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Suryakumar Yadav, captain of India’s T20I team, announced on Tuesday that middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer is stable and has been in communication with the team from the hospital after suffering a lacerated spleen.

Iyer, 30, sustained the injury as he pulled off a sensational catch to remove Alex Carey, a key moment in the third one-day international against Australia that India won by nine wickets in Sydney.

The Indian ODI vice-captain was forced off the field and hospitalised.

“I have been talking to him over the last two days, he has been replying,” Suryakumar told journalists ahead of the team’s first T20 international in Canberra on Wednesday.

“It’s looking good,” Suryakumar said. “They will keep him under observation for a few days.”

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He added that doctors and physiotherapists described the injury as “rare”.

“But rare things happen to rare talent. God is with him, and he will recover soon, and we will take him along with us.”

Iyer is being closely monitored by the medical team of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

He is not part of India’s T20 squad, which will play five matches in Australia that will serve as a tune-up for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in February-March.

He has scored 2,917 runs from 73 ODIs at an average of 47.81 since his ODI debut in 2017.

READ: Kamran Akmal predicts Pakistan’s playing XI for first T20I

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has unveiled his predicted playing XI for the national team’s opening T20I against South Africa, scheduled later today at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Akmal announced his playing XI on his official X account, featuring uncapped spin bowler Usman Tariq and excluding leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed from the lineup.

He also included pacer Mohammad Wasim Jr, who has featured in 29 T20Is for Pakistan and claimed 36 wickets at an economy of 8.14.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

He has been part of several recent squads of Pakistan but has struggled to lock down a permanent spot in the playing XI. His last appearance came against New Zealand in Christchurch in January 2024.

Tariq has garnered attention for his impressive performances in franchise leagues. He represented the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he took 12 wickets in 10 matches.

Following that, he made a strong impact in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker with 20 wickets in 10 matches for the champion team, Trinbago Knight Riders.

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Akmal’s predicted XI also includes Babar Azam, who is set to make his long-awaited return to international cricket.

The prolific right-hander stands just shy of surpassing India’s Rohit Sharma to become the leading run-scorer in T20I history.

Kamran Akmal’s predicted XI for the first T20I

Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha (c), Hassan Nawaz, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Usman Tariq.

READ: Rizwan looks forward to ‘competitive’ BBL stint with Melbourne Renegades

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the lineup of match officials for the semi-finals of the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, with England, South Africa, Australia, and India set to vie for a spot in the grand finale later this week.

The first semi-final, scheduled for October 29 in Guwahati, will see England take on South Africa.

Australia’s Eloise Sheridan and the West Indies’ Jacquline Williams have been appointed as on-field umpires for the high-stakes encounter.

Both officials have had an active role throughout the group stage.

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Sheridan oversaw England’s commanding 10-wicket win over South Africa as well as the Proteas’ victory against Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Williams stood in South Africa’s triumphs against India and Bangladesh and England’s mixed outings against India and Australia.

Vrinda Rathi will serve as the third umpire, Claire Polosak as the fourth, with GS Lakshmi acting as match referee.

The second semi-final, set for October 30 at Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, promises a blockbuster as hosts India face table-toppers Australia.

South Africa’s Lauren Agenbag and England’s Sue Redfern will be the on-field umpires for the much-anticipated clash.

Catch ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 news updates here!

Agenbag has officiated several of India’s group matches, including fixtures against Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Redfern featured during Australia’s record-breaking chase against India earlier in the tournament.

Kim Cotton will serve as the third umpire, Nimali Perera as the fourth, and Michell Pereira will oversee proceedings as match referee.

In terms of standings, Australia marched into the knockouts unbeaten to top the table, while India secured the final semi-final berth by finishing fourth.

England, buoyed by a dominant win over New Zealand, ended second, setting up a rematch with South Africa, who clinched third place.

READ: Mohammad Rizwan looks forward to BBL stint with Melbourne Renegades

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has expressed his excitement to don the Melbourne Renegades colours in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

In a video shared by the BBL’s official social media handles, Rizwan opened up about his admiration for Australian cricket and his hunger for new challenges.

“Look, my career, I always love challenges,” Rizwan said.

“And I have seen the cricket of Australia. The way I have played against these guys, they are challenging players. I love the way they play.”

The Pakistan star praised the Australian cricketing mindset, highlighting their discipline and clarity in execution.

“It doesn’t matter what the world is doing; Australian players always stick to their plans. Whatever they decide, they go for it, no matter the situation,” he added.

Set to join a new dressing room for the first time in a major franchise league outside Asia, Mohammad Rizwan shared his enthusiasm about integrating into the Renegades setup and learning from the experience.

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“I always love challenges, the atmosphere of the stadium, the people, the cricketers, I love them all,” he added.

“The cricket in the Big Bash is very competitive; it’s not easy cricket. Every game tests you.”

Calling the Renegades his “new family,” Rizwan expressed confidence that the experience would be both enjoyable and rewarding.

“Yes, the Renegades might be a new family for me, but they have a great history. We’ll enjoy our time together, let’s see what happens there,” he concluded.

The 15th season of the Big Bash League is set to begin on December 14, 2025, featuring 44 matches.

The opening fixture will see Perth Scorchers take on Sydney Sixers at the Perth Stadium, a contest that will also mark Babar Azam’s much-anticipated BBL debut.

READ: Pakistan wrestler Hasan Ali advances to Asian Youth Games Quarter-finals

MANAMA: Pakistan’s young wrestler, Hasan Ali, started his Asian Youth Games 2025 campaign strong by defeating Marafi Abdul Rahman of Jordan 6-4 in his opening bout, qualifying for the quarter-finals of the 71kg category.

Hasan will now face Bazaarzada of Tajikistan in his quarterfinal clash, scheduled to take place within the next 30 minutes.

The promising wrestler is part of a two-member Pakistani wrestling squad competing at the continental event, alongside Muhammad Abdullah (65kg), who will take the mat on October 29 against S. Aliyev of Azerbaijan.

All mat wrestling bouts are being held at 12:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time, while beach wrestling events are set for October 30, featuring additional Pakistani participants.

In preparation for the Games, the Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) organized a two-month national training camp in Gujranwala, where the wrestlers trained under the supervision of coach and secretary general Inam Butt.

Inam Butt earlier expressed full faith in his young wrestlers.

“Our young wrestlers are fully prepared to give their best today. Insha’Allah, they will win medals and raise the green crescent flag high for Pakistan,” he stated.

Pakistan has sent a 53-member contingent to the ongoing Asian Youth Games 2025, being held in Bahrain from October 22 to 31.

The country has already opened its medal tally with a bronze in the boys’ kabaddi event.

The tournament marks the third edition of the Asian Youth Games, bringing together young athletes from across the continent to compete in a wide range of disciplines.

READ: Lionel Messi breaks silence on World Cup 2026 participation

Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal could miss more than two months after the La Liga leaders said Monday he needed further knee surgery.

Real captain Carvajal came back from injury to play as a substitute in Madrid’s 2-1 win over Barcelona on Sunday.

But the 33-year-old defender will miss the Champions League trip to Liverpool next week, and is likely to be sidelined for Manchester City’s visit to the Santiago Bernabeu on December 10.

“Following tests carried out on our captain, Dani Carvajal, by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with the presence of a loose body in his right knee joint. Carvajal will now undergo an arthroscopy,” said Madrid in a statement.

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The club did not specify his expected absence period; however, it is believed that the right-back’s absence will last upwards of six weeks, potentially sidelining him until January 2026.

Dani Carvajal suffered a severe knee injury in the same leg in 2024 and had an operation, which kept him out for most of last season.

Spanish media reports suggested the Spanish right-back could miss between six and 10 weeks, meaning he will not feature in his country’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers in November.

READ: Lionel Messi breaks silence on World Cup 2026 participation

The talented wrestlers from Pakistan are set to launch their campaign today at the Asian Youth Games 2025, taking place in Manama, Bahrain.

The national team features Hassan Ali (71kg) and Muhammad Abdullah (65kg), both determined to make an impression against Asia’s finest young grapplers.

Hassan will compete in his pre-quarterfinal bout today (October 27) against Marafi Abdul Rahman of Jordan, while Abdullah will take the mat on October 29 to face S. Aliyev of Azerbaijan.

According to the event schedule, all mat wrestling bouts will begin at 12:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST), while beach wrestling competitions are slated for October 30, where Pakistani wrestlers will also be seen in action.

In preparation for the Games, the Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) conducted a two-month national training camp in Gujranwala, focusing on technique, endurance, and mental conditioning under the supervision of coach and secretary general Inam Butt.

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Speaking ahead of the opening bout, Inam Butt expressed confidence in his young squad’s preparation.

“Our wrestlers are fully prepared to give their best today. Insha’Allah, they will win medals and raise the green crescent flag high for Pakistan,” he said.

The PWF has called on the nation to extend prayers and support for its athletes as they aim to bring home laurels from Bahrain.

Pakistan has sent a 53-member contingent to the Asian Youth Games 2025, which are being held in Bahrain from October 22 to 31.

The country has already opened its account at the event, claiming a bronze medal in the boys’ kabaddi competition.

The Asian Youth Games 2025 mark the third edition of the multi-sport event, featuring young athletes from across the continent competing in a wide range of disciplines

READ: Real Madrid’s Carvajal ruled out of Liverpool clash with knee injury

Lionel Messi has expressed his desire to play for Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but he says he will listen to his body before deciding whether he can make that dream a reality.

The 38-year-old striker for Inter Miami of MLS led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and yearns to be on the field when the “Albiceleste” defend the crown next year in North America.

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi told NBC News in an interview broadcast on Monday that he will see next year how his body feels before deciding on whether or not he can play in the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

“It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup and I would love to,” said Messi, who turns 39 next June.

“I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there.

“And I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group, to the national team, and then make a decision.”

Messi, who has been playing professionally since 2004, wants the chance for one more star turn on football’s biggest stage.

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“I’m really eager because it’s a World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last World Cup, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions.”

Messi, who debuted with Barcelona in La Liga at age 17, joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and moved to MLS in 2023.

“The truth is that I like everything about living here,” Messi said of Miami.

“I spent a lot of time in Barcelona, which for me is an extraordinary city, where I grew up and had many spectacular moments, and which we miss a lot.

“But Miami is a city that allows us to live very well, that makes us enjoy life, that allows us to be calm, that allows the kids to be themselves and live day to day.”

Messi has 195 appearances for the Argentine national team, scoring 114 goals.

READ: Frank confident Van de Ven has ‘big future’ at Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank is upbeat about the long-term future of Micky van de Ven at the north London club, despite reported interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The centre-back scored twice in Sunday’s 3-0 win at Everton to take his tally for the season to five goals in 13 appearances, with Spurs now third in the table — five points behind leaders and arch north London rivals Arsenal.

Van de Ven has become a leading figure in the absence of injured club captain Cristian Romero and could lead the side out again in a League Cup match away to holders Newcastle on Wednesday.

Frank, attempting to retain the senior players in a squad that won the Europa League in May, was relaxed about keeping hold of van de Ven, who joined Spurs on a six-year deal in 2023, for all the talk that Real are tracking the progress of the 24-year-old.

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“Yeah, very happy with Micky. I think he has been brilliant for the club since he signed and he has taken some steps up this season,” Frank said.

“I think he actually defends even better. I think he is still very good on the ball, he added the goals and the headed goals, which I am very happy with. He’s a threat from set-pieces.

“Character and leadership are also growing, and as far as I know, we have a good contract with him, but definitely a player I see with a big future at the club.

“I think he is happy here, that is very important and we’re happy with him, so let’s see what happens in the future.

“I think the most important thing is it looks like he really enjoys his football, he really enjoys his time here, I am very happy with him, everyone is really happy, so that’s a good sign.”

READ: I was told not to penalize India as match referee, claims Chris Broad

Former ICC match referee Chris Broad has claimed that he was instructed to ”be lenient’ in order to avoid India an over-rate fine at one point during his time as a match official.

Former ICC match referee Chris Broad disclosed that he was instructed to “be lenient” in order to prevent India from incurring an over-rate fine during his time in office.

While speaking to ‘The Telegraph’, Broad did not specify when the incident occurred; however, he described the scene, stating that during one match, India were slow with their overs, so the team was supposed to be fined.

“India were three, four overs down at the end of a game, so it constituted a fine,” he said.

“I got a phone call saying, ‘be lenient, find some time because it’s India’. And it’s like, right, OK. So we had to find some time, brought it down below the threshold.”

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“The very next game, exactly the same thing happened. He [Sourav Ganguly] didn’t listen to any of the hurry-ups and so I phoned and said, ‘what do you want me to do now?’ and I was told ‘just do him’,” he revealed.

The 68-year-old further said that he wanted to continue in the role; however, his contract was not renewed.

“I was very happy to carry on,” Broad remarked. “But for 20 years, I dodged a lot of bullets, both politically and physically. I look back and I think, ‘you know, 20 years is quite a long time to be doing that job’.”

He also discussed the Indian influence and financial aspects involved in the game while operating within a political environment.

“I think we were supported by Vince van der Bijl (ICC umpires manager) while he was in position because he came from a cricketing background, but once he left, the management became a lot weaker. India got all the money and have now taken over the ICC so in many ways,” he claimed.

“I’m pleased I’m not around because it’s a much more political position now than it ever has been.,” Chris Broad concluded.

Overall, Chris Broad remained in the role from 2003 until February 2024. During his 20 years, he oversaw 123 Test matches, 361 ODIs, and 138 T20Is.

READ: Salman Ali Agha explains Usman Khan’s inclusion in T20I squad