The Pakistan Cricket Board has suspended all foreign T20 league NOCs for its players following their Asia Cup final defeat to India. This drastic move impacts key stars like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, reportedly to encourage focus on domestic cricket.
India clinched a 59-run victory against Sri Lanka in their 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup opener, powered by Deepti Sharma's exceptional all-round display. Sharma (53 runs, 3/54) and Amanjot Kaur (57 runs) rebuilt India's innings after a collapse, setting a 271-run target. Indian bowlers then restricted Sri Lanka to 211, securing a crucial win despite earlier rain delays.
India's record ninth Asia Cup win in 2025 triggered discussions. Former Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal's old video resurfaced. He revealed government cheques for the 2009 T20 World Cup winners bounced. Pakistan Cricket Board refused to handle it. This contrasts with India's immediate cash prize for their squad. The incident highlights player treatment differences.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav's dismal batting form persisted in the Asia Cup 2025 final, scoring just 1 run against arch-rivals Pakistan. His overall tournament performance was largely forgettable, marked by low scores and an average of 18.00, raising significant concerns for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
India clinched the 2025 Asia Cup with a five-wicket win over Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday (September 28). Sahibzada Farhan’s fiery fifty set up Pakistan, but a stunning collapse from 113/1 to 146 all out handed India the edge. Tilak Varma’s gritty 69* and Shivam Dube’s power-hitting ensured India overcame early setbacks to seal another tense India-Pakistan classic.
India clinched their record ninth Asia Cup title, defeating Pakistan in a thrilling final. Tilak Varma's unbeaten 69 anchored India's chase of 147, culminating in a towering six that sealed the victory. Former opener Gautam Gambhir's passionate table-thumping celebration became an iconic moment, reflecting the intensity of the rivalry.
Nepal secured a historic T20I victory, defeating West Indies by 19 runs in Sharjah. This marks their first-ever win against an ICC full member nation, taking a 1-0 series lead. Nepal posted 148/8, with key contributions from Paudel and Malla. West Indies faltered in their chase, managing only 129/9, despite late resistance, sealing a memorable triumph for Nepal.
Abhishek Sharma’s rise has been forged by discipline, patience, and fearless hitting. Guided by mentor Yuvraj Singh’s gruelling 4 am routines and Brian Lara’s golf lessons, the young left-hander has transformed into a six-hitting machine. With 309 runs at a strike rate over 200 in the Asia Cup, he has become India’s most destructive batting force.
Atletico Madrid secured a dominant 5-2 victory over La Liga leaders Real Madrid, ending their perfect season start. Julian Alvarez netted twice, including a penalty, with Le Normand, Sorloth, and Griezmann also scoring. Real briefly led through Mbappe and Guler. This crucial derby win, celebrated by coach Simeone, lifts Atletico and leaves Real Madrid's Alonso acknowledging a deserved, historic loss.
A heartwarming video featuring cricketing icons Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma has gone viral, showcasing a moment of profound humility and respect. At a recent event, Kapil Dev urged Rohit Sharma to cut the ribbon first, but Rohit politely declined the spotlight. Dhoni observed the interaction with amusement.
In a dramatic Asia Cup Super Over, Sri Lanka's Dasun Shanaka survived a clear run-out due to a cricket law technicality. After being given out caught behind, which he reviewed, Shanaka was run out while the ball was deemed "dead" by the umpire's initial decision. DRS overturned the caught-behind, but Law 20 protected him, baffling players.
Sri Lanka mounted a spirited chase against India, reaching 157/2 in 15 overs while pursuing 203. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera built a crucial 127-run partnership. Nissanka recorded his fifth T20 Asia Cup fifty, surpassing Virat Kohli's record for most 50-plus scores and setting a new record for the biggest partnership in the tournament.
Ben Harburg, an American businessman, now owns Al-Kholood Club in Ar Rass. This marks the first foreign ownership in the Saudi Pro League. Harburg aims for financial stability and on-field success. He plans to invest in infrastructure and a youth academy. His focus is on developing Saudi talent. He wants Al-Kholood to contribute to the national team.
In a thrilling Asia Cup Super Fours match, Pakistan overcame Bangladesh by 11 runs, securing their place in the final against India. Despite a shaky start and impressive bowling from Bangladesh, Pakistan's lower order propelled them to a total of 135. A stunning bowling effort helped them edge out Bangladesh to set up a final against rivals India.
India secured their Asia Cup 2025 final berth with a dominant 41-run victory over Bangladesh in Dubai, despite Sanju Samson's mixed performance, where he dropped a catch and didn't get to bat. Suryakumar Yadav's team posted 168/6, powered by Abhishek Sharma's explosive 75, while Bangladesh faltered in their chase, managing only 127.
Emmanuel Dennis is now a free agent after leaving Nottingham Forest. The Nigerian striker is in talks with Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab. Reports suggest a possible two-year deal is being discussed. Dennis seeks regular playing time after loan spells. Al-Shabab's recent signing of Josh Brownhill indicates their strategy. The club aims to add experienced players.
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets in a crucial Asia Cup Super 4 match, chasing down a target of 134. Wanindu Hasaranga's fiery spell caused trouble, but Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz guided Pakistan to victory. Earlier, Pakistan's pacers restricted Sri Lanka to 133, with Shaheen Shah Afridi taking three wickets.
England captain Ben Stokes is expected to be fit for the Ashes series against Australia despite a shoulder injury. Will Jacks earns a surprise selection as a back-up spinner. Harry Brook is named vice-captain, while Mark Wood returns from a knee injury. England aims to win in Australia for the first time since 2010/11.
Abhishek Sharma, known for his effortless six-hitting, showcased his talent against Pakistan with a blistering 74 off 39 balls. Mentored by Yuvraj Singh, Abhishek combines natural flair with strategic gameplay. His journey from U-19 cricket to IPL stardom has prepared him for the international stage, where he aims to win matches for India.
Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is chasing a major record. He aims to score 1,000 career goals. Former coach Rene Meulensteen thinks Ronaldo might retire after that. Meulensteen joked goalkeepers might let Ronaldo score his 1,000th goal. Ronaldo's contract with Al-Nassr runs until 2027. But Meulensteen believes Ronaldo could retire sooner. The 2026 World Cup could be his last tournament.
Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill forged India's highest T20I opening partnership against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super Four clash, amassing 105 runs. They surpassed the previous record of 77 set in 2012. Gill scored 47 off 28, while Abhishek remained strong with 57 off 31 when the partnership was broken. Pakistan had earlier posted 171/5, with Sahibzada Farhan scoring 58.
Real Madrid continued their dominant form, defeating Espanyol 2-0 and extending their La Liga lead. Eder Militao's stunning strike and Kylian Mbappe's goal secured the victory, maintaining Madrid's perfect start to the season. Barcelona trails by five points, while Espanyol faced a reality check despite their promising start. Jude Bellingham made his return from injury as a late substitute.
Sanju Samson's composed half-century propelled India to a total of 188/8 against Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Samson's 56 off 45 balls anchored the innings after an early setback with Shubman Gill's dismissal. Contributions from Abhishek Sharma, Axar Patel, and Tilak Varma helped bolster the score, though Oman's bowlers, led by Faisal Shah, kept India under 200.
During the Asia Cup 2025 match against Oman, Axar Patel had a mixed performance. He contributed a quick 26 runs but later dropped a catch, injuring himself in the process and leaving the field. India's innings featured strong performances from Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Tilak Varma, helping them reach a high powerplay score, though Oman's bowlers fought back well.
Al Kholood secured a 2-1 victory against Damac FC in a thrilling Saudi Pro League match. John Buckley's late free-kick sealed the win after Ramiro Enrique's early goal was canceled out by Valentin Vada's penalty. Al Kholood demonstrated resilience and capitalized on set-piece opportunities, while Damac struggled to convert their chances into goals.
Mohammad Nabi's explosive 60 off 22 balls, including five sixes in a single over, propelled Afghanistan to a competitive 169/8 against Sri Lanka in a crucial Asia Cup clash. Afghanistan recovered from 120/7, thanks to Nabi's late onslaught and a 35-run partnership with Rashid Khan. Nuwan Thushara's earlier 4/18 spell had threatened to derail Afghanistan's innings before Nabi's heroics.
The Saudi Pro League is witnessing a fascinating trend beyond big-name signings: player reunions. Clubs like Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad are strategically assembling squads by reuniting former teammates, fostering instant chemistry and shared understanding.
Lionel Messi has sent Prime Minister Narendra Modi a signed 2022 World Cup jersey ahead of his India tour in December. Promoter Satadru Dutta confirmed the gesture and said a meeting with Modi is being explored. The “GOAT Tour of India 2025” will take Messi to Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi.
Umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge was forced off the field after being struck on the ear during Pakistan’s Asia Cup clash against UAE in Dubai. Pakistan posted 146/9, led by Fakhar Zaman’s 50 and Shaheen Afridi’s 29*. UAE’s chase began shakily, with strikes from Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed in their very first overs.
Michael Bracewell will captain New Zealand in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy T20I series against Australia, as Mitchell Santner recovers from surgery. Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears return to bolster the seam attack, while young batter Bevon Jacobs retains his spot. Several senior players are unavailable due to injuries, and Kane Williamson has opted out of the series.
Amidst controversy, ICC match referee Andy Pycroft may be replaced for the Pakistan-UAE match following PCB's complaint regarding his conduct during the India game, which led to a "no-handshake" issue. The PCB demanded Pycroft's removal from the Asia Cup, threatening to pull out of the tournament.
Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by eight runs in a crucial Asia Cup match, boosting their chances for Super Fours qualification. After limiting Bangladesh to 154, Afghanistan faltered in their chase, getting bowled out for 146. Excellent fielding and dominant powerplay performances were key for Bangladesh, along with Tanzid Hasan's quickfire 52.
UAE defeated Oman by 42 runs in a crucial Asia Cup Super Four qualifier, fueled by Muhammad Waseem's 69 and Alishan Sharafu's 51. Junaid Siddique's impressive 4/23 restricted Oman to 130. After losing their opening matches, this victory keeps UAE's hopes alive for the next stage.
Mohamed Salah's dramatic 95th-minute penalty secured a 1-0 victory for Liverpool against Burnley, maintaining their perfect Premier League start and reclaiming the top spot. Despite struggling to convert dominance into clear chances, Liverpool's persistence paid off with a late handball decision. This win marks Liverpool's fourth consecutive victory with a goal scored in the final 10 minutes, showing their ability to strike at the death.
Barcelona faces Valencia in La Liga, but will play at the smaller Estadi Johan Cruyff due to ongoing stadium renovations. Key players like Frenkie de Jong and Ter Stegen are sidelined with injuries, posing a challenge for coach Hansi Flick. Despite these obstacles, Barcelona aims to continue their unbeaten start and keep pace with the league leaders.
Gukesh D and Divya Deshmukh drew in a lengthy endgame, while Nihal Sarin secured a quick draw, sharing the lead in the FIDE Grand Swiss. R Vaishali lost her lead in the women's section after a defeat, and Vidit Gujrathi was also defeated. Kateryna Lagno now leads the women's section with 6.5 points, holding a half-point advantage.
Shubman Gill's journey from a Punjab farm to leading India in Tests is a testament to his father's unwavering belief and sacrifices. Recognizing his son's talent at a young age, his father moved the family to Chandigarh and created rigorous training schedules.
Amidst heightened tensions following the Pahalgam attack and 'Operation Sindoor,' former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has called for India to boycott cricket matches against Pakistan until relations improve. Singh cited his team's recent boycott of a Legends match against Pakistan as an example.
Rinku Singh disclosed his occasional phone conversations with MS Dhoni, where they delve into batting strategies and mental fortitude for high-pressure situations. Dhoni's advice emphasises maintaining composure and self-belief during crucial moments, particularly when batting in the lower middle order. Rinku also recounted his awestruck first encounter with Dhoni during an IPL match in Dubai.
Dewald Brevis became the costliest player in SA20 history, fetching R16.5 million from Pretoria Capitals after a fierce bidding war. Aiden Markram, a two-time SA20 champion, was acquired by Durban’s Super Giants for R14 million. Veteran Imran Tahir joined Joburg Super Kings, while notable players like Andile Phehlukwayo and Mustafizur Rahman went unsold.
India's U23 football team triumphed over Brunei 6-0 in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, led by Vibin Mohanan's hat-trick. Despite the victory and finishing with six points, qualification hinges on other match results. Celebrations were muted amidst reports of explosions in Doha, allegedly targeting Hamas leaders by Israeli forces.
Carlos Alcaraz celebrated his US Open victory, defeating Jannik Sinner, with a champagne-filled locker room celebration followed by a night at Chez Margaux, a private club. He mingled with celebrities like Jamie Foxx, Cardi B, and Lupita Nyong'o, enjoying the convergence of sports and entertainment after his impressive win. The night marked Alcaraz's growing status as a global star.
Pakistan showcased their Asia Cup readiness by defeating Afghanistan in the tri-series final. Mohammad Nawaz's exceptional 5 for 19, including a hat-trick, dismantled Afghanistan for a mere 66. Earlier, Rashid Khan's 3 wickets restricted Pakistan to 141. Nawaz's all-round performance and Pakistan's dominant bowling display secured a convincing 75-run victory, boosting their confidence ahead of the Asia Cup.
Carlos Alcaraz triumphed over Jannik Sinner at the US Open final, securing his second US Open title and sixth major overall. Alcaraz's victory, played under a closed roof, marks their third consecutive Grand Slam final matchup this season, allowing him to reclaim the No. 1 ranking. Alcaraz leads Sinner 10-5 in their head-to-head series.
Aryna Sabalenka triumphed over Amanda Anisimova at the US Open, securing her second consecutive title with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (3). This victory marks Sabalenka's fourth Grand Slam title, all achieved on hard courts, and solidifies her position as the World No. 1. She becomes the first woman since Serena Williams to defend the US Open title.
Floyd Mayweather Jr., known as "Money," has amassed a $500 million fortune by 2025, solidifying his status as boxing's wealthiest figure. His earnings stem from record-breaking fights against Conor McGregor and Manny Pacquiao, complemented by strategic investments in real estate, including New York City apartments.
In a dramatic Duleep Trophy semifinal, N Jagadeesan missed his double century by three runs due to a mix-up with Rickey Bhui, as South Zone posted 536 against North Zone. Nishant Sindhu took 5 wickets for North.
Carlos Alcaraz showcased his dynamic game to defeat Novak Djokovic in the US Open semifinals, securing his spot in a third consecutive Grand Slam final. Djokovic, feeling the effects of age and physical limitations, acknowledged Alcaraz's superior energy. Alcaraz will now compete for the championship against either Jannik Sinner or Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Pakistan clinched a spot in the T20I tri-series final, defeating the United Arab Emirates by 31 runs. Fakhar Zaman's impressive unbeaten 77 and Abrar Ahmed's remarkable 4-9 spell led Pakistan's comeback from an early batting collapse to post a competitive total. Their dominant performance secured their place alongside Afghanistan in the upcoming final.
South Africa defeated England by 5 runs at Lord's, winning the ODI series. Matt Breetzke's impressive 85 runs and contributions from Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs helped South Africa post 330-8. England fought hard, with notable performances from Joe Root, Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer. However, Nandre Burger's crucial wickets secured the win for South Africa.