Sports

05

Aug

By The Press Editor

Sports

Sai Sudharsan update: When will GT batter join Indian team for Sri Lanka Test series?

New Delhi: Sai Sudharsan's absence from the Indian team that reached Sri Lanka for the two-match Test series raised eyebrows as the batter stayed at the BCCI Centre of Excellence to rehabilitate from the toe injury he picked up during the A tour. Sudharsan was named in India's squad for the series that begins on August 15, but his participation is subject to fitness clearance from the CoE.  The Gujarat Titans batter has reportedly resumed batting and has batted in the nets for over an hour. He will be assessed over the next two-three days before a final call will…

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05

Aug

By The Press Editor

Sports

ICC finalises dates for ODI World Cup 2027 qualifier, eyes on former champions as direct qualification on line

New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly finalised the dates of the ODI World Cup 2027 qualifier, as teams will battle it out to stake their claim for the 14-team global showpiece which will take place later in October 2027. Before the 50-over World Cup, a qualifier will take place, which will feature 10 teams vying for elusive World Cup spots. As per a report in ESPNCricinfo, the World Cup qualifier will be played from February 22 to March 23 next year. While the dates have been finalised by the global body, the venue for the qualifier has…

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05

Aug

By The Press Editor

Sports

R Praggnanandhaa tops rapid standings at St Louis, takes key lead ahead of blitz

St Louis (US): Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa moved a step closer to qualifying for the Grand Chess Tour Finals after finishing at the top of the rapid standings at the St. Louis Rapid & Blitz tournament.  The 20-year-old collected 12 points from a possible 18 in the nine-round rapid section to emerge as the leader despite suffering his only defeat in the final round. The loss came against Dutch Grandmaster Jorden van Foreest, but it was not enough to dislodge Praggnanandhaa from the top of the standings. Notably, the Indian entered the last rapid round unbeaten after putting together four…

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05

Aug

By The Press Editor

Sports

Australia pacer suffers calf injury, can return during South Africa series

New Delhi: Australia pacer Michael Neser has sustained a right calf strain during a training session. The blow delayed his preparations for the upcoming South Africa series in October. However, he is expected to recover in time unless it further complicates.  Notably, the 36-year-old was not included in Australia's 13-man squad for the upcoming two-Test home series against Bangladesh, with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood returning from injury to reclaim places in the pace attack. Even after missing selection, Neser had remained in full training and was on standby in case a replacement was required before the series opener in…

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05

Aug

By The Press Editor

Sports

Pakistan boxer goes missing after Commonwealth Games 2026; what happened in Glasgow?

Glasgow: Pakistan boxer Qudratullah has reportedly gone missing in Glasgow ahead of his team's scheduled departure from the Commonwealth Games. It prompted fresh concern over a recurring issue that has affected the country's boxing contingent at several international events. Notably, the boxer disappeared after completing his campaign in the men's 60kg event. Pakistan officials discovered he was missing when the contingent gathered to return home following the conclusion of the Games. Qudratullah's tournament ended with a Round of 16 defeat against Northern Ireland's Jude Gallagher. Despite his elimination, he remained with the squad until the early hours before the team's…

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05

Aug

By The Press Editor

Sports

Carlos Alcaraz pulls out of Cincinnati Open; will defending champion gain full fitness before US Open?

Cincinnati: After missing the French Open and Wimbledon, Carlos Alcaraz was expected to return to tennis at the Cincinnati Open. It was believed to be a perfect opportunity for the Spaniard to get back into the groove ahead of the US Open. However, the right wrist injury has ruled him out of the competition and there’s uncertainty regarding his US Open participation.  The youngster confirmed his withdrawal from the ATP Masters 1000 tournament on Tuesday, August 4. The event is scheduled to take place from August 11 to 23. Alcaraz, who won the Cincinnati title in 2025, will lose the…

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05

Aug

By The Press Editor

Sports

Pakistan players in trouble, could face ban for featuring in unauthorised league

New Delhi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has warned of disciplinary action against former cricketers who participated in the Asian Legends League in Zambia without obtaining the required approvals. In a statement issued after the competition began, the PCB said it had taken "serious notice" of the involvement of former Pakistan players in the event, which it described as unsanctioned. The board indicated that players found to have participated without prior clearance would face penalties affecting both overseas league participation and future roles within Pakistan cricket. "In light of the above, the following disciplinary measures will be taken on individuals…

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05

Aug

By The Press Editor

Sports

Himmat Singh’s freak final-ball run-out forces Super Over in Delhi Premier League: WATCH

New Delhi: Outer Delhi Warriors defeated New Delhi Tigers in a Super Over in the Delhi Premier League. The game moved to the one-over contest after an extraordinary final-ball run-out by captain Himmat Singh tied the scores at the end of regulation play. Notably, with just one run needed in the final delivery, Pratham Saluja pushed the ball straight for a quick single, but it looked difficult from the outset as Himmat was stationed close to the non-striker’s end where the ball went. The 29-year-old reached the ball in time but failed to complete what seemed a routine run-out. His…

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05

Aug

By The Press Editor

Sports

Ajit Agarkar can be removed as BCCI’s chief selector after Rohit Sharma saga: Report

New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is in talks to replace Ajit Agarkar with VVS Laxman for the chief selector role. According to reports, the board's senior leadership is considering handing the role to the current head of the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru instead of granting Agarkar another extension. His contract officially ended in June 2026, but BCCI approved a three-month extension, which will end in September. The move had initially fuelled expectations that he would continue in the position until the conclusion of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Recent developments, however, have reportedly…

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05

Aug

By The Press Editor

Sports

Abdullah Shafique ends Pakistan’s 49-year wait; West Indies on backfoot in second Test

Trinidad: Abdullah Shafique produced a career-defining innings to put Pakistan in command of the second Test against the West Indies. He became the first batter from his country in nearly five decades to score more than 150 in a Test in the Caribbean as the visitors tightened their grip on the contest in Trinidad. Resuming at Queen's Park Oval, Shafique remained unbeaten on 160 as Pakistan were bowled out for 387. With that, the Babar Azam-led side secured a first-innings lead of 43 runs. Notably, the visitors strengthened their position further before stumps when spinner Sajid Khan dismantled the West…

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