The Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies take on the North West Dragons in another exciting round of Hollywoodbets Pro Series action this weekend.

It’s been a mixed bag of results so far for the Dolphins in the competition, with wins and losses in both the Pro 50 and Pro 20 competitions.

The Dolphins have won one and lost one across both competitions so far this season, while North West are yet to record a victory from their two rounds of matches.

The Dolphins are back home this weekend and despite the tricky start to the season, coach Angelique Taai is encouraged by the progress.

“I am happy with how things are going despite the losses,” Taai said. “We learn and we move on. It is all about each individual finding that extra one per cent and coming back better and stronger after each and every game as the season progresses.

“After a loss it’s just a matter of going back to the drawing board and making sure all departments gel together for our next one.”

The Dolphins and North West spent time playing each other in the off-season. Despite some intimate knowledge of the opposition, Taai says her team need to be fully focused.

“We have played the North West team already, but we will not take anything for granted.

“We still have to make sure that we do all the basics well in all facets of the game,” Taai added.

The Dolphins will still be without their Proteas stars, who will take a break following their World Cup achievements.

Heading into the weekend, Taai has had to call on some of her younger players as the Dolphins are also without a handful of players due to injury.

With the likes of Nicole de Klerk, Kwanga Pinini, Micaela Andrews and Nobulumko Baneti out with injury, Paige Clark and Olwethu Gasa come into the squad.

Hollywoodbets Dolphins squad v North West:

Alexander Candler (VC), Courtney Gounden, Asamkele Kawu, Yasmeen Khan, Asakhe Nyovane, Seshnie Naidu, Zintle Mali (C), Esihle Kawu, Jade de Figueiredo, Ayanda Hlubi, Nosihle Sisanda Ngubane, Nonhle Nobuhle Busane, Olwethu Gasa (HP player), Paige Clark (HP player).

India allrounder Shivam Dube said the backing he received from team management had helped him develop into a utility bowler, with the 32-year-old repaying their faith in him by helping the tourists to victory in Thursday's T20 against Australia.

Dube earned his place in the squad primarily because of his six-hitting prowess, but it was his medium pace which did the damage on the Gold Coast, where he claimed the prized wickets of rival captain Mitchell Marsh and danger man Tim David.

India triumphed by 48 runs at Carrara Stadium to pull 2-1 ahead in the five-match series heading into the fifth and final match in Brisbane on Saturday.

Dube said that since India's victorious Asia Cup campaign, bowling coach Morne Morkel and skipper Suryakumar Yadav had handed him a "good plan", while head coach Gautam Gambhir had offered the management's backing to execute it.

"It (plan) was more about how to bowl on what type of track," he explained. "Gauti Bhai (Gambhir) also told me: 'Don't worry about runs, bowl without any worry. We are backing you.'"

India made a competitive 167 for eight, and their plan when Australia began their chase was to make the home batters hit towards the bigger side boundaries.

"I think the boundaries were 80m-plus. We knew it won’t be easy to hit, however well you may connect," said Dube.

"Definitely it’s a T20 game and any of the batters can come and smack it. But on this ground, where the side boundaries are big, we had planned it very nicely and we had confidence that we can stop them."

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has opened an inquiry after former women's captain Jahanara Alam accused former and serving officials of sexual harassment.

The 32-year-old pacer, in an interview on a YouTube channel, accused officials, including then-selector and manager Manjurul Islam, of sexual harassment during the 2022 Women's World Cup in South Africa.

🇧🇩 Captain Nigar Sultana Joty breaks silence on Jahanara Alam's assault accusations! 👇#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/D9gbvVCFRj

— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) November 6, 2025

Manjurul, who is currently in China, rejected the allegations as "baseless".

Describing an incident during the 2022 World Cup, Jahanara alleged that Manjurul "made inappropriate physical contact", claiming he "often hugged or pressed female players to his chest" under the pretext of encouragement.

"You can ask other girls in the team", Manjurul said. "This is all false."

Manjurul, 46, a former left-arm seamer, played 12 tests and 34 ODIs for Bangladesh between 1999 and 2004, before serving in various coaching and managerial roles.

Jahanara took 48 wickets in ODIs, and 60 in T20s, across 135 white-ball matches for her country.

She also named other BCB officials, and said that she had previously written to the board, but that no action had been taken.

The BCB said a committee would submit its findings within 15 working days.

It reaffirmed its commitment to a "safe, respectful, and professional environment", it said in a statement late Thursday.

"We have to investigate this, since it's a serious matter," BCB vice-president Shakhawat Hossain said.

Prenelan Subrayen claimed five wickets in an excellent day two display as South Africa A (SA 'A') bowled their way into a strong position at the halfway stage of the first unofficial test against India 'A' at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Friday.

After a solid opening day with the bat, the tourists followed that up by bowling the hosts out for 234 and earning a 75-run lead at the innings changeover with the Proteas spinner leading attack with his5-61.

Openers Jordan Hermann (12*) and Lesego Senokwane (9*) then negotiated a tricky 12-over spell late in the day to ensure the away side went to stumps on 30-0, an overall lead of 105.

It was a happy end to the day for the South Africans and left them well placed to push on for a result in the second half of the game.

India A were bowled out for 234 runs in the first innings as South Africa A took a 75-run lead at the BCCI CoE. 👏

Prenelan Subrayen took a five-wicket haul for the visitors. 👌#Cricket #IndiaA #Test #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/TmOFOyDxbo

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) October 31, 2025

They started day two nine down for 299 and lost Okuhle Cele for six after nine more were added to the total.

Tanush Kotian (4-83) ended as the pick of the bowlers for the home side.

Sai Sudharsan (32) and Ayush Mhatre (65 off 76 balls, 10 fours) then gave their side a fine start with an opening stand worth 90 as the visiting bowlers toiled hard early on.

Subrayen, part of the Proteas’ series draw in Pakistan a few days earlier, eventually made the breakthrough in the 22nd over by dismissing the latter, followed by the wicket of Devdutt Padikkal (6) shortly after.

Tshepo Moreki (1-42) then accounted for test batter Sudharsan as the home side slipped to 124-3.

India’s No 1 test wicketkeeper and captain of their ‘A’ side Rishabh Pant was next in and added a quick-fire 17, before falling to Cele (1/42) after adding 33 for the fourth wicket, with the only significant lower-order contribution coming from Ayush Badoni (38).

He was removed by Lutho Sipamla (2-35), but it was all Subrayen from there as the Hollywoodbets Dolphins star went on to complete a 13th career five-for.

The other wicket-taker for South Africa was Tiaan van Vuuren (1-35), before the two openers dug in to end the day strongly for their side.

South Africa A Four-Day Squad against India A

Marques Ackerman (captain, Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Temba Bavuma (DP World Lions)*, Okuhle Cele (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Zubayr Hamza (DP World Lions), Jordan Hermann (Warriors), Rubin Hermann (North West Dragons), Rivaldo Moonsamy (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tshepo Moreki (World Sports Betting Western Province), Mihlali Mpongwana (World Sports Betting Western Province), Lesego Senokwane (Momentum Multiply Titans), Prenelan Subrayen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kyle Simmonds (World Sports Betting Western Province), Tsepo Ndwandwa (Momentum Multiply Titans), Jason Smith (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tiaan van Vuuren (Knights), and Codi Yusuf (DP World Lions).

*Second match only

Management - Four-Day Series

Malibongwe Maketa (Head Coach), Riaan Osman (Manager), Richard das Neves (Batting Coach), Rowan Richards (Bowling Coach), Jimmy Kgamadi (Fielding Coach), Phumelele Skosana (Team Doctor), Tumi Masekela (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Brent Martin (Physiotherapist) and Abram Ndhlovu (Team Analyst).

FIXTURES

Four-Day Series

30 October - 02 November

India A v South Africa A - BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru

6 - 9 November

India A v South Africa A - BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru

A minute's silence was held ahead of Australia against India at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday as the sport mourned the teenage Australian player who died after being hit by a ball.

 

No words can ease the pain of losing someone so young. Ben Austin was only 17, with dreams yet to take flight. Thinking of his loved ones and the entire cricket family in this difficult time. Rest in peace, Ben. pic.twitter.com/8DS5J9E4PP

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) October 31, 2025

 

In scenes replicated across the country, Australia's players and their Indian counterparts wore black armbands and paused before their Twenty20 international to remember Ben Austin.

The 17-year-old died on Thursday after being hit in the neck before a local Twenty20 game in Melbourne while in the nets facing a ball-throwing device.

He was wearing a helmet, but reportedly not a stem guard, which protects the neck.

It revived memories of test star Phillip Hughes, who was killed in 2014 when hit in the neck by a ball during a domestic Sheffield Shield game.

A sell-out crowd at the 100 000-capacity MCG joined both teams in standing in silent remembrance of the teenager.

Also Friday, the Victoria and Tasmania teams put their bats out as a symbol of respect, wore black armbands and held a minute's silence as Austin's image was beamed on a big screen before resuming their domestic match in Melbourne.

There were similar scenes in Perth, where Western Australia were playing South Australia.

 

The Australian and Indian teams are wearing black armbands to pay tribute to aspiring cricketer Ben Austin, who tragically passed away after being struck by a ball in the nets. pic.twitter.com/YoK3ErgMf4

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 31, 2025

 

In Mumbai, both India and Australia wore black armbands during their women's one-day World Cup semifinal on Thursday.

"Thanks to the Indian team for joining us in wearing black armbands to pay tribute to Ben Austin, a young man from Melbourne who tragically lost his life playing the game we all love," the Australian side said.

"Sending love to Ben's friends, family and cricket mates."

Flowers and cricket bats were placed at the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club where the accident occurred on Tuesday.

"It makes you so proud to realise how connected the cricket community is and how much we look after each other," Cricket Victoria chief Nick Cummins told Australian media.

"It doesn't take a lot of imagination to put yourself in the Austin family's position."

Austin's death resonated globally, with England's Barmy Army linking to a GoFundMe page set up to help the family.

"Rest in peace, Ben Austin, never forgotten," said the official supporters group, who are set to descend on Australia in force next month for the Ashes test series.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan paid tribute, as did a "deeply saddened" England and Wales Cricket Board.

"Gone far too young. Thoughts are with his family and close friends," Vaughan said on X.

 

Put your bats out for Ben Austin 🏏❤️

A fundraiser has been set up to support the Austin family with the sudden passing of their beloved Ben.

If you would like to donate, please follow this link ➡️ https://t.co/h04jiyvcUz

Rest in peace, Ben Austin. Never forgotten. pic.twitter.com/iWZM5LklsK

— England's Barmy Army 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) October 30, 2025

 

Half-centuries by brothers Jordan and Rubin Hermann as well as Zubayr Hamza helped South Africa A (SA 'A') to a sound start of their tour of India after they reached stumps against the hosts on 299-9 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Thursday.

Opener Jordan top-scored with 71 (140 balls, 8 fours) and shared in an excellent century stand with Hamza, who made 66 (109 balls, 9 fours, six).

After a flurry of wickets, Rubin then hit 54 (87 balls, 6 fours), before Tiaan van Vuuren (46) also contributed some important lower-order runs to lift the tourists towards a challenging first-innings total.

This after they had lost the toss and were put in to bat at the start of the first of a two-match four-day series.

Lesego Senokwane opened the batting alongside Jordan but was out for a seven-ball duck, bringing Hamza in early.

The latter played a key hand in forging a second-wicket stand that lasted more than 30 overs and yielded a fine 132 alongside the excellent Jordan.

Captain Marques Ackerman managed 18, before falling during a key spell sent down by bowler Tanush Kotian, who collected four wickets in all for 83 runs.

The South Africans were coping excellently at one stage when their skipper was in and they reached 170-2, but Kotian’s strikes saw them fall to 197-5.

Rubin, though, helped steady the ship. He put on 72 with Van Vuuren, before also succumbing to off-break bowler Kotian.

Lutho Sipamla (6) fell to what turned out to be the final ball of the day with honours appearing even after day one.

SOUTH AFRICA 'A' FOUR-DAY SQUAD AGAINST INDIA 'A'

Marques Ackerman (captain, Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Temba Bavuma (DP World Lions)*, Okuhle Cele (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Zubayr Hamza (DP World Lions), Jordan Hermann (Warriors), Rubin Hermann (North West Dragons), Rivaldo Moonsamy (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tshepo Moreki (World Sports Betting Western Province), Mihlali Mpongwana (World Sports Betting Western Province), Lesego Senokwane (Momentum Multiply Titans), Prenelan Subrayen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kyle Simmonds (World Sports Betting Western Province), Tsepo Ndwandwa (Momentum Multiply Titans), Jason Smith (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tiaan van Vuuren (Knights), and Codi Yusuf (DP World Lions).

*Second match only

Management - Four-Day Series

Malibongwe Maketa (Head Coach), Riaan Osman (Manager), Richard das Neves (Batting Coach), Rowan Richards (Bowling Coach), Jimmy Kgamadi (Fielding Coach), Phumelele Skosana (Team Doctor), Tumi Masekela (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Brent Martin (Physiotherapist) and Abram Ndhlovu (Team Analyst).

FIXTURES

Four-Day Series

30 October - 02 November

India A v South Africa A - BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru

6 - 9 October

India A v South Africa A - BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru

Opener Kiran Navgire broke the record for the fastest century in women's Twenty20 cricket when she completed her hundred in just 34 balls while helping Maharashtra to a nine-wicket win over Punjab in India's Women's T20 Trophy on Friday.

Navgire, who has played six T20 matches for India, broke Sophie Devine's previous record of a 36-ball century set four years ago, as she hit seven sixes and 14 fours to score 106 off 35 balls. Maharashtra chased down their target of 111 in just eight overs.

The 31-year-old had a strike rate of 302.86, becoming the only woman to score a century at a strike rate of over 300.

West Indies batter Deandra Dottin holds the record for the fastest century in a women's international T20 match, having scored a ton in 38 balls against South Africa in 2010.

The grandson of snooker legend Jimmy White has signed his first professional contract as a cricketer with English side Surrey.

White was a six-time World Championship finalist with a flamboyant style of play that made him one of snooker's most popular stars.

The family's sporting excellence is being continued by 17-year-old Ralphie Albert, who has agreed a long-term deal with Surrey after emerging from the club's academy.

Already an England Under-19 regular, Albert is well aware of his grandfather's exploits on the green baize, but he insists he is not motivated by trying to emulate White's success.

"I wouldn't say there's a need to prove myself," Albert told BBC Sport. "It's a great thing that he's my grandad, an elite sportsman.

"I don't see what is being said. There are articles talking about us but I'm not deep into the comparison or making a name for myself.

"I'll just keep doing what I'm doing and see what happens."

Albert, who turns 18 next week, made his professional debut in the One-Day Cup in August.

In his second match he hit 96 off 75 balls against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.

He also made 63 and took two wickets with his left-arm spin on his first-class debut against Hampshire last month.

"Pulling on the Surrey shirt this summer was a proud day for my family and me," Albert said.

Chris Taylor, Surrey's head of talent pathway, added: "I have high hopes for Ralphie and am really excited to see his journey unfold at Surrey."

Bangladesh's first test centurion Aminul Islam was elected president of the country's cricket board on Monday, securing the post unopposed for a four-year term after serving an interim role.

The 57-year-old, better known as "Bulbul", captained Bangladesh in their first World Cup appearance in 1999.

"I have fallen in love with the development of cricket," Aminul told reporters.

 

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) congratulates Md Aminul Islam on being elected President by the newly formed BCB Board of Directors at its first meeting following today’s BCB Election 2025. pic.twitter.com/CXaxGUTMq3

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) October 6, 2025

 

Since his retirement from playing the game, he has worked for the International Cricket Council and the Asian Cricket Council.

He took over as temporary president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board in March 2025, but was on Monday formally elected into the post.

Former captains Faruque Ahmed and Sakhawat Hossain were also chosen as vice presidents in an uncontested board election.

"I had come for a short tenure. That was always the plan," Aminul added.

"But when I started small initiatives... and began to see successes, I couldn't let go of that passion, and I have stayed on to serve my country further in this goal."

Cricket and politics go hand-in-hand in Bangladesh and the sport has been hit by the turmoil that has wracked the country.

Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August 2024, fleeing by helicopter as crowds stormed her palace.

Faruque Ahmed initially took up the post as BCB president after the resignation of Nazmul Hassan, a close ally of Hasina, but it was later handed to Aminul.

The 2025/26 edition of the Hollywoodbets Pro Series got off to a thrilling start at the DP World Wanderers Stadium this weekend, as the DP World Lions Women and Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies shared the spoils in the season’s opening fixtures.

In the Hollywoodbets Pro50, Dolphins Ladies claimed a 12-run victory, thanks to a standout all-round performance.

The Dolphins had set a competitive target of 247 after posting 246 all out in their allotted 50 overs. Nicole De Klerk led the charge with 80 off 73 balls while debutant Micaela Andrews impressed with the ball, returning figures of 4-35, to help restrict the hosts.

 

🟡🔵MATCH RESULT

🦁DP World Lions Ladies win by 3 Wickets

A good start to our 2025/26 HWB Pro20 Series campaign!👏🏏😃#DPWorldLionsCricket#LegacyOfChampions#DPWorldLions25#ThePrideOfJozi#HWBProSeries pic.twitter.com/Otey87g75a

— DP World Lions (@DPWorldLions) October 5, 2025

 

The Lions fell just short in their chase, finishing 12 runs behind as the Dolphins secured an impressive opening win with SA U19 Women youngster Fay Cowling (45) five runs short of a half century.

Madison Landsman (3-13 in 4.5 overs) and Raisibe Ntozakhe (3-53 in 10 overs) were the pick of the bowlers, keeping the Lions in the contest until the final overs.

The Hollywoodbets Pro20 clash followed on Sunday, and the Lions bounced back in fine fashion.

The Dolphins were bowled out for 77 in 18.4 overs, with Ntozakhe once again leading from the front, producing an excellent spell of 4-16 in 3.5 overs. She was well supported by Relebohile Mkhize, who claimed 3-11 in four overs.

Chasing 78 for victory, the Lions made hard work of the target but eventually got over the line with three wickets in hand.

For the Dolphins, Jade De Figueiredo (2-15 in 3 overs) and Zintle Mali (2-14 in 3 overs) tried to keep their team in the game, but the Lions held their nerve to close out a well-fought win.

With the opening weekend complete, both sides will take plenty of positives from their performances as the Hollywoodbets Pro Series season gains momentum.

Upcoming Hollywoodbets Pro Series matches:

Saturday, 11 October 2025 at 10am: Hollywoodbets Pro50

Garden Route Badgers v World Sports Betting Western Province - Recreation Ground, Oudtshoorn

Sunday, 12 October 2025 at 10am: Hollywoodbets Pro20

Garden Route Badgers v World Sports Betting Western Province - Recreation Ground, Oudtshoorn

Saturday, 18 October 2025 at 10am: Hollywoodbets Pro50

North West Dragons v Fidelity Titans - JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

Sunday, 19 October at 10am: Hollywoodbets Pro20

North West Dragons v Fidelity Titans - JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

The 2025/26 edition of the Hollywoodbets Pro Series gets underway this weekend at the DP World Wanderers Stadium, where the DP World Lions Women will host the Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies in the season’s opening clash.

 

It’s time for some 20-over action!
The Hollywoodbets Pro20 kicks off with 3 explosive fixtures! 🏏

📺 Catch every six, wicket and celebration LIVE on the CSA YouTube Channel

💪Free. Fast. Fearless.#HollywoodbetsProseries #WozaNawe pic.twitter.com/3XPJqTXbQW

— CSA Domestic Leagues (@DomesticCSA) October 3, 2025

 

Lions enter the campaign as the defending Hollywoodbets Pro50 champions following their triumph last season. Their opponents, Dolphins, started well last season but faded towards the back end, paving the way for Lions, in the 50 over competition, and WSB Western Province Women, in the Hollywoodbets Pro20, to claim the titles on offer.

Lions’ Pro50 captain, Kgomotso Rapoo, says her side is eager to get going, especially with fresh talent stepping into the squad this season.

"We've had a really productive pre-season with plenty of hard work put into our preparation," Rapoo said. "There have been some exciting changes with a number of academy players graduating into the senior squad.

"It’s going to be exciting to see how they perform. The team and management have been putting in the work, and we’re ready for our opening match this weekend."

As defending champions, the Lions will have a target on their back, but Rapoo insists they’re not letting the pressure define them.

"There will definitely be a little bit of pressure being the defending champions, but we’re a strong side and we back our skills to do it again. It’s going to be another exciting season and we can’t wait to get it underway," she added.

 

The HWB Pro Series is BACK!😃

Here are our DP World Lions Ladies fixtures for the 2025/26 HWB Pro50 & Pro20 Series Domestic Season.🏏🦁🏟️

Get behind our lionesses as they begin their hunt for glory!#DPWorldLionsCricket #LegacyOfChampions#DPWorldLions25 #ThePrideOfJozi… pic.twitter.com/cgmKcMB26y

— DP World Lions (@DPWorldLions) September 30, 2025

 

On Sunday, attention shifts to the Hollywoodbets Pro20 opener where the Lions and Dolphins will meet again.

WSB Western Province dominated the format last season, winning nine of their ten matches to secure the title.

Captain, Leah Jones, believes her side has gone into this campaign with a sharper, more tailored build-up.

"We’ve definitely been more focused on individual preparation this pre-season," Jones explained. "Each of us has worked specifically on what we need to bring to the team, and I think that will make a difference."

Western Province will only begin their campaign next weekend with a trip to Oudtshoorn to face the Garden Route Badgers Women, but Jones says the squad is more than ready.

"We were saying at training this week that we just want to get the season started, it feels like it’s been a really long off-season.

"It’s a long competition, so we’ll be taking it one game at a time and building as we go. Playing weekends-only also gives us that week-by-week focus on the opposition, which is a great advantage," she added.

All teams will be tested early in the competition as the Proteas are away on national duty at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Jones sees this as an opportunity for others to shine.

“It’s going to be a great challenge and a chance to test the depth of our squad. Everyone has been putting in the work, and even without the Proteas we’re confident in what we can achieve with the group we have,” she said.

The remaining two teams in the Hollywoodbets Pro Series, the Fidelity Titans and North West Dragons Women, will launch their campaigns against each other over the weekend of 18–19 October.

 

India will switch back to test cricket mode, after a dramatic Asia Cup Twenty20 triumph ended in bizarre circumstances, when they take on a depleted West Indies side in the opening match of their two-test series starting on Thursday.

India say they were denied the chance to lift the Asia Cup trophy after it was removed from the presentation ceremony over their refusal to accept it from Asian Cricket Council chairman and Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday.

The players, however, are keen to put that distraction aside when they don the whites for the longer format ahead of the opening match in Ahmedabad, where Shubman Gill's side will look to deliver a further blow to West Indies.

"It was a quick turnaround ... switching formats is more mental than it is about technique," Gill told a press conference on Wednesday in Ahmedabad, where the first test will be played, with the second match scheduled for Delhi from October 10.

"I think the fatigue is more mental for a batsman. It's a little different for a bowler. As of now, I feel fresh and my body is ready," said the top order batter.

WEST INDIES LOOK TO "TRANSFORM FORTUNES"

The tourists are already without injured fast bowlers Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph. Shamar Joseph was the highest wicket-taker in their last test series, taking 22 wickets as West Indies were whitewashed 3-0 at home by Australia in June-July.

West Indies also suffered an upset in associate nation Nepal earlier this week as the hosts beat them 2-1 in a T20 series.

Batter Tagenarine Chanderpaul, son of former captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul, is in line to play in his first test match since January 2024 and middle-order batsman Alick Athanaze has also been recalled to the squad.

“The return of Tagenarine Chanderpaul is to help transform our fortunes at the top of the order given the recent struggles, with Alick Athanaze being added for his strengths and qualities against spin bowling," West Indies coach Darren Sammy said in a statement on Tuesday.

Khary Pierre, who has represented West Indies in limited-overs cricket, has been picked as the second specialist spinner in the squad, while Gudakesh Motie has been rested.

“Playing in the subcontinent always presents a challenge and we have selected a team to be competitive in these conditions," Sammy added.

India, who are playing their first test at home since last year's 3-0 series defeat by New Zealand, will be prepared for a tough outing, Gill said.

"All the test matches we played in England went pretty deep ... what the people can expect from us is good, hard, grinding cricket. We wouldn't be looking for any (easy ways out)," he added.

Former England chief selector Ed Smith has begun a 12-month term as MCC President and ex-England ODI captain Eoin Morgan has been appointed Chair of Cricket, the organisation said on Wednesday.

 

I’m excited about the year ahead and doing whatever I can to help the sport I love @HomeOfCricket https://t.co/7YqtH7ezzd

— Ed Smith (@edsmithwriter) October 1, 2025

 

Former Kent and Middlesex batsman Smith, who played in three test matches for England, succeeds Mervyn King.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), founded in 1787, owns the historic Lord's ground in London and is the sole guardian of the laws and spirit of cricket.

"It is a huge honour to succeed Lord King as president of MCC. Lord's has been a special part of my life – as a cricket fan, a player and then as a selector – and this is a fascinating moment in the club's history," said Smith, who scored nearly 13 000 first-class runs in his career.

"I'm looking forward to serving the Club – and the wider game – to the best of my ability."

Smith became the chief selector for the England men's team in 2018 and during his three-year tenure, they won the World Cup for the first time.

Morgan was captain of that World Cup-winning side in 2019 and played for Middlesex for 17 years.

Nepal produced a stunning performance to bowl the West Indies out for just 83 in the second T20I in Sharjah on Monday and claim a 2-0 victory in their first-ever series against a test-playing country with a game to spare.

After racking up 173 for six in their 20 overs with half-centuries for Aasif Sheikh and Sundeep Jora, Nepal, ranked 18th in the world skittled the West Indies in 17.1 overs to claim victory by a crushing 90 runs.

Mohammad Aadil Alam took 4-24 while Kushal Bhurtel took 3-16 in just 2.1 overs of leg spin.

It marked the biggest winning margin for an associate member nation against a full member while West Indies' total of 83 is the lowest a full member has mustered against an associate.

"We are very happy. It took a lot to win against a test-playing country," said Nepal captain Rohit Paudel whose side won the opener on Saturday by 19 runs.

"After two days, winning a bilateral series feels really great. The way we've been playing the last two or three years, lots of eyes are on us.

"We want to continue this way and play more against test-playing nations."

Nepal's total was built on a 100-run fourth-wicket partnership between opener Aasif Sheikh, who batted through for 68 not out, and Jora, who clubbed five sixes in his 39-ball 63.

West Indies were quickly in trouble at 23 for three. They rebuilt to 63-4 in the 12th over before collapsing to 83 all out.

"For us, it's just about understanding really fast that this is international cricket," said West Indies captain Akeal Hosein.

"If you try to benchmark yourself here and can't match the level, then you need to look in the mirror and ask yourself if you're really international material."

 

The battle ends with a victory for the hosts in Sharjah.#NEPvWI | #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/Y10dpw68Wk

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) September 29, 2025

 

The humiliation comes two months after the West Indies' test team was bowled out for just 27 by Australia, the second-lowest score in test history.

The two-time T20 World Cup winners also failed to qualify for the 50-over World Cup in 2023 and are currently outside the qualifying places for the next edition in 2027.

The third match in this series takes place on Tuesday with Nepal looking to sweep the series.

"We want to finish the series on a high note," said Paudel.

"The motivation is to complete a clean sweep but for that, we have to start again from the beginning. We want to carry this momentum into the qualifiers, and we want to qualify for the 2026 World Cup."

Former test umpire Harold "Dickie" Bird, one of the most famous officials of his era, has died at the age of 92, Yorkshire County Cricket Club announced on Tuesday.

Bird stood in 66 tests between 1973 and 1996 as well as 69 men's one-day internationals, including three World Cup finals.

His home county, Yorkshire, issued a statement saying Bird, "one of cricket's most beloved figures", had died peacefully at home.

"Dickie Bird enjoyed an illustrious career as an international umpire, writing his name into history as the most famous and popular official in the game's history," the club said.

Yorkshire said he had become a "national treasure, known not only for his umpiring excellence but also for his "eccentricities and warmth".

"He leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship, humility, and joy —- and a legion of admirers across generations," the statement added.

Bird had a modest playing career as a batter for Yorkshire and Leicestershire but made his name as an international umpire, wearing his trademark white cap.

He was given a guard of honour at Lord's by England and India players before his final test.

Bird, who sold more than a million copies of his autobiography, was named Yorkshire president in 2014.

Colin Graves, chairman of Yorkshire, told TalkSport: "It's a sad day.

"He was a brilliant guy who loved being part of the Yorkshire set-up and everything we do here. He will be sadly missed at Headingley."

Pakistan demoted former captains Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan on Tuesday in a contract review that scrapped the top category after a string of poor recent results.

There are now no players in the top category A for the first time since the system of central contracts was introduced 21 years ago.

 

Would you have picked Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in Pakistan's Asia Cup squad? pic.twitter.com/VzDih4PzeC

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 18, 2025

 

Azam and Rizwan have both been demoted to category B contracts, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said.

"We have awarded central contracts to 30 players with 10 each placed in B, C and D. Notably, no player has been selected in category A in this cycle," the PCB said in a media release, without giving any reason.

Azam and Rizwan are the biggest names in Pakistan cricket but poor performances in the past 12 months saw them lose their places in the Twenty20 international squads announced for a tri-series and the Asia Cup.

Joining Rizwan and Azam in category B are T20I captain Salman Agha, Fakhar Zaman, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The national team's recent performances in all three formats of the game have fallen badly.

Pakistan beat England in a home test series 2-1 last year but then lost 2-0 in South Africa and drew 1-1 at home against a lowly West Indies, finishing 10th and last in the World Test Championship.

 

Did Pakistan make a mistake by dropping Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan despite them being in the top 10 T20I run scorers?#AsiaCup2025 #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/O6qb3jM3vb

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) August 17, 2025

 

The slump has also resulted in Pakistan test captain Shan Masood being demoted from category B to D.

Pakistan won their first one-day international series in Australia for 22 years in November and routed South Africa 3-0 but then crashed out in the first round of the Champions trophy, an event they co-hosted with Dubai.

They also crashed out of last year's Twenty20 World Cup in the first round and lost a recent Twenty20 international series in Bangladesh 2-1.

The tri-series, also involving Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates, starts from 29 August in Sharjah, followed by the Asia Cup in Dubai.

Jacob Bethell is set to become the youngest player to captain an England men's team in an international match after the country's cricket board (ECB) named him as the skipper for next month's Twenty20 series against Ireland.

The 21-year-old allrounder has represented England in 29 matches across all formats and will lead the team in the absence of the regular test players, who have been rested for the three-match series in Dublin, the ECB said on Friday.

“Jacob Bethell has impressed with his leadership qualities ever since he has been with the England squads and the series against Ireland will provide him with the opportunity to further develop those skills on the international stage," England selector Luke Wright said in a statement.

History maker! 💥

Jacob Bethell is set to become our youngest ever England Men's captain against Ireland 👏

Congrats, Beth! pic.twitter.com/tcR4b0dB0D

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 15, 2025

The series in Ireland will kick off after England's tour of South Africa for three one-day internationals (ODI) and three T20 matches, starting September 2.

Right-arm fast bowler Sonny Baker has earned his first national team call-up for the ODIs against South Africa after the 22-year-old impressed selectors with his performance for England Lions and in domestic cricket.

England will travel to New Zealand in October for a white-ball tour, followed by five tests in Australia from November.

ODI Squad v South Africa: Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith.

T20 Squad v South Africa: Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Luke Wood.

T20 Squad v Ireland: Jacob Bethell (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood.

Australia cricket chief Todd Greenberg on Wednesday said a slimmer test calendar could benefit smaller nations because the five-day game was better "where it means something".

Marking 100 days until the home Ashes series against England begins in Perth, Cricket Australia CEO Greenberg suggested quality not quantity was important in keeping the red-ball game viable.

"We're trying to send countries bankrupt if we force them to try to play test cricket," he told reporters.

"We need to make sure we invest in the right spaces to play test cricket where it means something.

"That's why the Ashes will be as enormous and as profitable as it is – because it means something."

England have just completed a thrilling 2-2 home drawn series against India in front of sold-out crowds.

At the same time, New Zealand and Australia romped to easy overseas test series wins against uncompetitive West Indies and Zimbabwe teams respectively, leaving question marks over the quality of test cricket in those countries.

One idea is to create two or more divisions of test cricket to keep it competitive, but Greenberg said he did not have a strong opinion on the ideal number of test-playing nations.

"Let's consider what the future might look like," he said.

But the five-day game remained in rude health in Australia, Greenberg said, where interest in the Ashes had been "off the charts".

"This will be the biggest sports event in Australia this year," said Greenberg.

"The interest is quite extraordinary with ticket allocations for 11 of the 20 days on sale already exhausted."

The United Arab Emirates will host this year's T20 Asia Cup tournament in September, organisers said on Saturday, ending the uncertainty over its fate amid spiralling tensions between India and Pakistan.

Schedule pic.twitter.com/tFPlPN7JGd

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) July 26, 2025

The neighbours have not met on either side's soil in a bilateral series since 2012, and only play each other in international tournaments on neutral grounds as part of a compromise deal.

But already-frosty relations took a turn for the worse this year when the two nuclear rivals fought an intense four-day conflict, their worst standoff in decades.

More than 70 people were killed in missile, drone and artillery fire on both sides.

The conflict was triggered by an 22 April attack on civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir that New Delhi accused Pakistan of backing -- a charge Islamabad denies.

The Asia Cup is played under the aegis of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), which is currently headed by Pakistan cricket chief Mohsin Naqvi.

"I am delighted to confirm the dates for the ACC Men's Asia Cup 2025 in UAE," said Naqvi on X. "The prestigious tournament will take place from September 9th to 28th."

Later Naqvi released the group stage fixtures with Afghanistan to take on Hong Kong in the tournament opener on 9 September.

The much-anticipated India and Pakistan will clash on a Sunday.

India and Pakistan have been clubbed in group A with hosts UAE and Oman.

📢 Save the dates 🗓️

Pakistan's fixtures in the ACC Men's T20 Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE 🏏#AsiaCup2025 | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/4shlWdctoe

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 26, 2025

The group stage will be followed by a Super Four stage and the final on September 28.

The five full members of the ACC -- Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka -- earned automatic qualification to the tournament. 

They are to be joined by Hong Kong, Oman and the UAE -- the teams that secured their spots by finishing in the top three of the ACC men's Premier Cup.

The previous edition of the event was in a 50-over format, but this year's tournament was scheduled as a shorter-format event in preparation for next year's T20 World Cup in India.

India and Pakistan have fought three full-fledged wars since being carved out of the subcontinent's partition in 1947 and that rivalry is often reflected on the cricket field.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed on Saturday that a job application attributed to former Barcelona manager and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez for the India head coaching role was a hoax.

The AIFF's national team director told The Times of India on Thursday that Xavi's name was on the list of applicants. The report also quoted an AIFF technical committee member saying the his candidacy was deemed too expensive to pursue.

"The AIFF received an email furnishing the applications from Spanish coaches Pep Guardiola and Xavi Hernandez. The authenticity of their applications could not be confirmed, and it has since emerged that the email applications were not genuine," the AIFF said in a statement.

 

🚨❌ Despite recent reports, zero talks took place between Xavi Hernández and Indian Federation. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/Ae5boa0FKP

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 26, 2025

 

It had not been previously reported that the AIFF had also received an application purporting to be from Manchester City manager Guardiola.

The AIFF Technical Committee said it had reviewed 170 applications for the Indian men's head coach role, narrowing the list to 10 before short-listing three candidates.

The AIFF sacked former India manger Igor Stimac in June last year before appointing Spaniard Manolo Marquez, who left the job this month and returned to his role as coach of Indian Super League team FC Goa.