Following the resignation of Hashmatullah Shahidi, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Wednesday appointed experienced batsman Rahmat Shah as the new Test and One Day International (ODI) captain of the national team.

The board also appointed wicketkeeper-batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz as vice-captain in both formats. Rahmat and Gurbaz will officially begin their new roles during Afghanistan’s upcoming ODI series against Ireland.

ended with Shahidi’s resignation During his successful four-year tenure, Afghanistan achieved some of the biggest milestones in its cricket history.

According to the ACB, Shahidi was appointed captain on May 31, 2021 and began his tenure with an ODI series win over the Netherlands in January 2022. Under his leadership, Afghanistan won 27 out of 55 ODI matches played.

The defining moment of Shahidi’s captaincy came at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Afghanistan produced one of the biggest surprises of the tournament, defeating England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands to finish sixth in the standings, their best World Cup campaign to date.

The World Cup performance also ensured Afghanistan’s qualification for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Making their debut in the tournament, Afghanistan defeated England and finished fifth overall, underscoring the team’s rapid progress on the international stage.

Shahidi led Afghanistan to its highest ever ranking of seventh in the ICC men’s ODI team rankings during his tenure.

Rahmat Shah took over after serving as Afghanistan’s vice-captain in both Tests and ODIs from May 31, 2021, when Shahidi was appointed captain. One of the country’s most experienced batsmen, Rahmat has been a key member of Afghanistan’s middle order across all formats and is now taking on a leadership role ahead of the busy international calendar.

Along with Rahmat, Gurbaz has been given the vice-captaincy in both the formats. The aggressive top-order batsman has established himself as one of Afghanistan’s leading white-ball players and will support the new captain as the team enters a new phase.

Afghanistan’s first assignment under the new leadership group will be a five-match ODI series against Ireland, to be played from August 5 to 15.

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Vaibhav Suryavanshi (ANI photo)

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav praised Suryavanshi, calling him an “incredible” talent and claiming that the young player is achieving something “no one has ever done before” with his fearless approach to the game.Speaking on JioStar, Harbhajan said Suryavanshi’s confidence and willingness to back his instincts represents the changing mindset of modern cricketers, who are now encouraged to express themselves without the fear of failure.Harbhajan said, “What Vaibhav Suryavanshi is doing today, no one has ever done it before. He is incredible, a great talent. I don’t think I have seen or encountered such talent.”The former off-spinner also spoke about how the influence of social media has increased the visibility of young stars, making their exploits reach a far wider audience than previous generations.He said, “The difference between the youth of today and the youth of that time is today’s access to media and social media. Things happened then too, but today they are much more exposed.”

Rahul DravidQuestion and Suryavanshi’s unforgettable answer

Harbhajan also recalled a memorable anecdote from former India head coach Rahul Dravid, which perfectly captured Suryavanshi’s fearless mindset ahead of his IPL debut.According to Harbhajan, Dravid had asked the youngster what he planned to do if he faced a hitable ball on the very first ball of his IPL career.“I think the biggest change is that people are accepting players with a fearless mentality and approach to playing the way they want,” he said.He further said, “Rahul Dravid was the coach of that team (Rajasthan Royals), and he asked Suryavanshi, ‘What will you do on the first ball?’ He said, ‘If the first ball is in my arc, I will break it.’ And he actually did it. “He hit a six on the very first ball of his IPL career against Shardul Thakur.”Harbhajan said, the story underlines the confidence that has made Kishore one of the brightest young batting talents indian cricket.

Tendulkar’s advice that shaped Harbhajan’s career

Along with praising Suryavanshi, Harbhajan also reflected on the most valuable lessons of his career, revealing the advice he received from the batting icon. Sachin Tendulkar.Harbhajan said, “The best advice I ever got was from the great Sachin Tendulkar.”Recalling Tendulkar’s words, he said: “Sachin paaji told me, ‘There will be a lot of distractions, many things will come your way, but you have to keep your eyes on, so that you cannot look left or right, and only look straight ahead. And what’s next? Cricket If you continue on this path then no one in the world can stop you. Whatever you want to be, whatever you want to do, if you continue on this path you will get all kinds of respect, honor, fame, everything.”Harbhajan said that this is the message he now gives to young cricketers starting their journey.He said, “So, I give the same advice to the youngsters: keep your focus on the game. You are who you are because of the game. Don’t think that you are bigger than the game. If you don’t have the right attitude, the game knows how to take back as much as it offers.”

He is only 15 years old. He has just got the taste of international cricket. Yet, Vaibhav Suryavanshi speaks with the self-awareness of a seasoned campaigner when he reflects on the whirlwind four months that have tested his resolve and thrust him into the spotlight.

After a breakout Indian Premier League season with Rajasthan Royals, the teenage sensation suffered a rare dip in form during the India A tri-series in Sri Lanka. However, he announced his return to rhythm in signature style, Explosive century against Sri Lanka A In Dambulla. That performance sealed his first senior Indian call-up for the T20I tour of UK.

Although he remained out of the opening two fixtures in Belfast, Suryavanshi created history in the second T20I against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, becoming India’s youngest international cricketer at the age of 15 years and 100 days. Leaving behind Sachin Tendulkar’s long standing record.

However, his debut in senior international cricket proved inauspicious. Facing Jofra Archer’s fast pace and targeted short-ball tactics, Suryavanshi registered modest scores of 14, 13 and 15 in the three innings. He He was later dropped from the final T20I With the return of Sanju Samson to the XI in Birmingham, India ultimately suffered a 0–4 series defeat.

The team management’s decision to drop the teenage opening batsman after only three innings was sharply criticized by several former cricketers, who advocated more patience with generational talent.

Unfazed by the scrutiny, Suryavanshi is learning to embrace the fickle nature of the elite sport.

“Yes, there have been many ups and downs in the last four months; it is part of cricket, it will keep happening, but I have to follow the process and give my 100 per cent for the team,” Suryavanshi said during a training session in Harare.

The left-handed batsman is now back in familiar and fond surroundings as India prepare to face Zimbabwe in a three-match T20I series from July 23 at the Harare Sports Club. It was at the same location in February 2026. Suryavanshi produced one of the most destructive innings His unbeaten 175 off just 80 balls with 15 fours and 15 sixes against England led India to its sixth ICC U19 World Cup title in age-group history.

Having been accompanied by his parents during the UK tour and constantly being guided by a supportive coaching staff, the young opening batsman feels well equipped mentally and technically for his latest assignment.

He said, “It is clear that what I want, the coaches are providing it and I am getting whatever practice I need. It feels great, there is confidence also.”

memorable land for me suryavanshi

Re-watching the scene of his U19 World Cup heroics has provided a timely boost of positive reinforcement.

“It’s a very memorable ground for me. Just four months ago, we played the Under-19 World Cup final and won, so it’s a very special ground. It’s everyone’s dream to represent India, and it’s a very special moment,” he said.

“I am playing on the ground where we won the Under-19 World Cup four months ago and created history, and it will be a completely different feeling to return to the ground and play here… really enjoying it.”

Suryavanshi, who has already played two matches at the venue during the World Cup, plans to take advantage of his familiarity with Harare’s pitch conditions to make a significant contribution in the senior squad.

The young generation of Indian batsmen struggled to adapt to the conditions after playing in the subcontinent prior to the tour, in Ireland and England.

“The pitches and conditions here, when I last played here during the Under-19 World Cup, I had a good idea about them. So, I will try to apply whatever I have learned during that tournament now during the matches and perform well,” he said.

The youngster is likely to get a longer spell at the top as India travel to Zimbabwe without Sanju Samson. Punjab Kings wicketkeeper-batsman Prabhsimran Singh is the reserve opener in the team.

Indian team for Zimbabwe tour

Shreyas Iyer (captain), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma (vice-captain), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Shivam Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Rinku Singh, Harsh Dubey, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma, Mayank Yadav, Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper).

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David Warner (Getty Images)

New Delhi: Former Australian opening batsman david warner He pleaded guilty to drink-driving charges after being stopped during a random breath test in Sydney in April, according to the BBC.Warner’s lawyer Bobby Hill confirmed that the former Australian cricketer was pleading guilty to the charges.Warner was charged after failing a random roadside breath test in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on 5 April. Police later took him to Maroubra Police Station, where he gave a blood alcohol reading of 0.104, more than twice the legal limit.“The parties are discussing the facts,” Hill told the court.“He acknowledges that it was a reckless decision, a foolish decision, to get in his car instead of taking an Uber,” Hill said.The lawyer said, “It is not a crime to drink a glass of wine on the Day of the Lord’s Resurrection. In fact, some people would consider it completely appropriate.”“As I said, their crime is foolishly choosing Plan A instead of Plan B,” he said.

Sentencing will take place on August 18

Warner will be sentenced on August 18. He faces a minimum six-month driving ban, a possible fine of up to Australian $2,200 and a maximum nine-month jail sentence.

Another controversy for Warner

The former Australian opening batsman has been involved in several high-profile controversies in the past.In 2018, he was given a 12-month ban over the ball tampering scandal in South Africa, when Cricket Australia found that he had planned to change the condition of the ball by using sandpaper. The incident made him permanently ineligible for national team leadership roles.In 2013, Warner was suspended after punching England batsman Joe Root during an incident in Birmingham.

The Indian boxing contingent faced an inconvenient start to its Commonwealth Games campaign on Tuesday when almost half of the team’s luggage was left behind in Belfast.

The 22-member Indian boxing contingent reached Glasgow after the preliminary training camp in Belfast, but Sakshi Chaudhary (51kg), world champion Jasmine Lamboria (57kg), Parveen Hooda (65kg), Jadumani Singh (55kg), Kapil Pokharia (90kg) and men’s head coach C Kuttappa among others could not accompany them.

Team members said the aircraft was small enough to operate on the short Belfast-Glasgow route. The missing items include training gear and the formal attire the boxers are scheduled to wear for Thursday’s opening ceremony.

The same thing happened to the boxer when he was flying from Doha to Belfast earlier this month.

With the boxing competition starting on Friday, the crew are hoping to have the goods reach Glasgow before final preparations are in full swing. Additionally, the women’s coaches have not been provided the same hotel accommodation as the boxers.

The boxing event starts from Friday.

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India’s T20I vice-captain Tilak Verma

T20I Vice-Captain of Team India Tilak Verma Reflecting on the challenges that have contributed to India’s disappointing defeats in two consecutive T20 series against Ireland and England, he stressed that the team is focusing on learning from the setbacks and gaining momentum.The reigning T20 World Cup champions endured a forgettable tour of the British Isles in July 2026, earning just one win in the entire 10-match trip, while suffering consecutive bilateral series defeats to Ireland and England. India failed to register a single win in the T20I leg of the tour.

‘The conditions in England were a big challenge’

Ahead of India’s upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe, Tilak admitted that adjusting to foreign conditions proved to be a big challenge after playing mainly in Asia in the last two years. He also supported the Captain Shreyas IyerThe importance of remaining calm under pressure and maintaining a positive atmosphere within the team was highlighted.“To be honest, Shreyas Iyer is leading a champion team, so obviously the responsibility is always there. Also, Ireland and England offered completely different conditions. For the last two years, we have been playing mostly in Asia, and then suddenly we had to compete in overseas conditions against a very strong England team, whom we had already seen in the World Cup semi-finals. It is always tough to play against such a quality team in challenging conditions, and naturally There were expectations too,” Tilak said in a video shared by the BCCI. X.

‘Results will come and go, we need to stay positive’

The left-handed batsman insisted that the team has learned valuable lessons from the tour and is determined to bounce back by creating the right atmosphere in the dressing room.“In those situations, you have to remain calm under pressure and generate positive energy within the team. That’s our mentality. Results will go up and down, but what’s important is how we create a good environment and support each individual. It’s just a matter of one match or one series. The last series was a good learning experience, and now we want to execute those learnings and bring the momentum back,” he said.

india tour of zimbabwe

La Liga president Javier Tebas has called on FIFA president Gianni Infantino to step down, accusing world football’s governing body of “destroying the football industry” by expanding international competitions at the expense of domestic leagues and clubs.

Tebas, who has repeatedly criticized FIFA over fixture congestion and plans to expand the World Cup, said Infantino’s tenure should end.

“In my opinion, yes, I think his time is up,” Tebas told Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport when asked if Infantino should resign.

Infantino, who has been FIFA president since 2016, announced in April that he would seek a fourth term. Elections for the 2027-31 cycle are scheduled to be held in Morocco on March 18 next year.

However, Tebas acknowledged that Infantino enjoys strong support among the national federations, making it difficult for anyone to challenge him.

“He shouldn’t stay, but the current situation means he won’t go,” Tebas said.

“There’s no opposition candidate; no one wants to run to lose. That’s the system, and it’s a system that’s flawed from the ground up.”

“I hear a lot of people against Infantino, who don’t agree with what he’s doing. They say so, but then do nothing.”

Balogun ban under investigation

Tebas also criticized FIFA’s decision to postpone the suspension of one match United States striker Folarin Balogun has been sent off after being shown a red card at the World Cup. This decision came after the intervention of US President Donald Trump. In the round of 16, Belgium defeated the United States 4–1.

Tebas said, “It is a very serious matter to have the American player banned. They were fortunate that Belgium excluded the United States, because otherwise it could have resulted in a case that could have cost Infantino his job.”

“Because Belgium won, they managed to hush up the matter. But these things are just the tip of the iceberg.”

His comments come at a time of rising tensions between FIFA and UEFA. UEFA president Aleksandar Ceferin skips Sunday’s World Cup final Following disagreements over disciplinary procedures, refereeing logistics and match officiating, according to a Reuters source.

Tebas opposes World Cup expansion

Tebas also attacked proposals to expand the Men’s World Cup to 64 teams for the centenary edition in 2030, following CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez’s renewed calls for a larger tournament. Infantino had previously said the proposal could be considered in the future.

The La Liga chief said a big World Cup would come at the expense of domestic competitions, which he believes are the foundation of the game.

“There is no point in increasing the number of national teams,” Tebas said.

“The football industry is not just the World Cup, which is the most important event. But everything cannot revolve around the World Cup. It is the national competitions that sustain the game.

“They are destroying the football industry, which creates thousands of jobs, for an event that lasts 40 days and only a minority of players participate in it.”

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