Zimbabwe allrounder Sean Williams, one of the country's finest ever cricketers, will no longer be considered for selection after he entered into a drug rehabilitation programme, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) said in a statement on Tuesday.

Williams, 39, who made his international debut in 2005 and is one of Zimbabwe’s most experienced players, will not have his ZC contract extended beyond its expiry in December this year.

Williams withdrew from the Zimbabwe side that took part in the recent T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2025 in Harare, one of several tours and tournaments he has skipped over the years.

"During an internal investigation to understand the reasons for his unavailability, Williams disclosed that he has been struggling with drug addiction and has voluntarily entered rehabilitation," ZC said in a statement.

"A review of Williams’ record indicates a history of disciplinary issues and repeated unavailability, which has impacted team preparations and performance.

"While ZC commends him for seeking rehabilitation... after careful consideration, ZC has concluded that Williams will no longer be considered for national selection."

Williams’ long-time national teammate Brendan Taylor, 39, has recently returned to playing for the team after serving a 3-1/2 year ban for breaching the ICC's anti-corruption code.

He also previously entered rehabilitation after admitting cocaine use.

"ZC sincerely acknowledges and appreciates his (Williams’) immense contribution to Zimbabwean cricket over the past two decades," the ZC statement continued.

"Williams has played a pivotal role in some of the most significant moments in our recent history, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the field.

"ZC wishes him strength in his recovery and every success in his future endeavours."

Williams averaged a healthy 45.25 with the bat from his 24 tests, and also played 164 one-day internationals and 85 Twenty20 Internationals.

Ben Stokes has been awarded a fresh two-year contract that will take him through to the end of the next home Ashes series in 2027, England cricket chiefs announced on Tuesday.

The test captain, whose previous deal had been due to expire next year, is one of 14 players handed two-year deals by the England and Wales Cricket Board, including pace bowler Jofra Archer and highly rated young batsman Jacob Bethell.

Twelve others have signed one-year contracts.

Stokes, 34, has a chequered injury history and has not played any cricket since July following a shoulder injury.

But he is expected to be available for the first test of a five-match Ashes series against Australia, which starts in Perth on November 21.

Jonny Bairstow's central contract has finally come to an end, while spinner Jack Leach also misses out after falling out of favour.

Rob Key, managing director of England men's cricket, said the contracts reflect the depth and strength of talent available.

"We have awarded two-year deals to our multi-format players, so we can manage their workloads responsibly and give them the stability they need to perform across formats," he said.

"We have also secured a number of white-ball players on longer agreements to help us plan effectively around the growing franchise calendar and ensure England remains their priority."

Veteran spin great Ravichandran Ashwin was Tuesday ruled out of Australia's Big Bash League after knee surgery, missing out on becoming the first Indian international to feature in the Twenty20 event.

The 39-year-old, who signed for Sydney Thunder in September, said in a statement: "I'm gutted to miss BBL.

"My focus now is recovery and coming back stronger. I'm grateful to the Thunder family and the fans for the warmth they’ve already shown me."

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not allow any current player in Indian international or domestic cricket to feature in overseas leagues.

But Ashwin retired in December during India's test tour of Australia and quit the Indian Premier League in August, freeing him up.

"Everyone at Sydney Thunder was devastated to learn of Ash's knee injury that has ruled him out of BBL, and we wish him well in his recovery," said Thunder general manager Trent Copeland.

Ashwin, who played for five IPL franchises, finished his India career with 537 wickets in 106 tests at an average of 24.00.

He also played 116 one-day and 65 Twenty20 internationals.

The BBL gets under way on December 14.

Former England batsman Jonathan Trott will leave as Afghanistan coach after the T20 World Cup in February-March, the country's cricket board has said.

The South Africa-born 44-year-old, who has been in charge since 2022, took the Afghans to the T20 World Cup semifinals last year.

It was their first time in the last four of a World Cup and Trott oversaw Afghanistan's rise as a white-ball team who could challenge the best.

"It has been a privilege to work with the Afghanistan national team and to witness their passion, resilience and hunger to achieve greatness," said Trott.

"I am proud of what we have accomplished together and I will always remain a supporter of Afghan cricket."

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said in a statement Monday that under Trott the country "celebrated some of its most memorable moments in recent cricket history".

ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf said: "His efforts have supported a crucial period in the development of Afghanistan cricket."

The process for appointing a new head coach will begin after the World Cup, the ACB said.

The World Cup will be held in India and Sri Lanka.

Trott played 52 tests, 68 one-day internationals and seven T20s for England, scoring 6 792 runs across all three formats.

India's cricket board on Monday announced a cash reward of $5.75 million for the women's team after their triumphant World Cup campaign.

Hosts India beat South Africa by 52 runs in front of a sell-out home crowd at Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium on Sunday to lift their first one-day international (ODI) World Cup.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia told AFP that the money was awarded "as a token of appreciation for the women's team", and would be spread across the players, support staff and selectors involved.

The Indian women, who triumphed at the third attempt after finishing runners-up in 2005 and 2017, have already received $4.48 million in prize money from the International Cricket Council (ICC) – a 239 per cent increase from the $1.32 million awarded to Australia in 2022.

This edition of the Women's World Cup boasted an overall purse of $13.88 million, eclipsing the total $10 million for the last edition of the men's championship.

India toiled in the league phase and suffered three successive defeats, but clinched the last semifinal spot, before knocking out record seven-time champions and heavy favourites Australia.

Fans celebrated the victory at home and on the streets, with crowds in Delhi waving Indian flags and setting off fireworks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the "historic win will motivate future champions to take up sports".

Tiaan van Vuuren ended with three wickets but it was not enough for South Africa A (SA A) after they slipped to a narrow three-wicket defeat to India A on the final day of the first unofficial test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Sunday.

India A defeated South Africa A by 3 wickets in the first multi-day match at the BCCI CoE. 🇮🇳

Tanush Kotian won the Player of the Match award for his all-round performance. 👏#Cricket #IndiaA #BCCI #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/35pM7trNWS

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) November 2, 2025

The left-arm seamer proved the most successful bowler on day four when the tourists were chasing six wickets and the hosts 156 for a 1-0 series lead.

In the end it was captain Rishabh Pant who made all the difference after finishing with an impressive 90 (113 balls, 11 fours, 4 sixes) that laid the platform for the Indians to triumph.

Van Vuuren did eventually remove him and also claimed the wicket of Ayush Badoni, with the only other wicket-taker on the day being Lutho Sipamla (1/37) – an outcome that was ultimately not enough.

The South Africans will now regroup for the second match starting on Thursday, when Proteas test captain Temba Bavuma is set to bolster their ranks as he completes his rehabilitation from injury.

South Africa had the hosts on the backfoot at the start – at 119 for four when play resumed – but Pant and Badoni (34) put on 53 for the fifth wicket to strengthen India’s grip on the game.

But Van Vuuren then created a window of opportunity for the tourists when he got rid of both men within the space of four overs. Sipamla then had Tanush Kotian (23) caught by Van Vuuren leaving the game still there for the taking at 215 for seven and still 60 needed.

However, Manav Suthar (20*) and Anshul Kamboj (37*) combined for what proved to be the final partnership – an eighth-wicket combination that produced 62 unbroken runs – to seal the win.

South Africa A Four-Day Squad against India A

Marques Ackerman (captain, Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Temba Bavuma (DP World Lions)*, Okuhle Cele (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Zubayr Hamza (DP World Lions), Jordan Hermann (Warriors), Rubin Hermann (North West Dragons), Rivaldo Moonsamy (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tshepo Moreki (World Sports Betting Western Province), Mihlali Mpongwana (World Sports Betting Western Province), Lesego Senokwane (Momentum Multiply Titans), Prenelan Subrayen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kyle Simmonds (World Sports Betting Western Province), Tsepo Ndwandwa (Momentum Multiply Titans), Jason Smith (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tiaan van Vuuren (Knights), and Codi Yusuf (DP World Lions).

*Second match only

Management - Four-Day Series

Malibongwe Maketa (Head Coach), Riaan Osman (Manager), Richard das Neves (Batting Coach), Rowan Richards (Bowling Coach), Jimmy Kgamadi (Fielding Coach), Phumelele Skosana (Team Doctor), Tumi Masekela (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Brent Martin (Physiotherapist) and Abram Ndhlovu (Team Analyst).

Fixtures

Four-Day Series

30 October - 02 November

India A beat South Africa A by three wickets - BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru

06 - 09 November

India A v South Africa A - BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru

A 159-run first-wicket stand between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran set up Afghanistan for a nine-run victory over Zimbabwe on Sunday and a 3-0 sweep of a Twenty20 series.

Gurbaz made 92, Zadran 60 and Sediqullah Atal a brisk, unbeaten 35 as the tourists posted 210-3 at Harare Sports Club.

Opener Brian Bennett (47) and captain Sikandar Raza (51) offered Zimbabwe hope with a third-wicket partnership of 85, before being all out for 201 from the last delivery of the series.

Zimbabwe go down fighting as Afghanistan win the T20I series 3-0.

Match Details 👉 https://t.co/E5VAN78l84#ZIMvAFG #ExperienceZimbabwe pic.twitter.com/8csoqXxZJH

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) November 2, 2025

Afghanistan won the previous two matches by 53 runs and seven wickets after suffering a heavy loss in a one-off test.

Gurbaz fell eight runs short of a second T20 century after Raza made a superb catch at deep cover off the bowling of Richard Ngarava. His 48-ball knock included five sixes and eight fours.

Ibrahim Zadran, top scorer in the previous two victories, made his third straight half century in the series off 49 deliveries. He hit seven fours before his off stump was uprooted by Brad Evans.

Evans was the most successful Zimbabwe bowler, taking 2-33 in four overs, after the Afghans won the toss and opted to bat.

Zimbabwe lose two wickets in the Powerplay.

They need 163 runs in 84 balls with eight wickets in hand

(Brian Bennett 20*, Sikandar Raza 12*),

📝 https://t.co/E5VAN78l84#ZIMvAFG #ExperienceZimbabwe pic.twitter.com/T2ZeN57WI0

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) November 2, 2025

Raza hit two sixes and seven fours before being bowled by Mohammad Nabi midway through the innings when his attempted sweep saw the ball bounce off the pitch, hit his glove and deflect on to the stumps.

Bennett followed his skipper to the pavilion 13 balls later, caught by Zadran when trying to loft the ball over mid off. His 31-ball stand included two sixes and three fours.

Brief scores

Afghanistan 210-3, 20 overs (R. Gurbaz 92, I. Zadran 60, S. Atal 35; B. Evans 2-33) v Zimbabwe 201, 20 overs (S. Raza 51, B. Bennett 47; A. Ahmadzai 3-42)

Result: Afghanistan won by nine runs

Series: Afghanistan won 3-0

Toss: Afghanistan

Kyle Jamieson was included in the New Zealand squad for the Twenty20 series against West Indies on Sunday despite missing the one-day series against England with a side injury, but his fellow paceman Matt Henry has been rested.

Spinner Ish Sodhi also returns for the five-match series beginning in Auckland on Wednesday, which offers coach Rob Walter a final chance to see his team in action before he names a provisional squad for the World Cup in India early next year.

Henry, who missed the England series with a calf injury, will sit out the series for what New Zealand Cricket described as a "pre-planned conditioning block" to ensure he is fit for the ODI and test series against the tourists.

Former skipper Kane Williamson announced his retirement from the format earlier on Sunday.

SQUAD: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi

ENGLAND COACH DOESN'T EXPECT ASHES HANGOVER FROM ODI DISAPPOINTMENT

Elsewhere, Coach Brendon McCullum believes England's batting struggles in the 3-0 one-day international series loss to New Zealand were format-specific and will have little bearing on the Ashes.

One century from Harry Brook aside, England's top order failed to produce sufficient runs in New Zealand to give their bowlers the opportunity to put pressure on the Black Caps.

McCullum, while obviously disappointed at being whitewashed in his homeland, did not think there would be any carry over into the test series against Australia when it begins in Perth on November 21.

"I don't envisage it," McCullum told reporters in Wellington after the third ODI on Saturday.

"Obviously it's a different form of the game, and it's a completely different kind of challenge which we'll be confronted with as well.

"In T20 cricket, we're going really well. I think in test cricket, we've got a pretty good template of where we're at, and I think we've performed reasonably well, albeit we've got a huge challenge in front of us.

"I think one-day cricket is clearly the area we need to improve."

McCullum said England had not yet figured out their batting tempo in one-day cricket, an issue further complicated by the sometimes challenging conditions in New Zealand.

Again, the New Zealander thought that would not be an issue in Australia.

"I think when we do come across the trickier conditions in Australia and test cricket, I feel like we've got a pretty good understanding of how we're going to go about," McCullum said.

"It doesn't guarantee us anything, but it gives us a level of confidence going into that series."

One major plus from the tour to New Zealand was the return to England colours of fast bowler Jofra Archer, who looked in good shape when he played in the final two matches of the ODI series.

"Obviously he had a little bit of time off and was a little bit late to this tour, but he was training the house down in Barbados," said McCullum.

"He'd done a lot of skill work as well as fitness work, and for him to get through two matches with his full quota of overs and build towards what's coming in the next couple of weeks is a big bonus."

McCullum was in charge when England drew the last Ashes series in 2023 and said he could not wait to get across the Tasman Sea for his first taste of the rivalry on Australian soil.

"I'm excited, like proper excited," he said. "We're incredibly respectful of the challenge that Australia is going to present us.

"We know how hard that tour is going to be. It's going to require a team to stay together right throughout, to be as strong as we can at trying to block out any of the outside noise."

India batsman Shreyas Iyer has been discharged from hospital after lacerating his spleen when falling heavily in a one-day clash against Australia, cricket officials said Saturday.

The 30-year-old vice-captain doubled over in pain after pulling off a sensational catch to remove Alex Carey in the third ODI in Sydney last week.

The Indian ODI vice-captain was forced off the field and hospitalised.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said Saturday that he is "now stable and recovering well", and that "he has been discharged from the hospital".

"Shreyas will continue to stay in Sydney for follow-up consultations and will return to India once he is deemed fit to fly," it added.

Iyer is not part of India's T20 squad, which will play five matches in Australia that will serve as a tune-up for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in February-March.

He has scored 2,917 runs from 73 ODIs at an average of 47.81 since his ODI debut in 2017.

Cricket Australia (CA) announced a net deficit of A$11.3 million ($7.34 million) for the 2024-25 financial year on Thursday, with a steep increase in costs offsetting a jump in revenue from hosting the Border-Gavaskar series against powerhouse India.

CA said at its annual general meeting (AGM) total revenue increased by A$49.2 million from the previous year to A$453.7 million, predominantly driven by a new domestic media deal and match revenue from the five-test series against India.

Expenses increased by A$24.1 million, which included marketing costs for the India series and funding 70 extra days of touring for national teams.

However, distributions to CA's member states and territories barely moved, rising by A$800 000 from the previous year to A$120.9 million.

Member state Cricket Victoria (CV) condemned CA for the annual loss, saying the governing body had delivered little financial improvement despite significant and costly reviews.

"For another year, CA is presenting a financial loss with a balance sheet showing member funds in deficit," CV Chairman Ross Hepburn said at the AGM.

"It is especially disappointing that since FY2019, Cricket Australia's accounts have shown significant cumulative loss, excluding Covid-related impacts and World Cup revenue."

CA CEO Todd Greenberg said the outlook for 2025-26 was positive, with Australia to host England in the five-test Ashes series starting in Perth on21 November.

He said CA was forecasting a sharp lift in commercial and sponsorship revenue from A$69 million to A$86 million in the coming year.

"The Ashes and India white-ball content in FY26 is expected to deliver significant profit to CA and this will enable CA to rebuild its net assets and cash reserves for the next cycle," CA CFO Sarah Pragnell said.

CA is exploring allowing private investment in teams in the Big Bash League, the nation's domestic T20 tournament, to unlock value and boost its competitiveness against international rivals like the Indian Premier League.

Securing the backing of member states will be among CA's biggest challenges.

"We believe that all other options need to be diligently canvassed before resorting to selling off member assets," said CV's Hepburn.

A promising young Australian cricketer has died after being struck by a ball, with his local club saying Thursday they were "absolutely devastated".

Ben Austin, 17, was reportedly facing an automatic bowling machine in the nets with a helmet on before a Twenty20 game in Melbourne on Tuesday when he was hit in the head and neck area.

He was rushed to hospital in critical condition and died Wednesday.

"We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community," the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club said in a statement.

Austin was an emerging bowler and batter, considered by his club as a "star cricketer, great leader and an awesome young man".

Deaths in cricket remain rare.

The most recent high-profile one in Australia came in 2014 when test star Phillip Hughes was killed when hit in the neck by a ball during a domestic Sheffield Shield game.

His death stunned Australia and the world cricket community, sparking an outpouring of grief and ushering in stronger protocols around concussion and the advent of better player safety equipment.

Injured Australia captain Pat Cummins bowled for the first time since July on Wednesday as he races the clock to be fit for the second Ashes test against England.

The 32-year-old pace spearhead has not played since picking up a lower back injury against the West Indies more than three months ago.

But he made a tentative return in a brief net session in Sydney captured by local television cameras, bowling off a five-step run-up.

Cummins has been ruled out of the first test against Ben Stokes' England in Perth from November 21, with hopes that he will be ready for the second day-night contest in Brisbane on December 4.

"We're on the journey to that second test and very hopeful that that will be a positive outcome," Australia coach Andrew McDonald said on Monday of Cummins.

"We will see how he pulls up and then we'll make decisions moving forward."

Pat Cummins will start bowling again this week - coach Andrew McDonald is hopeful he can be fit for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane 🤞 pic.twitter.com/TKqO2ZP36x

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 27, 2025

Steve Smith will captain the side in Cummins' absence with Scott Boland almost certainly replacing him to join fellow quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Australia are still grappling with who will open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja.

Incumbent Sam Konstas' form has nosedived and he was again out cheaply in the Sheffield Shield on Thursday, bowled for 10.

Selectors are due to finalise their Ashes squad at the end of the current round of the domestic red-ball competition with Matt Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne also in the running to be opener.

Batting great Kane Williamson says a changed "life situation" will reduce his availability for New Zealand as he prepares for his first international match since March.

Former captain Williamson will take part in the three-match ODI series against England starting in Mount Maunganui on Sunday, having been unavailable for New Zealand in any format since they lost the final of the Champions Trophy against India in March.

In that period, the 35-year-old, arguably his country's finest batsman, missed a test series in Zimbabwe and the home T20 series this month against Australia and England.

Speaking ahead of the England series, Williamson said his international availability is limited by a desire to spend more time with his young family, as well as play in lucrative professional leagues.

"As your life situation changes, as mine has, the balance between where you spend your time and give your attention is really, really important," Williamson told New Zealand Cricket.

"So still being able to play for New Zealand and play the sport that I love at the highest level is great. But the balance is the most important thing for me."

Kane Williamson has half an eye on the ODI World Cup in 2027, but acknowledges that his life priorities have shifted

He prepares to play for New Zealand for the first time since the Champions Trophy final in March pic.twitter.com/KNc25Rgr2A

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 24, 2025

Since his debut in 2010, Williamson has scored 9 276 test runs at an average of 54.88 to be comfortably New Zealand's most prolific batsman.

He has gradually reduced his commitments over the last two years, relinquishing the captaincy in all formats.

His "casual" contract with the national body requires him to commit to only certain series and tournaments.

Williamson has spent much of this year in England, where he was captain of London Spirit in the men's Hundred competition, as well as playing for Middlesex.

He is yet to play under new national coach Rob Walter, but has spoken with him extensively about availability.

"It's just an ongoing communication with New Zealand Cricket and with Rob, and I'm grateful for that," Williamson said.

"It's a lot about the balance, with family and time away, but also the delicate balance of being a part of this team that I've really loved and enjoyed for such a long period of time."

Williamson is one of five Black Caps on casual playing agreements with New Zealand Cricket, including Lockie Ferguson, Devon Conway, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert.

Indian cricket authorities have petitioned the country's top court to make match-fixing a criminal offence in a bid to ramp up the pressure on illegal bookmakers and bent players.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the world's richest cricket body, has argued to the Supreme Court that "the act of match-fixing constitutes a criminal offence".

The BCCI said it had stepped up to protect the sport, in court documents seen by AFP on Thursday.

"The prevalence of corrupt practices in cricket matches has an adverse impact on the game and undermines the integrity of the sport," the BCCI wrote in documents filed with the court registrar on 14 October.

The BCCI's legal argument is that match-fixing counts as cheating by deception – an existing offence under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) – and therefore should be counted as a crime.

The case continues.

The appeal stems from allegations of match-fixing during a state cricket league in 2018-2019 in Karnataka involving six people – including two players, the coach and team owner.

The High Court in the southern state dismissed it as a criminal case in 2022.

The first major scandal in Indian cricket to make headlines erupted in April 2000 when police intercepted calls between bookmakers and South Africa captain Hansie Cronje during his team's tour of India.

Cronje confessed to throwing matches and named India's then captain Mohammad Azharuddin as the person who introduced him to bookmakers.

The BCCI instituted its own anti-corruption codes in 2019, which give the board the power to issue fines and lifetime bans.

"Public confidence in the authenticity and integrity of the sporting contest is vital," the code reads, submitted to the court.

"If that confidence is undermined, then the very essence of cricket will be shaken to the core."

Another fixing controversy broke out in the Indian Premier League in 2013 when players and officials from Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings were found involved in spot-fixing and betting activities.

Key players were banned for breaching the BCCI's code of conduct and the teams suspended for two years.

Neighbouring Sri Lanka introduced tough laws to tackle match-fixing in 2019, including up to 10 years in jail and fines of 100 million rupees ($333 000).

That came after then sports minister Harin Fernando said the game was riddled with graft "from top to bottom".

Sri Lanka's former spin bowler Sachithra Senanayake became the first to be prosecuted under the law in June. He denies wrongdoing.

Cricketers in Canada are taking desperate measures to play their booming sport in a country better known for ice hockey, baseball, basketball and American-style football.

At one time nearly forgotten, cricket has exploded in popularity as waves of immigrants have moved to Canada and want to play the once national game.

"We get a lot of complaints," said Manitoba Cricket Association President Paramjit Shahi about young people playing cricket in Winnipeg Walmart parking lots, where brightly lit asphalt offers day-working enthusiasts a chance to play.

"They’re just neighbourhood kids."

Regina, Saskatchewan’s city government posts signs on tennis courts saying “Cricket is not allowed on courts” because batsmen were damaging them, it told Reuters.

The small prairie city now has three dedicated cricket pitches.

From British Columbia on the Pacific coast to Newfoundland on the Atlantic to Yellowknife in the Arctic, the popularity of cricket has exploded as immigration from South Asia, Africa and the Caribbean has ignited a demand for ovals, night lights, winter training facilities and new teams.

Manitoba, a prairie province of fewer than 1.5 million people, now hosts 72 teams, compared to fewer than 20 eight years ago, according to Shahi.

"We don’t have enough grounds," said Shahi at a recent inter-provincial tournament south of Winnipeg being played on a windswept patch of prairie, with three new-roofed shelters opened by local politicians and cricket officials.

In Vancouver and Toronto, cricket has been flourishing outside the usual sporting infrastructure, but has also struggled to find adequate grounds and training facilities.

"The sport is thriving. Not too many people are aware,” said Imdad Alli, a Guyana-born cricketer who arrived in Toronto as a 10-year-old immigrant in 1979 and has spent his life since deeply involved in the sport.

CANADA'S NATIONAL SPORT

Canada's founding Prime Minister John A. Macdonald declared cricket Canada’s national sport in 1867, and across the country major corporations and government departments fielded teams.

The world’s first international cricket match was between Canada and the US in 1844 in New York City, more than two decades before Canada officially became a country. The then-British colony of Canada won the game.

Think you know cricket's biggest rivalry? Think again.#weCANcricket #CricketCanada pic.twitter.com/RdXs2kyQiw

— Cricket Canada (@canadiancricket) September 23, 2025

"Wherever the British went, they took cricket," said Nishant Jeet Arora, a BC organiser of the Canada Super 60 Cricket League tournament held in Vancouver this month.

In the early 20th century, interest in British-style sports like cricket and soccer faded but a century later, cricket is surging back fuelled by TV fans of the Indian Premier League and other global Twenty20 tournaments.

Canada is not without success on the international stage either, qualifying for four 50-over World Cups, including the 2003 tournament in South Africa where John Davison made 111 against West Indies, reaching his century from 67 balls, then the quickest hundred in the tournament's history.

A 67 Ball Century#OnThisDay in 2003, John Davison of Canada smashed a 67 Ball Century, the fastest of World Cup at that time.

Despite his brilliant knock of 111, Canada bowled out for just 202 runs. West Indies chased down the target in just 20.3 overs.pic.twitter.com/o3DDZ914FY

— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) February 23, 2024

Arora wants Canada to take its place alongside the game's world powers like India, Pakistan, South Africa, Australia and England.

"It (cricket) has its roots in this country," said Arora. "Cricket has come back to its home in Canada."

Cricket in Canada faces unique challenges compared to temperate England, warm Australia and South Africa, and the tropical and sub-tropical conditions of most of South Asia.

Snow and sub-freezing temperatures blanket the country for nearly half of every year, making year-round outdoor cricket impossible outside of a tiny wedge of BC.

WINTER TRAINING CHALLENGE

International cricketer Jatinder "Sunny" Matharu, a Winnipegger who has recently played for the Canada team in Antigua, Oman, Namibia and Zimbabwe, said winter training was a challenge.

"It’s pretty hard," said Matharu, who travels a lot to play for Canada’s national team, which is based in Toronto.

“We have seven months, six months of winter. You need the whole year to train."

Small towns and cities across Canada now host cricket teams. Brandon, Manitoba, which has fewer than 60 000 people, has an all-girls team, as does 110 000-population St. John’s, Newfoundland.

In the 21 000-population Arctic community of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, cricketers play in the city’s fieldhouse in the long winter and on patches of available field when it is warm enough to play outdoors.

Other sports teams are beginning to reach out to the growing multitude of cricket fans, and Major League Baseball's Toronto Blue Jays held a “Cricket Day at the Park” this year.

A day where cricket, culture & Canada came together🏏

From iconic first pitches to unforgettable performances, Cricket Day at the Ballpark had it all
Swipe through the best of an epic day that brought the city alive!#CricketCanada #weCANcricket #CricketDayAtTheBallpark pic.twitter.com/ALTTtmcLcr

— Cricket Canada (@canadiancricket) June 6, 2025

"New to cricket? This is a perfect chance to learn more about the sport while still enjoying the game you know and love," said the Jays’ promotion.

In Winnipeg, long-time enthusiasts are enjoying the sudden popularity of their game.

"It’s nice to just pull up a chair and watch," said Alli, who plays on the over-50 international team.

Garvin Budhoo, a fellow Guyanese immigrant, plays on the over-60 Canadian team.

"All of a sudden we have all these teams," said Budhoo. “Now the kids want to play."

Afghanistan have withdrawn from their Twenty20 international tri-series in Pakistan next month following the death of three local cricketers that the Afghanistan Cricket Board said were due to military strikes in Paktika province.

Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were due to meet in the tournament scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 17-29 November.

The ACB said in a statement that the three players travelled to Sharana, the capital of Paktika province, to play in a friendly match and later died during the strikes after returning home to the Urgun district.

"‎The ACB considers this a great loss for Afghanistan's sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family," the ACB said in a statement, mourning the deaths of the players and several others.

"‎In response to this tragic incident and as a gesture of respect to the victims, the ACB has decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming tri-nation T20I series involving Pakistan, scheduled to be played in November."

Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday extended a 48-hour truce amid peace talks in Doha, sources said, as they seek to resolve clashes that have killed dozens in the worst violence between the nations since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021.

The fierce fighting between the one-time allies and Pakistani airstrikes across their contested 2 600-km (1 600-mile) frontier were triggered after Islamabad demanded Kabul rein in militants who stepped up attacks in Pakistan, saying they operated from havens in Afghanistan.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today announced the South Africa A (SA A) squads for their upcoming multi-format tour to India later this month.

The four-day squad will take on the hosts in two matches at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru from 30 October - 9 November, while the one-day side will contest a three-match series at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot from 13 - 19 November.

Marques Ackerman will lead both sides, with test captain Temba Bavuma included in the squad for the second first-class match as part of his return-to-play program ahead of the test series against India in November.

WSB Western Province spinner Kyle Simmonds has earned his maiden SA A call-up to the four-day side, while DP World Lions allrounder Delano Potgieter has been included for the first time in the 50-over squad.

The A sides head into the tour following a competitive tour against New Zealand A at home, where they clinched the one-day series 2-1, although they were defeated 0-1 in the four-day series.

SA A head coach Wandile Gwavu said: “We’re looking forward to this tour and are eager to take on the challenge of competing against India in their own backyard. Our ability to play and bowl spin has improved significantly over the years, so playing in the subcontinent, which will be a first for many of the players, will be a good test. We’re definitely up for it as a team.

“It’s been a while since South Africa A last toured India, and playing there always demands adaptability and mental toughness. Gaining experience on subcontinent surfaces and learning to adapt to varying conditions, specially in the red-ball format, will be invaluable for our players as we continue to build towards future tours and potential Proteas opportunities.”

The four-day squad will depart for Bengaluru from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on 25 October.

South Africa A Four-Day Squad against India A

Marques Ackerman (captain, Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Temba Bavuma (DP World Lions)*, Okuhle Cele (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Zubayr Hamza (DP World Lions), Jordan Hermann (Warriors), Rubin Hermann (North West Dragons), Rivaldo Moonsamy (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tshepo Moreki (World Sports Betting Western Province), Mihlali Mpongwana (World Sports Betting Western Province), Lesego Senokwane (Momentum Multiply Titans), Prenelan Subrayen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kyle Simmonds (World Sports Betting Western Province), Tsepo Ndwandwa (Momentum Multiply Titans), Jason Smith (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tiaan van Vuuren (Knights), and Codi Yusuf (DP World Lions).

*Second match only

South Africa A One-Day squad against India A

Marques Ackerman (captain, Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Ottneil Baartman (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions), Jordan Hermann (Dafabet Warriors), Rubin Hermann (North West Dragons), Kwena Maphaka (DP World Lions), Rivaldo Moonsamy (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tshepo Moreki (Worlds Sports Betting Western Province), Mihlali Mpongwana (World Sports Betting Western Province), Nqaba Peter (DP World Lions), Delano Potgieter (DP World Lions), Lhuan-dré Pretorius (Momentum Multiply Titans), Sinethemba Qeshile (Warriors), Jason Smith (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), and Codi Yusuf (DP World Lions).

Management - Four-Day Series

Malibongwe Maketa (Head Coach), Riaan Osman (Manager), Richard das Neves (Batting Coach), Rowan Richards (Bowling Coach), Jimmy Kgamadi (Fielding Coach), Phumelele Skosana (Team Doctor), Tumi Masekela (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Brent Martin (Physiotherapist) and Abram Ndhlovu (Team Analyst).

Management - One-Day Series

Wandile Gwavu (Head Coach), Riaan Osman (Manager), Imraan Khan (Batting Coach), Rowan Richards (Bowling Coach), Jimmy Kgamadi (Fielding Coach), Phumelele Skosana (Team Doctor), Johan Pretorius (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Brent Martin (Physiotherapist) and Abram Ndhlovu (Team Analyst).

Fixtures

Four-Day Series

30 October - 2 November

India A v South Africa A - BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru

6 - 9 October

India A v South Africa A - BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru

One-Day Series

Thursday, 13 November

India A v South Africa A - Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot

Sunday, 16 November

India A v South Africa A - Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot

Wednesday, 19 November

India A v South Africa A - Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot

West Indies have suffered back-to-back series whitewashes by Australia and India in a run of five straight losses that has exposed not just technical and structural gaps but a deeper erosion of the pride that once defined the famous maroon cap.

The former behemoths of the game have been on a steady decline since the 1990s and often struggle to assemble a decent test squad, having lost their best talents to the lure of franchise cricket.

Few expected an overnight change in their fortunes when the test captaincy was thrust on Roston Chase in May but five consecutive defeats since then show how far the erstwhile giants have fallen.

Australia blanked them 3-0 and the humiliation of being bundled out for 27 in the final test in July triggered an emergency meeting also involving some of the past greats.

It provided no silver bullet though.

India outclassed West Indies 2-0 earlier this month, inflicting an innings defeat inside three days in Ahmedabad and the ignominy of a follow-on in Delhi.

Talking to reporters ahead of the Delhi test, Chase said finance and facilities limited his side's potential.

"I think the systems in the Caribbean are a bit poor in terms of training facilities and stuff," Chase said though he did not use it as an excuse for the team's free-fall.

"But what I would say is yes, there is obviously a struggle in the Caribbean for finances."

WEST INDIES NEED FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Head coach Daren Sammy revisited history and felt West Indies did not reap the financial rewards despite being cricket's driving force.

Now that they are in the doldrums, the global game owes West Indies more than nostalgia, he said.

"It's like India now. Everybody wants India to tour, because that's where the financial gains are. India brings that to the home territory. That was West Indies in the past."

"So for now, when ... we are in need of those financial resources to help us grow and move forward, I think we deserve that."

The governing International Cricket Council did not reply to a Reuters email asking if it had any plans to lift West Indies cricket out of the morass.

Batting great Brian Lara accepted that the funding squeeze was real and did not begrudge Caribbean players choosing franchise leagues over international cricket.

But the former captain wondered if the passion to wear the maroon cap that links multiple islands under a single badge had diminished.

"We did not have better facilities 30-40 years ago," Lara said in Mumbai last week.

"Viv Richards didn't bat on any better practice pitches or anything. We had to do the same thing, the same grind, but the passion was different. The passion to play for West Indies was different."

Cricket West Indies has announced a slew of short-term and long-term measures to lift cricket in the region, including hiring specialist coaches, establishing a high-performance centre in Antigua and coordinating with franchise teams to monitor the players' fitness.

The 2027 World Cup dreams of India's batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma appear slim, with head coach Gautam Gambhir refusing to look that far even if he does not doubt their quality.

Both Kohli and Rohit are active internationally only in the 50-overs format, but India appear keen to control a transition rather than be caught in its throes.

Rohit, who captained India to the Champions Trophy title earlier this year, has been replaced by Shubman Gill as the new captain of the one-day squad ahead of the team's Australia tour.

Rohit and Kohli, with a combined experience of 567 one-day internationals, have managed to retain their places for the three ODIs in Australia but their future beyond the series looks uncertain.

"Look, the 50-over World Cup is still two-and-a-half years away, and I think it is very important to stay in the present," Gambhir told reporters after India swept a test series against West Indies on Tuesday.

"Obviously, they are quality players, they are coming back, their experience is going to be a handful in Australia as well.

"Hopefully, those two guys will have a successful tour, and more importantly, as a team, we will have a successful series."

Rohit, who captained India to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, will be 40 by the next edition of the showpiece to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Kohli, who was part of India's World Cup-winning 2011 squad, is a year younger.

The future is also uncertain for allrounder Ravindra Jadeja, who turns 37 in December.

Jadeja was part of the recent Champions Trophy-winning squad but has been dropped from the 50-overs squad for Australia.

Jadeja still hopes to play the next World Cup and defused any drama that usually trails big-name omissions, saying his axing has been explained to him.

"It is a good thing that they communicated the reason behind my omission," Jadeja said during the second test against West Indies.

"But whenever I get a chance next, I will try and do what I have done all these years."

"Winning a World Cup is everyone's dream. We had narrowly missed out the last time, the next time we will try and make up for it."

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has addressed the governance issues within Northern Cape Cricket Union (NCC), which was placed under administration earlier this year.

Following the appointment of Administrator Jesse Chellan, financial governance and controls at NCC have been significantly strengthened.

Cricket operations within the province continue to run as normal, ensuring that players, coaches, and development programmes remain supported and uninterrupted.

The Administrator’s team is currently addressing the backlog in financial recordkeeping to ensure that the outstanding Annual Financial Statements for the 2024 and 2025 financial years are finalised and audited by the end of the first quarter of 2026.

In addition, CSA has received the final report from the independent forensic investigation into the affairs of Northern Cape Cricket. The recommendations contained in the report are under review, and disciplinary proceedings against certain union employees are being implemented as part of ongoing corrective measures.

CSA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of governance, accountability, and integrity across all its affiliates.

The ongoing step-in process is intended to ensure long-term stability and sustainability of cricket administration in the Northern Cape.