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Veteran Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has revealed he remains motivated to continue his international career for a few more years, with the 2027 ODI World Cup still firmly on his radar.

The left-arm pacer, who retired from T20 Internationals in September 2025 to prolong his red-ball and ODI career, said his passion for competition continues to drive him even after 16 years at the highest level.

Starc, currently Australia’s third-highest wicket-taker in international cricket with 759 scalps, trails only legendary pacers Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath on the country’s all-time list.

Speaking to a foreign news agency, the 36-year-old said the competitive nature of cricket still excites him.

“I’m pretty competitive, so I just enjoy that aspect of cricket,” Starc said. “For Australia, I get to play with some of my best mates. I enjoy the hard work, but I also enjoy competing, and it’s still fun.”

The next ODI World Cup is scheduled to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October-November 2027, by which time Starc will be 37 years old.

Despite dealing with recurring elbow and shoulder niggles in recent years, the experienced pacer believes his body is still coping well with the workload of international cricket.

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“There’s always something going on. I’ve had a bit of a niggle with my elbow and shoulder, which is still being managed, but there’s probably a little less impact in T20 cricket,” he said.

“I’m still going okay after 16 years, and hopefully there are a couple more left.”

Mitchell Starc made his Australia debut in 2010 and remains one of the most experienced fast bowlers in world cricket.

The left-armer is currently representing the Delhi Capitals in the ongoing Indian Premier League, where the franchise is struggling near the bottom half of the table.

While the 2027 World Cup remains a long-term target, Starc said he is avoiding strict timelines regarding retirement.

“It’s a long way down the road, but I’ll hopefully be there. The World Cup is always a goal for every cricketer,” he added.

“I’ve stepped away from T20 internationals, but I’m still enjoying my cricket. I don’t set timelines, I just see where the body is and where the cricket is.”

READ: Glenn Maxwell dropped as Australia unveil white-ball squads for Bangladesh tour

Mal Anderson, the first unseeded player to win the US Open men’s singles title, has died aged 91, Tennis Australia said on Monday.

Anderson’s career started on a dirt court on a farm, and he went on to become an Australian tennis great, winning the US crown in 1957 and three major doubles titles.

Although unseeded at what was then the United States Championships, Anderson beat three seeds and dropped only two sets on his way to the title.

He also won the Davis Cup twice.

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After retirement, Anderson mentored young Australian players, including Pat Rafter, who went on to become world number one.

“I was really sad to hear of Mal’s passing. He was one of those people who helped shape my tennis from very early on,” said Rafter, who twice won the US Open.

“He was a true legend of the game, but more importantly, he was a terrific bloke, humble, generous with his time and always happy to help younger players along.

“Tennis in Australia has lost one of its greats, and a lot of us have lost a mate and mentor. I feel very lucky to have known him.”

READ: PSG close in on Ligue 1 title after victory over Brest

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) effectively wrapped up another Ligue 1 title on Sunday as a 1-0 win over Brest left them six points clear of nearest rivals Lens with two games remaining, with Luis Enrique’s side also boasting a superior goal difference.

Desire Doue was one of nine PSG players rested at kick-off following Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final, second leg away to Bayern Munich, but the French international came off the bench in the second half and fired in the only goal of the game from the edge of the box in the 83rd minute.

PSG will be officially crowned French champions for the fifth season running, and the 12th time in the last 14 years, if they avoid defeat away to Lens on Wednesday.

However, even if PSG lose their last two league matches, and Lens win theirs, the latter would still have to overturn a difference of 15 goals, something which is almost certainly beyond Pierre Sage’s team.

Luis Enrique’s side is also preparing for the Champions League final against Arsenal later this month after edging Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate in their semi-final.

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Lens, who will play Nice in the French Cup final on May 22, guaranteed a place in the league phase of next season’s Champions League with a 1-0 win against Nantes on Friday.

Behind them, their northern rivals Lille climbed up to third thanks to a 1-0 victory away at Monaco on the penultimate weekend of the season on Sunday.

A second-half own goal by Monaco captain Denis Zakaria gave Lille all three points in the principality, as they made it 13 Ligue 1 matches without losing.

They went above Lyon, who lost 2-1 away in Toulouse. Corentin Tolisso scored for Lyon to cancel out Dayann Methalie’s equaliser, but Warren Kamanzi put the home side back in front and Toulouse then held on after they had Aron Donnum sent off.

The top three qualify directly for the Champions League, while the side finishing fourth enters Europe’s elite club competition in the qualifying rounds and has to win two two-legged ties to reach the league phase.

READ: Barcelona claim La Liga title with Clasico win over Real Madrid

BARCELONA: Defending champions Barcelona secured their 29th La Liga title after beating arch-rivals Real Madrid 2-0 in the Clasico at Camp Nou on Sunday.

Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres struck in the first half to help Hansi Flick’s side clinch La Liga in consecutive years, while consigning Madrid to a trophyless season.

Barcelona moved an unassailable 14 points clear of second-place Los Blancos with three matches remaining.

This was only the second time the outcome of La Liga has been decided directly by the result of a Clasico, with record 36-time champions Real Madrid winning their first title in 1932 after a draw with Barcelona.

Flick’s team were disappointed to be knocked out in the Champions League quarter-finals by Atletico Madrid in April, but were still determined to celebrate in style.

“This title is more special for winning it at home against Madrid, now we have to enjoy it with the fans,” Barca midfielder Frenkie de Jong told Movistar.

“We have been the best team in Spain, of course, we (also) want to win the Champions League, that’s the objective. Next year we will have another opportunity.”

Real Madrid arrived at the match embroiled in chaos, after midfielder Fede Valverde was ruled out with a head injury following a training ground scuffle with team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni, who started.

Barca coach Flick received bad news before the game, with his father passing away, but took his place on the touchline regardless, to oversee his side’s comfortable triumph.

The German opted for the energetic Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, on the right wing in place of the injured teenage star Lamine Yamal.

The Catalans, who only needed to avoid defeat, came out with their eyes firmly locked on the prize, racing into a two-goal lead inside 18 minutes.

Rashford opened the scoring with a superb free-kick, whipping the ball into the top left corner from a position 20 yards out, right of centre.

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Torres doubled the hosts’ advantage at a jubilant Camp Nou, the 62,000-strong crowd enjoying the first Clasico back there since the stadium was reopened.

Dani Olmo produced a clever backheel to allow Torres to burst into the box and ram past Thibaut Courtois.

Gonzalo Garcia, playing in place of injured Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe, prodded narrowly wide after racing in behind Barca’s high defensive line.

Urged on by coach Alvaro Arbeloa on the touchline, unlikely to be at the helm next season, Real Madrid battled to stem the bleeding.

Rashford could have added a third before the break but fired wide, with Fermin Lopez unmarked and well placed to finish.

Torres should have struck early in the second half, but Courtois saved from the Spain international as he ran through.

Jude Bellingham put the ball in Barcelona’s net, but the goal was ruled out for offside, while Joan Garcia thwarted Vinicius Junior as Madrid threatened.

Barcelona fans batted inflatable beach balls around to taunt the Brazilian over his unfulfilled Ballon d’Or ambitions, and lapped up the party atmosphere.

Courtois was saved from substitutes Raphinha, back after injury, and Robert Lewandowski as Madrid saw out the remainder of the match without taking further damage.

Flick’s side remain on course to match the record of 100 points in a league season and can win all their home matches if they defeat Real Betis in the one remaining.

Meanwhile, Madrid finish a second consecutive season without a major trophy, staring down the barrel of a summer reshuffle, including former coach Jose Mourinho being linked with a potential return.

What is clear is that, for now, president Florentino Perez cannot seem to find the solution to end Flick’s Barca’s domestic domination.

READ: Shanto, Mominul steady Bangladesh after early blows in first Pakistan Test

MIRPUR: Rain interrupted proceedings after Lunch on Day Four of the opening Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Monday, with the hosts recovering well from an early collapse before the weather halted play.

Bangladesh was at 93-2 in their second innings at lunch, extending their overall lead to 120 runs after Pakistan was bowled out for 386 on the third day.

However, the match could not resume after lunch due to persistent rain, which caused the entire second session to be washed out. As conditions did not improve, the umpires decided to take the tea interval during the rain delay.

Earlier, the hosts resumed the morning session on 7 without loss with a slender 34-run advantage, but Pakistan struck twice in quick succession to put Bangladesh under immediate pressure.

Veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas provided the first breakthrough by dismissing overnight batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy for five.

Soon after, Hasan Ali removed opener Shadman Islam, who managed 10 runs, reducing Bangladesh to 23-2 early in the session.

With Pakistan threatening to seize control, Bangladesh captain Shanto and experienced batter Mominul once again combined to stabilise the innings.

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The pair, who had earlier stitched together a crucial 170-run stand in the first innings, continued their impressive understanding at the crease with another composed partnership.

They added an unbeaten 70 runs for the third wicket to guide Bangladesh safely to Lunch without any further setbacks. At the break, Mominul remained unbeaten on 37, while Shanto was batting on 34.

Earlier on the third day, Bangladesh wrapped up Pakistan’s first innings for 386, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz starring with the ball after claiming five wickets.

For Pakistan, debutant Azan Awais impressed with a brilliant century, top-scoring with 103 runs.

READ: Teenage batter Oliver Peake named in Australia squad for Pakistan ODIs

MIRPUR: Najmul Hossain Shanto produced another composed innings under pressure as Bangladesh tightened their grip on the opening Test against Pakistan before bad light forced an early end to Day Four at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Monday.

The hosts finished the day at 152-3 in their second innings, stretching their overall lead to 179 runs with one day remaining in the contest.

Bangladesh captain Shanto remained unbeaten on 58 at stumps, while veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim was accompanying him on 16 after the pair safely negotiated the closing stages.

The day, however, was heavily disrupted by weather as persistent rain wiped out the entire second session after Lunch.

Play had resumed briefly in the third session, where Bangladesh continued to frustrate Pakistan through the experienced duo of Shanto and Mominul Haque.

The pair extended their third-wicket stand to 105 runs, and both completed well-crafted half-centuries to put Bangladesh firmly in control.

Pakistan eventually found a breakthrough, thanks to Shaheen Shah Afridi, who dismissed Mominul for a patient 56 off 120 deliveries.

Following the dismissal, Mushfiqur joined his captain at the crease, and the duo ensured Bangladesh suffered no further damage before bad light ended proceedings early.

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Earlier, Bangladesh resumed their second innings on seven without loss with an overall lead of 34 runs after bowling Pakistan out for 386 on Day 3.

However, Pakistan struck twice early on Day 4 to put the hosts under pressure. Veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas provided the first breakthrough by dismissing overnight batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy for five.

Soon after, Hasan Ali removed opener Shadman Islam, who managed 10 runs, reducing Bangladesh to 23-2 early in the session.

With Pakistan threatening to seize control, Bangladesh captain Shanto and experienced batter Mominul once again combined to stabilise the innings.

The pair, who had earlier stitched together a crucial 170-run stand in the first innings, continued their impressive understanding at the crease with another composed partnership.

They added an unbeaten 70 runs for the third wicket to guide Bangladesh safely to Lunch without any further setbacks.

By Lunch, Bangladesh had recovered to 93-2, with Shanto unbeaten on 34 and Mominul batting on 37.

Rain then halted proceedings immediately after the interval, with the umpires eventually taking tea during the delay before play resumed later in the evening.

READ: Teenage batter Oliver Peake named in Australia squad for Pakistan ODIs

SYDNEY: Veteran all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been omitted from the recently announced squads by Cricket Australia (CA) for the upcoming white-ball tour of Bangladesh.

Australia named separate ODI and T20I squads for the tour, with selectors continuing to experiment following the team’s disappointing early exit from the recent World Cup campaign.

The squads will be led by Mitchell Marsh, as ODI captain Pat Cummins, along with premier fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, have been rested from the tour to manage their workload.

The selectors instead opted for a youthful combination featuring a blend of emerging talent and returning players as Australia continue to build depth in white-ball cricket.

Young all-rounder Joel Davies received his maiden T20I call-up after impressing in the Big Bash League (BBL), while Aaron Hardie returned to the shortest-format squad following a strong season in Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Maxwell, meanwhile, is set to feature in Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States alongside Steve Smith for Washington Freedom during the Bangladesh series.

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The selectors recalled fast bowlers Spencer Johnson and Riley Meredith after both recovered from injury setbacks.

Spin is expected to play a major role during the tour, prompting Australia to include left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann in both squads alongside veteran leg-spinner Adam Zampa.

Wicketkeeper Josh Philippe retained his place as the reserve gloveman behind Josh Inglis after being preferred over Alex Carey in recent bilateral assignments.

The Bangladesh tour will commence with a three-match ODI series in Dhaka from June 9 to 14, followed by three T20Is in Chattogram from June 17 to 21.

Before travelling to Bangladesh, Australia are also scheduled to tour Pakistan for a three-match ODI series featuring a young squad that includes teenage batter Oliver Peake and emerging all-rounder Liam Scott.

Australia ODI squad: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Matthew Renshaw, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott and Adam Zampa.

Australia T20I squad: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw and Adam Zampa.

READ: Teenage batter Oliver Peake named in Australia squad for Pakistan ODIs

SYDNEY: Cricket Australia (CA) have announced a fresh-looking squad for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan, handing maiden international call-ups to teenage batting prodigy Oliver Peake and emerging all-rounder Liam Scott.

Australia are scheduled to tour Pakistan for a three-match ODI series beginning on May 30, but several senior stars have been rested ahead of the home Test series against Bangladesh later this year.

Regular captain Pat Cummins, along with premier fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, were among the notable absentees from the squad.

The selectors instead opted for a youthful combination featuring a blend of emerging talent and returning players as Australia continue to build depth in white-ball cricket.

Fast bowler Billy Stanlake earned his first national call-up since 2019 after overcoming a lengthy injury struggle, while pacer Riley Meredith returned to the ODI set-up for the first time since 2024.

Meanwhile, players involved in the latter stages of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) will miss the Pakistan series before joining the squad in Bangladesh following the tournament’s conclusion. Those players include Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis.

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National selection chairman George Bailey said the subcontinent tours would provide an important learning opportunity for the next generation of Australian cricketers.

“It’s always exciting to see new players get an opportunity to play international cricket and be a part of the national team,” Bailey said.

“The blend of experienced players coupled with new or returning players will provide a nice mix for these subcontinent tours.

“Continuing to provide opportunities for players to develop across a broad range of conditions and experiences is important and will continue to be a focus over the next 18 months to two years.”

The ODI series will begin at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on May 30 before the remaining two matches are played at Gaddafi Stadium on June 2 and June 4.

Australia ODI squad for Pakistan series

Mitchell Marsh (captain), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Riley Meredith, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Matt Short, Billy Stanlake and Adam Zampa.

WATCH: Babar Azam returns to the nets after injury blow

MIRPUR: Pakistan ace batter Babar Azam has returned to the nets after suffering a knee injury that ruled him out of the first Bangladesh Test.

On Sunday, the right-hander was seen practicing in the nets under the supervision of batting coach Asad Shafiq alongside the team physio and trainer. During the session, Babar also ran between the wickets.

Babar was ruled out of the opening Test against Bangladesh, which is underway at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.

During Thursday’s national team training, Babar felt a sharp pain in his left knee. After informing the management, he underwent an MRI scan.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the ace batter will not be part of the Playing XI due to a left-knee injury.

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“Pakistan batter Babar Azam will not be available for the first Test match against Bangladesh due to a injury in left knee,” the press release statement said.

However, it was later revealed that Babar’s injury was not serious, and he has been rested from the ongoing series opener as a precautionary measure.

The second Test will be played from 16 to 20 May at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

In the current World Test Championship (WTC) standings, Bangladesh are placed eighth, having registered one defeat and one draw from two matches, with a win percentage of 16.67.

Pakistan, meanwhile, sit fifth with one win and one loss, holding 12 points and a 50 percent win ratio.

READ: Senior Australia players unhappy with central contracts: reports

MELBOURNE: Several senior Australian cricketers are unhappy with the initial contract offers made by Cricket Australia (CA) for the 2026-27 season, according to reports.

A number of players have reportedly not yet agreed to sign the deals, raising fresh concerns over player payments in Australian cricket.

According to Cricinfo and Code Sports, at least five senior Australian players were left unimpressed after receiving the first offers in recent days.

The issue comes at a time when growing franchise leagues around the globe are offering players significantly higher salaries.

Earlier in the week, Australia Test captain Pat Cummins was reportedly offered a deal worth around A$4 million per year for the three seasons.

Under the current Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association, up to 24 players can receive national contracts for the 2026-27 financial year.

Those contracted players share a base salary pool of more than A$21.9 million. Players are paid according to their importance and expected workload, with the lowest-ranked contracted player earning around A$360,000. Match fees and bonuses are paid separately.

However, several white-ball players reportedly believe they could earn more money by becoming freelance cricketers and playing in franchise leagues around the world instead of signing year-long CA contracts.

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Players such as Marcus Stoinis and Tim David have avoided central contracts in recent years while continuing to play T20 leagues globally. Reports suggest some players are frustrated that international commitments limit their ability to join lucrative tournaments overseas.

Pat Cummins himself spoke about the issue earlier this year, saying that playing Australia’s Test series against Bangladesh in August could mean missing out on major earnings in England’s Hundred competition.

Meanwhile, another dispute is developing around the Big Bash League (BBL). A group of leading BBL players is reportedly unhappy after plans to privatize the league stalled, delaying discussions over improved salaries.

Australian players have long complained about being paid less than overseas stars in the BBL. Reports stated that foreign platinum players can earn around A$420,000, while many top Australian players receive between A$200,000 and A$300,000 despite having stronger T20 records.

The situation has become more serious with leagues such as the UAE’s ILT20 and South Africa’s SA20 offering massive contracts. Some Australian players have reportedly received offers worth around A$500,000 to play in the UAE this year.

READ: Pakistan to play intra-squad matches ahead of Australia series: reports