Opener Kiran Navgire broke the record for the fastest century in women's Twenty20 cricket when she completed her hundred in just 34 balls while helping Maharashtra to a nine-wicket win over Punjab in India's Women's T20 Trophy on Friday.

Navgire, who has played six T20 matches for India, broke Sophie Devine's previous record of a 36-ball century set four years ago, as she hit seven sixes and 14 fours to score 106 off 35 balls. Maharashtra chased down their target of 111 in just eight overs.

The 31-year-old had a strike rate of 302.86, becoming the only woman to score a century at a strike rate of over 300.

West Indies batter Deandra Dottin holds the record for the fastest century in a women's international T20 match, having scored a ton in 38 balls against South Africa in 2010.

The grandson of snooker legend Jimmy White has signed his first professional contract as a cricketer with English side Surrey.

White was a six-time World Championship finalist with a flamboyant style of play that made him one of snooker's most popular stars.

The family's sporting excellence is being continued by 17-year-old Ralphie Albert, who has agreed a long-term deal with Surrey after emerging from the club's academy.

Already an England Under-19 regular, Albert is well aware of his grandfather's exploits on the green baize, but he insists he is not motivated by trying to emulate White's success.

"I wouldn't say there's a need to prove myself," Albert told BBC Sport. "It's a great thing that he's my grandad, an elite sportsman.

"I don't see what is being said. There are articles talking about us but I'm not deep into the comparison or making a name for myself.

"I'll just keep doing what I'm doing and see what happens."

Albert, who turns 18 next week, made his professional debut in the One-Day Cup in August.

In his second match he hit 96 off 75 balls against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.

He also made 63 and took two wickets with his left-arm spin on his first-class debut against Hampshire last month.

"Pulling on the Surrey shirt this summer was a proud day for my family and me," Albert said.

Chris Taylor, Surrey's head of talent pathway, added: "I have high hopes for Ralphie and am really excited to see his journey unfold at Surrey."

Bangladesh's first test centurion Aminul Islam was elected president of the country's cricket board on Monday, securing the post unopposed for a four-year term after serving an interim role.

The 57-year-old, better known as "Bulbul", captained Bangladesh in their first World Cup appearance in 1999.

"I have fallen in love with the development of cricket," Aminul told reporters.

 

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) congratulates Md Aminul Islam on being elected President by the newly formed BCB Board of Directors at its first meeting following today’s BCB Election 2025. pic.twitter.com/CXaxGUTMq3

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) October 6, 2025

 

Since his retirement from playing the game, he has worked for the International Cricket Council and the Asian Cricket Council.

He took over as temporary president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board in March 2025, but was on Monday formally elected into the post.

Former captains Faruque Ahmed and Sakhawat Hossain were also chosen as vice presidents in an uncontested board election.

"I had come for a short tenure. That was always the plan," Aminul added.

"But when I started small initiatives... and began to see successes, I couldn't let go of that passion, and I have stayed on to serve my country further in this goal."

Cricket and politics go hand-in-hand in Bangladesh and the sport has been hit by the turmoil that has wracked the country.

Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August 2024, fleeing by helicopter as crowds stormed her palace.

Faruque Ahmed initially took up the post as BCB president after the resignation of Nazmul Hassan, a close ally of Hasina, but it was later handed to Aminul.

The 2025/26 edition of the Hollywoodbets Pro Series got off to a thrilling start at the DP World Wanderers Stadium this weekend, as the DP World Lions Women and Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies shared the spoils in the season’s opening fixtures.

In the Hollywoodbets Pro50, Dolphins Ladies claimed a 12-run victory, thanks to a standout all-round performance.

The Dolphins had set a competitive target of 247 after posting 246 all out in their allotted 50 overs. Nicole De Klerk led the charge with 80 off 73 balls while debutant Micaela Andrews impressed with the ball, returning figures of 4-35, to help restrict the hosts.

 

🟡🔵MATCH RESULT

🦁DP World Lions Ladies win by 3 Wickets

A good start to our 2025/26 HWB Pro20 Series campaign!👏🏏😃#DPWorldLionsCricket#LegacyOfChampions#DPWorldLions25#ThePrideOfJozi#HWBProSeries pic.twitter.com/Otey87g75a

— DP World Lions (@DPWorldLions) October 5, 2025

 

The Lions fell just short in their chase, finishing 12 runs behind as the Dolphins secured an impressive opening win with SA U19 Women youngster Fay Cowling (45) five runs short of a half century.

Madison Landsman (3-13 in 4.5 overs) and Raisibe Ntozakhe (3-53 in 10 overs) were the pick of the bowlers, keeping the Lions in the contest until the final overs.

The Hollywoodbets Pro20 clash followed on Sunday, and the Lions bounced back in fine fashion.

The Dolphins were bowled out for 77 in 18.4 overs, with Ntozakhe once again leading from the front, producing an excellent spell of 4-16 in 3.5 overs. She was well supported by Relebohile Mkhize, who claimed 3-11 in four overs.

Chasing 78 for victory, the Lions made hard work of the target but eventually got over the line with three wickets in hand.

For the Dolphins, Jade De Figueiredo (2-15 in 3 overs) and Zintle Mali (2-14 in 3 overs) tried to keep their team in the game, but the Lions held their nerve to close out a well-fought win.

With the opening weekend complete, both sides will take plenty of positives from their performances as the Hollywoodbets Pro Series season gains momentum.

Upcoming Hollywoodbets Pro Series matches:

Saturday, 11 October 2025 at 10am: Hollywoodbets Pro50

Garden Route Badgers v World Sports Betting Western Province - Recreation Ground, Oudtshoorn

Sunday, 12 October 2025 at 10am: Hollywoodbets Pro20

Garden Route Badgers v World Sports Betting Western Province - Recreation Ground, Oudtshoorn

Saturday, 18 October 2025 at 10am: Hollywoodbets Pro50

North West Dragons v Fidelity Titans - JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

Sunday, 19 October at 10am: Hollywoodbets Pro20

North West Dragons v Fidelity Titans - JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

The 2025/26 edition of the Hollywoodbets Pro Series gets underway this weekend at the DP World Wanderers Stadium, where the DP World Lions Women will host the Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies in the season’s opening clash.

 

It’s time for some 20-over action!
The Hollywoodbets Pro20 kicks off with 3 explosive fixtures! 🏏

📺 Catch every six, wicket and celebration LIVE on the CSA YouTube Channel

💪Free. Fast. Fearless.#HollywoodbetsProseries #WozaNawe pic.twitter.com/3XPJqTXbQW

— CSA Domestic Leagues (@DomesticCSA) October 3, 2025

 

Lions enter the campaign as the defending Hollywoodbets Pro50 champions following their triumph last season. Their opponents, Dolphins, started well last season but faded towards the back end, paving the way for Lions, in the 50 over competition, and WSB Western Province Women, in the Hollywoodbets Pro20, to claim the titles on offer.

Lions’ Pro50 captain, Kgomotso Rapoo, says her side is eager to get going, especially with fresh talent stepping into the squad this season.

"We've had a really productive pre-season with plenty of hard work put into our preparation," Rapoo said. "There have been some exciting changes with a number of academy players graduating into the senior squad.

"It’s going to be exciting to see how they perform. The team and management have been putting in the work, and we’re ready for our opening match this weekend."

As defending champions, the Lions will have a target on their back, but Rapoo insists they’re not letting the pressure define them.

"There will definitely be a little bit of pressure being the defending champions, but we’re a strong side and we back our skills to do it again. It’s going to be another exciting season and we can’t wait to get it underway," she added.

 

The HWB Pro Series is BACK!😃

Here are our DP World Lions Ladies fixtures for the 2025/26 HWB Pro50 & Pro20 Series Domestic Season.🏏🦁🏟️

Get behind our lionesses as they begin their hunt for glory!#DPWorldLionsCricket #LegacyOfChampions#DPWorldLions25 #ThePrideOfJozi… pic.twitter.com/cgmKcMB26y

— DP World Lions (@DPWorldLions) September 30, 2025

 

On Sunday, attention shifts to the Hollywoodbets Pro20 opener where the Lions and Dolphins will meet again.

WSB Western Province dominated the format last season, winning nine of their ten matches to secure the title.

Captain, Leah Jones, believes her side has gone into this campaign with a sharper, more tailored build-up.

"We’ve definitely been more focused on individual preparation this pre-season," Jones explained. "Each of us has worked specifically on what we need to bring to the team, and I think that will make a difference."

Western Province will only begin their campaign next weekend with a trip to Oudtshoorn to face the Garden Route Badgers Women, but Jones says the squad is more than ready.

"We were saying at training this week that we just want to get the season started, it feels like it’s been a really long off-season.

"It’s a long competition, so we’ll be taking it one game at a time and building as we go. Playing weekends-only also gives us that week-by-week focus on the opposition, which is a great advantage," she added.

All teams will be tested early in the competition as the Proteas are away on national duty at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Jones sees this as an opportunity for others to shine.

“It’s going to be a great challenge and a chance to test the depth of our squad. Everyone has been putting in the work, and even without the Proteas we’re confident in what we can achieve with the group we have,” she said.

The remaining two teams in the Hollywoodbets Pro Series, the Fidelity Titans and North West Dragons Women, will launch their campaigns against each other over the weekend of 18–19 October.

 

India will switch back to test cricket mode, after a dramatic Asia Cup Twenty20 triumph ended in bizarre circumstances, when they take on a depleted West Indies side in the opening match of their two-test series starting on Thursday.

India say they were denied the chance to lift the Asia Cup trophy after it was removed from the presentation ceremony over their refusal to accept it from Asian Cricket Council chairman and Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday.

The players, however, are keen to put that distraction aside when they don the whites for the longer format ahead of the opening match in Ahmedabad, where Shubman Gill's side will look to deliver a further blow to West Indies.

"It was a quick turnaround ... switching formats is more mental than it is about technique," Gill told a press conference on Wednesday in Ahmedabad, where the first test will be played, with the second match scheduled for Delhi from October 10.

"I think the fatigue is more mental for a batsman. It's a little different for a bowler. As of now, I feel fresh and my body is ready," said the top order batter.

WEST INDIES LOOK TO "TRANSFORM FORTUNES"

The tourists are already without injured fast bowlers Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph. Shamar Joseph was the highest wicket-taker in their last test series, taking 22 wickets as West Indies were whitewashed 3-0 at home by Australia in June-July.

West Indies also suffered an upset in associate nation Nepal earlier this week as the hosts beat them 2-1 in a T20 series.

Batter Tagenarine Chanderpaul, son of former captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul, is in line to play in his first test match since January 2024 and middle-order batsman Alick Athanaze has also been recalled to the squad.

“The return of Tagenarine Chanderpaul is to help transform our fortunes at the top of the order given the recent struggles, with Alick Athanaze being added for his strengths and qualities against spin bowling," West Indies coach Darren Sammy said in a statement on Tuesday.

Khary Pierre, who has represented West Indies in limited-overs cricket, has been picked as the second specialist spinner in the squad, while Gudakesh Motie has been rested.

“Playing in the subcontinent always presents a challenge and we have selected a team to be competitive in these conditions," Sammy added.

India, who are playing their first test at home since last year's 3-0 series defeat by New Zealand, will be prepared for a tough outing, Gill said.

"All the test matches we played in England went pretty deep ... what the people can expect from us is good, hard, grinding cricket. We wouldn't be looking for any (easy ways out)," he added.

Former England chief selector Ed Smith has begun a 12-month term as MCC President and ex-England ODI captain Eoin Morgan has been appointed Chair of Cricket, the organisation said on Wednesday.

 

I’m excited about the year ahead and doing whatever I can to help the sport I love @HomeOfCricket https://t.co/7YqtH7ezzd

— Ed Smith (@edsmithwriter) October 1, 2025

 

Former Kent and Middlesex batsman Smith, who played in three test matches for England, succeeds Mervyn King.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), founded in 1787, owns the historic Lord's ground in London and is the sole guardian of the laws and spirit of cricket.

"It is a huge honour to succeed Lord King as president of MCC. Lord's has been a special part of my life – as a cricket fan, a player and then as a selector – and this is a fascinating moment in the club's history," said Smith, who scored nearly 13 000 first-class runs in his career.

"I'm looking forward to serving the Club – and the wider game – to the best of my ability."

Smith became the chief selector for the England men's team in 2018 and during his three-year tenure, they won the World Cup for the first time.

Morgan was captain of that World Cup-winning side in 2019 and played for Middlesex for 17 years.

Nepal produced a stunning performance to bowl the West Indies out for just 83 in the second T20I in Sharjah on Monday and claim a 2-0 victory in their first-ever series against a test-playing country with a game to spare.

After racking up 173 for six in their 20 overs with half-centuries for Aasif Sheikh and Sundeep Jora, Nepal, ranked 18th in the world skittled the West Indies in 17.1 overs to claim victory by a crushing 90 runs.

Mohammad Aadil Alam took 4-24 while Kushal Bhurtel took 3-16 in just 2.1 overs of leg spin.

It marked the biggest winning margin for an associate member nation against a full member while West Indies' total of 83 is the lowest a full member has mustered against an associate.

"We are very happy. It took a lot to win against a test-playing country," said Nepal captain Rohit Paudel whose side won the opener on Saturday by 19 runs.

"After two days, winning a bilateral series feels really great. The way we've been playing the last two or three years, lots of eyes are on us.

"We want to continue this way and play more against test-playing nations."

Nepal's total was built on a 100-run fourth-wicket partnership between opener Aasif Sheikh, who batted through for 68 not out, and Jora, who clubbed five sixes in his 39-ball 63.

West Indies were quickly in trouble at 23 for three. They rebuilt to 63-4 in the 12th over before collapsing to 83 all out.

"For us, it's just about understanding really fast that this is international cricket," said West Indies captain Akeal Hosein.

"If you try to benchmark yourself here and can't match the level, then you need to look in the mirror and ask yourself if you're really international material."

 

The battle ends with a victory for the hosts in Sharjah.#NEPvWI | #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/Y10dpw68Wk

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) September 29, 2025

 

The humiliation comes two months after the West Indies' test team was bowled out for just 27 by Australia, the second-lowest score in test history.

The two-time T20 World Cup winners also failed to qualify for the 50-over World Cup in 2023 and are currently outside the qualifying places for the next edition in 2027.

The third match in this series takes place on Tuesday with Nepal looking to sweep the series.

"We want to finish the series on a high note," said Paudel.

"The motivation is to complete a clean sweep but for that, we have to start again from the beginning. We want to carry this momentum into the qualifiers, and we want to qualify for the 2026 World Cup."

Former test umpire Harold "Dickie" Bird, one of the most famous officials of his era, has died at the age of 92, Yorkshire County Cricket Club announced on Tuesday.

Bird stood in 66 tests between 1973 and 1996 as well as 69 men's one-day internationals, including three World Cup finals.

His home county, Yorkshire, issued a statement saying Bird, "one of cricket's most beloved figures", had died peacefully at home.

"Dickie Bird enjoyed an illustrious career as an international umpire, writing his name into history as the most famous and popular official in the game's history," the club said.

Yorkshire said he had become a "national treasure, known not only for his umpiring excellence but also for his "eccentricities and warmth".

"He leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship, humility, and joy —- and a legion of admirers across generations," the statement added.

Bird had a modest playing career as a batter for Yorkshire and Leicestershire but made his name as an international umpire, wearing his trademark white cap.

He was given a guard of honour at Lord's by England and India players before his final test.

Bird, who sold more than a million copies of his autobiography, was named Yorkshire president in 2014.

Colin Graves, chairman of Yorkshire, told TalkSport: "It's a sad day.

"He was a brilliant guy who loved being part of the Yorkshire set-up and everything we do here. He will be sadly missed at Headingley."

Pakistan demoted former captains Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan on Tuesday in a contract review that scrapped the top category after a string of poor recent results.

There are now no players in the top category A for the first time since the system of central contracts was introduced 21 years ago.

 

Would you have picked Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in Pakistan's Asia Cup squad? pic.twitter.com/VzDih4PzeC

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 18, 2025

 

Azam and Rizwan have both been demoted to category B contracts, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said.

"We have awarded central contracts to 30 players with 10 each placed in B, C and D. Notably, no player has been selected in category A in this cycle," the PCB said in a media release, without giving any reason.

Azam and Rizwan are the biggest names in Pakistan cricket but poor performances in the past 12 months saw them lose their places in the Twenty20 international squads announced for a tri-series and the Asia Cup.

Joining Rizwan and Azam in category B are T20I captain Salman Agha, Fakhar Zaman, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The national team's recent performances in all three formats of the game have fallen badly.

Pakistan beat England in a home test series 2-1 last year but then lost 2-0 in South Africa and drew 1-1 at home against a lowly West Indies, finishing 10th and last in the World Test Championship.

 

Did Pakistan make a mistake by dropping Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan despite them being in the top 10 T20I run scorers?#AsiaCup2025 #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/O6qb3jM3vb

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) August 17, 2025

 

The slump has also resulted in Pakistan test captain Shan Masood being demoted from category B to D.

Pakistan won their first one-day international series in Australia for 22 years in November and routed South Africa 3-0 but then crashed out in the first round of the Champions trophy, an event they co-hosted with Dubai.

They also crashed out of last year's Twenty20 World Cup in the first round and lost a recent Twenty20 international series in Bangladesh 2-1.

The tri-series, also involving Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates, starts from 29 August in Sharjah, followed by the Asia Cup in Dubai.

Jacob Bethell is set to become the youngest player to captain an England men's team in an international match after the country's cricket board (ECB) named him as the skipper for next month's Twenty20 series against Ireland.

The 21-year-old allrounder has represented England in 29 matches across all formats and will lead the team in the absence of the regular test players, who have been rested for the three-match series in Dublin, the ECB said on Friday.

“Jacob Bethell has impressed with his leadership qualities ever since he has been with the England squads and the series against Ireland will provide him with the opportunity to further develop those skills on the international stage," England selector Luke Wright said in a statement.

History maker! 💥

Jacob Bethell is set to become our youngest ever England Men's captain against Ireland 👏

Congrats, Beth! pic.twitter.com/tcR4b0dB0D

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 15, 2025

The series in Ireland will kick off after England's tour of South Africa for three one-day internationals (ODI) and three T20 matches, starting September 2.

Right-arm fast bowler Sonny Baker has earned his first national team call-up for the ODIs against South Africa after the 22-year-old impressed selectors with his performance for England Lions and in domestic cricket.

England will travel to New Zealand in October for a white-ball tour, followed by five tests in Australia from November.

ODI Squad v South Africa: Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith.

T20 Squad v South Africa: Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Luke Wood.

T20 Squad v Ireland: Jacob Bethell (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood.

Australia cricket chief Todd Greenberg on Wednesday said a slimmer test calendar could benefit smaller nations because the five-day game was better "where it means something".

Marking 100 days until the home Ashes series against England begins in Perth, Cricket Australia CEO Greenberg suggested quality not quantity was important in keeping the red-ball game viable.

"We're trying to send countries bankrupt if we force them to try to play test cricket," he told reporters.

"We need to make sure we invest in the right spaces to play test cricket where it means something.

"That's why the Ashes will be as enormous and as profitable as it is – because it means something."

England have just completed a thrilling 2-2 home drawn series against India in front of sold-out crowds.

At the same time, New Zealand and Australia romped to easy overseas test series wins against uncompetitive West Indies and Zimbabwe teams respectively, leaving question marks over the quality of test cricket in those countries.

One idea is to create two or more divisions of test cricket to keep it competitive, but Greenberg said he did not have a strong opinion on the ideal number of test-playing nations.

"Let's consider what the future might look like," he said.

But the five-day game remained in rude health in Australia, Greenberg said, where interest in the Ashes had been "off the charts".

"This will be the biggest sports event in Australia this year," said Greenberg.

"The interest is quite extraordinary with ticket allocations for 11 of the 20 days on sale already exhausted."

The United Arab Emirates will host this year's T20 Asia Cup tournament in September, organisers said on Saturday, ending the uncertainty over its fate amid spiralling tensions between India and Pakistan.

Schedule pic.twitter.com/tFPlPN7JGd

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) July 26, 2025

The neighbours have not met on either side's soil in a bilateral series since 2012, and only play each other in international tournaments on neutral grounds as part of a compromise deal.

But already-frosty relations took a turn for the worse this year when the two nuclear rivals fought an intense four-day conflict, their worst standoff in decades.

More than 70 people were killed in missile, drone and artillery fire on both sides.

The conflict was triggered by an 22 April attack on civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir that New Delhi accused Pakistan of backing -- a charge Islamabad denies.

The Asia Cup is played under the aegis of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), which is currently headed by Pakistan cricket chief Mohsin Naqvi.

"I am delighted to confirm the dates for the ACC Men's Asia Cup 2025 in UAE," said Naqvi on X. "The prestigious tournament will take place from September 9th to 28th."

Later Naqvi released the group stage fixtures with Afghanistan to take on Hong Kong in the tournament opener on 9 September.

The much-anticipated India and Pakistan will clash on a Sunday.

India and Pakistan have been clubbed in group A with hosts UAE and Oman.

📢 Save the dates 🗓️

Pakistan's fixtures in the ACC Men's T20 Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE 🏏#AsiaCup2025 | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/4shlWdctoe

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 26, 2025

The group stage will be followed by a Super Four stage and the final on September 28.

The five full members of the ACC -- Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka -- earned automatic qualification to the tournament. 

They are to be joined by Hong Kong, Oman and the UAE -- the teams that secured their spots by finishing in the top three of the ACC men's Premier Cup.

The previous edition of the event was in a 50-over format, but this year's tournament was scheduled as a shorter-format event in preparation for next year's T20 World Cup in India.

India and Pakistan have fought three full-fledged wars since being carved out of the subcontinent's partition in 1947 and that rivalry is often reflected on the cricket field.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed on Saturday that a job application attributed to former Barcelona manager and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez for the India head coaching role was a hoax.

The AIFF's national team director told The Times of India on Thursday that Xavi's name was on the list of applicants. The report also quoted an AIFF technical committee member saying the his candidacy was deemed too expensive to pursue.

"The AIFF received an email furnishing the applications from Spanish coaches Pep Guardiola and Xavi Hernandez. The authenticity of their applications could not be confirmed, and it has since emerged that the email applications were not genuine," the AIFF said in a statement.

 

🚨❌ Despite recent reports, zero talks took place between Xavi Hernández and Indian Federation. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/Ae5boa0FKP

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 26, 2025

 

It had not been previously reported that the AIFF had also received an application purporting to be from Manchester City manager Guardiola.

The AIFF Technical Committee said it had reviewed 170 applications for the Indian men's head coach role, narrowing the list to 10 before short-listing three candidates.

The AIFF sacked former India manger Igor Stimac in June last year before appointing Spaniard Manolo Marquez, who left the job this month and returned to his role as coach of Indian Super League team FC Goa.

Andrew Flintoff said he has no desire to succeed Brendon McCullum as England head coach despite cutting his teeth with the second-string England Lions.

The former England captain has returned to cricket coaching the Lions, as well as the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred, after a car crash while filming for the BBC Top Gear television programme that left him with severe facial and rib injuries.

His impact on the Lions has resulted in the charismatic former allrounder beinglinked with the top England coaching post, especially if McCullum opts against extending his contract with the national side that covers all three formats and runs up to and including the 2027 World Cup.

Flintoff has rejected the suggestion, instead highlighting his admiration for McCullum by comparing his influence to that of Gareth Southgate with the England football team from 2016-24.

Asked about the prospect of taking over from McCullum, 2005 Ashes hero Flintoff told the Stick to Cricket podcast: "It's not something I'm looking at, Baz McCullum is incredible –- the best England coach.

"He's unbelievable and the culture he's created is incredible. It’s similar to what Gareth Southgate did with the football lads; they are not just good players but great lads as well.

"I'm enjoying working under Keysy (England managing director of men's cricket Rob Key), it's no secret he's one of my best mates and he's helped me so much in other things. With Baz, we've got a great relationship and the utmost respect."

Flintoff initially joined then England white-ball head coach Matthew Mott's backroom team on an ad-hoc basis in September 2023, although he did not travel to that year’s World Cup in India.

He was, however, a member of England’s staff at last year's T20 World Cup, where a semifinal exit led to Australian coach Mott's sacking.

Flintoff last year took the Superchargers close to the knockout stages in his first season, after they had finished bottom of the standings the year before.

He also oversaw a tour of Australia last winter with the Lions, who have recently drawn two unofficial tests against India A.

"Honestly, at the moment, I feel as though I'm in the perfect place working with the Lions. I don't see this as a stepping stone to anything else, I'm invested in this and get a chance to work with these lads," added the 47-year-old.

"I'm not looking at the franchise world or anything else, although I do the Northern Superchargers which came around last year and I enjoy working with (Superchargers captain) Harry Brook on that.

"I think 'I've got a job to do here' and it's not like 'what's next?'."

India's 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi narrowly missed out on a half-century but played an entertaining knock that allowed the tourists to chase down England's lowly total in 24 overs in their first Under-19 one-day international on Friday.

Chasing 175 for victory, Suryavanshi opened the batting for India and immediately made an impact as he smashed 48 runs in just 19 deliveries as India cruised to a six-wicket victory to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match ODI series.

VAIBHAV SURYAVANSHI MADNESS..!! 🥶🔥

- Smashed 48 runs in just 19 balls.
- With 3 fours and 5 sixes. pic.twitter.com/HOKgnYGd4m

— Sports Culture (@SportsCulture24) June 27, 2025

England had limped to 174 in 42.2 overs after Rocky Flintoff, son of England great Andrew Flintoff, crafted a patient 56 from 90 deliveries but his disciplined knock was quickly overshadowed by Suryavanshi's fireworks.

In his debut season in the Indian Premier League, Suryavanshi had justified the hype around him by scoring 252 runs in seven matches, including a century which made him the youngest player to score a hundred in men's Twenty20 cricket.

The 14-year-old prodigy only burgeoned his reputation as he relied on his IPL experience, smashing three fours and five sixes at Hove, where India were going at nearly 10 runs an over.

He scored 21 runs in the sixth over from Jack Home when the Indian teenager cleared the ropes three times before he went after James Minto, with both bowlers immediately taken out of the attack.

Suryavanshi eventually fell to spinner Ralphie Albert when he skied an effort to point, but he had laid the foundation for the chase before Abhigyan Kundu (45 not out) guided India over the line.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Friday announced the 15-player Women’s Emerging Academy squad set to embark on a white-ball tour to Namibia from 2-12 July.

The 10-day tour will see South Africa's rising talents compete in four T20 matches from 2-6 July, followed by a three-match 50-over series scheduled for 8, 10, and 12 July against the Capricorn Eagles.

All fixtures will take place at the High Performance Oval in Windhoek.

The squad will be led by head coach Dinesha Devnarain and features a mix of experience and youth, including former SA U19 Women’s captains Oluhle Siyo (2023) and Kayla Reyneke (2025), along with Proteas Women-capped allrounder Delmi Tucker.

Further strengthening the line-up are standout performers from the 2024/25 domestic season.

Hollywoodbets Dolphins’ Alexandra Candler, who amassed 387 runs, and DP World Lions spinner Kgomotso Rapoo, who claimed 18 wickets, topped the batting and bowling charts respectively in the Hollywoodbets Pro 50 campaign.

In the T20 format, Dolphins batter Nicole de Klerk (219 runs) and Leah Jones of World Sports Betting Western Province (14 wickets) also earned their spots after stellar showings in the Hollywoodbets Pro 20 competition.

Commenting on the squad and upcoming tour, Devnarain said:

“Touring Namibia is another exciting step in our long-term strategy to bridge the gap between domestic cricket and the national setup. Having a majority of this group come off a challenging tour in Bangladesh earlier this year gives us continuity and allows us to measure growth across different conditions.

“International exposure is irreplaceable. It builds character, sharpens our understanding of the game, and gives players the confidence to express themselves at a higher level. Facing Namibia’s senior national team adds a competitive edge that will challenge our players tactically and mentally,” the coach added.

The squad will depart for Windhoek on Monday, 30 June, ahead of the opening T20 encounter on Wednesday, 2 July at 2pm SAST.

CSA Women’s Emerging Academy Squad - Tour to Namibia

Alexandra Candler (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Jenna Evans (DP World Lions), Nicole de Klerk (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Gandhi Jafta (Fidelity Titans), Leah Jones (World Sports Betting Western Province), Mona-Lisa Legodi (Fidelity Titans), Simoné Lourens (Fidelity Titans). Eliz-Mari Marx (Fidelity Titans), Luyanda Nzuza (Fidelity Titans), Kgomotso Rapoo (DP World Lions), Verunissa Reddy (Knights), Kayla Reyneke (World Sports Betting Western Province), Oluhle Siyo (World Sports Betting Western Province), Delmi Tucker (World Sports Betting Western Province) and Caitlyn Wyngaard (World Sports Betting Western Province)

FIXTURES

T20 Series

Wednesday, 2 July @ 2pm SAST

1st T20: CSA Emerging Women’s Academy v Namibia (High Performance Oval, Windhoek)

Thursday, 3 July @ 12pm SAST

2nd T20: CSA Emerging Women’s Academy v Namibia (High Performance Oval, Windhoek)

Saturday, 5 July @ 2pm SAST

3rd T20: CSA Emerging Women’s Academy v Namibia (High Performance Oval, Windhoek)

Sunday, 6 July @ 2pm SAST

4th T20: CSA Emerging Women’s Academy v Namibia (High Performance Oval, Windhoek)

50-OVER SERIES

Tuesday, 8 July @ 10am SAST

1st 50-over: CSA Emerging Women’s Academy v Namibia (High Performance Oval, Windhoek)

Thursday, 10 July @ 10am SAST

2nd 50-over: CSA Emerging Women’s Academy v Namibia (High Performance Oval, Windhoek)

Saturday, 12 July @ 10am SAST

3rd 50-over: CSA Emerging Women’s Academy v Namibia (High Performance Oval, Windhoek)

Jofra Archer made his first appearance in a first-class match in four years on Sunday in the County Championship as the 30-year-old quick continues his comeback from a spate of injuries and looks to play himself into a spot in the England test squad.

 

Jofra Archer was taking ridiculous one-hand catches against the @heatBBL WAY before D'Arcy Short made it cool 🤯🤯@Bupa | #BBL10 pic.twitter.com/Ic5yGNGZdx

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 30, 2020

 

Archer, who has taken 42 wickets in 13 tests, has not represented England in the longest format since February 2021 as his career stalled due to fitness problems including elbow injuries and back issues that sidelined him for long periods.

His latest setback came only last month when a thumb injury ruled him out of the one-day international series against West Indies.

National team selector Luke Wright said last month that Archer could be in contention to play in England's second test against India at Birmingham from July 2 and captain Ben Stokes has been left in no doubt about the bowler's desire to return.

"He's been absolutely desperate to put the white shirt back on," said Stokes last Thursday ahead of the first test.

"He's had a torrid run with injuries, but he's managed a fair bit of white-ball cricket recently.

"The fact that we can now put a structure in place for his red-ball return is a great sign."

Batting at number 10, Archer scored 31 off 34 balls against Durham to help Sussex reach 322-9 at stumps on Sunday and he is likely to bowl later on Monday.

Following a successful tour of the Caribbean for the SA A team, several Hollywoodbets Dolphins stars made significant contributions to their 50 over and 4-day series victories.

The team was led by Dolphins captain Marques Ackerman and the left-hander guided the SA A team to an unbeaten tour where they won the 50 over series 2-0 and the unofficial test series 2-0 as well.

Along the way the Dolphins players made telling contributions with the likes of Ackerman, Tristan Luus, Okuhle Cele, Prenelan Subrayen and Jason Smith producing stand-out performances to help their team to victory.

In the first 50 over match of the tour Jason Smith made 55 to help the side to 283 and a 42-run victory.

The second match of the 50 over series was lost to rain but Smith had contributed another half century to SA A's total of 365 before the match was called off.

The final 50 over match saw Okuhle Cele shine with the ball taking 3 for 29 in just over eight overs. The SA A side were given 254 to chase down and 71 from Ackerman and 35 from Jason Smith helped them to a comfortable six wicket win.

The red ball portion of the tour was where the Dolphins players really came into their own.

In the first unofficial test match Marques Ackerman blazed an incredible 209 off just 170 deliveries while Smith made 56 and Prenelan Subrayen contributed 64 not out batting at No 8.

The bowlers too stood out with Cele picking up 5 for 43 in the West Indies A first innings which saw them bowled out for 240. In their second innings Subrayen was destroyer in chief bagging 5 for 82 while young Dolphins seamer Tristan Luus took 4 for 86 to bowl Windies A out for 272.

This meant the SA A side won by a comfortable innings and 88 runs.

The second unofficial test was another dominant display from the SA A team as they once again fielded first and bowled the Windies A side out for 220.

Cele picked up 3 for 52 and then in the second innings he took 2 for 26 which took his tally to ten wickets in the series.

SA A were set just 100 to win the second match and it was fitting that Ackerman was there to finish the job as he finished 35 not out as SA won the second match by seven wickets.

Shorna Akter was the standout performer with the bat as Bangladesh Emerging Women secured a five-wicket win over South Africa Emerging Women in the first T20 in Cox’s Bazar on Wednesday.

The victory gives the hosts a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Shorna lit up the chase with an unbeaten 50 off just 32 balls, peppering the boundary with five fours and a six as Bangladesh hunted down South Africa’s total of 116-6.

Earlier, the visitors were lifted by in-form opener Faye Tunnicliffe, who top-scored with a composed 43 from 37 deliveries.

South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first, before Bangladesh struck in the second over through Sabikun Jesmin (1-22) to remove Nicole de Klerk (1).

Nishita Nishi (1-22) then made an immediate impact in the following over, sending Eliz-Mari Marx back without scoring to leave the tourists struggling at 12-2.

Tunnicliffe, steady as ever, anchored the innings alongside youngster Simone Lourens (32), stitching together a 44-run stand to revive South Africa’s hopes.

That promise was short-lived, though, as a mix-up between the batters led to Lourens being run out.

Tunnicliffe soon followed, dismissed by Jesmin for her second wicket of the match.

At 89-4 with fewer than five overs left, South Africa looked to middle-order batter Luyanda Nzuza (22) for some late impetus.

However, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, stifling the visitors’ momentum.

Delmi Tucker (11) and Nzuza were the final two to fall, with South Africa finishing their innings on 116-6 from 20 overs.

REMARKABLE COMEBACK

With the ball, the South Africans made a blistering start as Tucker (1-14) and Marx (2-26) ripped through the Bangladeshi top-order by dismissing Dilara Akter (9), Sarmin Sultana (0) and Misty Shaha (0) within the first three overs of the innings.

Rubya Haider (8) and Afia Ashima (12) offered a brief period of calm before both fell to South Africa’s T20 captain Leah Jones (2-11), leaving Bangladesh in deep trouble at 51-5, still needed 66 runs off 61 balls.

That’s when Shorna Akter entered the stage and transformed the match.

The internationally capped youngster led a remarkable comeback, forming a match-winning 67-run partnership with Farjana Easmin (25*).

The duo’s unbeaten stand ensured Bangladesh reached the target with three balls to spare.

The second T20I will take place at the same ground on Friday, 16 May.

SA Emerging Women’s Squad against Bangladesh Emerging

Leah Jones (T20 captain, World Sports Betting Western Province), Kgomotso Rapoo (50-over captain, DP World Lions), Alexandra Candler (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Nicole De Klerk (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Jenna Evans (DP World Lions), Ghandi Jafta (Fidelity Titans), Zintle Kula (Knights), Eliz-Mari Marx (Fidelity Titans), Mona Lisa Legodi (Fidelity Titans), Simone Lourens (Fidelity Titans), Luyanda Nzuza (Knights), Verunissa Reddy (Knights), Nonkululeko Thabethe (DP World Lions), Delmi Tucker (World Sports Betting Western Province) and Faye Tunnicliffe (World Sports Betting Western Province).

Management

Dinesha Davnarain (Head Coach), Marcia Letsoalo (Manager), Claire Terblanche (Batting Coach), Angelique Taai (Bowling Coach), Yolandi van der Westhuizen (Fielding Coach), Dr Dhavina Naidoo-Jewkes (Team Doctor), Stacey-lee Hercules (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Tshepi Letsholo (Physiotherapist) and Adele van Eck (Team Analyst).

REMAINING FIXTURES

T20 Matches

Friday, 16 May at 09h30 SAST - Bangladesh Emerging v South Africa Emerging – Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground, Cox’s Bazar

Sunday, 18 May at 09h30 SAST - Bangladesh Emerging v South Africa Emerging – Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground, Cox’s Bazar