The highly anticipated one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand in Greater Noida has been delayed for the third consecutive day due to persistent rain. Concerns about the venue’s readiness and its suitability for international cricket matches have emerged, sparking criticism of the Greater Noida Authority.
Australian hockey player Tom Craig has been handed a 12-month ban, with six months suspended, by Hockey Australia for purchasing cocaine in Paris. The ban, which began on Monday, follows an investigation by Hockey Australia’s integrity unit into the incident, which occurred during the recent Paris Olympics. Despite the ban, Craig remains eligible for selection for the 2025 national squad.
Brazil’s hopes of automatically qualifying for the 2026 World Cup took a hit with a 1-0 loss to Paraguay, their fourth defeat in five matches. The defeat leaves Brazil in a precarious position, needing to improve their performance significantly in the remaining qualifiers.
Mathias Pogba, brother of football star Paul Pogba, is facing trial for allegedly attempting to extort millions of euros from his brother along with five other individuals. The case has taken a dramatic turn with accusations of threats, violence, and even witchcraft, raising serious questions about the relationship between the brothers.
Vinesh Phogat, a prominent Indian wrestler, has accused the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha of political posturing after a photo of Usha visiting Phogat in the hospital following her failed weigh-in at the Paris Olympics was circulated on social media. Phogat, who retired from the sport after the incident, claims the photo was taken without her consent and was used to project a false image of support.
Harry Kane celebrated his 100th appearance for England with a brace, guiding the Three Lions to a 2-0 victory over Finland in the Nations League. This milestone makes him the third Englishman to score on his 100th cap, following in the footsteps of legends Wayne Rooney and Bobby Charlton. Kane’s performance showcases his continued dominance as England’s all-time leading scorer and his unwavering commitment to the national team.
Former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth has thrown his weight behind KL Rahul to retain the crucial No. 5 batting position in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, despite the strong form of Sarfaraz Khan. Srikkanth highlighted Rahul’s experience and overseas success, particularly in Australia, while acknowledging the tough situation for Sarfaraz.
Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das has called on the media to move past their historic Test series win against Pakistan and focus on the upcoming challenging series against India. He acknowledges the strength of the Indian team at home and the need for the Bangladeshi team to adapt to the SG ball.
Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino has been appointed as the new head coach of the United States men’s national soccer team, replacing Gregg Berhalter. This appointment marks a significant step for the US team, as Pochettino brings a wealth of experience from managing top clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain. His focus will be on building a competitive team for the 2026 World Cup, which the US will co-host with Mexico and Canada.
NASA has released the first image of its Advanced Composite Solar Sail System, a groundbreaking technology that could revolutionize spacecraft propulsion. The sail, successfully unfurled in space, is a large, reflective sheet that harnesses the pressure of sunlight for acceleration. While the initial image shows a slightly distorted view due to the spacecraft’s tumbling, it provides a glimpse into this exciting future of space travel.
