turn their attention to the tournament opener against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12, India will take on Pakistan at the same venue on June 14. Indias chase began with Shafali Vermas brief cameo of 13, brought to a halt when Issy Wong hit her off-stump, while Smriti Mandhana fell cheaply to Linsey Smith. Englands disciplined attack, led by Smith and Tilly CorteenColeman, kept India under pressure as skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (17) and Yastika Bhatia (15) also departed without making significant contributions. Bharti Fulmali (18) and Radha Yadav (16) tried to steady the innings, but wickets at regular intervals left India reeling. With Charlie Deans double strike, including Shreyanka Patil and Kranti Gaud, Indias chase was dented further. Amidst all this, Richa launched a stunning counterattack with her trademark audacious strokeplay, especially when Issy Wong and Lauren Filer faltered in their lines and lengths. Her 33run stand with Radha off just 19 balls revived Indias hopes, and she continued to find boundaries even as partners fell around her. With India needing 17 off the final over, Richa smashed a four and a six off Smith to reduce the equation to a gettable six runs from three balls. But her dismissal stumped by Alice Capsey off Linsey meant the result went in Englands favour. Earlier, Amy gave England a fantastic start to set a solid foundation for Englands competitive total, before Nat took charge with a brilliant knock to power the sides scoring rate through the middle overs, as the duo hit eight boundaries each. Her 33run stand with Radha off just 19 balls revived Indias hopes, and she continued to find boundaries even as partners fell around her. With India needing 17 off the final over, Richa smashed a four and a six off Smith to reduce the equation to a gettable six runs from three balls. But her dismissal stumped by Alice Capsey off Linsey meant the result went in Englands favour. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: England 171/6 in 20 overs (Amy Jones 64, Nat Sciver-Brunt 57; Shreyanka Patil 2-29, Shafali Verma 1-18) beat India 166 all out in 19.5 overs (Richa Ghosh 68, Harmanpreet Kaur 17; Linsey Smith 3-42, Danielle Gibson 2-17) by five runs Article Source: IANS

Airee, Taijul And Mushfiqur Shortlisted For ICC Men's Player Of The Month Award

Cricket World Cup League: Nepal all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee and Bangladesh duo Taijul Islam and Mushfiqur Rahim have been shortlisted for the ICC Men's Player of the Month award for May following a series of standout performances for their respective teams. On the women's side, England seamer Lauren Bell, Pakistan batter Gull Feroza, and New Zealand's Maddy Green are nominated on the back of some strong performances for their countries throughout international cricket in the month. Airee sealed his spot on the men's shortlist after a productive spell of form in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 in Kirtipur. The Nepal all-rounder started the month with a century against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and finished the series having scored 249 runs in six ODIs at an average of 49.80 and strike-rate of 110.66, whilst contributing with eight wickets at an economy of 4.52, a haul of 4 for 24 against the United States, taking best figures. Spinner Taijul Islam was also instrumental for Bangladesh, playing a key role in a historic 2-0 home Test series whitewash over Pakistan. The left-armer was the highest wicket-taker in the series with 13 wickets in two games at an average of 19.61, including 6 for 120 in Pakistan's second innings of the second Test in Sylhet. Batter Mushfiqur Rahim, who was named Player of the Series in the Tests against Pakistan, also picked up a nomination after he hit 235 runs across two Tests at an average of 63.25, including a 71 in the first innings of the first Test and a match-defining 137 in the second Test's second innings. On the women's side, fast bowler Lauren Bell completes England's selections. She was awarded a nomination on the back of some consistent performances in multiple formats of the game before the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Bell was the leading wicket-taker for England in their ODI series against New Zealand, taking five wickets in three games before adding another eight wickets in four T20 internationals against New Zealand and India. Batter Mushfiqur Rahim, who was named Player of the Series in the Tests against Pakistan, also picked up a nomination after he hit 235 runs across two Tests at an average of 63.25, including a 71 in the first innings of the first Test and a match-defining 137 in the second Test's second innings. Also Read: Live Cricket Score New Zealand's Maddy Green is the third of the female nominees after she took a leading role for her side in a drawn ODI series with England. Green scored 125 runs in three ODIs at a strike-rate of 83.33, which was topped with 88 at Chester-le-Street, whilst adding another 93 runs in three T20Is, including 56 not out in the second match. Article Source: IANS

All-round England trump Richa Ghosh's heroics in warm-up

Nat Sciver Brunt and Amy Jones scored fifties, while Richa Ghosh recorded 68 as England won by five runs

Ben Stokes Should Not Lose England Test Captaincy Over Nightclub Incident, Says Vaughan

Wales Cricket Board: Former England skipper Michael Vaughan believes Ben Stokes involvement in a latenight incident at a London nightclub should not cost him the Test captaincy, even as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Cricket Regulator investigate the matter. Stokes and his teammate, fast bowler Gus Atkinson, broke the teams midnight curfew while celebrating their 115-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test into the early hours of Monday. They were present in a nightclub when a member of Englands security staff was struck by a Saracens rugby player, Totoa Avuaa, leaving the staffer bloodied and requiring medical treatment. Yes, Ben Stokes broke a curfew. Yes, he made a mistake. But is that a sacking offence as Englands Test captain? I do not think so. Stokes has a lot of credit in the bank for all he has done for England as captain and all-rounder. There is no way that those making the big decisions at the England and Wales Cricket Board have the same credit in the bank. We are now at the stage that they either put their necks on the block and say, Right, we are sacking you for that offence, or they back him and move on. The ECB is hoping Stokes decides on its behalf. But it has to be brave enough and strong enough to do what it thinks is right. If that is to sack him, then fine, but I do not agree with that decision on this issue, wrote Vaughan in his column for The Telegraph on Wednesday. The ECB later confirmed in a statement that Stokes and Atkinson had breached team protocols by being present at the nightclub. Both players remain under investigation, but the governing body has denied any suggestion that Stokes has been asked to resign. Stokes, 35, has been given time to consider his options, with England expected to name their squad for the second Test on Thursday, with the game to be played from June 17-21 at The Oval. A short suspension would be fine, but this is not a big enough incident over which to lose the captaincy. I know he was involved in the Bristol incident, but that was nearly 10 years ago, and I do not remember him getting in a pickle since then. With that in mind, I do not see how you can tell Stokes he is not captain anymore just for going over the curfew by a couple of hours after a win. I also do not buy the fact that he will have lost respect in the dressing room or will struggle to impose authority in the future. Did Harry Brook, as white-ball captain, lose the respect of his players after the Wellington incident? No. In fact, England were telling us how well he had bounced back and captained at the Twenty20 World Cup, added Vaughan. The controversy comes after a troubled Ashes tour of Australia, where offfield drinking incidents involving Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Josh Tongue, and Ben Duckett led to the imposition of a midnight curfew. Stokes broke the curfew on his first appearance since it was introduced. The ECB set the precedent in the winter by allowing Brook, Jacob Bethell, and Josh Tongue to play on after they were out late in Wellington, so that policy can hardly change now. Are the players issued with a code of conduct book before the summer that details exactly what the curfew is and when it is in effect? If so, there are no excuses. If not, then that is a huge oversight of management. If he is suspended for the next two Tests, then Stokes will open the door to an England team playing without him, and there is a possibility they could be better. It happens. The England team are under a huge amount of pressure next week at the Oval. All the questions will be about drinking again, and Stokes has brought that on them. If Brook captains in his place and handles it well, then the hierarchy will have a big decision to make. Brook is clearly close to the head coach, Brendon McCullum. The T20 side looks well run under those two. I would think England are still going to need Stokess bowling. If he is suspended for the next two Tests, then Stokes will open the door to an England team playing without him, and there is a possibility they could be better. It happens. The England team are under a huge amount of pressure next week at the Oval. All the questions will be about drinking again, and Stokes has brought that on them. Also Read: Live Cricket Score It did not go very well against India at the Oval last year, when Stokes was missing with injury, but you just never know. That is the risk you take when you screw up and end up suspended, concluded Vaughan. Article Source: IANS

Bengal T20 League: Shuvam, Bowlers Guide Rarh Tigers To Victory Over Murshidabad

The Bengal T20 League: A fine all-round performance helped Shrachi Rarh Tigers secure a 59-run victory over Murshidabad Kings via the DLS Method in Season 3 of the Bengal T20 League at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday. Asked to bat first, Rarh Tigers posted an imposing 188/5 in their 20 overs. Shuvam Dey Sr led the charge with 51 off 40 deliveries, while Sumit Nag (37 off 22), Gaurav Singh Chauhan (34 off 19), and Sumanta Gupta (27 off 18) made valuable contributions to power their side to a challenging total. For Murshidabad Kings, Saksham Chaudhary (2/42) and Nuruddin Mondal (2/25) were the most successful bowlers. In reply, Murshidabad Kings struggled to keep pace with the required rate and were reduced to 121/9 in 15.5 overs when rain interrupted play. With conditions preventing any further action, Rarh Tigers were declared winners by 59 runs under the DLS Method. Abhishek Raman top-scored for Murshidabad with 47 off 34 balls. For Rarh Tigers, Rohit Kumar starred with figures of 3/8, while Rahul Prasad (3/26) and Shahbaz Ahmed (2/25) played key roles in a disciplined bowling effort. The Bengal T20 League is in its Season 3 and is organised under the aegis of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). The league features eight city-based franchises representing the breadth of West Bengal - Adamas Howrah Warriors, Novus Royals Purulia, Kolkata Royal Tigers, Murshidabad Kings and Kueens, Rashmi Nes Medinipur Wizards, Servotech Siliguri Strikers, Shrachi Rarh Tigers, and Sobisco Smashers Malda competing across men's and women's competitions. Men's matches are being held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, with women's matches at the JU Salt Lake Campus, Kolkata. Season 3 is anchored by the theme Ebar Jombe Khela! - a rallying cry that captures the league's spirit: fierce, uncompromising, and unmistakably Bengal. The Bengal T20 League is in its Season 3 and is organised under the aegis of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). The league features eight city-based franchises representing the breadth of West Bengal - Adamas Howrah Warriors, Novus Royals Purulia, Kolkata Royal Tigers, Murshidabad Kings and Kueens, Rashmi Nes Medinipur Wizards, Servotech Siliguri Strikers, Shrachi Rarh Tigers, and Sobisco Smashers Malda competing across men's and women's competitions. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Shrachi Rarh Tigers 188/5 in 20 overs (Shuvam Dey Sr 51, Sumit Nag 37, Gaurav Singh Chauhan 34; Saksham Chaudhary 2/42, Nuruddin Mondal 2/25) beat Murshidabad Kings 121/9 in 15.5 overs (Abhishek Raman 47; Rohit Kumar 3/8, Rahul Prasad 3/26, Shahbaz Ahmed 2/25) by 59 runs via DLS Method. Article Source: IANS

BAN vs AUS 2nd ODI: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction

BAN vs AUS 2ndODI , Cricket Tips :Bangladesh beat Australia in the first ODI by 86 runs (DLS method) to record a historic win. They have earned a 1-0 lead and need one more win to register a historic series win over Australia in ODIs. Mosaddek Hossain made a memorable comeback for Bangladesh after four years. He scored an unbeaten 86 runs and took two important wickets to win the Man of the Match award. These two teams will take on each other in the second ODI on Thursday at Shere Bangla National Stadium at 10:30 AM IST. Australia's recent performance in the subcontinent has gone down, and they will try to avoid another series defeat. BAN vs AUS: Match Details Date : June 11, 2026 (Thursday) Time : 10:30 AM IST Venue : Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka BAN vs AUS: Live Streaming Details Indian fans can watch the second ODI between Bangladesh and Australia on the FanCode app or website. BAN vs AUS: Head-to-Head in ODIs Total Matches : 23 Bangladesh : 02 Australia : 20 No - result : 01 Tied : 00 BAN vs AUS: Ground Pitch Report Shere Bangla National Stadium will offer an even surface for the ODIs. There will be face and bounce for the fast bowlers. The batters need to stick to the wicket to score runs. The par score here is around 255-260, and chasing it will be a bit difficult because of the slow conditions later on. BAN vs AUS: Possible XIs Bangladesh : Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Mosaddek Hossain, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana Australia : Matt Short, Josh Inglis (c) (wk), Alex Carey, Marnus Labuschagne, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Adam Zampa, Liam Scott, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett BAN vs AUS: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Tanzid Hasan is an aggressive batter who can hit and put Australia under pressure at the start. For Australia, captian Josh Inglis is in good form, and he will be a key batter. Probable Best Bowler Nathan Ellis and Nahid Rana are two bowlers who are bowling well and can make a big impact for their respective teams. Today Match Prediction : Bangladesh proved that they can now perform well in good conditions also. We predict them to beat Australia in the second game in Dhaka. BAN vs AUS Match 2nd ODI, Today Match BAN vs AUS, BAN vs AUS Prediction, BAN vs AUS Predicted XIs, Injury Update for Bangladesh vs Australia Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions

Zee onboards Apple, Mahindra and Diageo among key advertisers for FIFA World Cup 2026

Zee had reportedly received interest from youth brands like tech, smartphones, auto, fintech, e-commerce and gaming categories

Former South Africa Player Justin Kemp Appointed Cricket Namibias Director Of Cricket

Former South Africa: Former South Africa allrounder Justin Kemp has been appointed as Cricket Namibias new Director of Cricket, the board announced on Wednesday. Kemp played four Tests, 85 ODIs, and eight T20Is for South Africa from 2001 to 2007 as a right-arm medium-pace bowling all-rounder. As Director of Cricket, Kemp will oversee the strategic direction of cricket operations across Cricket Namibia, including the national teams, high-performance programmes, talent identification structures, coach development pathways and the continued growth of the game throughout the country, Cricket Namibia said in a statement on Wednesday. Kemp, who also turned out for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their title-winning Indian Premier League (IPL) 2010 season, was Western Province assistant coach in the South African domestic cricket ecosystem in 2024 before joining Namibias coaching staff in the same role last year. Apart from being Namibias assistant coach in the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, Kemp was in the coaching team of the Chattogram Royals in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and Rawalpindiz in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Kemp, who also turned out for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their title-winning Indian Premier League (IPL) 2010 season, was Western Province assistant coach in the South African domestic cricket ecosystem in 2024 before joining Namibias coaching staff in the same role last year. Also Read: Live Cricket Score As Cricket Namibia continues to build on recent achievements on and off the field, the appointment represents another important step in ensuring that Namibian cricket remains competitive on the global stage while developing the next generation of players, added Cricket Namibia. Article Source: IANS

MPL T20 Scindia Cup: Gwalior Shernis Beat Royal Nimar Eagles To Reach Eliminator

MPL T20 Scindia Cup: The Gwalior Shernis made a place for themselves in the Eliminator match of the womens competition in the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Scindia Cup 2026 after clinching a stunning win by 6 wickets against Royal Nimar Eagles at Daly College. After being put in to bat, Royal Nimar Eagles suffered an early setback as they were reduced to 4/2 inside the second over. However, Soniya Singh and Kalyani Jadhav staged a remarkable recovery, stitching together a crucial 118-run partnership that completely revived the innings. Both batters went on to register impressive half-centuries. Kalyani played a composed knock of 68 off 60 deliveries before being dismissed, while Soniya remained unbeaten at 61 off 49 balls, guiding the Eagles to a competitive total of 142/4 in their 20 overs. Her innings was studded with three sixes and seven boundaries. For the opposition, Vani Partani was the most economical bowler, returning figures of 1/15 from her four overs, while Muskan Mishra also chipped in with a wicket and conceded just 17 runs in her spell. In reply, Gwalior Shernis also suffered a couple of early setbacks, but captain Nuzhat Parween once again led from the front with a composed match-winning half-century. She found excellent support from Soumya Tiwari, who also brought up a well-crafted fifty. The duo stitched together a crucial 83-run partnership that steadied the innings and firmly put the Shernis in control of the chase. Although Parween was eventually dismissed after her valuable knock, the damage had already been done. The Shernis comfortably crossed the finish line, securing a convincing victory. Reflecting on the win, the skipper, who is now the Orange Cap holder with 186 runs in four matches to her name, said, We always believed that we could chase this target, especially on a red-soil wicket. Even though we lost an early wicket, I was confident that if I stayed at the crease, we would remain in the game. The atmosphere in the dressing room is very positive because we have come through some close matches in this tournament, and those experiences have taught us how to handle pressure situations. Although Parween was eventually dismissed after her valuable knock, the damage had already been done. The Shernis comfortably crossed the finish line, securing a convincing victory. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gwalior Shernis will now lock horns with Bundelkhand Bulls in the Eliminator, and the winner of this match will take on Chambal Ghariyals in the final on June 13 at Holkar Stadium. Article Source: IANS

Bransgrove Steps Down As Hampshire Chairman After GMR Completes Full Takeover

Kiran Kumar Grandhi: Rod Bransgrove has stepped down as Hampshire chairman after GMR Group completed its full takeover of the county club and its holdings, bringing to an end the nearly 25year administrative reign that saw him rescue the club from insolvency and oversee its move to the Utilita Bowl. Bransgrove, 75, relinquished the chairmanship in 2023 but remained Group Chairman and majority shareholder of the club until the GMR deal was completed. GMR, coowners of Delhi Capitals in the IPL and WPL, had first entered Hampshire in 2024, before valuing the Hundred franchise Southern Brave at 98 million pounds in the ECBs equity sale the following year. Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Chairman of GMR Sports, has now taken over as group chair effective June 1, while Bransgrove has been appointed as Honorary Life President and will remain on the board as a director and advisor for the next three years. This moment brings to a close a chapter that has meant more to me than words can express. What we have built at Hampshire has been a collective effort, driven by incredible people, loyal supporters, and partners who believed in a shared vision. I am overwhelmingly grateful to all those people who have shared this ground-breaking experience with me. I have immense pride in what we have achieved here and unequivocal confidence that, under GMRs full ownership, the club and venue are in the safest of hands. The future is incredibly exciting, and I will be watching closely, said Bransgrove in a Hampshire statement on Wednesday. Apart from the IPL and WPL, the GMR group has expanded its cricketing footprint in recent years, with direct involvement in Dubai Capitals (ILT20) and Seattle Orcas (Major League Cricket). Grandhi also paid tribute to Bransgroves extraordinary leadership and vision. I would like to pay tribute to Rod for the extraordinary leadership and vision he has shown over the past quarter of a century. His stewardship has not only transformed Hampshire Cricket and Utilita Bowl into a world-class sporting and leisure destination but has also fostered a culture built on passion, resilience, and community that is truly special. Apart from the IPL and WPL, the GMR group has expanded its cricketing footprint in recent years, with direct involvement in Dubai Capitals (ILT20) and Seattle Orcas (Major League Cricket). Grandhi also paid tribute to Bransgroves extraordinary leadership and vision. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We are excited to build on the remarkable legacy that has been established here, investing in long-term growth and innovation, and ensuring that the club continues to thrive for the benefit of its members, supporters, and the wider community for generations to come, he added. Article Source: IANS

Bransgrove severs final ties with Hampshire as GMR complete acquisition

Kiran Kumar Grandhi takes over as group chair as Delhi Capitals co-owners take full ownership

Seven Stars, One Remarkable Journey: Players Set To Complete A Decade At The Women's T20 WC

T20 World Cup: As the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 gets set to begin in England and Wales on June 12, the tournament will not only showcase the next generation of stars but also celebrate a rare feat of longevity. From the inaugural edition in 2009 to the upcoming 10th instalment, women's cricket has undergone a dramatic transformation. Professional contracts have expanded, crowds have grown, and the game's global reach has widened significantly. Through every stage of that evolution, a select group of cricketers has remained a constant presence. This year, seven players are poised to achieve a unique milestone by featuring in all 10 editions of the Women's T20 World Cup since the competition's inception. Harmanpreet Kaur (India) India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, whose World Cup story began in England in 2009 and comes full circle with another campaign on English soil. Now one of the most experienced players in international cricket, Harmanpreet enters the tournament as the captain who led India to their maiden senior women's ICC title at the 2025 ODI World Cup. The Indian skipper is also closing in on another landmark. With 196 T20 International appearances, she needs just four more matches to become the first player in the history of men's and women's T20Is to reach the 200-match mark. Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine (New Zealand) New Zealand's veteran duo Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine will also take their places at a tournament they have helped shape over nearly two decades. For both players, however, the 2026 edition carries added emotional significance. Bates, one of the most prolific run-scorers in the history of the format, is within touching distance of becoming the first player across men's and women's cricket to score 5,000 T20I runs. The opener enters the tournament needing 280 runs to reach the milestone. Devine, meanwhile, remains one of the most influential all-rounders in world cricket. Alongside Bates and fast bowler Lea Tahuhu, she is preparing for her final T20 World Cup campaign before stepping away from the format. Ellyse Perry (Australia) Australia's Ellyse Perry arrives with a different set of records in sight. Widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders the game has produced, Perry already holds the record for the most appearances in Women's T20 World Cup history with 47 matches. Three more outings will make her the first cricketer, male or female, to feature in 50 T20 World Cup matches. The Australian veteran also stands alone when it comes to silverware, having been part of six title-winning campaigns for her country. Marizanne Kapp (South Africa) South Africa's Marizanne Kapp, another member of the exclusive 10-edition club, continues to be one of the game's premier all-rounders. Renowned for her ability to influence matches with both bat and ball, Kapp enters the tournament after further enhancing her reputation during the Women's Cricket World Cup, where she became the leading wicket-taker in the tournament's history. Chamari Athapaththu (Sri LankaL) Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu's journey perhaps best reflects the growth of women's cricket outside the sport's traditional powerhouses. From a young batter in the inaugural tournament to one of the most destructive players in the modern game, Athapaththu has become the face of Sri Lankan women's cricket and remains central to her team's ambitions. Stafanie Taylor (West Indies) Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu's journey perhaps best reflects the growth of women's cricket outside the sport's traditional powerhouses. From a young batter in the inaugural tournament to one of the most destructive players in the modern game, Athapaththu has become the face of Sri Lankan women's cricket and remains central to her team's ambitions. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Their careers have unfolded across 17 years, multiple continents and countless memorable matches. Some have lifted trophies, others have broken records, and all have witnessed the evolution of women's cricket firsthand. When the first ball of the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup is bowled, these seven veterans will not simply be taking part in another tournament; they will be adding another chapter to one of the most enduring stories in the history of the women's game. Article Source: IANS

Sahibzada Farhan to lead Pakistan at Asian Games

The most notable new inclusion is fast bowler Ali Raza, who has been knocking at the door with stellar performances

Brook replaces Root as No. 1 Test batter

Gill also climbed in the Test batters' list while Atkinson entered the top 10 bowlers

Gill & Co. Must Not Make The Mistake Of Taking Afghanistan Lightly In ODIs: Nayar

T20 World Cup: Former India allrounder Abhishek Nayar has warned Shubman Gill and his side not to make the mistake of taking Afghanistan lightly in the upcoming three-game ODI series, adding that the oppositions white-ball players armed with global franchise cricket playing experience can pose a serious challenge. India will play its first ODI against Afghanistan on June 13 in Dharamshala, and is followed by matches in Lucknow and Chennai. Afghanistan will be a much tougher challenge in this ODI series. Almost every player in their whiteball squad plays franchise cricket around the world. That gives them a lot of exposure. Whether it's T20s or ODIs, they play an aggressive brand of cricket. Their bowlers have the ability to trouble Indian batters as well. That said, there is still a big gap in quality between the two sides. Afghanistan will be aiming to win at least two games in this series. If they manage that, it will be a huge achievement for them and a major upset for India. So, Shubman Gill and his men must not make the mistake of taking Afghanistan lightly, said Nayar on JioHotstar. On the number three slot in Kohlis absence, Nayar, the former India assistant coach, selected Ishan Kishan ahead of Yashasvi Jaiswal. If you look at the recent form of Ishan Kishan and Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan has always stepped up whenever there has been an injury. He has performed well every time. He was excellent in the T20 World Cup and also did well against New Zealand in the T20I series. He is a more experienced and proven option at number three compared to Yashasvi Jaiswal. Jaiswal is naturally an opener. In his last ODI, he scored a century while opening the innings. So based on experience and comfort in the number three role, I would go with Ishan Kishan. Nayar also explained the bowling combinations India can explore in absence of many first-choice bowlers. I feel Harsh Dubey will play because the team will need a leftarm spinner. He is also a useful allrounder. The real question is which fast bowlers will get a chance. I want to see Prasidh Krishna's workload managed carefully. If the team wants to give him game time, they should also look at Gurnoor Brar. He was part of the Test squad but didn't get a chance to play there. However, he should be in the scheme of things for the ODI playing XI. Prince Yadav has also performed very well recently. So, I would like to see Harsh Dubey with either Prince Yadav or Gurnoor Brar, along with Arshdeep Singh. These bowlers have played a lot of cricket and should be given a chance to prove themselves, he said. With the preparation for 2027 Mens ODI World Cup the main focus, former India leg-spinner Piyush Chawla stressed on the importance of giving emerging players exposure. Rohit Sharma is the main man for India in this ODI series. He only plays one format now, so his game time matters. With Virat not in the squad, more responsibility falls on Rohit's shoulders. He will be keen to deliver, especially in home conditions. Prince Yadav has also performed very well recently. So, I would like to see Harsh Dubey with either Prince Yadav or Gurnoor Brar, along with Arshdeep Singh. These bowlers have played a lot of cricket and should be given a chance to prove themselves, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So, we need to keep an eye on him and others like him. Harsh Dubey should also get a game or two in this series. He has done well in the Ranji Trophy and the IPL. This is the right time to give young players a chance and see how they fit into the bigger picture for 2027, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Pakistan women set to tour Sri Lanka for white-ball games in July

Three ODIs and T20Is will be played in Hambantota between July 23 and August 4

Keith Piper, Warwickshire's treble-winning wicketkeeper, dies aged 56

Piper claimed more than 500 catches in a 200-match first-class career, and was integral to treble-winning season in 1994

Sachin Sir Asked My Coach To Tell Me To Put Australia Knock Aside And Start From Zero: Jemimah

ODI World Cup: India batter Jemimah Rodrigues has revealed that batting legend Sachin Tendulkar asked her coach to convey a simple but powerful message ahead of the 2025 ICC Womens World Cup final to keep her epic semi-final knock aside and start from zero in the title clash. India, who eventually won the 2025 Womens ODI World Cup, are now aiming to win another ICC title on the trot when the Womens T20 World Cup begins in England on June 12, with Lords scheduled to host the final on July 5. Sachin sir called my coach Prashant Shetty. He asked him to tell me that he understood the past couple of days had been a lot for me, the big knock against Australia in the semi-final, the joy of beating them. But he reminded me that the job was not over yet. We still had a final to win. He said, try to put that aside and start from zero. That message really helped me reset my mind. I understood that what you did before does not win you the next game. You must treat every match as a new start. That advice from a legend gave me so much clarity before the final, said Jemimah on JioStar. Shafali Verma, who played a matchwinning role with both bat and ball, recalled her fathers motivating message ahead of the title clash in Navi Mumbai. We had two off days before the final. My dad sent me a voice note. He said, 'Just work hard. Give your best on the field. And it has to be in writing that Shafali Verma helped India win the World Cup. That voice note gave me extra fire. I knew I had to perform not just for myself, but for him and for the team. It pushed me to give everything I had on the field. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur reflected on the teams mindset and her instinctive call to hand the ball to Shafali, as she picked two game-changing wickets. In the past, we have played South Africa many times and won most of those matches. The league game against them had its ups and downs, but we were still confident. The only thing we discussed was: if we bat first in the final, don't go in expecting to score 300 runs. If you carry that expectation, you will end up making mistakes. Even though we had five proper bowlers, I dont know why her name kept coming to my mind. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur reflected on the teams mindset and her instinctive call to hand the ball to Shafali, as she picked two game-changing wickets. In the past, we have played South Africa many times and won most of those matches. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Chasing 300 on that sticky pitch was not as hard in the second innings because of the dew. It had rained and the outfield was wet. It was doing a lot off the surface. So, I asked Shafali if she wanted to bowl. She said yes with great confidence: 'I will bowl, and I will take wickets, she concluded. Article Source: IANS

Suthar joins Warwickshire for two County Championship matches

He will be available for the games against Yorkshire in Scarborough and Somerset in Taunton

Brook Dethrones Root To Reclaim No.1 Test Batter Ranking; Gill Moves To Eighth Spot

ICC World Test Championship: England batter Harry Brook leapfrogged teammate Joe Root to reclaim the No.1 spot in the ICC Test rankings, while India captain Shubman Gill has climbed two places to eighth spot after hitting a century in the recent one-off clash against Afghanistan, which the side won by an innings and 300 runs. Brook returned to the number one spot following his halfcentury in the opening innings of Englands 115run victory over New Zealand in the ICC World Test Championship game at Lords. His 56 was one of only two scores above fifty in the match, which was enough to push Root down to third sport after the senior batter managed just one and eight, with Australias Travis Head climbing to second spot. Brook had first risen to the top spot in December 2024 and now regains the position ahead of the second Test starting at The Oval on June 17. Gill, meanwhile, moved up to eighth spot after making 126 against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh. The England trio of Ben Duckett (up three places to 15th), Jamie Smith (up five spots to equal 23rd) and Glenn Phillips (up 15 places to 40th) also made progress in the batters rankings. In the bowling chart, England pacer Gus Atkinson gained seven slots to break into the top 10 Test bowlers at tenth spot, while moving to sixth spot among allrounders. New Zealands Kyle Jamieson (22nd) and Ollie Robinson (23rd) have reentered the rankings, while Kiwi pacer Nathan Smith jumped 16 places to 43rd. The England trio of Ben Duckett (up three places to 15th), Jamie Smith (up five spots to equal 23rd) and Glenn Phillips (up 15 places to 40th) also made progress in the batters rankings. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Australias Nathan Ellis improved 13 places to 31st, while Bangladeshs Nahid Rana surged 23 slots to 24th. Sri Lankas Kusal Mendis (12th) and Janith Liyanage (22nd) made gains among ODI batters, alongside Bangladesh lefthander Tanzid Hasan, who moved up seven places to 33rd. Article Source: IANS

Out of the ordinary: Amanda-Jade Wellington adjusts to a new 'normal'

Former Australian leg-spinner underwent a heart procedure earlier this year and took her maiden hat-trick last weekend

Liam Livingstone To Lead London Spirit At The Hundred

Most Valuable Player: London Spirit have entrusted England all-rounder Liam Livingstone with the captaincy of their men's side for the upcoming season of The Hundred, handing leadership responsibilities to one of the competition's most explosive and accomplished performers. The 31-year-old arrives with a wealth of experience from international cricket and franchise leagues worldwide, having established himself as one of England's premier white-ball cricketers. I am really looking forward to leading London Spirit out at Lords this summer. Its an iconic ground and with the largest crowds in the country, I know the fans will create a special atmosphere for every match. There is so much talent throughout the squad and I want us to make some history this summer. I cant wait to get started, Liam said in a statement released by the franchise. Livingstone was crowned the tournament's Most Valuable Player during its inaugural edition in 2021 after helping Birmingham Phoenix reach the final. Across five seasons with Phoenix, he accumulated 996 runs in just 36 innings, placing him sixth on the all-time run-scoring charts. His 71 sixes remain the highest tally recorded by any player in the competition. Beyond The Hundred, Livingstone has become a mainstay of England's white-ball setup. Across all three international formats, he has represented his country 100 times, scoring 1,903 runs and claiming 58 wickets. His ability to change games single-handedly was perhaps best illustrated in 2021 when he smashed a 42-ball T20I century against Pakistan at Trent Bridge, the fastest hundred by an England men's player in the format. A year later, he featured in every match of England's successful ICC Men's T20 World Cup campaign in Australia. The decision to appoint Livingstone was strongly backed by London Spirits management, who view him as a central figure in the franchises long-term ambitions. Liam is a fantastic person to work with, both on and off the field. Ive known him since he and I were both with the England Lions. Signing him to London Spirit was one of the first things we wanted to do because we knew how significant he will be to everything we are doing at Lords this summer. Liams determination to improve and succeed is fundamental to what we are looking to establish at London Spirit. He will lead from the front: of that, I have no doubt, head coach Andy Flower said. The decision to appoint Livingstone was strongly backed by London Spirits management, who view him as a central figure in the franchises long-term ambitions. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The men's side will be led by head coach Flower, with former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik serving as batting coach and mentor. Former England spinner Graeme Swann has been appointed spin bowling coach, while former New Zealand international Andre Adams will oversee the pace bowlers. Richard Halsall completes the coaching group as fielding and wicketkeeping coach. Article Source: IANS

Pakistan Women To Tour Sri Lanka For Whiteball Series In July

Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium: The Pakistan womens cricket team will travel to Sri Lanka next month for a sixmatch whiteball series, comprising three ODIs and as many T20Is, said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday. PCB added that all matches will be played at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota. The ODIs, scheduled for July 23, 25 and 28, respectively, are a part of the ICC Womens Championship 202529 cycle. Pakistan currently occupies second place in the standings with eight points from six matches, having won four games. New Zealand lead the table with 13 points, though they have played three more matches than Pakistan. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, are at the third spot with eight points from six games and also have four wins but are placed behind Pakistan due to differences in net run rate. The tour will conclude with three T20Is to be played on July 31, August 2 and August 4, respectively. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka are presently in the United Kingdom to participate in the 2026 ICC Womens T20 World Cup, starting on June 12 and ending on July 5. Pakistan currently occupies second place in the standings with eight points from six matches, having won four games. New Zealand lead the table with 13 points, though they have played three more matches than Pakistan. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, are at the third spot with eight points from six games and also have four wins but are placed behind Pakistan due to differences in net run rate. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In 21 T20Is between the two sides, Pakistan have won 11 matches while Sri Lanka have claimed nine wins, with one match ending in no result. In ODIs, the teams have met 34 times, with Pakistan winning 11 of them and losing 22 games, while one game was abandoned. The series in Hambantota will give both teams chances to clinch valuable ODI Championship points. Article Source: IANS

Injured Hardik set to miss ODIs against Afghanistan

Hardik is understood to have suffered leg strain this week while training at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru

'People Dont Get So Many Opportunities...': Radha Yadav Sets Eyes On The Ultimate Prize In Her Fifth T20 WC

T20 World Cup: India spinner Radha Yadav said representing the country remains the biggest feeling in cricket and admitted that winning the ICC Womens T20 World Cup 2026 is the goal that drives her as she prepares for her fifth appearance at the global showpiece. Returning to the national side after missing the series against Australia and South Africa, Radha said she was overwhelmed when she received the call-up. First, I thanked God because people dont get so many opportunities. When you play for India, it is a different emotion and feeling. Playing for India is nice. It is at the top, Radha said in a video released by BCCI on X. The left-arm spinner also made it clear that her biggest ambition is to help India lift the Womens T20 World Cup trophy. This is my fifth edition of the T20 World Cup. It is very important. My goal is always to win the trophy. I need the trophy a lot because I play for that only, she said. Radha earned her place back in the Indian squad after impressive performances in domestic cricket, India A matches and the Womens Premier League. She said the comeback was especially satisfying because of the challenges she faced during her time away from the national team. It felt very special that I came back to the team and everyone showed confidence in me. My domestic season was good, I had good performances for India A, and I had a defined role in RCB. All those things helped me, she said. The 25-year-old revealed that managing pressure and self-doubt was one of the biggest lessons she learned during the phase. I used to put a lot of pressure on myself. I felt that because I had worked so hard, bowled so many overs and spent so many hours batting and practising, everything should work out. But until you feel that confidence on match day, there is a big difference. I worked a lot on those things mentally, Radha explained. She credited her family and close friends for helping her navigate the difficult period. I had to figure out how to fight that battle in my mind. You cant do anything alone. My friends helped me a lot and taught me how to bring calmness into my life. I went as low as I could, and it was my family and friends who brought me back up. I will never forget that, she said. Looking ahead to the World Cup, Radha stressed that collective effort would be key to Indias chances. I had to figure out how to fight that battle in my mind. You cant do anything alone. My friends helped me a lot and taught me how to bring calmness into my life. I went as low as I could, and it was my family and friends who brought me back up. I will never forget that, she said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India has never won the T20 World Cup trophy, and they will start their campaign against Pakistan on June 14 in Birmingham. Article Source: IANS

'We Need Some Good Strategies In Place': Wolvaardt Admits Warm-up Setback Is 'an Eye-opener' Before Aus Showdown

T20 World Cup: South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt has welcomed a timely reality check ahead of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, insisting her side will need sharper plans and greater execution if they are to overcome Australia in their tournament opener on Saturday. The Proteas head into the marquee Group 1 clash after concluding their warm-up campaign with a five-wicket defeat to New Zealand in Loughborough. While the result denied South Africa a perfect build-up, Wolvaardt believes it exposed areas that require immediate attention before facing the six-time champions in Manchester. We would have liked to win both (warm-up fixtures), but maybe this is just what we needed just before the tournament starts. Just a little eye-opener that is not just going to happen and we can't just go through the motions with the ball, Wolvaardt said. South Africa struggled to consistently contain New Zealand's batting line-up, and the skipper admitted that tactical improvements would be essential against a side as experienced and ruthless as Australia. I think we've come up against a quality side today and they sort of outsmarted us with the bat today. So we're going to have some good strategies in place for the Australia game and hopefully we're able to turn it around, she added. Despite the defeat, the Proteas found a major source of encouragement in the explosive form of all-rounder Chloe Tryon, who produced one of the standout innings of the warm-up phase. Walking in during the middle overs, Tryon launched a blistering assault on the New Zealand attack, finishing unbeaten on 61 from just 26 deliveries and clearing the boundary six times. The innings provided South Africa with much-needed momentum and underlined the value of her experience heading into the tournament. Despite the defeat, the Proteas found a major source of encouragement in the explosive form of all-rounder Chloe Tryon, who produced one of the standout innings of the warm-up phase. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With three days remaining before their World Cup campaign begins, South Africa will spend the coming sessions refining plans for Australia while hoping Tryon can carry her destructive touch into one of the biggest fixtures of the group stage. Article Source: IANS

'She Is Going To Be Very Important For Us': Nigar Banks On Young Juairiya For Women's T20 WC

T20 World Cup: As Bangladesh fine-tune their preparations for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, captain Nigar Sultana Joty has identified emerging opener Juairiya Ferdous as a player capable of making a significant impact when the tournament begins. The 20-year-old batter has quickly established herself as one of Bangladesh's brightest prospects since breaking into the senior side earlier this year. Her performances in the team's warm-up fixtures have further strengthened expectations that she could play a defining role at the top of the order during the global event. She is going to be very important for us because she's been a very good touch. She's very young and she's capable of hitting boundaries in the Powerplay as well as after it. We are looking forward to see her the same way she played for us, Nigar said after Bangladesh's warm-up match against Ireland at Loughborough University. Ferdous showcased her attacking intent in both preparatory outings in Loughborough. Against defending champions New Zealand, she struck 26 off just 15 deliveries, before following it up with a fluent half-century against Ireland, scoring 50 from 38 balls. Those knocks have provided Bangladesh with a welcome boost ahead of their tournament opener against the Netherlands on Sunday, especially after the side suffered defeats in both warm-up encounters. Despite the results, Nigar insisted the matches served their purpose and helped the team gather valuable lessons before the competition gets underway. Ferdous showcased her attacking intent in both preparatory outings in Loughborough. Against defending champions New Zealand, she struck 26 off just 15 deliveries, before following it up with a fluent half-century against Ireland, scoring 50 from 38 balls. Those knocks have provided Bangladesh with a welcome boost ahead of their tournament opener against the Netherlands on Sunday, especially after the side suffered defeats in both warm-up encounters. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Apart from Ferdous' impressive returns with the bat, Bangladesh also found encouragement in the performances of spinner Sanjida Akter Meghla, with the captain highlighting several positives that emerged from the warm-up phase. With a young opener in form and a few encouraging signs despite the losses, Bangladesh will hope their preparations translate into success when their T20 World Cup campaign officially begins this weekend against the Netherlands. Article Source: IANS

Hardik To Miss ODIs Against Afghanistan Due To Niggle In His Leg

ODI World Cup: In what comes as a huge blow to the Indian team, seambowling allrounder Hardik Pandya likely to miss Indias upcoming threematch ODI series against Afghanistan after picking up a niggle in his leg. Pandya, who missed a few games for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026 due to back spasms, was present at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru since June 2 and was believed to be on track for getting a fitness clearance for the ODI series against Afghanistan, starting on June 13 in Dharamshala and followed by games in Lucknow and Chennai. He also did bowling at full tilt, apart from doing his batting and fielding drills seamlessly at CoE. But the late injury setback now leaves Pandya, who has 94 ODI caps, on the verge of missing the upcoming three-game series. Hardik Pandya was close to being fully cleared by CoE for the ODI series against Afghanistan. But it has now come to the light that he has picked up a slight niggle in his leg and will require a few weeks of recovery. This very late setback means he now remains short of achieving full fitness for the ODI series and will now focus on recovering from his latest injury at the CoE, sources to told IANS on Wednesday. Pandyas absence leaves India without one of their most experienced seambowling allrounder as they look to fine tune their combinations for the 2027 Mens ODI World Cup. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball has been central to Indias ODI plans, though Pandya hasnt played a 50-over game after the 2025 Champions Trophy triumph. With the wait for Pandya playing an ODI game now set to be extended, it remains to be seen if he will achieve full fitness in time for the three-game series against England, to be played from July 14-19. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball has been central to Indias ODI plans, though Pandya hasnt played a 50-over game after the 2025 Champions Trophy triumph. Also Read: Live Cricket Score It remains to be seen if Shivam Dube, another seam-bowling all-rounder with four ODI appearances, is named as Pandyas replacement for the series. India already have another seam-bowling all-rounder in Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has played four ODIs so far. Article Source: IANS

Sahibzada Farhan To Lead Pakistan In Asian Games As PCB Name 15-man Squad

Pakistan Cricket Board: Sahibzada Farhan will captain the Pakistan at the Asian Games 2026, scheduled from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan as the Pakistan Cricket Board announced a 15-man squad on Wednesday. Farhan, 30, has appeared in 46 T20Is for Pakistan, accumulating 1,305 runs with two centuries and 10 half-centuries. Abdul Samad, with five T20I appearances for Pakistan, has been appointed vice-captain of the team. Of the 15 players in the squad, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat, and Saad Masood are the four who have not yet played T20I for Pakistan. Furthermore, 14 out of the 15 players chosen for the Asian Games squad are members of the National Cricket Academys White-Ball Camp, which will begin in Lahore on Monday, June 15 and continue until June 18. The cricket competition at the continental event will be played in a T20 format, featuring 10 teams at Korogi Athletic Park in Aichi Prefecture. The mens cricket tournament starts on September 24, with medal matches happening on October 3. The PCB announced that 49 players will participate in the NCAs Red-Ball and White-Ball camps. These camps are designed to prepare players for upcoming international and domestic competitions. Throughout the camps, players will train under the guidance of National and NCA coaches, as well as PCB Medical staff, focusing on skill development and fitness. The mens cricket tournament starts on September 24, with medal matches happening on October 3. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Pakistan squad for Asian Games: Sahibzada Farhan (c), Abdul Samad (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Saad Masood, Saim Ayub, Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan (wk) Article Source: IANS

Womens T20 World Cup 2026 Set for Historic Start as India Eye Glory Under Harmanpreet

The ECB selected Londons Waterloo Bridge for an event to announce the arrival of the Womens T20 World Cup on home soil and transformed it into a cricket pitch for the day on Sunday, 7th June. The skippers of the 12 competing nations took part in the event and shoot out and Nat Sciver-Brunt, the England captain, hoped to inspire a fresh generation of future stars. She voiced her hopes of establishing a new legacy. Waterloo Bridge is a road and foot traffic bridge crossing the River Thames in London and offers the sight of St Pauls and the City to the east, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament to the west. The existing bridge was built by women during the Second World War (19391945), inspiring various songs and stories about London. Indias first Womens World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet was most in demand among the fans for the selfie requests on the iconic Waterloo Bridge and was more than just a crowd favourite. The Womens T20 World Cup gets under way on 12th June evening when hosts England meet in a Group 2 clash against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston. The event will be staged at venues in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol and Southampton. Six-time winners Australia are once again among the favourites to lift the title, which was won by New Zealand in Dubai two years ago. India, under one of the most experienced and celebrated captains Harmanpreet Kaur, opens its campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday, June 14 at Edgbaston at 7:00 p.m. IST. Termed as the biggest ever Women's T20 World Cup, it features a record 12 teams, including the Netherlands and Scotland, the two Associate representatives. Over 200,000 tickets have already been sold, with sales having surpassed any previous edition of the ICC Womens T20 World Cup. The tournament should break records and set a new benchmark for women's sport. The urge is to seize the moment of England and Wales hosting the ICC Womens T20 World Cup and make 2026 the biggest ever year for womens cricket. The ICC is hopeful that even the direct clash with the FIFA World Cup 2026 will not diminish the reach and popularity of the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup. 2026 Women's T20 World Cup: June 12 to July 5 2026 FIFA World Cup: June 11 to July 19 This time, a total of 12 teams, meaning two more than the 10 teams that played in 2024, were selected as follows: One host: England Top five teams from the 2024 T20 World Cup: Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa and the West Indies. From the rest, the top two teams in the ICC T20 International rankings: Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Four teams from the Qualifier Series: Bangladesh, Ireland, the Netherlands and Scotland Some other key points about the teams: *The Netherlands is competing in the Women's T20 World Cup for the first time. *Competing in this T20 World Cup is a major achievement for Bangladesh, as they will play a women's international match in England for the first time. They qualified after a perfect qualifying campaign, winning all nine of their matches. * This tournament is historic for European countries, as four of the 12 teams are European (England, Ireland, Scotland and Netherlands). Four teams from Asia are also participating (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh & Pakistan). * For the first time, England and Scotland will face each other in England in either the men's or women's World Cup. * New Zealand are the defending champions, having won the 2024 edition. *Four teams are led by Mumbai Indians: India (Harmanpreet Kaur), England (Nat Sciver-Brunt), West Indies (Hayley Matthews), New Zealand (Amelia Kerr) The 12 teams are divided into two groups of six each, facing each other in a round-robin format during the group stage. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage. Two semi-finals will be played on June 30th and July 2nd, and the final will be played at Lord's on July 5th. Reserve days have been set aside for both the semi-finals and final. Group A : Australia, Bangladesh, India, Netherlands, Pakistan, South Africa Group B : England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Sri Lanka, West Indies Prize Money The ICC has announced a record prize fund of $8,764,615 for the tournament, a 10% increase from the 2024 edition, which was a total of $7,958,077. Look at who will receive what: The champion team will receive $2.34 million, The runner-up will receive $1.17 million, Each losing semi-finalist will receive $6.75 million, The team that wins each group match will receive $31,154. It's also confirmed that all 12 participating teams will receive $247,500, meaning none of the teams will return empty-handed. Players who played in the inaugural women's T20 World Cup & are playing in this edition too: Ellyse Perry, Marizanne Kapp, Chamari Atapattu, Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Deandra Dottin, Stafanie Taylor, Harmanpreet Kaur Dane van Niekerk Shabnim Ismail Also Read: Live Cricket Score Players to play in all 10 editions of the women's T20 World Cup: Ellyse Perry, Suzie Bates, Chamari Atapattu, Sophie Devine, Stafanie Taylor, Harmanpreet Kaur.

Ben Stokes Considering England Captaincy Future After Nightclub Incident

Ben Stokes is preparing to make a decision on his future as England captain, several British media outlets reported Tuesday following his involvement in a nightclub incident with a Saracens rugby player. Stokes and bowler Gus Atkinson are facing a probe by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for breaking team curfew rules on Monday morning following England's win in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's. The pair were also reported to have become involved in what became a physical confrontation. Britain's Press Association named the rugby player involved as Totoa Auvaa, a 6ft 5in (1.95 metres) and 19 stones 8lbs (124.28 kilogrammes) former Samoa A and Samoa Under-20 captain. A security guard who was with the England duo was reportedly injured in the incident. It is the latest controversy concerning the England team following a tour of Australia where the side faced allegations of a drinking culture during a 4-1 Ashes series loss concluded in January. The squad announcement for next week's second Test at the Oval has been delayed and there are now growing concerns over whether Stokes can continue as England captain. But there will be no need to sack Stokes from the captaincy should the 35-year-old resign from a post he has held since 2022. And the possibility remains he could now quit international cricket completely. There have been suggestions Stokes and Atkinson were unaware a midnight curfew imposed on the players after the Ashes debacle was still in place, even though the first Test against New Zealand had finished. Stokes, as captain, would be expected to know the rules, however, while a failure to explain fully the terms of the curfew would reflect badly on both England managing director Rob Key and coach Brendon McCullum. Former England captain David Gower said Stokes' position as captain was in severe doubt. - 'Mortified' - One of the responsibilities as a captain is to set the right tone; if you're leading, you have to set the right example, Gower, 69, told the BBC on Tuesday. They have to sort it out. If you've agreed to a curfew you have to abide by it. I've got a lot of respect for Ben and most the things he's done for the last three years or so as England captain. He has become -- or, I probably have to use the past tense now -- had become, a very important figure as a leader of that team. I don't know what he's thinking at the moment... regret could be the least of it. He will be mortified, I'm sure, to have put himself in that position in the early hours. It's a misjudgement. You've put yourself in a bad position and you've put yourself at risk. Stokes spoke of giving up alcohol during his recovery from injury last year. But soon after England had completed a dominant 115-run win against New Zealand at Lord's, to go 1-0 up in a three-match series, he told reporters: I won't be really happy until I get to share a beer with the boys. If Stokes is stripped of the captaincy, vice-captain Harry Brook -- already the skipper of England's white-ball teams -- could lead the hosts at the Oval. This would represent a remarkable reversal of fortune for Brook, who was fined and censured for late-night drinking and clashing with a nightclub bouncer before captaining England in a one-day international in Wellington in October. That episode led England to impose the midnight curfew, with McCullum saying after the Wellington incident became public: If you go back to the day that I walked into the job, the first thing I said to these boys is, 'don't do anything that lands you on the front page of the paper and nothing good ever happens after midnight'. In 2017, Stokes was involved in an incident outside a nightclub in Bristol, southwest England, that led to him being charged with affray. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He subsequently missed the Ashes tour of 2017/18 before he was found not guilty of the charge following a trial at Bristol Crown Court in August 2018.

Serena Williams makes winning return in Queens Club doubles

Charlie Allison stars again as Eagles maintain flying form

Sam Billings fires in reply but Kent fall narrowly short in chase of 188

Liam Livingstone 86* from 31 eases Lancashire home in 10-over chase

Durham's fourth defeat in a row leaves them precariously placed alongside fellow strugglers

David Willey leads from front as Northants make it six in a row

Captain takes two wickets and top-scores with 47 off 33 on night of milestones

Stokes to hold crisis talks with management as Test future hangs in balance

Allrounder considering retirement as he anticipates suspension and fine following breach of team curfew

Potgieter helps Hampshire save follow-on

Jordan Clark takes four, Matt Fisher three but Surrey held up in attempts to force victory

First-timers: On the French Open 2026

Upsets and withdrawals saw new champions at French Open

T20 Mumbai League 2026: Bista, Attarde Shine In Tigers 66-run Win Over Falcons

Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs: Sarfaraz Khans Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs rode on a disciplined all-round performance to register a clinical 66-run victory over Shreyas Iyers SOBO Mumbai Falcons in a league match of the ongoing T20 Mumbai League 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday. Banking on blistering half-centuries from Jay Bista and Ajit Yadav, the Tigers first piled up a massive 227/6 in their 20 overs before Shashank Attarde and Shams Mulani led the demolition act with the ball to bundle out the Falcons for 161 in 17.5 overs and seal a comprehensive win. Chasing the daunting target, the Falcons were off to a solid start with opener Ishan Mulchandani (40 off 15) taking the attack to the Tigers from the outset. Attacking right from the start, Ishan dominated the 33-run opening partnership with Aditya Tare (1), scoring the bulk of the runs and putting the Tigers on the back foot. However, the momentum shifted once Shams Mulani (3/47) dismissed Tare in the third over. Falcons then suffered a dramatic collapse, losing four more wickets for another 46 runs as off-spinner Shashank Attarde (4/33) spun a web and rattled the top and middle order. Attarde also accounted for newly-appointed India T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, who could manage 10, which left the Falcons reeling at 79/5. Harsh Aghav (43) fought a lone battle, trying to keep the chase alive; however, he found little support from others. Mulani struck again to remove Harsh at a crucial stage, effectively ending the Falcons hopes as they were eventually bundled out in 17.5 overs. Earlier, the Tigers justified their decision to bat first after winning the toss, posting an imposing total in their allotted 20 overs. Openers Jay Bista (57) and Sarfaraz (31) provided a flying start, racing to 50 runs in just three overs and putting Falcons under immediate pressure. Prathamesh Dake provided the breakthrough in the fourth over by dismissing dangerous Sarfaraz, whose 31-run cameo included six boundaries and a six. However, the wicket did little to slow the Tigers as Bista continued his aggressive approach, smashing eight fours and two sixes before falling. Tigers then lost a couple of quick wickets, including Harsh Rane (14), but Varun Lavande (35) and Ajit (68) rebuilt the innings brilliantly, forging a crucial 97-run stand for the fourth wicket. While Lavande played the perfect supporting act, Ajit led the charge with five fours and four sixes in a blistering 35-ball knock. Prathamesh Dake provided the breakthrough in the fourth over by dismissing dangerous Sarfaraz, whose 31-run cameo included six boundaries and a six. However, the wicket did little to slow the Tigers as Bista continued his aggressive approach, smashing eight fours and two sixes before falling. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Aakash Tigers MWS 227/6 in 20 overs (Ajit Yadav 68, Jay Bista 57; Prathamesh Dake 2/51) beat SOBO Mumbai Falcons 161 all out in 17.5 overs (Harsh Aghav 43, Ishan Mulchandani 40; Shashank Attarde 4/33, Shams Mulani 3/47) by 66 runs. Article Source: IANS

Maia Bouchier fifty leads Hampshire to victory again

Meg Lanning scored 64 in vain as the hosts slumped to their fifth defeat from the opening six games

'My best match at this level' - Mosaddek revels in successful Bangladesh comeback

In his first international appearance since November 2022, he scored 86* and picked up two wickets as Bangladesh beat Australia for only the second time in ODIs

Rehan Ahmed six-for pushes England case as Lions finally beat South Africa A

Legspinner runs through South Africa A before James Coles clinches consolation win

Cricket Icon Matthew Hayden Named Co-owner And Head Coach Of Glasgow Cosmic

European T20 Premier League: Former Australian cricket star Matthew Hayden has joined Glasgow Cosmic as co-owner and head coach ahead of the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL), marking a significant addition to the franchises leadership team. A World Cup winner and one of the most successful opening batters in cricket history, Hayden said the franchises vision and ambition were key factors behind his decision to come on board. What attracted me most was the vision behind the project. Great teams are built on strong values, clear purpose, and bold thinking. I look forward to helping build something special in Glasgow, Hayden said. Hayden highlighted the importance of fostering a winning culture and creating an environment where players can develop, perform under pressure, and reach their full potential. He also described the ETPL as an exciting opportunity to support crickets growth across new markets and inspire the next generation of talent. Glasgow Cosmic management welcomed Haydens arrival, stating that his vast experience, leadership qualities, and international reputation will be instrumental in shaping the clubs future and strengthening its presence in the European cricket landscape. The franchises roster features renowned players, including Finn Allen, Liam Livingstone, Josh Philippe, Moises Henriques, Kamindu Mendis, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Gerhard Erasmus, Duan Jansen, Ali Khan, as well as Scotland captain Richie Berrington and Scottish cricket star George Munsey. The inclusion of Scotland captain Berrington and Munsey highlights the franchises commitment to Scottish cricket as it prepares to compete in the inaugural ETPL season. The franchises roster features renowned players, including Finn Allen, Liam Livingstone, Josh Philippe, Moises Henriques, Kamindu Mendis, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Gerhard Erasmus, Duan Jansen, Ali Khan, as well as Scotland captain Richie Berrington and Scottish cricket star George Munsey. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The first edition of the ETPL is scheduled from August 26 to September 20. It completed its six-team franchise line-up at a landmark event in Dublin earlier this month, where Rahul Dravid was officially unveiled as owner of the Dublin franchise ahead of the leagues 2026 launch, joining Glasgow, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Belfast, and Rotterdam, competing in 33 matches. Article Source: IANS

Mosaddek Hossain And Nahid Rana Star As Bangladesh Beat Australia After 21 Years In ODI Cricket

Bangla National Stadium: Mosaddek Hossain marked his return to international cricket in style with an unbeaten 86, while pacer Nahid Rana ripped through the Australian batting line-up with 4 for 41 as Bangladesh stunned Australia by 86 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in the opening ODI in Dhaka on Tuesday, securing their first 50-over victory over the six-time world champions since the famous Cardiff triumph in 2005. For a long time, Cardiff 2005 was the key moment in Bangladesh's ODI history against Australia. On Tuesday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Bangladesh added another chapter by outplaying Australia to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Set a target of 285 runs, Australia was struggling at 191 for 9 when rain and lightning forced the match to be called off. This gave Bangladesh an 86-run victory under the DLS method. Cameron Green fought hard with an unbeaten 52, but wickets fell regularly around him as the visitors never recovered from an early collapse. Bangladesh's victory relied on two standout players. Mosaddek, recalled after a four-year absence, scored the highest of his ODI career with an unbeaten 86 and later took 2 for 37 in his 10 overs. Rana delivered a strong spell of fast bowling, finishing with 4 for 41. Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman had already put Australia on the back foot at 2 for 2. Australia's day was worsened by poor fielding. They dropped four catches, including three chances from Mosaddek. Their ground fielding also left a lot to be desired. After winning the toss and choosing to field, Australia started well when Nathan Ellis dismissed Saif Hassan quickly. However, Tanzid Hasan responded aggressively, driving and pulling confidently. He hit Cameron Green for a six over midwicket during the Powerplay. Tanzid reached his half-century off 41 balls before getting out for 54 to Ellis. Najmul Hossain Shanto kept the momentum going with a smooth 67, taking on the seamers and debutant Liam Scott before getting caught by Matt Renshaw at long-off. Litton Das managed only 7 before falling to Renshaw. Mosaddek then took charge of the innings. Fresh off a successful Dhaka Premier League campaign with Abahani, he gradually picked up the pace, combining traditional play with some innovation. He shared a 75-run fifth-wicket partnership with Towhid Hridoy and added another 45 runs with Taskin Ahmed. His innings included two reverse hits and a huge six off Adam Zampa over long-off in the 44th over, leading Bangladesh to finish at 284 for 8. Australia's chase fell apart right away. Taskin's first ball broke through Matthew Short's defence, while Mustafizur got Marnus Labuschagne lbw soon after, leaving Australia at 2 for 2. Cooper Connolly survived an early dropped catch and started to rebuild with captain Josh Inglis. However, Rana's extra bounce forced Inglis to edge the ball behind the stumps. Connolly and Alex Carey added 40 runs before Mosaddek struck, bowling Connolly and later dismissing Matt Renshaw. Rana continued to excel, getting Carey out for 47 before adding Liam Scott and Xavier Bartlett. Although he missed a five-wicket haul, his fiery spell put Bangladesh in control. Green reached his fourth ODI fifty and remained not out on 52, but with Australia at 191 for 9, the outcome was clear. Rana continued to excel, getting Carey out for 47 before adding Liam Scott and Xavier Bartlett. Although he missed a five-wicket haul, his fiery spell put Bangladesh in control. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Bangladesh 284/8 in 50 overs (Mosaddek Hossain 86*, Najmul Hossain Shanto 67, Tanzid Hasan Tamim 54; Nathan Ellis 3-38) beat Australia 191/9 in 42.2 overs (Cameron Green 52*; Nahid Rana 4-41, Mosaddek Hossain 2-37) by 86 runs [DLS Method] Article Source: IANS

Women's T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up: Ireland beat Bangladesh; Scotland thump Pakistan

Canning and Maguire starred for Ireland, while Bryce's 43-ball 94 took Scotland to a DLS win

Dani Gibson to captain Sunrisers Leeds in Women's Hundred

England allrounder was most-expensive signing at 190,000 in Hundred auction

Bengal T20 League: Gandhi, Sujit Guide Howrah Warriors To Victory Over Royal Tiger

The Bengal T20 League: Leading from the front, Shakir Habib Gandhi scored an unbeaten 52 off 32 balls, while Sujit Kumar Yadav starred with the ball, returning figures of 3/20, as Adamas Howrah Warriors defeated Kolkata Royal Tigers by seven wickets via the DLS Method in Season 3 of the Bengal T20 League at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday. Batting first, Kolkata Royal Tigers found themselves in trouble at 75/7 before Ronit Ghosh produced a superb counter-attacking knock. His unbeaten 71 off 37 deliveries helped the Tigers recover strongly and post a competitive 149/8 in their 20 overs. With the target revised to 122 in 15 overs, Howrah Warriors approached the chase aggressively and remained in control throughout. Gandhi anchored the innings with a composed half-century, while Kazi Junaid Saifi contributed a brisk 34 off 23 balls. Shashank Singh then provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 32 off 18 deliveries. The Warriors eventually reached 124/3 in 13.2 overs to secure a comfortable victory and collect two valuable points. The Bengal T20 League is in its Season 3 and is organised under the aegis of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). The league features eight city-based franchises representing the breadth of West Bengal - Adamas Howrah Warriors, Novus Royals Purulia, Kolkata Royal Tigers, Murshidabad Kings and Kueens, Rashmi Nes Medinipur Wizards, Servotech Siliguri Strikers, Shrachi Rarh Tigers, and Sobisco Smashers Malda competing across men's and women's competitions. Men's matches are held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, with women's matches at the JU Salt Lake Campus, Kolkata. Season 3 is anchored by the theme Ebar Jombe Khela! - a rallying cry that captures the league's spirit: fierce, uncompromising, and unmistakably Bengal. Brief scores: Kolkata Royal Tigers 149/8 in 20 overs Brief scores: Also Read: Live Cricket Score Result: Adamas Howrah Warriors won by 7 wickets (DLS Method) Article Source: IANS

Gaikwad 101 trumps Arachchige 74 as India A win thriller against Sri Lanka A

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi provided a tantalising glimpse of his potential before he was dismissed for 14 off 12 balls

Lord's pitch rated as 'unsatisfactory' following England's first Test win

ICC also hands out demerit point to Gadaffi Stadium for third ODI between Pakistan and Australia

ACA Warns Players Against Unauthorised Tournaments As Andhra Premier League Expands To Three Venues

APL Governing Council Sujay Krishna: The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has issued a stern advisory to all its registered cricketers, warning them against participating in unauthorized tournaments and private matches without prior approval, even as preparations gather pace for the fifth edition of the Andhra Premier League (APL). In a statement, the ACA reminded players that participation in unapproved events could invite disciplinary action. An Important Advisory for all ACA Registered Players. The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has issued a formal reminder: all registered players are strictly prohibited from participating in any unauthorised cricket tournaments or private matches (including tennis ball cricket leagues) without obtaining prior written approval from the ACA. The statement further stressed the need for players to adhere to the association's regulations. Please ensure full compliance to maintain your professional standing with the Association. Unauthorised participation will be treated as a violation of professional discipline and may result in strict disciplinary action. This comes at a time when the ACA intends to fortify its structure of cricket with the conduct of the Andhra Premier League, and for the first time this year, the event is set to take place in three different venues. Addressing a press conference held at the YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Monday, Chairman of APL Governing Council Sujay Krishna Rangarao said, The conduct of the tournament across three venues has to be seen as a reflection of the determination of the ACA to bolster the game of cricket across the state. He added, The idea of a league structure is to strengthen the ecosystem of Andhra Pradesh cricket and to develop young talent. Rangarao announced that Visakhapatnam will host games between June 9 and June 14, while Kadapa will host matches between June 17 and June 21, with Mangalagiri hosting the last lot from June 24 to June 30. It has indeed been a major shift from previous editions, where a single venue hosted the entire competition. Addressing a press conference held at the YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Monday, Chairman of APL Governing Council Sujay Krishna Rangarao said, The conduct of the tournament across three venues has to be seen as a reflection of the determination of the ACA to bolster the game of cricket across the state. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The official launch of APL 2026 will be inaugurated by an opening ceremony at 6 p.m., which will be presided over by the Union Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu. Article Source: IANS

Gaikwad Shines, Kamboj Strikes Late As India A Start Tri-series With Hard-fought Win Over Sri Lanka A

Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium: A magnificent century from Ruturaj Gaikwad and a composed effort from the bowlers helped India A begin the Tri-Nation A Series with a hard-fought 8-run victory over Sri Lanka A at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Tuesday. Gaikwad rescued India A from a precarious position before the visitors defended 277 to emerge victorious in a nail-biting contest that went deep into the chase. Asked to bat first, India A were rocked early as they slipped to 16/2, with both Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Prabhsimran Singh departing cheaply. Sooryavanshi's much-anticipated return after his IPL heroics lasted only 14 runs, leaving India A under pressure in the opening overs. Gaikwad then produced a captain's knock, rebuilding the innings with maturity and control. The right-hander struck 101 off 114 deliveries, an innings laced with six fours and three sixes, stabilising the innings after the early collapse and ensuring India A remained on course for a competitive total. The middle order chipped in around him with captain Tilak Varma playing a 60-run knock, before a late flourish lifted the scoring rate. Ayush Badoni contributed a brisk 24 from 18 balls, while Suryansh Shedge's unbeaten 26 off just 14 deliveries gave India A the finishing kick. The visitors collected 89 runs in the final 10 overs to post 277/6 from their 50 overs. Sri Lanka A responded positively, with Niroshan Dickwella providing early momentum before the hosts kept pace with the required rate through the middle overs. However, India A managed to strike at crucial intervals to prevent a decisive partnership from taking the game away. The chase was anchored by Sahan Arachchige, who played a superb knock of 74 from 72 balls and brought Sri Lanka A within touching distance of victory. Entering the final stages, the hosts required just 17 runs from the last three overs and appeared favourites. But India A found a way back through Anshul Kamboj. The pacer delivered a crucial yorker to bowl Arachchige in the 48th over, ending a threatening innings and injecting fresh life into the contest. Kamboj's breakthrough left Sri Lanka A needing 16 runs from 16 deliveries and shifted the pressure back onto the home side. The chase was anchored by Sahan Arachchige, who played a superb knock of 74 from 72 balls and brought Sri Lanka A within touching distance of victory. Entering the final stages, the hosts required just 17 runs from the last three overs and appeared favourites. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: India A 277/6 in 50 overs (Ruturaj Gaikwad 101, Tilak Varma 60; Mohamed Shiraz 2-67) beat Sri Lanka A all out for 269 in 48.5 overs (Sahan Arachchige 74, Niroshan Dickwella 47;Arshad Khan 2-24, Ayush Badoni 2-46) by 8 runs. Article Source: IANS

Lord's, Gaddafi Stadium Handed Demerit Points As ICC Rates Pitches 'unsatisfactory'

The International Cricket Council: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has handed one demerit point each to Lord's in London and the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore after pitches used in recent international fixtures were rated Unsatisfactory under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process. The sanction follows assessments submitted by match referees after the opening Test of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle between England and New Zealand at Lord's and the third ODI between Pakistan and Australia in Lahore. Both venues have received one demerit point, with the ICC confirming there were no previous demerit points against either ground. The respective reports have been forwarded to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), who now have 14 days to appeal the decision. At Lord's, concerns centred on the excessive assistance offered to bowlers throughout the Test match, which ended inside four days despite significant rain interruptions on the third day. The match witnessed a remarkable 33 wickets fall across the opening two days alone, with 16 wickets tumbling on Day One and a further 17 on Day Two. Explaining the decision, match referee Andy Pycroft pointed to the imbalance between bat and ball that persisted throughout the contest. There was plenty of excessive seam movement throughout the Test, and the ball also kept extremely low on several occasions. The bounce was variable throughout as 16 wickets fell on the first day and 17 on the second. There was simply an over-balance in favour of ball against bat caused by the pitch, Pycroft said. The pitch at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium came under scrutiny for entirely different reasons. While Lord's was criticised for offering excessive assistance to seam bowlers, the Lahore surface was deemed too slow and difficult to score runs on in a 50-over contest. The third ODI between Pakistan and Australia turned into a low-scoring affair, with batters from both sides struggling to score freely as the pitch offered assistance to spin from an early stage. Match referee Graeme La Brooy highlighted those concerns in his report, stating, The pitch was slow and low and made scoring runs very difficult. It did not suit a One Day International game as batters had to spend more time to settle in. It helped spin very early in the match and continued the same way throughout. The third ODI between Pakistan and Australia turned into a low-scoring affair, with batters from both sides struggling to score freely as the pitch offered assistance to spin from an early stage. Also Read: Live Cricket Score While neither Lord's nor Gaddafi Stadium faces any immediate threat, the latest ratings serve as a warning for two of the sport's most prominent venues as they seek to avoid further penalties in future international fixtures. Article Source: IANS

MPL T20: Playing Alongside Experienced Players Motivates Young Girls, Says Chambal Gharials Coach

Madhya Pradesh Premier League T20: Chambal Ghariyals womens team coach Mohnish Mishra believes the presence of Indian national team cricketers in the Womens Madhya Pradesh Premier League T20 is playing a major role in motivating young players and accelerating their development. Speaking about the impact of experienced players such as India all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar, Mishra said sharing the dressing room and the field with established stars gives young cricketers valuable exposure and confidence. When international players and WPL players who have already represented India play alongside the youngsters, it motivates them a lot. The young girls get to share the dressing room with them, play matches with them, and learn from their experience. That is a huge benefit, Mishra told IANS. He also praised the tournaments initiative to include emerging players in every team. Two PDP players who have never played district cricket before are getting an opportunity in every team. They have to play at least two matches. Getting a chance to play at such a high level alongside experienced players is very good exposure for them, he added. Mishra feels the league is helping identify and nurture new talent across the state. The girls are seeing that everyone is performing well, and new talents are coming forward. The opportunities being provided to young players are helping them gain confidence and experience, he said. The Chambal Ghariyals coach also extended his best wishes to the Indian womens team ahead of the ICC Womens T20 World Cup 2026. We won the World Cup last year, and my wish is that we bring the World Cup home again. The best team has been selected by the BCCI and the selectors. I wish them all the best for the tournament, Mishra said. Looking ahead, Mishra expressed confidence that Madhya Pradesh will continue producing players for the national team. Many talented girls are performing consistently. Players like Anushka Sharma and Kranti Goud are already making progress, while Pooja Vastrakar has set an example. In the coming years, you will see many more players from Madhya Pradesh representing India, he said. Mishra credited the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Associations structure and coaching system for the growth of womens cricket in the state. Looking ahead, Mishra expressed confidence that Madhya Pradesh will continue producing players for the national team. Many talented girls are performing consistently. Players like Anushka Sharma and Kranti Goud are already making progress, while Pooja Vastrakar has set an example. In the coming years, you will see many more players from Madhya Pradesh representing India, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He added that the state league can act as a stepping stone towards bigger opportunities. The league has benefited the players a lot. If they perform well here, it can open doors to bigger platforms like the Womens Premier League because they are already competing in a strong tournament, Mishra concluded. Article Source: IANS

'Met Virat But Couldn't Speak, Felt Nervous': Pooja Vastrakar Recalls Star-struck Moment

Met Virat Kohli: Even as one of India's most experienced all-rounders and a regular presence in the national setup, Pooja Vastrakar isn't immune to feeling starstruck. The Indian woman cricketer, currently captaining Chambal Ghariyals in the Women's MPL T20, recalled a chance meeting with Virat Kohli in South Africa and admitted that nerves got the better of her, preventing her from striking up a conversation with one of Indian cricket's biggest icons. I met Virat in South Africa. But I didn't talk to him. Because we were at the airport, and I thought he was occupied. I was nervous, maybe, so I didnt speak to him because hes someone with a busy schedule. And I never felt the need for it. Because if you go to the NCA (BCCI CoE), you meet all the players there. There are coaches. We have so many senior players in our team. So, they help us with small things. So, I didn't talk to him at that level, Pooja, who also represents RCB, told IANS during an exclusive interaction. The candid admission offered a rare glimpse into the human side of one of India's most experienced all-rounders, who has represented the country across formats and featured in the Women's Premier League for both the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Away from franchise cricket, Pooja is currently focused on leading the Chambal Ghariyals in the Women's MPL T20, a tournament she believes is an important stepping stone for aspiring cricketers. This platform is very big for girls. And when they get a platform, they get a chance to show their skills. And when there's a tournament like this, all the scout members are involved, and they have an eye on the players. And I think even they know that this is a big platform for the players and that theyre working hard. So, any good innings or a good moment, even if it's a ball, it's good for them to go to the camps, whenever there are any, she said. Asked what separates future India players from the rest, Pooja pointed to discipline as the defining quality. I think discipline is very important. Because a lot of people work hard, a lot of people have talent. But the discipline, if you're bowling an over, can you deliver all the 6 balls exactly the way the captain wants you to? If you're batting, if the score is 120, can you stay till the end and chase it down? That is where discipline is crucial in making a player a star, Pooja expressed. As captain, Pooja said her responsibilities extend far beyond her individual performances. When we play for India, we have our own responsibilities, and that sense builds in. But when you're a captain for a franchise in MPL or even the state team, for that matter, you have to act responsibly, not just for yourself but also for the 15 members plus supporting staff. And there are a lot of responsibilities. Thinking about the team, taking it to the finals, all the ups and downs. The atmosphere should be very good. So, things are very different when it comes to responsibility. But as a player, I've liked taking responsibility since childhood. So, I'm enjoying my captaincy, she noted. One of the most dependable all-rounders, Pooja said she has never felt that any part of her contribution to the national team has gone unnoticed. No, I've never felt that way. Whenever they needed me to bat, I have scored for them. Even in bowling, in all phases, in all formats. And I have always reaped rewards from it, she stated. Looking back on her own journey, the 25-year-old said the belief shown in her abilities from an early stage helped her become the player she is today. Even then, everyone believed in Pooja. They knew that she was very talented and would play for India one day. And not only will she play, but she'll also become an impactful player. And touchwood, that's what happened. So, I'm grateful, yeah. I've seen a lot of difference at a smaller level in myself from that time to now. Because when you make your debut, there are ups and downs. It's a little difficult to handle. But as you gain experience, your attitude changes and you become cool, calm, and composed, she mentioned. Looking back on her own journey, the 25-year-old said the belief shown in her abilities from an early stage helped her become the player she is today. Also Read: Live Cricket Score My message is that they are doing a good job, and they should continue playing the same way. And bring the T20 World Cup home just like they brought home the ODI World Cup, Pooja said. Article Source: IANS

T20 Mumbai Womens League: Mansis Fifty Sets Up Sky Risers' Win Over Falcons

Thane Sky Risers: Thane Sky Risers registered their first win of the inaugural T20 Mumbai Womens League with a commanding 33-run victory over SOBO Mumbai Falcons at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday. Powered by opener Mansi Patils fluent half-century, the Risers posted a competitive 159/7 before producing a disciplined bowling display to restrict the table-toppers to 126/9, inflicting the Falcons first defeat of the season. The defeat, however, wont make much of a difference to the Falcons as they have already sealed their place in the final. Chasing 160, the Falcons endured a disastrous start as Ashwini Nishad (2/8) struck on the first two deliveries of the innings to leave them reeling at 0-2. Skipper Riya Chaudhari (23) and Vedika Nikam (15) attempted to steady the innings, but neither could convert their starts. Prakashika Naik then turned the game decisively in the Risers favour with an impressive spell of 3/25, dismantling the middle order and reducing the Falcons to 69/6. Janhvi Kate kept the chase alive briefly with a late assault, producing 24 off 14 balls, but Trisha Parmar (2-17) ensured there would be no late resurgence as the Falcons fell well short of the target. Earlier, after being asked to bat, the Risers lost Vruushali Bhagat cheaply before Mansi and Heeya Pandit (36) stitched together a crucial 42-run partnership for the second wicket. Mansi led the charge with a sparkling 55 off 37 deliveries, striking nine fours and a six. Khushi Bhatia added a valuable 29, but regular wickets in the closing stages prevented the Risers from pushing beyond the 160-mark. Nevertheless, the total proved more than enough as their bowlers combined effectively to seal a much-needed victory. Earlier, on Monday evening, Arcs Andheri rode spectacular all-round performances from Arjun Tendulkar (3/11 & 66 not out off 34 balls) and Musheer Khan (1/24 & 54 not out off 38) to thrash Bandra Blasters by 9 wickets in the mens tournament of the ongoing T20 Mumbai League 2026 at the same venue. Khushi Bhatia added a valuable 29, but regular wickets in the closing stages prevented the Risers from pushing beyond the 160-mark. Nevertheless, the total proved more than enough as their bowlers combined effectively to seal a much-needed victory. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: Thane Sky Risers 159/7 in 20 overs (Mansi Patil 55, Heeya Pandit 36; Swara Jadhav 2/22) beat SOBO Mumbai Falcons 126/9 in 20 overs (Janhvi Kate 24, Riya Chaudhari 23; Prakashika Naik 3/25) by 33 runs. Article Source: IANS

Its bigger. Is it better? A look at the differences between the 1994 and 2026 FIFA World Cups

The expanded tournament features more teams, more venues, higher ticket prices, new rules and a broader North American footprint

Chota Nagpur Royals Takes On Ranchi Titans In Jharkhand T20 League Opener, Dhoni To Attend Opening Ceremony

The Jharkhand State Cricket Association: Virat Singh led, Chota Nagpur Royals will take on Rajandeep Singhs Ranchi Titans in the opening match of the Jharkhand T20 League starting from June 10 at the JSCA International Stadium Complex. The opener will be followed the opening ceremony for the Jharkhand T20 League which will be attended by the pride of Jharkhand, MS. Dhoni, one of the most internationally respected cricketers India has produced. The second match of the day will be played between Koylanchal Super Kings and Jamshedpur Steelers, captained by Utkarsh Singh and Kumar Deobrat, respectively. The Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) have announced the final fixtures for the twenty-seven matches to be played at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, including the two semi-finals and the final. Six franchises i.e. Ranchi Titans, Jamshedpur Steelers, Chota Nagpur Royals, Koylanchal Super Kings, Dhanbad Diamonds and Santhal Strikers will be fighting for the coveted trophy of the inaugural Jharkhand T20 League. This league marks a significant milestone in Jharkhand cricket. We are excited to witness the best talent from the state compete at a professional level and inspire the next generation of cricketers and wish all the teams and the cricketers the best of luck. said Ajay Nath Shah Deo, President, JSCA. The response from players, franchises and supporters has already been phenomenal. We are confident that the inaugural edition will set a strong benchmark for the future stated by Sanjay Pandey, Vice President, JSCA. The Jharkhand T20 League will create immense opportunities for young players to showcase their abilities alongside experienced campaigners. We look forward to an exciting season ahead said Saurabh Tiwary, Honorary Secretary, JSCA. The response from players, franchises and supporters has already been phenomenal. We are confident that the inaugural edition will set a strong benchmark for the future stated by Sanjay Pandey, Vice President, JSCA. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The core aim of the league is to create a platform enabling cricketers to showcase their talent and excel at the state, national and international level. Ishan Kishan, Robin Minz, Kumar Kushagra, Anukul Roy, Sushant Mishra, Utkarsh Singh and Virat Singh are amongst the key players that will be seen in action at the inaugural Jharkhand T20 League. Article Source: IANS

Life Has Completely Changed After ODI WC, We'll Continue This Run Of Winning Trophies': Harmanpreet Kaur

Cricket World Cup: India captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes the team's historic ICC Women's Cricket World Cup triumph last year has transformed the outlook of the side, as the players prepare for another shot at global glory at the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. After years of near misses and heartbreak on the biggest stages, India finally broke through by securing their maiden senior women's ICC title with a 50-over World Cup win. As India gear up for the T20 World Cup, skipper Harmanpreet said the breakthrough success has had a profound impact on the squad's confidence and belief. Yeah, 100 per cent. I think everybody will agree with me that life has completely changed after winning our first ODI World Cup. Hopefully, we'll continue this run of winning trophies. This is what I want as a captain, and I think it's what everyone in our team has been dreaming of. Hopefully, we'll continue moving in this direction, Harmanpreet told JioStar. The experienced skipper has been one of the central figures in India's rise over the past decade. Having featured in multiple ICC events and witnessed several campaigns end in disappointment, Harmanpreet now leads a side carrying the confidence that comes from knowing it can win on the biggest stage. That confidence has been evident in India's preparations for the T20 World Cup. The team recently began its warm-up campaign with a victory over the West Indies in Cardiff, with several squad members delivering encouraging performances. The result added to the growing optimism surrounding a team that now enters major tournaments with heightened expectations rather than lingering doubts. The experienced skipper has been one of the central figures in India's rise over the past decade. Having featured in multiple ICC events and witnessed several campaigns end in disappointment, Harmanpreet now leads a side carrying the confidence that comes from knowing it can win on the biggest stage. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, India will be aiming to build on the most successful chapter in their history and add another ICC trophy to their collection. Article Source: IANS

Winning Has Become Second Nature For India, Says Head Coach Muzumdar Ahead Of Women's T20 WC

Cricket World Cup: India head coach Amol Muzumdar believes the team's sustained success over the last few years has helped create a winning culture within the squad, as the reigning ICC Women's Cricket World Cup champions prepare for another shot at global silverware at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. India enter the tournament carrying the tag of world champions after ending their long wait for a senior women's ICC title by lifting the 50-over World Cup last year. The achievement has elevated expectations around the side, but Muzumdar insists his players are well-equipped to handle the pressures that come with competing on cricket's biggest stage. There's pressure in every tournament, and the players are used to it. They've been playing international cricket for some time now. But in a tournament like the World Cup, we'll be going in as ODI World Cup champions for the first time, Muzumdar told JioStar. The coach believes India's recent success has not been built solely on major tournament performances but on a mindset developed through consistently treating every series as an important assignment. Winning is a habit. Over the last three years, we've tried to win every series and to treat each one as extremely important, regardless of who we're playing against. Once you get into the habit of winning series, it becomes second nature, he said. Under Harmanpreet Kaur and Muzumdar, India have established themselves as one of the most consistent teams in women's cricket, with the World Cup triumph serving as the culmination of years of progress. The focus now is on maintaining those standards and ensuring the team approaches the T20 World Cup with the same intensity that fueled their success in the 50-over format. Muzumdar also highlighted the commitment shown by the squad during its build-up to the tournament, praising the players' dedication during the preparation phase. The team has been working very hard on this for the past month. I've never seen a team, irrespective of gender, work so hard and be so dedicated towards one goal, he mentioned. While India will rely heavily on experienced campaigners such as Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma and Jemimah Rodrigues, the squad also includes players who were not part of the World Cup-winning group. Integrating those players into the team's culture has been a key focus for the coaching staff. Discussing the message delivered to squad members who missed out on last year's historic triumph, Muzumdar emphasised the importance of unity and knowledge-sharing within the dressing room. It's about bringing the youngsters together. This team has seniors who are always ready to share whatever experiences they have gained, Muzumdar stated. The coach pointed to wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia as an example of a player capable of making an impact despite spending significant time away from the international arena because of injury setbacks. There are a few new faces in this team. Yastika has been playing for many years, but she was sidelined due to injury. She knows what international cricket is all about, he added The coach pointed to wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia as an example of a player capable of making an impact despite spending significant time away from the international arena because of injury setbacks. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With the confidence of world champions and a squad blending experience with emerging talent, India will head into the Women's T20 World Cup aiming to prove that last year's triumph was not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a sustained era of success. Article Source: IANS

Mosaddek stars on ODI comeback to lift Bangladesh to 284

Nathan Ellis impressed with the ball while Matt Renshaw also bowled well, but Australia spilled four catches

Prasidh Krishna Replaces Siraj In T20I Squads For Ireland, England Tour

BCCI Medical Team: Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has been withdrawn from India's squads for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England, with the selection committee naming Prasidh Krishna as his replacement. BCCI said Siraj has been advised a period of rest following discussions between the medical team and the management. The board said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the right-arm pacer gets adequate recovery time ahead of a long international season. Following discussions between the BCCI Medical Team and the Team Management, Siraj has been advised a period of rest as part of his workload management programme. The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure adequate recovery ahead of a long international season, the BCCI said in its statement. Prasidh was in fine form in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The Gujarat Titans fast bowler took 16 wickets in 12 matches at an economy rate of 10.44. He has played five T20Is so far, with eight wickets at an economy rate of 11. His last game for India in the format came in November 2023, against Australia in Guwahati. Prasidh is also part of India's squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan beginning June 13 Shreyas Iyer, who was appointed the new captain in place of Suryakumar Yadav, will lead the side, with Tilak Varma serving as vice-captain. The squad also includes 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who can become the youngest player to play international cricket for India. Prasidh is also part of India's squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan beginning June 13 Also Read: Live Cricket Score Indias updated squad for the Ireland and England T20I series: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Prasidh Krishna. Article Source: IANS

Prasidh replaces Siraj for Ireland and England T20Is

The decision has been taken to manage the fast bowler's workload, the BCCI said in a statement

Melie Kerr Becomes No.1 All-rounder; Harmanpreet Returns To Top 10 In ICC Rankings

Bangladesh Skipper Nigar Sultana: New Zealand star Melie Kerr dethroned West Indies skipper Healy Matthews to regain the top spot in the T20I all-rounders chart as the International Cricket Council (ICC) released the updated women's rankings on Tuesday. Kerr returns to the top position just days before the start of the T20 World Cup, with West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews dropping back to the No.2 slot after she sat out her side's final fixture of the recent tri-series in Ireland. Despite New Zealand's skipper claiming the throne, the race at the top of the all-rounders chart remains tight, with Kerr's lead sitting at just five rating points as the two influential skippers jostle for positions at the upcoming T20 World Cup in England and Wales that commences on June 12. While the Australian duo of Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney has continued to remain at top two positions in the batters ranking and will head to the tournament as number one and two batters. Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has improved her position by one spot and is back in the top 10 list following her unbeaten half-century in the recent series decider against England in Taunton. There are also gains for the England players who performed well in the series, as Alice Capsey, who was the Player of the Match in the series decider with a superb innings of 82 runs has moved up 13 places to improve to 30th on the list for T20I batters. Bangladesh Skipper Nigar Sultana has moved up two slots to come in at 18th position in the batters ranking. While England veteran Heather Knight moves to 21st position after moving up four spots. England spinner Linsey Smith will enter as the Number 1 T20I bowler as she has maintained her narrow advantage in the No.1 position ahead of Pakistan counterpart Sadia Iqbal. Bangladesh Skipper Nigar Sultana has moved up two slots to come in at 18th position in the batters ranking. While England veteran Heather Knight moves to 21st position after moving up four spots. Also Read: Live Cricket Score While Kerr and Matthews dominate the charts for T20I all-rounders, there are gains for Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce, who is up nine places to be placed at 17th following some decent efforts during their recent tri-series against Bangladesh and the Netherlands. Article Source: IANS

Venkatesh Iyer, Shivam Shukla Power Indore Pink Panthers To First Win In Madhya Pradesh League

Indore Pink Panthers: The Holkar Stadium witnessed a batting spectacle as the Indore Pink Panthers etched their first win in the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Scindia Cup 2026, beating the Malwa Stallions by 31 runs. After posting a massive 229/5, Pink Panthers restricted the Malwa Stallions at 198/9 to secure a 31-run win. The Panthers suffered an early setback when opener Siddharth Patidar was dismissed for just 2 off 10 balls. However, wicketkeeper-batter Atharv Joshi and Karan Tahliyani steadied the innings with a brisk 44-run partnership. Joshi played an aggressive knock of 45 off just 20 deliveries before departing, while Tahliyani continued to anchor the innings and went on to score a well-made half-century. A couple of useful partnerships kept the scoreboard ticking, but the Panthers found themselves at 131/4 in the 15th over. It was then that captain Venkatesh Iyer joined forces with Saransh Surana, and the duo completely changed the complexion of the innings. The pair launched a relentless assault on the bowlers, striking boundaries at will and dominating the final overs with some clean and powerful hitting. Their explosive partnership pushed the Stallions onto the back foot and helped the Panthers finish with a daunting total. Iyer smashed a blistering 54 off just 22 balls, an innings studded with six sixes and a boundary, while Surana remained unbeaten on 50 off only 17 deliveries, hammering five sixes and three fours. For Malwa Stallions, captain Ashutosh Sharma was the most economical bowler, finishing with figures of 1-32 from his four overs. In reply, Indore Pink Panthers' bowlers and especially Shivam Shukla responded brilliantly. Roshan Kewat provided the early breakthrough by dismissing Aryan Deshmukh for 10 off 5 balls. Ansh Yadav and Sachin Vishwakarma then tried to revive the chase with a 55-run partnership. Ansh scored a quick 31 off 19 deliveries, while Vishwakarma contributed a fighting 47 off 32 balls. However, the Panthers struck back strongly and ripped through the Stallions middle order, leaving them reeling at 144/7 and firmly on the back foot. Parth Sahani provided some late entertainment with a fighting knock, playing a few delightful strokes and keeping the crowd engaged as he struck 54 off 28. However, the required run-rate had climbed too high by then, leaving Malwa Stallions with too much to do in the closing stages. Meanwhile, Shivam Shukla starred with the ball for Indore Pink Panthers, claiming a brilliant five-wicket haul to seal a dominant victory for his side. Reflecting on the win, Panther skipper Iyer said, Its great to get our first win of the tournament and collect those two important points. But I feel we left at least 20 more runs out there with the bat. We probably had the opportunity to win by a much bigger margin. Fielding is an area we need to improve as well. Some catches were difficult because the ball was swirling under the lights, but I dont want to make excuses. I dropped a straightforward chance myself, so I take responsibility for that, he further added. Reflecting on the win, Panther skipper Iyer said, Its great to get our first win of the tournament and collect those two important points. But I feel we left at least 20 more runs out there with the bat. We probably had the opportunity to win by a much bigger margin. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Panthers will now take on Rewa Jaguars in their next fixture at Daly College on Wednesday. Article Source: IANS

'Young Pacer Need To Step Up With Cummins, Starc And Hazlewood In Their 30s': McGrath

New Delhi: Former Australian great Glenn McGrath has urged the Australian young pacers to make the best use of the opportunities they get as the legendary trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc move into later stages of their career. McGrath believes that Australia has a promising crop of young fast bowlers waiting in the wings, but stressed that the next generation will need to seize the opportunities that come their way. Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins are all in their mid-to-late thirties, arent they? You wonder how long they can go, McGrath said as quoted by ESPNCricinfo. The legendary pacer noted that Australia faces an important transition period, particularly with an Ashes series in England on the horizon. I look at it from an Australian perspective in Test cricket. The Ashes is coming up next year in England, and Australia have not won an Ashes in England outright since 2001. Hopefully, theres incentive for the boys to keep going, but theres going to be that turnover, he said. McGrath pointed to several young fast bowlers who could emerge as long-term successors to the experienced trio. Theres a few coming through at the moment. The Pakistan tours before and after the World T20 didnt go to plan, but I think theres opportunity for quite a few young guys at the moment. Guys like Spencer Johnson have some real pace, but whether theyve had enough opportunity? I know Nathan Ellis has been for a while and Xavier Bartlett; they are the next level in white-ball cricket, he said. McGrath also highlighted the depth available in Australias domestic system, naming Will Sutherland, Jack Edwards and Brendan Doggett among the players pushing for higher honours. Youve also got Will Sutherland, Jack Edwards and Brendan Doggett. Plenty of young guys there, but well wait and see if someone really puts their hands up, he added. The former fast bowler credited Australias Sheffield Shield competition for producing quality talent and believes strong performances at the domestic level will determine who earns a place in the national setup. Youve also got Will Sutherland, Jack Edwards and Brendan Doggett. Plenty of young guys there, but well wait and see if someone really puts their hands up, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, the fitness and depth of Australia's pace resources will be tested over the crucial next 14 months with at least 20 Tests on the schedule. Article Source: IANS

A Final Shot At Glory: 5 Cricketers Who Can Call It Quits After Women's T20 WC 2026

T20 World Cup: As the ICC Womens T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, fans across the globe are preparing for more than just a battle for the trophy. For several of the games most celebrated names, the tournament will mark the final chapter of remarkable international careers that have inspired a generation of cricketers. With the competition set to begin on June 12 in England and Wales, a number of experienced stars are expected to take the field one last time on the global stage. Here are five players who could retire from international cricket after the Womens T20 World Cup 2026. 1. Sophie Devine (New Zealand) One of the finest all-rounders in womens cricket, Sophie Devine has already confirmed that the 2026 Womens T20 World Cup will be her final international assignment. A powerful batter and a dependable bowler, Devine has been a pillar of New Zealand cricket for more than two decades. Having stepped away from ODIs in 2025, she now has one final opportunity to help the White Ferns defend their World Cup success. Her T20I career includes 3,719 runs, highlighted by her aggressive stroke play and match-winning ability. The 36-year-old has also taken 128 wickets in 154 matches. 2. Lea Tahuhu (New Zealand) Veteran fast bowler Lea Tahuhu is also set to bring the curtain down on her international career after the tournament. Known for her pace, aggression and competitiveness, Tahuhu has been one of New Zealands most successful seamers. She signed off from ODIs as her countrys leading wicket-taker in the format and enters her final tournament with nearly 100 T20I wickets to her name. Her experience will be crucial to New Zealands hopes of a memorable farewell campaign. 3. Suzie Bates (New Zealand) Few players have left a bigger mark on womens cricket than Suzie Bates. The former New Zealand captain remains one of the most accomplished batters in the history of the game and is widely expected to retire after the World Cup. Bates is the leading run-scorer in Womens T20I cricket and among the most prolific performers in ODIs. Across a career spanning nearly 20 years, she has combined consistency, longevity and leadership, while also contributing valuable wickets with the ball. Bates has scored 4720 runs in 183 T20I matches. The 38-year-old has also taken 62 wickets. 4. Megan Schutt (Australia) Australia pace spearhead Megan Schutt has already announced that the Womens T20 World Cup 2026 will be her final ICC event. Since making her debut in 2012, Schutt has established herself as one of the most successful fast bowlers in womens cricket. With more than 300 international wickets and multiple world titles to her name, the Australian quick will be aiming to finish her career by helping her team add another trophy to its collection. Scutt has taken 152 wickets in 125 T20i matches. 5. Shabnim Ismail (South Africa) For a time, it appeared that cricket fans had seen the last of Shabnim Ismail in South African colours post her side's defeat at home in the 2023 edition of the tournament. 5. Shabnim Ismail (South Africa) Also Read: Live Cricket Score However, the 37-year-old might again say goodbye to international cricket after the multi-national tournament concludes in England. Article Source: IANS