Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues has broken her silence on last year's religious conversion controversy involving her family. The incident occurred on October 24, when her Bombay Gymkhana membership was cancelled after her father was accused of misusing facilities to book a hall for religious meetings. Rodrigues firmly denied all accusations, stating her family acted within regulations and had proof. The controversy emerged after India's disappointing 2024 T20 World Cup exit, deeply affecting her emotionally. She described receiving hurtful messages about her family and church. Remarkably, exactly one year later, Rodrigues played crucial innings against New Zealand (74) and Australia (127*), helping India win their first Women's Cricket World Cup. (PC: Instagram)

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir assured Sri Lankan Defence Minister that cricketers touring Pakistan would receive "foolproof security" after several players requested to return home following a deadly suicide blast. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed army and paramilitary deployment to protect the visiting team after Tuesday's Islamabad court bombing killed 12 and injured 27. At least eight Sri Lankan players expressed serious security reservations, with their stadium and hotel located within 10km of the blast site. The attack coincided with militants storming a military-run school in Wana, killing three. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake personally encouraged cricketers to continue the tour, successfully addressing their concerns. (PC: NDTV Sports)

Meghalaya’s Akash Kumar Choudhary made history by hitting eight sixes in a row in a Ranji Trophy match against Arunachal Pradesh. He also scored the fastest fifty in first-class cricket — in just 11 balls. The match, played in Surat, ended with Meghalaya winning by 725 runs. While Akash’s feat drew praise, former players say such records show how uneven the Ranji Trophy has become since weaker teams joined after 2018. Former BCCI official Saba Karim said it may be time to rethink the format and bring back separate tiers to maintain the quality of domestic cricket. (PC: X)

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has mandated players remain in Pakistan despite security concerns following a deadly Islamabad High Court bomb blast. Players requested to return home citing safety fears, but SLC instructed all team members and support staff to continue the tour as scheduled. The board threatened formal reviews and strict action against anyone defying directives. PCB chairman and Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Sri Lanka's High Commissioner, assuring presidential-style security for the touring delegation. SLC stated it's addressing concerns in coordination with PCB and relevant authorities. The second ODI between Sri Lanka and Pakistan is scheduled for November 14 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with players currently stationed in Islamabad. (PC: NDTV Sports)

Eight Sri Lankan cricketers currently touring Pakistan for an ODI series have expressed serious safety concerns following a deadly bomb explosion in Islamabad, requesting their cricket board to cancel the tour, according to NDTV sources. The players' apprehension comes amid heightened security tensions in the region. The Sri Lankan team's tour of Pakistan was already proceeding under strict security protocols, but the recent bombing has intensified fears among the visiting squad members. The Sri Lanka Cricket Board now faces pressure to reassess the tour's continuation as players prioritize their safety. More details are expected as the situation develops and the board deliberates on the cricketers' request for immediate withdrawal from Pakistan. (PC: NDTV Sports)

India’s Samrat Rana made history by winning the men’s 10m air pistol gold at the ISSF World Championships in Cairo. The 20-year-old from Karnal scored 243.7 to beat China’s Hu Kai by 0.4 points, while compatriot Varun Tomar won bronze with 221.7. Rana also led India to team gold with Varun and Shravan Kumar. This is the first time two Indians have won medals in the same pistol event at the Worlds. With three gold, three silver, and three bronze medals, India now stands third in the medal tally behind China. (PC: X)

All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been released from India’s Test squad ahead of the first match against South Africa in Kolkata. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed that Nitish won’t play the opening Test as the team plans to add an extra batter for the conditions. The 21-year-old will join the India A team for a three-match one-day series against South Africa A in Rajkot from November 13 to 19. The BCCI said he will return for the second Test in Guwahati starting November 22. The move aims to give him more match time after recent injuries. (PC: HT)

Former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has described the exclusion of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami from India’s upcoming Test squad for the South Africa series as “a clear indicator” that the team is turning the page and moving toward its next chapter. The decision is seen as part of a broader strategic move by the management to invest in younger talent and revitalise the pace attack ahead of future challenges. Shami’s exclusion and the wording used by Nayar suggest that the selectors are now prioritising long-term planning over established seniority. 

The much-anticipated IPL trade involving Chennai Super Kings’ all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has been put on hold. According to reports, the deal faced complications due to Rajasthan Royals’ full overseas player quota and limited purse balance. The proposed three-way arrangement, potentially involving England all-rounder Sam Curran, added further complexity. As of now, Jadeja remains with CSK, and no official confirmation of trade progress has been announced. The franchise management reportedly values Jadeja as a key player and is not rushing any decision. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Pakistan secured a thrilling six-run victory over Sri Lanka in Tuesday's first ODI, taking a 1-0 series lead under heightened security following Islamabad's suicide attack killing twelve people earlier that day. Salman Agha's unbeaten 105 off 87 balls powered Pakistan from struggling 95/4 to 299/5, aided by Hussain Talat's maiden fifty (62) in a crucial 138-run partnership. Haris Rauf's devastating 4/61 restricted Sri Lanka to 293/9 despite Wanindu Hasaranga's valiant 59. The Pakistan Cricket Board strengthened security around Sri Lanka's team post-incident. Agha and Mohammad Nawaz added 104 runs in the final ten overs. Remaining ODIs scheduled for Rawalpindi Thursday and Saturday under continued tight security measures. (PC: TOI)