With BCCI getting strict on keeping franchises away from pitch preparation, the endeavour is to produce uniform flat pitches conducive to high scores across venues.
Afghanistan cricket is in mourning following the death of former fast bowler Shapoor Zadran, 38, in India after a prolonged illness. He represented Afghanistan in 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is and was undergoing treatment for a rare condition in New Delhi.
Brazil holds the record for the most FIFA World Cup titles with five championships. Germany and Italy follow with four each. Argentina, the defending champion from 2022, has three titles. The 2026 tournament, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will see these standings potentially updated.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 final will host its first-ever halftime show, curated by Chris Martin, featuring co-headliners Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS. The event on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium aims to celebrate football and culture while supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
Zimbabwe's skipper Richard Ngarava aims for a simple batting approach in the T20 decider, hoping for a good total to defend. Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz opts to bowl first, citing the previous game and the need for improved batting partnerships, with Shoriful Islam replacing Mustafizur Rahman.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius scored an unbeaten 102 off 52 balls, including 10 fours and five sixes, to guide San Francisco Unicorns to a nine-wicket victory over MI New York in the Major League Cricket. The win propelled the Unicorns to the top of the points table.
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined calls claiming Egypt was 'robbed' in their FIFA World Cup loss to Argentina. His viral remark came amid controversy over refereeing decisions, including a VAR review that overturned an Egyptian goal and a penalty call against Argentina.
