Henry Crocombe Takes Second Hat-Trick In 8 Days As Essex Collapse
Sussex seamer Henry Crocombe achieved the remarkable feat of a second hat-trick in just eight days as Essex collapsed spectacularly in English cricket's first-class County Championship on Thursday. The 24-year-old had never before taken three wickets with successive balls at senior level until running through Somerset's tail at Hove last week. But the England prospect repeated a feat many bowlers never manage even once in a professional career as he helped reduce hosts Essex from 171-3 to 177 all out on the second day of four in a First Division clash at Chelmsford. In all, Crocombe took five wickets in 14 deliveries without conceding a run as he finished with figures of 5-39 in 9.5 overs His spectacular haul started when he had top-order batsman Charlie Allison lbw for 56. But it was Crocombe's ninth over of the innings that yielded a hat-trick. South African Test spinner Simon Harmer and Zaman Akhter were both lbw to the first two balls before Dutch international Shane Snater lost his leg stump to the third. Crocombe completed his five-wicket haul by bowling No. 11 Jamie Porter for one of four ducks in Essex's first innings. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Sussex reached stumps on 90-4 in their second innings, a lead of 188 runs.
Harmanpreet Kaur focuses on the positives as India continue superb start to Women's Asia Cup 2026
The Indian team continued its brilliant start at the ongoing Womens Asia Cup 2026. The side registered a brilliant win in the first T20I of the series against Thailand and then followed it up with a win against Hong Kong as well.
Siddle joins New South Wales as bowling coach
Johan Botha, who left Queensland earlier this year, will be a temporary spin consultant
Shubman Gill Turns Uncle For Virat Kohli's Son Akaay In Viral Reel, His Comment Stumps Everyone
Shubman Gill turned 'uncle' for Virat Kohli's son Akaay in a viral Instagram reel.
World Is Laughing Harder: Usman Khawaja's Hilarious Dig At Pakistan Selector Amid Turmoil
Former Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja took a jibe at Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) director of high performance Aaqib Javed's comments about the board's major shake-up of the Test team during an ongoing series.
Yuzvendra Chahal's Magic Ball To Ben Stokes Goes Viral After County Championship Heroics
Yuzvendra Chahal bamboozled everyone in a County Championship match, returning with a four-wicket haul in the match between Northamptonshire and Durham
Nabi's 1st County Wicket Has An India Connection
Auqib Nabi made a notable debut for Surrey, taking Kuldeep Yadav's wicket.
Gautam Gambhir, Shubman Gill's Big '2027 World Cup' Request, BCCI In Talks With South Africa: Report
With the 2027 World Cup just over a year away, the BCCI and Indian team management is ramping up its preparation plans for the big tournament.
'A lot of...' Mandhana's Emotional Dedication After Historic Ton
Smriti Mandhana's record 124 powered India to a 137-run win over Hong Kong, while Deepti Sharma and fellow bowlers completed the rout and exposed little resistance from opponents.
Wobble's right for Wong despite wobble
England quick credits chat with media manager for decision to focus on wobble seam above swing
NAM vs SA 6th T20I Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI
NAM vs SA 6th T20I, Cricket Tips: The T20I tri-series in Namibia has reached the end of the group stage. The last group match will be played between Namibia and South Africa. This contest will start at 5:30 PM IST on September 4 (Friday) at Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek. This is the rematch of the first group game. Namibia stunned South Africa for the second time in two meetings. Namibia won that game by 18 runs. South Africa have yet to beat Namibia in this format. Can the Proteas get a win? Namibia have not been at their best, but South Africa won't take them lightly. NAM vs SA: Match Details Date : September 04, 2026 (Friday) Time : 5:30 PM IST Venue : Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek NAM vs SA: Live Streaming Details Indian fans can watch the live stream of the NAM vs SA clash on the FanCode mobile app or website. NAM vs SA: Head-to-Head in T20Is Total Matches : 2 Namibia : 2 South Africa : 0 No-result: 0 NAM vs SA: Ground Pitch Report The surface in Windhoek has been pretty good for batting. The last two matches have been good-scoring ones, with the first-inning score going over 175 on average. There is enough assistance for the fast bowlers with pace and bounce. Hence, batting second will be a good option here. NAM vs SA: Possible XIs Namibia : Jan Frylinck, Louren Steenkamp, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus (c), JJ Smit, Ruben Trumpelmann, Zane Green (wk), Alexander Volschenk, Jan Balt, Jack Brassell, Max Heingo South Africa: Jordan Hermann, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Rubin Hermann, Connor Esterhuizen (wk), Eathan Bosch, Duan Jansen, Prenelan Subrayen, Bjorn Fortuin (c), Nqaba Peter, Kwena Maphaka NAM vs SA: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Dewald Brevis has been in top form with the scores of 75, 75, and 41 in three innings. The Namibian captain Gerhard Erasmus scored an unbeaten 88 off 48 in the last game and is in top form. Probable Best Bowler Duan Jansen and Ruben Trumpelmann are in-form bowlers from either side. They can take wickets with the new ball. Today Match Prediction : South Africa have never beaten Namibia in T20Is, but their current form is good. Hence, we predict South Africa will win this game. NAM vs SA Match 6th T20I, Today Match NAM vs SA, NAM vs SA Prediction, NAM vs SA Predicted XIs, Injury Update for Namibia vs South Africa Match Also Read: Special Cricket Stories 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.
Womens Asia Cup: Jay Shah Congratulates Smriti Mandhana For Record-making 124 Vs Hong Kong
ICC Chairman Jay Shah: International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah on Thursday congratulated Smriti Mandhana for scoring a record-breaking century and being the leading run-scorer in women's international cricket as she helped India to a massive 137-run victory against Hong Kong-China in the Women's T20 Asia Cup in Dubai. Mandhana hit a stroke-filled 124 off 64 balls and helped India post 193/5 after Hong Kong-China won the toss and elected to field first. The bowlers then ran through the opponent's batting line-up and bowled them out for 56 to secure a 137-run win. Heartiest congratulations to Smriti Mandhana on becoming the highest run-scorer (10,880*) and the leading century-maker (18) in Womens International Cricket, ICC Chairman Jay Shah wrote in his Instagram story on Thursday. Your journey is a testament to elegance, consistency and sheer hard work. You have not only rewritten the record books, but also redefined aspirations for millions of young girls and boys across India and the world, he wrote in his post. Earlier, opening the batting alongside Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana overcame a slow, low-paced surface in Dubai to register her second T20I century laced with 14 boundaries and seven sixes, making her the first Indian womens batter to achieve this landmark. In doing so, she surpassed former teammate Mithali Raj's international career tally of 10,868 runs, while also claiming her 18th international hundred across formats - the most centuries hit by a batter in women's international cricket and took her past Meg Lanning in the list. Smriti found her rhythm in the second over by sweeping wrist-spinner Kary Chan for the innings' first boundary, before Shafali Verma exploded in the sixth over off Marina Lamplough, hitting two sixes and two fours in a 22-run over to push India to 60/0 at the end of the powerplay. The 50-run opening stand, their 29th fifty-plus stand in T20Is, ended in the eighth over when Shafali miscued a full toss from off-spinner Ruchitha Venkatesh to fall for 28. Pratika Rawal (10) fell in the 13th over by miscuing Joyleen Kaur to point. Smriti, however, accelerated through the back end of the innings. She reached her half-century off 41 balls with a six over deep backward square leg off Iqra in the 11th over. Adapting to the lack of pace on the pitch, she relied on backfoot placement and lofted shots, with the standout being advancing down the track to hit three consecutive sixes off Ruchitha in the 18th over. The 50-run opening stand, their 29th fifty-plus stand in T20Is, ended in the eighth over when Shafali miscued a full toss from off-spinner Ruchitha Venkatesh to fall for 28. Pratika Rawal (10) fell in the 13th over by miscuing Joyleen Kaur to point. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Her milestone-laden knock ended on the penultimate ball of the innings when she was run out after a mid-pitch mix-up with Bharti Fulmali. Richa Ghosh (11) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (10) made brief contributions as India set Hong Kong a target of 194, though India's middle order making only 34 runs means that department is still a worrisome point. Article Source: IANS
Agarkar Skips BCCI Meeting Amid Questions Over His Future
Ajit Agarkar, chairman of the senior men's selection committee, was notably absent from a BCCI review meeting discussing India's recent limited-overs tour performances against Ireland and England, citing travel issues. The meeting, attended by captains and coaches, did not address his contract extension, which is due to expire soon.
Surrey fight for survival as 'roulette-wheeler' pitch serves up 23-wicket day
Both teams shot out for under 100 to leave home side nervously awaiting pitch report
Smriti Mandhana surpasses Mithali Raj as womens international crickets leading run-scorer
During Indias Asia Cup match against Hong Kong in Dubai, she went past Mithali Raj, the woman who almost single-handedly put Indian womens cricket in the headlines when the sport had no takers, to become the leading scorer of international runs.
Smriti Mandhana surpasses Mithali Raj as womens international crickets leading run-scorer
During Indias Asia Cup match against Hong Kong in Dubai, she went past Mithali Raj, the woman who almost single-handedly put Indian womens cricket in the headlines when the sport had no takers, to become the leading scorer of international runs.
Womens Asia Cup: Mandhanas Record-making 124, Fine Bowling Help India To Big Win Over Hong Kong
Dubai International Cricket Stadium: A fine bowling performance, after India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana hit a stroke-filled 124 off 64 balls, helped India thrash Hong Kong-China by 137 runs for their second win in a Group A match in the Women's T20 Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Thursday. Mandhana's hundred, which also helped her become the leading run-scorer in women's international cricket, helped India post 193/5 after Hong Kong-China won the toss and elected to field first. Chasing a massive total, Hong Kong-China were off to a poor start, losing their first wicket for 2 runs in the second over. They did not recover from that stumble and lost wickets at regular intervals, getting bowled out for 56 in 16.2 overs as the Indian bowlers produced a good effort. All-rounder Deepti Sharma led the Indian bowling effort with 3 wickets for nine runs in three overs. Fellow spinner N. Shree Charani (2-16), Nandani Sharma (2-6) and Prema Rawat (2-12) claimed a brace of wickets each as the Indians remained strong even though they were defending a big score. Only three Hong Kong batters -- skipper Natasha Miles (15), wicketkeeper-batter Yasmin Daswani (11) and Marina Lamplough (13) -- reached double figures as the ODI World Champions did not give the minnows many chances. Earlier, opening the batting alongside Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana overcame a slow, low-paced surface in Dubai to register her second T20I century laced with 14 boundaries and seven sixes, making her the first Indian womens batter to achieve this landmark. In doing so, she surpassed former teammate Mithali Raj's international career tally of 10,868 runs, while also claiming her 18th international hundred across formats - the most centuries hit by a batter in women's international cricket and took her past Meg Lanning in the list. For Hong Kong China, it was a tough outing as they struggled to nail their lengths and put pressure on the batters. India began cautiously by taking five runs from Iqra Sahar's opening over. But Smriti found her rhythm in the second over by sweeping wrist-spinner Kary Chan for the innings' first boundary, before Shafali Verma exploded in the sixth over off Marina Lamplough, hitting two sixes and two fours in a 22-run over to push India to 60/0 at the end of the powerplay. The 50-run opening stand, their 29th fifty-plus stand in T20Is, ended in the eighth over when Shafali miscued a full toss from off-spinner Ruchitha Venkatesh to fall for 28. Pratika Rawal (10) fell in the 13th over by miscuing Joyleen Kaur to point. Smriti, however, accelerated through the back end of the innings. She reached her half-century off 41 balls with a six over deep backward square leg off Iqra in the 11th over. Adapting to the lack of pace on the pitch, she relied on backfoot placement and lofted shots, with the standout being advancing down the track to hit three consecutive sixes off Ruchitha in the 18th over. Mandhana reached her landmark century by cutting Marina through backward point in the 17th over to reach her century off 58 balls. Her 124 off 64 balls, featuring 14 fours and seven sixes, also marked the highest individual score in Women's T20 Asia Cup history, eclipsing Chamari Athapaththu's 119 not out against Malaysia in 2024. Her milestone-laden knock ended on the penultimate ball of the innings when she was run out after a mid-pitch mix-up with Bharti Fulmali. Richa Ghosh (11) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (10) made brief contributions as India set Hong Kong a target of 194, though India's middle order making only 34 runs means that department is still a worrisome point. Mandhana reached her landmark century by cutting Marina through backward point in the 17th over to reach her century off 58 balls. Her 124 off 64 balls, featuring 14 fours and seven sixes, also marked the highest individual score in Women's T20 Asia Cup history, eclipsing Chamari Athapaththu's 119 not out against Malaysia in 2024. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories India 193/5 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 124, Shafali Verma 28; Marina Lamplough 2-46, Joyleen Kaur 1-12) beat Hong Kong-China 56 all out in 16.2 overs (Natasha Miles 15, Deepti Sharma 3-9, Nandani Sharma 2-6, Shree Charani 2-16, Prema Rawat 2-12) by 137 runs Article Source: IANS
Holden cements Middlesex dominance after seamers put Lancashire under cosh
Hosts lead by 212 with eight wickets in hand after two days at Merchant Taylors' School
India secured a place in the Womens Asia Cup semi-finals after overwhelming Hong Kong by 137 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. It was their second-biggest victory by runs in T20Is and with that,...
Sam Northeast points way for Kent in promotion battle
Worcestershire lose ground in pursuit of top-two spot after being shot out for 217
Mandhana's record ton powers India into semi-finals
Hong Kong lost their last five wickets in 11 deliveries, collapsing from 54 for 5 to 56 all out
Haynes, Patterson-White take charge to keep Notts on title track
Leicestershire lose two early wickets before close as Division One battle hots up at the top
Naeem stars on debut as Derbyshire take charge despite Bracey century
Impressive 71, alongside Randell five-for, puts visitors in strong position at close of day two
Sales, Zaib hit fifties to edge Northamptonshire in front against leaders
Durham post below-par 205 despite David Bedingham's 81 as Yuzvendra Chahal takes four
Yates, Hain star with bat as abject Hampshire collapse in reply
Relegation-threatened hosts look set to embrace their fate after another chastening day
Henry Crocombe repeats trick as Essex tumble into trouble
Fast bowler's rapid five-for puts Sussex in charge and increase fears of relegation battle at Chelmsford
Kesteven's best keeps Lancashire alive in tight victory
Surrey succumb by 10 runs in rain-shortened chase in Manchester
Sher-e-Punjab T20: Prabhsimran's Ton Guides Jalandhar Warriors To Thrilling Win Over Bathinda Royals
Punjab T20 League: Prabhsimran Singh continued his great form and hit his second consecutive century as Jalandhar Warriors edged past Bathinda Royals by three runs in a thrilling last-ball finish in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League 2026 at the I.S. Bindra Stadium on Thursday. Coming to bat first, Jalandhar Warriors posted 205 in 19.3 overs, with captain and wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran once again leading the way with the bat. Prabhsimran smashed his second consecutive century in the tournament, putting his team in a strong position. The Warriors did not get off to the best of starts and were reduced to 62/3. Prabhsimran then joined hands with Aryan Yadav to rebuild the innings. The two batters attacked the Bathinda bowlers and added 118 runs for the fourth wicket, giving Jalandhar much-needed momentum. Aryan played an aggressive knock of 39 off just 19 balls before being dismissed. Prabhsimran continued to dominate from the other end and brought up another brilliant century. However, he struggled to find enough support towards the end as Jalandhar kept losing wickets at regular intervals. For Bathinda, Ashwani Kumar was the standout bowler. He not only helped restrict Jalandhar from reaching an even bigger total but also created history by taking the first hat-trick of the tournament. Ashwani dismissed Sukhdeep Bajwa off the final ball of the 17th over before removing Prabhsimran and Randeep Singh with the first two deliveries of the 19th over. He finished with excellent figures of 4/35 from his four overs. Chasing 206, Bathinda Royals made a steady start as openers Rishabh Gupta and Harnoor Singh added 48 runs for the first wicket. Gurvinder Bhullar gave Jalandhar the first breakthrough by dismissing Rishabh for 17 off 17 balls. Harnoor then continued to keep the chase on track before he was dismissed for a well-made 44 off 29 balls. Captain Uday Saharan took charge from there and played a brilliant innings, bringing up his half-century and keeping Bathinda in the hunt. Saharan found good support from Shahbaz Sandhu, who played an attacking knock and kept the scoreboard moving. The pair put the Jalandhar bowlers under pressure, although the required run rate continued to rise. Jalandhar bowled an excellent penultimate over to bring the equation down to 18 runs from the final six balls. The Warriors were then put under further pressure when Sandhu was cleaned up by Randeep Singh off the very first ball of the last over. Sandhu scored 26 off 13 balls. However, Saharan refused to give up. He smashed a six and a four off consecutive deliveries, bringing the equation down to just six runs from the final two balls. Jalandhar bowled an excellent penultimate over to bring the equation down to 18 runs from the final six balls. The Warriors were then put under further pressure when Sandhu was cleaned up by Randeep Singh off the very first ball of the last over. Sandhu scored 26 off 13 balls. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Randeep bowled a wide, leaving Bathinda with one legal delivery to score five runs. Ashwini managed only two runs off the final ball, allowing the Jalandhar Warriors to hold their nerves and seal a dramatic three-run victory. Article Source: IANS
Womens Asia Cup: I Just Love Batting, And Im Happy That I Could Contribute, Says Smriti Mandhana
T20 Asia Cup: India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana credited her sheer love for batting behind her making a record-breaking 124 in the ongoing Womens Asia Cup clash against Hong Kong-China, adding that she was thrilled to deliver a telling contribution for her side. Mandhanas 64-ball 124 powered India to 193/5, a knock which made her the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket as she surpassed former teammate Mithali Raj's record of 10,868 runs. The left-handed opener also registered her 18th international hundred and moved ahead of Meg Lanning and Laura Wolvaardt for the most centuries across all formats in the women's game. Additionally, she became the first Indian woman batter to score multiple T20I centuries and set the new record for the highest individual score by an Indian woman in T20Is. Smriti also has the record for the highest individual score in Women's T20 Asia Cup history, eclipsing Chamari Athapaththu's 119 not out against Malaysia in 2024. I didnt know all of this happened. It's really hard for me to play slower bowlers, but credit to them. They were really disciplined in the powerplay. They bowled pretty well, and the kind of energy they showed was something which we all can learn from. Having said that, I just love batting, and Im happy that I could contribute, said Smriti during the mid-innings break to the broadcasters. Despite a sluggish pitch in Dubai that offered little pace, Smriti demonstrated remarkable crease movement and backfoot precision, and manufactured shots when teammates struggled for momentum in India's innings, as the rest of the batters collectively made 62 runs off 56 deliveries. I didnt know all of this happened. It's really hard for me to play slower bowlers, but credit to them. They were really disciplined in the powerplay. They bowled pretty well, and the kind of energy they showed was something which we all can learn from. Having said that, I just love batting, and Im happy that I could contribute, said Smriti during the mid-innings break to the broadcasters. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Smriti noted that while the surface presented early technical challenges, she adjusted her approach once she adapted to the conditions on offer. It did keep a little low in the powerplay. I think once youve got your eyes set, it was a little easier to pick up length and just go under the ball a little more. Credit to them; Ill just keep talking about them because its the first time were playing them and its just a memorable occasion for them as well. Article Source: IANS
'He Himself Will Retire': Ex-India Delivers Blunt '2027 World Cup' Verdict On Rohit Sharma
Former Indian cricket team opener Wasim Jaffer believes that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are unlikely to play international cricket beyond the ODI World Cup 2027.
Smriti Mandhana breaks Mithali Raj's record, becomes leading run-scorer in women's cricket history
Smriti Mandhana has etched her name into the record books by becoming the leading run-scorer in the history of womens international cricket. She achieved the feat with a scintillating century during Indias Asia Cup 2026...
Innocent Kaias Career-Best 72 Powers Zimbabwe to Five-Wicket Win Over Namibia
Innocent Kaia struck a career-best 72 for Zimbabwe in a five-wicket victory over hosts Namibia in a Twenty20 tri-series match on Thursday. Put in to bat in Windhoek, Namibia made 156-6, thanks mainly to an unbeaten 88 from captain Gerhard Erasmus. Zimbabwe reached 159-5 with 11 balls remaining. Kaia, batting at No.3, had fruitful partnerships of 61 with Brian Bennett and 54 with captain Sikandar Raza as Zimbabwe completed a double over Namibia after a five-run win on Monday. Kaia struck three sixes and eight fours from 42 balls before his mistimed pull off a Jack Brassell delivery was caught by Erasmus at mid on. It is great contributing significantly to a victory. I planned to be aggressive and take on the Namibian bowlers. It paid off, player-of-the-match award winner Kaia told reporters. Like Kaia, Erasmus struck three sixes and eight fours in his knock. His 83-run fourth-wicket stand with Alexander Busing-Volschenk (29) was the highlight of the innings. Brief scores Namibia 156-6 in 20 overs (G. Erasmus 88 not out, A. Busing-Volschenk 29 not out; B. Evnns 2-29, K. Matigimu 2-31) v Zimbabwe 159-5 in 18.1 overs (I. Kaia 72, S. Raza 29; R. Trumpelmann 2-41) Result: Zimbabwe won by five wickets Toss: Zimbabwe Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Friday: Namibia v South Africa (1200 GMT)
VVS Laxman to coach Team India at Asian Games 2026 in Gautam Gambhir's absence
VVS Laxman will take charge of Team India at the Asian Games 2026 as Gautam Gambhir remains with the senior side for the West Indies ODI series.
Record-Breaking Mandhana Powers India To Huge Total Vs HK
Smriti Mandhana scored a record-breaking 124 off 64 balls against Hong Kong in the Women's Asia Cup, leading India to a formidable total of 193 for five. Her innings included seven sixes and 14 boundaries, surpassing Meg Lanning's record for most international centuries in women's cricket and Mithali Raj in the leading run-scorers' chart.
'BCCI Is Always Ready,' Says Saikia After ICC Moves Women's Champions Trophy To India
Vadodara International Cricket Stadium: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is fully prepared to stage the inaugural ICC Womens Champions Trophy at short notice after hosting rights were moved from Sri Lanka to India, said secretary Devajit Saikia on Thursday. The six-team tournament, featuring Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka, will run from February 14 to 28 next year across two venues: the Cricket Club of India's Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai and the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium. Yes, you should appreciate the BCCI that we are going to host the Women's Champions Trophy in February next year. So we have two venues - one is the CCI Brabourne, which is next to this one, Wankhede Stadium. The other one is Baroda, and we should appreciate, and we should thank ICC, including Jay Shah, that they have thought that BCCI is the right country that can host the tournament at such short notice, Saikia told reporters following a performance review meeting at BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. The International Cricket Council (ICC) relocated the event to India after stripping Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) of its hosting rights due to government interference in the national board's governance, following the appointment of a government-backed Transformation Committee. India was selected as the replacement host ahead of competing bids from Bangladesh and South Africa. Despite losing the staging rights, Sri Lanka retained their place in the tournament after securing automatic qualification based on their global T20I ranking at the July 6 cut-off date. The BCCI is always ready to host these kinds of international events, and for that, the BCCI should get some credit that we are ready to accommodate any international event at any point in time. At the last moment, now at the 11th hour, Sri Lanka could not host this tournament. BCCI offered four venues, out of which two venues were selected, and we are going to host it in a very good manner, added Saikia. The BCCI is always ready to host these kinds of international events, and for that, the BCCI should get some credit that we are ready to accommodate any international event at any point in time. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Vadodara has also emerged as a prominent venue after staging WPL fixtures in 2025 and 2026, apart from hosting India-West Indies womens ODI series in 2024. The debut tournament will feature a single round-robin format before concluding with the final on February 28. Article Source: IANS
History unfolded at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday. One giant surpassed the other as Smriti Mandhana became the highest-ever run-scorer in women's international cricket, surpassing Mithali Raj
Smriti Mandhana breaks Meg Lanning's world record with century in Asia Cup clash vs Hong Kong
Star India batter Smriti Mandhana put on a masterclass during the Asia Cup 2026 match against Hong Kong at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. She scored a brilliant century, leaving the Natasha Miles-led side clueless...
BCCI Breaks Silence On 'Director Of Cricket' Rumours Amid Heat On Gautam Gambhir, Ajit Agarkar
Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Devajit Saikia, dismissed rumours regarding chief selector Ajit Agarkar's tenure ending or changes to the senior men's selection committee, as well as hiring a director of cricket for the men's setup.
Adams century crushes Durham to power Hampshire title push
Wellington, Tulloch share six wickets as hosts stumble to 200 for 9 in their 50 overs
George, Freeborn keep Warwickshire in knockout hunt
Spinners Brett and Baker run through Essex lower order as Bears cruise home
Smriti Mandhana Breaks Two Records In the Match vs HK
Smriti Mandhana Breaks Two Records In the Match vs HK
Somerset win from 21 for 5 after dramatic Yorkshire collapse
Yorkshire lose last five wickets for four runs to throw win away at Headingley
Issy Wong five-for sees Ireland bundled out for 165
Ireland fall away after Amy Hunter fifty to lose last six wickets for 25 runs
Womens Asia Cup: Hong Kong China Elect To Bowl First Against Unchanged India
Hong Kong China: Hong Kong-China have won the toss and elected to bowl first against an unchanged India in the 2026 Womens Asia Cup Group A encounter at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday. Its also the first-ever Womens T20I clash between the two teams. Seven-time winners India are looking to build on their opening 94-run victory over Thailand. While a dominant top-order performance powered India's win, they will look to put up a better middle-order show after suffering a collapse against Thailands accurate bowlers. Hong Kong China enter the contest seeking redemption after an agonising six-run defeat to Thailand. We also wanted to bat first in these conditions. We don't have a target score in mind; we just want to go and play to our strengths. This pitch is tricky, and we don't know how it will play out. Hong Kong is playing well, and this is a good opportunity for us to play against them and gain some momentum, said India captain Harmanpreet Kaur. For Hong Kong, Alison Siu is set to play her 100th T20I game. She's been a spearhead for our attack for many years now. Always making 100 appearances for your country is an incredible achievement. So, congrats to Alison, and we're happy to have her on the side always and hope she has a great game, said skipper Natasha Miles. After missing out on the previous game, Natasha said she and Iqra Sahar have come into the playing eleven. We're going to have a bowl first. I think the conditions would suit that. Very confident with our batting lineup to come out here and chase down any score. So, let's make the most of these conditions. I think we've seen, as an average score, it's been about 120 -130. They're obviously a very accomplished side, so, looking at 140, 150, we've had a couple of chases like that this year. So, if we can keep them to 140, 150, it will be great. She also expressed excitement at playing against a formidable Indian team. It's obviously a very exciting occasion. We're playing one of the top teams in the world. They're an incredible side. Obviously, everyone's very excited to see how we can compete against such an incredible side. I mean, taking in the occasion and enjoying ourselves, and hopefully we come back to the Asia Cup in the future. Playing XIs: She also expressed excitement at playing against a formidable Indian team. It's obviously a very exciting occasion. We're playing one of the top teams in the world. They're an incredible side. Obviously, everyone's very excited to see how we can compete against such an incredible side. I mean, taking in the occasion and enjoying ourselves, and hopefully we come back to the Asia Cup in the future. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Hong Kong China: Natasha Miles (captain), Maryam Bibi, Mariko Hill, Joyleen Kaur, Marina Lamplough, Yasmin Daswani (wk), Shanzeen Shahzad, Kary Chan, Ruchitha Venkatesh, Iqra Sahar, and Alison Siu Article Source: IANS
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is fully prepared to stage the inaugural ICC Women's Champions Trophy at short notice after hosting rights were moved from Sri Lanka to India, said secretary Devajit Saikia on Thursday.
BCCI working like a well-oiled engine, says Saikia
Kaia keeps Zimbabwe's hopes of making tri-series final alive
Namibia now face a must-win game against South Africa on Friday
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi May Not Play Duleep Trophy Final. Gautam Gambhir Will Decide
Veteran opener KL Rahul, Sri Lanka series hero Devdutt Padikkal and seasoned pacer Mohammed Siraj have been asked to play the Duleep Trophy final for South Zone against East Zone starting September 6 in Chennai.
BCCI 'trying to find ways' to avoid frequent player injuries
BCCI secretary Saikia said measures were being taken in the next Future Tours Programme to ensure players get enough time to rest and recover
South Zone have strengthened their Duleep Trophy final squad by adding India internationals KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal and Mohammed Siraj. BCCI source has confirmed the development to PTI, stating that the players are free for...
Ajit Agarkars absence from BCCI meeting raises eyebrows
Womens Asia Cup: Pratika Rawal Cherishes 'privilege' Of Being A Multi-format Player For India
Dubai International Stadium: Right-handed batter Pratika Rawal said she is cherishing the privilege of being an all-format player for India, a dream she saw in her childhood, especially after making her T20I debut in the ongoing Womens Asia Cup. Pratika received her debut cap from team captain Harmanpreet Kaur ahead of the fixture against Thailand on August 30 and made 22. She will be looking to get a bigger score when her turn to bat comes against Hong Kong-China at the Dubai International Stadium. It actually feels like a privilege to be able to stand here playing all three formats. This is what I've always wanted to do as a young kid, and to be able to stand here, getting my debut cap from the captain, it feels great. It feels like a privilege. It feels like a blessing, and I think back home people are happier than me, Rawal said to broadcasters before the match began. India's middle order came under scrutiny in their tournament opener after suffering a collapse in the last ten overs. Addressing strategies to prevent similar batting slumps, Pratika said the importance of preserving wickets will be key to getting dominant totals. I think just go with the flow, just assess the conditions, what are the various areas that we can score in. Definitely, we would love to play with a lot of wickets in hand and would love to go for a big total here. India's middle order came under scrutiny in their tournament opener after suffering a collapse in the last ten overs. Addressing strategies to prevent similar batting slumps, Pratika said the importance of preserving wickets will be key to getting dominant totals. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories With international calendar demands rising, Pratika, who came into the squad as a replacement for injured Jemimah Rodrigues, stated her focus remains squarely on maximising every chance presented to establish herself across all three formats. I'm on my toes. I would love to get a lot of opportunities here. I would love to score a lot of runs here, and my prime focus is to contribute as much as I can for the team. Article Source: IANS
The Hundred set to permit fifth overseas squad member to cover for absences
Injuries and international call-ups had an impact on squads in 2026, with several short-term signings
Hong Kong opt to bowl against unchanged India
Natasha Miles returned to take over the captaincy from Maryam Bibi after missing Hong Kong's opener
CRICKET | BCCI leaves Rohits future up in the air
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia brushes aside speculation over Rohits future, pointing to the openers recent form
Yuzvendra Chahal's peach bamboozles Ben Stokes in County Championship | WATCH
Star India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal bamboozled Ben Stokes with a peach of a delivery in the ongoing County Championship . He broke through the former England captains defence during Durhams clash with Northamptonshire as Stokes was left shocked. The all-rounder managed only 14 runs before Chahal found the breakthrough in the 47th over.
BCCI Rules Out Logistical Concerns For Asian Games In Japan, Ready To Step In If Needed
U19 T20 World Cups: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has ruled out any logistical concerns regarding player accommodations and facilities for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, with Secretary Devajit Saikia stating that it is fully prepared to step in and provide its own infrastructure only if it's needed. Concerns over the teams accommodation in the multi-game event set to happen in Aichi-Nagoya emerged after several top Asian teams questioned the facilities and accommodation arrangements for the mens and womens T20 event, scheduled to run from September 19 to October 3. Naoki Alex Miyaji, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Japan Cricket Association (JCA), told IANS on Wednesday that participating teams in cricket are being offered hotel accommodation, while teams are free to arrange their own accommodation if they choose to do so. There is no such issue that we have discussed or which is on our agenda today or prior to today also. So we are not going to have any difficulties in Japan. If any kind of situation arises, we will take an appropriate call at the right time so that we ensure that our players and the support staff will get the best facilities in the Asian Games, whether it is from the organisers. If required, BCCI will have its own system in place to provide the best facilities to our players, Saikia told reporters after a review meeting happened at BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on Thursday. Turning to the development of teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Saikia stated the BCCI is taking a long-term approach with Sooryavanshi to ensure he grows with sustainable success in his playing career for the country rather than survive on short-lived breakthroughs. The BCCI can take pride that we are promoting a player of the age of 15 years who is already making his mark in the international scenario. We are very cautious that every right step he should take forward so that it should not be a one-series or one-year wonder. We want Vaibhav's relevance, or any player of his stature, to continue and serve as Sachin Tendulkar did for the country or other players who in the past became legends. So we look at Vaibhav in a very serious manner. He is monitored at every angle and every step he is taking forward in his international career; BCCI is taking a very close look at his future, he added. Saikia further highlighted that Sooryavanshi is part of a broader developmental group supervised directly by the Centre of Excellence (CoE) head of cricket, former India batter VVS Laxman. That our selectors are looking, we have a huge number of upcoming players who are doing good. If you look at our U19 Indian team, they are becoming champions recently also. Similarly, in women's cricket also, we are world champions for the last two international U19 T20 World Cups. So we are looking at all the players, not only Vaibhav's relevance, but there are about 10-15 players who are in our targeted group. Those are named in our targeted group list, and they are constantly monitored by our COE head, VVS Laxman, who is taking keen interest in their future and their training and skill development. Saikia further highlighted that Sooryavanshi is part of a broader developmental group supervised directly by the Centre of Excellence (CoE) head of cricket, former India batter VVS Laxman. That our selectors are looking, we have a huge number of upcoming players who are doing good. If you look at our U19 Indian team, they are becoming champions recently also. Similarly, in women's cricket also, we are world champions for the last two international U19 T20 World Cups. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Sometimes it is a challenge because the wicket becomes very placid and no bowler is effective. So we have to think about all the things. If the spinner is not doing it, then Bumrah is doing it. So there is a balance, and the only thing is that we should win. Whether the spinner is doing it or the bowler is a pacer, that is not the sole criterion. The criteria should be that India should become world champion, which we have become this year only, Saikia concluded. Article Source: IANS
BCCI's Clear Mandate On Rohit Sharma And His Future With A Year To Go For World Cup 2027
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday quashed speculation regarding veteran opener Rohit Sharma's ODI future
BCCI Targets Solving Mounting Injury Issues With Better FTP And Rehab Protocols
Future Tours Programme: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said it will seek better scheduling in the upcoming Future Tours Programme (FTP) and strengthen player rehab protocols to combat rising injuries caused by a heavy workload of international and franchise games, said secretary Devajit Saikia on Thursday. Injury management remains a central concern after several high-profile players like Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, and B. Sai Sudharsan missed recent tours despite initial conditional selections due to varied injuries. With the likes of Bumrah, Sundar, Reddy and Harshit Rana named in the upcoming 15-man T20I squad against Afghanistan with the asterisk of subject to fitness, scrutiny on the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru has intensified, although Saikia and head of cricket, former India batter VVS Laxman, previously clarified that the high-performance centre is more than just a rehabilitation facility. Individual players are having injuries because they have to play a lot of matches. If you look at their schedule, in England, we had a 15-player team go for the ODIs, and out of that, three or four players got injured during the match. We have to think that they had played two months of IPL before that. So all this takes a toll on the health of the players. To avoid those kinds of situations under the present window and FTPs, we are trying to find out some ways to tackle it, Saikia told reporters after a review meeting happened at BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on Thursday. The high-level meetings, attended by Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill and T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer along with head coach Gautam Gambhir, evaluated existing return-to-play guidelines to ensure players undergo thorough clearance before resuming international duty. We have a protocol in place for how a player can come back to the matches again in international matches. So when a player is injured, he goes to his own physio, or he comes to the rehab programme in CoE, and before allowing him to be a part of the Indian team, there are certain measures they have to take and certain hurdles they have to cross. So those kinds of things, we have revisited today, and whatever is the best way we can take forward the players to have no injury in the international matches. We have discussed these issues, and we will further discuss this topic in our next meetings, added Saikia. He further clarified that the discussions focused purely on systemic policy rather than specific individual selection or fitness cases. There was no discussion on any individual player. Today's discussion was totally general in nature, and what policies and protocols we have to maintain regarding maintaining the fitness level of every player, not about any individual, and what is in the best interest of the team, we have considered that only. We have taken the feedback from the captains and the head coach, who are the right persons to give us the information, so that we chalk up a proper strategy to avoid all these kinds of unwanted situations during any international or bilateral matches. Saikia also rejected suggestions of differences between national team management and CoE staff. We don't see that kind of situation in us, and there is no such situation that there is a communication breakdown or there is no integrity among the CoE or the Team India staff or technical persons. There is no such situation - the only thing is that what is troubling us is the injuries of some players, which is happening frequently and to avoid that, we have to do certain things. We have to take up some measures so that the players do not suffer injuries frequently, he said. Addressing the long-standing vacancy for the head of sports science at the CoE, Saikia assured that ongoing operations remain fully functional while the board searches globally for a qualified specialist. I would like to reiterate once more that the vacant position of the head of sports science is not a deterrent to our activities in CoE. That post is required, but that is a very high-level post for which the properly qualified person should be positioned. Not any person who has only a qualification is fit for that. In that aspect, we have about 16 persons in place to maintain the fitness level or the rehab or the prehab facilities in CoE. But to supervise that, one important person is required, and for that person who will be in that position, he must be qualified up to a different level. That kind of person is very short in number in India as well as in the whole world. So we are trying to find that kind of person at the earliest possible time. Once again, we will start the exercise to find a person who can fit into that position of the head of sports science medicine in CoE. But without him also, it is running in the right manner. Saikia signed off by saying that overall operational harmony remains intact across all arms of the board, with clear directions given for upcoming global scheduling talks for both mens and womens team matches. Everybody is on the same page. BCCI is working like a well-oiled engine. There is proper coordination amongst all the wings of BCCI, whether it is women's team committees or their technical staff or their coaches vis-a-vis the COE, vis-a-vis the Indian men's teams, coaching staff and the head coach. Saikia signed off by saying that overall operational harmony remains intact across all arms of the board, with clear directions given for upcoming global scheduling talks for both mens and womens team matches. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories We have instructed our FTP personnel, who will be meeting very soon in various international forums, that our FTP should be scheduled in such a way that it should be scheduled that there is proper rest for the players as well as some kind of acclimatisation through friendly matches before any major series in SENA countries. Article Source: IANS
Saikia On Rohit: Don't want to give fodder for speculators
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia addressed recent speculations regarding Rohit Sharma's future, chief selector Ajit Agarkar's contract extension, and VVS Laxman's potential appointment as director of cricket, dismissing all rumours after a review meeting.
Siddharth attributes TNPL success to confidence and learnings from IPL
The left-arm spinner finished second on the wickets chart with 16 scalps and recorded the tournaments best economy rate (5.08)
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia has dismissed reports of Rohit Sharmas possible international retirement . Since the Australia series last year, there have been plenty of reports of the Mumbai cricketer possibly calling his time and that he is no longer in the scheme of things. The talks only intensified after he flopped in the first two ODIs against England, but in the third match at Lords, he silenced the critics with an incredible century.
Concerned Over Packed Schedule, BCCI Announces Major Strategy Shift
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on Thursday said the board will be working in the direction of ensuring proper rest, acclimatisation and practise matches for Indian cricketers ahead of any major series in SENA countries.
Saikia: 'Team India playing too many matches in a year'
The BCCI is committed to improving player preparation for major series in South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia (SENA countries) by ensuring adequate rest, acclimatisation, and practice matches, according to secretary Devajit Saikia.
BCCI Quashes Speculation On Rohits ODI Future, Dismisses Rumours On Director Of Cricket Role
Joint Secretary Prabhtej Singh Bhatia: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday quashed speculation regarding veteran opener Rohit Sharma's ODI future, insisting his form remains top-class following a high-level performance review meeting conducted at its headquarters in Mumbai. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia clarified that the former captain's spot remains secure after the board convened to analyse recent overseas tours and map out strategies leading up to the 2027 ODI World Cup. Indias T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, Test and ODI skipper Shubman Gill, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman attended the crucial review meeting. They were joined by top BCCI officials - President Mithun Manhas, Secretary Saikia, Joint Secretary Prabhtej Singh Bhatia and interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hemang Amin. The long-pending review meeting was initially supposed to happen in July to address Indias T20I series defeats in England and Ireland, along with the ODI series loss to England. But it was pushed back and finally happened on Thursday due to Indias T20I tour of Zimbabwe and Test tour of Sri Lanka, where they won 3-0 and 1-0, respectively. He is playing superbly in all matches. So what more do you want? In the last match, he scored 138-148 runs. So why is there a speculation? So, I do not want to give fodder for the speculators, Saikia told reporters at the conclusion of the meeting. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar was unable to attend the important meeting due to short notice and connectivity constraints while being out of Mumbai. Today, we did not have any selection meeting. We had a routine meeting, like we have frequent meetings after an interval of 2-3 months. So, we had a meeting today with the head coach, the CoE head of cricket, as well as two of the captains - T20 skipper Shreyas, as well as the Test and ODI captain, Shubman. Today he (Agarkar) was out of station, so he could not be a part of the meeting. Because this meeting was called at very short notice and our head of the selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, was not in town, he could not join it, and he was in such an area that he could not join online also, despite our best efforts, added Saikia. The review focused heavily on addressing setbacks on tours of England and Ireland, as the senior mens team prepares for a grueling upcoming schedule that includes T20Is against Afghanistan, white-ball games against the West Indies, Asian Games T20 trip in Japan, multi-format tour of New Zealand, ODIs against Zimbabwe, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at home, before the 2027 Mens ODI World Cup takes centrestage. So, we had discussions, and we basically discussed how our team performed in England and Ireland, and also we are thinking about what we are going to do over the next one year. The roadmap has been prepared, and we will be doing some exercises so that we have a very good performance in the 2027 World Cup. Yes, we did not do well; you all know that we lost matches in Ireland and also in England in those T20Is and ODIs; we lost by 2-1. So we wanted to know what the reasons were, and we have to do certain soul-searching about that, and in the future, what we will be doing before going to any of the SENA countries, we have chalked out some strategies, added Saikia. He also dismissed rumours regarding Agarkars tenure ending or changes to the senior mens selection committee, as well as hiring a director of cricket for the mens setup. There was no such discussion on this in today's meeting. I do not comment on new rumours. We did not have any such discussions, nor did we have such intentions. Yes, we did not do well; you all know that we lost matches in Ireland and also in England in those T20Is and ODIs; we lost by 2-1. So we wanted to know what the reasons were, and we have to do certain soul-searching about that, and in the future, what we will be doing before going to any of the SENA countries, we have chalked out some strategies, added Saikia. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories We have not discussed all these things regarding the team selection, team combination, who will be playing in what format. For that, selectors will take a call. Today, the selectors were not part of the discussion. So when the selectors meet to select the team for the West Indies series, as well as thereafter for the New Zealand series, they will consider whatever parameters are to be considered by them, concluded Saikia. Article Source: IANS
India vs Hong Kong LIVE Score, Women's Asia Cup 2026 Group A IND-W vs HKG-W Match Scorecard LIVE Updates: India top the Group A table with two points and a net run rate of +4.700.
Rohit Sharma's TV Debut: A New Role For The Hitman
Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma is set to make his television debut as the host of the upcoming game show 'Family Full House'. The show, premiering on September 19, 2026, on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony Liv, will see Sharma transition from the cricket field to the entertainment world, showcasing a new side of his personality.
Bangladesh's Towhid Hridoy Slams 350* In South Africa, Surpasses India Legend's 13-Year-Old Record
Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy shattered multiple records as he slammed a sensational 350* off 481 balls on Wednesday, in an unofficial Test match between Bangladesh A and South Africa A in Potchefstroom.
Auqib Nabi's First Wicket In County Championship 2026 Is His India Teammate. Watch
Auqib Nabi's toil in his first County Championship match for Surrey against Yorkshire produced his maiden wicket on Day 2 of a Division 1 match
From Cricket Pitch To Host's Chair: Rohit Sharma Begins New Innings
Rohit Sharma is all set to step into a new arena as he makes his television debut with the upcoming game show Family Full House.
After Explosive Krunal Pandya Feud, Deepak Hooda Makes Stunning Baroda Return
Batting all-rounder Deepak Hooda is set to play again for his home state, Baroda, in the ongoing domestic season, five years after leaving the team following a feud with skipper Krunal Pandya.
England bowl first again in second ODI at Derby
England make one change with Ryana MacDonald-Gay coming in for Lauren Filer
Mohsin Naqvi on Pakistan's changes: No option if players don't perform
The PCB chair defends the decision to sack head coach Sarfaraz and bowling coach Gul after Pakistan lost the Lord's Test by 194 runs
Zimbabwe opt to bowl against Namibia; Muzarabani returns
Namibia's left-arm spinner Bernard Scholtz missed out for offspin-bowing allrounder Jan Balt
Tilak Varma wants to play Test cricket for India, says 'my strength is red-ball cricket'
South Zone captain Tilak Varma led by example as his team defeated North by seven wickets to qualify for Duleep Trophy final. The 23-year-old scored an unbeaten century in the first innings and added that...
Injured Jafta Out Of South Africa's Maiden T20I Tour Of Zimbabwe, Filander Named Replacement
South Africa Emerging Women: Wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta has been ruled out of South Africas upcoming five-match womens T20I series in Zimbabwe after sustaining a hamstring strain during pre-tour physical testing, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said on Thursday. Western Province wicketkeeper-batter Jae-Leigh Filander, previously in the Proteas Under-19 team, has earned her maiden senior international call-up as a replacement. Proteas Women wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta has been ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20 International (T20I) series against Zimbabwe after sustaining a hamstring strain during pre-tour testing. SA U19 Women and Western Province starlet Jae-Leigh Filander has received her maiden senior international call-up as a replacement and will join the Proteas Women squad in Tshwane ahead of the teams departure for Bulawayo on Monday, 07 September, CSA said in its statement. Regular captain Laura Wolvaardt will lead the tour, which is South Africa's first T20I series against their neighbours. The squad includes many newcomers, while several senior players, including Marizanne Kapp, Dan van Niekerk, Sun Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tazmin Brits, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, and Shabnim Ismail, have been rested. The Proteas travelling party includes three uncapped prospects: 21-year-old seamer Caitlin Wyngaard, former South Africa Under-19 pacer Nthabiseng Nini, and off-spinner Luyanda Nzuza. The trio delivered impressive performances for the South Africa Emerging Womens team during the recent games against the Bangladesh Emerging team. They join returning players Faye Tunnicliffe, Anneke Bosch, Ayanda Hlubi, Eliz-Mari Marx, Seshnie Naidu, Nondumiso Shangase, and Mian Smit, all of whom missed out on the ICC Womens T20 World Cup in England. Wicketkeeper Karabo Meso, along with all-rounders Kayla Reyneke and Annerie Dercksen, round out the squad. The Proteas travelling party includes three uncapped prospects: 21-year-old seamer Caitlin Wyngaard, former South Africa Under-19 pacer Nthabiseng Nini, and off-spinner Luyanda Nzuza. The trio delivered impressive performances for the South Africa Emerging Womens team during the recent games against the Bangladesh Emerging team. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories South Africas updated squad: Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen, Jae-Leigh Filander (wk), Ayanda Hlubi, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso (wk), Seshnie Naidu, Luyanda Nzuza, Kayla Reyneke, Nthabiseng Nini, Nondumiso Shangase, Mian Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, and Caitlin Wyngaard. Article Source: IANS
Injured Jafta out of Zimbabwe tour; Filander earns maiden SA call-up
Jafta's absence will mean even less experience in an already young squad
Laxman confirmed as India men's head coach for Asian Games
Gambhir will be with the India ODI team for the three-match series at home that overlaps with the Asian Games
Sports Ministry Adds 11 Athletes To Expand India's Asian Games Contingent To 768 Members
Tajinderpal Singh Toor: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Thursday added another 11 athletes to the 492-athlete list for the Asian Games as the Indian contingent for the Aichi-Nagoya Games was expanded to 768 members. The Ministry added athletes across athletics, mixed martial arts and surfing for the Games. Surfing is also making its debut at the Asian Games as four athletes - Kishore Kumar, Sivaraj, Kamali and Sugar Shanti will represent India in the sport. MMA is also marking its debut at the Games. Meanwhile, six in athletics Praveen Kumar, Harita Bhadra, Kiran Pahal, Asha Ilango, Sindhushree Ganesha and Sanya Yadav have been added, while Varun Sanyal will represent India in mixed martial arts as per the updated list from the Ministry. The expanded list now sees India's Asiad contingent extend to 768 members, with 503 athletes (269 male and 234 female). 246 team officials/supporting staff and 19 contingent staff are also part of the Indian roster set to compete across 36 disciplines in the continental showpiece. The Ministry has also confirmed the head of the Centre of Excellence to be the head coach of the Indian men's side for the cricket event. Sunil Joshi, Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Subhadeep Ghosh will join Laxman, while Amol Muzumdar will spearhead the women's team for the Asiad. Muzumdar will have Aavishkar Salvi as the bowling coach and Munish Bali as the fielding coach in his coaching staff. Earlier in the day, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) also finalised the 77-member squads for athletics for the Asiad. Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Yashvir Singh has replaced the 2022 Asian Games gold medallist Neeraj Chopra in the list after Chopra was ruled out of the season due to an injury. Two-time Olympic medallist Chopra was initially named to the 73-member Indian athletics team for the Games but will no longer defend the titles he won in Jakarta 2018 and Hangzhou 2023. Rohit Yadav is the other Indian selected for the men's javelin throw. Earlier in the day, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) also finalised the 77-member squads for athletics for the Asiad. Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Yashvir Singh has replaced the 2022 Asian Games gold medallist Neeraj Chopra in the list after Chopra was ruled out of the season due to an injury. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Meanwhile, men's 110m hurdler Tejas Shirse, who was intially selected for the 110m hurdles despite sustaining two stress fractures in his left foot during CWG in Glagow, has also been omitted from the team. Abhishek Pal, who has landed in a doping controversy after being served a notice by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) over an apparent violation, was dropped out of the squad. Article Source: IANS
Birthday Boy Shami Eyes Test Comeback
Mohammed Shami, despite being out of international contention since 2025, is making a strong case for a Test team comeback through his exceptional performances in domestic cricket.
Sri Lanka Pledges Support For Women's Champions Trophy After Losing Hosting Rights
The Sri Lanka Cricket: The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Thursday said it has pledged full support for the upcoming ICC Women's Champions Trophy and accepted the global governing body's decision to relocate the inaugural tournament to India. The International Cricket Council (ICC) stripped Sri Lanka of its hosting rights due to government interference in the SLCs governance and handed the staging rights of the inaugural six-team competition to India. The tournament, featuring Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka, is scheduled to run from February 14 to 28 next year, with games to be staged in Mumbai and Vadodara. Despite the administrative setback of losing its second major ICC tournament in two years, the island nation's board confirmed it will focus entirely on supporting its squad following their qualification based on global rankings. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) notes the International Cricket Councils decision regarding the hosting of the upcoming ICC Womens Champions Trophy 2027, the board said in a statement on Thursday. While Sri Lanka will not host the tournament, the Sri Lanka womens national team has secured automatic qualification for the competition based on its standing in the current qualification process. SLC welcomes the qualification of the Sri Lanka womens national team and remains committed to providing the team with the necessary support in its preparation for the tournament. Sri Lanka Cricket will continue to work closely with the ICC, the host nation of the ICC Womens Champions Trophy, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful conduct of the inaugural tournament, the SLC said in its statement on Thursday. SLC welcomes the qualification of the Sri Lanka womens national team and remains committed to providing the team with the necessary support in its preparation for the tournament. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Despite this, the side retained its entry to the competition based on its standing at the July 6 cut-off date. The six participating teams will compete in a single round-robin format during the event, with the top two sides progressing to the final on February 28. Article Source: IANS
The ICC Chairman Jay Shah said the inaugural ICC Women's Champions Trophy 2027 will mark an exciting new chapter for women's cricket as the tournament is set to be hosted in India across two venues, Vadodara and Mumbai in February
We Went Out There With One Mindset, And We Got The Win: Sawal On Amritsar Soormas Turnaround
Punjab T20 League: Amritsar Soormas head coach Sandeep Sawal has credited a renewed sense of unity and belief within the squad for the teams first victory of the Sher-E-Punjab T20 League 2026, as the side prepares to face Bathinda Royals at the I.S. Bindra Stadium on Thursday. The Soormas enter the contest after opening their campaign with two defeats before responding with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Fazilka Falcons. The result earned Amritsar their first points of the tournament and has given the team an opportunity to build momentum as the league moves forward. Sawal revealed that the coaching staff and players had addressed the difficult start directly, with the group making a collective commitment before taking the field against Fazilka. After losing our first two matches, it was important for the players to come together, believe in themselves and be clear about what we wanted to achieve on the field. So, we wrote We will win on the board and asked everyone who believed in it to stand together. Every player agreed, and that belief translated onto the field. We went out there with one mindset, and we got the win. The response was emphatic. Chasing against Fazilka, Amritsar were led by Naman Dhirs unbeaten 88 off 48 balls, while Abhay Choudhary remained not out on 58 from 35 deliveries as the Soormas completed a seven-wicket win. Dhirs performances have made him the player to watch in the Amritsar line-up. The batter currently leads the Orange Cap race with 252 runs from three matches and will once again be central to the teams hopes against Bathinda. Captain Abhishek Sharma will be expected to provide his usual attacking intent at the top, while Choudhary will look to carry forward the confidence gained from his match-winning contribution in the previous outing. Amritsar also have Sahaj Dhawan, Jashanpreet Singh Sidhu and Mayank Markande among the players capable of influencing the contest as they seek a second successive victory. Bathinda Royals, meanwhile, will present another significant challenge, with Uday Saharan, Gurnoor Brar, Harnoor Singh, Gourav Choudhary and Ashwani Kumar forming part of a competitive unit. For the Soormas, though, the immediate objective is straightforward: ensure that their breakthrough victory does not remain an isolated result. Bathinda Royals, meanwhile, will present another significant challenge, with Uday Saharan, Gurnoor Brar, Harnoor Singh, Gourav Choudhary and Ashwani Kumar forming part of a competitive unit. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories IANS Article Source: IANS
Discarded Pakistan player refuses to meet King Charles in protest of being dropped from squad
After an embarrassing 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at Lords, the Pakistan Cricket Board made wholesale changes. They dropped seven players, sacked head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul and...
V V S Laxman to coach India men's team at Asian Games
VVS Laxman, BCCI's Centre of Excellence chief, will coach the Indian men's cricket team at the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. He will be assisted by Sunil Joshi, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, and Subhadeep Ghosh. Gautam Gambhir, the regular head coach, will be with the senior team for the West Indies ODI series. Amol Muzumdar will continue as the head coach for the Indian women's team, who will also defend their title.
Pakistan Star, Who Was Dropped After 2nd Test, Snubs King Charles Meeting: Report
A Pakistan cricket team player refused to attend the team's meeting with King Charles III at Clarence House despite being instructed to attend the event ahead of the third Test against England, according to a report.
Vadodara Hosting 2027 Womens Champions Trophy Games Is Well Deserved, Says BCA CEO Parikh
Vadodara International Cricket Stadium: The selection of Vadodara as a venue for the inaugural 2027 ICC Womens Champions Trophy matches is well deserved, given the venue's proven track record of staging high-profile domestic and international fixtures in recent times, said Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Snehal Parikh. His comments followed the International Cricket Council (ICC) naming Vadodara International Cricket Stadium and Mumbais Brabourne Stadium as co-hosts of the inaugural six-team competition, to be held from February 14 to 28 next year. We can say that we are lucky. But we can always say its well deserved because we've been hosting so many matches, tournaments and I think the response has been good. People have appreciated and the BCCI has appreciated as well. Various officials, India players, and international masters league players like Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, and everyone have appreciated the grounds, facilities, wickets, and outfield. So, yes, we are lucky there, Parikh told IANS on Thursday. The tournament was moved to India following a global assessment by the ICC, which evaluated alternative bids from India, Bangladesh, and South Africa after Sri Lanka was stripped of its hosting rights due to government interference in its boards administration. The competition will feature the top six womens T20I sides as of July 6 - Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. Located roughly 30 kilometres outside Vadodara, just off the Harod-Halol-Vadodara highway, the stadium, also known as Kotambi International Stadium, hosted its first international cricket match during the India-West Indies women's ODI series in December 2024, before staging a men's ODI between India and New Zealand in January this year. The tournament was moved to India following a global assessment by the ICC, which evaluated alternative bids from India, Bangladesh, and South Africa after Sri Lanka was stripped of its hosting rights due to government interference in its boards administration. The competition will feature the top six womens T20I sides as of July 6 - Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The venue is scheduled to host a three-match womens ODI series between India and Zimbabwe on 23, 25, and 28 October. It will also host India womens Under-19 T20 games against the England women's Under-19 team on 26 and 28 November. Article Source: IANS
Not Gautam Gambhir, VVS Laxman To Coach Indian Men's Cricket Team At Asian Games. Here's The Reason
VVS Laxman, is going to take charge of the Indian men's team at the upcoming Asian Games 2026 to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, later this month
BCCI Review Meeting Live Updates: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's spot in the ODI World Cup 2027 squad remains a major focus at the BCCI review meeting on Thursday.
