Shubman Gill was not picked in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. The decision ended the selectors’ four-month experiment with Gill in T20Is. Sanju Samson returned as India’s main opener. Ishan Kishan was named as back-up after strong domestic form. Former India cricketer Atul Wassan said Gill did not fit the T20 format. He said playing all formats puts unfair pressure on players. Gill is now expected to focus on Tests and ODIs. (PC: HT)

Lionel Messi’s appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata during his India tour was marred by chaos and dissatisfaction. Organiser Satadru Dutta told investigators that Messi was uncomfortable being touched and hugged by crowds, and was surrounded closely, including by West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas, who was seen posing with Messi. This situation made the Argentina star visibly unhappy and contributed to mismanagement. Thousands of ticket-holding fans struggled to see Messi, leading to frustration and vandalism inside the stadium. A Special Investigation Team is probing security lapses, crowd control failings, and organisational issues surrounding the event. (PC: AFP)

Pakistan U19 clinched their first-ever sole U19 Asia Cup title with a commanding 191-run victory over India in Dubai. Sameer Minhas' sensational 172 off 113 balls powered Pakistan to 347/8 before bowlers dismissed India for 156. Minhas won both Player of the Match and Series awards, finishing as tournament's top scorer. During the presentation, Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi avoided contact with Indian players, staying away from cameras while handing medals to Pakistani players. India's captain Ayush Mhatre collected the runners-up cheque from an Afghanistan Cricket Board official, with medals distributed by ICC Director Mubashir Usmani. India lost wickets regularly, offering only brief lower-order resistance. (PC: X)

Pakistan U19 clinched their first U19 Asia Cup title since 2012 with a dominant 191-run victory over India U19 in Dubai. After posting 347/8 in 50 overs, powered by Sameer Minhas' record-breaking 172, Pakistan bowled India out for just 156 in 26.2 overs. Deepesh Devendran top-scored with 32 off 14 balls in India's collapse. The comprehensive win avenged Pakistan's earlier group-stage defeat where they were bowled out for 150 chasing 241. India, led by Ayush Mhatre, had entered the final unbeaten after victories over UAE, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Pakistan's young guns significantly improved their batting and bowling performances to secure the title.

Pakistan dominated India in the U19 Asia Cup 2025 final at ICC Academy Ground, Dubai, as India crumbled to 112/7 after 20.1 overs while chasing 348. India require 236 runs from 179 balls at 7.91 runs per over. Earlier, Pakistan posted a mammoth 347/8 in 50 overs, driven by Sameer Minhas' record-breaking 172. India, led by Ayush Mhatre, entered the final unbeaten, having defeated UAE, Malaysia, Pakistan in the group stage, and Sri Lanka in the semifinals. Pakistan sought redemption after collapsing to 150 all-out in their previous encounter against India, finishing second in their group before beating Bangladesh in the semifinals. (PC: X)

India U19 collapsed to 69/4 after nine overs, chasing Pakistan's mammoth 348 in the U19 Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai. Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi departed after a brief 10-ball cameo featuring three sixes, losing his composure post-dismissal. Captain Ayush Mhatre and in-form Aaron George also fell cheaply. Vihaan Malhotra was bowled by Abdul Subhan attempting a leg-side drive. India reached 50 in just 4.3 overs but lost three early wickets. Abhigyan Kundu and Vedant Trivedi now face immense pressure, requiring 280 runs from 246 balls. Earlier, Pakistan's Sameer Minhas smashed a record-breaking 172, posting the highest individual score in U19 Asia Cup final history. (PC: X)

Pakistan U19's Sameer Minhas delivered a record-breaking 172 off 71 balls, powering his team to 347/8 against India U19 in the U19 Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai. Minhas set the highest-ever individual score in an U19 Asia Cup final, smashing 17 fours and nine sixes while accumulating 471 runs across five tournament matches. Ahmed Hussain contributed 56 runs. India dropped three catches but recovered late, taking five wickets in 24 balls through Deepesh Devendran (3), Khilan Patel (2), and Henil Patel (2). India now chase 348 runs, aiming for a record-extending ninth U19 Asia Cup title, while Pakistan seek their first since 2012. Focus shifts to 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi. (PC: X/@Cricbuzz)

Pakistan reached 260/3 in 38 overs against India in the U19 Asia Cup final, with Sameer Minhas delivering an extraordinary 147* performance. Khilan Patel provided India's crucial breakthrough, dismissing Ahmed Hussain for 56 and ending a formidable 137-run partnership. Hussain dragged a ball straight to mid-on where captain Ayush Mhatre completed the catch. New batsman Farhan Yousaf immediately displayed aggression, pulling Patel for a six. Minhas continued his breathtaking innings, including a lofted backfoot punch through extra cover. Pakistan crossed 250 in the 37th over. Under new laws, the final 16 overs use one ball, potentially aiding India's bowlers as the softer ball requires more precision. (PC: X)

Opener Sameer Minhas scored a century as Pakistan built towards a massive total against India in the ACC U19 Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday. India elected to field after winning the toss. Both teams reached the final with dominant eight-wicket victories in their respective semifinals as India defeated Sri Lanka U19 while Pakistan overcame Bangladesh U19. Minhas' exceptional innings put Pakistan in a commanding position during the marquee clash between the arch-rivals. The young opener's century anchored Pakistan's batting performance as they looked to post a formidable target. The final showcased the culmination of strong performances from both teams throughout the tournament.

Pakistan reached 139/2 in 20 overs against India in the U19 Asia Cup final in Dubai, driven by Sameer Minhas' exceptional batting performance. Khilan Patel provided India's breakthrough by dismissing Usman Khan, ending a crucial partnership. However, Minhas continued his dream innings, scoring 68 and breaking through India's sustained pressure with an innovative scoop shot over the keeper off Kanishk Chouhan. New batter Ahmed Hussain joined Minhas, known for his busy approach and gap-finding singles. The pair previously added 293 runs against Malaysia, showing strong camaraderie. India desperately seeks Minhas' wicket while attempting to build pressure through dot balls and quick wickets. (PC: India Today)