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Jurrien Timber urged Arsenal “not to get too high” after they extended their lead at the top of the Premier League.

On a weekend where title rivals Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea all lost, the Gunners beat Crystal Palace 1-0 to move four points clear of the shock second-placed team, Bournemouth.

Arsenal’s seventh consecutive victory in all competitions put them six points in front of City and seven ahead of reigning English champions Liverpool.

The victory over capital rivals Palace also capped a fine week for Mikel Arteta’s men, who also posted a third successive Champions League win with a 4-0 rout of Atletico Madrid.

There are growing hopes among the Gunners’ faithful that Arsenal may be on the verge of ending their long wait for the Premier League title. The club were last crowned champions of England back in the 2003/04 season.

But Arsenal defender Timber said: “It is good to stay neutral, and not to get too high.

“Obviously, we’ve been doing well, but it’s still early in the season, and we just have to keep getting better game by game.”

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The 24-year-old Netherlands international added: “The next game is already in three days, which is a (League) Cup match (against Brighton), and the next Premier League game (against Burnley) is going to be tough as well.

“So, let’s keep our feet on the ground and keep working hard, and then from there, we’ll see what happens.”

Arsenal’s impressive start to the season has been built on a miserly defence, which has conceded just three goals in their opening 13 games across all competitions, with the clean sheet against Palace their fifth in succession.

“Everyone plays a part in it, but it’s a good thing and a good foundation to build on,” said Timber. “From that standard, you just have to keep getting better and be consistent in what we do, and then throughout the whole season, hopefully we’ll turn it into something beautiful.

“It gives you confidence, and it shows that we’re doing really well, and also, if it’s for multiple games in a row, it says something about consistency.

“We just have to keep improving, and look at what we can do better, but also take that feeling with you, that confidence, and go into the next game with the same mindset.”

READ: ‘We can beat any side’: Salman Ali Agha confident ahead of South Africa series

KARACHI: Pakistan’s seasoned cueists Muhammad Asif and Asjad Iqbal are set to participate in the IBSF World Snooker Championship 2025, which will be held in Doha, Qatar, from November 3rd.

The Pakistan Billiards & Snooker Association (PBSA) announced the participation of the national snooker team comprising five players.

Besides Asif and Asjad, the players featuring in the tournament are Shahid Aftab, Muhammad Sajjad, and Muhammad Hasnain Akhtar.

 

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The three-time World Champion Asif directly qualified for the last 48 as the defending Champion.

On the contrary, Asjad Iqbal qualified on the last basis of the 16 knockout round last year, while Muhammad Hasnain Akhtar is directly qualified for the last 48 by virtue of being the Current World U-17 Champion 2025.

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Ahead of the tournament, a training camp of the participating players will be organized at Jahanger Khan Sports Complex, Karachi.

The camp will allow players to hone their skills in preparation for the mega event, with the PBSF expressing confidence that they will shine at the Championship.

For context, the Men’s Championship will be played in two stages, with all players, except those directly placed into Stage 2 by the IBSF Technical Committee, having to advance through Stage 1.

According to the rules mentioned on the IBSF official site, two qualifying events will be held, each allowing a maximum of 64 players. The events will be conducted on a knock-out basis, completed over two days each, with matches to be Best of 7 frames.

READ: India issue update on Shreyas Iyer’s life-threatening injury

Juventus on Monday sacked coach Igor Tudor after the Serie A club’s 1-0 defeat by Lazio meant they had accumulated just five points in their last five matches.

“Juventus FC announces that it has today relieved Igor Tudor of his duties as head coach of the men’s first team, along with his staff consisting of Ivan Javorcic, Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci,” it said.

“The club thanks Igor Tudor and his entire staff for their professionalism and dedication over the past few months and wishes them all the best for their future careers.”

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Men’s first team coach Massimiliano Brambilla will be on the bench for the match against Udinese on Wednesday.

“The Club also announces that it has temporarily entrusted the Men’s First Team to Massimo Brambilla, who will be on the bench for the Juventus-Udinese match on Wednesday evening,” they confirmed in the statement.

Juventus sit eighth in Serie A, six points behind leaders Napoli. They are 25th out of 36 teams in the Champions League standings after drawing one and losing two of their first three games.

READ: India issue update on Shreyas Iyer’s life-threatening injury

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has provided an update on the right-handed batter Shreyas Iyer, who sustained a severe injury during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney.

The country’s cricket board said on Monday that Iyer is currently hospitalised, undergoing treatment for a lacerated spleen.

This injury was sustained during an intense moment in the third ODI, where India triumphed by nine wickets.

Iyer experienced a powerful impact on his left lower rib cage as he executed a breathtaking backpedalling catch to dismiss Alex Carey.

Despite the victory, India lost the series 1-2 after suffering defeats in the first two games in Perth and Adelaide.

Iyer, who is also the vice-captain of the ODI team, was forced off the field after the injury and did not return for the rest of Australia’s innings.

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“Shreyas Iyer sustained an impact injury to his left lower rib cage region while fielding during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney on 25th October 2025. He was taken to the hospital for further evaluation,” the BCCI said in a statement.

“Scans have revealed a laceration injury to the spleen. He is under treatment, medically stable, and recovering well.

“The BCCI Medical Team, in consultation with specialists in Sydney and India, is closely monitoring his injury status. The Indian Team Doctor will remain in Sydney with Shreyas to evaluate his day-to-day progress.”

He remains hospitalised in Sydney, where the BCCI medical team is closely monitoring him in consultation with specialists from Australia and India, the statement added.

It was not clear when Iyer could return to action. A five-match T20 series between the two cricketing powerhouses begins on October 29, but Iyer is not a part of that squad.

READ: Temba Bavuma returns for South Africa Tests against India

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma is set to return to action next month after being named in the squad for two World Test Championship (WTC) matches in India, having recovered from injury.

Bavuma, who led South Africa to victory in the championship final against Australia in London in June, missed the country’s recent series in Pakistan because he was having treatment for a calf strain.

South Africa were captained by Aiden Markram when they started their defence of their title by sharing the two-match series in Pakistan.

Bavuma has captained South Africa in ten Tests, winning nine and drawing one.

The squad announced by Cricket South Africa (CSA) includes the bulk of the players who were in Pakistan.

Off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen missed out despite playing in the first Test in the absence of Keshav Maharaj, who was recovering from injury.

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Durham batsman David Bedingham, who toured Pakistan but did not play in the Tests, made way for Bavuma.

The 15-man squad includes three front-line spinners in Maharaj, Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy, who took a combined 33 wickets in Pakistan.

Coach Shukri Conrad said the players had shown “real character” in sharing the honours in Pakistan after losing the first Test. South Africa lost the toss in both matches and had to bat second in spin-friendly conditions.

“We are expecting a similar challenge in India and many of the players who stood up for us in those conditions will again be key for us,” said Conrad.

“Pakistan was a squad effort, and India will demand the same. Every player has a role to play in ensuring we remain competitive in what is always a tough place to tour.”

South Africa Test squad

Temba Bavuma (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wkt)

READ: Australia captain Pat Cummins ruled out of first Ashes Test

Injured Australia captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test against England in Perth next month, head coach Andrew McDonald said on Monday.

McDonald said Cummins had “run out of time” as he recovers from a lower back injury, and that veteran batter Steve Smith would lead the side in his absence.

Australia are clinging to hope the pace spearhead will be ready for the second match of the Five-Test series.

“We’ve grappled with it for a little while, and the nature of the injury is that you grapple with it day-by-day,” McDonald told reporters. “We’re really optimistic and hopeful for the second Test match.”

“He’ll be back bowling this week, that’s a huge step.”

But McDonald conceded Australia were unable to give a firm timeframe for Cummins’ return.

The 32-year-old has not played since picking up a lower back injury in a Test match against the West Indies in July.

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McDonald said Australia were “incredibly fortunate” to call on the experienced Smith in Cummins’ absence.

Scott Boland looms as the likely replacement, joining fellow quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

“Losing your captain is not ideal, but when you’re talking about Scott Boland as a potential replacement — it’s not a bad position to be in,” McDonald said.

Cummins’ race to prove his fitness has become a major storyline leading up to the first Test, starting in Perth on November 21.

“I’m still doing a bit of gym and keeping things kicking over, but with this kind of injury, it’s rest and then we’ll build back and kind of work back from the Ashes,” he said in September.

“Still really hopeful to be able to be part of the Ashes. But it is a little bit of a wait-and-see.”

Pat Cummins has suffered serious back issues several times over the years, including a flare-up in 2018 that kept him out of action for a full off-season.

READ: Pakistan wicket-keeper to replace Sikandar Raza in Quetta Qavalry

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan has joined Quetta Qavalry as a replacement for Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza ahead of the ninth edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, set to take place from November 18 to 30.

The franchise announced the update via social media, confirming that Raza would be unavailable due to national commitments and welcoming Azam as his replacement.

“Another powerhouse saddles up. Azam Khan joins the Qavalry squad as Sikandar Raza serves national duty. Khush Aamdeed, Impact Khan,” the franchise posted.

 

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Raza’s withdrawal comes as he prepares to lead Zimbabwe in their upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan starting Wednesday in Harare, followed by a T20I tri-series in Pakistan featuring the hosts and Sri Lanka next month.

For Azam Khan, this marks another stint with a Quetta-based franchise, having previously represented the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) from 2018 to 2021.

The hard-hitting batter has played 61 PSL matches, scoring 1,206 runs at a strike rate of 143.40, including six half-centuries.

He also brings global T20 experience, having featured in the ILT20, CPL, BPL, and LPL.

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However, at the international level, Azam is yet to make a strong impression, managing 88 runs in 14 T20Is for Pakistan at an average of 8.80 and a strike rate of 133.33.

Meanwhile, the debutant Quetta Qavalry has assembled a strong squad for their maiden campaign, featuring big names such as Liam Livingstone, Jason Holder, Mohammad Amir, Imran Tahir, and Muhammad Waseem.

The team will be coached by Yasir Arafat, with Javeria Khan serving as team director.

Quetta Qavalry squad for Abu Dhabi T10 League

Liam Livingstone, Mohammad Amir, Jason Holder, Azam Khan, Andries Gous, Muhammad Waseem, Imran Tahir, Evin Lewis, Fabian Allen, Gudakesh Motie, Ali Naseer, Khuzaima Bin Tanvir, Abdul Ghaffar, Abbas Afridi, Irfan Khan Niazi, Khawaja Nafay, Arafat Minhas, Umer Zeeshan Lohya and George Scrimshaw.

READ: Mike Hesson breaks silence on Mohammad Haris’ exclusion from T20I squad

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has opened up on the exclusion of wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris from the T20I squad for the series against South Africa.

The 24-year-old, who debuted in 2022, has featured in 35 T20Is, scoring 555 runs at an average of 17.34, including one century and a fifty.

He was part of the Pakistan squad in the recent ACC T20 Asia Cup 2025, where he began brightly with a half-century against Oman but could not sustain his form, finishing the tournament with 131 runs in six innings at 21.83.

Mike Hesson, while speaking to reporters at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, said Haris had been given “ample opportunities” to cement his place in the national side but failed to make them count.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

“Mohammad Haris has had plenty of chances, and even he would admit he hasn’t made the most of them,” Hesson remarked.

He also advised the wicketkeeper-batter to focus on improving his decision-making when playing his shots.

“I wouldn’t say his career is over, but he needs to improve his decision-making with the bat. Even in domestic cricket, his batting average is around 17, the same as in international cricket,” he added.

Notably, Haris has now been replaced by Usman Khan, who returns to the side after last playing in the T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year.

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Hesson explained that Usman’s inclusion was based on conditions and team balance ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

“Usman Khan is a very good player of spin,” Hesson said.

“We see a wicketkeeper batting more through the middle than at the top, and with the World Cup in Sri Lanka, handling spin will be crucial. That’s why Usman was given the opportunity.”

Usman, who has represented Pakistan in 19 T20Is, has 239 runs at an average of 14.93 and a strike rate of 121.93, with one half-century to his name.

READ: PCB reveals pink kit for first T20I against South Africa

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a special pink-themed kit for the first T20I against South Africa, set to take place on October 28, as part of its initiative to raise awareness about breast cancer.

The Pakistan men’s team will set aside their iconic green jerseys and take the field in a pink outfit, symbolising solidarity with breast cancer awareness efforts.

The PCB revealed the striking new look through its official social media platforms, showcasing multiple players donning the pink kits.

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“Turning pink for a cause that matters,” the PCB stated on social media.

“Pakistan players to wear pink-themed kits in the first #PAKvSA T20I to raise awareness about breast cancer, as part of the #PINKtober initiative.”

Moreover, South African cricketers, match officials, commentators, and broadcasters will also join the cause by wearing pink ribbons throughout the match.

Pink-branded stumps will be used during the fixture, while awareness messages and visuals will be displayed across the live broadcast.

The initiative is being launched in collaboration with the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Trust Hospital, based in Lahore, which will offer free clinical examinations and screenings for visitors on the same day.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed said the campaign reflects the power of cricket to drive social awareness and change.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board takes immense pride in using the power and reach of cricket to create awareness about causes that affect our society,” Syed said.

“Through the Pink Ribbon campaign, we aim to highlight the importance of early detection and regular screening for breast cancer, which can save countless lives.”

READ: Babar Azam set to dethrone Rohit Sharma in T20Is

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has revealed the batting position of Babar Azam in the forthcoming three-match T20I series against South Africa.

Babar has returned to the limited-overs side, having last played against South Africa in 2024.

Speaking ahead of the first T20I, Hesson reflected on the team’s combination and shared his thoughts on Babar Azam’s inclusion.

“I certainly endorse his selection, and he is likely to bat at the number three, and I am hoping that he will do well,” Hesson revealed.

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The head coach also revealed the reasons behind the exclusion of Mohammad Haris and Fakhar Zaman from the T20I squad.

“Fakhar has been rested so that he returns fresh for the ODIs.” “We gave Mohammad Haris several opportunities, but he couldn’t make the most of them. He is a young player and needs to improve his batting in domestic cricket,” Hesson remarked.

“Usman Khan plays spin well, which will be an advantage in Sri Lanka,” he added.

Hesson further praised South Africa as a formidable opponent and highlighted the squad’s preparedness for the upcoming challenges.

Hesson further hailed South Africa as a challenging opponent and highlighted the squad’s preparedness for the upcoming challenges.

“South Africa are a dangerous side.” “The team that lost to Namibia was a different one.” “We already have 15 players in mind for the World Cup, with competition for one or two spots,” he concluded.

For the unversed, the T20I series will begin on October 28 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, followed by the remaining two matches held on October 31 and November 2 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

South Africa Squad

T20I squad: Donovan Ferreira (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Matthew Breetzke, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Tony de Zorzi, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams.

Pakistan Squad

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wicket-keeper), Usman Tariq

READ: Women’s World Cup: New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine retires from ODIs