Joe Root reveals how he plans to end his batting slump
England captain Joe Root expresses confidence in overcoming his recent batting slump, citing his extensive experience and over 14,000 Test runs as proof of his ability to navigate difficult periods. He also addressed the team's responsible celebration following their series win.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashes 57-year-old record, scores magnificent 92 against Central Zone
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi put forth a brilliant performance in the first innings as Central Zone took on East Zone in the ongoing Duleep Trophy semi-final. The two sides met at the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India)Centre of Excellence Ground 1, Bengaluru, from August 30th, and the game saw Central Zone come in to bat first and post a total of 266 runs on the board.
Babar Azam admits why Pakistan collapsed at Lord's
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam attributed his team's 194-run defeat against England in the second Test at Lord's primarily to their batting failures in both innings, despite winning the toss and opting to bowl first.
Odisha T20 League CM Trophy Returns With Six Teams And 17 Matches At Cuttack
Odisha T20 League CM Trophy: Odisha cricket enthusiasts can look forward to an engaging tournament as the Odisha T20 League CM Trophy makes a comeback. Six franchises will compete for the title at the historic Barabati Stadium in Cuttack from September 20 to 29. The tournament, titled the CM Trophy to symbolise the dedication and backing of Honble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi for the growth and promotion of cricket and sports in Odisha, will serve as a significant platform for the states rising cricketers to display their talent on a larger stage. The six teams participating are Cuttack Panthers, Bhubaneswar Tigers, Rourkela Steelers, Keonjhar Miners, Puri Titans, and Sambalpur Warriors. The player draft is scheduled for September 6, before the start of the 17-match tournament. For Odishas young cricketers, the league will offer an opportunity to play competitive T20 cricket under lights at one of the states most iconic venues, Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. With seasoned players, coaches, and franchise support, the tournament is likely to provide young athletes with important match experience and serve as a stepping stone in their careers. The trophy was revealed in the presence of Odisha Cricket Association's Office Bearers, officially launching the tournament's second edition. Attendees included Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, President of OCA; Prabhat Bhol, Joint Secretary; Bikash Pradhan, Treasurer; and Pratap Chandra Pradhan, an Apex Council Member. The previous edition saw Cuttack Panthers emerge as champions, and the six teams will now look to build on that competition and challenge for the trophy in the new season. Speaking about the tournament, Odisha Cricket Association President Pankaj Lochan Mohanty said, The Odisha T20 League CM Trophy is an important step towards strengthening the cricketing ecosystem in the state. Our focus is not only on organising a competitive tournament but also on creating a platform where young players can perform, learn and grow. We want Odishas talented cricketers to get the exposure they need to take their careers forward. The league will prioritise increasing visibility for Odishas players. By hosting matches at Barabati Stadium and broadcasting them to a broader audience, young athletes will have a better chance to attract scouts and team attention beyond Odisha. The league is expected to allow Odishas players to perform before a much larger audience, potentially attracting the attention of IPL franchises. The league will provide Odishas players with an opportunity like no other to showcase their talent at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Over 10 days and across 17 matches, they will get the chance to perform on a big stage, he added. The league will prioritise increasing visibility for Odishas players. By hosting matches at Barabati Stadium and broadcasting them to a broader audience, young athletes will have a better chance to attract scouts and team attention beyond Odisha. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The 17-match tournament is set to take place at the Barabati Stadium from September 20 to 29, including an exhibition womens match on the final day. The Odisha T20 League CM Trophy, featuring six franchises, 17 competitive matches, and a talented pool of young cricketers eager to shine, aims to be more than just a domestic T20 event. It serves as a platform for Odishas emerging players to aspire bigger, excel under pressure, and begin their journey toward top-tier opportunities in cricket. Article Source: IANS
15-YO Sooryavanshi Breaks 57-Year-Old Duleep Trophy Record
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old batter, made history by becoming the youngest player to score a half-century in the Duleep Trophy. Playing for East Zone against Central Zone, he scored an unbeaten 80 off 69 balls, breaking a 57-year-old record.
England V Pakistan Second Test: 3 Talking Points
England thrashed Pakistan by 194 runs to win the second Test at Lord's on Sunday and so take an unbeatable 2-0 lead in a three-match campaign. Below AFP Sport looks at three talking points that emerged as England completed their first multi-match Test series win in over a year. Relentless Robinson The present England management have sometimes given the impression the only thing that matters in a pace attack is sheer speed. But Ollie Robinson has demonstrated the importance of accuracy and movement as well. Robinson lacks the express pace and physical threat of Sussex and England team-mate Jofra Archer. But the seamer's range of skills were on display at Lord's where, albeit helped by a green-tinged pitch, Robinson was named player-of-the-match for a haul of 8-35 that included a remarkable 4-11 in 13 overs during Pakistan's first innings. While concerns over his fitness and questions regarding some social media posts have threatened to derail his England career, there have rarely been any doubts over the 32-year-old Robinson's talent. In his three Tests this season the Sussex captain has taken 23 wickets at a stunningly low average of 8.34, with England skipper Joe Root saying on Sunday Robinson was horrendous (to face) in these conditions. Pitch problems a worry for Lord's The way England opener Emilio Gay fell lbw for 31 to a 'pea-shooter' delivery from Pakistan paceman Mohammad Abbas was the kind of dismissal that really should not happen on the third day of a Test and certainly not at a ground that styles itself as the Home of Cricket. For Gay, struggling to cement his place in the England side, it was a particularly cruel exit as what should be a game of skill was turned into a lottery by uneven bounce. It was also a worrying sign for Marylebone Cricket Club, the owners of Lord's. The pitch for the previous Test at Lord's, against New Zealand, was rated as unsatisfactory by the International Cricket Council, with next year's World Test Championship final relocated across London to the Oval partly as a consequence. And while previous surfaces at Lord's, renowned for its steep slope across the ground, faced criticism for being bland and too much in favour of the batsmen, clearly there are limits. MCC recognised they had an issue after the New Zealand match, announcing the creation of an agronomy advisory group and a phased pitch-relaying programme, although any benefits from may not be seen for several years and are unlikely to be of much consolation to Gay. Shakeel salvages some batting respect for Pakistan Pakistan have yet to make 200 so far this series, with the tourists dismissed for 171 and 135 during an innings and 103-run defeat in the first Test at Headingley before managing 110 and 194 at Lord's. But that Pakistan, already bottom of the World Test Championship table before this latest thumping loss, at least got close to a benchmark total on Sunday was largely down to Saud Shakeel's enterprising 97. Coming in with Pakistan in dire straits at 14-3, he initially scored briskly without taking undue risks before a flurry of thrilling boundaries, including two superb hooked sixes off fast bowler Josh Tongue took him to within sight of a hundred. Shakeel fell just short of what would have been his fifth century in 25 Tests when he holed out off Tongue, the left-hander failing to join Abbas on the Lord's honours boards following the veteran seamer's five-wicket haul earlier Sunday. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories In the batting, we weren't up to the mark (in the first innings), said Babar Azam, the Pakistan captain. Saud Shakeel showed his class and dedication in the second innings.
Tamim Breaks Silence on Bangladesh's World Cup Boycott
Bangladesh Cricket Board President Tamim Iqbal remains optimistic about a white-ball series against India, despite the originally planned September window being missed. He confirmed that both boards are actively seeking a suitable time, highlighting positive intentions from both sides. Iqbal also reflected on past tensions, including Bangladesh's withdrawal from the 2025 ODI World Cup, acknowledging that negotiations could have been handled better.
Pakistan Hit Panic Button: Squad Clear-Out And Coaching Change Unloading Ahead Of 3rd Test
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has hit the panic button, with sweeping change unloading ahead of the third and final Test against England.
U.S. Open: Djokovic loses in opening round for first time
The 39-year-old lost to Mariano Navone in a five-set marathon that lasted four hours and 36 minutes
Hazlewood looks to maintain intensity after successful Test return
Australia's ODI squads for the Zimbabwe and South Africa series will be named this week
The Indian team kicked off their campaign in the ongoing Womens Asia Cup 2026. The side took on Thailand women in their first game of the tournament, and the two sides met at the Dubai...
Joe Root's Blockbuster Praise For Team England After Dominating Win vs Pakistan
England Test captain Joe Root praised his team's all-round performance after the Three Lions secured a commanding 194-run victory over Pakistan in the second Test at Lord's on Sunday.
It's Time To Replace Gambhir As Test Coach
India have never looked so vulnerable in Test cricket in recent times. They need a complete reset of their approach to Test cricket, and perhaps a new coach with fresh ideas could revitalise Shubman Gill and his boys.
From Bali To Dubai, How Womens Asia Cup Debutants Indonesia Built A Team From Scratch
Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini: Twelve years ago, Indonesia had no Women's T20I status, no turf ground, and, the federation admits, barely a cricket structure outside expatriate clubs. On Monday, at Dubai International Stadium, the Indonesia senior women's team will walk out for their first-ever Women's Asia Cup match against Bangladesh. They will also take on defending champions Sri Lanka and hosts UAE. For Indonesia, the fourth most populous country in the world with over 17,000 islands, it's a milestone twelve years in the making, one that almost nobody outside the country saw coming. Leading them out will be Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini, a wicketkeeper-batter who discovered the sport at high school in 2013. Badminton, not cricket, was the sport she grew up with. Her parents dabbled in it too, and badminton remains Indonesia's standout Olympic sport, with eight golds, six silvers and eight bronzes. Because of that, I loved the sport. But badminton has so many players, and it was difficult to be involved in the national team. So, I thought cricket was good for me, and now it's my career, Nanda told IANS. After an early development tour to Jaipur in 2015, after a national womens championship was set up in 2014 to provide a more formal competitive competition, Nanda made her Indonesia T20I debut in 2019. Now she captains a side making its maiden appearance in Asian cricket's flagship senior event. It's really an exciting and incredible feeling and a big honour for me to lead Indonesia on such a big stage. I feel very proud to be part of this journey. It's taken a long time for me to get into this position. Moreover, I am feeling very nervous because this is the first time we are in the Asia Cup, she added. Head coach Nitish Salekar, previously with Thailand's women's set-up, described a similar sense of pride. I feel really proud, to be honest. The way we played in the qualifiers and to come so far till now, I feel really happy, and I'm excited to play the Asia Cup with this bunch of players, he said to IANS. Indonesia is neither a Test-playing nation nor part of the Commonwealth bandwagon. It has no rock-solid domestic first-class structure, but what it has built over the last twelve years, as per current Persatuan Cricket Indonesia chairman Abhiram Singh Yadav, is building and executing a vision to develop women's cricket at the same pace as the men's game in the country. We have about 200,000 cricketers in Indonesia, and about 100,000 women are playing cricket. So, this Asia Cup, we hope it becomes an amazing moment to inspire the other girls throughout the archipelago of Indonesia. Also, we hope to make some unique surprises in the competition, he said to IANS. Salekar, who played cricket in India for 16 years and represented Maharashtra, feels the talent pool has grown considerably since he arrived in Indonesia. When you compare to Thailand, there are some similarities - the passion with which they play cricket. But when I came, the depth of women cricketers was more in Indonesia. We probably had 30-35 girls playing in the national camp at one point. So, there's definitely more participation over here. Thailand was a much more experienced side, and now when I see this group, I hope they play for a long time. The longer this team plays, the more successful they'll get. It also helps that a few members of the senior squad came through the country's debut at the inaugural U19 Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2023, after cricket was included in Indonesias National Sports Games in 2016. We started cricket from zero, began by introducing it to schools, and we now have cricket on 21 different islands. But the fruit from the seeds sown in the last 12 years is seen now - the women's team are ranked 21 in the world and are now set to play in this Asia Cup. The lucky part is that the women are performing at a much, much higher stage, says Yadav, who became the associations chairman in 2023, after being a part of various youth movements to businesses, including the Indonesian Chambers of Commerce and being a special staff member in the Indonesian Parliament. The federation used Kasti, a traditional bat-and-ball game, to explain cricket in schools, and wrote its cricket coaching curriculum in Bahasa Indonesia from the outset. The International Cricket Council (ICC) also has its own push to make its documents and commentary in Bahasa Indonesia too, apart from commentary of its major events in the language spoken by 90 percent of its residents. The ICC's Cricket Criiio initiative, a global programme to celebrate playing cricket in a fun way, has helped too. Under this, the sport has been introduced via plastic bats and balls in elementary schools, points out Yadav, who himself moved to Indonesia as a four-year-old, with his family roots in Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state. The quest to play cricket has come at a personal cost for Indonesias players. Nanda gave up teaching physical education to commit to cricket full-time. Most of the players are full-time cricketers. But it was difficult for me to maintain the time for cricket and teaching. So, I quit the teaching job. Also, some of the girls are still studying at the university. But now, because we practice six times a week. The squad draws players from as far as Papua, East Nusa Tenggara and Jakarta, beyond the Bali base most call home - a distance from family, friends and normal life that Nanda calls part of the sacrifice of representing the country at this level. Indonesia's fortunes turned when they joined the Asian Cricket Council in 2024 through its AGM in Bali, with membership approved by then chairman Jay Shah, now head of the ICC. Having missed that year's Women's Asia Cup, Indonesia were determined to make the cut this time. With a camp in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh in November 2025 and a partnership with Western Australia, leading to Ni Made Putri Suwandewi, known as Tori, being an associate rookie for Perth Scorchers in the 2024 WBBL, Indonesia responded with five successive wins over Singapore, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman and Hong Kong at this years ACC Women's Premier Cup in Malaysia in June. A 113-run victory over Oman confirmed their first-ever Womens Asia Cup berth. I was obviously happy and excited for the girls. This will be my second Asia Cup, so I know the stage. I was quietly confident about the team qualifying due to knowing how we are playing our cricket. But it was actually a good feeling when they qualified. The one thing I have told them is to enjoy this stage, and make the most out of it... It's a great opportunity to showcase your talent on a big stage, said Salekar. The country has never had a turf pitch - all 21 provinces currently use AstroTurf. The federation has just completed contracting two international-standard turf grounds, which Yadav hopes will be ready by November or December this year. Actually, it will be a massive game-changer, especially considering the fact that this team has come so far practising on synthetic wickets till now - it's not easy. So, this team getting access to turf grounds will make them much better in terms of skills. Batters will be able to bat on different wicket conditions every day... The overall cricket will dramatically change when you shift from astro to turf, added Salekar. Drawing from his coaching time with Thailand in the Womens T20 World Cup qualifiers in Dubai, Salekar thinks the stadium with a proper outfield will allow batters to play shots properly, something which matters for a player like Nanda, whose game is built on timing rather than power. No need to hit hard, just get timing with the bat effortlessly, she said, describing what she admires in MS Dhoni, South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt and India's Smriti Mandhana - the last of whom Salekar compared her to independently. Nanda is a good timer of the ball herself and she also kind of plays in the same mould like Smriti, where she relies more on timing than strength, he said. Off the field, the Indonesian dressing room has a very diverse look. Bali, home to most of the squad, has many Hindus, while parts of Sulawesi are dominated by Christians. The current squad includes players who wear the hijab and players who do not, alongside Christian, Catholic, Buddhist and Hindu players. Our difference in religion does not really matter because we share the same goals - to represent Indonesia... Everyone has different beliefs, and we respect each other's beliefs, support each other, and I will always make sure everyone feels included in the team, said Nanda. Yadav described a dressing room where faith is openly shared rather than set aside. When it comes to cricket, our team is very diverse... we are blessed that Indonesian anthropology is very plural. The environment is very supportive, and the uniqueness is that, apart from whatever religion, they support each other. In fact, before every match, all the players stand and pray together by taking turns, despite whatever their religion is. Another beautiful thing about our Indonesian team is they are 100 percent local. For our men's team, yes, we do have expat players. But for our women's team, we have 100 percent local players. Nobody in the camp is treating Monday as a ceiling. Yadav believes Indonesia can overtake long-time regional rival Thailand within one to two years, with the federation scheduled to host the Women's East Asia World Cup qualifier on the new Bali ground next May. Our target is definitely reaching the top 12 in the next five years, and hopefully, afterwards, we can be in the top 10. Our philosophy is always very simple: we are ready to learn, and we are ready to win. The government has been supporting us very well, including the National Olympic Committee and the Ministry - that's why cricket is part of the national games. The result is not only about qualifying for the Asia Cup, but how their skills and mentality are developing. While Salekar's estimate is three to five years before Indonesia is competitive at senior World Cups, Nanda's framing is tied to what the next generation might take from watching the team play in Dubai. Apart from more finances coming in, more game time is in store via the Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games, where Indonesia have been medallists. I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to wear the Indonesian jersey on such a big stage. I hope we can show the world that we also can compete against big teams. I also want to inspire the young girls in Indonesia to get more involved in cricket. She was careful not to look too far ahead, especially with cricket now back in the Olympics. It's very nice to see cricket back in the Olympics. Obviously, one has to take it step by step... We'll start with the Asia Cup, and hopefully, sometime in the future, we'll play in the Olympics as well. I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to wear the Indonesian jersey on such a big stage. I hope we can show the world that we also can compete against big teams. I also want to inspire the young girls in Indonesia to get more involved in cricket. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories No one knows what will happen when Indonesia take the field in their first-ever Womens Asia Cup game on Monday night. They have no blueprint to experience this feeling for a mammoth moment like this. But thirteen years after Nanda first started hitting a ball around in a country with nowhere to play the sport, just being out there and playing in Dubai will be a victory in itself. Article Source: IANS
SA vs Aus: Rabada sidelined for ODIs, doubtful for Tests
South African pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Australia due to a right hamstring strain and faces uncertainty regarding his participation in the subsequent three-match Test series.
Central Zone vs East Zone, Duleep Trophy 1st Semi-Final Live: After impressing in the leadership role on Day 1, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will be under the spotlight again as a batter on Day 2.
Dhruv Jurel ablend of versatility andfortitude
The decision-makers continued to invest their belief in him and the batter has responded in style. Towards the end of June, he was a part of the India A squad that travelled on the shadow tour of Sri Lanka for two unofficial Tests
South Zone vs North Zone, Duleep Trophy 2026 Semi-Final Day 2, Live Updates
South Zone vs North Zone, Duleep Trophy 2026 Semi-Final Day 2, Live Updates: South Zone will resume their innings from 40/2 on Day 2 of the semi-final match of Duleep Trophy 2026 against North Zone in Bengaluru.
Belfast Wolves Beat Amsterdam Flames by 9 Wickets in Rain-Shortened ETPL Clash
What threatened to be another washout instead turned into an explosive contest with both teams getting 5 overs to bat, as Belfast Wolves chased down Amsterdam Flames 56-run total in just 3.5 overs to seal a nine-wicket victory at Sportpark Westvliet. With persistent rain threatening to wipe out the seventh match of the ETPL, the teams eventually managed to get on the field for a five-over-a-side contest. Belfast Wolves won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision that immediately put the pressure on Amsterdam to maximise every delivery. There was no time for a conventional T20 approach. From the opening ball, the Flames had to attack, knowing that every dot ball could have a significant impact on their final total. Amsterdam raced away to 56 for two from their five overs, with their batters taking an aggressive approach against the Wolves attack as their openers, Steve Smith and Yuvraj Samra scored 20 and 19 runs respectively. The shortened format turned the match into a sprint. There was no opportunity to build an innings gradually, with Amsterdam forced to search for boundaries from the outset and Belfast similarly aware that the asking rate would demand an attacking response. The Wolves did exactly that. Chasing 57, Belfast came out with intent from the very first delivery and immediately put the Amsterdam bowlers under pressure. The target that might have looked challenging quickly began to appear within reach as Belfast's batters found the boundary regularly. The Wolves reached 59 for one in just 3.5 overs, completing a nine-wicket victory with seven balls remaining. The chase was a demonstration of how effectively Belfast adapted to the unusual conditions, maintaining an aggressive tempo throughout rather than allowing the rain-reduced format to dictate their approach. Player of the Match winner, Paul Stirling scored 25* from 10 balls and Chapman and Maxwell scored 19 and 11* respectively. For Amsterdam, the shortened match offered little margin for error. Having managed 56 from their five overs, the Flames needed an exceptional start with the ball to defend their total. Instead, Belfast's immediate counterattack ensured that the contest was effectively decided before the final over. The result also underlined the unpredictability that weather can bring to the ETPL. What began with the possibility of another abandoned fixture ultimately produced a high-intensity five-over contest in which both sides were forced to embrace attacking cricket from the first ball. For Belfast Wolves, the reward was a convincing nine-wicket victory, while Amsterdam Flames will be left to reflect on a match in which the weather fundamentally altered the nature of the contest. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories After a rain-hit afternoon threatened to deny the teams any meaningful cricket, the ETPL ultimately delivered five overs of pure hitting and Belfast Wolves emerged with the points.
Babar Azam Ends Silence On 'Boycott' Rumours Over Imran Khan's Sons' Interview
Babar Azam was asked if Pakistan planned to boycott the Lord's Test against England after broadcaster Sky Sports aired the interview featuring Imran Khan's sons during the Lunch break on Day 1.
Babar Azam Exposed During Post-Match Chat, His Response To 'Change' Shows His Tactical Limits
During the Lord's Test, Babar Azam didn't just disappoint with the bat but also with his tactical limitations as a captain.
'That's All For Show': England Great Blasts Imam-ul-Haq's Injury Drama In 2nd Test
Stuart Broad was unimpressed by the visuals and accused Imam-ul-Haq of putting on a show for the cameras.
Gambhir, Agarkar Undecided Over Shreyas Iyer's ODI World Cup Backup. This Player Top Choice: Report
With star all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy struggling with injuries, the selectors are facing a challenge in finding the right balance in the middle order.
Dhumal, Majumdar Set to Return to IPL Council
Arun Singh Dhumal and Khairul Jamal Majumdar are poised for unopposed re-election to the IPL Governing Council at the upcoming BCCI Annual General Meeting on September 18. The election process, including nomination dates and candidate scrutiny, has been outlined by the BCCI Electoral Officer.
England trounce Pakistan by 194 runs to win series
Ollie Robinson was Pakistan's chief tormentor again as he took four wickets for 24 to go with the four for 11 he bagged in the first innings, taking his total in the two tests to 16.
Englands pace quartet fires again as Robinson-Archer combo seals series win over Pakistan
England supporters are getting excited about having four seamers who are winning test matches with a home Ashes series against Australia on the horizon
Ankit, Anmol Power South Delhi Superstarz To Adani DPL 2026 Title With Seven-wicket Win
Adani Delhi Premier League T20: South Delhi Superstarz produced a commanding batting performance to clinch the Adani Delhi Premier League T20 2026 title, defeating Central Delhi Kings by seven wickets in the final. Chasing 183 for victory, South Delhi Superstarz reached 186/3 in 18.2 overs, completing a comfortable run chase and sealing the championship in style. The foundation of the chase was laid by Ankit, who remained unbeaten on a brisk 62 off 34 balls, while Anmol also struck an unbeaten 62 off 41 balls. The pair put South Delhi firmly in control and ensured there was little pressure on the chasing side in the latter stages. Earlier, Central Delhi Kings posted 182/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Samarth top-scored with a quick 51 off 27 balls, while Jonty contributed 36 off 19 and Yugal made 32 off 29. Money added a late 18 off just seven deliveries. For South Delhi, Divansh was the pick of the bowlers with 3/17, while Vision claimed 2/17. Pranshu and Anshuman picked up one wicket each. Earlier, Central Delhi Kings posted 182/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Samarth top-scored with a quick 51 off 27 balls, while Jonty contributed 36 off 19 and Yugal made 32 off 29. Money added a late 18 off just seven deliveries. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories South Delhi Superstarzs clinical chase capped a dominant final and saw them crowned champions of DPL 2026. Article Source: IANS
Drawn to defeat: On Indias chances in the ICC World Test Championship
India is now in a must-win situation in the Test Championship cycle
Deepti Sharma Becomes Leading Women's T20I Wicket-Taker With 171 Scalps
Veteran Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma on Sunday became the leading wicket-taker in women's T20 Internationals with 171 wickets, during their 94-run rout of Thailand in the Women's Asia Cup in Dubai.
Harmanpreet Cautions Against Complacency After Thailand Rout
India's women's cricket team secured a commanding 94-run victory over Thailand in their Women's T20 Asia Cup opener. Despite a batting collapse after a strong start by Shafali Verma, India posted 159-9, then bowled out Thailand for just 65, with Deepti Sharma delivering a record-breaking spell. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur acknowledged the win but cautioned against complacency.
Deepti Sharma Shatters T20I Records on Landmark Day
Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma has become the leading wicket-taker in women's T20 Internationals, surpassing previous records with 171 wickets. She achieved this milestone in her 150th T20I match, demonstrating her consistent performance and dedication to the team.
India shrug off middle-order collapse to post big win
India lost eight wickets for 46 runs and could only post 159 for 9 despite Shafali's strong start, but bundled Thailand out for 65
Toby Albert fifty fails to ease Hampshire frustration
Visitors, in sight of a win to support survival claims, have Glamorgan struggling in run chase before weather intervenes
Womens Asia Cup: Shafali, Deepti Star As India Thrash Thailand By 94 Runs
Dubai International Stadium: India opened their Womens Asia Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, registering a thumping 94-run victory over Thailand at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, with Shafali Verma's 19th T20I half-century setting up the win before the bowlers dismantled the Thai batting line-up. In pursuit of 160 to win the match, Thailand were all out for only 65 in 16.1 over, with wicket-keeper batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai, being the only player to offer any real resistance by scoring 41 off 48 balls. India's innings began very well after they chose to bat first. Smriti Mandhana was playing well, scoring 19 runs off 10 balls, but was then run out. Pratika Rawal, making her T20I debut, was off to a promising start by scoring 22 runs off 18 balls before Shafali took over in the innings. The brilliant Shafali's overwhelmed the Thai reply by scoring 64 runs off 36 balls, consisting of eight powerful fours and three sixes, thus marking her 19th T20I half-century and securing India a firm lead. India were at 91/1 after 8.5 overs and seemed on the verge of making a large total, but a sudden collapse altered the course of the innings. India fell from 91/1 after 8.5 overs to 137/9 by the end of 17.2 overs as a result of a number of mild dismissals, Deepti Sharma, the all-rounder, also being run out during the collapse. Suleeporn Laomi from Thailand was the most prominent bowler, taking 3 wickets for 26 runs from her four overs; she also contributed to Deepti's wicket by delivering a direct hit that got her run out. India were in real danger of falling far short of a competitive score, but it was Kranti Gaud who gave them the necessary push at the end. Scoring 15 runs off eight balls, she helped India to 159 all out, which gave their bowlers a target they could defend. The Thai pursuit was easily handled by the Indian side. With Deepti Sharma at the helm as an all-rounder, the bowlers took wickets at regular intervals and managed to limit Thailand to 65 runs in 16 and a fifth over. India were in real danger of falling far short of a competitive score, but it was Kranti Gaud who gave them the necessary push at the end. Scoring 15 runs off eight balls, she helped India to 159 all out, which gave their bowlers a target they could defend. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Brief scores: India-W 159/9 in 20 overs (Shafali Verma 64, Pratika Rawal 22; Suleeporn Laomi 3-26, Sunida Chaturongrattan 2-31) beat Thailand-W 65 all out in 16.1 overs (Nannapat Koncharoenkai 41; Deepti Sharma 3-1, Nanadani Sharma 3-18) by 94 runs. Article Source: IANS
England Thrash Pakistan By 194 Runs At Lord's To Seal Series Win With A Test To Spare
England beat Pakistan by 194 runs in four days of the second Test at Lord's on Sunday and comfortably won its first series since December 2024 with a match to spare.
Sides content to draw after third-day washout
Stalemate consolidates Somerset's spot among Division One leaders while keeping Sussex in the race
Sri Lanka Loses Women's Champions Trophy Hosting Rights
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has withdrawn Sri Lanka's hosting rights for the inaugural Women's Champions Trophy in 2027, citing government interference in Sri Lanka Cricket's administration. This decision, stemming from the presence of a government-appointed Transformation Committee, could also jeopardise the Sri Lankan women's team's participation and will have financial implications for the board.
Rybakina on track to recover from injury and play at U.S. Open
The twice Grand Slam winner retired in the first set of her Cincinnati quarter-final match against Iga Swiatek on August 20 with an ankle problem
Vasconcelos, McSweeney hundreds seal stalemate
Rain prevents any prospect of a result as runs are piled up at Wantage Road
Ollie Robinson Strikes Again As England Wrap Up Pakistan Series Win
Ollie Robinson led the way once more as England clinched a series win over Pakistan with a thumping 194-run win in the second Test at Lord's on Sunday despite Saud Shakeel's fine 97. Pakistan were dismissed for 194, having been set an improbable victory target of 389, to give England an unbeatable 2-0 lead in a three-match series. This was England's first multi-match Test series win since a 2-1 success in New Zealand more than a year ago. Robinson finished with figures of 4-24 in 14 overs following his sensational 4-11 in 13 during Pakistan's meagre first-innings 110 all out. The Sussex seamer produced a pair of double strikes Sunday either side of Shakeel and Shan Masood checking England's progress with a fourth-wicket partnership of 97. Robinson took two wickets in four balls to leave the tourists 7-2, before express quick Jofra Archer dismissed Pakistan captain Babar Azam. But from the dire position of 14-3 before lunch, Shakeel and fellow left-hander Masood kept England at bay. Robinson, however, had Masood lbw from around the wicket for a gritty 26 off 72 balls, although it needed a review to reverse umpire Allahuddien Paleker's original not out decision. And 111-4 became 115-5 when Mohammad Rizwan was lbw to Robinson carelessly slogging across the line. Shakeel, 78 not out at tea, went to 86 by hooking Tongue for six and, two balls later, another superb hook off another the fast bowler saw him into the 90s. Shakeel pulled the fifth ball of the over to go to 96 only to hole out soon afterwards when he swung Tongue straight to Harry Brook at deep square leg. A crestfalllen Shakeel received a standing ovation from MCC members in the pavilion as he walked back in after the end of a 122-ball innings also featuring 13 fours. Pakistan were now 169-7, although they were effectively eight wickets down with Imam-ul-Haq still sidelined by the calf problem meaning he was unable to bat in Pakistan's first innings. Tongue then cemented his reputation for polishing off the tail by bowling Khurram Shahzad before ending the match when he had Mohammad Ali caught in the slips by Brook. Pakistan had looked to Masood and Azan Awais to see off the new ball on a still seam-friendly pitch. Awais, however, was lbw to Robinson and, three balls later, Abdullah Shafique was bowled for a duck by a superb delivery from the paceman that angled in and moved away late to hit off stump. Archer's brute of a bouncer then had Azam in a horrible flap, with the ball looping to Jordan Cox at second slip. - Abbas on the honours board at last - Earlier, Mohammad Abbas finally achieved a coveted place on the Lord's honours boards with a return of 5-57 as England were dismissed for 208. Cricketers who take at least five wickets in an innings or 10 in a match or score a century in a Test at Lord's have their feats recorded on one of the honours boards in the home and away dressing rooms at the 'Home of Cricket'. Abbas, 36, had come close before with a trio of four-wicket hauls, including his 4-73 in England's first-innings 290 of this match. But he went one better Sunday after starting the day with 3-48. Dan Lawrence had added just four runs to his overnight 50 not out when he was bowled by Abbas before the veteran seamer had Robinson edging to wicket-keeper Rizwan, who held a fine catch standing up to the stumps. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories An elated Abbas was mobbed by his team-mates before kissing the turf in celebration.
Swanepoel gives Worcestershire a chance before rain has final say
Allround efforts from South African leave Lancashire grateful for more rain
Robinson leads dominant seam display as England seal series with 194-run win
Abbas takes five for Pakistan as Shakeel falls short of consolation century
Stone takes five to give Notts the honours in inevitable draw
Warwickshire routed in first innings as key clash turns into hunt for bonus points
Arun Dhumal, Khairul Majumdar Set For Unopposed Re-Election To IPL Governing Council
Arun Singh Dhumal and Khairul Jamal Majumdar are set to be re-elected unopposed to the IPL Governing Council at the BCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 18.
Womens Asia Cup 2026: Thailand Spinners Trigger Dramatic Collapse, Restrict India To 159/9
Dubai International Cricket Stadium: A middle-order collapse triggered by leg-spinner Suleeporn Laomi saw India squander a blazing start to be restricted to 159/9 by Thailand in their 2026 Womens Asia Cup Group A game at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. India appeared firmly in control at 101/2 at the halfway mark, but collapsed spectacularly to score just 58/6 in the final ten overs, as a spirited Thailand attack produced a disciplined bowling and fielding effort to stay alive in the contest. A late rearguard effort from the last-wicket pair of Kranti Gaud and Shree Charani added 22 runs. Gaud hit a six and a boundary off Putthawong in the final over to push India past 150, with Shafali Verma top-scoring through a marauding 64 off 36 balls her 19th T20I fifty in the format. For an impressive Thailand, Suleeporn Laomi was the pick of the bowlers with 3-26, and mainly operated with stump to stump line. She found good support from Sunida Chaturongrattana (2-31) and stand-in skipper Thipatcha Putthawong (1-37). Opting to bowl, Thailand were pushed on the backfoot early on as India started emphatically via Smriti Mandhana hitting three boundaries off Phannita Maya in the opening over. Even as Shafali sent the ball over the in-field for two fours and a six, Smriti was run out for 19 while taking a second run, as a direct hit from Aphisara Suwanchonrathi ended a 38-run opening stand. While Shafali launched Thipatcha for consecutive fours, debutant Pratika Rawal announced herself with a inside-out lofted six off Sunida Chaturongrattana in the fifth over as India raced to 65/1 in the powerplay - their highest six-over score in Womens T20 Asia Cup history. Shafali continued her aggressive display by bringing up her fifty off 26 balls by thumping Suleeporn over long-on for six in the ninth over. But the leg-spinner broke the 53-run second-wicket partnership on the very next ball by castling Pratika for 22 as the batter backed away, but missed the ball which kept low. After that, Indias innings unravelled completely. Thipatcha removed Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur by having her caught off a top-edge at point. Suleeporn then turned the match on its head in the 13th over with two wickets in consecutive deliveries. She first had Shafali chipping a cross-seam delivery straight back to her and fall for a 36-ball 64, featuring eight boundaries and three sixes. On the next ball, Richa Ghosh mistimed an inside-out loft to cover to depart for a golden duck. With India losing three wickets in two overs, the lower order struggled to build partnerships. Bharti Fulmali made a scratchy 13 before pulling straight to deep mid-wicket off Sunida, while Deepti Sharma was run out for five after a direct hit from Suleeporn at cover. She first had Shafali chipping a cross-seam delivery straight back to her and fall for a 36-ball 64, featuring eight boundaries and three sixes. On the next ball, Richa Ghosh mistimed an inside-out loft to cover to depart for a golden duck. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Brief Scores: India 159/9 in 20 overs (Shafali Verma 64, Pratika Rawal 22; Suleeporn Laomi 3-26, Sunida Chaturongrattana 2-31) against Thailand Article Source: IANS
Asia Cup: Shafali blitzes Thailand Before India Crumble to Post 159
India's women's cricket team, despite a belligerent 64 from Shafali Verma, suffered an inexplicable batting collapse against Thailand's spinners, led by Suleeporn Laomi, restricting them to 159/9 in their Women's Asia Cup opener.
Sharma rattles Derbyshire but Middlesex thwarted despite innings forfeit
20-year-old quick claims four wickets to give visitors outside chance of forcing a victory
After Lords Game, Pakistani Players To Meet King Charles Ahead Of Third Test Against England
Test Cricket Team: The Pakistan men's cricket team will have an official meeting with King Charles later this week ahead of the third Test against England, Buckingham Palace has confirmed, following recent off-field friction over a broadcast interview involving former captain Imran Khans sons. The engagement was planned prior to the start of the series, as part of the Monarch's role within the Commonwealth. It will take place during the break between the second game, which is currently underway at Lords, and third Test, starting in Birmingham on September 9. His Majesty the King, as Head of the Commonwealth, will receive the Pakistan Men's Test Cricket Team for an audience in the gardens of Clarence House, in the break between the second and third Test matches hosted in England over the summer, the Buckingham Palace said in an official statement. It is understood King Charles could spend around 15 minutes interacting with the touring squad. The royal engagement comes shortly after tension arose during the day one of the second Test, when broadcasters Sky Sports aired an interview with Suleiman and Kasim Khan, the sons of former prime minister and 1992 Mens ODI World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan. Khan, 73, has been in jail for the past three years on corruption charges, which he denies. Prior to the broadcast, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), headed by current Pakistan interior minister Mohsin Naqvi, had raised concerns and floated the possibility of not taking the field after lunch. It is understood King Charles could spend around 15 minutes interacting with the touring squad. The royal engagement comes shortly after tension arose during the day one of the second Test, when broadcasters Sky Sports aired an interview with Suleiman and Kasim Khan, the sons of former prime minister and 1992 Mens ODI World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories England are scheduled to undertake a return tour to Pakistan this October for a T20I tri-series, with Sri Lanka as the third team. The matches will take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Ground and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Article Source: IANS
Auqib Nabi's Fairytale Journey Continues With Surrey County Cricket Deal
Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi is set to represent Surrey in the Division One County Championship fixtures from next week onwards, with an eye on two Tests against New Zealand away from home in November.
Pakistan Cricket Board Takes Huge Call Amid Controversy Over Imran Khan's Sons' Interview: Report
The PCB has advised its players involved in the Test series against England not to comment on the issue of Imran Khan's imprisonment.
Auqib Nabi set for Surrey stint ahead of New Zealand Tests
Auqib Nabi's Surrey stint will provide crucial first-class exposure in England as the J and K pacer seeks to strengthen his case for India's Test squad for New Zealand.
Duleep Trophy | Used injury-induced break to become a better bowler, says Kaverappa
Thailand bowl; India hand T20I debut to Pratika Rawal
Thailand's stand-in captain Putthawong hoped to keep India to a score of 120 in Dubai
Womens Asia Cup: Thailand Elect To Bowl Against India, Pratika Rawal Handed Debut
Dubai International Cricket Stadium: Thailand have won the toss and elected to field first against India in their 2026 Womens Asia Cup Group A fixture at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, with top-order batter Pratika Rawal handed her T20I debut by the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side. India, the seven-time winners, are opening their campaign against Thailand, who are coming after beating Hong Kong China in a nervy finish. The two sides have met three times in T20Is, with India winning all games by big margins. Pratika, already capped in ODIs and Tests, came into Indias squad for the continental event as Jemimah Rodrigues' replacement for the Asia Cup, following the latter's hamstring injury. We also thought of bowling first, but batting first is also not a problem. It is our first match in Dubai. Rather than keeping a lot of things in mind, it's about going out there and giving our best. Today Pratika is making her debut because Jemi is not there. Playing good cricket is what we want to do. We have spoken about being ruthless and this is an important tournament for us, said India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. Thailand will be led by Thipatcha Putthawong, as regular skipper Nannapat Koncharoenkai is injured. We are going to bowl first. Nothing more than 170 (to keep India to). Yes, we are excited (to play against India). The match also marks off-spin bowling all-rounder Deepti Sharma's 150th T20I game, making her only the third Indian cricketer after Harmanpreet (202) and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana (171) to achieve the milestone. Globally, Deepti becomes the 12th player in womens cricket history to feature in 150 T20Is. Playing XIs: The match also marks off-spin bowling all-rounder Deepti Sharma's 150th T20I game, making her only the third Indian cricketer after Harmanpreet (202) and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana (171) to achieve the milestone. Globally, Deepti becomes the 12th player in womens cricket history to feature in 150 T20Is. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Thailand: Natthakan Chantham, Nannapat Koncharoenkai (wk), Chanida Sutthiruang, Suleeporn Laomi, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Thipatcha Putthawong (captain), Phannita Maya, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Nannaphat Chaihan, and Naomi Hamilton Article Source: IANS
Yousuf's 'Poison' Warning Rocks Pakistan Cricket
Muhammad Yousuf branded Pakistan's coaches poison for the game, blaming their lack of vision for neglected batting flaws that worsened over years and contributed to the team's decline.
UP T20 League: Lucknow Falcons have officially booked their place in the UP T20 League 2026 playoffs following a hard-fought 24-run victory over the Gaur Gorakhpur Lions in match 26. Played at Kanpurs historic Green Park Stadium, a venue that has hosted 40 international matches, the result marks Lucknow's fifth win in nine games, making them the second franchise after the Meerut Mavericks to advance to the knockout stages. It was a very important win for us to qualify. The first aim of the team has been achieved, stated a highly satisfied Lucknow skipper, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, following the victory. The path to qualification, however, looked incredibly unlikely early in the evening. Opting to bowl first, Lions skipper Shivam Sharma applied immense pressure, delivering a miserly spell of 2/12 in his three overs, including a maiden, to reduce Lucknow to a precarious 51/4 in 8.4 overs. Reflecting on the turbulent start, Bhuvneshwar admitted the team had to severely recalibrate their targets from the dugout. It was very satisfying because we didnt really get the start we wanted, the captain revealed. During the 10-over break, our honest aim was to reach around 100 runs by the 15th over and add another 40 to 50 runs in the final five. Sitting in the dressing room, we thought even 130 to 140 would be a fighting total. What followed was a sensational 109-run partnership off just 64 balls between Ajeet Verma and Kritagya Singh that completely shifted the momentum. Verma smashed an unbeaten 75 off 45 balls, decorated with eight boundaries and three sixes, while Singh delivered a crucial 44 off 31, powering the Falcons to a highly competitive 170/5 in 20 overs. The maturity shown by Ajeet and Kritagya was excellent, Bhuvneshwar noted. That partnership was something we had been lacking in the tournament so far. The way we batted, we did much better than what we had expected. That partnership is the reason we are in this winning position today. The skipper reserved special praise for Verma, whose consistent performances demanded a regular spot. He has made a massive impact. His batting has been so impressive that we had to bring him into the playing XI. It shows that when a youngster performs well, the entire team benefits. Defending 170, Gorakhpur's chase was immediately derailed by Lucknow's Abhinandan Singh, who cleaned up openers Abhay Pratap Singh and Aryan Chaudhary cheaply. The Lions stumbled to 70/5 in 10.3 overs after Akshu Bajwa claimed two wickets and Vipraj Nigam took one. Refusing to surrender, Prince Yadav (49 off 36) and Parth Palawat built a dangerous 56-run stand off 40 balls to revive the chase. With 45 runs needed off the final 18 deliveries, Bhuvneshwar tossed the ball back to Abhinandan for the crucial 18th over. Defending 170, Gorakhpur's chase was immediately derailed by Lucknow's Abhinandan Singh, who cleaned up openers Abhay Pratap Singh and Aryan Chaudhary cheaply. The Lions stumbled to 70/5 in 10.3 overs after Akshu Bajwa claimed two wickets and Vipraj Nigam took one. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Combined with the way we bowled, it was a very complete performance from us, Bhuvneshwar concluded, as his side now looks ahead to the business end of the tournament. Article Source: IANS
Sri Lanka lose Women's Champions Trophy hosting rights
The inaugural six-team event will be played at a different venue in the same window, and it is likely to be held in India
India vs Thailand LIVE Score Updates, Women's Asia Cup 2026: India have been invited to bat first by Thailand in their Women's T20 Asia Cup Group A opener.
Babar Azam Left Clueless After Jofra Archer's Brutal Bouncer In 2nd Test, Gets Trolled
Pakistan captain Babar Azam was brutally criticised on social media after his flop show on Day 4 of the second Test against England at Lord's on Sunday.
Central Delhi Queens Women: North Delhi Strikers produced a composed batting performance to defeat Central Delhi Queens Women by six wickets to reach the final of 2026 Delhi Premier League (DPL) womens competition at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday. Chasing a modest target of 123 for victory, North Delhi Strikers paced their innings well to complete the chase in 18.4 overs. Batter Archana anchored the successful run-chase with an unbeaten knock of 49 off 44 balls, including hitting four boundaries. She received crucial support from Samaira Raghav, who remained unbeaten on 20 off 19 deliveries to guide her team past the finish line without further hiccups. North Delhi Strikers began their pursuit with a brisk start from opener Shivi Sharma, who struck two boundaries in her eight off nine balls before falling to spinner Sumiti Soni in the third over. Captain Ayushi Soni then chipped in with a steady 22 off 25 balls, laced with three boundaries, before being stumped by keeper R. Priyadarshini off Sumiti's bowling. Nazma added a quickfire 14 off 10 balls featuring two boundaries, while wicketkeeper-batter Riya Shokeen was dismissed cheaply for three. However, Archana and Samaira held their nerves to complete a comfortable victory with eight balls to spare, with Central Delhi Queens bowler Sumiti Soni taking 2-28. Earlier, Central Delhi Queens Women were restricted to 122/7 in their allotted 20 overs after being put under continuous pressure by a disciplined North Delhi bowling attack. Captain Ayushi Soni then chipped in with a steady 22 off 25 balls, laced with three boundaries, before being stumped by keeper R. Priyadarshini off Sumiti's bowling. Nazma added a quickfire 14 off 10 balls featuring two boundaries, while wicketkeeper-batter Riya Shokeen was dismissed cheaply for three. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Monika provided a late surge with a crisp, unbeaten 19 off 12 balls, but Central Delhi Queens could only post a sub-par total on board. For North Delhi Strikers, off-spinner Nazma emerged as the standout bowler, taking 3-18 in her four overs, while Apeksha Anand picked up 2-24. Article Source: IANS
'Breaking Muscle Memory Isn't Easy': Karan Sharma On Technical Tweaks Under Pravin Amre
The Kashi Rudras: Kashi Rudras captain Karan Sharma revealed that stepping out of his comfort zone to train under veteran batting coach and former India batter Pravin Amre in Mumbai brought noticeable improvements to his power-hitting and timing, though he admitted that altering years of batting habits was a tough mental and physical challenge. Sharma, who routinely relies on childhood coach Rajan Sachdeva to fine-tune his game, spent ten days with Amre prior to the season to work on subtle technical adjustments in his posture and swing. All of that effort has yielded fruit via Karan leading the run-scoring charts with 298 runs in nine games at an average of 37.25 and strike-rate of 146.8. I work a lot on batting with the help of my childhood coach Rajan Sachdeva sir. I chat a lot about batting with him as hes someone who can understand my batting very well. But before this season, I had a thought about trying something different so I went to Mumbai to work under Pravin Amre sir. I practiced for ten days under him and understood about batting in-depth and what more can I do to improve my batting and work on small things. He helped me a lot in one or two technical points with my batting which he felt that I could improve upon to make my game better. Due to that, I saw the change in myself and my shots and power and began to time the ball better, Sharma told IANS in an exclusive conversation on the sidelines of the league in Kanpur. He also explained that rewiring established batting mechanics required patience from him, as initial struggles were inevitable before the results start showing on the field. In those ten days - I mean, if you change anything in your batting, or something else, it's not easy, obviously. As a batter today, because you are leaving your natural state, and you've been doing one thing for a long time, it's in your muscle memory. So, breaking years of muscle memory, I mean, I don't think it's an easy job, obviously. So, for that one month, there was a bit of a struggle, but after that, I started enjoying batting, and things started making sense. I've planned to go again, to try and go again before the next Ranji Trophy season, and spend some time there and improve because I feel that every batter, if they are not improving, they are somehow going downwards. So, I think as a batter, you have to remain in a phase of constant improvement, he said. Two-time winners Kashi Rudras are currently sitting at number three on the points table with eight points as the race to knockouts tightens up. Addressing how the squad recovered after dropping four games in a row, Sharma revealed the importance of staying positive and process-driven to help the team to come back strongly through a 67-run win over Noida Kings, where he hit a blistering 102 off 51 balls, laced with 11 boundaries and five sixes. It's going well right now. After the way we started, we went down a little in the middle. I think we lost 3 or 4 matches straight. When you win like this, obviously the atmosphere in the dressing room becomes very good. It boosts you up and there was a change of venue - so, it was exciting for us and that led to us thinking that maybe we can do something next. So, the atmosphere in the dressing room is very good right now. When you win, obviously the atmosphere in the team is good. But we saw that time when we were losing, we were still trying to stay positive. The things that are working for us, we should focus on those things. On keeping the team grounded ahead of crucial matches, Sharma insisted that focusing on immediate micro-execution and staying in the present takes precedence over worrying about results. I am a person who believes in the process a lot. So, I try to focus on the things that are needed to win. I try to focus on those things in the team and in my mindset rather than just thinking that we have to win. But how we have to win is more important and what all things we have to do right, even if we have to focus on small things. So, as a person, I try to focus on small things which will ensure us to win games - like small tactics for every batter. I have my own personality like how I bring myself in the present because our game is all about being in the moment. So, I think we keep practicing being in the moment. We try not to go too far or too far back because in the tournament, things are running very fast. I think you are playing 10 matches in 20 days. So, you have to ensure that when you are coming the next day, you are not coming with a win or a loss in the previous game in your mind. So, it is good for me to think like this and my team also has to think like this, he added. Having already led Kashi Rudras to two titles, Sharma signed off by saying that while defending the crown remains the ultimate motivation, executing immediate tactical requirements remains the team's primary focus. So, I think we keep practicing being in the moment. We try not to go too far or too far back because in the tournament, things are running very fast. I think you are playing 10 matches in 20 days. So, you have to ensure that when you are coming the next day, you are not coming with a win or a loss in the previous game in your mind. So, it is good for me to think like this and my team also has to think like this, he added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories We should focus on the things that I feel are going and on all the small things that will ensure we will do well rather than thinking that after this we will play the finals or this and that will happen. But I think from a team perspective, we should focus on the things that are important at that particular moment and at that particular time. Article Source: IANS
Duleep Trophy: Vidhwath Kaverappa's Four-for Helps South Zone Bowl Out North Zone For 195
Pacer Vidhwath Kaverappa: Pacer Vidhwath Kaverappa picked a disciplined four-wicket haul to help South Zone bowl out North Zone for a modest 195 on the day one of their Duleep Trophy semi-final clash at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2 on Sunday. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, a strategy similar to their quarter-final victory against West Zone, North Zone failed to build substantial partnerships as South Zones disciplined attack kept taking wickets at regular intervals. Opening batter Qamran Iqbal provided the sole resistance for North Zone by compiling a gritty 76 off 182 balls. However, he found little support from the other end. Number three batter Ayush Doseja struck five boundaries during his 23-run knock before being dismissed by Kavuri Saiteja. North Zone slipped into trouble early in the opening session, losing Doseja, Sanat Sangwan, Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad in quick succession to be reduced to 95/4. Captain Kanhaiya Wadhawan attempted to rebuild the innings alongside Iqbal, stitching together a 66-run partnership for the fifth wicket, which proved to be the highest stand of the North Zone innings. The resistance ended when spinner Tanay Thyagarajan castled Wadhawan for 35. Iqbal was left to wage a lonely battle with the tail, but Kaverappa returned for a lethal second spell to slice through the lower order. Unlike the quarter-final, there was no lower-order rescue act from Anshul Kamboj, as North Zone lost their final five wickets for just 21 runs. Kaverappa finished with impressive figures of 4-66, while Thyagarajan (2-31) and MD Nidheesh (2-38) made their contributions to dismantle the North Zone line-up. In reply, South Zone reached 40/2 at stumps, trailing North Zone by 155 runs. Wicketkeeper-batter N. Jagadeesan played an aggressive unbeaten knock of 34 off 31 balls to survive through the tricky final passage of play, while skipper Tilak Varma was not out on one off three balls. Kaverappa finished with impressive figures of 4-66, while Thyagarajan (2-31) and MD Nidheesh (2-38) made their contributions to dismantle the North Zone line-up. In reply, South Zone reached 40/2 at stumps, trailing North Zone by 155 runs. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Brief scores: North Zone 195 in 59.1 overs (Qamran Iqbal 76, Kanhaiya Wadhawan 35; Vidhwath Kaverappa 4-66, Tanay Thyagarajan 2-31) lead South Zone 40/2 in 18 overs (N. Jagadeesan 34 not out; Anshul Kamboj 1-9, Gurnoor Brar 1-12) by 155 runs Article Source: IANS
Duleep Trophy Semis: Mukesh, Rinku Shine on Opening Day
Kaverappa's four-wicket haul gave South Zone control before they stumbled, while Mukesh and Sarkar struck three each to bowl Central Zone out, giving East Zone a strong start.
The Indian team is all set to kick off its campaign in the Womens Asia Cup 2026. The side, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will take on Thailand in their first game of the tournament. The two sides are slated to meet at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on August 30th.
Cricketer Turned ICC Match Referee's Metro Journey Goes Viral. Internet Reacts
Former India pacer Javagal Srinath has caught the attention of fans with his recent act of simplicity.
South Africa Pacer Lutho Sipamla Ruled Out Of T20I Tri-series In Namibia, Simelane Named Replacement
Cricket South Africa: South Africa fast bowler Lutho Sipamla has been ruled out of the ongoing T20I tri-series featuring Namibia and Zimbabwe after sustaining a left hamstring injury, Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced on Sunday. Seam-bowling all-rounder Andile Simelane, who has represented South Africa in 10 T20Is, has been named as Sipamla's replacement in the Proteas squad for the remainder of the tour. Sipamla suffered the injury during South Africas opening match against hosts Namibia, where he managed to bowl just nine deliveries before being forced off the field in visible discomfort. Sipamla, 28, subsequently missed the Proteas second fixture against Zimbabwe as medical staff assessed the severity of the muscle strain. DP World Lions seamer Lutho Sipamla has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 International (T20I) Tri-series against Namibia and Zimbabwe due to a left hamstring injury. The 28-year-old sustained the injury while bowling during his second over of the first match against Namibia on Friday. Hollywoodbets Dolphins all-rounder Andile Simelane has been named as his replacement. Western Province seamer Tshepo Moreki has been added to South Africa A One-Day squad against Bangladesh A, CSA said in its official statement. Sipamla becomes the second South African player to be sidelined from the tri-series after batting all-rounder Jason Smith was ruled out prior to the teams departure to Namibia due to a groin injury. The selection committee had opted not to name a replacement for Smith at the time. The injury adds to South Africas growing fitness concerns ahead of a demanding international calendar. Premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is also ruled out of the Tests and ODIs against Australia as he continues to recover from a right hamstring issue picked during the winter conditioning training. Sipamla becomes the second South African player to be sidelined from the tri-series after batting all-rounder Jason Smith was ruled out prior to the teams departure to Namibia due to a groin injury. The selection committee had opted not to name a replacement for Smith at the time. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The Proteas are hosting Australia for white-ball and red-ball series, before embarking on a full tour of Bangladesh. It will be followed by a home assignment against England featuring Tests and ODIs ahead of the next edition of the SA20 league. Article Source: IANS
Keep Quiet! Pakistan Players Warned Against Imran Khan Remarks
The Pakistan Cricket Board has instructed its players participating in the Test series against England to refrain from commenting on the imprisonment of former captain Imran Khan. This directive follows attempts by British media to elicit comments and a Sky Sports interview with Khan's sons, which the PCB deemed political. The board prioritised diplomatic relations and the ongoing series despite its displeasure.
Durham win in six balls to extend Division Two dominance
Potts hits winning runs as table-toppers complete ten-wicket win on fourth morning
Tilak Varma in India's ODI World Cup Plans?
Tilak Varma is emerging as India's potential middle-order backup, offering left-handed batting variety and developing off-spin as selectors seek younger, flexible options ahead of the ODI World Cup.
UP T20 League Provides Ideal Bridge To IPL, Says Kashi Rudras Skipper Karan Sharma
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Kashi Rudras captain Karan Sharma feels the UPT20 league has given the states cricketers an unprecedented platform which provides them with crucial match-time and exposure in order to make the cut for big tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL). Sharma, who has experience in the IPL ecosystem via spending IPL 2022 and 2023 seasons with Lucknow Super Giants, is amongst those players from the state who have made the cut in heaps for the ten-team league. Absolutely. I extend my gratitude to UPCA and Rajeev Shukla sir. They took an initiative to bring UP T20 to reality because as a player, you need an opportunity and platform to showcase your talent or the skills and hard work you have put in so far. So, it was a thorough process. Like when you came, trials happened. Then you got a chance to play in the state for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. When you do well there, then you get picked in the IPL. But now when UP T20 league comes, every player has got 10 live matches, which are enough in quantity to showcase your talent, calibre and capability. UP has a lot of talent and through this, they got an opportunity in which they can show everything about themselves game wise. So, there is no better opportunity than 10 live matches and I think this has been a good initiative, Sharma told IANS in an exclusive conversation on the sidelines of the league from Kanpur. Crediting the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) for creating a solid structural framework, which is now enhanced by the UP T20 league, Sharma, who hails from Ghaziabad, noted that match-readiness is key for players aiming for higher levels and that the state setup avoids selecting players solely based on net sessions. It has always been good. I never felt that bias towards me. But it is fun thanks to the ecosystem that has been made. I feel that it is a very fair ecosystem because before you play for any board, you get around 8 or 10 matches in which you can show yourself that you deserve that chance in the team or not. So if you ask me as a player, UP has made a very good ecosystem for everything. Every player needs an opportunity and here, this is a clear opportunity for you to show yourself, and express yourself. So it is fun to go and show yourself, to express yourself because sometimes it happens that there are many places where they make a team only from the nets. You don't get a chance then to show yourself as you don't expect that from seeing the nets, what kind of player he will be. When that match comes, you get an opportunity, and only then you know how well that player will perform or not. Before the UP T20 league, the matches of our district were there. Then there are trial matches and games in the camp. So I think a player has played 8-10 matches until he goes to the senior team and plays for UP, whether its age or senior cricket. Until then, he remains ready and its a very good ecosystem, he explained. Reflecting on his time of playing in the IPL and now plying his trade in the UP T20 league, which began in 2023, Sharma stated, It was a very good experience. Obviously, when you are in the IPL, there is a different kind of vibe. There is a different atmosphere and you enjoy it. The first time, I was enjoying it a lot. The players whom I saw on TV, I was playing and sharing the dressing room with them. When that match comes, you get an opportunity, and only then you know how well that player will perform or not. Before the UP T20 league, the matches of our district were there. Then there are trial matches and games in the camp. So I think a player has played 8-10 matches until he goes to the senior team and plays for UP, whether its age or senior cricket. Until then, he remains ready and its a very good ecosystem, he explained. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories So, you get mentally trained to tackle that situation. When you are playing in the IPL or for India, I think it trains you on how to play in that pressure and situation. So its almost good, as you get same kind of situations and both the tournaments are fun to play in, he signed off. Article Source: IANS
In a major blow to CSA ( Cricket South Africa), the sides star pacer Kagiso Rabada is out injured and is a doubt for the sides upcoming multi-format series against Australia. It is worth noting that starting from September 24, South Africa will take on Australia in a multi-format series.
Sipamla ruled out of Namibia tri-series with hamstring injury
Andile Simelane has been called up as Sipamla's replacement
Lord's Test: England bowled out for 208; set Pakistan 389 for victory
Mohammad Abbas claimed five wickets as Pakistan dismissed England for 208 in their second innings, setting a challenging target of 389 for victory.
'Ample Opportunities For New Crop Of Players': Rajeev Shukla On Indian Cricket Team
ODI World Cup: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice president Rajeev Shukla highlighted that the Indian think tank has been providing ample opportunities to the young crop of players during the ongoing assignments. Shukla was on his visit to the Tirumala temple in Andhra Pradesh as he spoke to the reporters on the future assignments of the Men in Blue, including the upcoming crucial Test series against New Zealand and Australia. He also claimed that India will win the ODI World Cup 2027, while claiming that the younger players have been given opportunities to shine on the international arena. Just now, a Test series between India and Sri Lanka concluded. Now we have a Test series against Australia and New Zealand, he told reporters after offering prayers at the temple. Shukla was confident of the Indian team winning the ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, highlighting that the players are eager to do well in the global showpiece. We will win the World Cup. We are prepared; the boys are filled with energy, he said. Shukla was also asked how the Indian team looks forward to grooming the youngsters. We have been giving chances to new players. Maximum new players are being given an opportunity. It was also the case during the Test match (Colombo Test), where Manav Suthar and Saransh Jain played. Ample opportunities are being given to new players, he said. Shukla was confident of the Indian team winning the ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, highlighting that the players are eager to do well in the global showpiece. We will win the World Cup. We are prepared; the boys are filled with energy, he said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories India won the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka 1-0 after a drawn Colombo game. They have crucial assignments lined-up against New Zealand away from home and a five-match blockbuster home series against Australia as they hope to make a late push for the WTC final. Article Source: IANS
Mohammad Amir Drops Bombshell, Says His Pakistan Chapter Is Closed
Mohammad Amir recently played in The Hundred as a local player after going unsold in the tournament's player draft earlier this year as an overseas player.
Former India cricketer opens up on Saransh Jain's performances after Test series against Sri Lanka
The Indian team performed brilliantly as they took on Sri Lanka across two Test matches recently. Winning the first Test, India went on to draw the second Test and won the series 1-0, putting forth...
Huge Blow For South Africa As Star Pacer All But Out Of Tests vs Australia
South Africa's premier fast bowler has been ruled out of the side's home Test series against Australia after suffering a grade-three tear to his right hamstring.
Big Blow For Pakistan As Star Batter Ruled Out Of Remaining 2nd Test vs England
The left-handed batter remained off the field after tea on Day 1 of the ongoing Test match between England and Pakistan and subsequently went off the field.
Auqib Nabi to play three County Championship games for Surrey
Auqib Nabi is expected to return home in time for the India A's four-day fixtures against Australia A in Puducherry starting September 22
Australia All-rounder Michael Neser Signs Two-year BBL Extension With Brisbane Heat
Big Bash League: Australias fast bowling all-rounder Michael Neser has signed a two-year contract extension with Brisbane Heat, which commits him to the franchise until the end of the 17th edition of the Big Bash League, the club announced on Sunday. Neser, 36, has been a foundation player for the Heat since the inaugural 2011/12 season, and will now return for his seventh summer with the Brisbane-based side. The extension strengthens a formidable pace attack that includes his fellow national team quicks Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson alongside emerging fast bowler Callum Vidler. New Brisbane Heat head coach James Hopes praised the veteran paceman's impact on the side, highlighting his influence during high-pressure games. You look at when the Heat are at their absolute best and (he) is never far away from the action. His presence around the group always helps the players as they strive to be a successful unit. It was fantastic to see him enjoy the Ashes victory last season and know that he had brought those same qualities to the Australian team, he said in a statement by the franchise on Sunday. Neser sits joint-ninth on the all-time BBL wicket-takers list with 117 scalps across 105 matches. After a nine-season stint with Adelaide Strikers, where he won the title in BBL season seven, Neser rejoined Heat in 2021. He enjoyed a stellar campaign in BBL season 12, claiming a career-best 26 wickets to lead Heat to the final, followed by a 12-wicket tally in the subsequent season, where the side secured their second championship title. Neser has also taken the 11th spot on Brisbane Heat's 18-player men's roster for BBL season 16. Expressing his delight over the extension, Neser spoke about playing in front of the passionate home crowd at the Gabba. As a player, it's always been the best thing about the BBL; there is always the chance to make an impact on the game. There's nothing better than being a Heat player at the Gabba when the ground is packed and the crowd is heaving, and you look up in a key moment and know that everyone is right there with you, he added. Expressing his delight over the extension, Neser spoke about playing in front of the passionate home crowd at the Gabba. As a player, it's always been the best thing about the BBL; there is always the chance to make an impact on the game. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Brisbane Heat squad so far: Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Lachlan Hearne, Spencer Johnson, Matt Kuhnemann, Nathan McSweeney, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Callum Vidler, Hugh Weibgen, and Jack Wildermuth. Article Source: IANS
Auqib Nabi set to represent Surrey for brief County Championship stint ahead of NZ tour | Report
In a major development, star Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi is reportedly set to represent English domestic side Surrey for a brief County Championship stint ahead of Indias upcoming multi-format tour of New Zealand....
Don't Want To Talk About ODI Cricket, Maine Bohot Try Kiya: India Star's Honest Admission
The right-handed batter went on to play 37 ODI matches and scored 773 runs at an average of 25.76 and a strike rate of 105.02.
Rabada races against time to be fit for Australia Tests
Rabada has just under six weeks to recover from a hamstring injury for the first Test against Australia, which begins October 9
Pak Vs Eng: Imam-ul-Haq Unlikely For Rest Of Lord's Test After Left Calf Tear
Salman Agha: Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq is doubtful to feature in the remainder of the ongoing second Test match against England at the Lord's after picking up a grade-1 tear in his left calf. The left-handed batter remained off the field after tea on Day 1 of the ongoing Test match between England and Pakistan and subsequently went off the field. He did not bat in the first innings for Pakistan as the visitors were folded for just 110 in reply to England's 290. While he did not bat, Salman Agha has replaced him for fielding. As per Cricinfo, the scans performed on him after Day 1 confirmed the severity of his injury, which makes him unlikely to feature in the remainder of the match. Pakistan had also confirmed that Imam's participation for the rest of the Test remained dependent on his treatment for a strain to his left calf muscle. Meanwhile, fast bowler Mohammad Ali did not provide any update on the batter while speaking at the end of Day 3. I wouldn't be able to tell you anything about it, he told the media. I am aware of his status, but the team's medical panel is better placed to answer you better. The Southpaw picked up the blow while batting in the first innings of the first Test at Headingley. He called for medical assistance during his 42-run outing in the first innings and had his left calf strapped. Imam's potential unavailability will be a blow for Pakistan, who are already staring at a big defeat. Pakistan will be a player down, as replacements for only concussion issues are allowed. Pakistan are hoping for a miracle at Lord's as England ended the rain-marred Day 3 at 177/7 with Dan Lawrence unbeaten on 50 and the hosts having a 357-run lead. Imam's potential unavailability will be a blow for Pakistan, who are already staring at a big defeat. Pakistan will be a player down, as replacements for only concussion issues are allowed. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories It'll be a difficult task but not impossible. Until the last ball is bowled in cricket, you can't make predictions. The Test still has a way to run. 350-400 has been chased in the past, too. It's all about mindset and belief. Conditions are tough, but we'll have to face that challenge and find a way out to get runs, Ali added. Article Source: IANS
Rabada All But Out Of South Africas Test Series Against Australia Due To Hamstring Injury
Former South Africa: South Africas premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the sides home Test series against Australia after suffering a grade-three tear to his right hamstring. Rabada, 31, is expected to be sidelined for up to two months after picking up the injury, which disrupted his winter conditioning programme. Former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald, whos the bowling coach of Lions, Rabadas domestic team, said the medical assessment has totally ruled him out of the high-profile series, after initially hoping to have him available for their opening four-day domestic encounter against Boland starting on September 10. Hes going to be out for all the Aussie Tests as well, Donald was quoted as saying by News24 on Sunday. South Africa are scheduled to host Australia for a three-match Test series starting in Durban on October 9, followed by subsequent matches in Gqeberha and Cape Town, beginning from October 18 and 27 respectively. The Tests will be preceded by a three-match ODI series starting at Kingsmead in Durban on September 24. But Rabadas absence leaves a massive void in the South African bowling attack. The right-arm pacer has picked 340 wickets in 73 Test matches and was instrumental in South Africas victory over Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lords, where he returned with match figures of 9-110. Hes going to be out for all the Aussie Tests as well, Donald was quoted as saying by News24 on Sunday. South Africa are scheduled to host Australia for a three-match Test series starting in Durban on October 9, followed by subsequent matches in Gqeberha and Cape Town, beginning from October 18 and 27 respectively. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Despite the growing injury list, the Proteas bowling depth can come to their rescue. Seamer Gerald Coetzee recently picked up match figures of 4-60 for South Africa A against Bangladesh A, while Kwena Maphaka and Corbin Bosch are very much on the radar for selection into the Test team, who are currently at second spot in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) standings behind table-toppers Australia. Article Source: IANS
J&K Pacer Auqib Nabi Likely To Represent Surrey In Ongoing County Championship
County Championship Division One: Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi is likely to turn out for English county side Surrey for a brief stint in the ongoing County Championship Division One season. Nabi, who finished as the leading wicket-taker in the last Ranji Trophy season with 60 wickets at an average of 12.56 to lead J&K to their maiden championship triumph, is expected to be available for Surreys upcoming fixture against Yorkshire, starting on September 2 at The Oval. It is followed by games against Sussex and Glamorgan in Hove and The Oval on September 8 and 15 respectively. Yes, Auqib has got his visa for going to England, after all the paperwork was done. It is understood that hes expected to depart for England from New Delhi today. If all goes well, he may be available from the game starting on September 2. The main purpose of this stint is also for the Indian team management and selectors to check if Nabi can swing the ball well there in England, as the climate in New Zealand for the Test series will need for him to do that in conducive conditions with the red Kookaburra ball in hand, a source familiar with the development told IANS on Sunday. The Indian team management and national selectors are keen on providing Nabi exposure to seamer-friendly conditions and the red Kookaburra ball, keeping in mind the upcoming Test tour of New Zealand. Nabi was part of Indias recent 1-0 Test series win over Sri Lanka, but did not feature in any of the two matches. He is now set to join several Indian players currently plying their trade in the English domestic season. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who picked 16 wickets in Sri Lanka, is rejoining Warwickshire, while left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav will return to turn out for Yorkshire. Right now, Surrey has India leg-spinner Rahul Chahar and uncapped batting all-rounder Mahipal Lomror in their squad. Once his county championship stint is over, Nabi is expected to link up with the India A squad for two red-ball matches against Australia in Puducherry, starting from September 22. It remains to be seen if he will join J&K for the Irani Cup clash against Rest of India in Srinagar from October 1 to 5, considering the second India A game in Puducherry starts on September 29. Once his county championship stint is over, Nabi is expected to link up with the India A squad for two red-ball matches against Australia in Puducherry, starting from September 22. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Both Shami and Mukesh are currently turning out for East Zone in the ongoing Duleep Trophy semi-final against defending champions Central Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) Ground 1 in Bengaluru. The full details are yet to be known, but theres a possibility they might play there, added another source. Article Source: IANS
England vs Pakistan 2nd Test Day 4, Live Updates: England will be resuming their innings from 177/7 on Day 4 of the second Test against Pakistan at Lord's, London.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya: Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday led over 5,000 participants, including Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir and representatives of BRICS partner nations, at the 88th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here. The special edition, organised as part of the BRICS Run & Ride 2026 initiative, was held across more than 25,000 locations nationwide and came a day after National Sports Day, adding a strong fitness and sporting dimension to Indias preparations to host the 18th BRICS Summit. India will host the BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12-13. Mandaviya said the 88th edition carried special significance as it was dedicated to dignitaries and members of BRICS partner nations who will participate in the upcoming summit. This weeks edition is dedicated to our esteemed dignitaries and members from BRICS who will be a part of the summit on 12th and 13th. We are delighted to welcome them today, Mandaviya said. Highlighting the wider benefits of cycling, the Union Minister said it not only promotes fitness but also helps reduce pollution and ease traffic congestion. He urged people to make cycling and outdoor sports part of their regular routine. The craze for cycling is growing nationwide, and Sundays on Cycle is gradually becoming a passion among the people, Mandaviya said, calling on citizens to step away from mobile and computer screens and spend more time outdoors. Gambhir, who flagged off the cycling ride, described the governments Fit India initiative as an exceptional effort and stressed that fitness was closely linked to building a stronger and self-reliant India. My belief is that the fitter India remains, the stronger India will be, and the more self-reliant India will become. Therefore, we should view this not merely as an event, but as a movement, Gambhir said. He also urged the youth to take ownership of the fitness movement and inspire wider participation. The Delhi event saw participation from youth, senior citizens and diplomats and officials representing BRICS partner countries. The participants cycled and took part in various activities at the JLN Stadium, while an ITBP brass band added to the festive atmosphere. Representatives from Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Belarus, Cuba, Ethiopia and Russia were among those who joined the event. The Delhi event saw participation from youth, senior citizens and diplomats and officials representing BRICS partner countries. The participants cycled and took part in various activities at the JLN Stadium, while an ITBP brass band added to the festive atmosphere. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The cycling drive is held simultaneously at SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, SAI Training Centres, Khelo India State Centres of Excellence and Khelo India Centres across the country. Article Source: IANS
Duleep Trophy: 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi steps up as captain
15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made his captaincy debut for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy semi-final after regular skipper Ishan Kishan was injured.
Imam unlikely to play rest of Lord's Test after picking up left calf tear
Though he hasn't been ruled out of the Test officially, word is that Imam-ul-Haq needs ten days of rest to recover
