Sports

In a tragic turn of events on Saturday morning, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed that the ongoing cross-border clash with Pakistan has claimed the lives of three aspiring Afghan cricketers. The players, identified as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, were domestic-level cricketers from Afghanistan who were killed during Pakistan’s air strike on Paktika Province on Friday.

The ACB took to the social media platform X to convey the tragic news while also confirming that it has pulled out of the tri-nation series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka scheduled for next month following the attack. Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan also took to X and welcomed the ACB’s decision to pull out of the tri-series while condemning Pakistan’s attack on civilians.

But who exactly were Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon — the three cricketers whose lives were cut short by Pakistan’s air strike? Take a look.

Kabeer (Kabir Agha)

Kabeer, also known locally as Kabir Agha, was an emerging talent from Paktika’s Urgun district. He represented regional clubs in the domestic structure and recently featured in youth tournaments organised by the ACB’s southern cricket committee. Known for his aggressive top-order batting, Kabeer was expected to be shortlisted for the Afghanistan U-23 provincial camp in 2026 due to consistent performances in district leagues.

Sibghatullah

Sibghatullah was a medium-fast bowler from Paktika who played for the Urgun Warriors, a club participating in local ACB-certified tournaments. He was known for sharp inswing and was a captaincy contender in last year’s Paktika Premier League. Coaches described him as a disciplined cricketer with strong leadership traits and a passion for mentoring junior bowlers in the region’s cricket academies.

Haroon

Haroon was a promising all-rounder who had made a name for himself in Paktika’s domestic cricket scene through participation in local T20 and tape-ball leagues. A right-handed batter and off-spinner, Haroon had recently joined a provincial development camp and was regarded as one of Urgun district’s most versatile young players. He was also studying at a local college while pursuing cricket full-time.

ACB mourns loss of young cricketers

The ACB, through a media release, mourned the loss of its three aspiring cricketers. The board confirmed that young Afghan cricketers Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon from Urgun district in Paktika province were among eight people killed in what it called a “cowardly attack” by Pakistan. The players had returned home after a friendly match in Sharana when they were targeted during a gathering. Seven others were injured in the incident.

Calling it a devastating loss for Afghanistan’s sporting community, the ACB extended condolences to the victims’ families and the people of Paktika. As a mark of respect, the board announced its withdrawal from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan and prayed for the martyrs and the recovery of the injured. Rashid Khan calls the attack barbaric Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan expressed deep grief over the recent Pakistani air strikes in Afghanistan, which claimed the lives of several civilians, including women, children, and young cricketers aspiring to represent their country. Condemning the attack as “immoral and barbaric”, Rashid said targeting civilian areas was a grave violation of human rights that must not be ignored.

He voiced strong support for the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s decision to withdraw from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan, calling it a justified response to the tragedy. Rashid emphasised that Afghanistan’s national dignity and solidarity with its people should take precedence above all else during such a painful time. Tension escalates between Afghanistan and Pakistan Afghan media reports indicate that Pakistan carried out multiple air strikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province on Friday, allegedly violating a recently agreed 48-hour ceasefire between the two countries. According to Tolo News, the attacks struck residential areas in the Urgun and Barmal districts, resulting in heavy civilian casualties.

The strikes occurred just as both nations had agreed to extend the fragile truce until the conclusion of peace talks underway in Doha, aimed at de-escalating border tensions following several days of clashes. Negotiations between Afghan and Pakistani representatives are expected to begin on Saturday, as Kabul accuses Islamabad of undermining efforts to restore calm along the volatile frontier.

(Source - Business Standard)

Another exciting clash in the ICC Women’s One Day World Cup is set to take place today (07), featuring England Women taking on Bangladesh Women.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 p.m. (local time) in Guwahati, India.

Both teams will step onto the field with confidence, having secured victories in their opening matches of the tournament.

The Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) is facing renewed scrutiny and internal unrest following a stormy Special General Meeting (SGM) held on Tuesday at the Navy Lighthouse Galley where delegates debated unresolved financial matters, questioned the legality of recent appointments and ultimately decided to withdraw from the International Boxing Association (IBA) and join World Boxing (WB).

The move could reshape the future of the sport in Sri Lanka according to boxing promoters.

The meeting was effectively a continuation of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on August 9, which had to be adjourned after the audited annual accounts were not presented. Despite being granted two additional months, the BASL still failed to produce the required financial statements, a lapse that has angered several senior members and stakeholders of the sport.

Former BASL Vice President Wasantha Withanage, a veteran boxing coach who represented Sri Lanka at the Olympics and served on the executive committee for two decades, was among the most outspoken critics at the meeting.

“Having an AGM without audited accounts is a serious administrative blunder,” Withanage charged. “The president, secretary and treasurer must be held responsible under the Sports Law for this gross mismanagement.”

Withanage accused the current BASL administration of poor governance, lack of transparency, and questionable decision-making. He alleged that an international boxing course was organised with no accounts being tabled, no reimbursement of funds collected from participants for visas for a foreign tour that never took place, and that an international tournament held in Colombo with much fanfare has no record of how the funds were received or spent.

Adding to the controversy, Withanage revealed that an international standard boxing ring donated by IBA is still lying idle at the port, incurring over Rs. 2 million in demurrage fees.

“This is symbolic of how things are being mishandled,” he said. “The ring is rotting in the port while the sport itself is sinking due to negligence and mismanagement.”

Withanage further alleged that some affiliated clubs were wrongfully barred from attending the SGM, undermining the democratic nature of the meeting.

He also questioned the legality of the newly appointed Secretary, saying no nominations were called prior to the appointment.

“The constitution is being ignored. Decisions are being made by a few individuals without due process,” he added.

Despite the turbulence, the SGM made one decisive move — to formally sever ties with IBA and join World Boxing, aligning itself with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) and the policy of the Ministry of Sports to distance national federations from the suspended IBA.

Dian Gomes, a former BASL president and IBA Director said: “The main decision we took yesterday was that Sri Lanka Boxing will leave the IBA and join World Boxing,” Dian said. “Under the new Constitution, we will compete only in the amateur domain — no professional or WSB involvement.”

However, Gomes cautioned that the move came with its own risks.

“We will not receive any funding from IBA anymore. Dual membership is not permitted, so this is a complete break,” he noted. “It’s an honourable exit, but one that comes with challenges.”

BASL President Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara, who also serves as Honorary Consul General for Guinea, has been criticised for his absentee leadership. Coaches and officials allege that he governs “by remote control” from overseas, relying heavily on a small circle of trusted associates.

A senior official who attended the SGM remarked, “Boxing is collapsing because there’s no accountability. Decisions are made without consultation, and the president is hardly in the country. The sport is being run like a private company, not a national body.”

Many within the boxing community are now calling on Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage to step in, either by appointing an interim committee or a working task force to restore administrative order and ensure financial accountability.

“It’s time for the Minister to act,” he said. “We can’t let boxing — one of Sri Lanka’s most decorated Olympic sports — be destroyed by internal politics.”

For now, Bandara and his executive committee have been given another two-month extension to present the long-delayed audited accounts and formally conclude the AGM, as required under the Sports Law.

The BASL constitution has also been amended to align with World Boxing, which is recognised by the International Olympic Committee as the legitimate body for Olympic boxing.

But until the federation resolves its internal disputes and financial ambiguities, Sri Lanka’s boxers remain in limbo — uncertain of which direction the sport will take and whether the long tradition of boxing excellence can be revived under stable leadership.

(Source - dailymirror.lk)

According to the latest ICC rankings, Nissanka has moved up two places to reach 5th position among T20 batsmen.

His impressive century against India in the Asian Cup helped him rise from 7th to 5th place.

Meanwhile, Kusal Janith, who scored a fighting half-century in the same match, has advanced from 11th to 9th place.

The top spot among T20 batsmen is still held by India’s Abhishek Sharma.

In the T20 all-rounders category, Pakistan’s Shadab Ayub has claimed the number one position, surpassing India’s Hardik Pandya. This is Ayub’s first time at the top, pushing Pandya to second place.

Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga has also moved up one place to 6th position in the same category.

Jayananda Warnaveera, the former Test cricketer who proudly represented Sri Lanka on the international stage, has passed away at the age of 64.

Warnaveera earned his place in cricket history in 1986 when he claimed his first international Test cap against Pakistan. Over a distinguished career spanning more than eight years, he showcased his talent in both Test and One-Day International formats for the national team.

Known for his exceptional skills as a bowler, Warnavira retired from the sport in 1994, leaving behind a legacy of 32 Test wickets and six ODI wickets, marking him as a respected figure in Sri Lankan cricket circles.

The 13th edition of the Women’s One Day International (ODI) Cricket World Cup is set to begin shortly with a match between Sri Lanka and India in Guwahati, India.

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first, inviting India to bat.

The World Cup, starting today, will continue until November 2. A total of eight teams will take part in the tournament.

Matches will be played across four venues in India and one venue in Sri Lanka.

In the group stage, held in a league format, each team will play seven matches.

Of Sri Lanka’s seven matches in the group stage, five will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, while two will be held in India.

Sri Lankan Football President Jaswar Umar has been appointed to the AFC Development Committee, marking another major international recognition for Sri Lanka’s football leadership.

This appointment comes at a time when Sri Lanka is making remarkable progress in the Asian football landscape. Earlier this week, the world governing body FIFA appointed Jaswar Umar to the FIFA Grassroots and Amateur Football Committee, further underscoring his growing influence in regional and global football administration.

These successive appointments stand as a testimony to the growth and credibility of Sri Lankan Football under his leadership.

The AFC Development Committee plays a crucial role in overseeing development programs and funding across 47 member nations in Asia, shaping the future of football development in the region.

Jaswar Umar is currently attending the AFC Development Committee meeting being held today in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Football Federation of Sri Lanka

October 2025

The Women’s Cricket World Cup One-Day Tournament begins today (30).

This year’s tournament will be held in both Sri Lanka and India.

The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Guwahati Stadium in India, followed by the first match between the Sri Lanka Women’s team and the India Women’s team.

In the first round, Sri Lanka will play seven matches — two in India and five in Sri Lanka.

The final of the Women’s Cricket World Cup One-Day Tournament is set to be played on November 2.

World governing body FIFA has appointed Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) President Jaswar Umar to its Committee for Grassroots and Amateur Football.

This prestigious appointment comes at a time when Sri Lankan Football is experiencing rapid growth under the visionary leadership of President Jaswar Umar over the past 18 months. His strategic and bold approach has transformed the landscape of Sri Lankan football, setting new benchmarks in professionalism, governance, and performance.

President Umar’s relentless focus on professionalizing the national team and elite football structure has positioned Sri Lanka as a rising force in the South Asian region. His modern management style and forward-thinking policies have brought renewed energy and credibility to the game, earning international recognition.

Sri Lanka’s national team has shown significant improvement and remains the only South Asian nation still in contention for Asian Cup qualification, a testament to the progress achieved through structured reforms and professional planning.

With his new role in FIFA, Jaswar Umar will now contribute his experience and expertise to uplift grassroots and amateur football on a global scale. His appointment reflects both his growing influence in world football and FIFA’s confidence in his ability to inspire meaningful development within the sport worldwide.

“Football must be built from its roots. Empowering grassroots and amateur levels ensures sustainable success for future generations,” Jaswar Umar stated following his appointment.

This milestone marks another proud moment for Sri Lanka, as its football leadership continues to gain recognition and respect on the international stage.

— Football Federation of Sri Lanka Colombo | October 2025

Pakistan to donate Asia Cup match proceeds to families of May 7 attack victims

The Pakistan cricket team has decided to give the match proceeds earned for being runners-up in the Asia Cup cricket tournament to the families of the victims of the May 7 attack.

The funds will be presented to civil victims, including children, who lost their lives in the attack, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced.

The final of the Asia Cup was held yesterday, in which India defeated Pakistan to claim the tournament title.

Speaking at a post-match press conference, Pakistan team captain Salman Aga stated that India’s conduct during the tournament was respectful of the spirit of cricket.

Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the first footballer in the world to achieve billionaire status, marking another milestone in his legendary career.

According to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Ronaldo’s net worth is now estimated at USD 1.4 billion, cementing his place among the global financial elite.

The 40-year-old’s financial empire reportedly reached billionaire levels earlier this year, driven largely by his record-breaking deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, valued at over USD 400 million.

Bloomberg further reports that between 2002 and 2023, Ronaldo has earned more than USD 550 million from salaries, endorsements, and business ventures.

Since his high-profile move from Manchester United to Al-Nassr in 2023, Ronaldo has held the title of the highest-paid footballer in history, earning an annual salary of £177 million, excluding bonuses and brand endorsements.

In true Ronaldo fashion, he continues to redefine what it means to be both a sports icon and a global business powerhouse.

India crowned Asia Cup champions for the 9th time after Tilak Varma’s match-winning knock

India defeated Pakistan by five wickets to claim their ninth Asia Cup title, thanks to a determined innings by Tilak Varma, whose fighting performance proved too much for Pakistan’s bowling attack.

The Asia Cup is contested in both ODI and T20 formats. This year’s edition was played in the T20 format as preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The T20 format was first introduced to the Asia Cup in 2016. India also won the previous tournament in 2023, which was played in the ODI format.

In the final held today (28) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan set a target of 147 runs. In response, India reached 150 for 5 wickets in 19.4 overs to secure victory.

Tilak Varma was the architect of India’s win, scoring an unbeaten 69 runs off 53 deliveries, which included nine fours and four sixes. He held firm at the crease for over an hour and a half, guiding his team home.

Earlier, India’s opener Abhishek Sharma, who had provided quick starts throughout the tournament, was dismissed for just 5 runs. Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav also fell cheaply, scoring under 20.

However, strong partnerships built by Varma with Sanju Samson (57 runs off 50 balls for the fourth wicket) and Shivam Dube (60 runs off 40 balls for the fifth wicket) ensured India’s path to victory.

Among Pakistan’s bowlers, Shaheen Shah Afridi (1/20) and Faheem Ashraf (3/29) bowled effectively, but Haris Rauf’s expensive spell — conceding 50 runs in just 3.4 overs — proved costly.

Batting first after being invited by India, Pakistan were bowled out for 146 runs in 19.1 overs.