分类： sports

As the Indian cricket team gears up for their opening one-day international (ODI) against Australia in Perth, all eyes are on the return of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The duo, who last played for India during their Champions Trophy victory in March, are set to make a much-anticipated comeback. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill, India’s newly appointed ODI captain, expressed both excitement and humility as he steps into the leadership role. ‘It’s definitely very exciting, but also a big responsibility to carry forward the legacy left by Virat and Rohit,’ Gill remarked during a press conference on Saturday. The 26-year-old, who has previously captained India in T20Is and Tests, acknowledged the immense influence Kohli and Sharma have had on his career. ‘These are players I idolized as a kid. Their hunger and passion for the game inspired me. It’s an honor to lead such legends and learn from them,’ he added. Gill, who boasts an impressive ODI batting average of nearly 60, emphasized the importance of open communication and mutual respect within the team. ‘In challenging situations, I won’t hesitate to seek their advice. I want to create an environment where every player feels secure and confident in their role,’ he stated. Australia’s captain, Mitch Marsh, acknowledged the star power of Kohli and Sharma, predicting a near-sellout crowd at the 60,000-seat Perth Stadium despite the threat of rain. ‘A lot of people are coming to watch them. If this is their last time on Australian soil, I hope they enjoy it,’ Marsh said, jokingly adding that he hopes they don’t play ‘too well.’ Marsh, who has been in stellar form recently, dismissed speculation about a potential Test recall ahead of the Ashes series, humorously noting that he’s only secured tickets for the first two days of the Perth match.

In a tragic turn of events, Afghanistan has announced its withdrawal from an upcoming tri-nation T20 cricket series following the deaths of three local players in an air strike. The Afghan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the decision, citing respect for the victims, who were killed in what it described as an attack carried out by the Pakistani regime. The incident occurred on Friday evening in the Urgon district of eastern Paktika province, where the players were having dinner after a match. Eyewitnesses and local officials reported that the strike targeted a residential home, resulting in eight fatalities. Pakistan, however, denied targeting civilians, claiming the operation was aimed at militants. The ACB identified the deceased players as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, labeling their deaths as a significant loss for Afghanistan’s sports community. The attack coincided with the expiration of a temporary truce between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which had been in place following deadly border clashes. Pakistan stated that the strike targeted Afghan militants, with at least 70 combatants killed. Meanwhile, Afghan national team captain Rashid Khan and other players paid heartfelt tributes to the victims, calling the attack a ‘heinous crime.’ The incident has further strained relations between the two nations, even as peace talks continue in Doha, Qatar, with both sides seeking to resolve cross-border tensions.

In a tragic turn of events, Afghanistan has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming tri-nation cricket series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka. This decision comes after three Afghan cricketers were killed in a targeted attack allegedly carried out by Pakistani forces. The incident occurred in the eastern Paktika province, near the Pakistan border, where the players had traveled to participate in a friendly match. Upon their return to Urgun, the athletes were attacked during a gathering, described by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) as a ‘cowardly act by the Pakistani regime.’ The ACB identified the victims as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, expressing profound grief over the loss of these promising athletes. The board stated that the withdrawal from the series is a gesture of respect for the victims and their families. The attack has further escalated tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with Afghan officials accusing Pakistan of violating a ceasefire agreement. Pakistani air strikes in the region reportedly resulted in the deaths of ten civilians, including two children, and left twelve others wounded. Afghan cricketers and officials have condemned the attack, labeling it a ‘heinous crime’ and a national tragedy. The incident has cast a shadow over the cricketing community, with calls for justice and solidarity echoing across the nation.

OSAKA, Japan — Leylah Fernandez, the sole remaining seeded player at the WTA Japan Open, secured her place in Sunday’s final after a hard-fought victory over Sorana Cîrstea. The Canadian star triumphed 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 in a gripping semifinal match on Saturday. The decisive moment came at 4-4 in the final set, where Fernandez broke Cîrstea’s serve and held her own to seal the win. Fernandez, the 2021 U.S. Open runner-up, now advances to her eighth career final. She will face either Jaqueline Cristian or 18-year-old qualifier Tereza Valentova, who contested their semifinal later in the day. Cristian’s path to the semis was eased when top-seeded Naomi Osaka withdrew due to a left leg injury on Friday, granting her a walkover in the quarterfinals. Fernandez’s journey this season has been marked by resilience, with her only semifinal appearance prior to this coming at the WTA 500 D.C. Open, where she clinched her fourth WTA singles title. Despite a recent setback in the China Open, where she fell to Coco Gauff in three sets, Fernandez has demonstrated her tenacity and skill on the court, setting the stage for an exciting final in Osaka.

The President of the UAE Football Association (UAEFA), Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, has extended his congratulations to Qatar and Saudi Arabia for securing their spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This milestone was achieved during the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers, making them the only Gulf nations to qualify for the prestigious tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico starting June 11, 2026. Saudi Arabia sealed their qualification with a 0-0 draw against Iraq in Jeddah, while Qatar triumphed with a 2-1 victory over the UAE in Doha. Despite the loss, the UAE remains in contention for a World Cup berth through the fifth-round play-offs, where they will face Iraq. A win in this round would propel them to the final qualifiers in Mexico next March. The UAEFA has supported Emirati fans by providing large-screen viewing locations in Doha, ensuring they could cheer for their team despite limited stadium access.