Indian cricket fans travelled thousands of kilometres, paying exorbitant prices for tickets and travel, to witness the India-Pakistan men's cricket final at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a stadium back home.
Former England cricketer Michael Atherton has sharply criticised Pakistan's batting performance in the final Test against England, highlighting their "woefully low confidence" and "dispirited" state. The team was skittled out for just 133 runs, failing to cross 200 even once in the series, with key players like Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique struggling. Atherton attributes this decline partly to the controversial decision to send home seven players and two coaches. Despite the batting struggles, young pacer Razaullah offered a glimmer of hope with an impressive bowling display.
Ishan Kishan's explosive unbeaten 80 and Jasprit Bumrah's two wicket burst were instrumental in guiding India to a 124-run win over Sri Lanka in the Asian Games men's cricket semifinal on Thursday.
India voted against a Pakistan-sponsored UN resolution on conventional arms control at regional and sub-regional levels, reiterating its long-held position that arms control is a global issue. Despite Israel also opposing the resolution, India firmly dismissed any suggestion of diplomatic coordination, emphasizing its decision was based on national considerations.
Top defence officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye have affirmed their commitment to the Makkah Defence Alliance, a trilateral pact aimed at collective security against threats, particularly from Yemen's Houthi rebels. The alliance, formed last month, considers an attack on one as an attack on all, and its members met in Riyadh to discuss intelligence sharing, military coordination, and capability integration to defend Saudi Arabia's security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
The Indian government has announced significant relaxations in passport and visa regulations for various foreign nationals residing in the country. These amendments, outlined in the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) (Amendment) Order, 2026, benefit specific Pakistani citizens, minority refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, Sri Lankan Tamils, Tibetans, and people of Indian origin from Malaysia/Singapore. The new rules also streamline travel protocols for Indian, Nepalese, and Bhutanese citizens travelling between their respective nations, and provide exemptions for military personnel and foreign military vessel crews.
Shuffle in WTC Standings After Pakistan sanctions
The ICC has announced the schedule for the men's World Cup, detailing India's opening match against Australia, a crucial clash with Pakistan, and other group stage fixtures, along with the dates and venues for the semi-finals and final.
England's limited-overs coach Brendon McCullum confirmed that Jos Buttler will miss the upcoming one-day international Tri-series in Pakistan next month after sustaining a hamstring injury against Sri Lanka.
Punjab Police have dismantled a significant cross-border narcotics smuggling operation, apprehending four individuals, including a juvenile, and seizing 36 kg of heroin. The network was allegedly operating under the direction of a foreign-based handler, receiving drone-smuggled consignments near the India-Pakistan border and distributing them further. Two motorcycles used in the operation were also impounded.
Aaryavir Sehwag, son of former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag, scored a magnificent 160 runs to lead India to a 70-run victory over the UAE in the U-19 Asia Cup. This win secured India's spot in the semifinals, where they will face Afghanistan on Thursday.
Pakistan has requested the Asian Hockey Federation to move its Asian Champions Trophy matches from India to a neutral venue, citing a "sensitive bilateral situation" and security concerns. Hockey India has rejected this demand, stating there will be no change in venue for the tournament scheduled in Mohali and Jalandhar from October 27 to November 5. Pakistan's participation remains uncertain, with potential replacements like Bangladesh and Oman being considered.
Former Pakistan captain Muhammad Rizwan has contacted the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit for clarification on procedures related to corruption investigations, as he faces questioning by Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over alleged links to illegal betting and gambling sites. This development follows the confiscation and forensic examination of his mobile phone, alongside Imam-ul-Haq's, during a recent tour, highlighting concerns about the PCB's compliance with ICC anti-corruption protocols and Pakistan cricket's history with such scandals.
England named a 16-man squad for the Pakistan tri-series, recalling Adil Rashid and Sam Curran, handing three players maiden ODI call-ups to the side led by Harry Brook.
India A has announced a 15-member squad for the ACC Men's Rising Stars Asia Cup in Doha, featuring Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Tilak Varma will captain the side, with Rajat Patidar as his deputy. The tournament runs from November 19 to 29, with India A placed in Group B alongside Pakistan A, Nepal, and UAE.
Trump seems to have made up his mind that a pliant Pakistan will be more useful than India. We cannot expect a change in Trump's policy towards India in his post midterm poll tenure as America's president, observes Ambassador T N Sreenivasan.
Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma has been nominated for the ICC Player of the Month award following her impressive performances in both batting and bowling against Zimbabwe. She scored an unbeaten 106 and took five wickets in the ODI series, and contributed with 49 runs and two wickets in the T20Is. Other nominees include Marco Jansen, Arafat Minhas, Shai Hope, Annabel Sutherland, and Sobhana Mostary.
Pakistan boycotted its Chess Olympiad opening round match against Israel in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, to express solidarity with Palestine, resulting in a 4-0 walkover for Israel.
India's U-19 cricket team secured a dominant 10-wicket victory over Nepal in their U-19 Asia Cup opener. Half-centuries from Aaryavir Sehwag and Lakshya Raichandani, coupled with strong bowling performances from Ishan Sood and Arjun Rajput, led India to an easy win, chasing down Nepal's total of 128 with 185 balls to spare.
Afghanistan has achieved its highest-ever position in the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings, climbing to 6th spot and surpassing Sri Lanka, following impressive performances including a 4-0 series win over Ireland and an unbeaten tri-series campaign.
The state-run Pakistan Sports Board is only funding a fraction of the country's 248-member Asian Games contingent, with many athletes and officials relying on federations, the POA, or self-financing. The Pakistan Olympic Association secretary, Khalid Mahmood, confirmed that self-funded medal winners would be compensated and highlighted Pakistan's medal hopes across various disciplines.
Three people were killed and two injured in a shooting in Balochistan, Pakistan. Angry tribesmen have blocked a major highway, demanding the capture of the gunmen and improved security in the region.
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has reiterated the nation's unwavering commitment to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, underscoring its role in regional security following an attempted drone attack near the holy city of Mecca. The pact, signed by Pakistan, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia, establishes a framework for collective deterrence against armed attacks.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that Pakistan will participate in the Men's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in India, scheduled from October 27 to November 5. This participation aligns with the Indian government's policy allowing multi-lateral sporting engagements with Pakistan, despite a ban on bilateral series. The tournament will be held in Jalandhar and Mohali, featuring six nations including India and Pakistan, with a highly anticipated India-Pakistan match on November 1.
India has lodged a strong diplomatic protest with Pakistan over an 'unacceptable' naval collision in international waters, citing a breach of a 1991 bilateral agreement on military conduct after a Pakistani Navy vessel collided with an Indian Navy warship in the Arabian Sea.
India never lost a Test at home while Mohammed Shami was playing. He played 21 of them, India won 17 and drew four.
Virat Kohli has surprisingly named his 43-run innings against England in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy final as his most cherished ODI knock, prioritising it over numerous iconic centuries and match-winning performances.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has confirmed Pakistan's participation in the upcoming Men's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in India. The event, scheduled from October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali, will feature six nations, with India hosting its arch-rivals under the central government's policy allowing multi-lateral sports engagements.
India's men's and women's table tennis teams have both secured their spots in the quarterfinals of the Asian Games after achieving dominant 3-0 victories over their Pakistani counterparts.
Anvay Dravid and Aaryavir Sehwag, sons of former India cricket legends Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag, have been selected for India's U19 squad for the ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup in Muscat, Oman, following their impressive performances in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy.
Ben Duckett's career-best 167 and Liam Dawson's 4-49 helped England secure a 55-run victory over Sri Lanka in their tri-series clash, marking their first ODI win in Pakistan since 2005.
India has announced a 28-member U23 squad for the upcoming SAFF Championships in Dhaka, led by coach Naushad Moosa. The defending champions are sending a second-string team due to international friendlies for the main squad and ISL club reluctance to release players. India aims for its 10th title in the tournament, which runs from November 5 to 17.
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a stern warning that the Makkah Defence Alliance, a newly formed pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, stands ready to activate its collective defence provisions in response to escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan is set to participate in the Men's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in India, with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann confirming the union government's policy allows multi-lateral engagements despite bilateral tensions. The tournament, featuring six nations including India and Pakistan, will be held from October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali, with free entry for all matches.
Liam Patterson-White earned his maiden England Test call-up after a standout County Championship season, joining Joe Root's 15-member squad for the three-Test South Africa tour beginning December 17.
A powerful suicide blast during Friday prayers at a mosque near police lines in Kohat, northwest Pakistan, killed at least 16 people, including police personnel and civilians, and injured dozens. A militant group, Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack, which involved an explosives-laden vehicle and an exchange of fire.
Aisam ul Haq Qureshi, President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation, has announced he will compete as a doubles player in the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Aaryavir Sehwag fulfilled his promise to father Virender with a stunning 160 against UAE, powering India to a 70-run victory and a place in the U-19 Asia Cup semifinals.
England coach Brendon McCullum has lauded Harry Brook's leadership and tactical awareness, despite the team's failure to reach the final of the one-day international tri-series in Pakistan, stating the young captain grew significantly from the challenging assignment.
Former India wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat, who retired from international cricket in June, is planning a return to top-flight cricket by playing for the UAE national team after his cooling-off period ends in February 2027. He is currently playing in the Abu Dhabi T10 and training in Dubai, expressing his enjoyment of this "second innings" in cricket.
