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 Afghanistan has withdrawn from the tri-nation T20I series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka.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)

Afghanistan has withdrawn from the upcoming tri-nation T20I series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka, scheduled for November 2025, following a deadly airstrike by Pakistan in Paktika province. Three Afghan cricketers—Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon—were killed when Pakistani forces targeted a gathering of civilians returning from a friendly match in Sharana. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) condemned the attack as a “cowardly act” by the Pakistani regime. Captain Rashid Khan and other top players expressed outrage, supporting the ACB’s decision to pull out of the series. (PC: NDTV)    

Indian endurance athlete Mann Sharma has established a new world record by completing 42.195 km entirely via broad burpees over nine consecutive days. The unprecedented "Burpee Marathon" was officially ratified by the World Book of Records, London, surpassing the prior mark of just 5.1 km by more than eight times. Held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, representatives from the record-body presented the certificate and medal to Sharma, citing this as the first-ever burpee marathon in history. Alongside physical achievement, Sharma’s attempt also aimed to raise awareness and funds for education and social causes. (PC: NDTV)  

India faces crucial Women's World Cup semifinal qualification battle after four matches as two wins, two losses left them precariously positioned. With Australia already qualified and England, South Africa advancing strongly, India competes in a three-horse race for two remaining semifinal spots against New Zealand. The simplest path: winning all three remaining matches (England, New Zealand, Bangladesh) guarantees 10 points and semifinal berth. Winning two matches, particularly beating New Zealand, suffices mathematically without NRR calculations. Even losing to England Sunday won't eliminate India if they defeat New Zealand. However, losing both England and New Zealand matches creates dependency on Pakistan and England beating New Zealand. The India-New Zealand clash becomes essentially a winner-takes-all contest. (PC: NDTV & Hindustan Times)

Lionel Messi’s much-awaited international friendly in Kerala may be cancelled, according to reports from Argentine media. The match, set for November 17 in Kochi, was expected to be Messi’s first game in India. However, journalists like Gaston Edul suggest the plan may have “fallen through,” with Argentina likely to play in Africa instead. TyC Sports also reported that logistics and player workload could force a schedule change. Organisers in Kerala, however, have denied the rumours, saying all approvals are complete and the match will go ahead as planned. Fans across Kerala remain hopeful for Messi’s arrival. (PC: India Today)

Indian cricket icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli practiced together in the nets ahead of the first ODI against Australia in Perth. A viral video showed the two batting side by side, thrilling fans eager to see them back in action. The series is crucial for both as India prepares for the 2027 ODI World Cup. With team management focusing on younger players, their performances could decide their future in the format. Both senior stars looked in fine touch, sending a strong message of determination and unity before the high-stakes series. 

Australian legend Matthew Hayden was left stunned after 14-year-old Indian cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed Mohammed Siraj and Ishant Sharma “10 rows back” during an IPL match in Jaipur. Former India coach Ravi Shastri recalled Hayden’s disbelief while commentating on the game, where Suryavanshi scored a record 35-ball century. Suryavanshi has since continued his brilliant form with centuries against England and Australia Under-19 teams. Shastri praised the young star but warned that the next few years will be crucial for his growth. He said Suryavanshi needs the right guidance to handle fame and expectations at such a young age. (PC: HT)

Virat Kohli posted a mysterious message on social media ahead of India’s ODI series against Australia. “The only time you truly fail is when you decide to give up,” he wrote on X. Kohli, who retired from Tests and T20Is, last played for India in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025. Reports suggest he will return for the first ODI on Sunday. Former cricketer Dinesh Karthik said Kohli has been training in London and aims to play in the 2027 World Cup. Kohli is India’s second-highest run-scorer in ODIs with 14,181 runs, including 51 centuries. (PC: AFP)