Seventeen-year-old Australian cricketer Ben Austin tragically passed away after sustaining fatal injuries during a net session. The incident has sent shockwaves through the cricket community, prompting tributes and renewed discussions on player safety. The loss has evoked painful memories of Phillip Hughes and led to widespread mourning.
Jemimah Rodrigues' career-defining 127 not out powered India to a stunning five-wicket victory over Australia in the Women's ODI World Cup semifinal. Chasing a massive 339, India's improbable chase was anchored by Rodrigues' magnificent century, guiding them to their maiden World Cup final against South Africa. This historic win marks a monumental achievement for Indian women's cricket.
Liverpool suffered a humiliating 3-0 League Cup exit to Crystal Palace at Anfield, marking their sixth loss in seven games. Ismaila Sarr scored twice and Yeremy Pino added a late goal, compounding Arne Slot's side's growing crisis. The defeat, with key players rested, intensifies pressure on Slot ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures.
Former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth fiercely defended Sanju Samson, calling him 'unlucky' due to inconsistent batting positions despite strong T20 performances. Srikkanth highlighted Samson's success as an opener and criticised his frequent shuffling from No. 3 to No. 8. He believes Samson is now the automatic T20 World Cup wicketkeeper choice.
A promising 17-year-old Australian cricketer, Ben Austin, tragically passed away after being struck by a ball during a practice session in Melbourne. The freak accident occurred while he was facing deliveries from a bowling machine. His local sporting community is devastated by the loss of the talented young athlete, with grief support being offered to his schoolmates.
An injury-depleted South Africa secured a commanding 55-run victory over Pakistan in the first T20I. Reeza Hendricks anchored the innings with 60, and disciplined bowling from Corbin Bosch (4-14) and George Linde (3-31) restricted Pakistan to 139, giving the Proteas a 1-0 series lead.
Senior Indian cricketers like Mohammed Shami, Ajinkya Rahane, and Karun Nair are publicly expressing frustration over selection policies and communication gaps under Ajit Agarkar's committee. Concerns about transparency and age bias have surfaced, with players questioning their exclusion despite strong domestic performances. This highlights a growing disconnect between experienced players and the selection panel's approach.
Mohammad Rizwan has refused to sign Pakistan's new central contract after being demoted to Category B. He is reportedly seeking the reinstatement of Category A for senior players and clearer tenures for captains. Rizwan's concerns stem from his recent removal as ODI captain.
An Australian cricketer was allegedly sexually assaulted by a motorcyclist in Indore while walking to a cafe. The accused initially claimed he only wanted a selfie but later admitted to following and molesting the players. The incident has raised concerns about India's image as a safe sporting destination.
New South Wales leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha has been called up to Australia's T20 squad for the series against India. This move comes as Adam Zampa temporarily withdraws from the opening match due to personal reasons related to his wife's pregnancy. Sangha, who has been in strong recent form, will join the team in Canberra.
Rohit Sharma's childhood coach, Dinesh Lad, revealed the veteran batter plans to retire after the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. Sharma's explosive century in the third ODI against Australia, where he was named Player of the Match and Series, capped off a dominant performance.
Shan Masood is stepping down as Pakistan's Test captain after their recent defeat. He will now serve as the PCB's director of international cricket, a role he will combine with his playing duties. This appointment, however, raises questions regarding compliance with PCB regulations.
India aims to avoid a series whitewash against Australia in the third ODI at Sydney after losing the first two matches. With Virat Kohli's form a concern and Kuldeep Yadav's potential inclusion, India seeks to end the tour on a high note. Australia, bolstered by Josh Inglis's return, eyes a 3-0 sweep.
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif criticised the decision to exclude Kuldeep Yadav from the ODIs against Australia, believing his absence cost India the second match. Kaif urged the team management to include either Harshit Rana or Nitish Kumar Reddy, questioning Rana's bowling strengths and effectiveness against cautious batting.
Rohit Sharma, despite not being the official ODI captain, actively guided Washington Sundar with tactical advice during a match against Australia. This leadership display, coupled with his patient 73-run innings, highlighted his continued influence on team strategy and decision-making, even without the captain's armband.
India secured a dominant 53-run victory over New Zealand via DLS method to reach the 2025 Women's World Cup semifinals. Stellar centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, coupled with Jemimah Rodrigues' rapid unbeaten 76, propelled India to a commanding 340/3. New Zealand faltered in their chase, finishing at 271/8.
India's openers struggled in their first ODI against Australia, with Rohit Sharma scoring eight and Virat Kohli a duck. Speculation arose on social media about deliberate underperformance to challenge new captain Shubman Gill. However, Sunil Gavaskar dismissed these theories, emphasizing that players wouldn't risk their careers and highlighting the benefit of experienced leaders for Gill.
Virat Kohli's familiar struggle with deliveries outside off stump resurfaced in the first ODI against Australia, leading to a duck. Former player Mohammad Kaif attributes this to a lack of match practice, impacting Kohli's rhythm and anticipation. Despite this setback, Kohli aims to find form at Adelaide Oval, a venue where he has a strong record.
South Africa thrashed Pakistan by 150 runs in a rain-shortened World Cup encounter, propelling them to the top of the standings. Laura Wolvaardt's 90 and contributions from Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp powered South Africa to 312. Pakistan faltered under a revised target, collapsing to 83 for seven, with Kapp starring with the ball.
Sri Lanka secured a dramatic seven-run victory against Bangladesh, marking their first Women's World Cup win. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu's incredible final over, taking four wickets for two runs, snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Hasini Perera's maiden ODI half-century anchored Sri Lanka's total, ultimately proving decisive in a thrilling contest.
Ravichandran Ashwin humorously exposed an impersonator posing as Adam Zampa on WhatsApp, who sought Indian players' contact details. Ashwin playfully engaged, even asking for MS Dhoni's number. This incident follows a similar encounter where Ashwin was tricked by someone claiming to be Devon Conway.
The Miami Dolphins have named rookie Quinn Ewers as Tua Tagovailoa's backup for their Week 7 game against the Cleveland Browns, replacing Zach Wilson. This move signals confidence in Ewers' readiness and provides him an opportunity for his NFL debut in potentially challenging weather conditions. Zach Wilson has been demoted to third-string.
Manchester United inflicted a fourth straight defeat on Liverpool at Anfield, winning 2-1 thanks to Harry Maguire's late header. Bryan Mbeumo's early strike was cancelled by Cody Gakpo, but United secured a crucial victory. This loss ends Liverpool's year-long unbeaten home league run and impacts their title aspirations.
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan removed Lahore Qalandars from his social media bio following Pakistani aerial strikes that killed civilians, including three cricketers. Khan expressed deep sadness and supported the Afghanistan Cricket Board's decision to withdraw from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan, stating national dignity comes first.
Cricket's global appeal has been overshadowed by tragic violence on a number of instances. The 2009 Sri Lankan team bus attack in Lahore, a 2002 bomb blast forcing New Zealand's tour abandonment in Pakistan, and the recent deaths of Afghan cricketers in a cross-border airstrike highlight the grave risks teams face when touring volatile regions.
Barcelona snatched a dramatic 2-1 win against Girona thanks to Ronald Araujo's late goal. This victory ends a recent losing streak for the team. The win puts Barcelona at the top of the league standings. They now lead Real Madrid by one point. The team prepares for a crucial Clasico match next week.
South Africa secured a commanding 10-wicket victory against Sri Lanka. The match was reduced to 20 overs due to rain. Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits remained unbeaten with half-centuries. They chased down the target of 121 runs with ease. Sri Lanka remains winless in the tournament. South Africa has now won four consecutive matches.
Dinesh Karthik revealed that Virat Kohli is actively training for the 2027 World Cup, dedicating time to practice during his recent London break. The star batsman, who has a remarkable ODI record, is reportedly serious about his ambition to participate in the next global tournament.
A young fan breached security at Gaddafi Stadium during a cricket match. The fan sought to meet star batsman Babar Azam. This occurred on Azam's birthday. Security personnel intervened and removed the fan. The Pakistan Cricket Board has not yet commented on the incident. Babar Azam remains a popular figure among fans.
Gautam Gambhir, celebrating his 44th birthday, is lauded for his impactful cricket career and coaching achievements. A key player in India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup victories, he also led KKR to IPL glory. As head coach, he has guided India to significant wins across formats.
Yashasvi Jaiswal's impressive Test form has led to predictions of him becoming an all-format regular for India. Former opener Aakash Chopra believes Jaiswal could soon open alongside Shubman Gill in ODIs, potentially making fans forget Rohit Sharma. Chopra also anticipates a massive IPL season for Jaiswal and foresees him as India's preferred T20 opener post-2026.
Ghana secured their 2026 FIFA World Cup berth with a crucial 1-0 victory over Comoros, courtesy of a second-half strike from Mohammed Kudus. This win propelled the Black Stars to the top of Group I, marking their fifth World Cup appearance and validating coach Otto Addo's tenure.
During the Pakistan vs. South Africa Test, commentator Shaun Pollock mistakenly called Pakistan captain Shan Masood the "captain of India." This gaffe occurred as the crowd cheered for Babar Azam's arrival, anticipating his return after the Asia Cup 2025. Masood was later dismissed for 76 before Azam came to the crease.
Cricket commentators' earnings vary significantly, with freshers earning around Rs 35,000-40,000 daily, potentially reaching Rs 2-2.5 lakh monthly. Top-tier commentators, however, can command Rs 6-10 lakh per day, leading to annual incomes of Rs 10-12 crore. These lucrative figures reflect the profession's evolution into a competitive field demanding expertise and entertainment.
The UAE secured a vital 2-1 comeback victory over Oman in the AFC World Cup qualifiers, propelled by key tactical substitutions and late goals from Marcos Miloni and Caio Lucas. This win places the UAE atop Group A, bringing them within reach of their first World Cup appearance since 1990, setting the stage for a decisive clash against Qatar next.
Germany surged back to the top of Group A with a dominant 4-0 victory over 10-man Luxembourg, thanks to a brace from captain Joshua Kimmich. France also secured a comfortable 3-0 win against Azerbaijan, with Kylian Mbappe continuing his scoring streak. Switzerland maintained their perfect record, while other European qualifiers saw mixed results, intensifying the race for World Cup spots.
Former India cricketer Abhishek Nayar shielded Rohit Sharma from an overwhelming crowd outside Mumbai's Shivaji Park, pleading for the star to avoid injury. The viral clip highlights the intense fan passion surrounding Rohit, even after his ODI captaincy change, as he trains for the upcoming Australia tour.
Madurai erupted as MS Dhoni inaugurated the new Velammal Cricket Stadium. Fans cheered wildly as the cricket icon arrived and later took to the crease for a few hits. A heartwarming moment unfolded when a young fan touched Dhoni's feet, and the legend responded with a humble handshake and a gentle pat, showcasing his grace and connection with supporters.
Former India captain MS Dhoni has earned his DGCA drone pilot certification after completing rigorous training with Garuda Aerospace. This achievement marks his foray into aviation technology, with Dhoni expressing enthusiasm for contributing to India's growing drone industry. The legendary cricketer continues to be involved in the IPL.
The Delhi High Court dismissed a PIL questioning the BCCI's right to call its players the 'Indian cricket team'. Judges deemed the plea a 'sheer wastage' of judicial time, emphasising that the team unequivocally represents India in international sports, regardless of the BCCI's private status. The court found no violation of emblem or flag laws.
Rohit Sharma, recently relieved of ODI captaincy, made a striking public appearance at the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards. Looking significantly fitter and more determined, the veteran opener conveyed a strong message of readiness for international duty. He expressed his eagerness for the upcoming ODI series against Australia, highlighting the challenging yet enjoyable nature of playing Down Under.
India U19 batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi was controversially given out for 20 in the second Youth Test against Australia U19. The 14-year-old prodigy, who previously scored a century, protested the umpire's decision. Earlier, India's bowling attack, led by Henil and Khilan Patel, dismissed Australia for 135, giving India a slight first-innings lead.
Shubman Gill is the new ODI captain for India's Australia tour. This move prepares for the 2027 World Cup. Rohit Sharma, the current captain, will not lead the ODI side. Gill aims to win the World Cup. India will play around 20 ODIs before the tournament. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will return to cricket.
Former England captain Michael Atherton has urged the ICC to increase transparency in tournament draws and reduce India-Pakistan matches. His call follows political controversies during the 2025 Asia Cup, where the consistent grouping of these teams is driven by significant economic interests. Atherton argues this commercial exploitation is unjustified, advocating for transparent draws regardless of match frequency.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has advised Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play domestic cricket to maintain game fitness for the 2027 ODI World Cup, citing their reduced international schedule. This comes as Shubman Gill takes over as India's new ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma, and will also lead in Tests.
India secured a commanding 88-run victory over Pakistan in the ICC Women’s World Cup. Harleen Deol’s steady 46 and Richa Ghosh’s explosive 35* powered India to 247, while Kranti Gaud's 3/20 spearheaded a disciplined bowling effort. This win extended India's perfect ODI record against Pakistan, despite Sidra Amin's valiant 81.
Estevao's added-time goal secured a 2-1 Chelsea victory over Liverpool, inflicting a third straight defeat and knocking the Reds off the Premier League summit. Arsenal capitalized, moving into first place after beating West Ham, while Manchester United eased pressure on Ruben Amorim with a crucial win. Tottenham also climbed to third.
The Indian team management and the BCCI seems to be convinced that Rohit Sharma will not last till the 2027 ODI World Cup but the situation, surprisingly, has come down to a point where both Rohit and Virat Kohli, born two years apart and having different fitness levels, are being looked at from the same longevity lens.