Sunil Gavaskar has backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to bounce back strongly in the second ODI against Australia in Adelaide. After their poor show in Perth, where Kohli scored 8 and Rohit got out for 0, Gavaskar said, “Don’t be surprised if Rohit and Kohli score big in the next two games.” He explained that returning after months away from international cricket made the Perth challenge tougher. Gavaskar added that more practice and time in the middle would help them find form again. Kohli’s strong record at Adelaide could boost India as they trail 0-1 in the series. (PC: India Today)

In the rain-affected first ODI between India and Australia at Perth's Optus Stadium, India posted a modest 136/9 in 26 overs, with Australia successfully chasing down the target of 131 with seven wickets in hand. Despite early breakthroughs by Arshdeep Singh, the bowling attack lacked effectiveness. Harshit Rana, who bowled four overs conceding 27 runs without taking a wicket, faced significant criticism from fans. Many questioned his selection, suggesting his affiliation with the Kolkata Knight Riders as a possible factor. The second ODI in Adelaide on October 23 becomes crucial for Rana to redeem himself.

Australia defeated India by seven wickets in a rain-affected Perth ODI, chasing a revised DLS target of 131 in 21.1 overs. Captain Shubman Gill suffered a losing debut as India's eight-match ODI winning streak ended. Rohit Sharma (8) and Virat Kohli (0) looked rusty returning after four months without competitive cricket. Mitchell Marsh's unbeaten 46 guided Australia's chase in the 26-over match. India struggled with Perth's pace and bounce after only three days' training in Australia. Four rain interruptions disrupted batting rhythm. The DLS method drew criticism as Australia's target (131) was lower than India's total (135). This marked Australia's first ODI win at Optus Stadium.

Pakistan's Federal Information Minister Ata Tarar condemned the ICC's statement on three Afghan cricketers' deaths, calling it "selective" and "biased." The ICC and BCCI condoled the deaths from an aerial attack in Paktika Province without mentioning Pakistan. Tarar dismissed claims of Pakistani strikes, stating the ICC failed to independently verify Afghanistan Cricket Board's allegations. Pakistan Cricket Board replaced Afghanistan with Zimbabwe for next month's tri-series with Sri Lanka after ACB withdrew. Tarar emphasized Pakistan has been a terrorism victim and demanded the ICC correct its statement. He questioned ICC's independence, citing ICC Chairman Jay Shah's similar social media post and recent Asia Cup no-handshake incident as evidence of bias against Pakistani cricket.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a statement expressing condolence for the deaths of three Afghan cricketers in an aerial strike in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. Pakistani Information Minister Ata Tarar condemned the ICC’s move as “selective, biased and premature,” accusing it of endorsing allegations of a Pakistani attack without independent verification. He asserted Pakistan has been a long-time victim of cross-border terrorism and urged the ICC to correct its statement and uphold neutrality in sports governance.         

In his return to international cricket during the first ODI against Australia at Perth’s Optus Stadium, Virat Kohli was dismissed for a duck after facing just eight balls. Bowled by Mitchell Starc, Kohli edged the ball to backward point, marking his first-ever ODI duck in Australia across 30 innings. Early wickets also fell for Rohit Sharma (8) and Shubman Gill (10), leaving India struggling at 25/3. The match featured debutants Nitish Kumar Reddy for India and Mitchell Owen for Australia, adding fresh talent to both sides’ line-ups. (PC: JioHotstar)    

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of Afghan cricketers Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon in Pakistan’s recent airstrikes on Afghanistan’s Paktika province. The board strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “tragic and senseless loss of young sporting talent.” Extending solidarity to the Afghanistan Cricket Board and the victims’ families, the BCCI reaffirmed its stand against violence and terrorism. The board also reiterated its position on not resuming bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan until peace and safety for players are assured. (PC: NDTV)

ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressed condolences Saturday following the deaths of three promising Afghanistan cricketers Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon killed in airstrikes conducted in Paktika province's Argun and Barmal districts. Shah called their loss "a senseless act of violence" that cut short their dreams, describing it as "a tragedy not just for Afghanistan but for the entire cricketing world." Reports indicate Pakistan conducted the airstrikes, halting the ceasefire between the two nations. Afghanistan has withdrawn from the tri-nation T20I series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka. PCB sources reveal hosts are attempting to invite another nation for the event. Shah stated ICC stands in solidarity with Afghanistan Cricket Board.

Grand Sumo Tournament transformed London's Royal Albert Hall with a six-tonne Japanese temple roof suspended above the ring, featuring 40 top wrestlers in a five-day event marking only the second London visit since 1991. Fans discovered sumo through YouTube channels, Reddit communities, and messaging apps, with many attending their first live tournament after Japan's 2024 events sold out. The ancient sport dating to 23BC blends intricate rituals with modern LED screens offering stats and replays. Despite challenges including falling Japanese recruitment, bullying scandals, and foreign wrestler restrictions, the sport attracts global audiences captivated by its speed, power, and ceremonial traditions. 

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced the withdrawal of the national cricket team from the upcoming tri-nation series in Pakistan featuring Pakistan national cricket team and Sri Lanka national cricket team after three Afghan domestic players—Kabeer Agha Argon, Sibghatullah Zirok and Haroon—were killed in an alleged Pakistani airstrike in the Urgun district of Paktika province. The ACB described the attack as a “cowardly act … carried out by the Pakistani regime” and said five others died and seven were wounded. The move follows heightened military tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan and underscores how sport has become entangled in geopolitics and cross-border violence. (PC: ACB)