Author: WebDesk

Two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen continued her march in the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool on Tuesday with a 5:0 win over Japan’s Yuma Nishinaka in the women’s 51kg pre-quarterfinals. The 29-year-old faced a spirited fight from the Japanese in the opening round but there was no stopping the Indian, who is playing her first international event this year. In fact, the Japanese even received two penalty points for excessive clinching as she tried to break Nikhat’s rhythm. India has fielded a 20-member contingent at the inaugural World Championships being held under the aegis of the World Boxing – a…

Veteran all-rounder Jalaj Saxena has decided to part ways with Kerala. The 38-year-old had been part of the Kerala setup since the 2016–17 season, marking the end of a nine-season stint. “It’s never easy to put my feelings into words, but today I want to share something close to my heart,” Jalaj wrote in his Instagram post. “I have played my last game in Kerala colours, and that thought still feels surreal. Saying this brings a strange mix of emotions – gratitude, pride, and a little ache. Over the years, this team has given me more than just cricket. It…

Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson believes that beating a spin-heavy Afghanistan side in the tri-nation series final, held in spin-friendly Sharjah conditions, will boost Pakistan’s confidence heading into the Asia Cup. In a low-scoring encounter, Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by 75 runs in the triangular series. The Men in Green outclassed their neighbours in a spin fest. Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz claimed a five-wicket haul, including a hat-trick, and was the architect of the win. With the Asia Cup set to be hosted in the UAE, Pakistan will head into the continental tournament better prepared. “We have beaten Afghanistan in…

The pace trio of Josh Little, Mark Adair, and Fionn Hand will miss the upcoming home T20I series against England, starting on 17 September. Uncapped Ben Calitz has been named in a 14-member squad and is in line to make his international debut against the two-time world champions. For the first time, Ireland will be hosting England for a T20I series. “While every match against England is a special occasion, this series takes on extra importance given we are now less than six months away from the next T20 World Cup,” said Andrew White, Ireland’s National Men’s Selector. “These matches…

Pakistan will host Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in a tri-nation T20I series, scheduled to be played from 17 to 29 November, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Sunday. This will be Pakistan’s first time hosting a triangular series. It will also mark Afghanistan’s first T20I assignment in Pakistan. All three teams will play each other twice, before the top two advance to the final in Lahore on 29 November. “We look forward to hosting Sri Lanka and Afghanistan for Pakistan’s maiden T20I tri-series,” said PCB Chief Operating Officer, Sumair Ahmed Syed. “This event will not only offer excellent preparation…

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar showered praise on Rishabh Pant while noting that Ashish Nehra’s assessment of the wicketkeeper-batter had proved to be accurate. Having made his international debut in 2017, Pant has become a household name in Indian cricket, courtesy of his memorable performances with the bat. So far in his career, the 27-year-old has scored 5,507 runs across formats. With over 3,000 Test runs, the current vice-captain has become an indispensable part of the team. “I had heard from Ashish Nehra that Rishabh is a very good player who’s going to progress very quickly,” said Bangar. “He…

India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav lauded his teammates for their energy and determination during the side’s first training session, leading up to the Asia Cup. The Men in Blue held their training session in Dubai, at the ICC Academy, on Friday. Under floodlights, the Indian players toiled hard during a full-fledged, high-intensity session as they prepared for the continental tournament. “To have such a brilliant bunch around, with unbelievable skill sets, I always have a smile on my face when I see those boys on the ground,” Suryakumar said in a video posted by the BCCI on ‘X’. “Because the…

South Africa batter Dewald Brevis shared his experience of being in the dressing room with the legendary MS Dhoni and was impressed by his humility and welcoming nature. After going unsold at last year’s auction, Brevis was signed by CSK as a replacement for Gurjapneet Singh. During his first stint with CSK, the young South African batting sensation impressed everyone, including Dhoni, with his big-hitting prowess and also with his fielding. Brevis was often seen talking to and spending time with Dhoni during pre-match and post-match routines, as well as practice sessions. “I always tell people it was an amazing…

England opener Ben Duckett will miss the home T20I series against South Africa after being rested following a busy summer. All-rounder Sam Curran has been added to the squad for the South Africa fixtures and the subsequent tour of Ireland, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Friday, 5 September. “Opening batter Ben Duckett will be rested for the three-match series against South Africa,” said an ECB release. “Surrey all-rounder Sam Curran has been added to the squad for the fixtures against South Africa, which commence at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, next Wednesday. Curran has also been included in…

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has opened up about the support he has received from former captain MS Dhoni, as well as how the team has been bolstered by the addition of Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, Dewald Brevis, and Shaik Rasheed. “From him (Dhoni), the support was always there,” Gaikwad told reporters in Bengaluru. “There was nothing to be shy about and obviously, you know, me missing that tournament and then later on having some replacements (Mhatre, Rasheed, Brevis and others). It really strengthened the squad during IPL 2025, and obviously, me joining again would strengthen it further.…