Senior Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma expressed confidence ahead of India's Women's Asia Cup match against Pakistan, highlighting India's consistent performance against their rivals. She emphasised the team's balanced batting and bowling units and their focus on playing good cricket. Deepti also praised young spinners Shree Charani and Prema Rawat for their talent and contributions.
Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq has returned home from England amidst a PCB inquiry into his calf muscle injury, which is suspected to be faked. This follows the team's poor performance and drastic measures taken by the board, including sending players home and replacing coaches. Imam-ul-Haq has a history of similar injury allegations.
Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas expressed deep concern over the team's persistent issues, including poor fielding and an inexperienced pace attack, following their heavy 194-run defeat to England at Lord's, marking their 10th loss in 11 away Tests.
Pakistan's interim red-ball head coach Mike Hesson has distanced himself from the decision to drop senior players Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, and Imam-ul-Haq from the Test squad, stating they were already released when he took charge.
Glimpses of heightened security in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province after the imposition of a state of emergency and suspension of the provincial government led by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's party.
A controversy has erupted over the selection of the Indian polo team for the upcoming World Cup Zonal Playoffs, with a dropped player alleging irregularities and questioning the inclusion of an athlete who previously tested positive for cocaine. The coach defended the player's selection, stating his ban had ended, while an IPA executive committee member confirmed a panel had decided against allowing the player to represent India internationally for two years, making his inclusion puzzling.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has come under fire from former players after sacking head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, and sending back seven players, including national T20 captain Salman Ali Agha, in the middle of their Test series against England. The drastic changes followed Pakistan's heavy defeats in the first two Tests, prompting widespread condemnation for the timing and impact on team morale and stability.
India's Women's Junior Hockey team delivered a dominant performance, defeating Pakistan 19-0 to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the Women's Junior Asia Cup. The team showcased relentless attacking prowess, scoring consistently throughout the match and converting multiple penalty corners.
Former Indian wrestler Sangram Singh is set to compete against Malta's Wallochon in an MMA bout at the FightStar Championship 39 in London on December 19. Singh, who made his MMA debut in 2024, has a strong record with previous wins and is also a two-time Commonwealth Heavyweight Wrestling Champion.
Former Pakistan all-rounder Rashid Khan has sarcastically suggested that senior selector Aaqib Javed be made the non-playing captain for all formats, following Javed's public criticism of the team's captain, coaches, and player selections. Khan expressed anguish over the current state of Pakistan cricket and questioned the PCB chairman's actions regarding player morale.
India, five-time champions and recent Asian Games gold medallists, are strong favourites to win the six-nation Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament kicking off in Jalandhar. The tournament marks the return of international hockey to Punjab after 17 years, with many Indian players set to play in front of their home crowd. India will open their campaign against Bangladesh on Tuesday, with the semifinals and final scheduled for November 4 and 5 in Mohali. Four senior players are reportedly playing their final assignment for the national team.
New Zealand batter Bevon Jacobs reflected on his invaluable experience with Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, highlighting how it helped him learn in different conditions and expressed his keenness to return to the tournament, believing such leagues add 'different strings to their game'.
Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has unveiled his current ODI World XI, notably omitting Suryakumar Yadav and Harry Brook, while naming Rohit Sharma as captain. His selection features a mix of players from India, England, South Africa, New Zealand, and the West Indies, ahead of the India-New Zealand ODI series.
Former Pakistan hockey players have expressed deep concern over the national team's poor performance at the World Cup, advocating for an immediate injection of fresh talent and a focus on the upcoming Asian Games. They attribute the sport's decline to cricket's dominance and a failure to adapt to modern hockey, urging the federation to prioritise competitive success to regain public interest.
India's men's hockey team is the most successful in the Asian Champions Trophy, having won five titles since 2011. The article details each of their victories, including dramatic shootouts, a joint win, and recent comebacks, highlighting their consistent performance in the tournament.
Shreyas Iyer has climbed to a career-high fourth position in the ICC T20 International rankings for batters, following his strong performance in the ongoing series against West Indies
Indian opener Abhishek Sharma has become the world No. 1 batter in T20 Internationals, according to the latest ICC rankings.
Delhi Police have registered four FIRs against social media handles allegedly spreading false narratives and rumours regarding protests in the capital, with several Pakistan-based accounts under scrutiny for disseminating misleading information and attempting to create an 'anti-India narrative'.
Shoaib Akhtar has ruled out joining the PCB, saying his mother advised him to stay away from Pakistan cricket politics amid chief selector speculation.
In the 50 matches India has won when Abhishek Sharma has played, the left-hander has been a major contributor with 1,774 runs at a strike rate of 205.32.
Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has resigned from the men's national selection committee and as a batting consultant at the National Cricket Academy.
A Punjab Police constable, part of the state's anti-drone system in Tarn Taran, was apprehended by the Border Security Force with 15 kg of heroin. The Narcotics Control Bureau has been informed, and an investigation is underway.
Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has accused Chief Minister VD Satheesan of "selective secularism" following the arrest of a YouTuber for allegedly making communal remarks about a Fort Kochi cafe. Chandrasekhar questioned the ruling Congress and CPI(M)'s political culture, which he claims disrespects religious sentiments, while other leaders like Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and MP Hibi Eden condemned the communal remarks and defended Kerala's secular fabric and tourism.
Babar Azam's fever adds to Pakistan's mounting troubles before the Edgbaston Test, with the PCB overhauling the squad and coaching staff after England secured an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq has sustained a low-grade calf strain during the second Test against England, making his continued participation in the match uncertain. He is currently receiving treatment from the Pakistan medical team.
Abhishek Sharma took his tally to 11 centuries in T20 cricket -- the most by an Indian batter in the shortest format of the game overtaking the great Virat Kohli.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has been fined 10 per cent of her match fee and received one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the Women's Asia Cup match against India, after gesturing towards opener Shafali Verma upon her dismissal.
Muhammad Yousuf branded Pakistan's coaches "poison for the game", blaming their lack of vision for neglected batting flaws that worsened over years and contributed to the team's decline.
Five-time champions India, fresh off a dominant win against Bangladesh, are set to face a youthful and unfamiliar Chinese side in their second Asian Champions Trophy round-robin match on Thursday. Coach Craig Fulton acknowledges the challenge of playing an unknown opponent, while veteran striker Mandeep Singh's hat-trick against Bangladesh signals his return to form.
A senior Pakistan Army general has confirmed the presence of Pakistani troops in Saudi Arabia, operating in "multiple capabilities" and "domains" amidst escalating Houthi attacks. This deployment is linked to the Makkah defence pact, a trilateral agreement with Turkiye and Saudi Arabia for collective deterrence, though specific details remain classified. Both Pakistan and Turkiye emphasise the defensive nature of their involvement.
Visitors Pakistan replaced seven players and their head coach on Monday, after suffering two heavy losses to England in their ongoing three-Test series.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Sohail Khan has criticised the current generation of pacers for their lack of skill development, attributing it to Pakistan's decline in Test cricket. He emphasised the importance of artful bowling over mere speed and highlighted how T20 cricket and internal politics are hindering player development.
England white-ball star Jos Buttler begins his recovery after hamstring surgery. He is ruled out of the Pakistan tri-series and his participation in the Australia tour is in doubt.
Avinash Arun's Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam emerges as a rare honest film in contemporary Bollywood, skillfully navigating the sensitive narrative of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and the prosecution of Ajmal Kasab without succumbing to propaganda, observes Prasanna D Zore.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam has declared himself 90 percent fit and available for the second Test against England at Lord's, aiming to lead a rejuvenated side after their innings defeat in the first match. He emphasised the need for senior players, including himself, to take responsibility and hinted at potential changes if performance doesn't improve.
Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh has emphasised the team's focus on improving its defensive performance ahead of the Asian Champions Trophy. India, chasing a record sixth title, will face Bangladesh in their opener on Tuesday. Harmanpreet stated that despite being favourites, the team will not underestimate any opponent and views the tournament as a crucial platform for both experienced players and youngsters, as well as preparation for the 2028 Olympics.
England seized total control at Lord's after bowling Pakistan out for 110, building a 261-run lead as Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer dismantled their batting.
India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in their final Pool D match of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, with Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek scoring two goals each. Vice-captain Hardik Singh also contributed to India's victory, while Pakistan managed to reduce the margin with goals from Hannan Shahid and Sufyan Khan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has instructed its players participating in the Test series against England to refrain from commenting on the imprisonment of former captain Imran Khan. This directive follows attempts by British media to elicit comments and a Sky Sports interview with Khan's sons, which the PCB deemed political. The board prioritised diplomatic relations and the ongoing series despite its displeasure.
Pakistan is set to host the 14th South Asian Games in April next year across Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar, after a six-year delay. While the South Asia Olympic Council has approved the dates and venues, India's participation remains uncertain due to political tensions, despite its representative attending the planning meeting.
